Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be available on October thirteenth.

Do you know how sometimes people get so angry they feel like punching a wall? This book is the literary equivalent of punching a wall. It’s packed with the fury of women oppressed. And it works perfectly.

In Alix E. Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January, the prose flowed like a stream building into a river. It was beautiful and it took its time. The Once and Future Witches does not have that feel at all. Instead, it is told in staccato bursts of cause and effect. This book rose and fell like a giant wave. I’d take a breath-and get pulled under again.

The story follows three estranged witchy sisters. Juniper is the wild child, the one who starts it all. When she comes across both her sisters in New Salem, they are reunited, past baggage in tow. Never content to sit on the sidelines, Juniper jumps straight into the suffragist movement, from there doing her absolute best to make everyone and their dog mad. Juniper was unpredictable and interesting to read. I never knew what to expect from her character, only that it would cause trouble.

Beatrice is the middle child and the wise one. Books are her refuge (sound familiar, anyone?) and she is the researcher who makes sure the sisters have any knowledge they need. She is often unsure of herself. Really, she is her own worst enemy. Her story arc is quieter, but no less important. When the other sisters break down, she is there to pick up the pieces.

Agnes is a force to be reckoned with. It takes her quite a while for her sense of injustice to boil over and turn into action. Once it does, though – yikes! Don’t make her mad. While I enjoyed her character, she is my least favorite of the three.

The concept is a unique one: take the suffragist movement and chuck in some magic. If it was written by any other author, it might have floundered. However, Alix E. Harrow is a fantastic writer. She could write a novel about paper cuts, and I’d be excited to read it.

If you like books with angry characters, vengeance, and more than a touch of magic, this one is for you.

In the late 1800’s witchcraft has all but been eradicated by burning the words, wills, and ways along with any woman who wielded them. What once gave woman power has been reduced to concealed charms, chants, and nursery rhymes. In New Salem, a city plagued with sickness and shadows, three witchy sisters will pursue the lost words and ways turning the woman’s suffragette movement into a witch’s movement. The Eastwood sisters; James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna; will need to mend their past, find what was lost, and gain new alliances if they want to survive the evil afflicting the city.

The Once and Future Witches is a beautifully written feminist witch tale by the author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January. Three sisters with a broken past must work together and risk everything to bring back witchcraft and restore the power that has been taken from women. I absolutely loved this clever novel in which familiar fairy tales and nursery rhymes are used to pass down hidden spells and knowledge. The novel incorporates a more "comprehensive" ideal of witchcraft introduced through immigrant workers, former slaves, and Native Americans as well. The story of the first three (the crone, mother, and maiden) is expertly woven into the plot, and you can’t help but fall in love with each unique but equally enchanting sister. This was a wonderfully crafted witchy tale that I didn’t want to put down. The perfect novel to curl up with this fall--a must read!

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author Alix E. Harrow for providing me with an ARC of the title The Once and Future Witches!

This was such an amazing read that I had been hearing so much about. I for sure was not disappointed!

These three sisters were such an amazing cast of characters. Witches, fairytales, spells.. What more could you want, really? This was queer, Pagan, feminist, and all kinds of beautiful amazement. The hype around this one is REAL, and I can’t wait for more people to get their hands on it.

Thank you again to those named above for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

Wow! Once and Future Witches was amazing. Talk about a prescient and powerful book! It feels so timely to be reading a book about suffragette witches in 2020, a month before the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. Harrow’s writing is lyrical and transportive. You get the sense you are reading a beloved, but lost, fairytale.

Set in 1893 New Salem, Once and Future Witches revolves around three sisters, Agnes Amaranth, Beatrice Belladonna, and James Juniper, as they reunite and struggle for the vote and equality and rights for women and witches. Since learning that this was a book about suffragette witches, I have been dying to get my hands on Once and Future Witches, and let me tell you it lived up to each and everyone of my expectations. The characters were well fleshed out, the world was wonderful, the magic system made sense, and reading it made me feel a part of something larger, much like the Sisters of Avalon.

I don’t know if I have read a book in recent memory that has so accurately portrayed how it feels to be angry as a woman or any other marginalized group, and to be railing against the status quo. Often, I felt that Harrow had pulled thoughts straight from my head. Once and Future Witches was magical in every sense of the word.

5/5!! I will post a longer version of this review on my blog, Flea with a Degree, closer to publication date. I was provided an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Redhook Books!

Pretty amazing stuff. Witches and spells, fairytales and children’s nursery rhymes. A fantasy that really comes together and has you reading faster and faster to find out what happens— a fairy tale for adults That loved the tales of childhood.

Three sisters: Bella, Agnes, and Juniper, rediscover the "Lost Way of Avalon" and fight to restore earthly magic and women's dignity.

It is the first book in a long time that has kept me reading well past midnight. This compelling fantasy adventure twists folklore and history into a dark, yet phenomenal, tale of triumph. I plan to add a copy of it to my collection upon its release in October.

I knew that The Once And Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow wasn't being released until October 2020, but I also knew that I had to read it ASAP as soon as I was approved for a digital ARC from Net Galley. I wasn't the only one apparently. There are currently a hundred ratings on Goodreads.

Actually, the reason why this book was so appealing to me is because it was supposed to be about witches who were suffragettes. These are two of my favorite subjects. The last book with a witch protagonist that I reviewed on this blog was the steampunk novel, Her Majesty's Witch, which I reviewed here. I usually review suffragette novels on Flying High Reviews, my blog for strong female protagonists that aren't in fantasy or science fiction contexts. I discovered that the women's suffrage movement was not the major focus of this novel though it was very much centered on feminism. So I was still delighted.

I was surprised that few reviews mentioned the alternate history aspect of The Once and Future Witches. My guess is that many readers aren't familiar with the history referenced in the book.

The most important issue in late 19th century America was probably immigration, not witchcraft. Leaders in late 19th century New England considered themselves scientific though some of the science they believed in was based in racist ideology like eugenics.

I couldn't find any reference to a witchcraft hysteria during the period, but there is a fascinating Smithsonian article about a vampire hysteria during 1893 in Rhode Island here . While there is indeed a city of New Salem in Massachusetts founded by people from the original Salem, this didn't occur because the Salem where the witch trials took place was burned. Yet it does seem plausible to me that America could have become permanently obsessed with witchcraft in an alternate timeline.

The approach to witchcraft in The Once And Future Witches isn't paranormal. This is unusual within the fantasy genre. It's stated in this book that anyone can become a witch by knowing the words to the spells. Having a focus on the intention of the spell is mentioned, but isn't emphasized. Most current day Wiccans consider magical intent very significant.

As someone who loves fairy tale re-tellings, I was drawn to the alternate versions of fairy tales that are sprinkled throughout the novel. Though of course these are the official versions in this continuity as told by the Sisters Grimm.

I had revolving favorites among the three Eastwood sisters who are the witch protagonists of this book. Each one was a favorite of mine at various points. I also loved the African American witch Cleopatra Quinn who was also a reporter for a local Black newspaper that is described as radical.

I think I can reveal that one of the sisters ends up in a lesbian relationship, but it would be a spoiler to say which one. There are a few great moments in the development of that relationship that I was glad to see.

I consider The Once and Future Witches really wonderful and a strong contender for best novel of 2020.

I am a big fan of "Ten Thousand Doors of January" and had been looking forward to this book ever since I heard about it.

I am glad to say that the author has not disappointed. Absolutely fantastic story (though felt a little long in places). This is a story of empowerment, sisterhood, familial bonds and celebration of women. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and waiting for the next one now...

Alix Harrow has broken my poor, gay heart again. This book is truly something special. It's feminist and queer and pagan and wonderful. Using beautiful prose as always, Harrow has created a world that is almost- but not quite- like ours, where history and folklore have been shaped by witches. The references to real-world fairy tales and events, slightly altered for this world of witchcraft, were delightful and creative. And Harrow has a way of writing stories that feel bygone, but speak profoundly to current issues of gender identity, race, and sexuality. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when the book releases and will recommend it to all my friends.

Let me start with the fact that the bar I set for this book was unimaginably high. When I read Ten Thousand Doors of January I had no idea what the book was about. I only knew it had a beautiful cover and that’s it, there were no expectations. That book took me on an unexpected expedition into beautiful worlds that knocked the air out of my lungs. Needless to say, when I heard Alix was writing a second book I was immediately ready to sign up to read it. When I found out it would be a witchy book, (witchy books being my very favorite books) I was practically ready to have a cardiac event.

Well. Not only did this book meet my expectations, it wildly exceeded them.

This story absolutely rages. With the world as it is, I didn’t realize how much I need this book right here, right now. It felt almost cathartic.

Alix creates a world, not so different from ours, where magic hangs on by a thread. It’s mostly used to help keep ladies hair in place and rust at bay. True witches and the Ways of Avalon have long since been lost. First we meet Juniper. Oh, June. I spent so many moments just sighing “Oh, June” out loud. I loved her and her anger and her spunk. She rages for us all. Her two sisters Beatrice and Agnes are their own tour de force. I found myself mostly relating to Beatrice, but it’s hard not to find a little bit of yourself in each of the sisters. They are surrounded by a large cast of wonderful allies and together they embark on the search for witchcraft.

Once again Alix proves herself a master of prose. There are so many perfect lines. I read this as an e-arc, but a physical copy just arrived in the mail and I fully intend on tagging each line I flagged on my Kindle and I fully expect my book to look like a paper pincushion.

There are moments within parentheses where it’s almost like Alix herself is whispering to the audience from just out of site of her characters, trying to help them communicate small moments. For example, on p.70 Bella can’t quite think of a word and at the end of the sentence is the word “luminous” in parentheses. I adore these moments.

Oh! Also, this book finally revealed to me why I’m always so overjoyed when I realize a dress I bought has pockets.

I loved this book. Loved it. I ugly cried through the last 10% of it for so many damn reasons. I can’t wait to read it again. I can’t wait until everyone else can read it too.

The Once and Future Witches is a book that made my heart sing. First, I love books that feature witches! In this historical novel, women fight for the right to vote and then must fight to survive as magic grows and flourishes. This book is a dark and honest look at what it means to be a woman now and in decades past. With plenty of rage, love, and determination, the three Eastwood sisters set out to reclaim the lost words and ways of magic. In their search for the Lost Way of Avalon, they uncover secrets about themselves and the history of witchcraft. When the sisters decide to collaborate and their power increases, they draw the menacing attention of a shadowy politician.

I loved how the magic system relied on rhymes and words passed down for generations, secretly smuggled between mothers, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the carefully crafted sentences and beautiful prose that had me furiously highlighting and nodding in agreement. I think especially now, in a time where women must fight for the right to have agency over their bodies and fight against sexism, this book will ring true for many. The Once and Future Witches is witty, smart, inclusive, and fiercely feminist. At the heart of it all, this is a fantastically witchy book about the joys and pain of sisterhood. This story is one of my new favorites and I know I will be re-reading it again soon! The Once and Future Witches releases October 13, 2020. Thank you so much to Alix E. Harrow, Redhook Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alix E Horrow has done it again! Just like Ten Thousand Doors of January this will have you hooked from the first page!

I really enjoyed The Ten Thousand Doors of January so I was excited to see this new novel from Alix E. Harrow. Smart, feminist, inclusive fantasy with a dash of historical fiction? Yes, please! And she did not disappoint. I found myself delaying the end of the book because I didn't want it to be over. And the prose! These words... I want to swim in them like a warm sea. I want to wrap them around myself like a blanket... or armor. This book is more than a story; it's a battle cry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. This is easily one of the best books I've read this year, and I will be recommending it and gifting it for some time.

Writing: 5/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot: 4.5/5
Harrow is a fantastic storyteller! I very much enjoyed her The Ten Thousand Doors of January and this second novel is every bit as good if not better. Hooray!

The action takes place in New Salem in the 1890s. It’s a kind of alternate history where the women’s suffrage movement becomes entwined with a movement to bring back witching —benevolent witching being another route to to recover lost power for women in an era rife with female oppression. The three Eastwood sisters — bookish Beatrice Belladona, strong Agnes Amaranth, and wild James Juniper — are at the heart of the story as they work together with a growing sisterhood to bring back the Lost Way of Avalon.

It’s a book focused on women, with a smattering of male characters playing both utterly good and utterly evil men — a male version of the madonna / whore dichotomy. I love it! I also loved the way the embedded fairy tales — written by <i>Charlotte</i> Perrault and <i>Andrea</i> Lang — bore little resemblance to the fairy tales with wicked witches I’ve grown up with. A not so subtle reminder that history is written by the victor!

Lots of action but not the kind that bores me, plenty of interesting characters, and some fantastic malevolence captured in an evil creature of some inner complexity. She even manages to weave in lesbians and a trans person in a completely matter-of-fact manner. Lush prose suffused with magical realism and gripping from start to finish.

Great for fans of Alice Hoffman, Diane Setterfield, and Deborah Harkness.

Absolutely fantastic story! Ms. Harrow wraps you up in a story of sisterhood and female power that you could read over and over again.

A beautiful tale of solidarity and mutual empowerment. Lyrical and well developed, I can't wait to read more of Harrow's writing. A wonderful surprise.

It took me a bit to get into this story, but once I did, wow! It was a powerful story about women, strength and power. Beautiful, lyrical and woven around fairy tales, rhymes and myths. Strongly recommend.

Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow from Redhook Books via Netgalley in exchange for possibly writing a review.

I've heard a lot of very good things about Alix E. Harrow and was really excited to get a chance to read this book. Witches often get a bad rap, but I think it is because they are often powerful women and that scares people. Not to say there aren't bad witches, but we'll get into that later.

This book takes place in an alternate past where the sisters Grimm write the fairy tales and witches are thought to be extinct. That is, until the sisters Eastwood decide to revive witchcraft to fight against a society oppressing women and an evil that is taking over their city. I enjoyed that each chapter starts with a spell or a fairy tale. You'll recognize many of these because in this world, fairy tales and nursery rhymes are used to surreptitiously pass on magic to the next generation. Maybe they are in our world too, but we've just forgotten?

This book isn't just about witches though. It is about the struggles of women, people of color, and the LGBT community, and the power we can yield when we join together to fight the systems that try to keep us marginalized. It's not without sacrifice. Some of the strongest magic requires blood.

Now about that bad witch....That the bad witch hates other witches so much that they want to completely eradicate them from the Earth is very telling. I'm sure someone could do a psychological profile on that. But here's what got me. Even though there are breadcrumbs throughout the book leading you to the identity of the bad witch, I was surprised that I didn't make the connection until the reveal. It's not often I am caught off guard like that. Well done, Alix E. Harrow.

The Once and Future Witches by Alex E. Harrow

The Once and Future Witches beautifully blends history, magic, and fairy tales. It tells the story of the three Eastwood sisters and their fight to help women gain power in a world that would keep them powerless. The story, which takes place at the turn of the century, is still relevant in today with people fighting to right inequality in our society.
Harrow does a beautiful job weaving in traditional fairy tales and children’s rhymes to support a history in which witches and magic exist. She creates rich characters that you love and root for and will miss at the end of the story. The story started slowly but quickly built momentum, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. And throughout the writing is beautifully filled with hints of magic and poetry. 4.5/5

The Once and Future Witches by Alex E. Harrow will be published on October 13, 2020.

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for this eARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is one of the best "witch" books I have read! I loved Alix E. Harrow's previous book "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" and wanted to read this one immediately.

This book is a perfect blend of witches, magic, sisterhood, and the women's suffrage movement. I don't think I've read another book that so beautifully ties all of those things together.

The story was truly magical and the writing style fit in perfectly and elevated the magic of the story. The three sisters were all unique and fully fleshed out and each had clear motivations and wants.

I want to recommend this book to everyone, regardless of the genre they read, I truly believe this book as a magic that can reach any reader.

Overall, 5/5 stars and I will be re-reading as soon as possible,