I took way too long to get to this one! I loved Half a Soul by Atwater, but admittedly didn't love the next two books in the Regency series. BUT I think this might be better than Half a Soul or at least very close. I loved Winnie, the gothic vibes, the mysterious and creepy house, and overall tone. This story is definitely darker than her previous series (look up TW), but I think I preferred it. I enjoyed Winnie's toughness and determination, as well as her vulnerable moments. Mr. Quincy was a delightfully dark mystery as well. I had a good time!

<3 Olivia Atwater!

A comforting (but dark) Gothic sinister-faerie story. Atmospheric and engaging in a fairly low-stake way. There are some slight romantic elements, done very well though the love interest... smells like blood lol.

I think it's supposed to be book 1 of a series? I'm glad I knew going in because it would have felt less satisfying if I'd expected it to wrap up at the end.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I DNF'd this book after about 3-4 chapters. I just wasn't vibing with it and the plot isn't what I wanted it to be.

A dark fairy tale taking place in a regency setting. I feel like a lot was lost in this book plot wise while developing the setting as a whole. While it was connected to the half a soul trilogy the author has written (which I have not read) I was not lost and would classify this as a standalone. The main character, Winnie was interesting and complex and I enjoyed her personality very much. Overall the book could have used a bit more world building as a whole, and I would have liked learning more about the magic.

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic novel and dark fairytale from the author of the Regency Faerie Tales series. This is actually my first time reading Olivia Atwater’s work, but I definitely want to read more!

Atwater’s style of writing, particularly the way she draws attention to objects and small details, works really well when it comes to writing about a haunted house. In the first chapter alone she not only describes the gloomy house, but also draws attention to objects like an iron horseshoe above a door frame and hidden doors leading to the servant’s quarters. She trusts the reader to understand the significance of some of these features (mainly guarding from faerie’s and hiding the servants) without over-explaining everything. This makes her main character Winnie Hall (although that isn’t her real name) also seem more sharp and intelligent. She is investigating the house and the curse along with us.

I also thought that the sense of danger and horror that the house evokes was powerful. I am a huge fan of gothic stories about haunted houses, and whilst this may not be as terrifying as The Haunting of Hill House or Mexican Gothic, the novel plays with suspense and dread very well. When Winnie first arrives, she even mentions that the door seems to bite her and embed splinters in her skin. From the first moment the house seems to invade her body and cause her pain.

I know that Atwater is famous for her romance subplots as well and whilst I can’t compare it to her other works, I thought that she wrote a great romance between Winnie and the mysterious Mr Quincy. Their romance is sweet, meaningful and it helps them to grow as characters which is impressive given how short this novel is. Indeed, the author was ambitious and included a lot of plot points in this book but she manages to pull it off. In the end, it felt like reading a fully realised dark fairytale. The Victorian setting made it that much more interesting as well as it felt like reading an alternative history of the world.

I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy books like Sorcery of Thorns and gothic books like Lakesedge (although The Witchwood Knot is much better written) or Mexican Gothic. I can’t wait to read more of Atwater’s work and I look forward to reading more of the Victorian Faerie Tales series.

The Witchwood Knot is the perfect balance of gothic storytelling, slow-burn romance, and mystery. I really enjoyed Winnie as a character. This book expands on Olivia Atwater's previous trilogy, but in a slightly darker tone that suits the gothic setting. This entry stands well on its own, but seems to set up a new series -- hopefully another trilogy!

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic Victorian fairy tale, another take on the genre by Olivia Atwater but with a darker tone compared to that of the more lighthearted fare in her Regency tales.

As the title itself suggests, the twists and turns at the heart of a mysterious manor are many and keep readers guessing. This is a story that relies a lot on creating a strong, eerie atmosphere and Atwater does this quite well in order to capture the gothic genre and time period, while blending in folk tales and elements of fantasy. It is difficult to say much about the characters without spoiling the plot, but there is more than meets the eye to them!

I only wish it didn’t take as long to find its footing; admittedly, I felt like the first half of the book dragged despite the intriguing premise. The vibes are there, but the reveals took long to get to. As a result, it took me a really long time to finish! I didn’t enjoy this as much as Half a Soul (the first in Atwater’s Regency series), but perhaps I just wasn’t in the mood at the time for something darker that required a bit more patience to track at the beginning.

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic fantasy steeped in faerie folklore and set in an alternative Victorian England that follows a cunning governess as she strives to get her abducted young charge back from the fair folk. I enjoyed the authors previous Regency Faerie Tale series, and was excited to learn she is continuing into a new time period. The atmosphere was the real driving force of the novel as the governess is confined to a haunted manor, ran by a mysterious butler and a sickly lady of the house, and finds herself wandering the halls in her dreams. The dreaming aspect really caught my attention and was an interesting addition. What stopped me from rating this higher was I felt as though the story began to drag in the middle, but it did pick up towards the end. I am interested to see how this series will continue in future instalments. I would recommend The Witchwood Knot to readers wanting a gothic, atmospheric, autumnal read.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review*

Loved returning to the world of half a soul. Set in a gothic mansion with fairies and magic. If you haven’t read the other books in this world would recommend you do that first.

A new twist on a classic fae tale. Winifred Hall is hired to be a governess at a remote and distinctly odd manor by the grandmother of a rather naughty boy who needs protection for the fae folk. The fact that Wini admittedly hates children makes this a little amusing and a little ironic. It also makes her a little difficult to like at first, I mean, I’ve never gotten along with people who hate kids and animals. Luckily Wini is quite charming and has a number of tricks up of her sleeve like her ghost cat who is a rather unpleasant surprise to the fae butler. Despite her precautions though Robert, her charge, is abducted and replaced, and his rather nasty nonbeliever father is the opposite of helpful. Wini must use all her clever tricks and wit to save the boy, whom she can’t stand, herself, because she has given her word and also her family greatly needs her to maintain her job. This all rounds out in a delightful dark tale of child snatching fairy mischief with more than a few harrowing moments and much excitement. Excellent, witty and sort of like a dark Harry Potter in its lyrical prose.

I loved this. I devoured this in two days, and my only complaint is that I’m desperate for more of the series. My favorite aspects were the two main characters, and the ‘faerie tale’ chapters.

Set in the Victorian era, at Witchwood Hall, a young governess, Winnie, arrives to rid the Hall of the faerie nuisance that has kept the humans away and has frightened the house matriarch into never leaving her room. Arriving at Witchwood Hall, she first meets Mr. Quincy, the faerie butler of the manor. Winnie's charge, the future lord Witchwood Hall, has been taken by the Fae Folk, known for their mischievous ways, and Winnie does not like children. She must also contend with the current lord of Witchwood Manor and the boy's father, who does not believe in faeries. As Winnie embarks on a rescue mission, she has to team up with Mr. Quincy. Despite her hesitancy, Winnie teams up with him, knowing she needs his help navigating the faerie realm. She relies on her wit to decide who to trust in a world of deceptions.

Winnie is a strong female character with tenacity and all the audacity. I enjoyed her strength, fearless spirit, and bravery when faced with challenges. I learned so much about fae lore. I enjoyed the interplay between the human world and the fae world. The supernatural elements are nicely woven into the story, creating a cohesive atmosphere. The romance was a slow burn and did not overpower the storyline. It is a slower pace book than I prefer. Overall, it is a fun read.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Starwatch Press.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC,

This was a great pallet cleanser if you are into gothic romantic subplot darkish fairytales. I was able to pick up pieces from classes fairytales such as Pinocchio. I typically do not enjoy novels where the romance is a subplot, but the mystery aspect of the Witchwood Knot allowed me to continue reading through this short novel.

3 ★
An interesting read with dark fairytale-ish vibes, but it didn't captivate me.

I honestly don't have much to say about this read. It's nice but nothing more.
There was clearly an atmosphere that could appeal, and which I usually enjoy, but this time I just wasn't into it at all. I couldn't really get into the vibe, the plot or even the characters...
I'm not really a fan of the protagonist. What's more, I didn't really see any chemistry between her and Mr. Quincy...
Oh, and I also found the author's writing style a little too simple? Here again I didn't get hooked, even though it's a quick read.
It's not a bad book, far from it. I just didn't find it very memorable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3,5 stars

"You may be fond of all those things if you would like. I do not mind, as long as it is you."

This was a fun read! I loved the strong FMC Winnie and her adorable cat Oliver. I also liked the Victorian setting and the spooky vibes.
I was a little bit underwhelmed by the story, tough I can not put my finger on it. Maybe I longed for a bit more magic or romance? Still I very much enjoyed the story. So if you are looking for a magical Victorian gothic story, this might be the book for you!

I also want to thank NetGalley for this ARC!

- Haunted manor
- Magic
- Romance subplot
- Mystery
- Fae
- Black magicians
- Historical
- Victorian gothic fantasy
- Strong FMC

4.25 stars
Winnie, who is our main character, sets out to solve a mystery in this gothic tale.
5 stars for the mood
4.5 stars for the characterisation
3.5 stars for the plot
Mr Quincy and Oliver - heart heart
I was pleased that the romance element was not overdone.

The Witchwood Knot was an excellent gothic fantasy. Winnie was a fantastic FMC filled to the brim with confidence and cleverness. Not only was she charged with all the typical governess responsibilities, she set out to defeat a powerful being to save someone she barely knew. It really showed her character- how much she cared for others and how solid she was in her beliefs of what was right and wrong.

Atwater did a great job showcasing the not-so-overt threats women face with men as well as the completely overt. I enjoyed seeing Winnie reclaim her power over those who wished her harm in several different ways.

Quincy offers such a great balance to Winnie- never stealing the spotlight but almost illuminating her instead. He’s her counterbalance and it was fun and swoony to see their characters feed off of one another and grow.

My only critique is that I didn’t quite understand how Winnie’s magic worked- if it was like the magicians of today’s world or like the witches of fantasy books. It seemed to be a bit of both, but I was never quite sure.

Overall, a great story. I highly recommend it if you like slower building plots and romances (which I typically do) and wonderful gothic vibes. Atwood’s writing fit perfectly with the setting and I can’t wait to read more of her work!

Thank you to Olivia Atwood, Netgalley, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Olivia Atwater's book Half a Soul so I was excited to get an arc for The Witchwood Knot, I didn't like it quite as much but I think that's just because I loved Dora and Elias sooo much! I loved the little nods in this book to her other books but it can definitely stand on it's own as well, you just miss out on some of the background details. Winnie is a great heroine though, she's strong and so smart, her tragic past literally made me cry and thank god for Lady Hollowvale! Mr. Quincy was mysterious and intriguing and theirs was a slow romance but they both complimented each other so well, they are both damaged and brutally honest. I really enjoyed watching it build and the manor's otherworld was very exciting to explore. I also really loved how Winnie and Oliver's relationship grew, he was the child in her charge and while he was kinda bratty she came to really care for him!

If you're looking for a gothic, creepy, romance-infused read, this should absolutely be the next book on your TBR pile!

The main characters, Winnie and Mr. Quincy are so well written - flawed and with their own sets of fears and struggles, which makes them so much more likable.

I wasn't aware of the fact that the book was a spin-off of the author’s Regency Fairytales, but in all honestly, I don’t think reading the series before The Witchwood Knot is necessary (though I can't imagine I’d hurt to know more).

The dark, moody atmosphere would make this book a perfect Halloween read, so if you're looking for something, that will keep you on your toes without being scary to the point where you won't be able to sleep, I cannot recommend this book enough. I know it most definitely won't be the last Altwater’s book I’ll read.

After reading Small Miracles by Atwater, I was so excited to check out another story from her. The Witchwood Knot is slightly darker than Small Miracles, but includes some humor and wit that kept the story feeling light as well.

Our main character, Winifred , is intelligent and clever. I loved the way Atwater explained so much Fae magic and tricks through Winifred's clever avoidance of them or her frustration with herself If they were successful in fooling her. Throughout the book we discover she has cause to mistrust both humans and faeries, but she has strong character arc that shows us her growth and courage to overcome those past events.

My issues with this book came with the plot and world building. I do think both were a bit weak in this story. I wanted more details about how the magic worked throughout the story to better understand the implication at the end of the book. I think this also could've helped the plot a bit at the beginning as the first half of the book felt a bit slow.

The highlight of the book for me was the romance and how the characters really started out as enemies. They worked for their romance and had to do a lot of learning and growing to start their romance. I enjoyed this slow burn part of the book very much.

I'm still interested in continuing the series and I'll be checking out other books by Atwater in the future.

Overall rating: 3.5/5