Rhiannon
A witchy, gothic tale of a centuries old curse that peculiarly affects only the women of a small, tightly-knit and highly affluent community that is strictly controlled by a sinister, autocratic patriarchal Christian sect that enforces a rigid ‘Purity Culture’ that turns out to be even darker than the women suspect.
The novel is told via three separate timelines of the women in this wealthy town, highlighting their persecution, struggles for autonomy, empowerment and true independence. And the mysterious, terrifying fatal illness that is only whispered about in hushed circles. Because everyone knows the horrible, incurable disease afflicts only the impure women who stray from ‘The Path’. And running through it all is the legend of the Dark Sisters, mysterious entities that may be folklore, ghosts, demons or the curse itself… and may be the reason for the illness, a warning, or even salvation.
The pacing of the novel was strong and consistent, the plot just mysterious enough to hold your interest, and the characters engaging. You will feel the rage, the tooth-grinding oppression, and the vicious and bloody retribution that is centuries in the making.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
A witchy, gothic tale of a centuries old curse that peculiarly affects only the women of a small, tightly-knit and highly affluent community that is strictly controlled by a sinister, autocratic patriarchal Christian sect that enforces a rigid ‘Purity Culture’ that turns out to be even darker than the women suspect.
The novel is told via three separate timelines of the women in this wealthy town, highlighting their persecution, struggles for autonomy, empowerment and true independence. And the mysterious, terrifying fatal illness that is only whispered about in hushed circles. Because everyone knows the horrible, incurable disease afflicts only the impure women who stray from ‘The Path’. And running through it all is the legend of the Dark Sisters, mysterious entities that may be folklore, ghosts, demons or the curse itself… and may be the reason for the illness, a warning, or even salvation.
The pacing of the novel was strong and consistent, the plot just mysterious enough to hold your interest, and the characters engaging. You will feel the rage, the tooth-grinding oppression, and the vicious and bloody retribution that is centuries in the making.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.