The three witches from Macbeth have their own story to tell - this drew me in but its very much a book of two halves. The first is dark and gothic and then the second didn't live up to this for me. An interesting read for Halloween and I'd like to see what this author does next.

I really struggled with this, it took me forever to read and I gave up at 60% because I just didn’t find it gripping. It’s beautifully written but I felt it meandered along for so long that by the time the witches were properly introduced at well past the halfway point I’d moved onto other books. It’s a shame because I really enjoyed what I read of the witches and when I flicked to the last few chapters it sounds as though the story picked up pace and was intriguing. If I have time before publication I might go back and read it from chapter 16 but life is too short to read something I’m having to fight to concentrate on.

This had done interesting elements of magic and witchcraft mixed in with the historical backdrop. The gothic mystery aspect was well written and kept me hooked.

However, the characters could have been developed more, I loved Nancy but was intrigued to explore more about witches which didn't become fully integrated into the story until 70% in.

Overall, a fresh perspective on the Wayward Sisters navigating their friendship and magic in a thrilling Shakespearean atmosphere.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder Stoughton for a arc in exchange for an honest review.

In 1761, after her parent’s death. Nancy Lockaby takes up her mothers astrological research. By following her mother’s research and calculations, Nancy is witness to a unique astronomical event while gazing through her telescope. Once she explains her findings to her superiors at the observatory, she is not taken seriously because she is a woman.
Eight years later, according to her calculations, the astrological anomaly is set to take place once again. Nancy is invited to Inverness Scotland to be a Astronomy Research Fellow, by a mysterious benefactor.
After a strange reception by three local women while arriving in Inverness and an attack by crows. Nancy begins to cover more than her analytical mind once thought possible. All the while, her benefactor seems to have many secrets of her own.
The Wayward Sisters is an interpretation of the Weird sister found in Macbeth. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mix of magic and the science behind it.

Engaging, enthralling tale involving astronomy, witchcraft and historical events. Well-worth reading.

Set in the 18th century at a time of great scientific discoveries, Nancy Lockaby - held back in her career at the Royal Observatory, because she is a woman - is offered an opportunity to work in Scotland. On her arrival she is greeted by 'three weird sisters'. Who are they? What is their role?

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.

Nancy Lockaby is a frustrated astronomy scholar who leaves London after recieving an invite to Blackthistle House from a Shakespeare Scholar named Caleb Malles. Nancy crosses paths with 3 witches claiming to be from the past sent by Hecate.

I really loved this book the title really grabbed my attention. Nancy was such a great female character who I really got behind and wanted nothing more than for her to succeed in her studies. There was one part of the book that seemed a bit dragged out but it didn't effect how I felt about the book. As someone who has never read any Shakespeare I am now really intrigued. It was truly a mesmerising read!

This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. Thank you for the eARC copy

"The Wayward Sisters" is a historical novel, with paranormal elements, written by Kate Hodges.

The story takes place in 1769 and follows Nancy Lockaby, a brilliant and talented astronomer, who on a cold winter night arrives at the desolate and bleak Blackthistle House, in Inverness, home of the renowned and enigmatic Shakespeare scholar, Caleb Malles. When a month earlier, Nancy received an invitation from Caleb to leave her position at the Royal Observatory and join him as a research partner, she decided to seize the opportunity to leave behind a hostile environment toward her status as a woman, a limiting and oppressive place for her research, a place marked by memories of a past tragedy, in favor of adventure and freedom in Scotland. In her new home, Nancy initially finds herself unsettled by the bare hallways and cold rooms, by the somber and sometimes eerie atmosphere, by visions of mysterious lights and unknown women, and by the landscape so different from London. However, Nancy soon gets used to the new arrangement and finds herself fascinated by Caleb's eccentric mind and his deep passion for Macbeth. So when she encounters three old crones who reveal that Caleb is keeping secrets from her, she dismisses the matter. After all, the women claim to have lived many centuries and possess powers that defy all logic. Yet as Caleb's behavior becomes more frantic, she begins to suspect that the mysterious scholar might be hiding more motives to lure her to his home. But can Nancy trust these three strange women when they warn her that if she does not discover Caleb's true intentions, great danger awaits them all?

I loved the premise of the book, but unfortunately the development did not fully convince me. I started out with high expectations, only to find myself partly disappointed. In the end it was a quick read, very pleasant for some things, less so for others.

The writing is one of the elements I appreciated most about the book. Evocative, suggestive, and at times lyrical, it captivated me with its beauty and sophistication. I thought the descriptions were really wonderful, particularly vivid and effective in rendering the various settings. I really felt the splendor of the various places, with a hint of melancholy and loneliness in the background.  The darker and more mysterious nuances in my opinion are wonderful and well realized. The pace is placid, almost sleepy, made more tense by the shadow of unease that envelops everything.

The setting is another element that I loved! I have a very strong soft spot for large, gloomy gothic mansions, with their bare hallways, cold rooms, creaking and sneaking drafts. Add to that the appearance of mysterious objects, the apparition of sinister lights, the presence of lurking figures, and you've really captured me! The presence of a picturesque landscape, accompanied by sinister birds and sudden weather changes, make it all the more atmospheric. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Inverness and all the folklore aspects.

I really enjoyed the aspects related to astronomy and Shakespeare's works (especially "Macbeth"). I sensed so much passion in the way they were illustrated and they intrigued me a lot. I especially liked the portrayal of the infamous Wayward Sisters in this book, as well as the analysis of the academic world of the time, which was often hostile and denigrating toward women scholars.

Nancy, the protagonist and only pov in the third person, convinced me a lot. She is an astronomer deeply in love with the stars and the heavens, completely dedicated to her studies and research. An intelligent woman, with a brilliant and logical mind, trying to make her way in an unfavorable environment. Determined and independent, Nancy is a person who knows herself and thinks with her head. Despite her doubts, despite her hard moments, despite her losses, she does not let difficulties get her down.

The big problem with the book for me is the plot! The whole first part, let's say up to 50/60%, I really liked it. It's basically the more gothic and gloomy side of the story, dominated by the various strange phenomena, ambiguous behavior, and sinister climate. Seriously, if it had been all in these tones, I would have loved the whole volume. Too bad it wasn't. The remaining 40%, where the fog clears and the real development begins, brings everything down. The story speeds up too much, the gothic timbre is abandoned, and the narrative loses its bite. Important revelations are thrown around randomly and without proper focus, actions become chaotic, and the ending is resolved too hastily. Even the most magical aspect, which had enchanted me, crumbles in the general chaos.

All in all, I found it a book with a beautiful premises, fascinating gothic atmosphere, and a splendid evocative style, which unfortunately did not convince me in its development.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Book Review 📚
The Wayward Sisters by Kate Hodges - 3/5 ⭐

I was definitely intrigued by the title of the book but I feel a little let down. It wasn't awful but it isn't up there with scoring.

There were some good mixes of witchcraft happening throughout the book but I felt some was completely overdone or drawn out. It was dark, mysterious and gothic all in one which was an amazing concept.

Hodges definitely done well in her descriptive writing and bringing all aspects of the book to life but it just lacked a promising story. I think 50-100 pages less and it would of bewn much easier to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion

How now, you secret, black and midnight hags’

So wonderful to read a novel featuring the Weird Sisters, from MacBeth, as positive beings.
A book with its head in the stars, and its feet in the haunted Inverness of MacBeth.
A mystical adventure for fans of the Fates, Wayward Sisters, and Shakespeare.

This was an interesting read and an original idea. I really enjoyed certain aspects of this book- the setting, witchcraft and the diary entries but not so much the astronomy details and some parts were very drawn out. I struggled to engage with this one until about 60% when the witches became more important to the story but that is personal preference. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.

Inverness, 1782. On a freezing winter's night, astronomer Nancy Lockaby arrives at Blackthistle House, home to renowned, enigmatic Shakespeare scholar Caleb Malles. When, a month before, Nancy received an invitation from Caleb to leave her position at the Roval Observatory and join him as a research fellow, she saw the opportunity to leave behind a past riddled with tragedy - and to find adventure and freedom in Scotland. In her new home, Nancy initially finds herself captivated by Caleb's eccentric mind and deep passion for Macbeth. So, when she crosses paths with three old crones who reveal that Caleb is keeping secrets from her, she is dismissive - after all, the women also claim to have lived many centuries and possess powers that defy any logical reasoning. Yet as Caleb's behaviour becomes more erratic, she begins to suspect that the mysterious scholar might have had hidden motives to lure her into his home. But can Nancy trust these three strange women when they warn her that if she doesn't uncover Caleb's true intentions, great danger awaits them all? Offering a fresh, feminist perspective on literature's most infamous trio, The Wayward Sisters is an enthralling, intricately woven story of friendship, intrigue and magic.

This was deliciously dark, gothic and mysterious with a realistic setting and a main character I could really get behind. The story was absolutely fascinating while the writing was beautiful and descriptive. I loved everything about this!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Wayward Sisters is a haunting gothic magical tale, covering astronomy, Shakespeare, magic and witches. It’s an enjoyable read from start to finish. I always appreciate a novel set in Scotland too!

Nancy was very much a character I could get behind.
Strong, independent and knows her own mind.
Some good twists to the story and great to see the very famous trio get a story (almost) of their own.
Interesting.