Books Like...

Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom is a dark and intense tale set in Colonial New England in 1666. The story follows Abitha, a strong and layered protagonist who faces puritanical oppression and the horrors of witch hunts. As she navigates a world of religious trauma and patriarchy, Abitha meets Slewfoot, an ancient spirit who becomes her only ally in a battle between pagan and Puritan forces. The book weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and horror, creating a gripping narrative that delves into themes of power, resilience, and the fight for survival in a time of darkness and ignorance.

The writing style of Slewfoot is described as superbly written, captivating, and gripping. Readers are drawn into the story from the beginning, with its imaginative spin on the historical backdrop of witchcraft accusations in the Puritan American Colonies. The book features stunning artwork that enhances the reading experience, adding an elegant touch to the dark and mystical atmosphere created by the author.

'In the House in the Dark of the Woods' by Laird Hunt is a dark and atmospheric fairy tale set in New England. The story follows a woman named Goody who ventures into the woods to gather berries for her family but ends up encountering eerie characters and experiencing unsettling events. As the plot unfolds, the narrative weaves elements of horror, folklore, and mystery, leading the reader through a dreamlike journey filled with outlandish characters and dark twists. The writing style of the book is described as lyrical, creepy, and immersive, creating a sense of unease and suspense as the protagonist navigates through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.

Set in 1880s New York City, "The Witches of New York" by Ami McKay follows the story of three women - Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice - who run a tea shop and herbal apothecary. The narrative intertwines themes of magic, witchcraft, herbalism, and spiritualism as the characters navigate their abilities and encounter ghosts and spirits. The book delves into the histories of these women, exploring their individual journeys and the challenges they face in a society that views them as witches. Despite some pacing issues and the introduction of multiple perspectives, the story gradually gains momentum, weaving together a tale of empowerment and sisterhood in a magical setting.

The Once and Future Witches is a historical fantasy novel set in New Salem in the late 1800s, where three estranged sisters, Juniper, Agnes, and Bella, reunite and discover their latent magical abilities, embarking on a journey to revive witchcraft to empower women during the suffrage movement. The story weaves together themes of feminism, sisterhood, women's rights, and the power of magic, drawing on nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and historical events to create a compelling narrative that blends fantasy with real-world struggles for equality. The writing style is described as lyrical, emotive, and descriptive, with a focus on character growth, intricate world-building, and a strong emphasis on themes of empowerment and solidarity among women.

"The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice is a massive, addictive book that follows the story of the Mayfair family through thirteen generations, each more intriguing than the last. Set in New Orleans, the novel delves into the history of the Mayfair witches spanning centuries, from ancient Scotland to modern times. Rice's writing style, which includes first-person narration, creates an intense and creepy atmosphere that immerses readers into the world of witches, spirits, and mysteries.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a story that follows the lives of two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of witches. The book explores themes of acceptance of witchery in modern society and the complexities of family dynamics. The plot weaves magical realism into a modern-day setting, showcasing the struggles and strengths of the Owens family through generations. Hoffman's writing style is described as sensuous and moody, with a touch of romance and raw drama in her characterizations.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab is a haunting and beautifully written fantasy novel that follows the story of Lexi in the town of Near. When children start disappearing and a mysterious boy appears, Lexi finds herself entangled in a centuries-old witch's grudge. The writing style is described as lyrical and captivating, drawing readers into a world filled with eerie plots, rich settings, and intriguing characters.

'Hex' by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a modern horror novel that delves into the story of a small town haunted by a 17th-century witch, Katherine van Wyler, known as the Black Rock Witch. The town, Black Spring, has adapted to the curse by using advanced technology to monitor her and prevent outsiders from seeing her. However, when a group of teenagers disrupts the delicate balance, chaos ensues, revealing the dark secrets and horrors lurking beneath the surface. The narrative explores themes of fear, mob mentality, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding, all wrapped in a blend of supernatural terror and modern-day technology.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a glimpse into the lives of the town's inhabitants as they navigate the sinister presence of the witch and the repercussions of their actions. The writing style combines elements of dark fantasy, horror, and suspense, keeping readers on edge as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. The book challenges traditional notions of witchcraft and superstition, presenting a complex and chilling tale that blurs the lines between past and present, folklore and reality.

Follow Me to Ground is a dark and disturbing tale about Ada and her father, who are healers living outside a village. They have the ability to cure the locals by physically opening up their bodies and removing illnesses. The story unfolds with Ada falling in love with a young man named Samson, despite warnings from her father and Samson's sister. The narrative is described as a mix of horror, mythology, allegory, fairytale, and coming of age elements, creating an eerie and tense reading experience that delves into themes of humanity and feminist theory.

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown is a historical fiction novel set during the Manningtree Witch Trials of 1645. The story follows Alice Hopkins, a young widow who returns home to Manningtree, Essex, only to find herself entangled in the horrors of the witch trials led by her brother, Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General. The book delves into the chilling events of the witch hunts, portraying the fear, manipulation, and torment faced by women accused of witchcraft in 17th century England. The writing style is described as carefully constructed, beautifully written, and chilling, providing a haunting account of the dark realities of that time period.