Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
This fantasy is deeply based in the history of women and witchcraft in Scotland, creating an alternate 1824 Edinburgh where women are still being hanged for witchcraft. Nellie is a motherless young woman trying to support her little brother and abusive father in a society that wants women to be meek and obedient. The story unfolds with twists and turns that show that women's liberation is an ongoing struggle, a cycle without end. It is an interesting exploration of women's history and fantasy blended in a neat little balm.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a captivating journey into an alternate Edinburgh of 1824, where being named a witch sows the seed of fear in every woman. Nellie Duncan, a young unmarried woman, fears being called a witch and of the men and their numerous desires. She discovers solace within the walls of the Rae Women's Apothecary. After a tragedy strikes, Nellie is forced to leave Edinburgh. Years later, she must confront her past and deal with forces that could change her life and those she loves.
I loved this book. When I began reading this book, I had no idea it would make so many connections to the current climate of women's rights. It highlighted the struggle of women moving in a patriarchal society. Several quotes resonated with me; please understand I received an advanced copy, not the finished copy.
"A woman's body is never her own."; "It's dangerous enough to be a woman, let alone a witch."; "Nellie had never realized she was allowed to be anything but dutiful, fearful. She never realized she was allowed to be angry."
It examines the idea of society's constraints on female behavior and purpose. I found myself highlighting multiple passages and sitting with the words. Nellie's journey reminds us of the importance of standing up for oneself and others, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The author put so much care and research into this narrative that it will create a compelling read for everyone.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing.
I loved this book. When I began reading this book, I had no idea it would make so many connections to the current climate of women's rights. It highlighted the struggle of women moving in a patriarchal society. Several quotes resonated with me; please understand I received an advanced copy, not the finished copy.
"A woman's body is never her own."; "It's dangerous enough to be a woman, let alone a witch."; "Nellie had never realized she was allowed to be anything but dutiful, fearful. She never realized she was allowed to be angry."
It examines the idea of society's constraints on female behavior and purpose. I found myself highlighting multiple passages and sitting with the words. Nellie's journey reminds us of the importance of standing up for oneself and others, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The author put so much care and research into this narrative that it will create a compelling read for everyone.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thanks to Goodreads and Kensington Books for the free copy.
This book was a very typical women empowerment and witchcraft read but I still enjoyed the story. The beginning of the book vividly portrayed the tension and fear surrounding the witch trials as well as had a well described and easily imagined historical backdrop. However the time jump to the second half of the book felt choppy and lost a lot of the gothic ambience the novel seemed to suggest originally. While Nellie’s fear was important for establishing the beginning of the story, it really just stayed the same the whole book and there didn’t feel like there was much character development (for any of the characters really). Nellie is a selfish character and it’s pointed out a lot, even when it maybe isn’t so important, which makes her unlikeable. While I like the overall message and the beginning of the book, the rest of it did not keep me engaged.
All opinions are my own.
This book was a very typical women empowerment and witchcraft read but I still enjoyed the story. The beginning of the book vividly portrayed the tension and fear surrounding the witch trials as well as had a well described and easily imagined historical backdrop. However the time jump to the second half of the book felt choppy and lost a lot of the gothic ambience the novel seemed to suggest originally. While Nellie’s fear was important for establishing the beginning of the story, it really just stayed the same the whole book and there didn’t feel like there was much character development (for any of the characters really). Nellie is a selfish character and it’s pointed out a lot, even when it maybe isn’t so important, which makes her unlikeable. While I like the overall message and the beginning of the book, the rest of it did not keep me engaged.
All opinions are my own.
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment