New Release+Review: Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft

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

Scorn the witch. Fear the witch. Burn the witch.

History is filled with stories of women accused of witchcraft, of fearsome girls with arcane knowledge. Toil & Trouble features fifteen stories of girls embracing their power, reclaiming their destinies and using their magic to create, to curse, to cure—and to kill.

A young witch uses social media to connect with her astrology clients—and with a NASA-loving girl as cute as she is skeptical. A priestess of death investigates a ritualized murder. A bruja who cures lovesickness might need the remedy herself when she falls in love with an altar boy. A theater production is turned upside down by a visiting churel. In Reconstruction-era Texas, a water witch uses her magic to survive the soldiers who have invaded her desert oasis. And in the near future, a group of girls accused of witchcraft must find their collective power in order to destroy their captors.

This collection reveals a universal truth: there’s nothing more powerful than a teenage girl who believes in herself.

My Review:

As soon as I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I just HAD to read this book! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love Paranormal reads and this book is about witches. Need I say more?? This is my first time reviewing an anthology so bear with me since this review will be longer than normal.

Starsong by Tehlor Kay Mejia

This was a short story centering around a Latina teenage witch. Luna had a rough upbringing and has made some questionable chickens while struggle with her powers. This was a cute story and I would have liked more and I felt like I was left hanging. Nonetheless it was a good opening story for the anthology.

Afterbirth by Andrea Cremer  

This was such a haunting and lyrical story that I really enjoyed! The story takes place in the 1600’s. During this time they burned witches and people suspected of witchcraft at the stake with no hesitation. This story revolves a midwife and a baby delivery gone wrong. This one had me under a spell (no pun intended) and when it was over it made me tear up. So I’m listing this one as one of my favorites.

The Heart In Her Hands by Tess Sharpe   This was a well written story of how love is love. I loved how feisty the main character was and she didn’t do what she was told. She challenged and asked questions.

Death In The Sawtooths by Lindsay Smith This story had to deal with dead bodies and souls. It wasn’t as bad read but I’m not a fan of the undead. Does have a good message about judging people and making amends.

The Truth About Queenie by Brandy Colbert

This was a cute story about believing in yourself and doing the right thing no matter how hard it hurts. I loved that the characters were people of color and the story was diverse.

The Moonapple Menagerie by Shveta Thakrar

This was a nice magical story about being honest and having self doubts. The author had a good wonderful description to detail and I felt like I was in the book as I read.

The Legend Of Stone Mary by Robin Talley

Wendy and her family are pretty much the town outcasts and are judged and treated badly based on family history. I really enjoyed this story a whole lot! It touched on judging and forgiveness. It kept me intrigued the whole time I was reading and I wish it was longer!

The One Who Stayed by Nova Ren Suma

Powerful story!! This one was rather intense and I knew it was going to be heavy. I had a sense a dread while reading and I loved the message behind this story. Very well done.

Divine Are The Stars by Zoraida Cordova

The story was okay. Nice message about greed and family.

Daughters Of Baba Yaga by Brenna Yovanoff

Not bad.

The Well Witch by Kate Hart

This story was set in the 1800’s and I really enjoyed the plot. I just wish the ending was a little longer. There was a good build up and then it just ended.

Beware Of Girls With Crooked Mouths by Jessica Spotswood

Not bad.

Love Spell by Anna -Marie McLemore

This was a cute story about a teen witch and an altar boy falling in love. It was well written and I loved the story. Will be checking out more books from this author.

The Gherin Girls by Emery Lord

I really liked this story about three sister who are witches. It kind of reminded me of Charmed and I loved the love they have for each other . They way they protected each other and lifted each other up as well. It was told in all three sisters points of view which was awesome! One of my favorite stories of the anthology.

Why They Watch Us Burn by Elizabeth May

“The most terrifying thing in the world is a girl with power. That’s why they watch us burn.”

This was the best story of the whole anthology! Powerful. Moving. Thought provoking. So fitting and if you only read one story from this anthology, read this one!Overall, I was very impressed with this anthology. Some stories I loved more than others but it was still a good reading experience. Every author was a new to me author and I’m happy to have found some new authors to support. I really loved the message behind this anthology! I love reading about strong women and I loved how the focus was about empowering teenage girls! This is a very important anthology and I hope you all read and enjoy.