The Once and Future Witches

By Alix E. Harrow

Book Overview

In the late 1800s, three sisters use witchcraft to change the course of history in this powerful novel of magic, family, and the suffragette movement.

"A gorgeous and thrilling paean to the ferocious power of women. The characters live, bleed, and roar. "―Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author​

In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters―James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna―join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote―and perhaps not even to live―the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be.

An homage to the indomitable power and persistence of women, The Once and Future Witches reimagines stories of revolution, motherhood, and women's suffrage--the lost ways are calling.

Praise for The Once and Future Witches:

"A glorious escape into a world where witchcraft has dwindled to a memory of women's magic, and three wild, sundered sisters hold the key to bring it back...A tale that will sweep you away."―Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author

"This book is an amazing bit of spellcraft and resistance so needed in our times, and a reminder that secret words and ways can never be truly and properly lost, as long as there are tongues to speak them and ears to listen."―P. Dj l Clark, author The Black God's Drum

A New York Times bestseller - Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel - Named One of the Best Books of the Year by NPR Books - Barnes and Noble - BookPage

For more from Alix E. Harrow, check out The Ten Thousand Doors of January.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316422010
• ISBN13: 9780316422017
• Release Date: September 2021
• Publisher: Redhook
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

My absolute favorite

So lovely and well woven.

Long and preachy

It was far too long. I think the author was trying to make a powerful message (check all the boxes, fit all the categories) rather than give the reader an enjoyable story. It got really boring and predictable at the end, instead of exciting.

Unexpectedly empowering

I really enjoyed this story, and I was surprised how empowered it made me feel as I related to the characters and their struggles, even as a regular mortal woman. I HIGHLY recommend this book, I adored it.

Fantastic!

Loved this story. It was well written and fascinating. A beautifully rendered alternate history. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys witch fiction.

Excellent Read!

I was hooked from page one! Finished it in two days!!!! Wish there were more, like a series of say 10! I’d love to see the next generation with Eve and a child of Bella’s and whomever the third would be…. I’d definitely purchase a series!