Why Did I Listen To The Year Of The Witching by Alexis Henderson?
The Year Of The Witching by Alexis Henderson has a delightfully gothic cover. I wanted to prioritize reading this adult fiction debut. Typically when I want to prioritize something and get to it sooner, rather than later, I listen to the audiobook version. When I saw this book pop up on Libby, I was so thrilled. Plus, at the time that I listened – mid August – it helped to pump me right up for the Autumn season which is one of my favorite seasons.
What’s The Story Here?
Alexis Henderson’s The Year Of The Witching is a sort of dystopian, historical fantasy about a young woman named Immanuelle Moore. Immanuelle’s birth was illegitimate, her mother having conceived her with a man who was an outsider of a different race. To overcome this, Immanuelle tries her best to be obedient to the Prophet and live a virtuous life. However, Immanuelle ends up in the Darkwood. Which is where four witches were killed and she is gifted the journal of her mother. As it turns out, her mother used to escape to the Darkwood as well. The diary reveals many truths to her, including that her mom 100% consorted with witches, but also her settlement, Bethel, is kind of shady. There’s definitely evil lurking within and Immanuelle must change to begin to change the Church and Bethel.
What Did I Think Of The Year Of The Witching?
The Year Of The Witching is a perfect read to get you into a fall/Halloween mode. Also, I just want to say that I love that this book stars a character of color. I feel like the spooky fall reads that I enjoy do not have enough Black characters as main characters and well, I am pretty sure that Black people enjoy fall too. Alexis Henderson’s book is atmospheric and it didn’t take me long to feel an immediate sense of place and time while reading. The pacing is pitch perfect. Different elements are revealed at poignant moments. This kept my attention completely while listening.
How’s The Narration?
The audiobook of The Year Of The Witching is narrated by Brianna Colette. Colette does a wonderful job conveying atmosphere, character, and urgency. The audiobook is 11 hours and 37 minutes. It is an excellent listen that I cannot recommend enough. I know that I will be back to listen to the next book from Henderson and absolutely recommend you get this book – but especially when you’re in a spooky mood.
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