Sadly, this just was not the book for me. I'd recommend it to anybody who loved The Handmaid's Tale and who would like to delve into a more speculative side of fiction.

From the outset, I just couldn't connect with Immanuelle. I couldn't ignore the similarities between so many different aspects of this book and Handmaid -- it was practically a carbon copy, with the addition of some attempted spookiness. I am tempted to say that the 'horror'/speculative aspects of the book lean more so towards young adult-esque, but that seems to be a push, for me. The speculative scenes were few and far between and didn't particularly feel substantial enough to me.

Perhaps this is one for people who don't read much horror/speculative fiction, or who enjoy the dystopian narrative that so many have tried to copy from Margaret Atwood. For reference, I did not enjoy The Handmaid's Tale -- perhaps that explains a lot!

I was hooked instantly but this book. The Year of the Witching pulls off something really impressive, Henderson creates a darkly atmospheric world alongside a strong and fast paced plot. I really loved the decision to set this in a fictional society which was reminiscent of 17th century America instead of using a historical setting such as the Salem witch trials as this really gave the author freedom to tell the story she wanted to tell.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for giving me this ARC

Before I get into my review, I'm going to say that The Year of the Witching has been added to my top 10 reads of 2020 so far. This book pulled me in and spat me out in a heap at the end. The stunning prose along with the succulent metaphors brought Bethel to life on the page and I was transported to a place and time that felt so real. For me, this was a story of finding yourself and uncovering who you truly. Packed with action, adventure, treachery, danger, suspicion, and discovery, Immanuelle's story is one that will stay with me for quite some time.

Immanuelle is an orphan. Her father burned on the pyre for witchcraft, her mother died giving birth to her. She is raised by her grandparents Martha and Abram to live by the Prophet's rules and to obey. But the Darkwood calls to Immanuelle whispering on the wind and coaxing her to disobey. It is here in the woods that Immanuelle is given her dead mother's diary and her quest for answers and truth begins.

When a curse is unleashed on Bethel, first blood, then blight, Immanuelle knows that if she doesn't find a way to stop it darkness and slaughter will follow. This is what's written in her mother's journal and the only way to find a way to stop it for her to escape Bethal and find her paternal grandmother, the only living Ward remaining. Ezra, the prophet's son and the next in line to succeed seems to be the only person to see Immanuelle for who she is and not just the daughter of outcasts. But can she trust him?

This book is a page turner and one that will have you on the edge of your seat and peeking at the pages through the gaps in your fingers as you meet the four witches of the Darkwood and hold your breath during some tense and gripping action scenes. The author built a believable world with characters that you will love and hate. It is definitely worthy of 5 stars and the ending although complete still leaves things open for a follow up book too.

I was in the perfect mood for this and raced through the first half. I did start to slow down after that, it’s a slow burn that gets slightly too slow after the first half. The writing and the atmosphere were basically flawless and it kept me going back for more.

The writing is excellent and the characters are well fleshed out and relatable. Henderson explores the setting and the scenery vividly and I had no issues placing myself right there in Immanuelle's world. I also found the magical elements very believable and at times I was impressed that she went that dark (but the dark elements are very few and far between).

The only issue I had was that I did feel the book had a predictable and usual way about it, I would have liked to see something more unpredictable or different for this standalone, but it was overall a very enjoyable read for anyone in the mood for some light gothic horror.

To begin, I’d like to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for inviting me to read an ARC of this book, and to NetGalley for facilitating. And a huge round of applause to Alexis Henderson for writing this!

As always there will be no spoilers in this review.

Well now. What to say? Firstly, Alexis Henderson, how on earth is this your debut?! Amazing things to come from this author, mark my words!

This is exactly the book we’ve been waiting for. Where so many in this genre go too far (or not far enough) this one hits all the right notes in all the right places and it SINGS! Oh my goodness was it delicious!

It wasn’t The Handmaids Tale... nor was it Salem. This was a book in its own right. Unique enough to stand on its own without references to hugely popular books, and maybe one day people will compare other debuts to this.

The Year of the Witching would, however, hit the spot for fans of the aforementioned books - As well as fans of The Crucible, The Vine Witch, Charmed... you get the idea. This is a mature witchy book (no Sabrina here, thanks!). As well as the supernatural theme this book is also a mature look at religion, cult behaviour, the occult, segregation, sexism, racism, human rights, women’s rights. But none of it was in your face preaching. It was a subtle undertone throughout the book. Woven so carefully that you hadn’t really realised the message at times until you thought back hours later.

Immanuelle and Ezra are by far the stand out characters in the book, and they are written so wonderfully that the empathy and investment in their wellbeing comes early and naturally. Obviously the Prophet is also a main feature and I loved that he wasn’t written as a cheesy “baddy”. Strangely he reminded me of Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney - obvs). He was very well written and my skin did crawl whenever he slunk onto the page. So bravo for eliciting such strong responses to the characters.

My only downside was that it ended. Not because it was premature or not well finished (it finished very well and with the right pace)... just that it had to end at all
.
A very very easy 5 stars from me!

Alexis Henderson has burst onto the scene with a stunning debut. "The Year Of The Witching" is an invigorating read with some fabulously feisty female characters. Henderson has shown herself to be an excellent world-builder. I look forward to hearing more from her.

This was a really good debut. It grabbed my attention from the first pages. The pacing was very good, and the setting of Darkwood was very interesting.
Witches, curses and the cults make it a very interesting and exciting read too.
Overall, very good debut, I'd read from this author in the future.

Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

I was a bit out of my comfort zone here as I have a hit and miss affair with fantasy books but I’m really happy to say I loved this one.
Set in the land of Bethel whose leader is the Prophet we have a fantastic lead character in Immanuelle whose mother was was cast out disgraced and her father was burnt at the stake, not a good beginning for our feisty and thoroughly likeable heroine. Whilst Immanuelle struggles to fit in on a journey back from the market she suddenly finds herself in the forbidden Darkwood and witnesses some strange events leading to the gift of her mother’s journal.
Well what a start in a thrilling and fast paced story, with curses, witches and very creepy signs it’s in an excellent read and one I can recommend. As I have said this genre for me is not always a success but this one was a step above the norm and it made a damn good read !!
My thanks to Alexis Henderson I loved the book.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

‘The Year of the Witching’ is an atmospheric dark fantasy novel about a secretive cult. The land of Bethel is ruled by the Prophet, blessed with visions from the Father. Immanuelle is a true believer, but will never be fully accepted because her father was an outsider, and her mother burnt as a witch. One day, Immanuelle dares to step outside of the confines of Bethel and into the forbidden Darkwood – but her adventure sets off a chain of events that could alter the fate of Bethel forever.

Immanuelle is a delightful protagonist – feisty yet caring, outwardly compliant but inwardly with a spark of rebellion. Her friendship with Leah is sweet and the difficulties of her outsider status well portrayed. I also liked how intricately the novel explored Immanuelle’s relationship with her family – as an outsider and a reminder of her mother’s mistakes, Immanuelle was both a beloved daughter and granddaughter and a curse upon their fortunes and reputation. Immanuelle and Martha especially had a complicated relationship that was deftly dealt with.

Ezra’s character arc was predictable but that didn’t make him unlikeable – there was little about him not to like. The son and heir apparent of the Prophet, Ezra’s future is set in stone – and there’s no place in it for an outsider like Immanuelle. But those with conscripted futures like to bend the rules – and Ezra is no exception. His character was a little too shallow for my liking – I would have liked to see more of his interactions with his mother and the Prophet and learn a little more about his motivations – but nonetheless he kept me rooting for him throughout.

The setting of Bethel is very intriguing, especially the Darkwood. The religion followed shares aspects with Christianity – such as Lilith, mother of all evil – but is subtly different to any existing religion that I’m aware of. The version of witchcraft explored is also interesting, with power only accessible to those of certain bloodlines and by using distinct sigils carved onto objects or skin. However, neither the root of this power nor the origins of the religion and Bethel are ever explained. In many ways this works well – it cuts out any slow exposition at the start of the novel, instead launching straight into Immanuelle’s life – but I find myself wanting to know more. Why has no-one in Bethel ever tried to do anything about the Darkwood, this version of Hell that sits right on their doorstep? Why does everyone hate witchcraft? What exactly are Lilith and her kin? I love the idea and creativity, but wish Alexis Henderson had included some basic answers.

The writing is lovely – simple, with no excess description, but evocative and atmospheric, transporting you to Bethel and the eerie Darkwood. It’s also exceptionally easy to read – I breezed through this in a couple of hours. If you’re looking for a quick novel to take you somewhere else for a while, this makes a compelling choice.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It’s not perfect, but as the author’s debut it’s a solid work with likeable characters and a highly intriguing setting. I suspect many people will love this – I just wanted a little more exposition to reach five stars.