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n0rmann's review against another edition
5.0
There's just a magic to Gwendolyn Kiste's writing that just gets me every time I read something she writes.
thomaswjoyce's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic and unique tale from one of the best horror authors writing today. I loved the setting, something that isn't explored enough in today's fiction. And the characters are wonderfully realised, as I've come to expect from Kiste. She has a terrific narrative voice, no matter the subject matter. If you aren't reading Gwendolyn Kiste, you're missing out.
panireads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
djohan's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
biancarosesmith's review against another edition
4.0
This was my second time experiencing Gwendolyn Kiste’s work, with the first time being the Rust Maidens. The Rust Maidens left a lasting impression on me for all the right reasons, and this experience has been much the same. It is very obvious why Gwendolyn is a Bram Stoker Award winning author. Her voice is unique and she has such gorgeous writing. This lyrical writing style is captivating but it has also shown her ability to write diversely and far ranging. I find her work to be incredibly enchanting.
The story follows Odette, a witch who has been living in isolation in a little cottage away from the main town. Odette is determined to live a magic free life. That is until strange events begin occurring and it becomes apparent that the Witchfinders have come back and are intent on harming witches once more.
This is a coming of age story about identity, courage and destiny. Odette tries to run away from her true self but ends up being forced to embrace her true path and to stand up even when faced with fear. Odette’s strength really shone throughout.
Those who enjoyed the Year of the Witching may also enjoy this as it had a similar feel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Broken Eye Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Odette, a witch who has been living in isolation in a little cottage away from the main town. Odette is determined to live a magic free life. That is until strange events begin occurring and it becomes apparent that the Witchfinders have come back and are intent on harming witches once more.
This is a coming of age story about identity, courage and destiny. Odette tries to run away from her true self but ends up being forced to embrace her true path and to stand up even when faced with fear. Odette’s strength really shone throughout.
Those who enjoyed the Year of the Witching may also enjoy this as it had a similar feel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Broken Eye Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
evavroslin's review against another edition
5.0
The book reads like a grim, dark fairy tale, and called to mind the atmosphere of the film Sleepy Hollow (1999), but make no mistake — there’s no room for whimsy or Burtonesque fanciful humor here. These are dangerous times for the protagonist, and have been for too long. She guards her secrets, and her sorrows run extremely deep. Kiste infuses this story with several unique elements that I won’t spoil — when you get to them, you’ll know and I hope you will marvel at them as much as I did.
By the time you hurtle toward the epic conclusion, you will be wowed and left wanting more from this master storyteller and weaver of magic tales. Buy all of Gwendolyn Kiste’s books if you haven’t already. As well, award jurors and influencers should take note, because this book deserves to take home all of the prizes.
By the time you hurtle toward the epic conclusion, you will be wowed and left wanting more from this master storyteller and weaver of magic tales. Buy all of Gwendolyn Kiste’s books if you haven’t already. As well, award jurors and influencers should take note, because this book deserves to take home all of the prizes.
daniellestarredpages's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Review to come
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Grief, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
carolined314's review against another edition
5.0
If you had already hidden yourself away from the witchfinders, and they came back, what would you do? This story unfolds and unpacks so much around home, integrity, joy, magic, and trusting yourself. All with ravens, weird kids, a sentient forest, and so much more. Don't miss it.