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mariecaat02's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Violence, Murder, Animal death, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Cannibalism, Torture, and Self harm
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Cannibalism, Blood, Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Self harm, Death, Classism, Body horror, Physical abuse, Murder, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Animal death
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Torture
jessie_cobb's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Sexual violence, and Animal death
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Self harm, Gun violence, Racism, Colonisation, Sexism, and Confinement
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
foxwish's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Harrowing scenes of human cruelty with a cathartic ending. If you want a classic witch persecution story read this. You'll get more than you bargained for and it'll be so worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Animal cruelty, Torture, Sexism, Murder, Animal death, and Racism
Moderate: Violence and Self harm
kaseythefairy's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Gore, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Torture, Violence, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Injury/Injury detail
dragonaion's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thought this book would be more of a historical fiction, taking place in a real world scenario with hints of local folklore, and while technically true, it was not as accurate as I was hoping for. I also was hoping this to be a "witch/witchcraft positive story", which was not the case, and was more of a Christian horror fantasy. The ending was disappointing, as it painted witchcraft and "magic" still aligning with devilry and other evil Christian concepts, and how redemption was still needed and sought for, despite how contrary that was made earlier in the book. It is, however, a gripping horror fantasy and once I set my own (many) disappointments aside, enjoyed the read. Also, you will want a physical copy for the artwork included, they're absolutely gorgeous!
----
Only two examples in the story are 100% accurate to the Native American/Indian folklore of the Pequot (which are referenced and are the local tribe the Puritan village takes place near)...
----
Only two examples in the story are 100% accurate to the Native American/Indian folklore of the Pequot (which are referenced and are the local tribe the Puritan village takes place near)...
... one is ~75% related with another being arguable...
the word for "net maker" in Algonquin is mamunappeht, but only relates to a spider and there is not a folk entity named so. The mention of an opossum-based creature can be argued, as they are a totem animal of the Pequot, however the portrayal is not a perfect match with the traditional folklore
... and the rest appear to be a mix from other cultures around the world, including the Druidic faith...
the stag and horned god, however even this is misinterpreted as he is not a creature of life and death
... Greek...
the river Lethe
... and Japanese.
Creek is best described as a youkai, the Ningyo
Looking for references of Slewfoot as well, what pops up as a primary example is this book. So considering the harshness of the very real Puritan mindset and the reality of the world they were living in, having almost every page be wild fantasy was disappointing.
The botany was at least a little more accurate, but not by much; the Pequot tribe were in the Connecticut area, where the pawpaw tree and mountain ash (rowan) can actually grow together. The irony, however, is the pawpaw and rowan trees in folklore was used for protection against witches, so the folklore attached to the botany is also inaccurate.
As a practicing Wiccan, I also find the examples of witcraft and "magic" (arguably not magick at all) to be biased with a Christian lense, such as the year the story takes place in 1666 (666, a little stereotypical), the snake being used as a symbol of the temptor and a sexual metaphor (while also being Mother Earth) and flying on a broom, to the point of being fantastic "flights" of pure fantasy.
In all, a good spooky read, but I would not put any stock on it being an accurate story.
Edit: Review lowered from 4.0. I reviewed the artwork and realized the charactersSamson and Slewfoot were two entities to start, and were combined into becoming the Devil, by his own words. Considering Samson also declared himself as the horned god and a god of life and death in the same breath , that is innacurate and is a choice the author made that is Christian-biased, not even out of ignorance.
... and the rest appear to be a mix from other cultures around the world, including the Druidic faith...
... Greek...
... and Japanese.
Looking for references of Slewfoot as well, what pops up as a primary example is this book. So considering the harshness of the very real Puritan mindset and the reality of the world they were living in, having almost every page be wild fantasy was disappointing.
The botany was at least a little more accurate, but not by much; the Pequot tribe were in the Connecticut area, where the pawpaw tree and mountain ash (rowan) can actually grow together. The irony, however, is the pawpaw and rowan trees in folklore was used for protection against witches, so the folklore attached to the botany is also inaccurate.
As a practicing Wiccan, I also find the examples of witcraft and "magic" (arguably not magick at all) to be biased with a Christian lense, such as the year the story takes place in 1666 (666, a little stereotypical), the snake being used as a symbol of the temptor and a sexual metaphor (while also being Mother Earth) and flying on a broom, to the point of being fantastic "flights" of pure fantasy.
In all, a good spooky read, but I would not put any stock on it being an accurate story.
Edit: Review lowered from 4.0. I reviewed the artwork and realized the characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Death, Gore, and Misogyny
Moderate: Animal death, Religious bigotry, Violence, Ableism, Bullying, Physical abuse, Vomit, Toxic friendship, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Sexual content, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, Cursing, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Self harm, Blood, and Genocide
This is a heavy Christian-based novel, discussing the norms of the Puritan lifestyle, which include a lot of moments that would displease a feminist reader. There is also gore, blood work in witchcraft, horror, and other darker themes.dominika_lorazo's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The story is really good, it’s giving dark fairy tale and a vibe similar to Midnight Mass (Tv show) (although not as philosophical).
Characters are good. Main characters are lovable. Even Forest who is a small antagonist is well written (good motivation even if his actions are questionable sometimes). Some of the villains can seem cliche but their actions seem appropriate for their time period (And some people are just assholes). This point was more than redeemed by the antagonists (the wildfolk). The shaman was probably my least favourite.
The story has a medium-pace. Some say it’s slow-paced in the middle and it’s true but it’s still entertaining (might be hard if you have a short attention span though). The beginning and ending have more of a dark fairy tale, horror genre. The middle of the story is more whimsical. The ending is very “happily ever after” and I never minded those.
Things I liked:
- Samson/slewfoot is probably the best character. I like how he is not really the cliche “devil” or “Satan” but more of a Grey character spirit of the forest. He also has a great character arc.
- the historical - witchy feel.
- dark but magical like a fairy tale
- Forest annoyed me sometimes but his motives were so good I ended up feeling bad for him and liking his character
-the overall addition of folklore and native folklore
Things I disliked
- the shaman was great for Samson’s character arc and that was obviously his only purpose but he is a bit of a cliche villain
-Abitha died at the end but came back to life. It cheapened her death and the effect it had on Samson. But except for that, the rest of the happily ever after was exactly how I hoped it would go.
-The world building could have been better. I wish there was more emphasis on the folklore (the Wildfolk and spirits). It was more of a backstory in the book, the main focus was on Abitha and her female empowerment/ girl boss story which is not necessarily bad. However, I wish we had more of that folklore/ fairy tale magic
TW:
racism and colonialism- It is appropriate for the time period. The racist characters were the villains. I would say the main characters were more respectful.
Blood, gore and violence- it was graphic but not extremely terrible (I’ve definitely seen worse)
Characters are good. Main characters are lovable. Even Forest who is a small antagonist is well written (good motivation even if his actions are questionable sometimes). Some of the villains can seem cliche but their actions seem appropriate for their time period (And some people are just assholes). This point was more than redeemed by the antagonists (the wildfolk). The shaman was probably my least favourite.
The story has a medium-pace. Some say it’s slow-paced in the middle and it’s true but it’s still entertaining (might be hard if you have a short attention span though). The beginning and ending have more of a dark fairy tale, horror genre. The middle of the story is more whimsical. The ending is very “happily ever after” and I never minded those.
Things I liked:
- the historical - witchy feel.
- dark but magical like a fairy tale
- Forest annoyed me sometimes but his motives were so good I ended up feeling bad for him and liking his character
-the overall addition of folklore and native folklore
Things I disliked
-Abitha died at the end but came back to life. It cheapened her death and the effect it had on Samson. But except for that, the rest of the happily ever after was exactly how I hoped it would go.
-The world building could have been better. I wish there was more emphasis on the folklore (the Wildfolk and spirits). It was more of a backstory in the book, the main focus was on Abitha and her female empowerment/ girl boss story which is not necessarily bad. However, I wish we had more of that folklore/ fairy tale magic
TW:
racism and colonialism- It is appropriate for the time period. The racist characters were the villains. I would say the main characters were more respectful.
Blood, gore and violence- it was graphic but not extremely terrible (I’ve definitely seen worse)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Death, Physical abuse, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Body horror, Death of parent, Gore, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Animal cruelty, Murder, and Misogyny
Moderate: Classism and Colonisation
Minor: Alcohol and Alcoholism
TW: racism and colonialism- It is appropriate for the time period. The racist characters were the mostly the villains. I would say the main characters were more respectful. Blood, gore and violence- it was graphic but not extremely terrible (I’ve definitely seen worse)rogueblackwood's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you are like me, you may wonder if you want to finish this book at about the 50% mark because of where things seem to be going. Well, I ended up reading the epilogue at that point, because if it ended in the way it seemed like it might I knew I'd hate it very much. But after reading the epilogue I was calmed and happily finished and I'm glad I did. If you'd like to be calmed too, while she does suffer, she gets her dream of being a forest goddess/spirit. And the cruel definitely get every bit of what they had coming!
This is very reminiscent of the movie vvitch in some ways. The main one being it is a slower build, much slower than I was expecting but you connect to Agatha quickly and that carries you through. It of course plays in the themes of the hypocrisy of religion and men playing at gods.
This is a bit triggering if you have religious trauma FYI. But also weirdly cathartic if you get past that. Overall, I am very pleased with how the story went because the ending was every bit what I wanted it to be. And definitely check for trigger warnings if you are sensitive!
This is very reminiscent of the movie vvitch in some ways. The main one being it is a slower build, much slower than I was expecting but you connect to Agatha quickly and that carries you through. It of course plays in the themes of the hypocrisy of religion and men playing at gods.
This is a bit triggering if you have religious trauma FYI. But also weirdly cathartic if you get past that. Overall, I am very pleased with how the story went because the ending was every bit what I wanted it to be. And definitely check for trigger warnings if you are sensitive!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Colonisation, and Death
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