The Once and Future Witches

I made the mistake of reading the reviews before I read this book, and it has a lot of bad reviews. For the most part, people find it to be too long and too wordy. I disagree. I found so much power in this book, in every word. The sisters were each a different part of me, like watching myself grow as a person throughout the novel itself. I seriously could not put it down. And even in my looming book hangover, I can still feel it humming in the back of my brain: the power of women. Read my full review here: https://meglovescliches.substack.com/...

A tale brilliant in concept, though painstaking in all else

All I say about is... WOMEN.

Sort of predictable at times, but the writing is gorgeous and I loved the sisterly love 💕

I am a witch.

The Once and Future Witches is a marvellous tale of three sisters and their battles (and struggles) in a very anti-women/witch world. This is a long book, and at times felt excessively long, but Alix E. Harrow's beautiful writing kept me going. The story is an incredible one, but was kind of hard to keep interest in. Despite the struggles I had, I truly marvelled at Alix's ability to bring historical significant into this book and make it feel so realistic and relatable. Plus, the fairy tales throughout the book? That had me hooked. I absolutely love fairy tales and old wives tales being used as intertexts and making new stories. If you like fantasy and witches, with a lot of storytelling, then this book is for you. With a pinch of patience, this book is a fantastic read that highlights how strong women are and the lengths they will go. This book is an incredible feminist tale with fierce ladies taking the lead. Three out of five stars.

Note: this DOES include one quite minor spoiler as it’s a very minor character you would NEVER expect as being anything other than a background character, just saying. If you read my review, you won’t be able to tell who it is when reading the book. Other than that this is a spoiler free review. (Even though it’s not a true spoiler since it’s not even remotely a large story of the book.) . . . . . . Probably my favorite book of 2023 by far. This is everything witchcraft means to me. As a woman who practices what the world has given to me, spiritually this book spoke to my soul. The author made some flaws when it comes to certain aspects of the book (such as throwing in a trans character for some “inclusivity” - which for me as a straight white woman is wonderful to read but a trans person might feel like it was an afterthought) but a lot of the historical accuracies of the time period were beautifully woven into a well thought out storyline and stunning worldbuilding alongside it. This is feminism personified. I got chills, I cried, I laughed. This was a true emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute.

Excellent storytelling mixed with just enough scraps of familiar folklore to see our own world reflected back at us.

4.5 Stars *A spellbinding tale that together weaves history, magic, fairytales, and some awesome girl power* ARC provided by Redhook Books/Orbit via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Ten Thousand Doors of January was my favorite book of last year. It was type of perfect book that swept me away and reminded me why I love reading so much. Naturally, I was impatient as hell to get my hands on Harrow’s next book especially when I heard the teaser description, “Suffragists, but witches.” Set in 1893 Massachusetts, the story revolved around three drastically different sisters who got pulled into the fight for women’s rights. It is set in an alternate universe that closely resembles true American history with one major exception: magic is real and only men can use it. Witches, of course, are burned. I knew this story would be darker than her debut, so that part of it was not a surprise. There were times when the tone was bleak, but it felt realistic to what women suffered during that time period. Even though The Once and Future Witches is an alternate history that involves magic and witches, the story had many realistic aspects. The struggles of the characters were relatable and poignant. “‘What are?’ Juniper’s eyes reflect the bronze shine of Saint George’s standing in the square. ‘Witching and women’s rights. Suffrage and spells. They’re both…’ She gestures in midair again. ‘They’re both a kind of power, aren’t they? The kind we aren’t allowed to have.’ The kind I want, says the hungry shine of her eyes.” Admittedly, I didn’t love it as much as The Ten Thousand Doors of January. The main reason was the present tense writing. It is no secret that I don’t enjoy novels in present tense. Unfortunately, this came along when I was already frustrated and burnt out on trying to struggle through too many present tense novels. I had a hard time connecting with the story because of that. Combined with the slow pacing of the start of the book, it took me a while to get absorbed into the story. Despite the use of present tense though, Harrow undeniably has a way with words. She paints a vivid picture and is so creative. I loved the incorporation of fairytales twisted into feminist versions. And there were delightful little details such as women’s clothing not having pockets to prevent women from carrying around spell ingredients. Another thing I enjoyed about The Once and Future Witches, was that it was full of badass women who showed very different types of strength. I have pointed out many times that too many people think the only way to show a woman as “strong” is to portray her as masculine. Which is demeaning bullshit. There are many types of strength and many ways for a woman to display that strength other than the stereotypical tough chick persona to which too many storytellers default. “For all of them: for the little girls thrown in cellars and the grown women sent to workhouses, the mothers who shouldn’t have died and the witches who shouldn’t have burned. For all the women punished merely for wanting what they shouldn’t” So yes, I didn’t love this book the way I loved Harrow’s debut. But to be fair, that was an extremely high bar. The Once and Future Witches is still a great book! And I’m ecstatic to read whatever Harrow comes out with next. (The only hint for her next book so far is “Southern Gothic.” But that’s all you need to pique my interest!) RATING FACTORS: Ease of Reading: 5 Stars Writing Style: 4 Stars Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars Level of Captivation: 4 Stars Originality: 5 Stars

I think Alex E Harrow is one of my favorite authors now. Everything she writes is imbued with magic and a love for stories. This might be my favorite book by her that I’ve read. The characters were full of life and I didn’t know what to expect from the story. I will say I didn’t love the ending but it was a good book overall and I’m glad I picked it up.

3.5,, this book starts really confusing and takes a lot to get through but once you’re into it, it’s an enjoyable read. will not be discussing how this book ended however 😐

PART ONE: I am amazed at how engaging Once and Future Witches is and what a ride you are taken on even within the first 127 pages. I am particularly drawn to the relationship between the three siblings, June, Bella, and Agnes, which is broken and flawed yet very beautiful 🥺 As a result of their intertwining viewpoints and narratives, my mind has been captivatingly occupied with these characters for a considerable period after reading. I am addicted to this book and finish up daily tasks in order to read what is happening next in the story. In the first hundred pages, the emotional dynamics of their relationship are so well portrayed that I cannot help but recognize aspects of myself in each of them. If the book were to end at part one, I would be pleased with its outcome, as it is an engaging tale. As you know, I enjoy an excellent flawed character, and here we get three of them, and they are all women, so the inclusion of a more prominent theme of feminism is even more exciting 😭 A magical element is incorporated into this novel to such an extent that I have to repeat the words aloud in order to confirm that they are not real. I enjoy reading this novel for the imagery that is presented, the subtle fright of the shadows, and the sacrifices that are made and lives that are redeemed as the story proceeds. Nearly all of my time is spent in this world, and I am so eager to read more about this larger dark magic story. So far, the author has successfully incorporated the lore of witches, fantasy elements, and what strength can do to dangerous women—particularly sisters. The prose in this book has captured my attention so far. This is a beautifully written book. I may already be in love with you, "Once and Future Witches," but it's still early 😭 PART TWO: Harrow's Once & Future Witches continues to captivate my interest as we approach the two hundred mark in the novel. As I am currently positioned on/around page 270, this excellent collection of words has been used and enjoyed to the fullest extent possible. My adoration for this book surpasses any words I can muster, and it is so profoundly embedded in my heart that I cannot resist reading it. I am somewhat surprised by the length of this book, which contains the most lore and content I have ever encountered, and it has not lost my attention. The expansion of this world is something that I was not expecting; being able to discern the historical component within it was something that I was genuinely apprehensive about. Still, the prose, the characters, and the complex familial relationships are compellingly depicted. There are many lines written that are words that I have wished to hear but have not been able to make sense of. By this point, each of the Eastwood sisters has made their cases, had their flaws displayed, and have gained their way into my heart for many moons to come. There are so many plots woven together and absorbed within this novel that it is difficult to discuss any without detracting from its inherent value. When I said that I had always wanted to read a witch novel but never found the perfect one, I meant precisely that. I meant that I wanted a novel that completely engulfed me, provided me with knowledge, and gave me a sense of connection to each of the characters. The characters in Once and Future are beautifully rendered representations of modern feminism and masculinity, but they are also dated in their execution. It creates this realm of modern witchcraft intertwined with homages to what came before or a revival of witchcraft, as it were. There is a time and space associated with each character, and I find that so profound. I mentioned last time that I was in love with it; I am still in love with it. So let's keep going! ❤️‍🔥 PART THREE: I have found it extremely difficult to put my appreciation for this book into words (there are many enchanting things about it that I cannot express into words), thus, going through the past two checkpoints and attempting to convey why this is a five-star is impossible. (Read those to understand my passion for it more thoroughly.) Once and Future Witches (TO&FW) was exactly what I needed in order to recalibrate my feminism, recover my power, and recognize the sisterhood that exists within it. It was Bella, June, and Agnes Eastwood who made their way into my heart, each giving me more than I expected each chapter 🗼 An engaging novel that spans a year and takes the reader on a journey that goes beyond sisterhood; it explores women's trauma and the ways in which we cope with the uncomfortable patriarchy. The words of the witch are intended for more than just witches; rather, this story provides us with the basis for our childhood nursery rhymes. It provides us with an explanation for what we remember and allows us to realize that our truth extends beyond just where we exist. The juxtaposition of each POV is fascinating, especially the way each character is described and allowed to tell their stories. Women can be humbled, fought, defeated, but they will never give up. As women, we do not rely on the words of men, nor do we rely on the ways of men. Instead, we rely on the practices of our ancestors and the women/great-grandmothers who taught us to be kind, empathic, and a little—a lot—frightful ❤️‍🔥🗡 One cannot simply read but must absorb it as well—we should cherish and understand this novel as a way to move forward as a society. Through these five hundred pages, each Eastwood sister has demonstrated her ability to say these words, understand the meaning of their wishes and will, and move forward with it into the future. It inspires me to believe I may be able to do likewise 🪄🧙🏾‍♀️

Waiting for me on my TBR for a while now, I can only regret that I didn’t pick it up sooner! A standout read, and perhaps my new all-time favourite.

Centrally, is how magic is written, which I found I thoroughly appreciated. In a refreshing take, the ‘rules’ of magic, and its origins/source, are quite unknown. We are learning alongside the sisters, and are left wondering all the same. It’s a refreshing take on magic, one that invites curiosity and wonder, and doesn't overcomplicate matters.

While on the topic, the theme of witchcraft and fairytales was thoroughly clever and offers new perspectives on tales we all grew up with, magic in the nursery rhymes we sang, and indulgence in the imagery of witchcraft you can’t help but long for.

The writing of sisterhood, both in the familial, biological sense, (and in that of camaraderie with your fellow woman) was beautiful and realistic. Sisters, family, they can be messy and complicated- as are the feelings which correspond with them- and Harrow doesn’t shy away from this in any capacity. Instead, we get the messy, messy bond of the Eastwood sisters in their complete extent- alongside grudges and resentments that carry weight, which if we see resolved, isn’t for a long while, and interferes with their actions in the meantime.

Also, perhaps obvious to discuss but I’ll do it anyway, were the feminist vibes throughout the entire book. You cannot be a woman and not resonate with these character’s stories, their experiences and sentiments- for this alone, ‘The Once and Future Witches’ would have stuck with me. I saw the lives of myself and my fellow women in these pages, felt their anger, their fear and resentment. The comfort they found in one another, the grim acceptance of some situations versus the desire to rebel in others- and there’s a poeticism to this being through magic and witchery, something used to condemn women for centuries. It was as clever writing as it was deeply compelling.

You can’t not find a piece of yourself in ‘The Once and Future Witches’, and that was something I loved so deeply about this book.

All in all, this read struck a chord with me. I loved the writing, the characterisation, the relationships, and the complete witchiness of it all! A definite recommendation, and going right up there as a firm favourite read. 

This book was spectacular. I felt every emotion from happy tears to sad ones. Maybe it’s from having two older sisters with rocky relationships but god did I love these characters. It was feministic without being obvious about it or in your face and it was just a beautiful piece of work. My new favorite book no doubt.

This book was a great way to start my reading year. It is a tale of tales, a story engaged with storytelling and - especially - mythmaking. It's a story about women in an alternate history which makes an engaged an engaging effort to not be "white feminism." It's a story about oppression and magic and sacrifice and family. I dug it a whole lot. In fact, I found it better than Harrow's first effort, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY, which netted her a Hugo finalist slot.

⭐️⭐️ 💫 This sophomore novel of Alix Harrow was just okay for me. And that makes me sad. Her first novel was lyrical, beautiful, and spoke to me. This story of three sisters resurrecting the practice of witchcraft during the time of women's suffrage wasn't nearly as fun to read. It was slow in parts, filled with unlikeable characters, and heavy-handed on thematic issues. Honestly, women’s suffrage, which was supposed to be a big part of the story, came across as an afterthought. This book was well-written and researched, but it just wasn't for me.

** spoiler alert ** I love love love love loved this book! It was a tad slow moving at the beginning, but that could be because this book was my first after a long reading slump. I fell in love with the Eastwood sisters and their tale of love and loss which made them stronger as they bloomed into powerful women with a vengeance to settle. Bella's relationship with Cleo was so well written and had me rooting for them since the beginning. Juniper stuck out to me because there are no female protagonists like her out there, all teeth and claws and determination. The bond between Agnes and Eve is so heartwarming, just to imagine Eve growing up learning all her mother's witch-ways. I definitely shed a tear or two at the final chapters, an indicator of a story well-written. Overall a fantastic read, with an excellent writing style and many quotes/passages that hit readers right in the gut, especially if they're a woman, sister, or even a witch.

3.5 stars. This was fun and I loved the themes!

Tried to read this twice and couldn’t finish it.

I’d like to thank the publisher (Orbit/Redhook) for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While I deeply appreciate the gift, the giving of it had no impact on the thoughts and opinions expressed below. One witch you can laugh at. Three you can burn. But what do you do with a hundred? The Ten Thousand Doors of January was my favorite book of 2019. I adored Harrow’s way with and respect for words and stories. The tale was such an ode to both that it made my heart feel as though it would burst. I kept having to pause periodically and close the book and my eyes so I could just soak in the exquisite prose. I wasn’t sure Harrow could ever again pen something quite that beautiful. But while I didn’t quite connect to her second novel as deeply as I did her first, I needn’t have worried. The Once and Future Witches is just as lovingly and impeccably crafted as Harrow’s incredible debut. “Sometimes a thing is too dangerous to be written down or said straight out. Sometimes you have to slip it in slantwise, half-hidden.” I love the symmetry of the first three chapters. The introduction of each sister feels whimsical because of it. The way in which Harrow takes familiar fairy tales and turns them on their heads in subtle, interesting ways is also very effective. The story is in large part a blending of fairy tales and the women’s suffrage movement, which felt like a unique combination. However, while I was infatuated by the form, the soul of this novel resides within the three sisters at its core: James Juniper, the youngest and wildest; Beatrice Belladonna, the oldest and wisest; and Agnes Amaranth, the strong one between them. But when we first meet these sisters, they are far from each other, and from who they were each meant to be. Witnessing their growth over the course of the novel, both internally and in their bond as sisters, was lovely to behold. She thought survival was a selfish thing, a circle drawn tight around your heart. She thought the more people you let inside that circle the more wats the world had to hurt you. But what if it’s the opposite, and there are more people to catch you when you fall? What if there’s an invisible tipping point somewhere along the way when one becomes three becomes infinite, when there are so many of you inside that circle that you become hydra-headed, invincible? The novel is so purposefully and perfectly written that it was actually difficult for me to establish any emotional connection. It reminded me of The Starless Sea in this regard, though I definitely enjoyed The Once and Future Witches more. But I enjoyed it on a purely cerebral level instead of ever truly feeling it, try as I might. I think that lack of connection is likely a failing on my part, a side effect of the horrific year that has been 2020. Both my personal life and the state of the world have been so chaotic and terrible that things which would usually impact me deeply can’t seem to touch me at all. It’s quite possible that this lack of connection will be completely rectified on a reread, when my world is (hopefully) a little less awful. Fate is a story people tell themselves so they can believe everything happens for a reason, that the whole awful world is fitted together like some perfect machine, with blood for oil and bones for brass. That every child locked in her cellar or girl chained to her loom is in her right and proper place. She doesn’t much care for fate. I’m so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read Harrow’s newest novel. It’s a story I definitely intend to read again. And I have a feeling that it will resonate more deeply with me the next time I visit with the Eastwood sisters as they take New Salem by storm. If you’re looking for a beautiful, witchy, feminist way to celebrate Halloween, is this ever the book for you. All above quotations were taken from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon publication. You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.

A wise woman keeps her burning on the inside. Alix E. Harrow does it again. I loved this book. The writing was so beautiful, and the storytelling so so rich. There were countless passages and quotes that I found myself highlighting and saving because I loved them so much. The characters were enjoyable to get to know - I absolutely adored Agnes and Juniper. I thought the focus on fairytales was genius, and the incorporation of all the things that are considered the domain of women and discounted by the majority of men. The only reason this isn't a five star entry for me is the pacing. At times it was really slow, and a tad bloated feeling. If that was fixed, this would be an easy five star for me. This book is ultimately feminism, magic, and history wrapped in a very wonderfully told story.

Maybe I’ve read a lot of stories About witches, but I found this was alright, but didn’t have much to set it apart. Decent prose and characters - more or less exactly what I expected from the jacket. Not a bad thing, just adjust your expectations accordingly is all.

4.25⭐️