Meagen I’ve just finished The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow and today I’m sharing my full review, no spoilers! This is a great read that is part historical fiction, part fantasy, party lovely witchy goodness.
This tale of loss, love, and witches encompasses so many things. Looking back over everything that was addressed in this novel I was, quite frankly, a little baffled by everything that Harrow was able to weave into the story line.
I was drawn in by the witching but I stayed for the fairy tale feels and the somewhat maddening bond of sisters, both the ones we are born with and the ones we gain trudging through the fiery trials of life.
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The Once And Future Witches also covers topics like racism, sexism, the suffrage movement, class structures, and of course the long and absurd history of the occult as it pertains to women…the root of all evil 😉
What is The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow about?
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is set in 1893 and it follows the journey of three sisters, James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna Eastwood.
The Eastwood sisters join the suffrage movement in New Salem and wouldn’t you know it, they manage to raise a little hell in the process…literally…at least by the standards of the time.
For the most part, in this world, in 1893, witchcraft and magic have been dwindled to nothing more than little charms for tedious tasks. Until the Eastwood sisters are reunited and a long forgotten spell draws them into a fight for their lives and the lives of those they love…perhaps even for the very world as they know it or wish it be.
What did you love about this book?
I loved the Eastwood sisters and I loved how Alix E. Harrow weaves their tale into something so much more than just witches and spells.
This book ties in so many complex themes and topics. We’ve got racism and class structures being turned on their heads, interracial and LGBTQIA+ relationships, abusive parents, and poverty. There is so much happening that it’s hard to believe looking back, that she was able to work it all into 500 pages.
The magic system in this book is really lovely. I like the connection of old fairy tales and the little twists she puts on them to make them into spells and witching.
Another aspect I really liked was that none of the sisters set out to find love. These are some of the fiercest women you’ll find and even when they feel the most cowardly they are doing more than anyone could expect of them. I like strong women, I like reading about strong women, and tho I’m as much of a sucker for a good romance as the next person, I appreciated at these women were not focused on or looking for love…even if it does happen to find one or two of them along the way.
Was there anything you did not love about this book?
I could have read more about the history of The Eastwood sisters, I feel like there’s more to their stories that I could have really enjoyed reading about.
Another thing I think needed more was the history with Mama Mags and the daughters’ mother. The book has a lot of history and covers so much ground I know we can’t get everything we want in every book.
We could I supposed but not at a reasonable length! So I get why these things weren’t fleshed out as much as it could have been but just some things I noticed!!
Will you read more in this series?
This book is not part of a series it’s a standalone and there’s something so magical about that in and of itself. It seems these days everything is part of a series (which I love because dreaming of my favorite worlds never ending is wonderful) but it’s also nice to have a story be finished and whole.
I do have Alix E. Harrow’s debut The Ten Thousand Doors Of January on my TBR (to be read) pile for next month!!
Overall opinions of this book:
Here’s my quick recap of my thoughts on The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow that I’ll share across my other platforms.
4 Stars! Maybe even 4.5. Was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed but I’ve read so many amazing things lately that I have to admit this wasn’t topping those…so that’s the only real reason this wasn’t 5 stars in my mind!
If you’ve been here before you know I’m all about the characters. I loved The Eastwood sisters and their partners in all things witchy. There were a lot of elements of this story that really spoke to me. I wasn’t prepared for all of the ways that this one would feel personal to me.
The complicated relationships between sisters, the desire for something more and the accompanying guilt for wanting anything more…ugh. ALL. THE. FEELS. I also felt really connected to Bella’s journey. Seeing her gain confidence and acceptance for herself was really magical.
Agnes’s anger and Juniper’s fearless headstrong attitude: These were just some really amazing women to get to know. 10/10 would be friends with 🙂 I found the story to be exciting and enjoyable as well.
After the first section I was like “ahh I can breathe easy now” but the story picks back up into another trial and then another! Everything works really well together and the new twists and obstacles keep the plot flowing. A great read.
Where can I buy this book for myself?
You can get this one pretty much everywhere! I’ll share some links below for the kindle version and the hardcover version from Amazon for easy shopping. I borrowed my copy from the local library (shout out to DCLS for being awesome) but this is one I’ll need to add to my collection, without a doubt!
Kindle Unlimited Membership PlansWhat else has Alix E. Harrow written?
Her debut novel The Ten Thousand Doors of January has some rave reviews. I can’t wait to read it and I’ve seen it across BookTok, Bookstagram, and all over the inter webs.
It’s on my TBR pile for next month so hopefully I’ll have a review of that to share with you soon. If you want to grab a copy for yourself you can do so below!
The kindle version is on sale right now for $3.99 (at the time of posting)
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