New Release+Review: The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from NetGalley, Ace and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

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.

Review: 

“To be a woman is to be a sacrifice.”

Immanuelle is considered an outcast because she is biracial and even though she lives with her White family members, she still had to keep her head down, her nose clean and work twice as hard to prove her self worth. *Sighs*⠀
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I must say Immanuelle has become one of my favorite female leads after reading this book. I loved the fact that after EVERYTHING she went through she still did the right thing when it was all said and done. As for myself…..💅🏾⠀
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We also have the Prophet who spews his venom and is the biggest sinner of them all but uses his holiness to justify his actions. Sounds about right.⠀
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This story covered racism and sexism. The Black people were banished to the Outskirts. Women and young girls had to conduct themselves in a proper manner at all times. Used as objects. When things went wrong it was ALWAYS the women’s fault and they are the first to be punished. The story also has a strong message about speaking up about what is right and not being complicit in certain situations. ⠀
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This was a solid debut by Alexis Henderson. The story was fast paced and held my attention. Reading this book transported me to a different time and place. The whole time reading I felt like I was in the book watching the events unfold. I loved the way the book was wrapped up and there weren’t any loose ends. I do hope we get a sequel because I’m not ready to let these characters go