The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
On occasion, I read something that moves me. It is rare that something reaches in and wholly shakes the depths of my soul, but it does happen. Reading Harrow’s work was a continuous awakening journey, filled with vivid imagery, endearing characters, beautiful metaphors, and witchy lore. I have set a steep bar to meet for the rest of 2021, with The Once and Future Witches being the first book of the New Year.
Three estranged sisters are brought back together, tied by a strange, unknown magic between them. A hate filled past shadows their future in a patriarchal, 1893 set world, but the power of sisterly love and dedication brings new hope, and with it, change.
I set aside this book at 5:00 in the morning after staying up all night reading it, and still felt buzzed afterwards! June, Agnes, and Bella are the most relatable sort of opposite sisters you can imagine, with compelling back stories. Each page holds a new secret unraveled, making for a suspenseful, dramatic read. Harrow’s pure craftsmanship bleeds through in this novel, and without knowing anything more about the author or their other works, I would not hesitate to pick up any other title in any other genre by this Author.
I would recommend this book to any fantasy, romance, or lover of suspense. There are elements of poetry, as well, that plants the novel in an eloquent, rhythmic light. I cannot sing higher praises for The Once and Future Witches.
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Charlotte S. Meyer 