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julianananana's review against another edition
5.0
What a WONDERFUL, sweeping fairytale of a book full of badass women!!!!
ewstinky's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
courtneyhollyy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This took me a WHILE to read, however I did enjoy it. I thought the magic system was really cool, I enjoyed the dynamic between the three sisters - it was fractured but deep down they really cared for each other. The villain was v creepy as well, which really made me root for the witches even more. I did think there was a lot of info dumping at certain points and there were a few too many characters to remember, but I still enjoyed the book as a whole.
brethetech's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Oh my gosh I loved this book! From political commentary to raw emotion the story of these three sisters grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, Sexism, Violence, and Vomit
Minor: Sexual harassment
yuktiimalik's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rita93's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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
5.0
jesssica__berg's review against another edition
4.0
"The Once and Future Witches" by Alix E. Harrow is a novel that deftly weaves the threads of historical fiction, fantasy, and feminist narrative into a rich tapestry that captures the imagination and stirs the heart. Harrow's lyrical prose is a standout feature, dancing between poetic and plainspoken with a grace that feels both natural and mesmerizing. The story, set in an alternate 1893, centers around the Eastwood sisters, who reignite the lost ways of witchcraft to fight for women's rights, blending the suffragette movement with the mystical in an intriguing and original way.
The characters are the shining stars of this novel. Harrow crafts three-dimensional, flawed, and deeply human protagonists in the Eastwood sisters. Their individual journeys of growth, their struggles, and their bonds are portrayed with an authenticity that makes them leap off the page. The dynamic between the sisters, filled with love, tension, and a shared past, is a poignant exploration of family and sisterhood.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the power of words and stories. Harrow delves into the idea that stories, spells, and even nursery rhymes hold power — a power that can be reclaimed and wielded, especially by those who have been historically voiceless. This theme resonates deeply in a world where the fight for equality and recognition continues.
However, the novel does have its drawbacks. At times, the pacing seems uneven, with some parts of the narrative feeling rushed while others linger a bit too long. This occasionally disrupts the otherwise immersive experience. Additionally, while the blend of historical and fantastical elements is generally well-executed, there are moments where the balance tilts and the magic feels at odds with the historical setting rather than seamlessly integrated.
The characters are the shining stars of this novel. Harrow crafts three-dimensional, flawed, and deeply human protagonists in the Eastwood sisters. Their individual journeys of growth, their struggles, and their bonds are portrayed with an authenticity that makes them leap off the page. The dynamic between the sisters, filled with love, tension, and a shared past, is a poignant exploration of family and sisterhood.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the power of words and stories. Harrow delves into the idea that stories, spells, and even nursery rhymes hold power — a power that can be reclaimed and wielded, especially by those who have been historically voiceless. This theme resonates deeply in a world where the fight for equality and recognition continues.
However, the novel does have its drawbacks. At times, the pacing seems uneven, with some parts of the narrative feeling rushed while others linger a bit too long. This occasionally disrupts the otherwise immersive experience. Additionally, while the blend of historical and fantastical elements is generally well-executed, there are moments where the balance tilts and the magic feels at odds with the historical setting rather than seamlessly integrated.
misscassylee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
kmacdo23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5