“A Spell for Drowning” by Rebecca Ferrier wasn’t at all what I expected—and that’s exactly why I ended up enjoying it so much. I went in thinking it would be a more typical fantasy read, but what I found was a hauntingly beautiful blend of folklore, historical fiction, and quiet introspection.

Historical fiction is really starting to grow on me, and this book is a perfect example of why. Even though the story is fictional, the historical threads and setting felt so grounded and atmospheric that I caught myself looking up real-world references and places inspired by the book. Ferrier has a way of making the setting feel alive—mysterious coastal villages, the pull of the sea, and the whispers of old magic woven into every tide.

At its heart, this is a story about identity—about finding who you are, but also learning to trust that person. The magic is subtle but impactful, and the emotional journey was just as captivating as the mysterious folklore at play. I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone in the mood for something lyrical, magical, and a little bit dark

3 stars
What started out as a super interesting concept lost me a little along the way. I found the magic system interesting and the Cornish folklore intriguing, but generally had a hard time connecting to the characters. The magic system and writing style have me hooked enough where I will be continuing with the series

Thank you Net Galley for approving my request for this book.

This book follow Kensa, an outcast in the village of Portcatho because of infamous father. But when she found her half sister Elowen with a sea beast in the sea shore, Kensa claimed that discovery for her own, as it will give her the chance of being A Wise Woman and gain the respect from the village.

I really enjoy the writing style of this book, it reminds me a lot of Circe by Madeline Miller, a book that I love as well. I was angry of how Kensa was being treated by the village, and I understand all the rash actions she did in this book, as she founds it's the only way to keep the person that genuinely care for her. Seeing Kensa growing from an outcast to a woman that earn mutual respect from the village, to believe in herself of being the wise woman was inspiring. I love how this book didn't rush Kensa's character development, but it makes her fail, getting call out for it and actually grow from those experiences. I was cheering for her so hard at the last moment.

I thought I would hate Elowen, and it's true I didn't really like her at first, but it wasn't her fault that she was getting all the attention and Kensa was being shunned, but after more reading, I found it's no one but the mother to blame. While there might be some moments that Kensa's mom do care for her, her mom should have defend Kensa from the harsh look from the village, and the harsh remarks behind her back, but her mom just didn't do any of that.

There's a romance subplot in this book and I LOVE it. It was sweet, tender, and add on to the story so well.

Overall, this book was amazing, I love the the beautiful and somehow whimsical world building. The character's arc was great, and the writing was mesmerizing.

A gorgeously crafted tale that draws to mind the deep depths of a world haunted by folklore and creatures of lost myths. This reimagining of Cornish folklore will appeal to fans of Madeleine Miller's CIRCE.

I enjoyed this story and especially the folklore weaved within it. The setting of the story was cozy, dark sea village vibes too and I loved that. My biggest criticism is how disjointed part 1 seems from part 2. I loved the dark twist that came with part 2 but feel like it felt a little separate from the first part of the story. A little more foreshadowing into the lore would’ve made it tie together better, in my opinion. Nonetheless I blew through the last half and enjoyed the dark twist that came. The MC is not the most likable too, although I think that’s the point. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this advanced copy. It was an amazing debut novel and I’d be interested to see more into the world Elowen succumbed to.

This book was a solid debut. It was a really interesting story. Lyrical writing style. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the romantic subplot but that's a personal thing. I also had a hard time figuring out what the point of the book was. Like, what was the purpose. I got it, but it took me a while. Otherwise, solid book.

First, just look at that gorgeous cover art!

Second, I recommend this book for fans of "The weaver and the witch queen" by Genevieve Gornichec.

I love that the Cornish setting and place names are real.

Due to her father's ill-repute and being an outsider in her own stepfamily, I can understand Kensa's desire for prominence or position of superiority. However, I don't liker her as a character because she swings between being over-confident and entitled to an insecure, defensive liar and back.

Either it was so vaguely described or not mentioned at all so Kensa's sudden "I can't lose him" attitude toward Jack seems to come out of nowhere. Sure, they've known each other for years but they rarely interact and there's no romance implied when they do. I wouldn't even call them friends. Was the author forced to add a romance?

I'm proud of myself for managing to finish this book. I got 35% in and didn't like any of the characters. I got 50% in and still didn't like any of the characters. The plot was just interesting enough for me to want to see what happened next. I found this book confusing and annoying at times. The ending made it worthwhile.

The synopsis on NetGalley made this book out to be more than the first-person narrative of a whiny, self-absorbed child that it is. I believe the author's intention may have been for the reader to see the inner growth of Kensa's character when she finally becomes the wise woman. That happened far too late in the book for me to like her as a character. Perhaps if there had been more vignettes about life after the battle and Kensa settling into life as the wise woman, it wouldn't have felt so anticlimactic for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it.

Starting with the cover. It's beautiful! The swirls, the filigree, the dark ocean waves in the center image! Incredible!

The mythology has everything for sea creatures and dark folklore. These beings do not do anything for free. Human have their own baggage, letting the reputation and sins of the father pass down to their children. The harsh way and need to lie a little to get ahead in life or build a name for yourself. The sacrifices and what you will do to save someone you love.

Any story with the ocean is almost always going to be sad and I'm so ready for the good hurt.

Initially drawn in by the promise of a setting on the Cornish coast I was absolutely enthralled by this book. If you’ve ever watched Poldark and been stunned by the scenic beauty this book is for you. (If you haven’t then go watch it only for the scenery!)

The setting is superb and the writing brings you right to the village on the coast. It almost seemed like I could feel the sea and hear the waves. From the beginning I was hooked, intrigued and desirous to learn more about Kensa, Elowen, and the rest of the Portscatho residents.

The characters were so multifaceted and compelling. I love when we’re introduced to characters that are a little messy as they make their way through life. A more honest portrayal than characters who are just good or bad.

The plot had me in its grip the whole way through. I would suspect I knew where the author was leading me only to be completely wrong. I loved the elements of Cornish folklore, culture, and language. It’s such a spectacular place and I hope to visit soon!

I loved reading this book and would recommend it again and again. I just finished and I almost want to go back and read it again right away to pick up on all that I must have missed the first time through.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Is it better to be feared or loved?

Yeah, dunno about that yet.

Even if Kensa was a complicated character for me to get my head around, I did sympathize with her and tried to understand her POV.

Now Sea Magic is really cool, and the Cornish Folklore really taught me more than I expected - some extra help with external searches were taken on just my account, and not necessary for the reader. Insane to think, but not shocking, that women are ostracized and battle the limits set upon them - and gosh Kensa sure does. I was not expecting the horror (tw body horror folks) but in truth I think the ending suited the story.

I think this story and world building could have been longer, but maybe that’s because I love to spend 500+ reading about magic and world building 🤣🫣

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I had a bit of trouble getting into this book right away even though the writing is beautiful. However, by about the 20% mark, I was hooked and then finished the book by the next day. The writing is poetic without being overly verbose, pacing was good once I got past the first part, and the story was unique and well-told. The magic was understandable, different, but still left me wondering, “why?” quite a bit, and I liked that as it kept me engaged in some of the slower parts of the book (though there’s not many). The main character is very flawed and not terribly likable, but I found myself hoping for her growth and happiness; which, in my opinion, is quite challenging for a writer to achieve. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fantasy or a personal growth story with a smidge of romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read this eARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I always get nervous when books are advertised as "a mix of this book and that one" because of the expectations I have if I have read those titles. This one did not necessarily disappoint on that delivery in comparing itself to Godkiller by Hannah Kaner. It definitely gave the same vibes with the characters' stories being intertwined with the local mythology and mysticism.

I give four stars because the story kept me engaged, but I wish I had gotten to travel and see more of the world that Rebecca Ferrier had built. I also felt that while I liked Kensa, she just felt sort of flat. We didn't get to know Kensa in depth, despite being the only character we see the events unfold through. I found myself more interested in Elowen.

Overall, the book was a fun read and the vibes were definitely there. I think the story needs a little more developing. The writing was lovely and kept me engaged. I am looking forward to seeing where the series takes us and how it develops the fantasy elements.

Thank you Alcove Press for the arc.

This book was everything I hoped for—it had such a unique vibe all its own. I loved the lore and the rich world-building. The characters were messy and flawed in the best way, which made the story even more compelling. this book was a fantastic read filled with friendship, sisters and fantasy!

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

This book completely swept me under. A Spell for Drowning is gorgeously written—mournful, romantic, and brimming with atmosphere. Rebecca Ferrier creates a coastal, windswept world filled with whispers and rituals, where grief and love are tangled like seaweed.

There’s a gentle intimacy to the prose, and the tension—emotional, magical, and relational—is always just beneath the surface. The pacing is perfect: slow but immersive. It’s the kind of story that gets under your skin and makes you ache in quiet ways. One of my favorites this season.

⸻

🌊🌊🌊

The story is told in a very poetic and beautiful style that took some time to get used to. I loved the atmosphere and the accent on balance, although the plot went very slow and didn't go deep enough for me to catch a real tension.

The characters didn't fell in my heart either. I was getting tired of hopes for Kensa. She is an interesting character, but grows to irritate more and more. So arrogant, so unwise for a future wise woman. Isolde, Elowen or Jack might have been favorits, but we see them from Kensa's point and so get only vague and at times negative glimpses.

The very ending was quite unexpected and satisfying, while the epilogue finished the line perfectly. I enjoyed reading this story, but it lacked a lot for me to call it a loved one.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Kensa has struggled to fit in throughout her entire life, including within her own family. Always on the outside, she often acts impetuously and impulsively out of fear of being forgotten. To others, this makes her seem arrogant and, it is one of these impulsive decisions that alters the course of her life and allows her to find her place in the town. Isolde is a healer and takes Kensa on as her apprentice. While Kensa begins to learn much, her impulsivity is still a problem and may end up costing her everything. With centuries old parts, vengeful and sneaky gods, Kensa must learn balance if she has any hope of saving her town and their way of life.

This book is everything I wanted it to be. It was so uniquely its own. I loved the lore and the world building. The characters were fractured and imperfect making it so interesting. I can’t wait for the book to come out. This is a 10/10 recommendation for people looking for something mysterious and dark.

I was intrigued by the concept of a witch story set in the beautiful coast of Cornwall steeped in Cornish folklore, with very little romance for once. But ultimately this just didn't work for me because I couldn't connect to the characters.

Ostracized Kensa, whose late father was a smuggler, has always longed to be loved and belong somewhere, so she lies and jumps at an opportunity to become the town's wise woman. This is a witch and healer versed in the Old Ways who makes a Pact with the Folk to chain her to this place to keep monsters at bay. I liked how this wasn't the kind of Disney fairy tale but it showed the darker, sinister side of folklore. The descriptions of sirens and the Bucka were the most interesting part.

While I understood her motivations to become a wise woman, I couldn't understand why Kensa stayed, to essentially become enslaved. I also couldn't understand her desperation to use necromancy on a sister she didn't really know all that well and a secretive mentor who lied to her and treated her with disdain. She hated the village and felt resigned to this path, so why did she stay? I couldn't understand what was keeping her there. I did like her complicated relationship with her smuggler father.

I was also hoping for a more atmospheric story that touched more deeply on Cornish folklore and traditions. It almost felt like it could have been set anywhere in the UK.

I'm trying to read more witchy books but when they don't work for me, they lose the story and characters in service to the witch element.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First off, I absolutely adore the cover for A Spell for Drowning, it captures the story perfectly! This book was exciting, fast paced and filled with Cornish folklore. I loved the seaside setting and it was so well described there were times I felt like I was in the story itself. It was hard to put down, but it definitely turned into a weird twist I wasn't expecting and I can't say I loved it. Otherwise this book was a fantastic read filled with friendship, sisters and fantasy!

Historical fantasy fans looking for a deeply atmospheric, poetically beautiful read will love A Spell for Drowning. I was drawn into this tale of seaside folklore from the very first line, and found a story that will linger in my mind long after I finish writing this review.

Our story follows Kensa, the apprentice to her village’s wise woman Isolde. When her master becomes sick, Kensa desperately seeks a cure- and finds instead a sea god. As Kensa is slowly drawn into a world of magic and terror hidden beneath the surface of our own, she will also discover who she is, and what that means for her village and herself.

I really enjoyed this book. The author created a beautiful folklore-inspired world, populated with characters who felt like real people. The writing style was atmospheric, and tonally matched the dreamy, seaside setting of the story. The only part of the book I struggled with a little bit was the pacing, and what felt like a more abrupt tonal shift in the second half of the story; but overall, I loved this book, and I am so impressed it’s a debut. I will definitely be following this author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

I would recommend A Spell for Drowning to readers who enjoy historical fantasy, folklore-inspired worlds, and stories centered around women.

Thank you to NetGalley & Alcove Press for the arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.