The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith is a captivating young adult fantasy full of mystery and intrigue. I was drawn in from the beginning and could not put this one down. The Witch Haven is a rollercoaster of a read. This was a fantastic debut novel that is well-written and flows at a smooth but steady pace. A historical fantasy set in New York full of family drama, dark academia, boarding schools, witches, and of course, lots of plot twists and betrayals. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

OMG y'all, this was such an amazing book! Like I expected to like The Witch Haven, but I definitely did not expect to like it nearly as much as I did! Frances was such a fun main character and I loved Lena and Maxine. There was a little bit of a love triangle, but it wasn't the defining aspect of the book- so much more of the book was about Frances trying to come to terms with her power and learn more about it and figure out who killed her brother. There were so many twists and turns and while I guessed some of them, all of them were done so well. I also really love how the ending left it where there could definitely be more books if the author decided to write them. And let's talk about the villain y'all- the villain was so evil but also so good at hiding the evil because they didn't think they were evil. They thought that what they were doing was right, and isn't that the worst kind of evil out there? Pacing wise, I felt as though this book was really great- I wasn't ever bored or left feeling like things were being dragged out. I also loved the setting- New York City in the early 1900s is magical in itself, so adding actual magic to that was amazing! As you can tell, I really loved this book and there's so much more I want to talk about, but all of those things are plot things and if I talk about them, you'll be spoiled and I definitely don't want that! So go out and grab The Witch Haven as soon as possible (and then come back after you've read it so we can talk all about all of the things- like where the Haxahaven cats were- Maxine mentions them when Frances shows up but then the cats are like never in the book!) Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! As you can tell from the other book I have reviewed on here, I really love witchy things. This book had the perfect setting for an amazing witch story, and Sasha Peyton Smith provided!

Right from the beginning this book was a rollercoaster. The main character, Frances, ends up in a very dangerous situation where her boss ends up dead. To avoid jail, she is sent away to a sanatorium. Little does she know, the sanatorium is actually a safe haven for witches! As she spends more and more time there, she finds that she wants to go back into the outside world. Once she gets back out into the world, the real action begins.

The Witch Haven read as almost historical fantasy to me. Some of the things that happen in the story remind me of the Salem witch trials (which are one of my favorite historical events to study), and it was really interesting to see how Sasha incorporated moments of history into this fantastical story. There are also elements of the story that talk about the women’s movement happening in the early 1900s. Included in this, she also adds important context to the negative sides of the movement, which I appreciated.

I really loved the characters and plot of this book as well. The plot was steady but also quick, and it kept me turning the pages. The underlying mystery was gripping, although it was predictable at times. Frances and her friends have an amazing support system. There was a bit of romance, but it wasn’t put above the friendships Frances made throughout the book.

Rating: 4/5

Overall, I really liked The Witch Haven. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'll be perfectly honest, I stopped reading this book about halfway through. As I type, it's open on my Kindle and I am planning on finishing it for sure, but I've been trying to finish this book for two weeks now. I'll come back with edits to my review once I finish it.

I'll start with what I enjoyed so far. I love fantasy and magic and witches in my stories, and that's primarily what drew me into this story. I LOVE stories that focus on the gritty and grim side of magic and those that world it, and with this story's setting in early 1900s New York, there is plenty of grim and gritty to go around. Sasha Peyton Smith does a great job at illustrating the darkness in the city and in the emotions of our protagonist, Frances. The pacing of the beginning was incredibly well done, and the beginning packed a powerful punch (warning for distressing themes such as sexual assault and murder).

Unfortunately, the beginning is mostly where my enjoyment of the book has been limited to thus far. As the story progresses, the pacing becomes a little more erratic and uneven in compassion to the beginning. The introduction of characters such as Maxine and Lena felt half-executed and their development did not feel complete. As a result, I didn't find myself relating to anyone or really caring for them.

Additionally, it feels as though the author dances around a lot of great topics that are introduced but never fully explored. For example, the concept of feminism, especially during the early 1900s with the women's suffrage movement, is mentioned through the book in pieces, and Frances finds that even the fanatical world of magic was submissive to the world of men; she learns only what she can use to make her life as a housewife and lady easier, such as how to clean, sew, and arrange flowers with magic. Yet, for the first half of the book, that plot point felt like it was acknowledged, but never actually discussed it the confines of the characters' voices. There was even a mention of acknowledging the existence of transwomen and non-binary people in the academy, but there is no attempt at further exploration.

Also, maybe it'll get better in the second half of the book, but Finn having the ability to dream-walk and the revelation that he had been visiting Frances in her dreams felt more like a violation than anything romantic to me. He felt like an Edward Cullen archetype, just Irish and with magic. I just wasn't sure of him or his motives.

I'll continue reading to give this book a fair shot, but these are my thoughts after the first half of the book. The rest is still to be determined.

Set in New York City In 1911, we have our main character, Frances, who's still grieving after her brother William was murdered a few months before. With her mother in a mental institution, Frances has no one and nothing, except a seamstress job and the room that comes with it. When her boss attacks her, somehow her scissors end up lodged in his neck, and Frances flees after killing him. Before she can be arrested for murder though, two women arrive with Haxahaven's Sanitarium, taking Frances away as she has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Except Haxahaven isn't a sanitarium - it's a school for witches. Frances will learn how to control her powers and use them for practical things, such as washing dishes, laundry, mending clothes, and taking care of the house. I mean, this is 1911, and magic isn't something that women should truly use, just have to help them be better wives and mothers right? Well, when Frances begins receiving notes from a mysterious person, indicating they will help her train her powers and find her brother's murderer, that's where our story truly begins!

Honestly, the relationships in this book are the first thing I found that I loved about it, besides overall murder mystery plot line. Maxine and Lena, Frances newfound friends, are people I want to be friends with! Maxine is so strong willed and fiesty, she's not afraid to share her opinion and call out Frances when she's about to do something crazy, as she's walking next to her on her way to do the said crazy thing. Meanwhile Lena is stoic and supportive - while quiet and reserved, she shows she loves Frances by helping her and acting as the chaperone on their outings in the woods.

Meanwhile, we also have Oliver, William and Frances' childhood. While he and William were close, Frances feels abandoned by Oliver after William's death, especially as she was evicted from her home and left to fend for herself. Oliver is a sweet guy, and clearly cares for Frances and William, but grief does make us isolated and sometimes, poor decisions. I can understand why Frances is upset with Oliver and why she doesn't want to be around him at first, but once we understand what Oliver is feeling, it's hard not to want to give him a hug.

Then, we have Finn, William's friend from work and Frances' new teacher. I had a love-hate relationship with this character. On the one hand, I loved Finn and his willingness to help Frances find her brother's killer and develop her magic. On the other hand, I did not like his personality at all and hated him by the end of the book. He just seemed ... creepy.

Besides characters, I liked the plot. I can understand Frances' frustration with the school - learning the same repetitive things, talking about the moments that lead them to Haxahaven, and feeling like it's all a waste of time. If I found myself in a magical school, learning real magic, I wouldn't want to use it learning to sew in the air or having the broom sweep across the room while I washed the dishes. Boring! The murder mystery plot was really interesting and I loved how everything tied in together. While a bit predictable, I really enjoyed the reveal at the end and would love a sequel if there is one!

One thing I was waiting for in this book, was Maxine and Frances' relationship. I don't know why, but I felt chemistry between them and was secretly hoping they would end up together! Alas, no relationship between them, but Maxine is a lesbian, so maybe there's a chance? Maybe? Honestly, I felt more chemistry between both of them than Frances and Oliver or Frances and Finn lol

Overall, loved this book and would love if there was another one! This was a great historical fantasy thriller novel with a sprinkle of romance, so if you like any of those genres, I would check this book out!

The Witch Haven is the debut novel by author Sasha Peyton Smith. This story takes place entirely in New York City. The year is 1911, 17-year-year-old Frances Hallowell spends her days as a seamstress, mourning the mysterious death of her brother months prior while her mother is sequestered in a sanatorium. When her boss gets overly aggressive with her, the next thing Frances knows is that the man is dead with her scissors sticking in his neck.

While the police are questioning her as the prime suspect in her bosses death, two cape-wearing nurses arrive to inform her that she has tuberculosis and must come with them immediately to Haxahaven Sanitarium. When Frances arrives at Haxahaven, she discovers that it's a school for witches, and yes, she's witch. Color me shocked! Within Haxahaven’s glittering walls, Frances finds the sisterhood she craves, but the headmistress warns Frances that magic is dangerous.

After finding notes left on her bunk, Frances finds herself enchanted by Finn, a boy who was friends with her brother, and someone who claims that he also has magic. He soon appears in her dreams and tells her he can teach her all she’s been craving to learn, lessons that may bring her closer to discovering what truly happened to her brother. Frances gathers other students at the school, and they soon learn how to use magic that is forbidden at the school. No way! How dare they!

Following Frances as she makes friends and the girls seek to learn how to use their power feels like the perfect story for the time period. The book was character driven, but it also had a compelling plot. The more she learns about the magical underworld of New York City, the more she begins to fear the strange, new world she inhabits may be related to her brother’s death four months earlier, the murder she’d do anything to solve.

To make matters more twisted is Oliver Callahan, the boy who is now attending Columbia and was also a friend of her brothers who now thinks he can be helpful to Frances. This is a strange twisted world with secret societies of both witches, and men who to belong to a society of male witches. The most frustrating and thus reason for my rating is Frances. She goes full throttle and then learns that everything is not what it seems.

Instead of taking things slowly, all her focus is on finding out who murdered her brother, and why the police have basically done nothing to find the killer. As Frances steps out of her comfort zone, she gets deeper, and deeper into things that will test her in every way possible. Fair warning, I don't see where the author has said this is part of a series which is too bad since she leaves a stunning cliffhanger ending for readers to deal with.

On a personal note, I am glad that we are now living in a better world where medical professionals know how to deal with patients with TB. In the early 20th century, at the time of this story, TB patients were shoved into sanatorium's and left there without being able to see their families. Some, like the authors grandmother, were lucky to survive until old age. I knew an elderly lady who had TB. She was afraid of having anyone kiss her on the lips for fear of spreading the virus. The condition is highly stigmatized, with considerable discrimination towards sufferers. Although there have been several studies assessing the extent of such discrimination, there is little published research explicitly investigating the causes of the stigma and discrimination associated with TB.

4 1/2 magical stars!

That was a debut?? Seriously! What a fun and engaging storyline. I was entranced from the first page.

The setting is New York City in 1911 - - as most people know, this was a time of strife for women as they didn't possess voting rights and weren't valued in society. In addition, factory workers were often endangered by the lack of regulation and protection - - leading to many unnecessary deaths. To add to the historical events of the time, this storyline also includes unrest between magical factions, power struggles and more.

The main character, Frances Hallowell is unaware that she possesses any magical ability until her life is threatened one night and her protection instinct triggers it. Then the proverbial "all hell breaks loose." The story takes off and the reader had best hold on and pay attention. A lot will be happening. You get introduced to various characters - - friends Frances makes at the magical academy she is sent to. In addition, there are old friends that she meets up with again who come to play a pivotal role in the book. Frances is a character that I easily connected to. She has been through a great deal of tragedy and loss. Her family was everything to her and she is now left alone. Yet, she really isn't because she's forming a new family -- it just takes her a while to realize it.

I can't even do this book justice. All I can say is - - if you're a fan of young adult fantasy, give this gem a shot. It was well-written and flowed easily. I'm impressed by this debut author and look forward to reading her next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Absolutely gripping, I couldn’t tear myself away from this story! I need a sequel immediately!! This is easily one of my favorite releases of the year

This review does contain some spoilers at the end. I will put a tag before the spoiler and block that part so you know to not click and skip that section if spoilers bother you.

An incredibly breathtaking debut novel that had me wanting more! The Witch Haven is a historical fiction set in 1911 New York that focuses on a young girl named Frances Hallowell. Normally I am not the biggest fan of historical fictions, however, this novel pulled me in from the very beginning.

We start off the novel meeting young Frances who works as a dressmaker in a shop. When her boss ends up dead at her feet with her sewing shears in his neck, Frances knows something strange has happened. As the police begin to consider her a suspect, two girls show up in a nursing van to take her to a sanatorium for those with tuberculosis. However, Frances quickly learns upon arrival that Haxahaven is actually a school for witches and that she has powers she never dreamed of being real.

"Women are supposed to be competent at everything, but experts at nothing. Haven't you heard?"

I loved the found family aspect of this book and how we see Frances really come into herself and mature as a person. When the book starts out, Frances is merely a shell of a person due to her brother's murder and her mother recently being placed in a sanatorium. She has nothing left to live for; that is until Maxine and Lena come along. Frances builds up a camaraderie with them and they become like sisters to each other.

"These women don’t care about me. They’re fighting so that girls like you can vote alongside your rich, white husbands. Not girls like me."

I loved how depsite this book being set in 1911, that Smith included diversity in her writing. The book touches on serious topics such as the women's suffrage movement and the racial issues of 1911. There is also LGBTQ+ representation, however it is very briefly touched on. I would love to see more of Maxine and Lena’s stories and experiences in a subsequent book (or books). I definitely feel that both of these characters have so much more to add to the story than what we get from just Frances.

“I think perhaps that is how we survive in the world. Passing little bits of our magic back and forth to each other when the world takes it from us.”

****SPOILERS BELOW THIS****

The twist at the end of the book was actually a bit predictable to me. It actually reminded me a bit too much of Shadow & Bone (Alina & The Darkling). We have the guy come in, teach the main character how to use and harness her powers, she trusts him and falls for him, just to have him end up being a villain. He uses her, takes advantage of her and then takes complete control of her powers. I don’t necessarily love this type of trope and I wish that instead of Frances falling in love with Finn, that it was a purely platonic relationship that led to betrayal. This is likely just me a my personal preferences, but that was the only major thing that I disliked about this book. It just felt like a played out trope that was too predictable to me and I wish it went down differently in the end.

****END SPOILERS****

Overall, aside from the issue mentioned above, I did really enjoy this book. It tells the story of young girl who really does grow as a character and discovers who she is as a person. I loved her relationship with Lena and Maxine as well and do hope to see more of them in the future.

One more thing for me to note about the formatting; perhaps it was just because I received an ARC from NetGalley, but the formatting of the ebook was all out of whack. The first letter of every new chapter would be placed halfway down the sentence and be missing from the first word. On top of that, it was missing indentations for new paragraphs and sometimes the dialogue would not be broken up when a new character began to speak so I was left trying to figure out who was speaking. It got awfully annoying and distracting when reading. I did not take off a star for this reason as maybe the final ebook version will be formatted correctly and it was just the ARC copy that was like this. I just thought it was worth mentioning just in case this is an issue in the final copy. As I said, I did really enjoy this book and think it is a great debut novel. I look forward to reading more books from this author!

**Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book to read and review.**

Witch stories are my fairytales, and I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to be able to overdose on them.

There’s a lot of fascinating things going on in The Witch Haven. It takes place in 1911 New York City, which is either very cool or very not cool depending on what demographics you belonged to at the time. Frances Hallowell is a seventeen year-old young woman working as a seamstress, when a shocking act of unexplainable violence catches the attention of law enforcement. But instead of being arrested Frances is whisked away to a sanatorium in Queens that is more than it appears.

As it turns out, the sanitarium is a cover for a different kind of institution—a witch school for girls known as Haxahaven. Frances and her new peers are housed, schooled in their craft and most crucially, shielded from an outside world that wishes to do them harm. The more time Frances spends confined to her new home, though, the more she feels unfulfilled. A yearning to expand her powers and explore beyond Haxahaven’s walls and locked gates leaves Frances with no choice but to start making her own rules. After all, what’s the point in possessing power if you’re not going to exercise it?

Historical fantasy is an interesting genre to me because there’s so many different directions you can take the story. The only thing that’s predetermined is that at some point the historical precedent will diverge into the fantastical, but it’s up to the author to decide exactly when. What pieces of history are you going to use to build this new world, and which will be strategically left behind? The Witch Haven makes some early choices to view this time period through a more modern gaze. Discriminatory and bigoted opinions are challenged by the author and characters, no matter how common they may have been at the time. This kind of history-lite will be a less grating reading experience for fantasy fans who appreciate a historical atmosphere, but don’t necessarily want to deal with all the baggage that typically accompanies it.

What this book really centers is the female characters, with the era being more of a backdrop. It’s a compelling story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world while searching to uncover the person(s) responsible for her brother’s death. There’s a focus on the power of women, both soft and hard, and how women have chosen to wield that power to protect themselves and the people they love. Sasha Peyton Smith also includes criticisms of the women’s movement of the time, not limited to: class, ethnicity, race, education, etc. Though still making the argument that women are stronger together, these plot details do add a much needed context to stories like this.

Overall I enjoyed The Witch Haven. As a standalone historical novel it’s not going to have the expansive world-building that you may find in other fantasies, but it is still a fun ride! Some of the plot twists were pretty easy to spot from a distance, but I like the final twist of the knife in the last chapter & epilogue. There’s also potential for a follow-up, but I think I like the open-endedness as is.

The Witch Haven was a solid debut and series starter. Historical fantasy is so great if it's done well, and I loved escaping into this world.

Frances Hallowell is grieving. Her brother was murdered four months ago, and her mother has been sent to an institution. Frances works as a seamstress, surviving from one day to the next. After her boss assaults her while she's working late one night, her pair of sewing scissors end up in his neck killing him, and Frances doesn't know how they got there. The next day, she is rescued from police questioning by a pair of young women who whisk her away to Haxahaven, a school for young witches. As Frances begins her magical studies, she can't help but be disappointed. She thought her magic would help her make a difference in the world, but she is limited by the teachers who believe that all young women should be learning is how to keep a home. Frances wants to do real magic, not needlework and sweeping. Notes begin appearing on her pillow promising her answers about what really happened to her brother. But as she begins to uncover these secrets, her world turns upside down, and Frances has to decide what she intends to do with the magic she possesses.

Like I said, this book was well done. I loved how Haxahaven was disappointing--so often we get magical schools that are perfect and wonderful, but for a young woman in 1911 to feel boxed in and restricted works so well. It feels authentic. I also really loved the way the author build up the tension and foreboding. As readers, we feel that something terrible is lurking right behind the scenes, and when the plot twists it is awesome. She did a great job. I loved the feminist themes too.

I also really loved seeing Frances grow as a character. I do wish there had been more worldbuilding within the school itself, but the setting and characters were great. I'm excited to add this to my collection and to give it to my teens.

Wow, Sasha Peyton Smith has done the WORK on this story. 1911, boarding school, witches, handsome crushes? What a good roller coaster of a story. So glad I got to read this ARC!

This was an unexpected fantasy read I absolutely loved. It has so many aspects that make a fantasy novel good in my opinion - historical fantasy, dark academia vibes, and of course, witches! I actually don’t read a lot about witches when I read fantasy books, so this was a refreshing breath of fresh air into my fantasy spectrum.

I thought this was book was really well done. The characters were created very well, and I thought the plot was dark and twisty yet easy to follow for a reader (especially when set in a fantasy world, this is crucial). I enjoyed the boarding school setting, and I thought the twists and turns were crafted to perfection. I guessed some of the twists, and some I didn’t, so I liked that the plot had enough to keep me guessing but gave me the self-satisfaction of being able to figure pieces out myself.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy.

3.5 Stars

On its face, The Witch Haven is a book about witches. But the much deeper theme of female oppression is what sticks with you. Frances and her classmates are expected to become “good little women/wives.” Their magic should never be more than a help for the normal tasks expected of them. They should never be too powerful, too strong.

But that’s not the life Frances or the other girls want. As they begin to delve deeper, the girls realize they have the power to change a great many things.

The Witch Haven has an atmospheric almost gothic feel to it. Author Sasha Peyton Smith does a great job setting the overall tone and her pacing helps amplify the overall impression.

Frances is a strong, but flawed, protagonist. There were a few times when I questioned her choices, but otherwise felt she carried the story well. Supporting characters are for the most part well-fleshed-out, adding dimension and interest.

The Witch Haven is a dark read. And there are some elements that could be triggering (attempted sexual assault, blood, murder, mutilation of corpses, alluded to child abuse, mental health issues). There are also a few plot holes and cliché’s that don’t need to be there. Despite the above issues, Smith’s writing resonates, making for a fast and engaging read.

2.5⭐

I am clearly in the very small minority but this book unfortunately just didn't work for me. I'm break this into parts starting with what I did like.

What I Liked
This book started off with a serious bang! I was immediately gripped by the bleak and dark atmosphere and no holds barred opening scene. I loved how this story didn't waste any time and got straight into the magical world.

I liked that the magical world wasn't perfect. It was dark and messy and morally grey. The school and surrounding forest were really atmospheric and I my favorites scenes took place there. That coven scene in the woods really sticks out to me and wish we had gotten more moments like that!

What I Didn't Like
Unfortunately there was a lot of things I didn't particularly love...

First off, while this started off really strong, I felt like it lost momentum and focus around the 30% mark. There were so many scenes that I felt dragged or didn't propel the story forward. The pacing just dropped so substantially that I lost interest by the time the plot picked up again in the last 15% or so.

But what I struggled with the most is that this book is heavy on the world and magic and plot but not the characters. As a character driven reader I need to understand the characters I'm following and I could never pin these ones down. Because they felt so underdeveloped, I never understood their decisions or motivations. It felt like Frances' entire personality was the fact her brother died. Why did she mistrust her friends yet trust a stranger in the woods? Why did she overanalyze everything yet give in so quickly to Finn? The character personalities didn't seem consistent but were instead decided in whatever way advanced the plot...

My last qualm is a bit of a spoiler so read at your own risk: (view spoiler)

In the end I was just so disconnected from the story that the final culmination didn't do much for me. The ending was really action pact and had a fun, open ended epilogue (which I always appreciate). I definitely enjoyed Sasha Peyton Smith's writing and want to read another book from the them in the future - this witchy, historical fantasy just wasn't for me.

Sasha Peyton Smith’s debut novel, 'The Witch Haven,' is almost here! Set in 1911, the book follows 17-year-old Frances Hallowell. She works as a seamstress, her thoughts preoccupied with mourning the death of her brother, William. When Frances is attacked, a man winds up dead, and she can’t explain how. Soon after, two mysterious women find her. They bring her to Haxahaven Academy, a school for witches. While there, Frances learns more about the power within her. Soon, she begins to unravel the mystery surrounding William’s death while facing a few sinister people of her own. This is the first book in a duology.

Early on, Smith establishes the dual mystery. Readers initially learn about the death of Frances’ brother. Smith entices readers to continue, hinting at a fate both tragic and grotesquely intriguing. The second mystery is that of Haxahaven. After Frances’ experiences, Haxahaven presents itself as a lovely school to attend. Though that may be the case in some respects, something feels off about the school. For much of the book, it’s an itch that sits at the back of readers’ minds. But Smith doesn’t let it go unscratched. She gradually brings the two mysteries together, leading to a shocking third act.

While Smith includes a solid balance of a plot-driven and character-driven story, her characters truly propel the book. First is Frances, the enthralling protagonist. From the first page to the last, readers gain a sense of her grief for her brother, along with her hunger to learn more about magic. She’s clever, curious, and powerful. Her arc is steady. Readers will find themselves instantly drawn to her. Frances also fits well with her two main friends, Lena and Maxine. The two are excellent complements for Frances. Both have distinct personalities that feel natural. Finally, the secondary and other characters create a wide variety.

One facet of the book I find particularly notable is the way Smith approaches women’s rights. Her examination fits within the historical setting of the book. She provides rounded viewpoints in multiple contexts. However, she places the primary emphasis on women claiming and protecting ownership of their bodies. This is especially prominent with Frances. She’s not timid; she doesn’t hesitate to protect herself. But this doesn’t pertain solely to her physical body. She also begins to hold that same ownership over her magic. No matter her level of understanding, she ensures that no one takes what’s rightfully hers.

'The Witch Haven' is a riveting debut. Smith is a skilled wordsmith. Her writing sings as her vivid style pops off the page. Each aspect is well thought out; Smith gives everything and everyone a clear purpose. She rushes nothing, creating a carefully deliberate slow burn. Historical fiction and fantasy readers alike will appreciate the world she constructs as she seamlessly weaves the two genres together. And though she wraps up the story, she sets the stage for what’s to come.

I absolutely loved this debut novel by Sasha Peyton Smith. It was such an atmospheric read, I cannot recommend it enough to add to your October TBR. This book incorporated fantasy, historical fiction, and mystery into one spell binding story. I absolutely loved the setting of early 20th century NYC, and I’m personally a sucker for books that take place at schools. I love a dark academia academic setting. The book opens in 1911 New York, where Frances has been sent to a Haxahaven school for witches (disguised as a tuberculosis sanitarium). However, the school for witches concentrated more on female witches controlling their power, not growing it. Along the way, Frances finds sisters in Lena and Maxine, ticking off another one of my favorite boxes: the found family trope.
There is also a love triangle, but I did not find it to take over the plot, as sometimes romance subplots tend to do. The ending was not a cliffhanger, but I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel personally!
Overall, The Witch Haven is a historical fiction fantasy novel with an overarching feminist feel. If you enjoy any of those three themes, I recommend giving this book a go!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Witch Haven will be out this week on August 31! Just in time for spooky season!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Standout Quote: “Forty-two blocks away, in a tenement slicked with grime, a girl slept soundly for the last time. Across the narrow room, her brother’s bed was empty. And somewhere on a street corner in Lower Manhattan, under the rumbling of the subway, the frantic buzzing of new electric lights, and the rush of blood-hungry river, the magic began to stir.”

My thoughts:
•This is the first book in awhile that hooked me in the epilogue, and then kept that energy to the very end. This book is exciting, and fresh, while still having elements of familiar magic that make witch stories so lovable.
• @sashapeytonsmith created these complex and multi layered worlds, problems, and characters that sort of had you simultaneously falling in love with characters while also not fully trusting them.
• I really love @sashapeytonsmith writing style. While this is her debut novel, her style and story telling somehow made me nostalgic for the kind of stories I remember growing up with.
• I also loved how there was a mixture of the light and dark side of magic. While this book is technically a “teen book” I truly feel like adults who love magical stories will fall in love as well (I know I did)
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Overall: I actually came across @sashapeytonsmith tik tok video where she was promoting this book and I thought it looked amazing…and then I thought the cover looked super familiar and I realized it was because I had been approved for an arc and I was so excited. The best part is I’m still as excited after reading. This book not only met and exceeded my expectations, but parts of the story still remain with me weeks after finishing. This book comes out August 31st, and I HIGHLY recommend preordering! I love this book so much I will also be getting a copy so it can have a permanent space in my collection. @sashapeytonsmith is a new auto-buy author for me, and I simply cannot wait for what’s next!!!

Thank you @netgalley, @simonteen, @sashapeytonsmith for allowing me to experience a little magic this summer✨🖤

Thanks to NetGalley & Simon and Shuster Children's Publishing for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Witch Haven is about a recently awakened witch Frances being taken to a school for witches, though the school isn't anything like she dreamed of. The corruption and sexism is still prevalent at this school for witches and Frances finds herself disappointed by it. She wants to learn useful magic beyond cooking and sewing, magic that would help her talk to her murdered brother.

Honestly, this was pretty interesting from beginning to end. I think the love triangle just made it really sour. A great idea/concept but dang that love triangle was a snore fest. It's weird because honestly the first 20% of the book is really interesting but then the two love interests show up and it's just....zzz...

I wish Frances was more focused on the different aspects of magic and finding her brother than thinking about how cute the two guys were. Actually, Frances had more chemistry with one of her new friends, Lena, than the two love interests, ha. Frances isn't really a fun protagonist to root for either, which is weird considering her tragic backstory. I will say I appreciate how dark this book gets, but it's just so bogged down by the boring romances....

This book was good. I enjoyed the concept and execution of this book and I really enjoyed the characters. I love reading about witches and the fact that it was about witches in a school made it even better.