Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

Synopsis: Abitha is new to the Puritan lifestyle, an outsider. She attends church and plays her role like a good Christian. But Abitha is also from a bloodline of Cunning women, more known as a Witch. After her husband mysteriously perishes, she is left alone to fend for her land in a patriarchal, misogynistic society that is hellbent on keeping witches and devils away from their land. Enter Slewfoot (Samson). Samson is unsure who he is, he is told he is “The Devil” but that doesn't feel right to him, he needs to know more. Together Abitha and Samson form a bond, using each other's gifts in a world where Witchcraft means a death sentence, desperate to discover their true nature.

“You think me worried about my soul? “ She laughed again, loud and fierce, locking blazing eyes on Samson. “I've no soul left,” she growled. “They've crucified my fucking soul!”

Let's talk Abitha our main character. I love her so much! Imagine that, characters written so well you become emotionally invested in them. She is a true badass. She speaks up despite the Puritan law, she takes no bs from any man, and she stands her ground at all times. Abitha is everything we want to see in a female lead. Strong, resourceful, brave, cunning, creative, intelligent and kind. Abitha's growth shines throughout the story, becoming one powerful being.

Characters in the book are fully developed with their own personalities and morals. Brom writes Samson so well, introducing a new image of “The Devil” in the readers mind. A God of Mother Nature with human thoughts and conundrums. Despite characters with strong, stubborn beliefs, some do show remorse and sadness for Abitha's fate, showing that not everyone was okay with the silly happenings of the church.

The story is beautifully written. The pacing starts slow, but stays interesting and engaging throughout. It's hard to talk about certain parts without spoilers but the parts about nature are written so descriptive it's like you're there spinning in a field of flowers, drinking in the sun and witnessing mother nature's growth and beauty. I specifically loved the wildfolk and the old gods. A certain bear that serves the beam may even make an appearance.

Merged review:

Synopsis: Abitha is new to the Puritan lifestyle, an outsider. She attends church and plays her role like a good Christian. But Abitha is also from a bloodline of Cunning women, more known as a Witch. After her husband mysteriously perishes, she is left alone to fend for her land in a patriarchal, misogynistic society that is hellbent on keeping witches and devils away from their land. Enter Slewfoot (Samson). Samson is unsure who he is, he is told he is “The Devil” but that doesn't feel right to him, he needs to know more. Together Abitha and Samson form a bond, using each other's gifts in a world where Witchcraft means a death sentence, desperate to discover their true nature.

“You think me worried about my soul? “ She laughed again, loud and fierce, locking blazing eyes on Samson. “I've no soul left,” she growled. “They've crucified my fucking soul!”

Let's talk Abitha our main character. I love her so much! Imagine that, characters written so well you become emotionally invested in them. She is a true badass. She speaks up despite the Puritan law, she takes no bs from any man, and she stands her ground at all times. Abitha is everything we want to see in a female lead. Strong, resourceful, brave, cunning, creative, intelligent and kind. Abitha's growth shines throughout the story, becoming one powerful being.

Characters in the book are fully developed with their own personalities and morals. Brom writes Samson so well, introducing a new image of “The Devil” in the readers mind. A God of Mother Nature with human thoughts and conundrums. Despite characters with strong, stubborn beliefs, some do show remorse and sadness for Abitha's fate, showing that not everyone was okay with the silly happenings of the church.

The story is beautifully written. The pacing starts slow, but stays interesting and engaging throughout. It's hard to talk about certain parts without spoilers but the parts about nature are written so descriptive it's like you're there spinning in a field of flowers, drinking in the sun and witnessing mother nature's growth and beauty. I specifically loved the wildfolk and the old gods. A certain bear that serves the beam may even make an appearance.

I think there's a quantifiable struggle amongst readers to pinpoint / express what makes us love a certain novel.

I'm finding that struggle here. Slewfoot completely transported me to a different time, different world, and every character was filled with emotional range and complexity. A joy of a gothic novel.

Merged review:

I think there's a quantifiable struggle amongst readers to pinpoint / express what makes us love a certain novel.

I'm finding that struggle here. Slewfoot completely transported me to a different time, different world, and every character was filled with emotional range and complexity. A joy of a gothic novel.

This book is just...excellent
From the setting to the characters to the writing, this was just immaculate. I love this book and we stan Samson (he got some serious character development) and Abitha (she is an absolute badass). (we don't like Wallace tho). And the art is just gorgeous!

Also, what happened to Edward?