Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - The Witchwood Knot

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating 3.5-4.0 stars.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater is a Gothic faerie tale set in a fantasy Victorian England. Winifred, or Winnie, an orphan pulled from a traumatic workhouse by a noble benefactor, is called away from London to Witchwood Manor as a favor to the dowager Lady Longfell, ostensibly to be a governess to the lady's grandson, Robert. In truth, Winnie is a black magician specializing in cartomancy, and her true task is to protect Robert from the faerie curse placed on the manor, which is tied to the mysterious Witchwood Knot. Armed with her wits, her magic, and her loyal ghostly feline familiar, Winnie's mission is complicated by the contrarian young Robert, his truly creepy father, and the mysterious butler-who-is-and-is-not a butler, Mr. Quincy.

This novel, the first in a series, draws on several mythologies for its inspiration--mostly from Celtic mythology (more on that here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6002533507), and a dash of Beauty and the Beast. Atwater's book is chock-full of detail; given the historical background she provides for her books, as well as her own personal interest in history, this was one of my favorite parts in the book. This is also a book suited for fans of historical fantasy with a romantic subplot, or fans of romantasy with a subdued romance. Atwater does include a content warning at the beginning of the book, so wary readers are advised to glance at it before proceeding. I personally enjoyed this book for its dark faerie tale elements and sardonic, witty heroine, but suspect I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read Atwater's previous series (Regency Faerie Tales) first for added context.

Fans of Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Sarah J. Maas, and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert would likely enjoy this book. I look forward to the sequel, as well as the Regency Faerie Tales!

Content Warnings

arasilverduck's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book had me up late and on the edge of my seat. The tension building and story telling were phenomenal. I loved the characters and the mystery. The romance build up wasn't quite as good as some of her others.

I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel.

Cw warning for childhood abuse and sexual harassment. But my tolerance for graphic descriptions of those topics is pretty low and I was okay reading this.

Content Warnings

reclusivebookslug's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Olivia Atwater is once again a delight to read from! I like how this book has a gothic feel but isn't as dark in tone as the genre tends to imply. While I can't say this is a cozy fantasy, it's definitely whimsical and in Atwater'ss writing style this has much the same effect for me. I also enjoyed the level of romance and the dynamic between Winifred and Quincey. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!

Content Warnings

porcupine_girl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

kabrahams's review against another edition

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4.25

This might be my favorite Olivia Atwater book yet! Deliciously creepy and eerily atmospheric, this gothic fairytale begins when a governess arrives at a mysterious mansion in the woods and is greeted by otherworldly butler. Full of dreamworlds, mysterious death, perilous card games, and an undead cat, this is the perfect fall read! I'm excited to return to this world in the second book, whenever it is published.

Content Warnings

lockedgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

4.0

this book ties into the canon established in Atwater's Regency Romance series. but it takes on a very different tone. this book is darker and gothic, with more overt violence. winnie is a very good protagonist and I found myself drawn in by the magic she performs. this book also isn't much of a romance, but that isn't a bad thing. personally I prefer the less romantic tone.

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