A review by sdsmith80
Conjuring the Witch by Jessica Leonard

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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? No

5.0

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first dove into this book. I'm generally not a fan of witch stories, however I've found some gems over the last year or so and this is definitely one of them. 

This book is very moody. Dark and melancholy. I felt Nicole's frustrations with not feeling like she had a purpose or sense of belonging, and her struggle to find it, which of course, seems to set off the course of events in the book. 

I really enjoyed the religious aspect of this as well, and the way it pointed out the flaws of religion and the men who use it to control. It also made me very uncomfortable at times since some of the verses and teachings were ones that were used by my old church to keep me from divorcing my abuser. In the end, those moments just made me cheer even harder for Nicole and the others. 

I really love Jessica Leonard's take on witches, and patriarchy, and really hope to find time to check out Antioch as well soon.