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4.12 AVERAGE


I liked this book but it could’ve used an editor. The first 150 pages are a real slog. This book could’ve been 250 pages and fantastic. Instead it’s 500 pages and only ok. Loved the last 200 pages but didn’t feel like it was ultimately worth the time.

Hodnocení 4,5/5 ✩
Tato kniha je spojením několika témat, která spolu až překvapivě dobře fungují.
Říkanky, uvádějící jednotlivé kapitoly a krátké příběhy, kterými je celý děj protkaný a mnoho z nich v nějaké jejich podobě, zná každý z nás, jsem si naprosto zamilovala. Trojitý ženský archetyp v podobě panny, matky a baby, prolínající se příběhem, pak k čarodějnictví a ženství jako takovému, neodmyslitelně patří. Stejně tak jako bohužel i historie, spojená s upalováním žen a omezováním jejich práv. Tato kniha, pokud si dovolíte nahlédnout pod povrch příběhu samotného, má neskonalou hloubku, nádech fantazy pak přináší kýžené odlehčení.
I když se jedná o poměrně obsáhlé a dlouhé dílo, je pasné poutavě a čtivě. A pokud se stane, že v některých pasážích vaše pozornost mírně poleví, nebude trvat dlouho a zase si vás plně přitáhne.
Přiznám se, že dozvuky celého příběhu ve mě stále ještě rezonují a k některým myšlenkám a pasážím se opakovaně vracím. Stejně tak, jako se s největší pravděpodobností, s časem vrátím i ke znovu-přečtení této knihy.
dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Re-read April 2021

While I still love this book, after a lot of discussion with co-hosts, this isn't a perfect book. This book does a family story so well and at it's heart this is a story about the sisters. What it doesn't do as well is the feminist suffragette story. That period of history already has so many problematic elements, but the author doesn't confront any of those problematic elements. There are a few times where a character is a little homophobic as well as an indigenous character referred to as "savage".
While the writing style was so atmospheric and beautiful, for a 500+ page book, I think there were some misses and the author could have dove deeper into some topics

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4.5 Stars rounded up!

This atmospheric beauty was a work of art! RTC

anitamarie's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 9%

I’m just not connecting with the book.I have so many other books to read.
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious 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
emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I like fantasy. I especially love it when witches are involved :-)


Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, mine to yours and yours to mine.


The late nineteenth century was the early formation period for the suffragettes and while that was a hastily tossed aside plot point for the classic fantasy play off, the author did right in keeping to historical accuracy with it. The prejudice wasn't unnoticed among them.
Cue the 1890s, the three Eastwood sisters are reunited and forced to confront a looming ancestral danger threathing their lives. Aside from the sisters, the supporting characters were evenly spread out to play out each due role (and it wasn't much of a rush!)
(I'll be honest, the fable-referrenced identity of the villain was tad bit comical but I really didn't see it coming)


"History is a circle, and you people are always looking for the beginnings and ends of it."


Now as for the last part of the book.....a shocker yet I actually, sort of, liked(?) it somehow. Bittersweet endings are my favourite so there's one major plus point of this book.
Rating: 4.6☆s

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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: Complicated

This was the book my soul didn’t know it was craving. ✨ The Once and Future Witches is an empowering, validating, and deeply self-reflective piece of historical fantasy that left such a mark on me. Harrow’s story of sisterhood, resistance, and reclaiming power felt both timeless and timely, weaving magic into struggles that are still so resonant today. It reminded me of the strength in community and the beauty of finding your voice even when the world wants to silence it.

I feel so lucky to have read it alongside such wonderful book club friends... sharing the joy, the heartbreak, and the magic together made the experience even more special. 🌙