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A review by lildark1
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had been hearing a lot about this book and decided to pick it up.
I wish I had picked it up sooner. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time.
The world building in this story is some of the best I've seen. I love how Harrow takes what is familiar (nursery rhymes and children stories) and gives them more meaning and gravitas and fits them into this world flawlessly. The three sisters were so well flushed out and flawed and lovable. Their character arcs of not only coming into their own power, but their power of being sisters, was a huge part of the book, though the outside forces that kept trying to stop them was equally dangerous.
The diversity of this book was also extremely refreshing. There are different races, sexuality, and walks of life. Since this takes place back in the 1800s there is quite a bit of racism, homophobia, and the sisters have to deal with their own privileges and thoughts challenged and they grow from this.
Despite the fantasy and alternate reality setting of the story, a lot of it still rings true for now. The desire to come into one's power, a want for better for yourself and your loved ones, and being constantly ground down by people (more often then not men) in higher power who only are looking out for their own gains.
This story left me with a feeling of hope and a desire to find my own ways and circle.
I wish I had picked it up sooner. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time.
The world building in this story is some of the best I've seen. I love how Harrow takes what is familiar (nursery rhymes and children stories) and gives them more meaning and gravitas and fits them into this world flawlessly. The three sisters were so well flushed out and flawed and lovable. Their character arcs of not only coming into their own power, but their power of being sisters, was a huge part of the book, though the outside forces that kept trying to stop them was equally dangerous.
The diversity of this book was also extremely refreshing. There are different races, sexuality, and walks of life. Since this takes place back in the 1800s there is quite a bit of racism, homophobia, and the sisters have to deal with their own privileges and thoughts challenged and they grow from this.
Despite the fantasy and alternate reality setting of the story, a lot of it still rings true for now. The desire to come into one's power, a want for better for yourself and your loved ones, and being constantly ground down by people (more often then not men) in higher power who only are looking out for their own gains.
This story left me with a feeling of hope and a desire to find my own ways and circle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Misogyny, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Alcoholism and Abandonment