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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
The grooming plotline just ended up absolutely taking me out of the story. So be advised if you have any triggers surrounding the subject
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a very atmospheric and unique take on witches. And while the story is pretty easy to figure out regarding where it's going, it doesn't feel like it's relying on twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Rather, you can't put this book down because you want to stay with these characters and you want to discover more about how magic of this world works.
This story is split into 3 PoVs from very different generations. 1998 narrative follows Minerva, who's working on a thesis on a female horror writer whose only novel is rumoured to be inspired by a real life disappearance. 1934 follows Betty, the writer Minerva admires, through her reflections on the disappearance of her friend. Finally 1908 follows Minerva's grandmother Alba who struggles with responsibilities of being the eldest daughter after her dad's death when some evil powers start coming after her and her loved ones.
I love how all three of these women have their unique stories and voices, even though ultimately their storylines revolve around the same mysterious powers it doesn't feel repetitive or boring. It was easy to feel connected to these women and want them to succeed in taking back the power in their own lives.
I don't want to say too much about the type of witches this book deals with because I think it's a fan journey to go on with this book, but I couldn't get enough of this aspect of the book. I wanted to know more about these witches.
This is definitive recommendation for everyone who enjoys books about witches but also just books about women not allowing others to dictate their stories.
Thank you PRH Del ray for the review copy!
The Bewitching is a haunting, atmospheric novel that proves Silvia Moreno-Garcia is unmatched when it comes to gothic storytelling. Her ability to make settings feel like living, breathing characters—and to infuse every page with moody, simmering tension—is incredible. The story moves across multiple timelines, which at times feel a bit unwieldy, but the 1920s diary-style entries were absolute standouts for me. I’m not typically drawn to historical fiction, but the way the novel uses the past to explore timeless themes of obsession, secrecy, and connection across generations is powerful. While some supernatural elements occasionally overshadow the deeply human core of the story, the blend of folklore, horror, and mystery creates an unsettling and immersive reading experience. Moreno-Garcia delivers a gothic tale that feels both classic and wholly original—a slow-burn, layered novel perfect for readers who savor atmosphere and tension.
The Bewitching is a haunting, atmospheric novel that proves Silvia Moreno-Garcia is unmatched when it comes to gothic storytelling. Her ability to make settings feel like living, breathing characters—and to infuse every page with moody, simmering tension—is incredible. The story moves across multiple timelines, which at times feel a bit unwieldy, but the 1920s diary-style entries were absolute standouts for me. I’m not typically drawn to historical fiction, but the way the novel uses the past to explore timeless themes of obsession, secrecy, and connection across generations is powerful. While some supernatural elements occasionally overshadow the deeply human core of the story, the blend of folklore, horror, and mystery creates an unsettling and immersive reading experience. Moreno-Garcia delivers a gothic tale that feels both classic and wholly original—a slow-burn, layered novel perfect for readers who savor atmosphere and tension.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No