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A review by emiodo
A Curse of Ash and Embers by Jo Spurrier
3.0
A novel of witches and old magic with compelling female protagonists and an intriguing world. Elodie leaves her home to work after a mysterious summons draws her away from her beloved mother and abusive stepfather. When she arrives she finds a crumbling old cottage in disrepair, and a grievously injured witch who is recovering from a great battle with her former mentor - the evil witch who once inhabited the cottage.
The novel really focuses on Elodie and Aleida. Their relationship as it develops throughout the novel is satisfying and compelling, as they learn to trust one another. Over the course of the novel Elodie comes to reckon with her own innate magical abilities, and the choice she must make whether to learn witchcraft or embark on a new life altogether.
Elodie is a loyal character, she is steadfast and brave and she refuses to leave Aleida's side even when given the opportunity. Although she makes some mistakes that seem stupidly obvious to the reader, it is easy to understand how these things happen.
Aleida is more mysterious, a complicated witch who is trying to make amends for her wicked actions of the past. She can be a difficult character to empathize with, or to fully understand. But since we are viewing her through Elodie's eyes, this makes perfect sense.
I particularly liked how this novel approached the stigmas around witchcraft, while acknowledging that it is a power that can be used for both good and bad. Witches are not inherently evil, but the fear of their power very real and fallible humans can easily be corrupted by power.
A fascinating start to a new series full of magical creatures, mysterious forests, ancient magics, and complex characters. I look forward to seeing more in this world from Jo Spurrier.
The novel really focuses on Elodie and Aleida. Their relationship as it develops throughout the novel is satisfying and compelling, as they learn to trust one another. Over the course of the novel Elodie comes to reckon with her own innate magical abilities, and the choice she must make whether to learn witchcraft or embark on a new life altogether.
Elodie is a loyal character, she is steadfast and brave and she refuses to leave Aleida's side even when given the opportunity. Although she makes some mistakes that seem stupidly obvious to the reader, it is easy to understand how these things happen.
Aleida is more mysterious, a complicated witch who is trying to make amends for her wicked actions of the past. She can be a difficult character to empathize with, or to fully understand. But since we are viewing her through Elodie's eyes, this makes perfect sense.
I particularly liked how this novel approached the stigmas around witchcraft, while acknowledging that it is a power that can be used for both good and bad. Witches are not inherently evil, but the fear of their power very real and fallible humans can easily be corrupted by power.
A fascinating start to a new series full of magical creatures, mysterious forests, ancient magics, and complex characters. I look forward to seeing more in this world from Jo Spurrier.