*BOOK REVIEW*
The Witchwood Knot
x Olivia Atwater
Pub date 11/28/23

☆☆☆☆/5 stars
A dark faerie tale set in Victorian England on a sprawling gothic mansion checked every one of my boxes. You meet Winifred, a strong-willed governess who isn't what anyone would expect, especially the grumpy Mr Quincy... they all see a beautiful governess, but she is the total opposite of her looks. She is given a near impossible task by the lady of the house to watch over her young grandson and protect him from what happens within the house and the witchwood knot. Add in a corrupt employer, a not so dead house pet, devious fae, and menacing dream dimension, and you have a well paced story that promises surprises at every turn. I really enjoyed the glimpses into Winifred's backstory and how it intertwines with the faeworld. I'm really hoping for a sequel because I'm very curious about some of the other characters.

4 Stars
This was such a good gothic fantasy. I was never bored and could not wait to find out what happens. I love Winnie, she is a total bad ass. I can't wait to see her take on her future challenges. I am looking forward to the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Starwatch press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Witchwood Knot was creepy, compelling, and romantic.

If you’ve read and enjoyed Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales then this is a step darker, but retains the easy to read feel of her previous books.

I adored Winnie and Mr Quincy as main characters, and was intrigued by the way they developed/revealed themselves throughout the book.

The way the story is woven into the world of Regency Faerie Tales was a delight for readers of the previous series, but doesn’t require any prior knowledge so won’t be inaccessible for new readers.

For those who aren’t looking for romance, the book has romantic elements but it isn’t a main plot point and doesn’t overwhelm the story or fantasy elements.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Witchwood Knot and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

DNF @60%

I picked this up one because I loved Half a Soul but this one just wasn't clicking for me. The plot never hooked me and I found myself forcing myself to pick it up and was just really slogging through it so finally decided to just put it down.

The other elements of the book were are perfectly fine, just not outstanding to the point of overcoming by boredom with the plot as a plot driven reader

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC for an honest review.
Firstly, I love the premise of this book. Gothic, creepy manor, a magical dream state.
Second the plot is truly great.
However, I wish we got into Winnie's magic more, besides a few card tricks her "dark magician" powers were unseen, and I'm unsure why that wasn't more apart of the book since it seemed like a big part of her character.
This book would be a 3.5 star for me, I didn't hate it. I liked it, liked reading it. Just thought it was missing something.

This is the closest I’ve been to achieving the feeling I had when reading HALF A SOUL since, well, reading HALF A SOUL. I still think that one comes out on top for me but if you wanted another Atwater to reach the same heights I did.. this’ll do the trick for you. I think. I hope.

Some years have passed since the end of the Regency Faerie Tales series and we have some familiar faces, yes, but a whole host of new ones. This particular instalment takes place in a haunted manor and involves a governess who isn’t a governess who must break a curse and defeat a monster. But the monster might not be the one you expect; or at least.. isn’t the only monster that needs defeating. And I really really am looking forward to exploring more of the particular flavour of villain that Atwater has introduced into her world.

This was a really excellent kickstart into this new series and I like the level of the stakes and how the rules are familiar but with a twist.

My one complaint, and it’s not a small one but it’s not huge, is the big conflict/confrontation was way too quick. Piff, poof, done. That wasn’t well done for me and I’m not sure why that was the choice. A little more tension and build-up to that would’ve been nice even if, to some extent, there had been a resolution of conflict right before.. and a bigger reveal of what is to come after. There still should’ve been more gravitas to the moment, I think. And I realize none of this will make sense if you don’t know the scene but.. this needed a better layered structure nonetheless.

Overall though I’m very happy with this start and hope this series doesn’t dwindle in enjoyment like the first one did. I believe in you, Atwater! More of HALF A SOUL and, now, more of THE WITCHWOOD KNOT, please.

The Witchwood Knot is a Victorian Fantasy Romance novel. It features tricky faeries, a magician governess, and a Victorian house near the woods. I loved the setting and atmosphere of this book. It felt like the perfect blend of magical and gothic. The house is almost its own character, and exists in the real world and the fairy realm.

I adored the main character, Winnie. She is crafty, smart, and relatable. She has magical abilities and even a ghost cat as a familiar. I really enjoyed the discussion she brought up around men's expectations/entitlement toward women.

The romance was sweet and I really liked the love interest. However, I felt that the romance was a pretty small part of the story, and ultimately I wish it was more featured. If there is a sequel, I hope we get to spend more time with this couple.

Overall, this was a really fun read with good characters and a magical world.

This book deserve it's name... this story was quite the knot !

3.5 stars

This is a lush and dark fairy tale, with trickster faerie who love nothing more than to play trick on human. After having read half a soul by the same author, I wasn't expecting it to be quite so dark! I don't think it would be too much for more sensitive people, but it could please those who prefer heavier story, some sequence are borderline horror. The writing itself is also very good properly set the tone of the story.

The story start quite slowly and I was expecting it to be more heavy on the romance, which only start later in the book. As such I wasn't quite as interested in the first half as I was on the second one. Said second half was gripping and I finished the rest of the book in was sitting.

It's a slow burn true enemy to lover, but, as I mentioned, don't expect too much romance in the first half

At first I struggled to connect with the characters, but like the pacing, it got better as the story unfurl and we got to learn more about them. Like the book itself, the characters are not all rainbow and sunshine but they do have strong moral compass.

Trigger warning: Sexual abuse on minor and harassment. Nothing too graphic or anything, but it is an important theme of the book. I did not feel has if it was only used as a trope, it was an important part of the character development.

4.5 overall! I should start by saying that I finished reading Howl’s Moving Castle and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries before hopping to read this book and honestly, it was the perfect combo and transition from book to book which added to my enjoyment. 😂 It's not that the characters here perfectly matched the ones found in HMC and Emily Wilde, but there were some elements from both books that also were present here so it just really added to this experience for me since I was super in the mood!

Anyway!! With that said, this is my first read from Olivia and I'm ABSOLUTELY going to be going back and reading her Regency Faerie Tales after this. 🥰I know there were probably lots of Easter eggs that I missed and I can't wait to go back and connect the dots! If you also haven't read her Regency books, I did not feel lost at all reading this so you don't have to read them in order, but if you want to know exactly what's being told here, then probably not a bad idea to start there first.

I really loved Winnie as a FMC, and I adored Mr. Quincy as well. Their characters individually and their dynamic together was really fun. I swooned so hard at their moments together. LIKE SO HARD. Gives really great historical romance vibes too! The whole journey was really fun, but the last 25% was SO GOOD. I absolutely gobbled it all up. Overall, I really enjoyed learning about what the Witchwood Knot was, and really delving into the world + the mystery here and can't wait to read more from Olivia.

You can't convince me that this gothic, eerie romance set in a reality not too different to our own wasn't written specifically for me! Olivia Atwater's writing is so immersive and tackles emotionally tough topics with such grace and a fantasticly quiet hint of humor - I can't get enough of her novels.

The Witchwood Knot takes readers on a journey to Witchwood, a gothic manor that is keeping a dark secret from the outside world in an alternate history, where faeries exist and thrive on causing mayhem.

Our FMC, Winne, is strong, pragmatic and essentially a dream character to follow through a story because she views life with such a brilliant, 'can-do' attitude. When she realises that not all is as it seems with the boy she has come to the manor to watch over, Winnie decides to use all of her skills to save him,

This is such a joy to read, if you are a fan of gothic fiction/romance then this is one to pick up!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Starwatch Press for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

Review to be published 28/11/23 - @everythingsophiereads

I really love the way that the story felt like some mythical Gothic fairy tale for adults. It almost felt like a ya book but with adult characters. And I loved it. I love a good Gothic haunted house story anyways but the way this story weaved together felt right..

Olivia Atwater's "The Witchwood Knot" whisks you away to a Victorian England where faeries roam and spooky manors hold dark secrets. Meet Winifred Hall, a governess who knows a scam when she sees one. When her unruly charge turns into a wooden statue overnight, she uncovers a fairy kidnapping and dives headfirst into the rescue mission—alone, thanks to a lord who doesn't believe in faeries!

The story's heartbeat lies in Witchwood Manor, a place dripping with mystery and filled with otherworldly dangers. Join Winnie as she navigates this haunted abode, enlisting the help of Mr. Quincy, the suave yet shady faerie butler. As she digs deeper into the Witchwood Knot, her smarts and tricks might not be enough, leaving her to question who she can truly trust.

Winnie's journey from a bit of a snob to a more layered and relatable character is a highlight. Her bond with Oliver, the undead feline companion, is both adorable and protective. And Mr. Quincy? Let's just say he's more than what meets the eye, with his wine-red gaze and secrets aplenty.

Love creeps in slowly, adding a dash of romance to the eerie atmosphere. The relationships between Winnie, Mr. Quincy, and the ominous Lord Longfell are as tangled as the mysteries they unravel.

Atwater's writing casts a spell, with faerie tales sprinkled throughout, adding to the mystical vibe. While the start might feel a tad slow, stick around—the story picks up pace, drawing you into a world where magic, suspense, and Victorian charm collide.

In a nutshell, "The Witchwood Knot" is a wild ride through a fantastical world, merging dark fantasy and a hint of romance in a captivating Victorian setting. Despite a leisurely start, it's a tale that sticks, leaving you enchanted long after you've closed the book. For fans of faeries, mystery, and a touch of gothic, Atwater's creation is an absolute delight—a page-turner that casts an irresistible charm.

The Witchwood Knot really personifies the phrase haunted gothic mansion. Right from the beginning of the book, you can feel the intensity of Witchwood Manor and the darkness that surrounds it. Stories are abound, of a cursed mansion and of dangerous faeries roaming the halls. Olivia Atwater draws you in with sharp, strong prose which fits the theme and the vibes of the story very well. I especially loved the incorporation of cautionary fairy tales across the story; it really cemented that yes, this book is quite different from other gothic fiction that I've read.

I quite loved our protagonist, Winnie. At the start, she is cold, closed-off and as one would say, prickly. However, as Atwater slowly weaves this enchanting tale, we learn more and more about Winnie and why she is the way she is. No spoilers from me, but I will say the way we learn about Winnie's past was just incredible. Of course, there's also the enigmatic Mr. Quincy, the faerie butler who moves through the halls of Witchwood Manor, causing chaos. Mr. Quincy has his own dark secrets; and like all fae, he is wily and fickle, and quite dislikes Winnie. Together, these two have a really nice dynamic, that slowly grows into grudging friendship and eventually something more.

All in all, The Witchwood Knot is a darkly intriguing gothic fantasy tale, with just the perfect pacing and prose that leaves you craving for more. I have never read Olivia Atwater's previous series, but I will definitely be picking that one up soon!

I really love the world that Olivia Atwater has created, the alternate history where faeries live among us. I love the other series set in the regency, but I think this new time setting is going to take the cake for me. This book was fab! It had such Jane Eyre/gothic/Northanger Abbey vibes mixed with a healthy dose of magic and mischief.

Book Review: "The Witchwood Knot" by Olivia Atwater"

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclosure: This is an ARC review, and I want to express gratitude to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for the opportunity to read this book.

"The Witchwood Knot" is a captivating blend of gothic horror, dark fantasy, and romance. Olivia Atwater weaves a tale set in a magical version of Victorian England, introducing us to the mysterious Witchwood Manor, where faeries, magicians, and familiars coexist.

**Plot and Setting:**
The story revolves around Winnie, a magic practitioner hired as a governess but tasked with investigating and dispelling the curse haunting Witchwood Manor. The haunted mansion, malevolent fae, and a cast of enigmatic characters contribute to the gothic atmosphere, creating an engaging and mysterious backdrop.

**Characters:**
Winnie, the flawed yet strong protagonist, is a magic practitioner with a distinct ethical code. Her initial patronizing tone gives way to a more nuanced character as the story progresses. The undead cat familiar, Oliver, adds a delightful and protective element to the narrative. Mr. Quincy, the initially ambiguous butler with wine-red eyes, grows alongside Winnie, and their evolving relationship becomes a highlight.

**Romance and Relationships:**
The romance in "The Witchwood Knot" develops gradually, adding a sweet and meaningful layer to the narrative. The dynamics between Winnie, Mr. Quincy, and the malevolent Lord Longfell are skillfully interwoven, providing depth to the characters and their inner struggles.

**Writing Style:**
Olivia Atwater's prose is beautiful, with occasional chapter-long intervals of "true" faerie stories that enhance the mystical atmosphere. The storytelling balances darkness and romance, creating a unique reading experience.

**Pacing and Characterization:**
While the pacing and characterization feel slow and uneven in the initial chapters, they gain momentum in the second half. Winnie's character, initially somewhat abrasive, undergoes a noticeable development, making her more relatable and endearing.

**Conclusion:**
"The Witchwood Knot" is a well-crafted tale that captures the essence of gothic romance within a magical Victorian setting. The combination of dark fantasy elements, well-developed characters, and a gradually unfolding romance makes it a compelling read. Despite a slower start, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying and enchanting experience.

The Witchwood Knot is the first in a new series from Olivia Atwater, author of the excellent Regency Faerie Tales. Although set in the same world, we have moved to the Victorian era, and readers do not need to have read the earlier books to fully enjoy this one, though I absolutely do recommend picking them up in their own right.
This is a dark faerie tale with wonderfully gothic vibes and some truly entertaining and surprisingly lovable characters.
Winifred Hall is not your typical governess, and there is definitely something very different about her latest posting, which becomes obvious from almost the very first moment when she meets the mysterious butler Mr Quincy. She would never have taken the job were it not for a request from an old friend but once there she finds herself in dangerous waters indeed. Witchwood Manor is hiding many secrets , and possibly several faeries. When her charge, the future heir of the manor is abducted and replaced by a fetch , Winnie will have to do whatever it takes to get him back, including a forced alliance with the mysterious butler, after all the enemy of my enemy is my friend as they say.
This is a complex story, extremely well told with wonderful characters, most notably Winnie and of course the intriguing Mr Quincy. I found myself immediately intrigued by the snippets of Winnie's past and how her connections would play out. I loved how quick witted and tenacious she was, as well as the little glimpses we get of her softer side. Because this book builds on the author's previous series, the world feels lived in, the society fully rounded and the side characters give an intriguing glimpse of what more could be to come in future books. As an Irish reader, I particularly enjoyed the nods to our mythology, though I do not want to say more in case it spoils any of the surprises for the reader.
To put it simply this book was a delight and I eagerly await more.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,

What am I supposed to do now? What am I supposed to do now?

Witchwood Knot follows Winnie as she moves to join the Witchwood Manor household as a governess. Not one second is wasted, from the first line we are thrown into a battle of wits as Winnie deals with the secrets that inhabit the manor.

Winnie was just so lovely. So smart, so wry, so endearing. She was my absolute favorite. We meet Mr. Quincy almost immediately after the first line, and he is just a treat as well. Their dynamic is so satisfying. They're so mean to each other but it's so cute. And Mr. Quincy. He has red eyes and a tail, he's so dreamy I cannot.

Please read this if you are interested in a cruel + tired fae meeting a sardonic + tired woman and engaging and a very aggressive staring battle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for providing an eARC of The Witchwood Knot.

This is a beautiful gothic fantasy for those that enjoy curses, faeries, and strong women.

Winnie has come to Witchwood Manor to be governess to the young Robert Longfell. Of course, Winnie was under the impression more of taking care of faerie business rather than ACTUALLY acting as a governess.

With monsters both mortal, fae, and something else entirely lurking in the woods and beyond, Winnie finds herself in more of a tangle than she anticipated.

Having not read Half a Soul, or any of the Regency Faerie Tales series, this was an absolute gem. Half a Soul has been on my TBR for a short while, and will definitely be picked up much sooner than I anticipated!

Olivia Atwater does a fantastic job of writing strong women, and the incorporation of the Regency Faerie Tales into the story was wonderful! I truly enjoy when authors allow their characters to be strong willed even after horrors they have endured, and Winnie definitely delivers.

"I would have you play my songs until your fingers bled. I would compose new music, just to hear you play it with such passion. I cannot bear it, governess - how dare you love my music more than I do?"

If that quote doesn't make you swoon, we can't be friends. I knew from the minute we meet this character that he would steal my heart.

Please do yourself a favor and pick this up as a treat ♡

Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!

This is a gothic romance based in England. It was based on so many magical features which I will get into in a bit

I loved how it had all kinds of different things. The faeries and the magicians (as sisters) and the familiars and necromancers added all that sprinkle of magic in the pages of this book

It had so many tricks and hacks and symbols and games. The main characters showed us all kinds of emotions. Powerful ones. We saw strengths and weaknesses and fears and hidden identities and love and hate..

At first everything was so vague which kept me going and kept fuelling my interest to keep going. It was slow at some point but I was hooked nonetheless

However, I want to say that something felt missing. I felt like I should’ve read her older books (the series about faeries?). I didn’t feel like I directly missed out on anything in the book though

This book’s most obvious theme (to me) was greed. Especially from the the men’s POV. Greed for the land. Greed for the property. Greed for wealth. Greed for things that aren’t ours and things that aren’t attainable. Greed for choices that cannot be made. Greed in all forms a human is capable of feeling. Greed

I think the premise of a haunted house is immediately interpreted as a gothic tale. A tale Olivia Atwater knew exactly how to write

I loved the characters and their growth within the chapters. I loved how the relationship between Winnie and Mr. Quincy started on hatred and suspicions and later on developed into a more understanding situationship and working together to figure out how to unravel things

I also loved the strength and the level of telepathy between the sisters. I’m not talking on a level of magic but on the level of familiarity between each other. That cat too, Oliver, was very protective of Winnie and I loved how strong their bond was. His hate for men was very relatable too hahaha :)

Great book in my opinion! Loved reading this one

This was truly a delightful read. I’ve read Half a Soul by Atwater — and I really enjoyed it — so I knew I had to check this one out too as soon as I saw the ARC available for it. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I actually like this series - (small spoiler, there will definitely be a second book to this that continues the plot line) - more than I liked Half A Soul. While this book is set in the same world as Half A Soul, you don’t need to read the series (Regency Fairytales I believe) to understand this one, but familiar characters do pop up so you may enjoy it more if you or have read them.

I really connected with Winnie and her tenaciousness, compassion that is only given when deserved, cleverness, and pragmatism. It was very refreshing to read a fantasy novel where the FMC is very sure of herself, her abilities, and where she stands in the world. Can we have more of that please?? I like to live vicariously through these characters 😅.

I also liked the love trope here, which was more… pragmatic X grumpy (you’ll get what I mean when/if you read it). I’m a sucker for mysterious and troublesome fae (thanks Julie Kagawa).

Another plus to this novel was that it was engaging the whole time! I didn’t feel like any of the book dragged at all and was plotted damn near perfectly (I don’t say that often… and by often I mean hardly EVER).

If you’re into gothic romances, creepy/haunted manors, mysterious fae, and the regency era, then you’re going to LOVE this! Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read the ARC!