The Once and Future Witches book review
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow Published by Redhook on September 28, 2021
Pages: 544
Goodreads
In the late 1800s, three sisters use witchcraft to change the course of history in Alix E. Harrow's powerful novel of magic and the suffragette movement.
Named One of the Best Books of the Year by NPR Books • Barnes and Noble • BookPage
In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.
But when the Eastwood sisters―James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna―join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote―and perhaps not even to live―the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.
There's no such thing as witches. But there will be.
An homage to the indomitable power and persistence of women, The Once and Future Witches reimagines stories of revolution, motherhood, and women's suffrage—the lost ways are calling.
Praise for The Once and Future Witches:
"A gorgeous and thrilling paean to the ferocious power of women. The characters live, bleed, and roar. I adore them, and long for witchcraft to awaken in all of us. Harrow makes it feel possible, and even likely."―Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author
"A glorious escape into a world where witchcraft has dwindled to a memory of women's magic, and three wild, sundered sisters hold the key to bring it back...A tale that will sweep you away."―Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author
"This book is an amazing bit of spellcraft and resistance so needed in our times, and a reminder that secret words and ways can never be truly and properly lost, as long as there are tongues to speak them and ears to listen."―P. Djèlí Clark, author The Black God's Drum
For more from Alix E. Harrow, check out The Ten Thousand Doors of January.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this book up. In fact it wasn’t on my list to be honest. I was going to read another witchy book but I ended up vibing with The Once and Future Witches more. I am so glad I picked this one up. It wasn’t completely what I was expecting. But there was a richness to this story that I haven’t experienced in a long time. Saying that, there were moments in the story where I wasn’t sure whether I had missed something or if I had skipped pages. So bear that in mind if you’re wanting an easier read.
Characters in The Once and Future Witches
This is a book about women and the world they occupy. There are three sisters who swap from wanting to be quiet and discreet to wanting the world to burn. The Once and Future Witches encompasses and tells the story of women having each other’s backs. Seeing that comradery and family grow when the world wants to push them back into the dirt. I loved reading about the sisters especially seeing how different they were from each other. Plus, the issues and cracks forming in their relationships. It was a stunning look into how much you can love someone but also recognise when things go wrong.
This is definitely a character driven book and temper your expectations. I personally didn’t mind because I loved, James, Agnes, and Bella. They were like coming home to a hot bath. I adored their stories, and how well they complemented each other whilst being completely different. If you’re looking for a book with some great female characters and enjoy a little bit of witchiness this would definitely be up your street!
The Bad Bits in The Once and Future Witches
If I had to look at this book as a whole there is one thing that jumps out at me. Sometimes I felt I had no clue what was going on. Several times while reading The Once and Future Witches I restarted chapters or pages. I had no idea who was who and whether I had missed a page (which would be hard to do on a Kindle). It was a little frustrating at times and it really messed with my enjoyment of the book. I was being lifted out of the story and figuring out what was going on. It might be better suited to someone who isn’t having to take longer breaks between reading or maybe someone who isn’t as tired as I am. But something to keep in mind when you pick it up!
The Good Bits
There were so many good bits for me in The Once and Future Witches! I adored the use of history all the way through, especially the combination of the witchy uprising and suffrage. I loved how they didn’t automatically meld together and how there were disagreements. Plus not all women saw eye to eye. This book was a great exploration of how different people see the world and how their different view points change the way they go about changing things. The use of religion and politics all the way through the plot and character’s stories was fantastically written. It offered some great insight into the world without having too much exposition.
Plus we have to talk about how simple but effective the magic system was. It was such a great way of introducing characters and their roles within the group without it being a ridiculously complicated equation. I loved how inclusive it made the world. For once this book didn’t have the awful trope of only the rich and powerful are magic wielders.
What now?
Well, I’m going to recommend this book to any one looking for a good witchy read! This one should be right up your street and top of the list. I am going to have a look at Alix E Harrow’s other books and see if there’s another one to enjoy!
Have you read any good witchy books recently? I would love to hear some of your recommendations!
