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Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery
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.
Connecticut, 1666.
An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector.
The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil.
To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help.
Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
Connecticut, 1666.
An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector.
The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil.
To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help.
Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
About the author
Brom
61 books4,925 followersBorn in the deep dark south in the mid-sixties. Brom, an army brat, spent his entire youth on the move and unabashedly blames living in such places as Japan, Hawaii, Germany, and Alabama for all his afflictions. From his earliest memories Brom, has been obsessed with the creation of the weird, the monstrous, and the beautiful.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,610 reviews
August 7, 2022
2nd read: We love a Demon Daddy! Samson is a hot ticket and Abitha is paying full price.
Abitha is THAT bitch and deserves rights. She is serving and slaying (literally) in this good-for-her revenge story. Samson is the goat-god-devil we all love but don't deserve.
Forest is my lil bb. Yeah, he's frustrating at times but I would throw my body in front of his in an attack. He is precious and loyal and sweet. Gotta love a ride-or-die.
Wallice can literally suck a thousand dicks and choke on them all. Enough said.
The talk of perception and how it can always be skewed to favor someone's side is so interesting. The talk of Christianity and how it empowers people to excuse their sins as 'god's will' or decree something sacrilege just because you so choose is enlightening. This book put a lot of things into a surreal perspective for me.
I love this book. Can't wait to get a physical copy to see the stunning illustrations and to annotate. I have so many thoughts.
Also, the audio is fantastic. I would highly recommend it because there is a point where Abitha sings an old song and when I tell you she SINGS an entire song. It is stunning. I've already relistened to it 5 times. Love it.
1st read: rereading immediately. Review to come...
Abitha is THAT bitch and deserves rights. She is serving and slaying (literally) in this good-for-her revenge story. Samson is the goat-god-devil we all love but don't deserve.
Forest is my lil bb. Yeah, he's frustrating at times but I would throw my body in front of his in an attack. He is precious and loyal and sweet. Gotta love a ride-or-die.
Wallice can literally suck a thousand dicks and choke on them all. Enough said.
The talk of perception and how it can always be skewed to favor someone's side is so interesting. The talk of Christianity and how it empowers people to excuse their sins as 'god's will' or decree something sacrilege just because you so choose is enlightening. This book put a lot of things into a surreal perspective for me.
I love this book. Can't wait to get a physical copy to see the stunning illustrations and to annotate. I have so many thoughts.
Also, the audio is fantastic. I would highly recommend it because there is a point where Abitha sings an old song and when I tell you she SINGS an entire song. It is stunning. I've already relistened to it 5 times. Love it.
1st read: rereading immediately. Review to come...
December 20, 2024
Oh the heavens…this book. This BOOK. THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
This is a vivid and luscious work of dark folklore full of historical horror like no other.
The entire book is so completely captivating, full of rich, dark descriptors and drags you along for an incredulous ride. The historical parts are spot on and make you feel the desperation and condemnation as if you were right there, back in 1666. Beautifully told with incredible imagery, this story envelops you in a unsettling darkness that you somehow welcome.
The story itself ebbs and weaves from one perspective to another, allowing us to see each persons actions and thoughts. This style of writing allows the story to come together so effortlessly and draws the picture of events so well, it’s like being there.
We follow the story of Abitha, a young woman who finds herself in a small town trying to make the best of a life she was sold into. Straining against the rigid puritan laws and struggling to fit into a culture that doesn’t belong to her, she begins to unravel who she is and what she is meant to be. It’s an utterly heart clenching tale full of so many emotions.
This book opened up so many doors for me. I typically don’t read this type of genre but I absolutely could not get enough!!
This is a vivid and luscious work of dark folklore full of historical horror like no other.
The entire book is so completely captivating, full of rich, dark descriptors and drags you along for an incredulous ride. The historical parts are spot on and make you feel the desperation and condemnation as if you were right there, back in 1666. Beautifully told with incredible imagery, this story envelops you in a unsettling darkness that you somehow welcome.
The story itself ebbs and weaves from one perspective to another, allowing us to see each persons actions and thoughts. This style of writing allows the story to come together so effortlessly and draws the picture of events so well, it’s like being there.
We follow the story of Abitha, a young woman who finds herself in a small town trying to make the best of a life she was sold into. Straining against the rigid puritan laws and struggling to fit into a culture that doesn’t belong to her, she begins to unravel who she is and what she is meant to be. It’s an utterly heart clenching tale full of so many emotions.
This book opened up so many doors for me. I typically don’t read this type of genre but I absolutely could not get enough!!
October 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ insufferable in the best way
August 11, 2021
3.25⭐️ maybe.
So conflicted.
The last 20% saved it. If only the first 80% was that good
So conflicted.
The last 20% saved it. If only the first 80% was that good
September 24, 2024
4.5 dark and captivating Stars!
𝓐 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓐𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓪'𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮. "𝓘𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽," 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭, "𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮."
“𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 … 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝔃𝔃𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓢𝓪𝓭𝓵𝔂, 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽?”
╰⪼ Atmospheric
╰⪼ Dark, Eerie, Chilling
╰⪼ Compelling and Captivating
╰⪼ Haunting
╰⪼ Pagan vs Puritan
A dark and devastating tale that takes place in 1666 New England, in a small Puritan village. An ancient malevolent force awakens in the haunting woods and the villagers are fearful of what awaits them.
Our FMC Abitha comes from a long line of cunning folk and bewitchery herself. When her husband mysteriously disappears, she sees a figure who is a half-human and half-horned beast. She becomes enamored with the man-beast and since his true identity is unknown, she names him Samson. Who is Samson? Protector or slayer? Is he virtuous or monstrous? Is he the devil himself?
So, I really loved this as a whole. Normally I'm a really fast reader, with this book, I believe you need to slow your own pacing - or well for me, I needed to. In order to really soak up all that this novel has to offer.
Slewfoot is an incredible, harrowing tale about a remarkable friendship and a demon trying to find his soul. A journey of witchcraft, misogyny, paganism, and piety.
Completely captivated my tortured black heart.
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂 𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓷 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼, 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼." 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭. "𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓼.”
𝓐 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓐𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓪'𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮. "𝓘𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽," 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭, "𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮."
“𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 … 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝔃𝔃𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓢𝓪𝓭𝓵𝔂, 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽?”
╰⪼ Atmospheric
╰⪼ Dark, Eerie, Chilling
╰⪼ Compelling and Captivating
╰⪼ Haunting
╰⪼ Pagan vs Puritan
A dark and devastating tale that takes place in 1666 New England, in a small Puritan village. An ancient malevolent force awakens in the haunting woods and the villagers are fearful of what awaits them.
Our FMC Abitha comes from a long line of cunning folk and bewitchery herself. When her husband mysteriously disappears, she sees a figure who is a half-human and half-horned beast. She becomes enamored with the man-beast and since his true identity is unknown, she names him Samson. Who is Samson? Protector or slayer? Is he virtuous or monstrous? Is he the devil himself?
So, I really loved this as a whole. Normally I'm a really fast reader, with this book, I believe you need to slow your own pacing - or well for me, I needed to. In order to really soak up all that this novel has to offer.
Slewfoot is an incredible, harrowing tale about a remarkable friendship and a demon trying to find his soul. A journey of witchcraft, misogyny, paganism, and piety.
Completely captivated my tortured black heart.
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂 𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓷 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼, 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼." 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭. "𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓼.”
December 30, 2022
This book is the very definition of "I support women's rights AND women's wrongs".
Slewfoot is a deliciously dark tale of pagan vs puritan, throwing us back to the days of witch trials. We see Abitha befriending the demon in the woods when the village turns against her, a vicious cycle of wrongdoings causing the downfall of all.
Brom's writing is amongst some of the most atmospheric I've read, aided even more so by his stunning illustrations. I adore his artwork, and it is especially helpful for the gothic twisted tales he writes, the sights of demons being beyond standard imagination.The combination of storytelling and illustration proved an engaging read I couldn't escape from, and even now month's later I still think about Abitha, her woodland and the small village nearby.
Slewfoot is a deliciously dark tale of pagan vs puritan, throwing us back to the days of witch trials. We see Abitha befriending the demon in the woods when the village turns against her, a vicious cycle of wrongdoings causing the downfall of all.
Brom's writing is amongst some of the most atmospheric I've read, aided even more so by his stunning illustrations. I adore his artwork, and it is especially helpful for the gothic twisted tales he writes, the sights of demons being beyond standard imagination.The combination of storytelling and illustration proved an engaging read I couldn't escape from, and even now month's later I still think about Abitha, her woodland and the small village nearby.
December 31, 2023
Dark fantasy, Puritanical setting and a feisty main character you can't help but root for, fighting against overwhelming odds. Blurring the lines between good and evil, with a few gruesome scenes. This was excellent!
September 3, 2023
we love women getting their revenge!
September 13, 2021
Having read LOST GODS a few years ago, I became a fan of Brom. When I saw the cover of this one I knew I had to have it. I was not disappointed!
Abitha was sold off by her drunk father in London, to a husband, (Edward), in Puritanical Connecticut. She begins her life on her new husband's farm and grows to truly love him. Unfortunately, her husband's brother is part owner of the farm, and he's deep in debt. Before she knows it, her brother-in-law is attempting to steal their land and the nosy Puritanical neighbors are all up in their business. It's almost too much for Abitha to take. One day, Edward wanders into the woods and Abitha's life changes forever. Widowed now, will she be able to hold on to her farm? Will her evil brother-in-law work with the uptight townsfolk to oust her? You'll have to read this to find out!
I very much enjoyed the style of storytelling here, it was almost like a fairy tale. I'm trying to explain without spoiling anything, so bear with me. I felt like some of the characters could have used a bit more of a back story for me to be fully invested in them. Sky and Forest, to mention two.
That said, Abitha has to be one of my favorite characters in all of literature. She was so well defined, I never found myself second guessing her decisions. She, being put into a terrible situation by her father, decides to make the best of it and then follows through on that, under the most ghastly conditions. She holds the memory of her mother dear, and Abitha never forgets what her mother told her as a young girl. But Abitha is also strong-willed and headstrong, and she's certainly a lot of woman for the prudish ladies in town to handle. That's what I loved most about her.
Samson was a confusing character for me, which I guess isn't surprising, because he was confused himself. As the tale progressed though, things became more clear, and I began to like and pity Samson at the same time. I love characters that are conflicted because otherwise where's the story? Samson and Abitha both grew as characters and I felt differently about them both at the end of the tale than I did at the beginning. That's always a sign of great writing in my book, and that's what's in THIS book.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale and Brom has impressed me once again. I read an e-ARC of this story, so I cannot yet speak to Brom's artwork. A paper copy is on the way though, and once I see it, I reserve the right to update this review accordingly. As of right now, based on the story alone, I highly recommend SLEWFOOOT: A TALE OF BEWITCHERY. Let Brom bewitch YOU!
*Thanks to NetGalley/Tor/Nightfire for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
Abitha was sold off by her drunk father in London, to a husband, (Edward), in Puritanical Connecticut. She begins her life on her new husband's farm and grows to truly love him. Unfortunately, her husband's brother is part owner of the farm, and he's deep in debt. Before she knows it, her brother-in-law is attempting to steal their land and the nosy Puritanical neighbors are all up in their business. It's almost too much for Abitha to take. One day, Edward wanders into the woods and Abitha's life changes forever. Widowed now, will she be able to hold on to her farm? Will her evil brother-in-law work with the uptight townsfolk to oust her? You'll have to read this to find out!
I very much enjoyed the style of storytelling here, it was almost like a fairy tale. I'm trying to explain without spoiling anything, so bear with me. I felt like some of the characters could have used a bit more of a back story for me to be fully invested in them. Sky and Forest, to mention two.
That said, Abitha has to be one of my favorite characters in all of literature. She was so well defined, I never found myself second guessing her decisions. She, being put into a terrible situation by her father, decides to make the best of it and then follows through on that, under the most ghastly conditions. She holds the memory of her mother dear, and Abitha never forgets what her mother told her as a young girl. But Abitha is also strong-willed and headstrong, and she's certainly a lot of woman for the prudish ladies in town to handle. That's what I loved most about her.
Samson was a confusing character for me, which I guess isn't surprising, because he was confused himself. As the tale progressed though, things became more clear, and I began to like and pity Samson at the same time. I love characters that are conflicted because otherwise where's the story? Samson and Abitha both grew as characters and I felt differently about them both at the end of the tale than I did at the beginning. That's always a sign of great writing in my book, and that's what's in THIS book.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale and Brom has impressed me once again. I read an e-ARC of this story, so I cannot yet speak to Brom's artwork. A paper copy is on the way though, and once I see it, I reserve the right to update this review accordingly. As of right now, based on the story alone, I highly recommend SLEWFOOOT: A TALE OF BEWITCHERY. Let Brom bewitch YOU!
*Thanks to NetGalley/Tor/Nightfire for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
June 16, 2023
Need more Brom!
I didn't anticipate such an exceptional piece, but it turned out to be just that! This book exceeded all my expectations and checked all the boxes. I absolutely adored it!
This book contains several minor trigger warnings as well as abundant descriptions and discussions about religious beliefs.
I didn't anticipate such an exceptional piece, but it turned out to be just that! This book exceeded all my expectations and checked all the boxes. I absolutely adored it!
This book contains several minor trigger warnings as well as abundant descriptions and discussions about religious beliefs.
April 24, 2022
Immaculate 😌
January 19, 2024
This book bewitched me! From the very beginning, I was enchanted. I found this book to be addictive, shocking, original, and so well done. Another plus was the beautiful illustrations in the book which helped me envision the characters and enhanced my reading experience. This book was a nice mix of horror, fantasy, historical fiction and the supernatural. This was my first time reading a book by Brom and it will not be my last. I look forward to reading more of his books.
Abitha's father put her on a ship and sent her off to a Puritan colony to be married. It's not an easy transition for the outspoken Abitha who now must follow strict rules on dressing, behavior, and speaking. When her husband dies, she does her best to advocate for herself.
A powerful entity has woken in the depths of a deep dark cave. It doesn't know its own identity or purpose. Soon Abitha and Samson, as Abitha calls him, will both need to decide who they are in this world.
This book was dark, atmospheric, imaginative, brooding, and wonderful. I was transported to colonial New England in the 1600's through Brom's vivid descriptions. It is a time when women had no voice and must be obedient. But even then, if you anger the wrong person, your fate is sealed.
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I am happy I did not live back then. It was a male dominated world with women having no rights. With misogyny kicked into overdrive and harsh punishments dealt out, it was a dark and unforgiving time. I felt for Abitha having to change/tone down who she was to fit into the new community she did not choose. She is a strong outspoken person, and I admired her spunk and determination. I also felt for Slewfoot at times, not knowing who or what he was. Both are on a journey, and I enjoyed reading as they chose their paths. I was also angry for the injustice that was dealt. I thought Brom did a great job showing Abitha's frustrations as well as the group mentality of the colony.
This book was a nice surprise. I had no idea what I was getting into when I selected this book to read. I wanted to read a book about a witch or witches but what I got was so much more. I enjoyed how the story was told and the pacing of this highly imaginative and descriptive book. As I mentioned, the illustrations are amazing, and I suggest reading the book so that you can enjoy them.
Dark, gripping, horrific and atmospheric.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Abitha's father put her on a ship and sent her off to a Puritan colony to be married. It's not an easy transition for the outspoken Abitha who now must follow strict rules on dressing, behavior, and speaking. When her husband dies, she does her best to advocate for herself.
A powerful entity has woken in the depths of a deep dark cave. It doesn't know its own identity or purpose. Soon Abitha and Samson, as Abitha calls him, will both need to decide who they are in this world.
This book was dark, atmospheric, imaginative, brooding, and wonderful. I was transported to colonial New England in the 1600's through Brom's vivid descriptions. It is a time when women had no voice and must be obedient. But even then, if you anger the wrong person, your fate is sealed.
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I am happy I did not live back then. It was a male dominated world with women having no rights. With misogyny kicked into overdrive and harsh punishments dealt out, it was a dark and unforgiving time. I felt for Abitha having to change/tone down who she was to fit into the new community she did not choose. She is a strong outspoken person, and I admired her spunk and determination. I also felt for Slewfoot at times, not knowing who or what he was. Both are on a journey, and I enjoyed reading as they chose their paths. I was also angry for the injustice that was dealt. I thought Brom did a great job showing Abitha's frustrations as well as the group mentality of the colony.
This book was a nice surprise. I had no idea what I was getting into when I selected this book to read. I wanted to read a book about a witch or witches but what I got was so much more. I enjoyed how the story was told and the pacing of this highly imaginative and descriptive book. As I mentioned, the illustrations are amazing, and I suggest reading the book so that you can enjoy them.
Dark, gripping, horrific and atmospheric.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 11, 2023
Oh my god.. this was just. so bad. i’m never reading female protagonist stories by male authors ever again. The “i’m -not-like-other-girls-because-i’m-just-so-stubborn-and-strongwilled-this-town-just-doesn’t get-me” trope is so TIRED and dismisses the complexity of the new england witch trials to an ignorant fantasy. there is 0 historical accuracy (even for a supernatural fictional narrative), 0 depth, unnecessary characters, cringey dialogue, redundant nudity, absolutely no chemistry between characters and insufferably long and useless scenes. the plot summary, cover art, and character design pieces included in the book were so so promising. i just don’t get how you can take inspiration from one of america’s most fascinating and bizarre historical events and fumble so bad.
January 8, 2022
Brom and I might be some sort of kindred spirits. I met him once, many years ago at a local comic con and he was so quiet and unassuming. I was young, not used to meeting celebrities at the time and so was super awkward. I wish I could go back to that day and tell myself to talk with him more. To really engage and talk Paganism, gothic literature, and more.
Slewfoot is just like Brom’s other books I’ve read. It’s got gore, violence, injustice, beauty, love, and above all else a loyalty to the tenants of Paganism that only someone who practices could capture on the page.
This narrative is really about how we can all become devils and demons when pushed hard enough. Present enough ridiculous, scary, life threatening circumstances and anyone can lash out. Additionally humans can also be pushed to say untrue things under enough duress. Hence the witch trials (one of which happens in Slewfoot); and their unjust version of ‘proof’ and ‘confession’.
I adored how Brom brought to the narrative very simple pillars of trust and loyalty (while very complex) he puts our characters in situations where I (personally) could not imagine doing anything other than exactly what someone wanted, even if it was untrue. Only because our drive to survive and live is so powerful.
The ending of Slewfoot is perfect and the reason I believe Brom and I must be part of the same. He exactly narrates and identifies what I have long believed; that all gods and devils are one and the same. Our ability to perceive or define them is only limited by our lack of understanding, imagination, or fake human rules (in this case those the Catholic/Christian church preach). Beautifully written, in such a way that I dare someone to tell me they are not cheering for Abitha, Slewfoot and others to preserver.
This is a book I will certainly need a personal print copy of. Not just for the beautiful, full-colour illustrations included; but because it speaks to me in a spiritual way that is so rare. As a witch (of today) myself I can’t help but get angry at the trials but also appreciate the repercussions after that Brom gives us.
If you are looking for a morally subjective, gothic witch story with heavy Pagan overtones then this is for you.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Slewfoot is just like Brom’s other books I’ve read. It’s got gore, violence, injustice, beauty, love, and above all else a loyalty to the tenants of Paganism that only someone who practices could capture on the page.
This narrative is really about how we can all become devils and demons when pushed hard enough. Present enough ridiculous, scary, life threatening circumstances and anyone can lash out. Additionally humans can also be pushed to say untrue things under enough duress. Hence the witch trials (one of which happens in Slewfoot); and their unjust version of ‘proof’ and ‘confession’.
I adored how Brom brought to the narrative very simple pillars of trust and loyalty (while very complex) he puts our characters in situations where I (personally) could not imagine doing anything other than exactly what someone wanted, even if it was untrue. Only because our drive to survive and live is so powerful.
The ending of Slewfoot is perfect and the reason I believe Brom and I must be part of the same. He exactly narrates and identifies what I have long believed; that all gods and devils are one and the same. Our ability to perceive or define them is only limited by our lack of understanding, imagination, or fake human rules (in this case those the Catholic/Christian church preach). Beautifully written, in such a way that I dare someone to tell me they are not cheering for Abitha, Slewfoot and others to preserver.
This is a book I will certainly need a personal print copy of. Not just for the beautiful, full-colour illustrations included; but because it speaks to me in a spiritual way that is so rare. As a witch (of today) myself I can’t help but get angry at the trials but also appreciate the repercussions after that Brom gives us.
If you are looking for a morally subjective, gothic witch story with heavy Pagan overtones then this is for you.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 31, 2023
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/B_yRiE4mDh8
April 8, 2023
This is the first book that I’ve read by Brom and I loved his writing and illustrations!
Slewfoot will bring all types of emotion to the reader.
I loved the setting of 1666 when Puritans ruled the land and colonies. It’s such a fascinating time but also a period in time that makes me angry.
There’s no way I wouldn't have been burned at the stake. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The main character of Abitha was fierce, smart and brave. I loved her character and how she stands up for herself and her husband, Edward.
There are secondary characters in this book that will enrage you as a reader and you hope they die a violent death. I'm looking at you Wallace.
Slewfoot has wonderful imagery and atmosphere. It’s also got an interesting and different spin on an ancient pagan spirit. The battle between pagan and Puritan was bloody, brutal, and well done!
I’m glad that I got to this one and looking forward to reading more books by Brom!
Slewfoot will bring all types of emotion to the reader.
I loved the setting of 1666 when Puritans ruled the land and colonies. It’s such a fascinating time but also a period in time that makes me angry.
There’s no way I wouldn't have been burned at the stake. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The main character of Abitha was fierce, smart and brave. I loved her character and how she stands up for herself and her husband, Edward.
There are secondary characters in this book that will enrage you as a reader and you hope they die a violent death. I'm looking at you Wallace.
Slewfoot has wonderful imagery and atmosphere. It’s also got an interesting and different spin on an ancient pagan spirit. The battle between pagan and Puritan was bloody, brutal, and well done!
I’m glad that I got to this one and looking forward to reading more books by Brom!
August 7, 2023
3⭐️ last 30% of this book was FREAKING BRILLIANT 😩😩😩 and the first 70% was just there
So this was a bit of a let down. If you know me, you know my favorite trope in horror and mystery thriller is a good revenge killing ☠️ better yet, make it a freaking killing spree 🤭🤭 so when I was promised that and witchy vibes and a whole ass devil as a love interest, I couldn't resist it.
The first 20 pages was very good then it got very boring, like I'm-going-dnf-anytime-from-now boring, I was disappointed. Then 80% in, things started to get very, very good. I usually give books that bore me 2⭐️ but giving that the last third of the book was worth the read, I'll leave it at 3⭐️. I don't know if I'll recommend it to someone else though.
So this was a bit of a let down. If you know me, you know my favorite trope in horror and mystery thriller is a good revenge killing ☠️ better yet, make it a freaking killing spree 🤭🤭 so when I was promised that and witchy vibes and a whole ass devil as a love interest, I couldn't resist it.
The first 20 pages was very good then it got very boring, like I'm-going-dnf-anytime-from-now boring, I was disappointed. Then 80% in, things started to get very, very good. I usually give books that bore me 2⭐️ but giving that the last third of the book was worth the read, I'll leave it at 3⭐️. I don't know if I'll recommend it to someone else though.
November 23, 2023
i am… underwhelmed
May 28, 2023
3.5 stars
There are many positive things to be said about this book.
The protagonist, Abitha, was likeable and I was genuinely rooting for her. That one scene near the end was pretty badass and exactly what I wanted to happen.
I also loved the rituals Abitha performed, as well as the inclusion of nature spirits. They and the definition and even appearance of Satan reminded me of Princess Mononoke—which, of course, is always a huge plus.
I just wish Satan's personality would've been half as interesting as his looks. He was passive as hell and repeated himself over and over saying: "What do you want, Abitha?, " and "Who am IIIIII???, " like your average conformist bloke reaching his forties.
Also the whole narrative felt oddly disjointed, like the author sat down and was like: 'Hmm, and then what happened? Oh yeah, maybe this cool thing. And what next? How about this cool thing (that is very similar to the other cool thing that has already happened but Idc).'
To me it felt like he had only a vague idea of where he wanted to take things and took way too many pee- and flower-smelling-breaks along the way.
So yay for the vibes, nay for the scribes. Or something.
There are many positive things to be said about this book.
The protagonist, Abitha, was likeable and I was genuinely rooting for her. That one scene near the end was pretty badass and exactly what I wanted to happen.
I also loved the rituals Abitha performed, as well as the inclusion of nature spirits. They and the definition and even appearance of Satan reminded me of Princess Mononoke—which, of course, is always a huge plus.
I just wish Satan's personality would've been half as interesting as his looks. He was passive as hell and repeated himself over and over saying: "What do you want, Abitha?, " and "Who am IIIIII???, " like your average conformist bloke reaching his forties.
Also the whole narrative felt oddly disjointed, like the author sat down and was like: 'Hmm, and then what happened? Oh yeah, maybe this cool thing. And what next? How about this cool thing (that is very similar to the other cool thing that has already happened but Idc).'
To me it felt like he had only a vague idea of where he wanted to take things and took way too many pee- and flower-smelling-breaks along the way.
So yay for the vibes, nay for the scribes. Or something.
April 8, 2023
Slewfoot is my first 'favorite' of 2023, and my second Brom ever.
She called to them: the cicadas , the moths, the beetles, and fireflies, the little gnats and mosquitos, the thousands and thousands of little mosquitos. And they responded, their tiny voices swelling, coming together like a song, filling the woods with their melody as they flew to her, swarming and swirling together like a growing storm cloud.
Brom is a rare kind of artist whose stories are fantastical yet grounded in the truth of human emotion and experience. The characters all felt like they could be real, and Abitha, our protagonist, is one of the most memorable characters I've ever read. I rooted for her every step of the way and I miss her now that the book is over.
If it is a witch they want," she hissed, "then a witch they shall have
Slewfoot is definitely a book I'll read again. And again. And again and again and again.....
She called to them: the cicadas , the moths, the beetles, and fireflies, the little gnats and mosquitos, the thousands and thousands of little mosquitos. And they responded, their tiny voices swelling, coming together like a song, filling the woods with their melody as they flew to her, swarming and swirling together like a growing storm cloud.
Brom is a rare kind of artist whose stories are fantastical yet grounded in the truth of human emotion and experience. The characters all felt like they could be real, and Abitha, our protagonist, is one of the most memorable characters I've ever read. I rooted for her every step of the way and I miss her now that the book is over.
If it is a witch they want," she hissed, "then a witch they shall have
Slewfoot is definitely a book I'll read again. And again. And again and again and again.....
January 23, 2023
SLEWFOOT/Brom (The Child Thief, Krampus)
Release Date: September 2021
General Genre: Adult Horror, Dark Fantasy, Occult & Supernatural, Historical Fiction
Subgenre/Themes: Puritanical, religious community, arranged marriage, witch hunt/trials, sorcery/witchcraft, The devil, myths & legends, folklore, fantasy
Writing Style: Intricately Plotted, Lyrical, Dark Fairytale, Multiple POV
What You Need to Know: A recently widowed woman named Abitha wants to do right by her husband's memory and maintain the family's farm in his place but she is persecuted by her brother-in-law and the townspeople in the hopes of running her off the land so they could take it back; her rightful inheritance. At the same time, something devilish is afoot on Abitha's land. A dark entity has woken up from a deep slumber and his quest to learn his true identity and Abitha's quest to hold on to what is rightfully hers, intersect in such a way that one could help the other.
My Reading Experience: This was my first time reading a book by author/artist Brom. Fearing puritanical forces of oppression out of control, Abitha turns to Slewfoot, the Devil who is being reborn in the dark recesses of a nearby forest. Horror fans thirsty for horror centering on witches will find this dark, historical tale exactly what they have desired.
You can see from my reading updates as I progressed through this novel that the intensity of this story flourishes. I feel like the genre is extremely LIGHT when it comes to prolific novels about witches, the occult, and dark magic. This book is a profound establishment for this sub-genre. I will forever and ever recommend it as the gold standard. There were scenes that reminded me so much of the Salem Witch Trials; accusations flying around, Christian women behaving like vicious schoolyard bullies, and men using falsehoods about the reputations of women to control their behavior or assets. It's so frustrating. There were several chapters where I wanted to scream at the pages. You know that burning feeling you get when you're reading about something horribly unjust? That.
(TW: A cat dies in this)
The chapters centered on The Devil (he is given many names, primarily "Samson") are some of my favorites. I loved all the folklore and fairytale quality. I read an ARC from NetGalley which didn't include any artwork so I bought the hardcover version for my library. It's a must-have for any horror fan.
Final Recommendation: If you enjoy historical fiction set in 1666, stories inspired by the Salem Witch Trials, Puritanical Society, Strong female protagonists, Devilry, Vengence, Justice, and just pure, unadulterated Folk Horror, this is for you...for us!
Comps: The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson, Wytches by Sam Snyder, the film, The Witch directed by Robert Eggers, The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Release Date: September 2021
General Genre: Adult Horror, Dark Fantasy, Occult & Supernatural, Historical Fiction
Subgenre/Themes: Puritanical, religious community, arranged marriage, witch hunt/trials, sorcery/witchcraft, The devil, myths & legends, folklore, fantasy
Writing Style: Intricately Plotted, Lyrical, Dark Fairytale, Multiple POV
What You Need to Know: A recently widowed woman named Abitha wants to do right by her husband's memory and maintain the family's farm in his place but she is persecuted by her brother-in-law and the townspeople in the hopes of running her off the land so they could take it back; her rightful inheritance. At the same time, something devilish is afoot on Abitha's land. A dark entity has woken up from a deep slumber and his quest to learn his true identity and Abitha's quest to hold on to what is rightfully hers, intersect in such a way that one could help the other.
My Reading Experience: This was my first time reading a book by author/artist Brom. Fearing puritanical forces of oppression out of control, Abitha turns to Slewfoot, the Devil who is being reborn in the dark recesses of a nearby forest. Horror fans thirsty for horror centering on witches will find this dark, historical tale exactly what they have desired.
You can see from my reading updates as I progressed through this novel that the intensity of this story flourishes. I feel like the genre is extremely LIGHT when it comes to prolific novels about witches, the occult, and dark magic. This book is a profound establishment for this sub-genre. I will forever and ever recommend it as the gold standard. There were scenes that reminded me so much of the Salem Witch Trials; accusations flying around, Christian women behaving like vicious schoolyard bullies, and men using falsehoods about the reputations of women to control their behavior or assets. It's so frustrating. There were several chapters where I wanted to scream at the pages. You know that burning feeling you get when you're reading about something horribly unjust? That.
(TW: A cat dies in this)
The chapters centered on The Devil (he is given many names, primarily "Samson") are some of my favorites. I loved all the folklore and fairytale quality. I read an ARC from NetGalley which didn't include any artwork so I bought the hardcover version for my library. It's a must-have for any horror fan.
Final Recommendation: If you enjoy historical fiction set in 1666, stories inspired by the Salem Witch Trials, Puritanical Society, Strong female protagonists, Devilry, Vengence, Justice, and just pure, unadulterated Folk Horror, this is for you...for us!
Comps: The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson, Wytches by Sam Snyder, the film, The Witch directed by Robert Eggers, The Crucible by Arthur Miller
January 30, 2024
If I was giving an elevator pitch for this, I'd say it's The Scarlet Letter meets Carrie, but it's that and more. I really loved the atmosphere and writing, particularly the creepy & gory forest spirits. It lagged a bit in the middle, but man, that ending was something else!
January 16, 2023
Oof. This one went from a 4-star to a 2-star real quick.
I really enjoyed the first 70% of this book despite it not being anything like I expected. It was basically a slice-of-life story about a spirited woman in a Puritanical society trying her best to be true to herself among all of the many rules for women. When she is suddenly alone, she struggles to earn her place while supernatural creatures linger near her property. I liked that everything wasn't black and white; while there were extremely strict rules for women to abide (omg a piece of your hair is out of your bonnet!), there were people that weren't entirely terrible. Abitha was a great character and her friendship with Samson was almost ... sweet. I really enjoyed the little forest spirits and also understood why they disliked humanity. I LOVED the mingling of religion and mythos. The best part about this book was his creepy art and beautiful cover. Again, not what I was expecting from horror, but it set a tone that made the rest incredibly jarring.
The other shoe didn't just drop, it was decimated. She's accused of being a witch by a man who has it out for her and, as we all know, that does not go well for women once that happens - guilty or not. I suppose the point IS to be disturbed and uncomfortable. That the Puritans use nudity and lust as tools against women. The point is for Abi to fall to her lowest state and lose everything because then she can ascend into the violent queen she is meant to be... but I think that a male author needs to be cautious with extreme violence against women. The explicit torture can come off a certain unsavory way and that was _actually_ what made me uncomfortable. Focusing on certain parts of her body as she's broken down feels like torture porn. And it just..... keeps going. Now.. Abi gets her revenge and it is satisfying, but she is no longer the character from the beginning. The complete tone shift made it feel like two different books entirely. I just.. skimmed the last 20%, gotta be honest.
tw: animal death and cruelty, violence, torture, gore, death, murder, misogyny, abuse
I really enjoyed the first 70% of this book despite it not being anything like I expected. It was basically a slice-of-life story about a spirited woman in a Puritanical society trying her best to be true to herself among all of the many rules for women. When she is suddenly alone, she struggles to earn her place while supernatural creatures linger near her property. I liked that everything wasn't black and white; while there were extremely strict rules for women to abide (omg a piece of your hair is out of your bonnet!), there were people that weren't entirely terrible. Abitha was a great character and her friendship with Samson was almost ... sweet. I really enjoyed the little forest spirits and also understood why they disliked humanity. I LOVED the mingling of religion and mythos. The best part about this book was his creepy art and beautiful cover. Again, not what I was expecting from horror, but it set a tone that made the rest incredibly jarring.
The other shoe didn't just drop, it was decimated. She's accused of being a witch by a man who has it out for her and, as we all know, that does not go well for women once that happens - guilty or not. I suppose the point IS to be disturbed and uncomfortable. That the Puritans use nudity and lust as tools against women. The point is for Abi to fall to her lowest state and lose everything because then she can ascend into the violent queen she is meant to be... but I think that a male author needs to be cautious with extreme violence against women. The explicit torture can come off a certain unsavory way and that was _actually_ what made me uncomfortable. Focusing on certain parts of her body as she's broken down feels like torture porn. And it just..... keeps going. Now.. Abi gets her revenge and it is satisfying, but she is no longer the character from the beginning. The complete tone shift made it feel like two different books entirely. I just.. skimmed the last 20%, gotta be honest.
tw: animal death and cruelty, violence, torture, gore, death, murder, misogyny, abuse
October 29, 2024
“If it is a witch they want,” she hissed, “then a witch they shall have.”
Here for the feminine rage.
Here for the feminine rage.
July 27, 2022
"Do you still wish to fly, Abitha? With the bats, through the night?"
This was my first book by Brom and it is absolute perfection!
Set in 1666, a young widow and an ancient pagan spirit form a bond and team up in a battle against puritanical oppression. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you absolutely need to read this! Dark fantasy merges with folk horror to create a masterpiece and I loved every moment.
This was my first book by Brom and it is absolute perfection!
Set in 1666, a young widow and an ancient pagan spirit form a bond and team up in a battle against puritanical oppression. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you absolutely need to read this! Dark fantasy merges with folk horror to create a masterpiece and I loved every moment.
August 1, 2024
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Maybe it was the teen angst. Maybe it was my allergy to Villains Without Nuance. Maybe I'm just getting old.
I don't like this book much. I should...spooky dos in Puritan times? folk horror? Revenge?! yes please...and I think I might have if I hadn't taken against Abitha so very strongly. Adolescents whose sense of themselves as Right and Hard Done By aren't enjoyable companions for an entire book. I felt Abitha's difficulties with Authority were period appropriate...totally bought that she was justifiably angry with the entire male world...but she comes across as a modern woman. Then when Slewfoot-the-character wins her over with no effort? He's an innocent, albeit one with tremendous Powers, and with...um...horns? Literal goatly horns. But Abitha just...accepts. It strained me to buy into that.
I'm not insensitive to the appeal of the Other to those trapped in rigid, conformity-enforcing social milieus. But Abitha's ready acceptance of this, um, extremely Other that resembles the goat we meet her losing...and she even calls him "Samson" after the goat...it didn't scan for me with a seventeenth-century woman. Not even one whose upbringing was as peculiar, her mother a root woman and her father a drunken sot, as hers was.
My most favoritest thing is the animate Forest that Slewfoot (he has other names throughout the story, all of which carry their own shades of meaning and of humor) cohabits with, that has re-summoned Slewfoot from a liminal state to deal with Forest's concerns about its future. (I loved Jesus Thunderbird's name for Slewfoot...Hobomok...as it carried so many levels, from a beautiful butterfly to a scary demon via an early American novel about the Noble Savage slur. A quick trip to the internet will give you literal *hours* of perusing pleasure.) Perhaps the most unsettling of Brom's illustrations is the one he made for Creek:
It's perfect, it's unsettlingly Other, and completely relatably familiar all at the same time. What's missing here is the essence of Creek's Wrongness, Otherness...scale...Creek is tiny and looks like that. Sweet dreams!
These being hallmarks of Brom's works, and the source of my relatively high rating for a book I wasn't all the way in sympathy with, so I was rolling along fine until...the torture porn began. Abitha and her mother, women accused of witchcraft, were in for a bad time. I accepted that. But I was revolted by the deeply prurient recounting of the torments meted out to the women, guilty as charged by the lights of the community they lived in though ambiguously so in modern eyes. They transgressed...they paid dearly for it...
"I want to burn them to the ground, All of them. All of it. Their church, their commandments, their covenants, their riles, edicts, and laws, their fields, their homes, and most of all their fucking bonnets and aprons. I want to hollow them out, make them know what it is to lose everything, everything, to lose their very soul!"
Nothing in this life comes for free...the bigger the ask, the bigger the price. There is more truth than you can fully know in the ancient adage, "Be careful what you wish for lest the answer be Yes."
My Review: Maybe it was the teen angst. Maybe it was my allergy to Villains Without Nuance. Maybe I'm just getting old.
I don't like this book much. I should...spooky dos in Puritan times? folk horror? Revenge?! yes please...and I think I might have if I hadn't taken against Abitha so very strongly. Adolescents whose sense of themselves as Right and Hard Done By aren't enjoyable companions for an entire book. I felt Abitha's difficulties with Authority were period appropriate...totally bought that she was justifiably angry with the entire male world...but she comes across as a modern woman. Then when Slewfoot-the-character wins her over with no effort? He's an innocent, albeit one with tremendous Powers, and with...um...horns? Literal goatly horns. But Abitha just...accepts. It strained me to buy into that.
I'm not insensitive to the appeal of the Other to those trapped in rigid, conformity-enforcing social milieus. But Abitha's ready acceptance of this, um, extremely Other that resembles the goat we meet her losing...and she even calls him "Samson" after the goat...it didn't scan for me with a seventeenth-century woman. Not even one whose upbringing was as peculiar, her mother a root woman and her father a drunken sot, as hers was.
My most favoritest thing is the animate Forest that Slewfoot (he has other names throughout the story, all of which carry their own shades of meaning and of humor) cohabits with, that has re-summoned Slewfoot from a liminal state to deal with Forest's concerns about its future. (I loved Jesus Thunderbird's name for Slewfoot...Hobomok...as it carried so many levels, from a beautiful butterfly to a scary demon via an early American novel about the Noble Savage slur. A quick trip to the internet will give you literal *hours* of perusing pleasure.) Perhaps the most unsettling of Brom's illustrations is the one he made for Creek:
It's perfect, it's unsettlingly Other, and completely relatably familiar all at the same time. What's missing here is the essence of Creek's Wrongness, Otherness...scale...Creek is tiny and looks like that. Sweet dreams!
These being hallmarks of Brom's works, and the source of my relatively high rating for a book I wasn't all the way in sympathy with, so I was rolling along fine until...the torture porn began. Abitha and her mother, women accused of witchcraft, were in for a bad time. I accepted that. But I was revolted by the deeply prurient recounting of the torments meted out to the women, guilty as charged by the lights of the community they lived in though ambiguously so in modern eyes. They transgressed...they paid dearly for it...
"I want to burn them to the ground, All of them. All of it. Their church, their commandments, their covenants, their riles, edicts, and laws, their fields, their homes, and most of all their fucking bonnets and aprons. I want to hollow them out, make them know what it is to lose everything, everything, to lose their very soul!"
Nothing in this life comes for free...the bigger the ask, the bigger the price. There is more truth than you can fully know in the ancient adage, "Be careful what you wish for lest the answer be Yes."
September 17, 2021
A tale of vengeance and horror just right for Halloween. A bit dark and gory but if you like that sort of thing you'll love it.
September 19, 2024
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson. this was my patreon "bloody read" this month & I had such a fun time following along with the audiobook.
Brom's writing is incredible when it comes to describing horror elements & creepy creatures, not to mention his talent for bringing them to life in his illustrations.
oh & Wallace is a piece of shit.
TW: animal deaths, body/bug horror, torture, misogyny
Brom's writing is incredible when it comes to describing horror elements & creepy creatures, not to mention his talent for bringing them to life in his illustrations.
oh & Wallace is a piece of shit.
TW: animal deaths, body/bug horror, torture, misogyny
November 1, 2022
THE RAGE. Abitha really is THAT bitch. I cannot even begin to explain how much I love this book. 1000000 stars
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