Reviews

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

katrae22's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF The third person descriptive writing was painful to get through. And then the plot just seem to be going nowhere I finally gave up had to let this one go

topazzie's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

claudiareadsitall's review against another edition

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4.0

I started this book for the promise of witchcraft, but I devoured it for the relationships.
The three Eastwood sisters at the center of The Once and Future Witches are damaged, scarred women even before embarking on the magical mission they must undertake. They barely trust each other, how can they possibly unite and get others to buy into their purpose?
The prose is some of the loveliest I've indulged on lately, and I hope to read one or two more books by @alix.e.harrow before Starling House is released in October. This was my first, but it will not be my last.

cosmic_sans104's review against another edition

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2.0

DNF:
I absolutely adored Harrow's last book, so I expected to be similarly compelled by this novel; however, I was unable to complete the book due to my lack of interest in the characters and plot. I struggled to sympathize with the three sisters-- the eldest was my favorite by far, but her plot line felt flat and her personality was dictated by her relationship. I was rooting for the relationship, but I wanted to know about her. The middle sister had the most development, and the youngest was passionate but difficult to relate to.
I thought the plot was promising, but the correlation between witchcraft and voting rights was too...obvious. The connection was too clearly laid out for readers, forgoing the chance for readers to draw the connection on their own and captivating them with the parallels.

I still enjoy Harrow and may give this book another chance, but for now it will remain a DNF.

pauline_mad's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

cherubmarie's review against another edition

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5.0

Really well written. I can practically hear the voices.

greenmtgirl's review against another edition

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1.0

At 20% in (and it's a long 20%), the characters are all still flat, annoying, and worst of all: boring. The plot is boring. I don't care what happens in this cardboard cutout of a world.

slibourel's review against another edition

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3.0

The premise to The Once and Future Witches is intriguing - magic spells passed down coded in children's rhymes and stories. However, the story is clunky and the character development is slow. It took way too long to feel drawn in; I didn't feel invested in the characters until well more than halfway through. Solid 3 1/2 stars - good but not great.

haleyraber's review against another edition

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5.0

I can’t sing this book’s praises enough! I love witches and females fighting back against horrible men in power. I loved how the author wove in nursery rhymes, fables, and fairy tales into the lore. I was really invested in all three sisters and was rooting for them the whole time. The plot was well paced and never left me bored. The ending was cinematic and inspiring.

neeeeela's review against another edition

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4.0

“Behind every witch is a woman wronged”

I actually enjoyed this a lot, its filled with adventure, unique takes on classic fairytales and beauuutiful writing. The bond between the three sisters was so pure and realistic it made me feel closer to my own sisters. If you like stories about powerful, fearless and stubborn witches, this book is the one. Also, I am obsessed with the way the queer characters were written in this book. Such subtle but specific details that stand out to the people it’s supposed to.

The pace of this book can be a little strange at times, especially the first 15% but keep reading! It’s worth it.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.