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.

Faeries, enemies to lovers, halloween Gothic vibes....it was a good escape and perfect for the season.

Special thanks to Starwatch Press and Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review..

If you're looking for your next dark, gothic, read, look no further than The Witchwood Knot.

I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I enjoy - faeries, gothic vibes, enemies to lovers. It's a perfect Halloween read and yes I'm aware it's November but still. Halloween read, for sure.

Winnie is formidable, but she also has a vulnerability that she does her hardest not to show. The scenes with Lord Longfell give you the impression of your skin crawling. He was disgusting and I hated every scene with him. He reminded me of the old man in Mexican Gothic leering after Noemi.

Robert was annoying but I gave him leeway considering he was a literal child and it was painfully obvious that he was a victim of abuse when it came, again, to Lord Longfell. I wanted to protect him and keep him safe.

I adored Quincy. He was snarky and bold and dangerous and I just loved every minute of him. I'd love to see more of his relationship with Cook, aka Sarah Baker, because those two just have a wonderful, dare I say it, friendship, because that's what she was to him. Despite all odds and how she should feel about him, Sarah was his friend.

Hoping for a sequel! Or even a prequel.

The Witchwood Knot is a fast paced dark fantasy filled with Fae, magic and a hint of romance. Winifred Hall knows all about the Fae, so when she takes a position as a governess and her charge suddenly has a personality transplant she knows what has happened. He has been abducted by the Fae that call Witchwood Manor home and replaced. Her path to claim him back won't be easy, not least because his father, the lord of the manor, claims that magic and the Fae are nothing but children's stories. To get the young lord back, Winnie will have to enlist the help of the dark and dubious fae butler, Mr Quincy, and when her usual tricks fail, she may just have to put her trust in the one person whose secrets might do more harm than good.

I didn't expect The Witchwood Knot to be quite as creepy as it was, and it definitely became a day time only read for me, but not because of any obvious frighting scenes, more from the incredible atmosphere that Atwater creates with her reading. It was gothic and creepy, and I especially enjoyed how she played around with the idea of monsters, showing the differing forms they can come in, and how they might not be who you expect from first glance. There was also a tension to this story, especially in the scenes where the Lord of the Manor was present and, at times, I felt uncomfortable reading them, following his actions, but again this adds to the atmosphere and overall dark nature of the book, and ensured it was one that never quite put me at ease.

The were a few things that I didn't love, one being the pacing. In general, the book was incredibly fast paced, there weren't many lulls in the story and everything moved along well, but I do think it took a bit too long to get to the nitty gritty of the main plot. This didn't bother me too much because of the overall pace, but it did affect my enjoyment of other parts of the book, namely the romance. Because the main plot only starts around 40-50% of the way through I felt the romance between the two characters felt incredibly rushed and a little forced. We don't really get to see them bond, they spend very little time together for the first half of the book, so all of the progression has to happen fairly swiftly, and it just felt a little forced and I think I might have enjoyed it more had it just been left out.

Winnie was a great MC. Forceful, not easily afraid, she was someone I had no issue bonding with. Seeing her delve into the dark side of Witchwood Manor, allowed us to learn about her past, especially that involving the Fae, and we learn fairly swiftly that she was specifically picked for this posting. I think what I loved the most though, was how Atwater used her to show how monsters aren't always who we assume they are. There were some pretty uncomfortable moments in the book that especially showed this, but they also allowed us to see a softer, more wary side of Winnie than the formidable force of nature she usually shows. Alongside Winnie, we have the staff from the Manor, The Lord and his son and Mr Quincy, the Fae butler who first lets Winnie into the house. He is a character we have a complicated relationship with, never quite knowing if he's on Winnie's side or not, but through the story we learn more about him and his past and Atwater uses this to set up the ending which I'm hoping will lead onto more books in the series.

Overall, I did enjoy this one, I just thought it was let down a little by pacing and sometimes repetitive nature, which in a book this short just isn't needed at all. That being said, the atmosphere and characters saved it for me and the ending definitely had me intrigued enough that I would pick up the next book in the series. If you're ok with a slow burner that seems to be more of a set up book for a larger series then I would definitely give this one a go.

The Witchwood Knot made it to my request list because I am such a dark anything lover, and this did not disappoint. I loved the world building and I love Winnie and her "take no shit" attitude and how she grows and really morphs into something more than she thought she was. Idk, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it for someone looking for a hauntingly beautiful gothic faerie tale.

Atwater’s writing is so beautiful, cozy and full of whimsy. Set in the Victorian era filled to the brim with fae and quite the complex world building, this novel did not disappoint.

Winniefred is everything I expected. Kind, filled with empathy with quick wit. I loved the growth seen from beginning to end, and that the villain in this story was not your typical villain.

The story was great even if the plot felt a little thin at times. The epilogue left me wanting and honestly I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series and maybe seeing more of Winniefred’s magic, which I thought was a little lacking in what was written, and I expected more.

This novel passed the dark fairytale vibe check with flying colors!

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwatch Press for the eArc!

I throughly enjoyed Ms. Atwater’s other works, so I was thrilled to return to the world of fae. Compared to her other books this is much darker and tackles much heavier themes, despite taking place seemingly in the same universe. I adored the MC and her give no shits attitude (am I allowed to swear in a review?) It took a while for the plot to pick up, but once it did I was pulled in. I loved Winnie, loved the romance (which arguably is a much smaller aspect of this book compared to Half a Soul), and the overall theme of confronting and overcoming trauma. I enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from the author in the future.

I found this novel to be very beautiful, mixing cosiness with darker themes all in a Victorian setting.
At first, I thought this would be a "haunted house" type of book but it was much bigger than a house, with a complex world-building of the fae world with mazes, monsters, and a "strange cat thing".

Things I love:
The writing is beautiful and whimsical making everything so cozy.
Victorian era.
The short faerie stories are my absolute favourite chapters. I found these to add a "fairytalesque" vibe I love.
The FMC, Winniefred is such a refreshing character setting herself apart with her intelligence, wit, kindness, and empathy.
The subplots tie in so nicely to the main plot and don't take away from it.

Things I didn't like so much.
Towards the middle, I got slightly lost as to what was the purpose of everything.
The magic, we are told that Winnie is a magician but we see that most of her magic tricks are reading cards. I wish there was more to it.

I really cannot wait for the next book, I think the last few chapters were some of the best and reveal so much of what could be included in the second book and I absolutely cannot wait to continue the story. I am very invested in Mr. Quincy, and I am hoping to see some chapters narrated from his point of view, he is just so fascinating.


3,5 stars as I wasn't really drawn into the story until the last 30%.
Slow pace at times.

This was my first Olivia Atwater book, but it certainly won’t be the last.

The Witchwood Knot is magical, dark, and drips with gorgeous, well-crafted prose. Though the plot itself of the book didn’t grip me entirely, I was entranced by Atwater’s writing and the dimension she gave to her characters.

This book has a plot, but in my mind, falls very carefully into the “no plot, just vibes” category, which is common in a lot of cozy fantasy stories. That said, this is not so much cozy as it is gothic and all-encompassing, with themes that made my heart pang.

Winnie is such a phenomenal main character though, and the real shining star of this book. While I guessed her worst fear rather early on, it wasn’t because of a heavy-handed delivery, but because it’s a fear so many women—myself included—have. I absolutely adored Winnie’s growth and the reclaiming of her sexuality as the book continues (which Atwater explores in the afterword if you wanted to know more about that!), and most importantly, I loved that the villain was a very real monster and not a faerie or other creature.

This book receives 3.5 stars from me because at times, I felt like the plot was too thin and that the ending was too rushed. I know the epilogue is supposed to establish a conflict in book two, but it didn’t work for me the way I wanted it to. Also, the book blurb doesn’t even begin until the second half of the book, which affected my enjoyment of it slightly.

That said, I really did like this book and its cast of complicated, sharp, and strong characters.

Special thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an arc to review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Starwatch Press, and Olivia Atwater for the opportunity to receive an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:
The faeries of Witchwood Manor have stolen its young lord. His governess intends to steal him back.

My Review:
A gothic fantasy novel that is dark without leaving you with nightmares.

I thought that the book was slow to start out, but it is part of a series and information is needed before the story can pick up. Once the story got going though it was hard to put down! I really enjoyed the characters and the world building - it was easy to picture both the Witchwood Manor and the Witchwood Knot and they are beautifully done.

When I finished the book I was left wanting more - more of the characters, more of the story, wanting to know what happens next. I will definitely be finishing the series when it is available.

Set in the same magical England as the regency faerie tale series, The Witchwood Knot is a luscious gothic tale with fair folk, mystery, and a creepy haunted house.

Winifred arrives at the Witchwood Manor to assume the role of governess and watch over the young lord, Robert. Winnie is no stranger to magic and fair folk and is quite cunning herself so when she quickly realizes something strange lurking within the manor, she devises a plan to help Robert avoid Faerie influence.

Winnie is extremely strong-willed and manipulative as a survival mechanism since she’s had a cruel past and has been left helpless before. My favorite part of the story was the incorporation of the fair folk and how crafty Winnie is with them. I enjoyed her banter with the faerie butler, Mr Quincy and witnessing her best him in situations. I found Winnie’s story to be very intriguing and enjoyed reading from her perspective. I do wish I had learned more about her backstory and magician abilities; it was very unclear to me how since ended up at the Witchwood Manor to begin with.

I knew that this story had a romance in it, so I kept waiting for any evidence of romance to come up. There was no hint of romance until the very end and then everything developed so abruptly. I wish we had witnessed more romantic development and it starting a lot earlier in the story.

Overall, I had a great reading experience as I always do with Olivia Atwater's works. Atwater consistently creates such entertaining and whimsical stories that are so easy to become immersed in. I recommend The Witchwood Knot to anyone who loved The Regency Faerie Tales series and who love a darker fairytale vibe.

This books was just amazing. I finish the renegade fairy tale first just to read this. I love that there are characters from the other books even though you do not need to read them.

This feels like gothic horror and dark fantasy myth which that is entitled to adults.

We are introduced to our FMC Winnie as she arrives Witchwood manor to fulfill a governess position. Winnie is a magic practitioner who has been called by the dying dowager to investigate the haunted manor and rid it of its curse before her death. While also protecting her grandson. A surprise to Winnie herself.

Winnie arrives at Witchwood manor to meets Mr. Quincy (Our MMC) who doesn't exist? Isn't there? A spirit? A faerie?

Winnie is a little bit of everything she's a liar, and a manipulator, and a survivor but doesn't mean she a bad person just a survivor..

Olivia Atwater books have become a comfort read for me. While The Witchwood knot is a little dark than her previous books, is quite enjoyable.

*I* myself and a person who can not stand faerie books but Iliva Atwater has made me forget me distaste for them and immerse myself into these stories.

I do hope there will be a second book where we will see Winnie and Mr. Quincy again.

This book is wonderful! The gothic manor with all of it's eccentricities was so dreamy, yet haunting. I really enjoyed the deep characterization of each character, but the plot kept me guessing.

This was an amazing Victorian gothic romance novel that I will definitely be thinking of all the time! This author has an amazing way of writing, keeps you engaged & captivates you, keeps you wanting more. There are time where it was more of a slow burn but the story line keeps you wanting more. I couldn't stop reading!

Thank you for this arc!

This book immediately reminded me of two of my favorite books I've read so far this year- Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and A Study In Drowning. It's as if Emily, with her quick dry wit and grudging care for others, stepped foot into the melancholic and thoughtful Study In Drowning manor. Winnie was amazingly clever and snappy, and gotta say, I loved Quincy's rat tail. Their romance was cutting, aggressive, and pointy, and slowly dulled and healed over as the book continued and each of the characters began to heal themselves. It was incredible to watch and I cannot wait for this series to continue.

Having never read the Regency Faerietales series, I regret to say that I fear they can never live up to what this did for me.

Mm"The Witchwood Knot: A Hauntingly Enchanting Tale of Love and Magic"

Step into the bewitching world of Olivia Atwater's "The Witchwood Knot" and prepare to be swept away by a spellbinding romance like no other. This hauntingly captivating novel will transport readers to the mysterious halls of Witchwood Manor, where secrets lurk and faeries hold sway.

In this mesmerizing tale, we meet Winnie, a governess with a courageous heart and an unwavering determination to rescue the grandson of the dowager of Witchwood Manor from the clutches of faerie enchantments. Despite her employer's skepticism, Winnie fearlessly undertakes the responsibility of finding the missing boy, unearthing a web of fantastical intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

"The Witchwood Knot" is a standalone novel that delicately weaves together elements of the Regency Faerie Tales series, adding depth and richness to an already engrossing narrative. Atwater masterfully incorporates gothic undertones, luring readers into a world of haunting beauty and dark secrets. As Winnie ventures deeper into the heart of the manor, the palpable sense of foreboding intensifies, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and irresistible.

What truly sets this book apart is the unexpected sweetness of the romance that unfolds within its pages. As Winnie and her mysterious counterpart, whose own past carries scars and emotional barriers, converge in their quest, their connection deepens. Atwater skillfully portrays their gradual transformation, as they bravely navigate their painful histories, allowing trust and love to blossom amidst a backdrop of danger and enchantment.

Through Atwater's deft storytelling, I found myself rooting for these resilient characters, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs. The blend of thrilling suspense, tender romance, and breathtaking magic makes "The Witchwood Knot" an irresistible read for fans of all genres.

Prepare to be captivated by the tangled threads of love, mystery, and the supernatural in "The Witchwood Knot." Olivia Atwater's evocative prose and captivating storytelling left me eagerly awaiting her next enchanting tale.

I received a copy of The Witchwood Knot as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia Atwater weaves a gothic Victorian world of magic in this book. The main character, Winnie, is a headstrong trauma survivor who battles her demons throughout this book. Her wit and underlying kindness really drew me to her character. Her counterpart, Mr. Quincy, was a complicated character I grew to enjoy more and more with each chapter.

The story is captivating and I found it to be an incredibly unique concept with the infusion of dream sequences, magic, and mystery. The author provided a host of detail to really immerse yourself within the story, and I think covered the issues of both sexual assault and consent admirably without making it uncomfortable.

I give this book a solid 4.5 star rating and I’m hoping to read more from this author soon.