Monday, 2 October 2023

Book Review: The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen (Fantasy)

Title: The Witches at the End of the World
Author: Chelsea Iversen
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 17 October 2023
Pages: 227
Format: eBook - EPUB
Genre: Fantasy
Source: ARC via NetGalley

Rage burns brighter than any spellfire… Deep in the birchwoods of Norway, magic courses through the veins of two sisters. For years they've been alone, but sweet-tempered Kaija is tired of living in shadows and longs for a life filled with community, even if it means stifling her magic. But Minna is a witch through and through, with wrath always simmering just below the surface.

Different as they may be, both will never forget the day they were driven from their village. The day their mother burned. When Kaija leaves to pursue a new life, Minna is left alone in the darkness of the forest.

Devastated and outraged at the betrayal, Minna casts a curse to punish those who took everything from her. What she doesn't realize is that this act will incite a deadly chain of events. Soon it will destroy everything, including the life Kaija has lovingly built. But once a witch's rage boils, regret means nothing—she can't take back what's already done.  

 

When I finished The Witches at the End of the World I was a bit unsure as to my thoughts. On the positive side it was an interesting exploration of the relationship between two sisters and how that connection is tested by their different approaches to their magical heritage. It's a story of whether one should embrace one's true nature or conform to expectations. There was nothing wrong with the story or even the writing, but somehow the book never fully captured my attention, the characters not speaking to me in anything but a cursory way. I was tired during the evenings when I read it, so that could possibly be a factor, but overall for me it lacked a certain spark to make it memorable. As such, I am giving it 3.5 stars. The writing was good and the premise interesting, and even though it didn't 100% appeal to me, I'm sure there are many readers out there who will love it.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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