The Year of the Witching

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By Alexis Henderson

Publisher Description

A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.

In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet's word is law, Immanuelle Moore's very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.

But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.

Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

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441 Reviews

3.5

Wallpaper

Created 24 days ago

“I really enjoyed this book. It took a little bit to get into it, but after finally sitting down and dedicating time to read it, I couldn’t put it down. Even though the FMC is only 16 she doesn’t feel like your normal ya character and I actually forgot she was supposed to be so young while reading. I have been trying to be a little more relaxed in my star ratings and almost considered giving this 5 stars, but the ending just didn’t give me what I wanted. I kind of worried that would be the case when I noticed there weren’t many pages left leading up to the climax. I will definitely add this author to my watch list though.”

Descriptive writingEasy to readAddictiveSuspensefulDark settingComing of ageDarkThought-provoking

Literary_EscapebyV

Created 28 days ago

“This novel has a dark atmosphere that will leave you haunted with an eerie feeling you cannot shake. I wanted the prophet to die, she kills the witches but spares the prophet's life, I literally rolled my eyes. But why?? Honestly, more people should have died in the fourth part Slaughter. Henderson is able to captivate you on this dark journey through the darkwoods and the puritanical town of Bethel. It has a solid plot, the pace is slow and dramatic which adds an eerie depth to the world that was created. The author does an outstanding job of balancing and delivering everything you would want in a thriller/horror novel. There is suspense, mystery, and revelations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. *full review on Goodreads”

Diverse charactersLikable charactersDescriptive writingSuspensefulUnpredictableDark settingDark

Renee Cleveland

Created about 2 months ago

“From the first paragraph, The Year of the Witching, is one hell of an insanely dark yet beautiful ride. It’s easily one of the most addicting, unpredictable books that I’ve read this year. The FMC, Immanuelle, is incredible, tenacious and yet so kind despite every reason to not be. I didn’t want the book to end. It’s a flawless spin on witches, the craft, and female empowerment. With strong Atwood vibes, Henderson has forged her own path of cult, church, darkness and light and created Bethel….a city that you love/need to hate. I’m obsessed!”

Believable charactersDiverse charactersLikable charactersBeautifully writtenDescriptive writingAddictiveImmersive settingDarkAbuseAnimal abuse

Tali

Created about 2 months ago

“Wow. This book was incredible. I could not stop reading. I think that the FMC and MMC were some of the best characters I’ve read in a long time. This story was complex, layered, thought-provoking, emotional, exciting, horrifying, and triumphant. It was beautifully written with incredibly descriptive style that brought out the imagery. The commentary on misogynistic, patriarchal, religious cults was spot on. It was fantasy but so true to real life. The witches and the ultimate role they play were perfection. It was a well thought out and incredibly written book. The ending really shone a light on humanity and the choices we make. I loved everything about it.”

Multi-layered charactersBeautifully writtenDescriptive writingDark settingMagical settingDarkHeartbreakingThought-provokingMisogynyViolence

ThisIsChels

Created 10 months ago

“Really loved this book. The imagery of the four witches was my favorite, I wanted Immanuelle to go with them so bad. I understand why she didn’t, but I was disappointed at the end when she killed them. I wanted the prophet to eat shit, I hate him.”

Reviewed in:ThisIsChels Reads

Likable charactersBeautifully writtenHeartbreakingSuspensefulBeautiful settingDark settingDescriptive

About Alexis Henderson

Alexis Henderson is a speculative fiction writer with a penchant for dark fantasy, witchcraft, and cosmic horror. She grew up in one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah, Georgia, which instilled in her a life-long love of ghost stories. Currently, Alexis resides in Columbus, Ohio, where she's learning to cope with the cold.