Finbar Hawkins’ debut novel, Witch, is a disturbing and enjoyable read. We are plunged into the action from the beginning, with the murder of Evey and Dill’s mother, who the local townsfolk consider to be a witch. What unfolds after that is a stunning and lyrical tale of sibling rivalry, familial love, magic, and the ties that bind. Most of all, though, this is a story of revenge and redemption — revenge for Evey’s mother’s death, and the redemption of Evey, who is fuelled by anger and grief. Though she initially stands alone in her arc, Evey eventually pulls together a family of friends around her, who help her exact retribution against those who murdered her mother.

The magic here isn’t rainbows and kittens. It’s deep, dark, and dank — the magic of the hedgerows, of blood and desire, rage and fury, betrayal and bitterness. It’s the type of enchantment that would not be out of place in a Guillermo del Toro movie or Neil Gaiman novel — the type of magic that has consequences. And Evey is not afraid to face them, no matter what they be.

Highly recommended.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Head of Zeus, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wasn't a book for me
I ended up giving up on it. But I think it was more a me problem then the actual book.
I didn't realise it was a middle grade novel when I requested it

It's great read and a thrilling story about revenge and redemption with an unique voice. Sure, it's a book about witches but also about family, friends, struggles, challenges, courage and most importantly self belief. I highly recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

Unfortunately I couldn’t really get into this book and it has become a DNF.
Based on the version I read, I found that the writing was quite clunky and didn’t flow in a manner to help me immerse myself into the story.
I will might try it again in the future, and if I do I will amend my review to updated opinions.

I read this while camping in a tent in the middle of a storm and it terrified me! Genuinely creepy and disturbing with lots of twists and turns this is a dark tale of murder, magic and revenge. I was a little confused about the mechanics of the magic towards the end but the overall affect was dazzling. Warning for younger readers- the mother's death at the very beginning is incredibly violent and shows a level of studied cruelty that would suggest 13+ in terms of readership.

A historical tale of female empowerment, witches and revenge. This book is beautifully written the narrative were in depth and lent themselves nicely the the dark atmosphere of the book. I am very Interested to see what Finbar Hawkins
Writes next. A brilliant novel!

I struggled to read this at first due to the style of writing but once I got used to it I found I really enjoyed it.

3.5 Stars

My favourite element of the story was the writing style. The odd confusing sentence would catch me off guard (only because it's somewhat archaic) but mostly I found it had a lovely flow, and the uniqueness of Evey's voice made a story I feel I've read before feel more fresh. I also really loved her relationship with her sister, and her friendship with Anne. Ooooh and I adored the illustrations (I actually ended up reading this in physical format, so I'm not sure if they're in the ARC, but regardless, they are beautiful!).

I don't really have complaints about this book. Everything was good, and it was a lovely autumnal read, beautifully written. I feel like the writing style and Evey's voice will stick with me more than the story itself though, hence my rating.

Set in the 17th Century, ‘Witch’ tells the story of Evey and her younger sister Dill, who witness the murder of the their mother by witch hunters. Evey vows revenge on the men who were there that fateful day. Trying to deny the magic that courses through her, Evey takes Dill to her Aunt, whereupon she leaves her, jealous of her more powerful magical ability and wanting to punish her for seeming like her mother’s favourite. The hunters soon become the hunted, and Evey’s own powers manifest into something she never realised she was capable of. Finding help along the way from those sympathetic towards her, she finds that not everything is black and white, and that those you love and trust the most aren’t always what they seem.
A wonderful debut novel by Hawkins, capturing the atmosphere of superstition and dread that surrounds these events.

A thrilling tale. Felt very authentic, however the writing style did make the action scenes hard to follow

Firstly, i want to say thanks to the author and publisher for this chance to review this book.

I'll start with things i liked about his book. The dialogue and writing style made it easy to believe this story was set in the past, and it gave a really good feeling for the atmosphere and setting of the story. The author managed to write in a way i haven't seen many authors use these days, so that was a nice change.

The beginning of the story was quite good. I was hooked on what was going to happen at the beginning. The events that followed really made me feel for the main character and want her to succeed in getting her revenge. The cruelty of the witch hunters makes them great antagonists for the story. The scenes here, and later in the story, when the main character confronts her enemies and takes them head on really stood out the most to me.

The only two issues i had with this story is that sometimes i felt like events happened too quickly to be believable. For instance, I'd be reading something about a character meeting someone one night, only for the main character to trust this person completely by morning. It wasn't terribly annoying to read, but it still just seemed too unlikely to me to sit right.

The other issue i had is that sometimes the character's attitudes changed quickly and didn't really seem to fit in with their earlier actions, and this was slightly more off-putting. Dill especially seemed to do this. If i remember right, there were times she seemed to be suddenly upbeat ad laughing when moments ago she and her sister were running for their lives scared. This kind of thing didn't happen too often though.

Overall, i liked the book and would recommend to anyone who would enjoy a fantasy story about witches and revenge. Solid 3.5 stars!

I will update this review nearer publication date to be included on goodreads.

I really enjoyed this debut by Finbar Hawkins. I found that Witch had a really interesting plot and it's a very quick read, perfect for this time of year. Witch does cover some dark topics though, so readers should check out for any trigger warnings. The characters were interesting, it's an atmospheric novel filled with revenge and a fast pacing.

I enjoyed this book in the end, but it was a bit difficult to get into the story. The characters grew on me and ultimately I found the story interesting too. Would recommend if you have an interest in reading about witches.
Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

Witches and the witch trials of the seventeenth century feel like a hot topic recently, and it would be easy to allow a sense of ennui set in…if it weren’t for how different the books I’ve read or heard of all are.

And this is an excellent example of that – telling the story of Evey and her sister Dill, it blends historical fact with fantasy, stunning art with beautiful prose.

Written from Evey’s perspective, the writing can take a little adjusting to, but it has a real historical feel. While I am emphatically not a historian so have no frame of reference as to its accuracy, it certainly has the feel of being from another time long past and really helps transport you to the time.

It also has a real poetry about it, both in its structure and phrasing, and in its use of imagery, symbolism and language. This is beautifully matched by the artwork in the book – detailed sketches of the natural world which add atmosphere and which I found myself pausing to study at the start of each chapter.

However, while it is undoubtedly beautiful, it is also unflinching in its confrontation of the witch hunts and trials.

The start of the book really sets the tone as, along with Evey (Eveline of the Birds to give her her full title) and little sister Dill, we witness the brutal beating and murder of their mother. It is a scene that takes your breath away and one that will haunt me, as it haunts Evey throughout the book.

Her mother’s dying wish is for Evey and Dill to find her somewhat estranged sister in a nearby coven. They make their way their, with Evey vowing vengeance and after leaving Dill in their care, she embarks on a mission to hunt the hunters.

And so behind a tale rich in nature and ‘magick’, is a darker tale of betrayal, revenge and over-powering emotions – predominantly love, anger and grief.

Sibling relations also feature strongly, with the complicated and often conflicting emotions and instincts they involve closely examined and sensitively drawn.

This is also a story of human nature. Of mob rule, the power of a crowd and our ability to quickly forget those who have helped us to suit our current needs.

I really liked the way elements of fantasy and magic were brought in, and the way they were SO closely linked with nature. The scene with the crows in particular was vivid and wondrous, despite its violence, and I could not look away.

This was a short but powerful read, written with a unique and compelling voice. I have ordered the finished, physical book and will be keeping my eyes out for whatever Finbar Hawkins does next.

‘Witch’ by Finbar Hawkins and is an astonishing debut, telling the tale of two young sisters in the 17th century as they learn to accept being witches in a world that does not accept them. After witnessing the brutal murder of their mother, Evey and Dill, are in hiding with Evey set on a path of revenge. A battle of magic, sibling rivalry and love commences as Evey comes increasingly close to crossing that dangerous line – a line which once crossed can never be traversed again.

Despite being a novel aimed at the YA group, this novel also appealed to me as an adult, the themes are dark and atmospheric enough to hold my attention with many meaningful moments between the characters.

I am a huge fan of any witchy books and this has been a book I have been dying to read for ages and I can confirm that it was utterly AMAZING!

Witch is such a moving, powerful and fast paced story. I read it in two sittings as I could not tear my eyes away from the pages. The setting is very eerie and it is during a period of history where women were taken from their homes and accused of witchcraft and either murdered or taken to trial. It really is a dark story. The very start of the book is so shocking to read about with Evey and her sister witnessing the brutal murder of their mother. This is a tale of revenge and Evey is determined to find the men who killed her mother and make them pay.

I absolutely adored the character of Evey. She is such a brave, strong-willed young girl who at times is a bit headstrong and rash in her decisions but she acts exactly what a young girl her age would do. Her relationship with her little sister Dilly, is tainted with a bit of jealousy and the usual sibling rivalry. But what Evey goes through trying to protect her little sister is very courageous and moving. Evey’s friendship with the kind, loyal Anne really shines a light in this dark book and so do more wonderful characters who eventually come into this brilliant story.

The author’s style of writing is lyrical, stunning and haunting. There is so much of a witchy, creepy atmosphere built up throughout this story that will let your imagination be swept away by these captivating, magical pages.

I honestly could read this book over and over again, it was completely breath-taking and bewitching. It is also the perfect book to read for this time of year sitting all cosy by the fire on these dark nights. I urge readers to buy this incredible book as you will be in for such a magnificent treat. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.

Thank you to the publisher Zephyr for letting me receive a copy of the arc to provide an honest review.

I can't say I was hooked since the first pages because I struggled at the beginning. I persevered and loved this dark, enthralling and well written story.
Great character development and world building, a good plot and storytelling.
I want to read other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Described as " a dark and immersive debut about women, witchcraft and revenge" and with a mysterious and eye catching cover, Witch by Finbar Hawkins sounded right up my alley. Thankfully my gut feeling was reliable and I loved this dark and poetic story set during the English Civil War.
The book opens dramatically and we are introduced to our narrator Evelyn, or Evie of the Birds as she is called by her little sister Dill, as she witnesses their mother's capture and killing by a band of witch hunters. Haunted and angered by the violence she swears to seek revenge on those involved , but first she must keep the promise she made to her mother, and make sure Dill is safe. The only solution she can think of is to bring her to their aunt, her mother's sister, someone she can trust. Secure in the knowledge that Dill is being cared for, Evie embarks on a hunt for the men who killed her mother, along the way she will make friends and enemies, and grow to understand more about the woman who raised her and the gifts she has been given.
This book is incredibly atmospheric, from the imagery to the use of language, reading it felt like I had travelled back in time to a dark and dangerous age. There is a real feeling of fear and superstition that permeates the book, and draws the reader in. Evie is a wonderful character, completely captivating in her determination to avenge her mother and sympathetic in her loss and grief. Her difficult relationship with her sister is well crafted and very believable, it is easy to feel how she is torn between the duty of the promise she made and the love she feels for Dill, and the jealousy she feels knowing that not only was Dill her mother's favourite, she also inherited her magical abilities. As I said the book opens dramatically and that pace never really lags, the story flows effortlessly to a rousing and powerful conclusion. Despite the magical aspects of the story, the vivid writing style and incorporation of specific historical touchpoints mean the book feels grounded in reality, and the very specific language use adds to that feeling, I really enjoyed the way the author used words and language in an almost poetic way , and this was another reason why I felt the book flowed naturally and was a very engaging read.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Witch is the debut YA novel from Finbar Hawkins. Set in 17th century England, a time of civil war and suspicion, Evey and Dill watch as their mother is murdered by four witch-hunters. Daughters of a true witch, they have each inherited her powers, but only Evey becomes intent on avenging her mother’s death, betraying her sister in the process. The hunters become the hunted and as Evey grows into her power, the line between magic for healing and magic to harm becomes increasingly easy to cross

I enjoyed this young adult novel not only for its historical setting, but for the ambiguity around Evey and magic as a tool for good or ill. Evey was not always likeable in her thoughts or actions, but this allowed the novel to be more complex than a simple narrative of good versus evil.

Huge thanks to @headofzeus and @netgalley for my ARC and can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of that cover

In 17th-century England, civil war rages and witches have become pawns in a plot to oust the king. Red-haired Evey does not want to be a witch, but she cannot deny the magick coursing through her veins. In a country seething with civil war, superstition, dread and dark forces are at work. A storm is coming. After witnessing the brutal murder of her mother by witch-hunters, Evey vows to avenge her and track down her killers. Fury burns in her bright and strong. But she has promised her mother that she will keep Dill, her little sister, safe. Dill: the gifted one, their mother's favourite. Dill, who their mother entrusted with the scrying stone, which should rightfully be Evey's. Battling a terrible jealousy of Dill, Evey seizes the scrying stone and abandons her little sister with their aunt Grey at the coven in the woods. Even though Evey longs to be free, she has a promise to keep, and she cannot rest until justice is done. She sets off to town where the men who murdered her mother are gathering for the witch trials. But as the lust for blood and retribution rises to fever pitch, will Evey keep true to the bonds of sisterhood and to the magick that is her destiny?

Witch is the debut novel of Finbar Hawkins and a breathtaking story about the power of women, witchcraft, fury, revenge and the ties that bind us. It is the perfect autumn treat for when the nights draw in and you wish to curl up with a good book by the fire. It captures the intense nature of sibling rivalry so eloquently and in such a compelling fashion that I was bereft when I reached the end of the book. If you enjoy stories filled with dark magic, beautifully wrought and quick-paced, then this is a must-read. Impressively balancing magic and realism, it is a strong starter and starts as it means to go on; right from the opening page, Hawkins knows exactly how to grab your attention with this strange, enticing delight. Original, opulent, exciting and, perhaps most importantly, enchanting. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Zephyr for an ARC.