"Weyward" by Emilia Hart

"Weyward" by Emilia Hart is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through time and space, weaving together the stories of three women who are bound by their connection to the natural world and their ability to harness its power. The novel combines historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and paranormal elements to create a truly unique reading experience.

The novel follows the lives of three women who are separated by centuries but linked by their experiences as "weywards," women who are deemed unusual and dangerous because of their connection to the natural world. The first woman we meet is Kate, a modern-day woman who flees London to take refuge in Weyward Cottage, which she inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. The cottage is overgrown and in disrepair, but Kate begins to suspect that her great-aunt had a secret, one that is connected to the witch hunts of the 17th century.

The second woman we meet is Altha, a woman living in 1619 who is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer. Altha's mother taught her a kind of magic that is rooted in the natural world, but as evidence of witchcraft is set out against her, she must use all her powers to maintain her freedom.

The third woman we meet is Violet, who lives in 1942 on a grand estate but is trapped by societal conventions. She longs for the robust education her brother receives and for her mother, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. Violet's only connection to her mother is a locket bearing the initial W and the word "weyward" scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

The three women's stories are interwoven, and as their experiences unfold, readers are drawn into a world where the natural world and its power are central to the lives of these women. The novel explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the importance of connections to the natural world. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading.

One of the strengths of the novel is its vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world. Hart's writing is lyrical and poetic, and she has a gift for creating vivid imagery that brings the natural world to life. The novel is also well-paced, with the three women's stories unfolding in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested in their lives.

Overall, "Weyward" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. It is a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and the importance of connection to the natural world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Buy Now: "Weyward" by Emilia Hart at Amazon

"Hell Bent" by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s Hell Bent is a gripping and chilling tale that immerses readers in a world of magic, murder, and monsters. This book is the second installment in the Ninth House series, and it continues to explore the dark and dangerous underworld of Yale’s secret societies.

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the main character of the story, and she is determined to break her friend Darlington out of purgatory, even if it means risking her own future at Lethe and at Yale. However, she is forbidden from attempting a rescue and cannot call on the Ninth House for help. To save Darlington, she must assemble a team of dubious allies, navigate a maze of arcane texts and bizarre artifacts, and uncover the societies’ most closely guarded secrets.

As the story progresses, faculty members begin to die off, and Alex realizes that something deadly is at work in New Haven. She must confront the monsters of her past and the darkness built into the university’s very walls if she hopes to survive.

Bardugo’s writing style is both immersive and suspenseful, and she expertly weaves together history, magic, and horror to create a truly unique reading experience. Her characters are complex and intriguing, and readers will find themselves invested in their fates. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Overall, Hell Bent is an excellent addition to the Ninth House series, and fans of Bardugo’s previous work will not be disappointed. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark and twisty fantasy, horror, or mystery novels. The audiobook version of the book is also highly recommended, as the narrator’s performance adds an extra layer of suspense and tension to an already thrilling story. 

Buy Now: "Hell Bent" by Leigh Bardugo at Amazon

"The London Séance Society" by Sarah Penner

Sarah Penner’s “The London Séance Society” is a spellbinding historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends mystery and the paranormal, taking readers on a journey through the dangerous art of conjuring the dead. Set in 1873, the story follows Lenna Wickes, a woman who travels to Paris to investigate her sister’s mysterious death. To uncover the truth, she must put her logical mind aside and embrace the world of spiritualism, which she has always been skeptical of.

At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, Lenna meets Vaudeline D’Allaire, a renowned spiritualist who specializes in communicating with the spirits of murder victims to identify their killers. When Vaudeline is called to England to help solve a high-profile murder case, Lenna joins her as an understudy. As they team up with London’s exclusive Séance Society, they begin to unravel the mystery, only to find themselves caught up in a web of deceit and danger.

Penner’s writing style is captivating and atmospheric, transporting readers to the eerie world of Victorian-era London and Paris. The characters are well-developed, with Lenna’s internal struggle between her logical mind and her growing fascination with spiritualism adding depth to her character. The relationship between Lenna and Vaudeline is particularly interesting, as they come from different worlds but share a common goal.

The plot is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The paranormal elements add an extra layer of intrigue to the mystery, and Penner’s attention to historical detail adds to the authenticity of the story. The themes of sisterhood, justice, and the power of belief are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Overall, “The London Séance Society” is a captivating and well-crafted historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of mystery, the paranormal, and Victorian-era literature. Penner’s ability to blend genres and create a unique story is a testament to her talent as a writer, and readers will eagerly anticipate her next work.

Buy Now: "The London Séance Society" by Sarah Penner at Amazon