The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith has kicked off a bountiful season of books featuring witches. If this book is any indication to go by, then I have some great reading ahead of me. As it turns out, I really, really enjoyed The Witch Haven. This book nearly had it all for me. Suffice to say, I cannot wait to see what’s next — and if there’s going to be a sequel.
Smith’s debut is set in New York City in 1911. It follows Frances Hallowell who is a seamstress just trying to make ends meet while also dealing with the grief of losing her brother. One night, Frances is attacked by the shop’s owner. It is like a switch is flicked. She snaps and uses magic that she did not even know existed, much less knew that she had. And so, Frances is whisked away to Haxahaven which is a school for witches. Frances is excited, but it turns out, school still follows the rules of patriarchy and society. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing within the city and a fight for ultimate power is about to break out.
I thought that The Witch Haven was an atmospheric read that got me in that exact mindset I want to be in for autumn. This book captivated my attention from page one and I did not want to stop reading. Also, I really wanted a sequel (just looked on goodreads and see that this is going to be a duology) immediately because I have to know what happens next. As for the romance, I was not a super huge fan — it did not have the sparks or burn that I like. The friendship bits were superb though. Also, the diversity on the page was interesting — at one scene we see white privilege explained. Also, I did want to note, one of the characters is Indigenous and she attended a boarding school meant to take away her culture. I can’t speak for the rep, just wanted to note it.
If you’re looking for a captivating read that is historical fantasy with a strong young lady as lead, pick up The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith pronto.
@realbooksandwine Book review: The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith #HPRadicalReuse #booktok #thewitchhaven âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸/5
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I somehow missed this witchy book!