A review by verycuteasparagus
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved this book. It was hard to put down. This is an exciting read for people who are fans of historical fiction. The cover hints at what may be in store for the reader, so for those who weren't intimidated by the illustration, it's worth a read. <Spoiler> I spent the entire book angry at Wallace, he was such an unfair asshole! I wanted things to turn out well for Abitha and her farm. I hoped that Reverend Smith and his wife and daughter would ultimately defend Abitha til the end.
I found some parts odd and a little confusing or unecessary. I thought that the snake was the same entity as the other demon thing that captures Samson in the mask at the end (sorry I forgot his name cuz I returned the book to the library). I spent a lot of the book confused by the role of Forest & friends, and had a hard time understanding the pawpaw tree mythology plot line. What kept me reading was wanting to know how Abitha and Wallace's conflict was resolved. It was interesting that Brom humanized Samson in a way that showed you how complex he is, and made you feel sympathetic toward him. One part that was really exciting to me was when Abitha first uses her broom, and shares how sensual it was. I was actually hoping a sexual relationship would develop between Abitha and Samson it some point. It would've been magical!
I was sad to see that the Puritans broke Abitha's spirit with their cruelty, and I wish she had gotten to live in between both worlds, rather than simply crossing over to the "dark" side. This was an exciting read, and it was my first time reading anything by Brom. I will be seeking out more of his books.
I found some parts odd and a little confusing or unecessary. I thought that the snake was the same entity as the other demon thing that captures Samson in the mask at the end (sorry I forgot his name cuz I returned the book to the library). I spent a lot of the book confused by the role of Forest & friends, and had a hard time understanding the pawpaw tree mythology plot line. What kept me reading was wanting to know how Abitha and Wallace's conflict was resolved. It was interesting that Brom humanized Samson in a way that showed you how complex he is, and made you feel sympathetic toward him. One part that was really exciting to me was when Abitha first uses her broom, and shares how sensual it was. I was actually hoping a sexual relationship would develop between Abitha and Samson it some point. It would've been magical!
I was sad to see that the Puritans broke Abitha's spirit with their cruelty, and I wish she had gotten to live in between both worlds, rather than simply crossing over to the "dark" side. This was an exciting read, and it was my first time reading anything by Brom. I will be seeking out more of his books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Torture