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velsbooknook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
4.5
This book follows three generations of women in Ozarks, Arkansas. It switches between the POV of Deirdree in 1881 and Gracelynn in 1931.
The setting was absolutely stunning. The description of characters, weather and nature was so well done and I felt really immersed in the story and world. I loved the magic the witches used and it fitted perfectly into the setting.
The main antagonist was very well written too. He was evil and manipulative but also not too unlikeable in my opinion. The whole character cast was very diverse and the reader also get some queer romance which I absolutely loved!
I was very surprised that I enjoyed this book that much but all three women were equally likeable and strong, the beautiful atmosphere and setting and vivid writing made me really enjoy this book!
It comes out February 1st 2023 and I'm sure I'll grab a physical copy myself. Highly recommend!
The setting was absolutely stunning. The description of characters, weather and nature was so well done and I felt really immersed in the story and world. I loved the magic the witches used and it fitted perfectly into the setting.
The main antagonist was very well written too. He was evil and manipulative but also not too unlikeable in my opinion. The whole character cast was very diverse and the reader also get some queer romance which I absolutely loved!
I was very surprised that I enjoyed this book that much but all three women were equally likeable and strong, the beautiful atmosphere and setting and vivid writing made me really enjoy this book!
It comes out February 1st 2023 and I'm sure I'll grab a physical copy myself. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Paulette Kennedy, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, and Abortion
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Set in the Ozarks in Arkansas, the book focuses on three generations of women. I really enjoyed the switching timelines between Deirdre in 1881 and Gracelynn in 1931.
I was happy to see that the author included trigger warnings in the beginning of the book. Kennedy said she was inspired by the Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee, which is one of my favorite legends! She also included stories from her own family and their history in the region. Her writing clearly shows this as she puts her heart into the setting and folklore descriptions!
I was pulled into the story right away! I loved the characters and plot twists-Each character is strong and has their own voice, I loved all 3 women equally. I also loved the main antagonist! He showed how charming and clever evil can be and how it can be used to manipulate others.
Although this is a historical horror novel, there’s a little romance (mainly sapphic!) as well, but it’s not a main focus. The story builds up to the climax and resolution but without making it too slow leading up to the big events, and also not rushing the ending. The pacing was really well done!
I loved the folklore and forest witch vibes which added to the haunting atmosphere of the novel! The nature and weather descriptions added to the spooky vibes of this book, creating tension in the plot. To the point where I couldn’t have my YouTube “haunted woods” ASMR video playing in the background because I ended up scaring myself 😂
Finally I liked the happy ending, and closure. It’s rare to have a “happily ever after” in a horror novel but I liked that bit of hope in the end!
Just wow- I loved this book so much and the cover!! 😍 I just have so many feelings and indescribable words for how much I adored this book! This is definitely my top read of the month💗 I just hope I don’t end up with a book hangover after this and I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy to add to my shelves! Plus I can’t wait to go back and read Kennedy’s debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, and Abortion
jenmcreads's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book was a wonderful and immersive read. The sense of setting is extremely vivid and atmospheric, and it is clear the author writes from a lot of deep knowledge and respect for the region. I found the voices of the women to be distinct and nuanced. The gender dynamics of the book were very moving, particularly the difficulties of queer love in the times this book was set (1881 and 1931, primarily). The folkloric style of the magic involved felt right to the setting and the story. I loved this book, and look forward to its release date so I have others to discuss it with!
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Outing, Abandonment, and Classism
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