Another book I hesitated reading because so many people were raving about it. I loved Violet's and Altha's storylines the most. Kate's storyline left a bit to be desired as I'm bit over the woman escaping an abusive relationship trope. Just enough history, magic, and mystery to keep me on edge until the very end.
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Weyward is a debut fantasy multi-generational fable by Emilia Hart. Released 7th March 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in first quarter 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a beautifully written paranormal historical novel told in three timelines and three women in the same familial line. The story itself is compelling and richly interwoven with flashbacks, journals, and visions. All of the women are gifted with psychic, healing, and wild natural gifts which, when used, run afoul of the local populace for witchcraft, at peril for their lives.
For sensitive readers, there are numerous descriptions of sexual assault, abuse, psychological torture, and murder. There are frank discussions of miscarriage and fairly graphic passages discussing pregnancy loss and miscarriage and trauma.
Four stars, with the strong codicil that although it's beautifully written, there are parts which will likely be difficult to read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Book Summary:
The Weyward women have always had a way about them. In 2019, Kate was just learning what it means to be a Weyward woman. She's on the run from her abusive ex and has taken to the family cottage as her place of freedom. This sends her on a journey into the past as she learns about the women who came before her.
Primarily, she will learn about her aunt Violet and an even more distant family member, Altha – an accused witch during the infamous time of witch trials.
My Review:
If I could only tell you one thing about Weyward, it would be that you should go pick it up right now! Seriously though, I was captivated by this story. It unfolds through three perspectives. Three generations, all telling their story of trials, horror, and survival. Three women, all telling the story of how they came to be the women they are.
There is something so beautiful about that. I should mention that readers may want to use an ounce of caution when picking up Weyward, as it does deal with heavy subjects. Each generation had its own threats to deal with.
Read this book if the phrase "we are the witches they couldn't burn" resonates within your soul.
Highlights:
Intergenerational Tale
Witches
Magic
Historical Fantasy
Trigger Warnings:
Assault
Rape
Stalking
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