The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater eBook Arc provided by NetGalley

Although this had already released, I had to request this book as Olivia Atwater is an auto-buy author for me. This book was described to me as a Gothic Faerie Tale with a side of mystery. It was definitely a bit darker than her Regency Series, which I was good with. I like that vibe.

Atwater’s writing style is very easy to read and keeps you wondering what’s going to happen, constantly asking, “where is this going?”. She gives you the feeling that something’s not quite right, but doesn’t reveal what that is until its time… Although I usually love this, I found myself slightly annoyed at the slowwwwwww reveal of what was happening. If that’s the direction an author goes, I prefer to have super strong character interest or world building, up front. Everything felt a bit mysterious, not good for my anxiety! LOL

The magic is sinister, the predatory behavior of men is repulsive, but all is well because Winnie, the main character is really great. What stood out to me is her magic, although fun is not how she seems to overcome obstacles in this story. She relies on people underestimated her, her intelligence and her outside of the box thinking. I loved that about her storyline.

My review of this is mixed because I loved the characters, but didn’t love the plot and found myself a bit bored and flipping ahead. This was an average read for me and won’t be continuing the series.

Oh, I loved this. It is gothic fantasy, touch of romance, with a modern twist, and a really sharp heroine. I've read Olivia Atwater's other books and I always find her premises really unique. Sometimes, I think the fae has been done to death, but Atwater always proves me wrong. My favourite part was probably Oliver, her cat familiar. Firstly, I am a cat person, but the idea that a cat's spirit would want to be with you after death is both deeply comforting and speaks to my inner child that always wanted a magical companion. I would definitely recommend this along with her Regency Faerie Tales.

A wonderful gothic faerie tale set within the Victorian era.
Winnie has arrived at Witchwood as a governess to Robert, son of Lord Longfell. Since Robert’s father does not believe in fairies it falls to Winnie to protect him when she discovers that the fae want to take Robert.
The book has much to enjoy. It has strong intelligent characters, along with magic and mystery carefully crafted with classic folklore. A thoroughly enchanting tale.

3.5 Stars

This book was OK for me but I did struggle with it. I just didn’t find myself hooked like I usually would. This dark Gothic fairytale is set in the same world as Half a Soul. I do enjoy it when authors create more stories set in the same world. I feel it gives us the readers more insight. I love that it has stories inside of stories. I did enjoy the mysteries throughout the book.
I did find it to be well written and the world building was great and descriptive. The plot would pick up for it to slow down again in the middle. I just didn’t find that it was a steady pace.
I did like the slow burn enemies to lovers romance in the book and felt that it came across really well.
I would still definitely read more from this author in the future as I’ve enjoyed many of her books before!

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, publisher, and author for this ARC.

I ended up DNF'ing this title about 45% of the way through. As much as I loved the concept of it, it was very slow and I found the interactions between the characters a little dull. I love the way Olivia writes, but this was not grabbing my attention. I loved "Half a Soul", I was just waiting for that same spark. Hopefully one day I will revisit and finish this title.

4 stars.

This book is perfect for fall and Halloween time. This is a fantasy adult story with an historical setting, following the perspective of Winifred. I loved the eerie and gothic vibes to this book. It is creepier, with some shocking events taking place, but is not scary or adrenaline pumping, more of a slow climb with an ever-rising sense of dread. The plot was intriguing and pulled me right in with the mysteries happening that are going on. There were a number of plot points happening and great how they all came together.
Winifred was a great main character, strong, independent and knew her strength but also acknowledged her mistakes. Her magic and what she knew about the mystical fae was engaging and I loved finding out more and more about both from her perspective. The romance was ok, but I did not see chemistry or relationship development. It felt more like a sudden shift in the character’s relationship, brief and right and the end. It could have been left out of the story and would still be great. The fae in this world were fascinating and they had a number of aspects similar to ghosts, so I was confused for a little bit. They were very tricky, with no obvious rules and loopholes, I liked all the different twists and turns and really came together. I would definitely recommend it.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Not entirely convinced about this yet, though I do like the writing. It hasn’t hooked me completely yet but I am enjoying it.

The Witchwood Knot was a solid introduction to a new series set in the same world as Half a Soul. I thought the writing was great, but overall I feel very neutral about the story. I enjoyed it enough, but at the same time it didn’t hook me like I wanted it to.

It also didn’t feel like a dark fairy tale. Yes, some darker subject matter was included (like sexual assault), but that fairy tale atmosphere didn’t come through as strongly as in her previous works.

I will be continuing with this series, but only because I think something bad happened to Elias (from Half a Soul) and I will not stand for that. I need to see him rescued.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater is a dark, atmospheric gothic faerie tale set in a Victorian England. The story follows Winifred who comes to Witchwood Knot to help Lady Longfell and become a governess for her grandson. Winifred is more than just a governess. She is also a magician who is very familiar with the ways of faeries. She meets Mr. Quincy, a faerie serving the lady of the area and causing trouble for those int he Manor. As Winifred learns more of the mysteries surrounding Witchwood Manor and it's disturbing past, she must find a way to protect her ward and the others in the manor.

The gothic setting of Witchwood Manor immediately pulled me in. I rated the story at 3.5 stars. The story was intriguing with all of the mysteries of the world and the manor itself. I loved the Winifred's character and I enjoyed her interactions with Mr. Quincy. I didn't feel very invested in the other charrlacters in the story though. The story was interesting and had several mysteries that kept pulling me in but I found some of the pacing a little slower. The book would pick up and then slow down again. I found this happening multiple times where it felt like the story was going to really get into the thick of it, only to have it slow way down. Overall, this was a fantastic gothic read and an author I would continue to read.

4.5 start!

After reading Half a Soul by this author and loving it I was excited to read this one.
I love the characters Atwater writes as they have a lot of depth while also having their own little quirks. The quirks make the story a little humorous which brings a lightheartedness to darker storylines.

I particularly liked the main characters explanations of her greatest fears and how the author approached this storyline.

This novel was heartfelt, fun, quick and very entertaining and so beautifully written. I am excited to read the rest of her works in this series.

The only reason I haven't given it 5 out of 5 stars is due to a lull in the plot in the middle. However, this novel is almost a perfect book for my tastes.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I’m not sure why I sat on this book for so long, I think maybe because “historical” fantasy/romance isn’t my favourite? Either way, the promise of a pretty Kickstarter edition got me in gear & now I regret it took me so long.

I have read the first 2 of Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series, while I enjoyed the little Easter eggs of those books included within the Witchwood Knot, prior knowledge of the world is definitely not required.

For me, I felt like the pacing was fairy slow or the plot meandered a little which would really be my only criticism of this book. It definitely took me longer to read than a normal book of this length because of that.

However, this was definitely far outweighed by the rest of the book which was wonderfully darkly whimsical. The gothic atmosphere was superb & the horror adjacent elements were slotted into the world seamlessly. These books still managed to retain the same sense of whimsy as her other faerie tale books, but that added darker element really elevated the experience for me.

The haunted manor setting really worked for me too. It felt reminiscent of a locked room mystery & the descriptions allowed me to vividly imagine the manor which I always appreciate.

I liked Winifred a lot, she was a well layered, believable character who I wanted to root for throughout. Mr Quincy too was viciously faerie but without being over the top. I enjoyed their journey together & definitely can’t wait to read more about them in the future!

Thank you to Starwatch Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

This is enot your average Olivia Atwater novel. She keeps her normal flare but this fairytale novel with be better than you imagened! This enemies to lovers fairytale will keep you engaged the whole time!

This was a really quick delightful read. It was fun to be back in the world of "Half a Soul". Winnifred and Quincy were well crafted characters. I loved the atmosphere, the gates between worlds and it always balanced just enough dark with the whimsical. I loved the stories within stories and the romance that was a slow growth into a beautiful bloom. I love how Atwater mixes the historical era with elements of the Fae. It feels really thoughtful and easily melds together into a really fun concept I continue to enjoy.

Ultimately I just wanted a little MORE out of everything, but overall I cannot complain and will go on to read the next books within the series..

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

This is Gothic Fantasy Romance that is perfection. I love these I loved her other books and this is in the same time but I loved this even more!!! I will be buying this and keeping this one!!! Love love love. I can't get enough of this!!
I just reviewed The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater. #TheWitchwoodKnot #NetGalley
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As a general fan of gothic stories, there are elements that must always present themselves but sometimes it can edge the side of horror, and that typically is my line. But Atwater has created a glorious story that contains the gothic vibes, delicious characters, sense of mystery, but has also succeeded in making it...cozy? Absolutely loved it.

Why do I always have such a hard time reviewing Olivia Atwater's books, when her books are so easy for me to read?

Maybe it's because I can't specifically put into words why her stories work so well for me. I read Half a Soul last year and never wrote a review for it for the same reason. It's like I consume the books in a happy daze, and come out at the other end satisfied without knowing why. I'll give it a try, though.

One thing important to note is that this book does have ties to Half a Soul. You'll have more fun unravelling the mystery if you read that first, as it does have a bunch of easter eggs.

The first thing that hit me about this book was the atmosphere. Sometimes books are marketed as "gothic", and I think about it for a while and decide I have no clue what they're talking about. But there was no doubt in my mind about what I was reading here. From the description of the house, to the woods, to the mysteries and secrets surrounding Witchwood Manor, the vibes were absolutely incredible. The other thing I really enjoy about Atwater's books is her version of the fae. I'm not a fan of the romanticized version that's very popular these days. I like it when they're cruel and clever, and the author really delivers on that front.

The story is compelling in and of itself, but the characters and the relationships really bring it to life. The romance was the kind that creeps up on you slowly, until you suddenly blink and realize these characters have wormed their way into your heart as well as each other's. So many books get marketed as enemies to lovers these days, and I tend to find most of them not to my personal preference, but Witchwood Knot understands what that looks like. Mr. Quincy and Winnie are on opposite sides, and no pretty face or lust is going to change that.

I really appreciated the exploration of Winnie's past trauma, and how that played into her relationship with Mr. Quincy. I think that because they start off as enemies, mutual respect ends up being the basis for their entire dynamic, and it worked so well for me. There was so much good quality longing, too—I was absolutely living for it.

The ending makes me really interested in the subsequent books. I have no idea if those will continue with the same characters, although I hope they do, because I'm kind of attached to them now.

If you read the Regency Faerie Tales and thought "you know what this needs? Creep factor" than this is for you! While I enjoyed the Regency Faerie Tales series, I loved The Witchwood Knot. It's both creepy and cozy - I mean there's a skeleton cat! While there is a romance, I would say it takes a backseat to the mystery plot that's happening.

I am so excited to see where this series go and I hope it maintains the spooky tones.

Thank you for providing me an eARC of this book.
This mysterious and dark book was enchanting and really captivating. I love the hidden world trope and fae that are cunning and evil.
I hope the author is going to continue this story.

Olivia Atwater has become my comfort author! Her books feel both familiar and fresh—cozy if you will! And while, compared to the Regency Faerie Tales series, this is less “cozy” with its gothic vibes, it still has that enchanting Victorian setting, whimsy and magic.

I also adore a slow burn, so I was in for a treat with this one. I’m constantly handselling it as well as her other titles.

This was a perfect romance! I loved the regency series from Atwater, but I love this new one even more. The darker, spookier elements are wonderfully done without totally eclipsing the overall sweet, cozy tone of the series. I can't wait for the next book!