A review by shalini_rasamdaa
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

Yeah this is one of those 10/5 books for me, the kind that makes you feel bereft when it’s over. I 

spent most of this book in a state of terror for Abitha, wondering what will happen, knowing the history of such women and what happens to them. I loved her and rooted for her from the outset, a young woman out of her depth and doing her very best to survive in a hostile environment. She is clever and strong and completely unsubtle with her independent nature. 

In stories like these the religious leaders are often the antagonists, so it was refreshing to me that the reverend was in fact one of Abitha’s strongest supporters while still maintaining the rigid Puritan system of religious control (this contrast was very well done). 

The story is very emotional - flitting from Abitha’s POV to Slewfoot’s POV. You’ll get emotional yourself, following Abitha’s triumphs and eventual downfall as a human, due to the vicious people she is surrounded by. The townspeople are a terrifying, malicious species, far worse than any bloodthirsty demon. I didn’t particularly like Slewfoot, but in his way he is a tragic yet heroic character who also holds on to his true nature despite the attempts of others to subvert him. 

I’m glad that Abitha got her revenge - and what a satisfying revenge it was.