Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - The Year of the Witching

Nowadays, I don't often give five stars to books, not out of a sense of superiority, but usually because there had been an element in the book that irked me enough that I couldn't.

This is not a case of that. I loved this book.

Immanuelle, while frustratingly forgiving and self-sacrificing, especially around the end, is still a very realistic take on a character whose had piousness drilled into her since she was born. Her empathy for her town (which I may add, do not deserve it in the slightest) was infuriating at times, but understandable. I loved the dark nature of this book, and how although there's the idea that the witches might be misunderstood throughout the story, it very soon becomes clear that they are not, but that they aren't necessarily in the wrong either.

Maybe the only gripe I would have with this book would be that Vera Ward was introduced so late into the story, but then again, it does say that this is book 1 of a series, so I am very hopeful to read more about Bethel, and it's characters. Would especially be interested in knowing more about the Outskirts, and their take on faith, which was described much differently than what Immanuel was accustomed to; as well as the story of Lilith and the other witches.

Since watching the 2015 film, The Witch (with Anya Taylor-Joy) I've been interested in puritanical-criticism/witchcraft theme, and it's always fun finding works that incorporate it. Anyhow, The Year of the Witching was a great book, great plot, characters, and just the right amount of fanatical horror.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Content Warnings

kayla_kamldecker's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

4.0

The ending was a bit cheesy, but otherwise a fantastic book full of darkness, blood, horror, and feminism.

Content Warnings

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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