A review by coffeekitaab
Weyward by Emilia Hart

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

4.0

'Weyward' is Emilia Hart's debut novel telling the story of three women spanning five centuries and the trials and tribulations they literally face despite the different eras to which they belong. A blend of historical fiction and magical realism, taking you on a journey through time.

Content triggers should be noted. The author has written a deeply moving, profound story and I found myself overwhelmed at certain moments as the running theme is female empowerment and the courage and resilience shown by women in the face of adversity. 

The author spins a tale of the central characters expericing horrific lows to enable the climax to reach its greatest height. I do think the story dipped for me in the middle but it picks up again quickly and each character Kate, Violent, Altha's had gripping stories that commanded attention. The author is convincing in attempting  the various time periods and the plot flows naturally. "Wild" and the stereotype/judgement when using it as an adjective was also blasted away in this book (the element of historical fiction meant it brought its own definition depending on the timeline) but I enjoyed how it came to a full circle in the end when it is used in its original form to describe the beauty of nature, and the creatures that belong to it, a strong emphasis on those usually associated with negative connotations/ bad fortune (spiders, crows etc). 

Definitely a heavy read but one of the best in this genre. 

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to seeing more from Emilia Hart in the future!
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