**Features:**
- Historical fantasy set in Scotland
- Traditional witchcraft married with Scottish mythology
- Focuses on female independence, power, and voice in a time of patriarchal oppression
- Women helping women
- LGBTQ romance and explores themes of gender identity (mostly focused on femininity)

Though she had seen many women hanged for witchcraft, Nellie never truly believed witches existed. That is, until she saw a woman pop out of a grave the very day she had been hung. Whether by fate or circumstance, Nellie soon finds herself working side-by-side with the witch and her family in Rae Women’s Apothecary. However, the more she learns to embrace the independence and strength required of all true hags of Cailleach, the greater danger she finds herself in. For nothing in Edinburgh is more dangerous than being a woman.

Like many witch stories, this book has a strong feminist message and explores what it means to have agency as a woman in a male-dominated world. This book manages to find a good balance between oppressiveness and warmth and depicts female empowerment in a way that fits its dual timeline incredibly well. The magic itself is tied into Scottish mythology, which I thought was really cool. Though there are definitely some bigger ‘acts of magic’, as a whole I would say it is closer to magical realism and is explained in a simple but satisfying way. I love a good witch book and the only thing keeping me from giving this a perfect score is the main character Nellie. Though hard to connect to, the fearful lens through which she views her life is completely understandable and makes the earlier parts of this book extremely compelling. However, I did not feel like she ever really evolved past this point and it made her more and more annoying as the characters and story itself seemed to move on without her. Despite this, I quickly devoured this read and think it will make a perfect fall read!

**A tale of two worlds**

From the very first paragraph, this book creates an Edinburgh that feels cold, oppressive, and isolating. Nellie’s fear and feelings of helplessness as she navigates this environment only enhances this feeling further. However, behind the doors of Rae Women’s Apothecary, there is space where all women, witch or not, can be heard and seen free from fear. The starkness of the world outside of the shop only serves to highlight the little things Nellie (and the reader) come to admire about the women in the shop and the purpose of their craft. This book truly stands out through its focus on creating a safe space for others and finding power in that space rather than more direct conflict. I think I found the modern parts of the book a little less compelling because it loses some of this aspect, but it still never loses the balance it creates.

**Why Nellie?**

In this world, witches or ‘hags’ get their abilities by serving the Cailleach. Though there are many ways to do this, one thing is key; the hag must ‘take up space’ and embrace her independence. As someone who is journeying into this world, one would expect to see Nellie start to reflect this new way of thinking and being. However, even though Nellie becomes more readily understanding and accepting of these qualities in others, she never really seems to embrace it herself. Since she never truly conforms to one of the key requirements to being a hag, it becomes hard to believe in her journey of becoming one. Ultimately, I didn’t feel like Nellie was ever fully invested in her own story and that made me question her as the lead character in a story like this.

I have always really enjoyed reading about witches. I
Alot of innocent people were killed for no reason during that time. The story follows Nellie in Scotland in 1824 during a tumultuous time where women were hung in the town square for being a " witch". She ends up meeting a group of women who she befriends and become her family. An awful event happens and Nellie moves away from the area. In 2022 Nellie returns to Scotland to battle her demons from long ago. Overall the book was good and thankfully was a short read.

I love a dark, gothic and atmospheric witchy novel that draws you in from the first page. When that novel combines folklore, queer love and some history, this witchy reader is in heaven. We all know about the witch trials and the horrors that took place; what we don't know is the stories behind the witches that might have been persecuted. This novel was a perfect blend of fantasy and historical with female empowerment thrown in. I absolutely adored this book and I think that Marielle Thompson is an incredible author who knows how to blend the different themes in this book flawlessly. The way in which Thompson is able to take events that were heinous in nature and turn them on their heads to help bring out the best in the reader is inspiring. This is a book to read if you're a woman for the self-empowerment, a man if you want to know how to empower the women in your lives and every one else in between to inspire you to take control of your own fate and live your life how you wish to live it. I am so excited to see what this author comes out with next!

To be very honest I almost DNF’d this book. The beginning was slow and hard to get through. I am so glad I didn’t though. About halfway through I really became engaged and absolutely adored this book. You see a girl go through so much emotional turmoil and finally start to find herself for it to all be taken away. Then when returning home after hiding for so long and find reasons to fight and engage the wrong in the world that has caused her to hide. It was so beautiful and about so much more than a witch in Edinburgh. It is about being silenced or made to feel less and finding the strength and purpose to stand up and fight for yourself. I loved the underlying themes in this book and would recommend. Thank you Kensington Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for allowing me to read this book.

I appreciate being able to receive an arc for this book, and I really wanted to love it. The storyline itself is solid and strong in women's strength and feminism. I also loved the raw and real portrayal of witchcraft hysteria that plague women who were considered different than the "homemaker, knows-her-place, docile wife". I also liked the villain in the first half of the novel. He was subtle and ominous-hunting with ease and playing on fears anonymously. With that being said, I really didn't connected with Nellie. She starts off young, naive, and fearful, which is well suited for introducing the reader to her and her situation; It's not a good one, and she is desperate for connection with other women. But the constant, repetitive fear and inability to grow and change makes her a very stagnant, and not really likable. She lets fear drive every decision of her life and never moves past it, even when 200 years passes; Jean was a much stronger character and was emboldened with determination and gumption. I also didn't see the need to jump that far into the future with no context for the in-between. I think the story would have been more effective staying within the original parameters of the plot, while hammering the point of solidarity among the followers of Cailleach.
This story had a ton of promise but ultimately fell flat. But I am still glad I read it and learn a bit of history surrounding Edinburgh and women murdered for supposed witchcraft.

Insert the gif of Saoirse Ronan as Jo March - "Women!"

Marielle Thompson has written a very modern tale of historical fiction and the struggles of being a woman. It's an important story, especially in today's political climate.

I think this should be required reading in schools....but LOL, as if that could ever happen.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book

A tragic and heartbreaking story of misogyny throughout history. Starting in Edinburgh in the 1820s Nellie is right in the middle of a war on "witches" with brutal public executions. Being a woman couldn't be more dangerous, with numerous women being accused of witchcraft. There are very few actual witches, that are the women of Cailleach, a deity that helps bring the seasons and renew life.

Disaster strikes which causes Nellie to flee Scotland for centuries. Nellie never plans to return to Scotland, but inevitably fate leads her back. The same evil still has its grip on Scotland, but has evolved from hanging women to more modern forms harsh treatment and oppression, also touching on gender and racial disparities. Having more to fight for, Nellie decides to try and stop this evil once and for all. Although disparities still exist, people more and more are starting to stand up against bigotry and call people out on the inequity and mistreatment of others.

This was a hard book to read. It's just so tragic and, of course, this is a false account, but these things happened and some still happen today. It was a great story, don't get me wrong, but it's super heavy so be prepared. Even with all the tragedy there are still sparks of hope and inspiration. The ending is well worth it!

3.5 stars, rated up

I was ready to love this, and with the first timeline, I was there. However, once the time jump occurred, I didn’t enjoy it as much and found the ending a bit anticlimactic.

However, I’d still recommemd if you’re into well written stories with -
*witches
*magick
*Scottish myth and folklore
*witch trials
*historical fiction
*queer representation
*magical realism
*women's strength
*dual timeline



Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the DRC

In Edinburgh 1824 every woman lives in fear as witch hangings have become a looming threat. Nellie Duncan has recently lost her job in service and is desperately struggling to care for her younger brother and avoid her da's wrath. A chance encounter leads her to Rae Women's Apothecary when she finds companionship and purpose. She discovers a connection to the Callieach, a feminine diety dedicated to the seasons and nature based craft and healing. But an ancient enemy sows patriarchal disaster and destruction and Nellie flees in the aftermath. Nellie spends years in hiding and avoidance until love for a found family draws her back. When a new danger arises Nellie stands her ground facing her fears and determined to protect the sisterhood of women everywhere. This is a powerful narrative of the misogyny and distrust of the feminine that has persisted throughout the ages with a recent resurgence in modern times. Blending Scottish legend and folklore, historical details and forbidden love this is a poignant powerful novel. I have always been drawn to books and articles relating to witchcraft and herbal healing and I feel a close connection to the natural world. Although this is a fantasy novel the emotion and truths depicted within the pages struck a chord with me. I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys a feminist novel that explores the strength and fortitude of women throughout time. The dual timeline was a plot device that worked for me although some readers may find it offputting.

I loved Marielle Thompson first book because I fell in love with how her writing flows...and I'm happy to see that this one keeps that up. It has all the things that I run towards to.....witches, magical realism, feminism, romance, and sapphics.

Wow - this was an engaging and atmospheric read. I went in for the witchy vibes and stayed for the storytelling, strong women, and story of hope. I highly recommend for anyone who loves women's historical fiction with a splash of fantasy.

Book received from NetGalley for review.

This isn’t the book I was expecting but I think it was the book I needed. I will avoid getting political, but sometimes it can be hard to hold hope with the state of the world and this book left me with a strong feeling of hope. In Edinburgh in the 1800’s it wasn’t safe to be a woman. If you used your left hand or wandered after dark or displeased anyone you could be accused of being a witch and hung for it. Nellie isn’t sure what to think when she meets the women of Rae’s apothecary, but despite all of her fears she embarks on a quest to awaken and become a witch with them. When Edinburgh becomes unsafe and her friends are gone she runs and because she is a witch she can run a very very long time. The second half of the book takes place in modern day Edinburgh when Nellie finally ventures home, too tired to be scared anymore. And when the danger appears to be back in Edinburgh this time she isn’t running. I thought this one was very well written and I really liked the characters, especially Nellie.

Love, love, loved this book! It had me hooked on page one and kept me in its grasp until the end. I stayed up all night reading it, because I could not put it down, but then I was sad because it was over. This author is on my top ten list this year.

"For fans of Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary and Alix E. Harrow's The Once and Future Witches, this lush, atmospheric novel from the author of Where Ivy Dares to Grow blends witchcraft, queer love, a vibrant Edinburgh setting, and Scottish folklore for a propulsive and emotional story exploring what it means to resist the patriarchy and find your voice.

In an alternate Edinburgh of 1824, every woman lives in fear that she will be the next one hanged for witchcraft. All it takes is invoking the anger, or the desire, of the wrong person. Nellie Duncan, beautiful and unwed, keeps to herself until she encounters the Rae Women's Apothecary. There, fiery Jean Rae and the other women provide cures and teach others that they too can aid the winter deity, the Cailleach, embracing her characteristic independence, agency, and craft, in turn becoming witches themselves.

Nellie finds a place and a purpose at the shop, and a blossoming romance with Jean, as she learns about nature-based craft and a witch's ability to return to life after death. But the Cailleach has an ancient enemy intent on stripping the power of the deity and all her witches, leaving a wake of patriarchal violence and destruction. When heart-breaking disaster strikes, Nellie flees and spends the next two centuries hiding from the world - until love gives her the courage and the motivation to come back.

Nellie's past is waiting for her there, and hanging witches is no longer the only means of oppression. But this time, Nellie refuses to run - either from her foes, or from her resolve to awaken others to the unimaginable power that can come with fighting the patriarchy in its many forms - and finding one's own magical inner-strength."

I'd like to hide away for a century or two...

This book was fantastic! It had me enthralled from the first chapter with a hook that I couldn't stop thinking about. The dialogue between characters was fantastic and I found myself reading this in a Scottish accent! A true witchy, feminist historical fiction. Loved every second of this!

What a beautifully written book! There is so much that stood out, and the descriptions of witchcraft were so vivid that I felt like I was amongst the witches. An incredible novel.

Nellie is poor, her father's a drunk, and her mother is dead. The only good thing in her life is her little brother. She needs to find work so he can eat.
It's 1824, and there are more and more "witch" hangings. Whether the women hanged are really witches or have just angered a man doesn't matter. Men have all the power. Nellie just needs to keep her head down and focus on taking care of her brother.
Luckily she stumbles across Rae's Apothecary. The women there make healing potions, and other things to help the local women. Nellie gets a job there and realizes that they might be actual witches.

I really liked the first part of this book. The Scottish folklore and found family elements were great. However, as the book moved into present day and a more contemporary setting, I lost interest.

A journey with witches through time. From witch trials to today. Examining the attack upon women with the only reason being their gender through the a singular viewpoint. A strong feminist account of how patriarchy works against everyone and the participation from all to continue it. This book captures feminine rage, pain, fear and joy perfectly leaving me in tears at times.
Great representation for LGBTQIA+, chronic pain and loss. Oftentimes characters are wrote so they are defined and limited by one part of them. In the Last Witch of Edinburgh characters are complex with a history and rich emotions.
Despite the main characters and plot line being witch/gods driven the story remains relatable with the plot line being for everyone. A perfect ending that doesn’t rely on a magical solution but an every day one.
Where it lost me was the “woah is me I’m too pretty”. While I appreciate the hazard it brings along with its privilege the main character was singularly focused upon her own beauty and others. Further perpetuating the oppression. She recognizes it is wrong, yet continues it. And when I say it lost me it’s from the beginning and took most of the book for me to find it outweighed by other messages, plots and developments.
The other concern I had was with the main relationship. It felt more of a matter of circumstance rather than compatibility. They want each other to be what they aren’t and are cruel to each other for not meeting those expectations. While there is growth it is not because of a healthy relationship.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh is a tale of witchcraft and feminism. Starting back in the 1800s Nellie Duncan is torn between living her life as is, watching the misogyny her and other women face, or join the witches and help herself and the women around her.

Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️

This is the first time I’ve read a book by Marielle Thompson and I want to read more. I think the writing in this book is done well.

This book discuss how misogyny evolves through centuries and how feminism is formed to combat it. These topics were written very well. I often found myself getting emotional.

I would have liked to see more of Nellie’s development as she lives through different ages. It felt like we went from the 1800s to 2000 very fast, yet Nellie was the same, just knew how to use a phone. I wanted to see the confusion and the progress she made.

Also, we don’t get to see the fear of other women, even though it’s mentioned. We only get to see it from the characters and I think it would have added more depth to world if we seen more from background characters.

All in all, I thought this was a great book and I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one just wasn't for me unfortunately. It had a good premise with the idea of two different time periods and telling the story of Nellie and witches struggles in general however the story just felt slow and repetitive. There wasn't a moment where I was wondering what was going to happen next. I was really excited for this one but it unfortunately just fell flat for me. I did enjoy the parts involving Scottish folklore and the myths though.