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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I’d give this book six stars if I could. Although this book could absolutely be read as a standalone, it follows in the same world and some of the same characters as Atwater’s Regency Fairytale series Whereas those books could definitely be called cozy fantasy, this dealt with  darker themes, and could be more accurately called a gothic fantasy. However, despite that being a throughline, because of the commonality of the world, it still read somewhat cozily to me. 

Our heroine is a magician who comes to a cursed manor to help an old benefactress protect her grandson from the nefarious presence in her estate. Although the other servants in the house can’t seem to tell her what’s happening, it’s clear that malevolent faeries are involved. 

The story is masterfully woven, with charming characters and themes that encourage the reader to confront what constitutes a monster and how people regain their agency after violation. 

Even when constructing a darker story, there is something so inviting about Atwater’s prose. It’s such a delight to read. I’m genuinely thrilled that she’s continuing to write in this world and hope we won’t have to wait too long for the next installment. Many thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this wonderful story.