It is a hard time for women in Edinburgh in 1824 where they are accused of witchcraft for no apparent reason, however Nellie Duncan wants to be one of them and at Rae Women's Apothecary she finds her chance.
From Nellie's hand we will discover her fears and hopes, we will also learn about the mythology of the Cailleach. It is a character with whom I found it difficult to empathize because I found her thoughts repetitive and sometimes boring and she does not evolve too much over time.
It is not a bad novel and it has entertaining aspects, surely I was not the target audience, but I missed something that made it stand out.

Super unique story combining real historical events with a magical fantasy twist. The core theme here is the trials and tribulations of living in a patriarchal society and how that has been persistent over centuries specifically taking place in Edinburgh for the majority of the book. I love historical fiction and fantasy so this was up my alley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy.

The description of the book is really good, very well written but I don't feel I read a book as good as that description. And the cover... Most women spent their time cowering and trying not to be noticed vs. that powerful looking woman on the cover. The Last Witch in Edinburgh <spoiler> ran and hid for 180 years. #reasons but the cover doesn't properly represent the story inside. </spoiler>

Things I liked... I burned through much of the first half of the book with only some issues (sorrow for the child who watched his mother hang, ache for the brother abandoned, annoyance by the instalove with someone who was a bitch). The first part of the book showed us old Edinburgh and taught us the lore and of the women who became witches by honoring the goddess Cailleach. We spent a lot of time in an apothecary as the first part of the story was told.

Things I didn't like... For one thing, the time jump. Any fans of Survivor? Jeff Probst is out in Fiji and walks from a jungle to a stage in Hollywood in a matter of moments? That was what it was like as our character advanced 180 years. For all those extra years you'd think we see her wiser. We'd see a stronger witch but no she was <spoiler> the witch that ran and hid for 180 years and not much else. Oh, she upped her "tea" skills. </spoiler> I skimmed much of the last third of the book as we re-encountered the "evil" character which was a deity keeping women down (patriarchy).

If anyone can tell me if <spoiler> the necklace was returned and if the recipient explained why it was lost in the first place and why our MC didn't return it right away, I'd appreciate it. </spoiler> I didn't come by that with all my skimming to the end.
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I received a copy via NetGalley therefore I feel bad leaving this less than favorable review but I appreciate being given a copy to offer my opinion.

First half was 4*, second half 1.5*. Marking it as 3*.

Men are accusing women of witch craft in Edinburgh during the late 1800's. If that's not enough for Nellie, age 22, to worry about, her dad could lose his job again due to being too drunk to go to work. Nellie is always worried about getting her 10 year old brother enough for to eat. Her dad works at a graveyard to prevent people from stealing bodies and Nellie goes to work for her dad one night. There, she witnesses a woman crawl out of her grave even though Nellie saw her hung for witchcraft. That's how she meets the owners of an apothecary and begins her own journey toward believing in herself and becoming a witch herself.

I wanted to like this so badly but the politics were constantly shoved down your throat. The witch part is great but pushing your political beliefs every other page is not.

This book cast a spell over me that I couldn't deny! I was so enthralled I read it in one setting. everything about it pulled me in and kept me intrigued as to what was going to happen next. Would Nellie Duncan survive? Would she avoid the hangman's noose and be able to truly live a free and independent life she wanted? Pick up The Last Witch in Edinburgh to find out.

Wow!! This book is well written and really addresses issues women face with misogyny. It’s a feminist story blended with witchyness, female empowerment, and fantasy. I really enjoyed this book!

LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! 5 star reading from me. Lovely plot and storyline. The characters are fantastic.

Oh wow! Immersed in the gripping narrative, I found myself irresistibly drawn into the intricate tapestry of this story. My long-held fascination with witch trials was reignited as the author masterfully wove together historical accuracy with vivid imagery, offering a fresh lens through which to view this tumultuous era. Through the author's skillful prose, the silence of centuries was shattered, revealing a saga of defiance and resilience spanning generations.

As the story unfolded, I embarked on a profound journey alongside the women who dared to defy the oppressive forces of their time. From the suffocating grasp of the witch trials to the modern battlegrounds of reproductive rights, the narrative traced a poignant trajectory of struggle and triumph. It was a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the unyielding power of solidarity in the face of injustice.

What truly resonated with me was the portrayal of the female protagonists as exemplars of fortitude and agency. Their unwavering resolve to challenge societal norms and reclaim their voices was both inspiring and empowering. Moreover, the inclusion of a bi-sapphic love story added a layer of complexity and authenticity to the narrative, showcasing love as a defiant force against oppression.

Throughout the pages, I was swept away by a myriad of emotions – laughter, tears, and righteous indignation. The author's ability to evoke such visceral responses speaks volumes about the depth of their storytelling prowess. Each theme, from love and loss to grief and perseverance, was masterfully interwoven, creating a tapestry of human experience that felt raw and authentic.

One of the most poignant aspects of the story was the subtle shift in societal perceptions, as the narrative challenged the notion that only women could be agents of change. By acknowledging the role of male allies in the fight for equality, the story underscored the importance of collective action in dismantling patriarchal structures.

This book was nothing short of a literary masterpiece. Its rich tapestry of themes and characters left an indelible mark on my psyche, compelling me to reflect on the injustices of the past and the ongoing struggle for equality. It is a story that demands to be heard, cherished, and revisited time and time again. Hence, I eagerly anticipate delving back into its pages, and I have already secured a physical copy to ensure its permanent place on my bookshelf.