The Witchwood Knot is the latest of Olivia Atwater's historical fantasy books, though set in Victorian England rather than Regency. Many characters and events from those books are referenced in this, so I am not sure if it is the best starting point. This book had many of same strengths and weaknesses as the previous books, so if you like those you will probably enjoy this, and vice versa.

The story follows Winnie Hall, a magician taking a job as a governess in order to investigate a cursed manor at the behest of the manor's lady, while keeping her grandson safe from harm. It has a gothic atmosphere inspired by Wuthering Heights and the like, but I didn't find it particularly dark, just less lighthearted than Atwater's other books. The writing was as clear and easy to read as usual, and the book was short and clipped along at a good pace.

I liked the protagonist, Winnie, for her cunning and common sense. She has no trouble defending herself or dealing with dangerous situations, which was nice, but she was also kind of too competent and hard to frighten. I think it would have helped to sell the dark and eerie mood if she had reacted less casually to some things. Of the rest of the characters, the undead cat familiar was my favourite. The villain was easy to pick out immediately (partly a consequence of how few characters there were, but it didn't help that Winnie instantly disliked him) and the love interest, Mr Quincy, was just okay. I was not fully convinced by the romance. I think we needed more page time between him and Winnie for their feelings to be believable, given how their relationship starts.

Overall I did enjoy this and recommend it, and I will continue reading books in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

My favorite book yet from Olivia Atwater! Congratulations to Ms. Atwater as she has now officially become an auto-buy author for me. I seriously cannot get enough of her books!

I would describe this story as Sherlock Holmes meets An Enchantment of Ravens. It has all the Victorian posh, mystery, and the delightful cruelty of faerie kind. While I do love all faerie stories, whether they be gentle or tricksy, I do enjoy the darker faerie tales the most. Faeries that will outsmart you at every turn, the ones you can't trust with your name, the courtly mannerisms and deadly secrets. This has all that and a smart FMC with a no-nonsense attitude and her own secrets.

Winifred Hall, or Winnie as we come to know her, accepts a governess position at the infamous Witchwood Manor. The Manor is said to be cursed and none of the servants, save for dear Cook, will even spend the night under its roof. At the behest of the heir's grandmother, Winnie is charged with the education (and (secretly the protection) of the young, spoiled heir. Winnie is not particularly fond of children, especially this one, nor does she care at all for his father, the Lord Longfell, but she has her own reasons for coming to the Manor. It isn't too long before the pompous boy is absconded away by the faeries, forcing Winnie to save him by whatever means she can, even if it means allying with the capricious Mr. Quincy.

I will say that the beginning of the book is slower, but the exploration of the characters and setting is well worth the payoff once things pick up. It's rare to find a book that is character and plot-driven, and I think this was done very well. The romance, while minimal, was paced nicely and I was very satisfied with the way their relationship developed, as well as their character arcs individually.

Now, while I do not think it is entirely necessary to read the author's previous works, I do recommend reading the Regency Faerie Tales series to have a better grasp of the overall world-building and some background knowledge, as I think it made this story much easier to understand, and it made it much more fun when little snippets of past characters were mentioned.

Thank you Starwatch Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Starwatch Press, Netgalley and the author Olivia Atwater for letting me read in exchange for my honest review of The Witchwood Knot.

First of all, I LOVE the cover 😍

And it started really good with the atmospheric vibe you get, but I think it could be more elements to really get that goth vibe cause I missed that. I didn't see too much of the gothic part unfortunately.
And the plot wasn't something that really stuck with me. I like the characters but I had high hopes for The Witchwood Knot and it didn't live up to it but it had potential to be a great story. I wanted even more of the Victorian gothic vibe through the book.

But the way the author write is really good. This is my first read from the author so I see a potential for me to read something else from her again.

This was not quite the right book for me but I can see it being a great one for other readers 😉

I rate it 3 ⭐.

This was a wonderful gothic fantasy with just a hint of romance.

First of all, the world building was fantastic. I immediately got immersed into the world the author created and I never felt confused about anything. There was also, thankfully, no painful info dumping. The world was created so naturally.

Winnie was an amazing main character. I loved how her character developed throughout the book. The small details that were given about her personality and history were amazing. She's such a strong character that I immediately started rooting for. (Her and Oliver the cat's relationship was amazing!).

Mr Quincy ended up being a much more in depth and relatable character that I initially anticipated and I grew to adore him! There's so much more I want to learn about him and his history. I would love a spin-off story about Cook and her time with Mr Quincy.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Olivia Atwater continued her captivating tales of magic and fae with The Witchwood Knot, set some years after the conclusion of Longshadow. Each of the volumes of the Regency Fairy Tales involved a heroine solving a mystery, righting an old wrong, and finding love. Even though it would be accurate to say that the plot follows the same lines in this novel, such a barebones summary doesn’t really capture how original and immersive these stories are—nor does it indicate just how amazing Atwater’s characterization is. Every one of Atwater’s books has charmed me and I’m delighted to see new books in the world she created.

Winifred Hall arrives at Witchwood Hall with ulterior motives. The Hall’s master believes that Winifred has come to serve as governess to his heir. In truth, Winifred is there at the behest of the heir’s grandmother, an old friend who knows that Winifred is more than she seems. Winifred has been summoned to keep the boy safe from something supernatural. The Hall has a bad reputation. Winifred’s ride to the Hall drops her off at the gate and refuses to take a step closer. Later, Winifred learns that most of the few servants refuse to sleep there at all, for fear of the terrifying things they see and hear at night. The first person Winifred meets at the Hall, Mr. Quincey, doesn’t do much to raise Winifred’s assessment of the Hall’s hospitality.

The brusque and mercurial Mr. Quincey, however, turns out to be Winifred’s ally as she works her way through the magical bonds that are holding the fae of the Witchwood hostage as well as slowly killing Winifred’s friend. When her charge goes missing (replaced with a mournful fetch), Winifred decides to take the bull by the horns and fight her way through the magical curse, using every trick and hex she’s learned.

I fell headfirst into The Witchwood Knot, just like I have with all of Atwater’s other historical fantasies. Her complicated protagonists and the rich worldbuilding—a blend of British history and folklore—always delight me. Above all, I love the originality of each novel. Each one can stand alone, as any good fairy tale will, but reading them together creates an amazing interlocking story about the evils of unchecked power, the tricksomeness of the fae, and the strength of love and loyalty. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Witchwood Knot is a charming take on the gothic fairytale genre, which was a lovely escapist treat in the middle of a really tiring, chaotic week. The blurb makes it sound that the book follows a quest in a magical forest formula, but it doesn’t: its heart and soul is a cursed manor, where most if not all events take place, The kidnapped child doesn’t get kidnapped until the very midpoint of the book, and instead, the protagonist, Winnie, spends her time getting to explore the curse and the way it brings people and magicians and faeries together. I’ve seen some other reviews mention that the book is slow on the uptake, but I didn’t really think that: this exploration stage actually set the scene pretty well and built up some textured tension. If I had to nitpick something, I would say that the actual resolution seemed a bit abrupt, with the kind of minor sacrifice that seemed entirely avoidable, and there were some minor inconsistencies in the way the plot developed, but since the overall vibe being just the right kind to hold my attention I didn’t feel compelled to nitpick as I read. The dynamics between Winnie and Mr Quincy was just right, too, the kind of gothic romance I can get behind (playing cards for facts about each other! meaningful musical pieces from the past! a repressed pining man and a sensible woman who will not be stopped!), and the chosen issues they both struggled with foiled their romantic tension in a pretty thoughtful way.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of the Witchwood Knot! I enjoyed this, and it made me want to dig into the backlog of Atwater books as sources of light comfort reading,

I choose this book off the cover, it was beautiful and definitely leaned towards the books that i would typically pick out anyways. This for me was a slow read but it was good. I was really wishing that it would pick up for me but for some reason my brain was not focusing on it. I could read 2 chapters a day and I would be done for the day. I really wanted to love this book because the characters, the setting and the storyline itself was great! I might give it a try again but for now this is my review on it.

In "The Witchwood Knot," Olivia Atwater crafts a captivating tale that blends elements of gothic horror, dark fantasy, and a touch of romance. Set in the atmospheric Witchwood Manor, the novel introduces Victorian governess Winifred Hall, a character with a keen sense of magic and a determination to unravel the mysteries hidden within the manor's walls.

The story kicks off with Winifred discovering that her young charge has been abducted by the Fair Folk, leading her on a quest to rescue the missing lord of Witchwood Manor. At the heart of the narrative is a knot of magical intrigue, and as Winifred delves deeper into the mysteries, she forms an unlikely alliance with the dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr. Quincy. The narrative weaves together two timelines, revealing the intricate threads of the Witchwood Knot.

Atwater's storytelling combines the whimsy of a children's fairytale with the complexity of a young adult story, featuring adult main characters. The novel carries a distinct theme, delving into the cost of human greed, particularly male greed, for property and wealth. This theme is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the plot, adding depth and substance to the narrative.

While the premise of a haunted manor sets the stage for a gothic tale, the pacing and characterization initially feel slow and uneven. Winifred's bluntness and arrogance in the beginning may prove off-putting, but as the story unfolds, her character undergoes significant development. The second half of the book shines with action, unfolding mysteries, and a well-developed romance.

The relationship between Winifred and Mr. Quincy evolves in a sweet, clever, and meaningful way, contrasting with the dark and selfish interests of other characters. The supporting character of Oliver, Winifred's undead cat familiar, adds a delightful touch to the narrative.

"The Witchwood Knot" is a perfect autumn read, evoking spooky vibes with its blend of dark fantasy, gothic horror, and romance. While some pacing issues and character development quirks exist, the novel successfully captures the essence of its genre. Olivia Atwater's enchanting storytelling and the dynamic between Winifred and Mr. Quincy make this an engaging and enjoyable read. Overall, it's a charming addition to the author's repertoire, providing a cozy, whimsical feeling for readers seeking a magical escape.

This book takes quite a while to get going, but I really enjoyed the last quarter of the book. Until then, it was fairly slow without a lot happening and there were not a lot of fantasy elements in the first half of the book. I guess I was really hoping for more of a magical fantasy feel.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

There is a series before this one and I personally think it's better to have read that before going in. Even though this is billed as the start of a new series, it just doesn't make as much sense without knowing the background. I thought this read towards a much younger audience than the 'adult gothic romance' category suggests, so I think I would be better listed as YA. There's a lot of character-driven writing, so if you're a fan of that style, you will enjoy this. I personally need more plot and world-building, so this was too slow paced for me to fully enjoy.

What a darkly delicious book The Witchwood Knot turned out to be! It's my first book by Olivia Atwater and I understand why her books are so beloved. The author has spun an interesting, dark, and alluring world full of deception, mischief, and secrets.

The protagonist, Winnie, is a young governess in her twenties. She is unafraid and prepared to face challenges. Thankfully she isn't a cluless damsel in distress who doesn't know what she's getting into. She's a smart woman aware of her surroundings and not easily fooled. The side characters make for interesting addition to the ensemble, each having traits unique to them. The push and pull romance keeps the reader wanting more.

The writing is delectable appropriate to the world. It draws you in and keeps you reading. Difficult topics are dealt with sensitivity and delicacy.

I finished it in just a few sittings. The story gets edgier and intense as it moves to the climax. I was so engrossed reading it that I didn't pay attention to predict any of what would unravel. The last half is even better than the first one. Truly shows the caliber of the author.

I have no complaints. It's an easy 5-star read, one which grasps you until you have finished it. Perfect for winters!

It pains me so much to say this but I had to dnf this book in 30%. I absolutely love Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales books, is one of my favorites series so I was extremely excited to learn she was writing another book in the same world, but unfortunately I struggled deeply to continue reading The Witchwood Knot, it was a lot more darker than her other books and somehow the magic of her other series wasn’t on this one, everything felt so dull and honestly a little bit like a chore to finish each chapter.
I hate to dnf books but if I had continued reading it I would probably give a very low star, so I rather make a pause right now and maybe pick it up in another moment when my mood suits this book better.

Thanks Netgalley and Starwatch Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

Spooky dark Faerie tale.

Winnie Hall is headed to Witchwood Manor to become the governess of Robert Longfell. She has been invited to fill the position by the Dowager, to whom she has known since childhood.
Winnie doesn’t like Lord Longfellow, or children for that matter, but she has other interests that take her there.

This isn’t the usual type of book that I would be drawn to, but the title did draw me to it.
It kept my interest and I went with the flow of the book, though at times I was confused as to what Winnie’s actual mission was? She had her agenda, plus trying to get back young Robert.
I would have liked her two sisters to have played a bigger part of the story as they seemed interesting, though it confused me a little as it mentioned how she met one sister, but not the other.
I thought the ending was left open a bit, maybe this book is to have a sequel?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

*thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc!*

i think the author did well on captivating the ‘victorian’ essence of the story. it totally gives off the gothic fantasy feel, which is what i loved so much! the story as a whole is very interesting and unique, as ive read many books with fae, the description of them in this book is very well done.

for me, i think i knew the romance was coming but it was still a curve ball. it was more on the back burner of the story, and i don’t know how i feel about the characters together, but ill be interested to see where their relationship goes.

This book seems to be written directed more towards a younger audience while being less promoted as an adult gothic romance. This book is slow pacing and the beginning seemed a bit like a mirror to other gothic books I’ve read recently. Why do they always show up to the house in the rain?

I think I would have had better context knowing there was another series before this one.

A thoroughly delectable gothic historical fantasy for autumn/winter! I really enjoyed this read - it was a fantastic balance of gothic horror, satire, and coziness in one book. I would preface that although it says 'romance' on Goodreads, it is quite a small component of the novel so don't go in expecting much (although the slow burn was fun, just not the primary theme). In Olivia's afterword she mentioned being inspired to write a gothic novel after reading Wuthering Heights; as a reader I definitely felt the Wuthering Heights influence and enjoyed is as such. The influence was especially evident amidst the backdrop of Victorian England in a haunted Manor. I would say that although this is the first book in this particular series, it feels part of a larger magic system from other books? I'm not sure if it's set in the same world as Olivia's other books but the world building / explanation of magic and faeries could've been better developed. All in all though, this is an excellent gothic read for fall!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was so delightful. Olivia Atwater's books always bring me immense comfort, and her regency faerie tales series is one I always go back to. In this book I think the romance here was the strongest point in the book-- the plot was solid, but it is the relationship between the leads that really kept me invested. This book definitely took a more sinister and darker path than her previous series-- it accentuated the predatory nature of men as well as the battle of overcoming trauma and regaining one's name. It was great read, and some of the lines really resonated with me. Besides that I want to comment on Olivia Atwater's writing because her diction, dialogue and exposition remains so rich and consistent, she outdoes herself with every new novel. It sinks you in, and you resurface with an overwhelming feeling of adoration.

Thanks to the publishers/ team at Netgalley for accepting my arc request for an honest and unbiased review!

Olivia Atwater's "The Witchwood Knot" ventures into the Victorian era, departing from her Regency Faerie Tales series with a darker, more engaging narrative. The story, while exploring themes of trauma and identity, introduces a captivating romance between the determined protagonist, Winnie, and her love interest.

The book, while light on detailed world-building, showcases Atwater's signature character-driven storytelling. Winnie's strength and wit shine, though the magic system takes a backseat to faerie knowledge. The Victorian setting lacks a strong gothic atmosphere, and the plot unfolds slowly, with major events delayed until the second half.

The connection to the Regency trilogy may confuse readers unfamiliar with the third book, suggesting a view of "The Witchwood Knot" as a fourth installment. Despite these considerations, the novel remains an enjoyable read, offering intense romance and a promising foundation for the series. Readers are left eager to see where Atwater takes the story next.

It’s been a while since I read a historical fantasy, so I was thrilled when I was offered a complimentary advanced reader copy of The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater from NetGalley and Starwatch Press in exchange for an honest review. This gothic romance was the perfect reintroduction to this genre for me.

The Witchwood Knot was a clever gothic fantasy full of folklore and fairytales. I loved the Victorian setting combined with a very fantasy premise; it felt part historical and part ethereal in the best possible ways.
The plot itself was well layered and paced, with aspects of The Witchwood Knot and its faerie squatters slowly unfolding as the plot thickened. I was never quite sure where things were headed or what would happen next, but the journey to get there was completely engrossing, especially as you grappled with the high stakes of The Witchwood Knot and the more human complications happening during the day in the Manor.

Winifred was a fantastic character with a lot of cleverness and wit for the era in which the story took place. She felt bold, assertive, and smart; all qualities that women of this age were supposed to minimize. I loved that Atwater chose to make her conscious of this decision to go against the grain and gave her the power to use that awareness in her favour as she saw fit. She was still often forced into an archetype that the men around her were comfortable with, but she manipulated it to the best of her abilities.

One aspect that I felt was incredibly poignant in Atwater’s exploration of Winifred’s character was her experience with sexual assault. I think there’s something so devastatingly depressing about this universal shared truth, that to be a woman means to understand what it means to be in danger, to be wanted without regard for your own feelings or preferences. I started mulling over this concept when reading A Study in Drowning, where the main character Effy was the victim of an abusive and manipulative relationship with a faculty member, and it’s reflected similarly in The Witchwood Knot. Just by holding any degree of beauty, Winifred is challenged by the men around her who feel entitled to her. She has to question every interaction, every exchange with the men she’s with to determine their intentions so she can somehow manage her safety alongside their egos. It’s frustratingly, achingly familiar, and even though these are fantasy environments, it’s so clear how women are still finding themselves in these situations and with these feelings today, particularly in scenarios where there is a power imbalance. I loved how resonant Winifred’s experience was, and simultaneously wished it would not feel so familiar to so many. That said, I felt like Atwater approached the concept from a place of power, where Winifred was eventually able to own her experiences and be stronger for them. It doesn’t make the fact that they occurred any better, but it’s encouraging to see a woman rise from the trauma.

From the second I picked this book up, I felt completely immersed, and when we finally reached the pinnacle of the action and began to see the plot close, I was both sad for it to be over and anxious to learn more about the loose ends that Atwater left. I felt like this was an exceptionally promising start to a series. I’ll certainly be happy to go back to Victorian England in another instalment to see where Winifred and Mr. Quincy go next.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for the complimentary copy! I rated this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads and on Net Galley.

ChatGPT
"The Witchwood Knot" by Olivia Atwater weaves a delightful tale set in the enchanting world of Witchwood Manor, where faeries and magical beings reside. The story unfolds as Victorian governess Winifred Hall finds herself facing a con of magical proportions when her troublesome young charge is mysteriously transformed into a block of wood. Upon realizing that the real boy has been abducted by the mischievous Fair Folk, Winnie, armed with her wit and determination, sets out on a quest to rescue the young lord.

The uniqueness of the plot lies in the fact that the lord of Witchwood Manor, the very person who should be well-versed in faerie lore, is the one individual in England who staunchly denies the existence of faeries. This leaves Winnie in the challenging position of having to navigate the perilous journey to rescue the young heir all on her own.

Witchwood Manor, as Winnie discovers, is a place of expansive proportions, filled with otherworldly dangers. As she ventures into the hidden corners of the manor, she forms an uneasy alliance with Mr. Quincy, the dark and dubious faerie butler. Behind his charming smile lie several dreadful secrets, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

The strength of the story lies in Winnie's character, a governess with both wit and cleverness, determined to unravel the mysteries of Witchwood Manor. However, as her usual tricks prove ineffective in the face of magical challenges, the narrative raises the compelling question of who Winnie can truly trust.

Olivia Atwater's storytelling skill shines through in "The Witchwood Knot," creating a whimsical and magical atmosphere. The blend of Victorian sensibilities with fantastical elements adds a charming touch to the narrative. As readers follow Winnie's journey through the twists and turns of Witchwood Manor, they are treated to a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and the timeless allure of faerie folklore.

In "The Witchwood Knot," Olivia Atwater crafts a spellbinding narrative that will captivate readers with its magical intrigue and endearing characters. With a governess at the helm, armed with determination and facing the unknown, this tale is a delightful exploration of faerie realms, trust, and the power of cleverness in the face of enchanting challenges.