Island Witch immediately drew me in as a reader and I was 100% invested in this story til the end! It is inspired by a Sri Lankan folklore and was haunting and atmospheric and beautiful.

It is a tale of revenge and vengeance, of feminism, of overcoming religious persecution and misogyny, of horror and rage and it was magically delicious to devour each page. I read along and listened to the audiobook simultaneously and the audio was so well done.
Pick this one up today!!

Island Witch is a feminist historical horror novel inspired by Sri Lankan folklore about the daughter of a traditional demon-priest -relentlessly bullied by peers and accused of witchcraft herself- who tries to solve the mysterious attacks that have been terrorizing her coastal village.

This was a deliciously dark, creepy and atmospheric read that addresses topics of colonialism, superstition, identity and family. Be warned if you’re squeamish though, some parts are a bit gory and unsettling.

I loved the supernatural elements and how they were used throughout the story and I really enjoyed the setting, especially the jungle!

Amara was such a well-developed main character and I was completely invested in her story from start to finish. All she wanted was to belong and my heart broke for her as she slowly began to learn the truth about her family.

This is a slow-burn but please don’t let that dissuade you, the payoff is well worth it! I didn’t expect things to turn out the way they did but at the same time it felt like the ending was inevitable.

I definitely recommend this if you enjoy supernatural horror or thrillers!

Thank you @berkleypub #partner for the #gifted copy and @prhaudio for the audiobook!

Amanda Jayatissa has been an auto-buy author for me ever since she released her first thriller, 𝑀𝑦 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑙, back in 2021. Her second thriller, 𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑, was also perfection. However her third book, Island Witch, is her masterpiece and in a league of its own. Unlike her previous works, Island Witch gears more towards supernatural horror with Sri Lankan folklore and fierce feminism set in a colonial background.

The opening chapter with an eerie demoness who captures an evil man, sets the premise of the entire book. Amara, the daughter of the village Capuwa (demon priest) is the POV throughout the story and all I felt like doing was holding Amara’s hand and hugging her as she navigates toxic masculinity, traditional lifestyle, British-brought-Christianity and a village divided by colonialism, all on her own.

This book was both educational and a delight to read, paired with English and Sri Lankan languages, narrated by own-voice, debut narrator @isuriw who did such an amazing narration. I would highly recommend the audiobook paired with the book, you will not regret it! As of today, Island Witch is my #1 favorite book I have read this year and I’m certain will make to my top 10 by the end of 2024. The absolutely stunning book cover is also currently my fav cover of this year!!

Amara is the daughter of a Capuwa or demon-priest. She’s made fun of and called a witch because of this. The men on the island are being viciously attacked, and her father is the main suspect. Amara is determined to clear his name while trying to figure out why she’s having such dark dreams connected to the attacks.

I didn’t know much about Sri Lankan culture or folklore prior to reading this book, and it was definitely an interesting read. I enjoyed learning about their traditions and history.

A bit of a slow burn, the first half of the book explains the culture and what it’s like for Amara being the daughter of a demon-priest. The second half picks up, and gets creepier with the entity haunting Amara’s dreams. The setting was eerie and atmospheric. This was the first book I’ve read that blended historical fiction with horror, and I really enjoyed it.

I would have liked a little more horror in this story. I thought the ending was great especially the epilogue. I enjoyed the themes of feminism and women standing up for equal rights and treatment throughout the book and loved Amara as the main character. This was way different than Jayatissa’s previous book, and it showed the range she has as an author.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for sending me a finished copy in exchange for my honest review.

Island Witch is set in 19th century Sri Lanka and follows Amara, the daughter of the village Capuwa (demon-priest). As the British attempt to colonize the island and introduce western customs and religion, the villagers start to reject the Capuwa’s once respected role. When an unknown attacker begins targeting men in the jungle and her father is accused, Amara sets out to clear his name as she grapples with the horrors waiting in her dreams.

Island Witch is a historical horror novel inspired by Sri Lankan folklore. Jayatissa skillfully uses supernatural elements to explore topics such as colonization, identity, belonging, and family. Amara is a fascinating, well-developed character and showed tremendous growth throughout the story. The historical aspects were clearly well-researched and the narrative thoughtfully addresses the real-world issues of oppression and violence against women. Overall, this is a haunting and deeply atmospheric story that will keep you on your toes.

Island Witch is a lush, darkly feminist historical fiction novel with elements of horror and fantasy, and it provides a vivid and immersive look into a time and place not typically featured in the genre. Set in Sri Lanka in the late 19th century during the years of British colonization, Amanda Jayatissa's new novel focuses on Amara, the teenage daughter of a traditional demon-priest (essentially an exorcist) and an outcast amongst her peers. When several men are viciously attacked in the jungle and Amara's father becomes the prime suspect, Amara can't help but wonder if the series of attacks is related to the vivid nightmares she's been having -- or to the night she awoke after a strange illness, unable to remember what happened to her.

Island Witch is intensely atmospheric, providing a culturally rich, vibrant depiction of colonial Sri Lanka with all the political and religious unrest simmering beneath the island's surface beauty. Jayatissa does an incredible job of integrating historical elements with a propulsive, haunting narrative that sucked me in completely. Amara is a well-developed character whose intimate narration guides the novel to, and through, some dark, difficult places. Although the prose is incredibly readable, Jayatissa does explore dark themes like dysfunctional family relationships, physical and sexual abuse, the collision of the old world with the new, and the worst aspects of colonialism and religious and moral superiority. At its core, Island Witch is a novel about the destructive power of feminine rage -- about what happens when injustices against women are taken too far.

The pace does feel languid in spots, as Jayatissa takes lots of time to immerse the reader in the world of the novel and in Amara's thoughts, but everything culminates spectacularly in a bold, complex conclusion that I will be thinking about for a long time. And although plot-wise the two books couldn't be more different, as I was reading Island Witch, I kept thinking about Carrie. I think Amara and Carrie would have a lot to discuss, were they ever to meet. Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for the early reading opportunity.

✨ Review ✨ Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa

Thanks to Berkley and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Feminist anti-colonial gothic horror is one of my favorite niche genres these days and this falls neatly into that box. A change from Jayatissa's previous thrillers, this pairs historical fiction and gothic horror plus some magical realism.

Set in 19th-century British-occupied Sri Lanka, Island Witch digs into an in-between moment in Sri Lanka's history -- one in which residents are grappling between religions -- Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and local spirituality -- as well as traditional and colonial ways in all matters of life -- morality, clothing, trade, etc. etc. Across all of these tensions, however, lies a fundamental truth of an underlying female rage for how women are treated. Abused, cheated on, sold, and taken advantage of, the book grapples with what a just treatment of these crimes should be and who should adjudicate this mistreatment.

The book centers Amara, an 18yo, with a lot of feelings about her place within this tense and changing place. Accused by some as a witch because of her dad's role as a capuwa (a demon priest or spiritual leader of sorts), and now, suddenly, as her dad pushes her away too, she feels incredibly lonely.

The book brilliantly incorporates local language with bilingual text in places. I do wish there had been a glossary for some of the common words around the spiritual practices & folklore for reference -- it was a little hard to keep track of the different kinds of spirits. But I loved how the lush descriptions of the jungles and beaches alongside the use of local language transported me into this place.

I loved the feeling of wondering what was happening throughout much of the first half of the book, but then several of the twists felt a little predictable. I think in some ways this read like a debut -- brilliant but with definite areas for improvement as the author gets more comfortable in this genre.

Overall, I loved this book and am so glad I had the chance to read it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: historical fiction + gothic horror
Setting: 19th c. Sri Lanka
Reminds me of: Isabel Cañas, V. Castro
Pub Date: Feb 20, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ gothic horror + islands
⭕️ anti-colonial, feminist fiction
⭕️ stubborn and persistent female characters

The Island Witch is a BRILLIANT piece of Sri Lankan folklore inspired horror that had me utterly mesmerized from start to glorious, stunning end.

I absolutely adored this story - a fantastically woven story of a young women, daughter of a demon-priest, who sets out to solve the mystery of horrifying attacks against men in her village, while wrestling with her own place within her family and trying to grasp her own power.

This story is a haunting, atmospheric, gothic tale that leaps off the page with beautifully lyrical writing and characters that feel so real you could touch them. As a reader you are transported to the humid, salty jungle, and Amara’s terror becomes your own.

I cannot say enough good things about the incredible story and world @amandajayatissa has created, and truly, this is a CANNOT BE MISSED sensation that thriller, horror and historical fiction lovers alike will revel in. Go IMMEDIATELY and get this on pre-order for its drop this week. You’ll be thrilled you did.

Many thanks to @berkleypub for the copy and for bringing this book magic to the world.

Island Witch takes us to the jungles of Sri Lanka and @amandajayatissa creates the most vivid, incredible atmosphere with her lyrical writing. I was highlighting so many passages as I worked my way through this thrilling folklore intertwined with supernatural elements.
Amanda gives voice to the voiceless women not only of Sri Lanka but all of those who face evils and have little to no say on their own future. Amanda takes us on a trip through the eyes of Amara, the young daughter of a demon exorcist, through becoming a woman and being forced to grow up and become a wife. As her family is ostracized by the town for her father's profession, they find themselves taking the fall for evil attacks happening throughout the village. Amara is determined to find out who or what is behind the attacks and clear her father's name.
sw Island Witch is such a unique novel and a departure from Amanda's previous works, further cementing her as a must read author for me. I don't read a lot of supernatural books, they have to be so well done for me to enjoy them, this one definitely hit the mark! I loved getting to know Amara and how she was fearless, fighting for her family and for love. As much as I thought I knew what the ending would be, I still wasn't prepared for it! A feminist story of vengeance with some truly horrifying scenes.

I loved it! From the beginning of the prologue we are immediately set in an atmospheric background of the jungle that gives dark, spooky, witchy vibes. I feel as though that set the tone of the entire book and continues to keep you in the story the entire time!

There is an added mystery of this one that will have you guessing and theorizing what’s going on in the story. Amara, the young girl of the story is at the age of being sought out for or matched with a husband. Given the changing in religious beliefs, the people gave her father the title “demon-priest” because of his practices and so her family is shunned by most. As she navigates being ridiculed by the town as well as her mother, she has to come to terms with why her father is also changing.

The story telling of this one was so good and one that you will want to binge to found out all the answers. Each piece of the story was well developed as well as the loved and hated characters!

This book is set in the 19th century in the Sri Lanka area. I loved the history and culture that was in this story as that is not an area of the world I am very familiar with. The characters were interesting although the pacing was just a little off for me. Amara is 18 and lives with her parents. The tone of the island has changed as more and more people have converted to Christianity and work with the colonizers. Amara’s father follows the old ways and deals with the demons that can plague someone caught unaware. Because of this all of the villagers have always called her a witch and tormented her. But someone has been attacking men on the island and everything thinks it is Amara’s father, but she figures out there is more going on than she knows and she is determined to figure it out. This book was a lovely introduction to this author. The story is haunting and one that will stick with me.

Island Witch is neither a ghost story nor a voodoo witch’s tale. It is about female oppression and the overall injustices afforded to the fairer sex. Throughout the pages, I could feel the anger building and building until the white hot rage became a startling fury that I was totally prepared for that inevitable ending! I expected it and thought that it’s really the only way it could end!!! Infused with Sri Lankan folklore, the story was both captivating and haunting. I flew through this book! It’s evident how much research the author did to write about 19th century Sri Lanka, which I so appreciated! I also loved Amara’s transformation: from an innocent teen to revenge-filled adult, she really grew on me. I rooted for her and also wanted to throttle her at times to wake the hell up and stop giving excuses for her father!!! The gory scenes didn’t scare me, maybe because by then I was also angry and thought the victims had it coming!🤔

If you want to read a unique historical fiction with a side of horror then this is your book. Just know the CW: violence, sexual assault, abortion, domestic abuse, bullying, and exorcism.

Thanks @netgalley @berkleypub, for my digital ARC of Island Witch. I really enjoyed reading this!

Full of suspense and horror elements this book is a hit!

I love the perfect mix of gothic meets sri lanken folklore and witchy vibes of it all. The pacing was perfect I think some people might complain but it dragged in a perfect way and then sped up right when you need it.
This needs to be made into a movie!

𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 • 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 • 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 • 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 • 𝘚𝘳𝘪 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘢
𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 20 𝘍𝘦𝘣 2023

A dark coming-of-age murder mystery with ghost-story horror flair.

Our main character Amara is the young innocent type, sheltered and gullible. After an unknown attacker begins ravaging local townsfolk in the jungle, Amara starts having bouts of amnesia, hearing and seeing things. Her father is the village capuwa (shaman), performing exorcisms and protection spells, hence the townies are quick to cry “witch” in light of the recent attacks. Amara is ostracized, teased and bullied by the mean girls at school, while at home her parents are working to have her married off post-haste. As the attacks hit closer and closer to home, the walls are closing in fast.

This reminded me of a cross between The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Carrie, but set in Sri Lanka. Although I figured out a lot of things along the way, I’m still sitting with the ending. Def check the trigger warnings at bottom before you dive in as it’s quite dark.

Here’s what I loved:
🇱🇰 Sri Lankan setting, language, and folklore
🥥 Tensions between Buddhism and Christianity in colonial-era Sri Lanka
🌴 Gender expectations and coming of age in a misogynistic society

I devoured this book in 3 days!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 @berkleypub 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
TW: Gore, Death, Violence, Sexism, Sexual Assault, Rape, Infidelity, Domestic Abuse

Island Witch sounded amazing and right up my alley, and also just look at that gorgeous cover. I was so excited to read this book, but this ended up being an average read for me. I’ll start with what I liked about this book: I loved the setting and the gothic vibes. The atmosphere was very foreboding and ominous. I thought the main character, Amara, was a pretty strong and interesting character. She definitely had to deal with a lot throughout the book. The mystery was intriguing and there were some paranormal moments that I liked.

Here’s what I didn’t like about this book: the story was slow moving and I felt like not much happened until later in the book. There were some horrible characters (mainly male characters) that I absolutely despised and there were parts in this story that made me so angry. This was a very bleak read with some brutal moments, so make sure to check out the trigger warnings before reading this one.

Overall, Island Witch was too slow paced and bleak for my liking, but I loved the gothic atmosphere. I would recommend this book to lovers of slower paced historical gothic fiction.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

This was the perfect atmospheric, eerie, gothic, and witchy story brimming with feminine rage. I was hooked from the first chapter, and I just had to finish this in a day!

Amara is the daughter of a demon-priest who was once highly respected in their village until the British arrived. The British colonizers brought Christianity with them and pushed her culture out. Shortly after their arrival, Amara is relentlessly bullied and called a witch, and a string of attacks on men in the jungle begins happening. Everyone is blaming Amara’s father, and soon Amara sets off on her own to try to clear his name and investigate what is going on, especially when she’s plagued with nightmares of each of the attacks.

This story was overwhelming. There is so much going on, and your heart will weep for Amara. The way women are spoken of, spoken to, and treated will make any woman absolutely rage. This is one of those stories that, even though it’s fictional, we can all relate to some extent. It was brutal but also simultaneously intoxicating.

It was dark, mystical, and it’s going to stay on my mind for a long time. This was written beautifully, and the ending left me speechless. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I also really loved the audiobook, which is narrated by Isuri Wijesundara - she gave an incredible performance.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Penguin Random House Audio for the free ebook, finished copy, and audiobook

Island Witch unfolds in 19th century Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from local folklore. Amara, the daughter of a traditional demon-priest, faces relentless bullying from her peers and finds herself accused of witchcraft. Despite the villagers turning against her family due to the influence of British Colonizers and their new religious practices, they still call on her father when supernatural disturbances occur. When a series of mysterious attacks terrorizes their coastal village, Amara's father is accused of being the perpetrator.

To clear her father's name, Amara discovers that someone—or something—is brutally targeting men in the jungle. As she delves into solving the mystery, Amara is plagued by prophetic dreams that hint at the dark forces on her island. The villagers, however, remain skeptical and accuse her father of the crimes. Amara is haunted by the night she fell ill and woke up to her mother's desperate cries, urging her to keep a dark secret.

Amanda weaves a captivating tale in "Island Witch," transporting readers to 19th-century Sri Lanka, rich with cultural and mystical elements. The novel explores the challenges faced by Amara, the daughter of a demon priest, who becomes entangled in a web of accusations and supernatural occurrences.

The atmospheric setting of coastal Sri Lanka in the 1800s adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in a world of local folklore and cultural clashes. Jayatissa skillfully captures the tension between traditional practices and the intrusion of British Colonizers, creating a backdrop that enhances the mystery and suspense of the story.

Amara's character is a compelling protagonist, navigating the complexities of her identity and the challenges posed by societal prejudices. The portrayal of her resilience in the face of bullying and accusations adds layers to the narrative, making her journey one of self-discovery and determination.

The central mystery involving the attacks in the jungle and the accusations against Amara's father unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense and supernatural elements. The dreams that haunt Amara contribute to the eerie atmosphere, creating a sense of foreboding and connecting her to the dark forces at play.

The novel explores themes of superstition, betrayal, and the impact of cultural shifts on traditional beliefs. The author delves into the complexities of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the struggle for acceptance in a changing world. The writing style is evocative, capturing the essence of the time and place. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the coastal village. The tension builds organically, leading to a satisfying and impactful resolution.

Amanda Jayatissa delivers a compelling and atmospheric mystery that combines historical richness with supernatural intrigue. The novel stands out for its unique setting, well-drawn characters, and the seamless integration of folklore into a gripping narrative. it is a perfect read for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.

Wow! I mean the prologue should have hinted me to where this is going. But wow.

A powerful, and it feels like very personal story. It is about the abused, the used, the shamed - the women. I mean this book, I couldn't put down or stop reading. It hits you in the feels. It hits you in that deep corner of the soul, where you know this is a true story that still happens every day. The shaming of being different, the shaming of being a girl. And still the bullies being excused.

I can feel how much heart and soul this author put into this book. Even if it is a horror book. Even if there's a touch of paranormal. The real life stories that this is based on - is the real horror of our world.

Thank you so much for sharing this book with the world.

Fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's horror novels will enjoy Amanda Jayatissa's latest novel, Island Witch. It's a demonic possession story that gives similar vibes to movies such as Black Swan and the Ring, albeit with Sri Lankan folklore. It also delves into my least favorite topic, colonialism, and I could feel my teeth grinding anytime the imposition of Western customs and religions was mentioned.

The horror aspect is more on the muted side, and I found it to be more disturbing than creepy, but if you get scared easily, then I would suggest not reading this one close to your bedtime.

For the most part, the story was slower-paced with some parts more predictable than others, but the ending paid off big-time for me 👏🏽👏🏽. It's what made me give the overall book an extra 🌟.

Thank you to Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copy of ISLAND WITCH by Amanda Jayatissa for review.

ISLAND WITCH is set in 19th century Sri Lanka and makes use of local folklore to create a witchy tale. Amara is the daughter of the village Capuwa (demon-priest) which has made her the focus of a lot of negative attention as well. Newly eighteen years old, Amara is starting to think about her life, her parents, and her future and the way her parents' traditional customs fit in the modern world.

Someone or something is attacking men in the jungle, and Amara's father and his practices are blamed by man. Amara is sure that her father is a good man, and she is determined to prove it. Still, she is haunted by bad dreams and the danger comes closer and closer to home.

I didn't know much about this book going into it, but the cover definitely had me intrigued. I am happy to report that I really enjoyed my time with this one. I flew through the audiobook for this in barely more than a day, staying up late to finish Amara's story.

I think this book did a really good job of developing an intriguing mystery, a creepy and atmospheric setting, and also a lot of really good discussions. As Amara is really coming to age at eighteen in this story, Sri Lanka is also going through a lot of changes. British colonizers are on scene, bringing in their religion and education systems and morals. The way the people around Amara react to this colonization made for a lot of interesting conversations.

This book takes on some very serious subjects (please check trigger warnings if that may be a concern) and the mistreatment of women is definitely a focus. There were times where I was frustrated with Amara's choices, but she did live a pretty isolated life, so I did feel like her naiveite made sense in context.

ISLAND WITCH is well worth picking up!