A review by bibliofilth
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


This book started off super strong, but the middle and ending really didn't stick the landing. The beginning is very atmospheric, slow and tense until it evolves into a more standard YA plotline of "just gotta defeat the big bad" and a romance that felt unnecessary. I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel - I'll wait for reviews to see if it has the same pacing/tone issue. However considering this IS a debut novel, it's not unforgivable and I'm still interested in seeing what more this author can produce. It just wasn't as strong near the end as it was in the beginning.

Trigger warnings/squicks: Extremely patriarchal society/sexism (women have no power in society, only purpose are to marry and have children), extremely oppressive religion, racism, death, gore, violence, torture, disturbing scenes
Representation: Main character is mixed race (white and Black), a sapphic side character. Author is black
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