Book: The Once and Future Witches
Source: I received a copy from Orbit through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: October 13th, 2020
Pages: 528
Goodreads // Bookshop // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Depository
When I saw that Alix E. Harrow was coming out with another book I was thrilled. The Ten Thousand Doors of January was one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I couldn’t wait to see what else she would write!
One of my favorite things about The Ten Thousand Doors was the uniqueness of the story and the immersive writing, and I was not dissapointed since both of those aspects were present in The Once and Future Witches.
The Once and Future Witches puts a supernatural twist on the woman’s suffragist movement. It follows three sisters, James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna, as they join the suffragist movement of New Salem and try to find a way to bring back witching, as a way to give back power to women.
One thing I loved about the book was the magic system. It was super interesting and well developed, and I loved how the words – sort of like the spells in this case – were all inspired by different nursery rhymes and old fairy tales. Alix E. Harrow makes witchhood synonymous with womanhood, and the only way that women can pass along different spells to their daughters, sisters, and cousins without being exposed as a witch is through word of mouth. Hence spells being hidden in nursery rhymes, songs, and children’s stories.
The characters were also so great! Each of the sisters were well developed with their own distinctive personalities, and I was genuinely interested in each of their story arcs, which is honestly a little rare for me when it comes to books with multiple characters.
If you’re thinking of reading this book here’s a list of pros to consider:
✨ Great characters!
✨ Historical setting with mix of urban fantasy
✨ I cannot stress this enough, but amazing writing
✨ Different spells and rhymes influenced by different cultures
Have you read The Once and Future Witches or The Ten Thousand Doors of January? What’s your favorite fairy tale?
Paper Procrastinators 
Great review! I must say, I am deeply intrigued by the premise of the story. I think I will try this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick it up! The premise was definitely the first thing that drew me in since it was so original.
LikeLike
Awesome review!
I’m actually in the middle of reading this one right now! I agree with you on Harrow’s immersive writing. Something about the prose makes me want to take my time in reading and savor every word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! Aah, what were your final thoughts on it?? I loved the ending but I’d love to hear your thoughts 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
That ending sent a shiver up my spine! In a good way. I loved how the sisters and their friends were pulled together during the big climax. Although there’s those moments at the end that broke my heart too.
Besides the prose, my favorite aspect was the character development. I connected to the sisters in different ways and the supporting cast warmed my heart. 😊
LikeLike
I love those names!
James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna! I love the idea of it as well, about how bringing back witching would help women gain more power.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesss, they all have such pretty names!! And also yes! The premise is so unique I loved reading a sort of magical historical fiction 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Ten Thousand Doors of January is on my TBR, but spells hidden in nursery rhythms and fairy tales sounds so cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh, have you read it yet?? (I am getting to this comment woefully late, please forgive me!) I hope you enjoy it when you read it if you haven’t read it yet ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
A new year came by and I still haven’t gotten around to read it 😂🙈 Did you manage to read it?
LikeLike
Lovely review, Chana! I’m so happy you enjoyed this book so much. i’ve been hearing so many lovely things about this author’s books, I’ll have to try them out! Also, yay for you loving all the characters. That’s often what scares me about books with multiple POV, so I’m glad to hear you liked all of them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marie!! Harrow’s writing is honestly the best part of her books for me! It’s so descriptive and immersive 😍
LikeLike