My book review of Slewfoot: A tale of bewitchery by Brom. This dark historical horror has everything you crave when it comes to the witching hour.
Title: Slewfoot: a tale of bewitchery
By: Brom
Genre: Horror
Pages: 307
Release Date: September 14th, 2021
Publisher: Tor Nightfire
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
Set in Colonial New England, Slewfoot is a tale of magic and mystery, of triumph and terror as only dark fantasist Brom can tell it.
A spirited young Englishwoman, Abitha, arrives at a Puritan colony betrothed to a stranger – only to become quickly widowed when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. All alone in this pious and patriarchal society, Abitha fights for what little freedom she can grasp onto, while trying to stay true to herself and her past.
Enter Slewfoot, a powerful spirit of antiquity newly woken ... and trying to find his own role in the world. Healer or destroyer? Protector or predator? But as the shadows walk and villagers start dying, a new rumor is whispered: Witch.
Both Abitha and Slewfoot must swiftly decide who they are, and what they must do to survive in a world intent on hanging any who meddle in the dark arts.
Complete with 8 pages of Brom’s mesmerizing full-color artwork and chapter illustrations throughout, his latest book is sure to delight.
Review:
This horror story was devious and dark. I loved it to its core and that's saying a lot.
Abitha has a simple life with her husband, until one day she finds herself alone after her husband falls into a deep cave. To save what little happiness she has left, Abitha makes a deal to save her farm, but when she starts seeing dark shadows in the forest, things seem to take a turn for the worst.
Brom has a magical way of changing a sweet character into a bitter vindictive monster. The actions in this story are infuriating and brutal, but based in truths for the times. I couldn't imagine what those women went through. The torture based on superstition and hate.
In the end, Abitha finally feels the freedom and happiness she deserves, and those who only saw her as a witch suffered greatly. There was nothing more satisfying than reading those last few pages.
Brom has a wonderful eye for horror, but also a great writing voice. This book could only deserve 5 stars. I can't wait to read it again.
that needs to go on my tbr pile asap.
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