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** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Description
The faeries of Witchwood Manor have stolen its young lord. His governess intends to steal him back.
Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.
Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust?
Summary
I had the pleasure of reading gothic fantasy and magical realism, The Witchwood Knot (Victorian Faeries, #1) by Canadian author Olivia Atwater.
Review
Atwater has created a unique magical realism and gothic fantasy universe which is reminiscent of draws recent Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susana Clarke and clever feminist protagonists similar to Angela/A.G. Slatter’s The Briar Book of the Dead and Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands series by Heather Fawcett.
In this gothic romantic fantasy, the brooding atmosphere of Witchwood Manor reluctantly welcomes protagonist, Winifred Hall who must confront her fears in order to repay a debt and save a child stolen into Faerie. Witchwood Manor, built from prized local woods and cursed by the Faeries who are now trapped within the magical binding of Witchwood Knot which also entraps their powerful enemies, the undying Fomórach. Luckily, Winifred Hall is no spinster governess as first appearances would suggest but a black magician well-versed in the rules of Faerie. Even this challenge is one she faces with caution to return Faeries to England, break the curse of the Knot knowingly releasing the imprisoned vengeful Faeries and the far deadlier Fomórach. If vengeful faeries and their enemies the Fomórach are not enough danger, the manor is transformed into to a nightmarish Faerie domain during sleep and Winifred must also out-manoeuvre a much more human monster also lurking in the house.
Atwater writes splendidly clever, capable and compelling characters to weave faerie folklore, legend and Victorian history into this romantic gothic fantasy with a flair for adventure, high-stakes bargains and a satisfying conclusion to this first book in a new series.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! This is a gripping magical realism and gothic fantasy of Faerie curses, black magicians and darker beings even the Fair Folk fear. This is a new take on haunted houses, Faerie curses in a stellar gothic gaslamp. Perfect for fans of The Emily Wilde Series and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 