A review by libraryoflanelle
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Honey Witch, set in 1831, follows Marigold as she discovers magic, love, and the enchanting power of honey.

I was excited about the premise of this book, especially being drawn to its whimsical and sapphic themes. Overall, I had a fun time reading it, and it delivered on its promises in principle. If you enjoy fantasy and romance, you'll likely find this debut novel enjoyable.

However, while I appreciated the premise and atmosphere, I found the pacing and character development lacking, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story.

One of my main challenges in connecting with the story was the prose, which often read like young adult fiction. Whilst this isn't inherently a problem, personally, I struggle to connect with young adult romance. I couldn't help but feel that the story might have been better suited for a younger audience.

Nevertheless, if you're intrigued by the book and enjoy the genre, particularly cosy regency settings, it's worth giving it a chance, if only for its whimsical sapphic fairytale vibes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.