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kmvance's review against another edition
5.0
The first book of a new year deserves a review and this one did not disappoint. What a wonderful combination of historical fiction and fantasy with a mixture of folk tales and old nursery rhymes. One of my favorite blends.
herbwyfe's review against another edition
5.0
Fun book - great character development, great historical setting and research and lots of fantasy to keep me engaged. I listened to the audio and the reader was great, altering her voice for each character. I loved Cleo!
sheamcmillan's review against another edition
4.0
This was so interesting and creative! Really enjoyed the premise and the story as it unfolded in unexpected ways. Witches spells woven through fairy tales and nursery rhymes, women using "witching" alongside the 1890's suffragette movement for women's empowerment. Very cool.
I must say my mind wandered a LOT during this one. Hard to say how much of that problem is me vs. the writing, but way more often than usual I'd realize I had not been paying attention for the last few minutes. I listened to the audiobook, maybe physical book would have been better for my brain on this one. I do think the voice actor did a lovely job and LOVED how they wove music throughout the book.
I must say my mind wandered a LOT during this one. Hard to say how much of that problem is me vs. the writing, but way more often than usual I'd realize I had not been paying attention for the last few minutes. I listened to the audiobook, maybe physical book would have been better for my brain on this one. I do think the voice actor did a lovely job and LOVED how they wove music throughout the book.
rhalinuviel's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this dense and detailed book so much. There is just so much in it, all the sensory images, smells, touches, feels, and sounds, but written in a skillful way that is not at all boring but which adds much to the experience. I also enjoyed the hints of the alternative reality they live in, where La Belle et La Bette and the Holmes mysteries are written by women. I'm sure there is much that I missed on this first distracted reading stuffed between work and school and children, and I know that when I pick this book up again in a year or two I will enjoy it even more.
lauraleela123's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the beginning and the end, but the middle section felt pretty forced! So many cool ideas that just weren’t developed enough. I would’ve loved to see this more fully fleshed out into 2 books so that proper care could be given to all the ideas.
That being said, I loved the ending! Very bittersweet and everything got resolved. No easy answers in the end!
That being said, I loved the ending! Very bittersweet and everything got resolved. No easy answers in the end!
lesahreader's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Brilliant story. Magnificent connections to old tales and rhymes.
jonisayin's review against another edition
5.0
This is a FANTASY in which The Springs Equinox of 1893 reunites the 3 Eastwood sisters in New Salem Massachusetts; sisters who have each scattered away from an abusive father.
Here the sisters join at the vortex with the magic of the three faces of woman:
Bella, the oldest. A bookish librarian who researches to find the old spells, represents THE CRONE.
Agnes, the pretty middle sister is single and pregnant with the future witch and represents the MOTHER.
June, the youngest is the wild impetuous child who rushes in where angels fear to tread and represents the MAIDEN.
The three start a whole new WOMEN'S movement - "Sisters of Avalon" of feminists/ suffragettes rising up against misogyny, fighting for votes and rights.
Here the sisters join at the vortex with the magic of the three faces of woman:
Bella, the oldest. A bookish librarian who researches to find the old spells, represents THE CRONE.
Agnes, the pretty middle sister is single and pregnant with the future witch and represents the MOTHER.
June, the youngest is the wild impetuous child who rushes in where angels fear to tread and represents the MAIDEN.
The three start a whole new WOMEN'S movement - "Sisters of Avalon" of feminists/ suffragettes rising up against misogyny, fighting for votes and rights.