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A review by ginpartini
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The only reason this book is getting 2 stars instead of 1 is because it didn’t make me verbally scoff. This book relies heavily on repetitive themes of religious zealotry, misogyny, mysticism and violence. However, the author manages to flatten these mighty themes into shallow bandaids on an unremarkable story. The characters, plot, actions, and ending are all devoid of meaning or even entertainment value.
<spoilers> A few chapters are dedicated to a witch trial and then torture of the accused. The witch does get revenge in what should have been a dramatic ending. All of this felt unearned. The writing was empty, and copied what had been written before. So much so that I started skimming some pages because it felt like I was reading the same paragraphs.
I think the most disappointing aspect was that many characters and elements were introduced into the book that could have been so exciting. A multitude of gods, ancient wild folk, a bleeding tree, a coven of women, etc. Most were left unexplored and felt very unimaginative, as if the author started just throwing in plot points to salvage the level of interest from the reader. I would not recommend to even the most dedicated reader unless they’re looking to feel bereft and disappointed. </spoilers>
<spoilers> A few chapters are dedicated to a witch trial and then torture of the accused. The witch does get revenge in what should have been a dramatic ending. All of this felt unearned. The writing was empty, and copied what had been written before. So much so that I started skimming some pages because it felt like I was reading the same paragraphs.
I think the most disappointing aspect was that many characters and elements were introduced into the book that could have been so exciting. A multitude of gods, ancient wild folk, a bleeding tree, a coven of women, etc. Most were left unexplored and felt very unimaginative, as if the author started just throwing in plot points to salvage the level of interest from the reader. I would not recommend to even the most dedicated reader unless they’re looking to feel bereft and disappointed. </spoilers>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Minor: Gore