A review by addieslibrary
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Simply put, this book is about the power in women when they stand together. More specifically, this book follows three sisters, Juniper, Agnes, and Bella, as they rediscover the meaning of magic and fight for women's rights. Set in New Salem, a city that is terrified of witches and led by a man with destructive intentions, these sisters find other women who are not afraid to stand up not only for themselves, but also for the strangers around them. 

The reader gets to see life from the POV of each of the sisters. The emotions they experience and the thoughts they have are so raw and so real. Juniper hates her sisters for abandoning her as a child, but loves them still. Agnes wants to protect her daughter, but also wants to protect her sisters. Bella was sent away and abused as a young adult for being a lesbian, but finds love in Cleo, a woman from the other side of New Salem. There is a thread that ties the three sisters together, but throughout the book it felt as though a thread was being tied to me as well. I became connected to these characters and the beautiful way in which they were real. 

This book is engaging, the writing is beautiful, but comfortable, the characters are passionately real. The Once and Future Witches will forever hold a special place in my heart because not only is it a fantastic story, but it is also a lesson. A lesson in sisterhood and the power that every person has within themselves. 
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