This is a well written book but not exactly my cup of tea. There was a lot of tensions, especially around SA in the book that made me uncomfortable.

Would you like to visit a creepy mansion haunted by screaming faces and FAERIES? The answer to this is yes, obviously.

I loved Atwater’s regency fantasy romance series, and it was a given that I’d read anything else she gifted us. This was a lovely little gothic number that gave a seasonally appropriate, darker undertone to her usually bright romance stories. We must never forget that faeries are not inherently nice and that they delight in torment. I loved our heroine, Winifred, the resourceful, fearless governess with a penchant for thwarting evil. The whole journey was wonderfully creepy, and I was never really sure if we were all going to make it out unharmed. And as always, I regret not being named Euphemia, and now I can add Bellamira to the list. Please keep writing these!

OKUURR, this is my first book by Olivia and I will say the world building wasn't too heavy so I could easily follow and I hope to read more of Olivia's books!

not as good as the half a soul series but still fun! i do kind of wish it had leaned more into the romance than the plot.

I loved this. I devoured this in two days, and my only complaint is that I’m desperate for more of the series. Olivia Atwater lmk if you need anything let’s get this ball rolling!

The Witchwood Knot is a very atmospheric and eerie read, definitely a book you’d want to pick up to immerse yourself in gothic Victorian vibe narration.
I quite liked the characters’ development and narration style, so I’m keen on picking up Atwater’s next work!

I really enjoyed this book and the dark twists it took. I struggled to keep up with some of the lore and the names, but I was incredibly drawn into the story.

Okay, so I adored Winnie as the main character. Headstrong in an honest and unapologetic way - ugh - REFRESHING. I am a lover of the regency era and adding elements of magic to it? Sign me UP. I cannot get over how much I loved the relationships in this book - they drove the story far more than the writing itself did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for an ARC of The Witchwood Knot! This is a dark faerie tale set in Victorian England, with an expected thread of romance that was a delightful addition to the gothic ambience of the book.

On the surface, Winifred Hall has been hired by her former patroness to act as a governess for her patroness’ young grandson, Robert. In reality, Winifred has been brought to the house to help protect Robert from the wicked faeries that plague the manor and the surrounding woods. Winifred has spent more than her fair share of time with the trickster faeries, and is uniquely suited to the task. What she finds is a labyrinth of trials and tricks hidden within the manor itself, only accessible when dreaming. Who is behind this faerie knot? And why was the manor built to contain it?

Some of the themes and tropes I enjoyed in this book:

- dark faerie tale
- unconventional FMC
- enemies to lovers *lite* (romance is a VERY minor subplot)

The Witchwood Knot revolves around two individuals with distinct personalities who find solace in each other’s candidness. Winnie emerges as a strong protagonist—determined, resilient, and unyielding in the face of adversity. However, the setting of The Witchwood Knot is somewhat lacking. Despite being set in a haunted manor with a troubling history, I would not categorize it as a gothic story, as the Victorian atmosphere is notably understated. The romance constitutes only a portion of the overall story, leaving me with mixed feelings regarding the remainder of the book. Furthermore, the significant events outlined in the premise do not transpire until after the narrative has progressed for more than half of the book.

This was my first Atwater read but I don’t think it will be my last. I loved this gothic romance and felt truly absorbed into the story and the world. The characters were unique and well-written and I wasn’t ready to leave them behind in the end. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

This one has taken me a LONG time to get to, I continuously picked it up started, stopped, restarted and repeat - basically the first 1/4 of the book I think I read at least 5 times.

My main take away - I really love Olivia Atwaters writing style and would be intrigued to read more of her in future...HOWEVER, this book was NOT for me! I think it made me realise I do nit enjoy regency style fiction (and that's on me, I knew what I was getting when I requested!!!)

So wrong book for the wrong person.

A really great, atmospheric, gothic tale! It was a delightful adventure to read, there were some really fantastic characters and just such a wonderful experience to read.

A bit late reading this one but I loved the magic and historic elements of this book. Enjoyed the romance too

You had me at Victorian Gothic Witch Faerie Fantasy.
I'm a simple girl to please and Olivia Atwater ticked all the boxes.
I love books set in the Victorian era and one told in the style of fairytales is just pure magic. This book was atmospheric and gentle until you got to the action. I love the way Mz Atwater tells a story and the way she creates her characters and gets them to dance across the page. Yes, even the cat.
My only critique is that the book is not available in South Africa. And I wish it was because it is perfect.

The Witchwood Knot was just the dark, gothic fantasy I needed. From it's creepy fae and haunted manor vibes it was prefect. Elegantly written, it gives an eldritch horror meets midsummer-esque faerie tale and I loved it.

"The Witchwood Knot" by Olivia Atwater is a gothic Victorian dark faerie fantasy romance that’s equal parts delightful and, let’s be real, a little creepy.

Meet Winnie Hall, our heroine who’s basically a mix of brilliance, determination, and a dash of crafty chaos. She’s got a pet cat skeleton named Oliver, who’s not just a spooky accessory; he’s also a badass in all the realms. He’s fiercely protective and has a serious grudge against men—a loyal feline king with some serious misandrist vibes!

I'd be remiss to not mention Mr. Quincy, the cranky fae butler. Seriously, I never thought I’d fall for a guy with red eyes and a rat tail, but here we are, folks. Love truly knows no bounds!

Atwater has a knack for keeping me on the edge of my seat, kicking my feet in excitement, and occasionally questioning my own sense of taste. She writes the fae as dark and twisted, yet somehow manages to sprinkle in enough wit and coziness to make it all feel like a warm hug—albeit a slightly creepy one.

Thank you to Olivia Atwater for always writing the best Fae Romance and Starwatch Press for the ARC of what became one of my favorite books of the year.

This book had me at "Victorian gothic faerie tale written by Olivia Atwater." I loved the great MFC, the fun side characters (ghost cat!), and a good romance. I felt like this was cozy adjacent; there was just a little bit more bite than her regency faerie tale series in the best way.

If you like gothic vibes, spooky forests, evil faeries, haunted houses, and good twists, pick this up.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

i have read olivia atwater's half a soul and enjoyed her version of the fae and their victims in victorian england. the witchwood knot was just as chillingly alluring and dangerous as that novel! i look forward to reading the rest of atwater's books

This book!! Wow, what a read!
And totally not what I was expecting!
It is a wonderfully gothic fantasy with just the right mix of mystery, faerie lore, and slow-burn romance. When Winifred Hall takes a job as a governess at the eerie Witchwood Manor, she quickly realizes her real task is to protect her charge, Robert, from the sinister fae haunting the estate. The house is described, as dark, cursed, and full of secrets, and is the best setting! it’s populated by quirky characters like Mr. Quincy, the mysterious and sharp-tongued butler.

Winnie is such a compelling character. She’s clever, prickly, and guarded, but you can’t help rooting for her as she faces down fae kidnappers and the revolting Lord Longfell, whose every scene made my skin crawl. Her reluctant partnership with Quincy is the heart of the story. Their slow journey from mutual distrust to a quiet, earned romance is so satisfying.

Atwater’s writing is beautiful and rich, with faerie tales woven into the story to deepen the world. The book starts out a little slow, but builds into an amazing. captivating read!
blending gothic suspense and moments rich with love.

If you’re into dark fantasy, faeries, or anything with gothic vibes, this book is for you. It’s enchanting, atmospheric, and just plain fun to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwatch Press