The first time I read one of Alix E. Harrow’s books was during the 2020 pandemic, “Ten Thousand Doors of January.” Just as I was with that book, I could not put “The Once and Future Witches,” down once I got into the rhythm of the book. Was it my absolute favorite story of witches? No. But it is definitely worth checking out. The story follows three sisters, who were at one time attached at the hip, but due to a wedge that was placed in between the three of them by their father, the girls grew apart. It’s quite the coincidence when the three sisters end up being in the same city due to happenstance. Even more so that Bella, the oldest of the sisters, accidentally calls forth an old witch spell, which binds the three sisters together once more. From there, the book follows the mending of their relationships as well as changes the relationships that each sister has with the world around them. I can’t wait to read more of Harrow’s books, and I’m holding out onto some hope that this book might have a sequel follow up one day.

The characters and the twisting of history are captivating.

This book should have been split into two or seriously edited. Also, putting everything into a book doesn’t make it inclusive, it makes that inclusivity cheap and felt thrown in.

Delightful. I couldn’t wait to get back to it every time I put it down.

Wonderful characters and engrossing story.

This book will make you wish for a tangible spell or words of witching, when it, in fact, resides in your own heart, wishing so desperately for wrongs to be righted. What a powerful piece of literature depicting so eloquently the struggle of women since the dawn of time.

Such an amazing book to read during a time of unrest for women everywhere.

This is a fantasy novel with real history and myths mixed in. It is an inspiring feminist read, set far enough back to have brutality as part of life for the characters. The plot moves along, but not fast enough and the flowery prose gets tiresome. I felt it would have been a better book with a lot more editing, and it is unusual for me to want to see a good read to be less wordy. Overall, recommended but you may find yourself skimming passages.

Unfortunately I am unwilling to finish it. For me, the story plods along slowly and the author does not develop much interest for me or empathy in the characters.

I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t blow me away. It’s certainly well written, and the characters are fun, but it missed something. Still it’s a solid read, and if you’re in the mood for some witching, I recommend it.