A really solid book. 
I found that I did not give it a perfect 5 because some parts in the first half felt like such a slog.
But this thing is really Victorian gothic to the core. 

I really do appreciate the theme of SA survival. I could feel the familiar nausea in Winnie as she was experiencing it herself in the story. 

Winnie as a whole was pleasant to read actually. Her cleverness and humanity shine through. Not all authors can write a clever character.

I also really liked the “telling a fairy tale” format that was used for expositional moments. It made it feel like the vibe wasn't abruptly halted to explain something.

What brought this rating way up was the love interest. The development he went through and the way his character evolves as he comes to love Winnie was absolutely perfect to my tastes.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit and wanted to give it 4 stars. My reason for knocking off the quarter star is that there are some repetitive descriptions of one of the main supporting characters. That detail can get a little tedious.

Otherwise, this is a fun read with an alternative take on the Gothic Romance genre. To be honest, I was over half way through the book before anything overtly romantic happened. The romance is pretty restrained, closer to something thing in Victorian-era novels, which I really appreciated.

If you saw 'faeries' and 'romance' and thought of ACOTAR, you're going to be disappointed. This book is not that. I think if you liked Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, you might like this book.

I'm interested to see where this world goes and will be reading Rosemary & Thyme when it comes out. 

This was different than Atwater's other Regency novels, which I loved. This one had less romance and upped the Gothic faerie vibes. It didn't have the cozy vibes I loved but I still really liked this one. It does deal with some heavier topics (see TW)

 Of particular note: This book takes place in the early 1850s, which places it as much as 30-40 years after Half a Soul and 25-30 years after Longshadow 

Olivia Atwater weaves a spellbinding tale with "The Witchwood Knot," drawing readers into a dark and enchanting faerie realm that mirrors Victorian England with stunning accuracy. But also introduces us to Winifred Hall, a formidable and unapologetic woman whose strength permeates every page. Winnie is a beacon of determination and grit, tackling tasks that many would shy away from—not without fear, but despite it. She navigates an unjust world with a keen sense of justice and a refusal to be cowed by her circumstances.

From the moment Victorian governess Winifred Hall sets foot in Witchwood Manor, readers are transported into a world where nothing is as it seems. With a sharp wit and keen eye, Winifred navigates the intricate web of faerie mischief, determined to rescue her abducted charge. But as she delves deeper into the shadows of the manor, she discovers that even the most innocent-looking corners hold sinister secrets.

The atmosphere of "The Witchwood Knot" is palpable, with every page steeped in a sense of foreboding and mystery. Atwater expertly crafts morally ambiguous characters and cunning plot twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The fae and otherworldly creatures are portrayed with a refreshing complexity, reminding readers that not everything is as black and white as it seems.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of vulnerability and resilience. Winifred's journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, yet she never wavers in her determination to uncover the truth. Her character development is nuanced and compelling, adding depth to an already richly layered narrative.

As the story unfolds, Atwater seamlessly incorporates snippets of fairytales and folklore, enriching the world-building and adding an extra layer of intrigue. Each revelation brings new depth to the story, inviting readers to unravel the mysteries of Witchwood Manor alongside Winifred.

In "The Witchwood Knot," Olivia Atwater delivers a mesmerizing blend of gothic romance and dark faerie tale, captivating readers with its whimsical charm and spellbinding narrative. A must-read for fans of atmospheric fantasy and intricate storytelling.

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