Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wow. I have not read a nonfiction book that has gripped me as much as this one in a long time. I did not know much of anything about the history of witch trials (or witchcraft, for that matter) and this book provided a great, comprehensive overview of this unusual history.

Not only was this book detailed, it was also incredibly approachable and each trial often read more like an engaging story than a bland historical text. I have never claimed to be a history fan, but hey, if more history books were like this one, I could easily be converted into one.

I also liked how the author made sure to connect the thirteen witch trials to their underlying causes of sexism, racism, classism, and ableism. I loved how this line of patriarchal oppression against these groups was traced throughout history and across the globe. Given that these themes were explored so thoroughly, I was pleasantly surprised that the technical language was kept to a minimum and that this book was understandable to normal folks like myself!

In addition to all of this, I teach New England Gothic literature in my high school English classroom, which was heavily influenced by the Salem Witch Trials. I plan on getting this book as a reference book for my classroom and hopefully incorporating more of this history into my lectures!

Publication Date: January 16, 2024.

So, I listened to the full-cast audiobook version and it was INCREDIBLE.

Having already seen the show and fallen in love with the characters, it was so wonderful to discover that the show was very book accurate and these characters are the same lovable creations I adore from the show.

The narration was STELLAR and I think I should find more full-cast audio dramas to enjoy. :)

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My only complaint about this book is that it isn't longer! Jamie Pacton created such a cozy fantasy world to set this adorable sapphic love story in. I loved all the little nods to late 19th century and early 20th century history combined with some of the more fantastical elements of fae and dragons.

Esme and Sibyl's relationship is also SO cute and believable! I don't see a lot of friends to lovers novels out there, and this one did such a good job of creating that shift. I also enjoyed their differences as characters and how they were such distinct yet cohesive personalities.

I am glad to see that The Vermillion Emporium (another book by Jamie Pacton) is set in the same universe, and because this book was so wonderful, I will definitely be adding that one to my TBR list. Also this cover is GORGEOUS and I am very much looking forward to adding a physical copy of this book to my own little library!

Publication date: 6 Feb 2024

Thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to house witchcraft! Being really new to witchcraft and all it entails, I thought this was a really easy to understand introduction and way to practice. I also liked that the spellwork and rituals did not focus on a specific deity and offered the reader the choice to include whatever deity they wished to work with into the spells AND to even not include a deity if that was preferred.

I also enjoyed the little nods to and exploration of the connections to kitchen and green witchcraft, as well as connections to other major religions, and the encouragement for readers to combine these paths if they so desire. Overall, I very much appreciated the author's approach in educating on this spiritual path without it feeling like she was pushing to "convert" readers or make them believe it is the exact truth.

Will definitely be reading more by this author :)

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was truly incredible. I came for the dark academia vibes and stayed for the super interesting/original magic system and badass women fighting against the patriarchy.

I love how Zara, Jude, and Emer were each fully fleshed out, and each of their motives and personality were very distinct. I also loved how they all interacted together. Jude was probably my favorite of the three, but I also adore Zara and Emer!

The pacing was stellar. I was kept entranced for the entirety of the book, through the twisty plot and the fun banter-full scenes between the three girls. The anti-patriarchal message was loud and clear and wonderful without being at the expense of the story.

Publication Date: 30 January 2024

Solid little classic ghost story. Little too ambiguous for my tastes, but it makes for some great discussion.

Also clearly a high school crowd pleaser bc those kids love some ghosty shit and twisty plots, so I'll def be teaching it again!