Reviews with content warning for Pedophilia - The Year of the Witching

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but it just didn't stick the landing at the end. The book was wonderful from page one though, and I was able to feel fully immersed into the story. The descriptions of the witches were fantastic, and the image of them in my mind was indeed creepy. I think the interactions with them were my favorite aspect of the book.

Be prepared to be angry at a majority of the characters. This is a very patriarchal society where a woman even knowing how to read is considered a sin, and the men have multiple wives. There are moments of betrayal, hypocrisy, and just pure frustration, so the book did a really good job of showing how damaged this town/society was.

However, I think this is part of the reason why I feel uncertain about the ending. The conflict in the book is essentially Town vs. Immanuelle vs. Witches, and by the end I was kinda on the side of the witches 🤷‍♀️

With that said I devoured this book in two days, and had a wonderful time reading it. I was on the edge of my seat through the second half even. I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it releases, and cannot wait to read more about this world.

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a_new_elisabeth's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

So many things I'd like to say. Most of them opinion based, which I don't typically share, but one I feel is important enough to mention.

This writer keeps brushing past any and all trauma. It happens, or you hear about it, then it never or almost never gets mentioned again. Your only friend gets raped at 13? How awful, but I have to talk with the rapist's son real quick. Let me abandon you in this hallway, byebye. And the next time I see this rapist? I don't even think once about the abuse my best friend suffered... I mean, what? Immanuelle is supposed to really care about the innocents, that's her entire motivation for everything, so I have to assume weird writing. Especially because this happens with all the tragedies.

The plot for this book was really intriguing, so I'm open to giving this first time author a second chance, I can see her becoming better at her craft. Just, more on emotion on the page, please!

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seanml's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious 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? No

3.5

Prophet sucks, I don’t care how much of a status symbol it is: getting your forehead cut seems awful, I wonder if the Heathen Lands are just as cultish. Probably not. 7/10.

Highlights: Immanuelle, the plagues, WITCHES.

Recommended for: Dark fantasy fans, those who like their horror pretty light, those who are down to destroy the patriarchy.

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