Thank you to Netgalley UK for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book. Here I am, in the death throes of 2023, attempting to get a head start on resolutions by writing a book review.

Anything I have read from Olivia Atwater has been an absolute delight. Her books were originally recommended to me in a delightful writing/reading discord community and when I saw this was available, I jumped on it. No regrets.

The relationship between Faerie and Regency and Victorian England has been well established in previous books but this is an entirely separate story; it's absolutely not necessary to read the other books first but you are probably going to want to dive into them when you've read this gothic tale about a kind of governess, with many secrets, who travels to Witchwood Manor as a favour for an old acquaintance and patron. Winifred Hall is a wonderful protagonist, who is a survivor in every sense of the world, and Mr Quincy is the rather mysterious butler (or is he?). Winnie has to rescue her young charge and use every one of her wits to do it.

What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book (and about all of Atwater's books to date) is the clever worldbuilding. It is no mean feat to have such solid worldbuilding and internal logic when dealing with illogical, whimsical Faeries, but it is handled masterfully and, as an Irishwoman, the nods to Irish mythology, and the use of Irish language, are deeply enjoyable.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I didn’t even know this book was coming out when I made my new releases list earlier in the year, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC – and what a success this was for me. I loved the dark setting and atmosphere, with a very different type of fae when compared to the ones we’ve met so far in her earlier series of Regency Fairytales. This house and its fae are dark and feel dangerous, and there’s a definite gothic and almost horror manner to the story. I really enjoyed our characters – this time with a main character who not only has abilities, but also a lot more of an active participant in the book’s adventures – she’s chosen to be there, she knows there’s trouble and she’s here to fix it. In Atwater’s earlier books – which I also really enjoyed – there was a lot more just happening to them.

She’s also a heroine with a troubled past – and there are some proper content warnings so do check them out – and I loved the author’s note about how she approached Winnie as a character with this trauma in her past and how it’s shaped her, and how these events can have different effects on people. It was nice to see this explored, especially in a historical setting – even if there is fantasy.

There was a good flow to the plot, it kept me interested and I found myself keeping on reading. Add to that a ghostly cat and what more can you ask for? I really hope that this series – which is the start of the Victorian Fairytales, apparently – will continue, as this book definitely had a set up for an overarching storyline, featuring other main characters. There is some reference in this book to the things that happened in the Regency books, so slight spoilers for those if you skip straight to this one! I haven’t read Longshadow yet, so I fell into this trap unfortunately.

While the atmosphere was dark and mysterious, I didn’t realize this was a sequel series. I felt like even though I mostly understood what was going on, there were some references I missed. It made a fine read on its Owen, however.

Winnie was a complicated and interesting protagonist. I felt as though the story was plot driven and I would have liked more development. I was throttled into the story and I felt like the beginning escalated quickly.

Decent read with a nice gothic vibe to it.

Thanks to the Author, Publisher & Netgalley.

It’s a dark faerie tale set in a Victorian England. It has elements of horror, romance and fantasy. The author has shared the insight of faeries. The world building is beautiful and perilous. It takes us deep in the magical world where faeries are not what they seem to be. Where the world is surrounded by Faeries, Necromancers, & Magicians. The characters have a mysterious demeanour.

Witchwood Manor has dark secrets. Miss Winifred Hall has been appointed as the Governess of Master Robert Murray. The lord of the Manor is such a mysterious man. As soon as she arrives at the Manor. Mr Quincy welcomes him and says that he is butler yet no one speaks about him. There is something strange in the Manor. Winnie is trying to untangle the problems but the more she is trying, the more she is getting tangled in the secrets of the manor, curse, mystery, faerie binding and strange magic. Mr. Quincy has a mysterious demeanour. There is a strange relationship between Mr. Quincy and Winnie.But not only the Manor has its own secrets, Lady Longfell is also harbouring a secret. Will Winnie be able to fulfil the promise?

I am so happy that there is more stories from the world of Faerie. This definitely had a much darker tone than the regency tales but was nonetheless such a fun read. The intertwining of characters from previous stories made it almost a nostalgic read. The cliffhanger at the end was completely unexpected and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

In The Witchwood Knot, we meet Winnie as she arrives to live and work at the Witchwood Manor as a governess for a young boy. When her charge gets stolen by faeries, she embarks on a mission to save the little brat... er boy lol. While I did enjoy the plot, and the worldbuilding was great and really detailed, I felt like the characters needed more development. They didn't feel real and I didn't feel a connection to them.

Thank you NetGalley for this read in exchange for my honest review!

This story follows Winnie as she arrives to live and work at the Witchwood Manor as a governess for a young boy. None of the inhabitants of the manor are welcoming to Winnie as she arrives- they warn her that she’s better off staying far away from this house and the dark witchwood forest surrounding it. But Winnie is prepared for anything sinister that may be lurking in the shadows. She vows to protect her pupil from the strange happenings occurring within the house, and although the manor lord is adamant that faeries have long ago left all of England, Winnie knows that he is sorely mistaken.

I adore a gothic victorian setting already, but that mixed with the magical faerie elements is what made me so excited to pick up this book specifically. I recognized a lot of parallels between this book and ‘Gallant’ by V.E. Schwab, and would definitely recommend this book to you if you enjoyed Gallant like I did and are looking for something similar. While I thought the spooky atmosphere was great and the plot pacing was done well, I do think that the characters fell flat for me. I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing while I was reading this, and I think more development of the side characters could’ve remedied this. I also felt like the romance felt a bit forced and rushed at the second half of the book. There were no allusions to a romance at the beginning, so when it started it felt a little random. Other than that, this was a quick cozy read for me and I would definitely recommend this to fans of faerie tales with a bit of a darker twist!

I loved Atwater's Regency Faerie Tales (starting with Half a Soul), so I was thrilled to learn that she was planning to revisit this world, albeit it in a different time period. The Witchwood Knot has a very different vibe to the original series, switching from a fantasy of manners style to a darker, gothic feel, complete with the ominous creaky manor and a deep sense of foreboding. Our main character Winnie is pragmatic and resourceful, but also clearly hiding some secrets. I really liked how Atwood plays with fae tropes, such as the use of trickery and carefully worded bargains, to create suspense and build the story.

This book also continues a trend in modern gothic novels of peeling back the layers of Victorian era sexism and reminding us that the true horrors of the time period were the treatment of certain classes or groups of people. The main villain has some magic, but he's mostly just a man, whose attempts to seduce Winnie without her consent are creepier than anything a haunted manor can conjure.

If I have one quibble it's that I would have liked more of the romance, which felt a little rushed. There are hints of affection between Winnie and Quincy throughout, but it's all pulled together somewhat hastily towards the end. But otherwise, Atwater's Victorian series looks as though it will be very bit enjoyable as its predecessor.

A unique gothic fairytale fantasy.

When I first read the Blurb for this book I thought this sounded really intriguing. I found that I couldn't put this book down and was flying through the pages.

I found the descriptions in this book compelling. The way the Witchwood Manor was described gave off a creepy feeling you'd expect with a gothic story. In the book once you fall asleep the Witchwood Knot curse descends on its sleeping occupants awake in the faerie realm that has been trapped in the manor. Not only are their faeries but ghosts and a monster.

I loved Governess Winnifred. Her character and growth was wonderful. You find that she is hard but towards the end she finds her soft spots. She also overcomes her fear and ultimately takes back her own sexuality. (Read the trigger warning)

I can not wait for the next book. Absolutely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Atwater, and Starwatch Press for this arc; all thoughts are my own.

3.5/5!

I loved the setting of this book, Olivia never fails at creating a magical atmosphere. I did enjoy this read, however I found that the romance was a little complicated and rushed somewhat. As this book was pitched as a historical regency fantasy romance, I was expecting a little more.

Nonetheless, Olivias writing is always superb and will be reading her future books!

"The Witchwood Knot" by Olivia Atwater is a dark and enchanting tale that immerses readers in a magical version of Victorian England.

The world-building is rich and atmospheric, capturing the essence of Victorian England with a magical twist. Atwater creates a vivid setting filled with otherworldly dangers and a mysterious manor that holds secrets beyond imagination. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated into the historical backdrop, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The characters, particularly Winifred and the faerie butler Mr. Quincy, are well-crafted and memorable. Winnie's sharp intellect and resourcefulness make her a compelling protagonist, while Mr. Quincy adds a layer of mystery and charm with his dark secrets. The dynamic between them adds a delightful complexity to the story.

The plot unfolds with a mix of wit, cleverness, and unexpected twists. As Winnie navigates the challenges of Witchwood Manor and its magical inhabitants, readers are drawn into a tale of trust, deception, and the unseen forces that bind the characters together. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the resolution is satisfying, yet leaves room for curiosity about the unexplored corners of this magical world.

While the narrative is captivating, the four-star rating reflects a desire for even more exploration of certain elements of the story. Some aspects, especially the darker secrets hinted at, could have been delved into further to enhance the depth of the plot.

In conclusion, "The Witchwood Knot" is a delightful and atmospheric read, perfect for those who enjoy gothic romance with a magical flair. Olivia Atwater's storytelling prowess shines, making this book a worthy addition to the world she has created. Fans of faerie tales and historical fantasy will find themselves enchanted by the dark and whimsical journey through Witchwood Manor.

The gothic dark fantasy of my dreams.
The most charming, loyal undead cat I wish to befriend.
The sort of enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance where two people from opposing sides of the conflict come together and find themselves and each other.

Olivia Atwater has such a knack for writing compelling protagonists and dry humour-fueled Winnie is no different. Set in the same world as in Half a Soul approximately 30-40 years after the events of that book, Winnie is sucked into a quickly spiraling Gothic mess when she accepts the position of governess at Witchwood Manor as a favour to the dowager of the manor. The plot thickens immediately as Winnie meets a strange faerie and the manor itself keeps haunting its inhabitants, every night. On top of that, the lord of the manor himself never spends a single night in his own property. Curious.

I will say that it is HIGHLY recommended that you've read the three books of the Regency Faerie Tales series, or at least the first one, Half a Soul before embarking on this journey. And honestly, if you're like me and have read the previous trilogy eons ago, reading this book can still get confusing and tedious and it is absolutely saddled with information previously established. While it is a cool aspect of this book as the world continues to build and we get to revisit beloved characters, it personally took the enjoyment out of reading this book a little.

I wish I had enjoyed this more than I did. I want to note I mood request arcs on here and I don't remember requesting The Witchwood Knot. I also haven't read the Regency books before. It's clear now that you should have read those before for better context. I do think I may go give those a read next year though and then come back to this one.

While I am trying to branch out to books that aren't so romance-heavy, I am very picky about them. This one definitely had a late-blooming romance and it was not very romance-driven. It was detail heavy and I struggled to get into it.

I think with more time and more context after having read the Regency series I would like to give this another go.

This is my first Olivia Atwater book and I'm honestly disappointed in myself, because I ADORED this tale. If you want a world with folklore inspired fae, creepy mansions and magic, you can't go wrong with The Witchwood Knot.

Set in a magical version of Victorian England, The Witchwood Knot is an atmospheric, whimsical and adventurous tale about a governess who encounters fae and other creatures in her mission to rescue the young lord of the manor from a mysterious fae. Expect slow but exquisite reveals that honestly make this reading experience feel like the unravelling of a knot, with mysteries to be revealed, realms to be explored and more.

4.5

I loved this book. I have read the Regency Faerie Tales series and it was good to be back in this narrative universe albeit with darker themes. I think this can be read as a standalone, as it mentions some of the characters and events from the previous series without being repetitive or boring.

In this gothic tale, Winnie gets to the Witchwood manor to be the governess to the kid there but soon discovers that there is something deeply wrong. I am not getting into the specifics to keep it spoiler free but I really like the main plot, it was neither obvious nor overcomplicated.

There are some hard themes, sexual harrassment towards both an adult and a child, but I found it well developed and treated with care. The author’s note was helpful too.

The romance was minimal but what we got was both deliciously heart-wrenching and heartwarming. It was a slow burn and I found it apt for these characters and their stories. I usually prefer books with more romance but this author is always able to make me feel a lot through the simplest things.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So this was closer to a 3.5 for me but I erred on the positive side because I believe if I had read the previous series Regency Faerie Tales this would have been a 4-star read. I loved the dark Victorian vibe and a return to a darker twisted faerie tale after reading so many beautiful romantic ones lately. The only issue I had was that it seemed the author assumed I would already be familiar with the world she had created. So I felt like I was a step behind and would have more appreciation for what was happening if I had the foundational world-building that was no doubt done in the Regency books under my belt. But now I fully intend to go back and read those while I wait for book two in the Victorian series because despite that feeling I am hooked on the world and the characters and want to dive in even further.

The mysteries held by Witchwood Manor are slowly revealed through this story of Winifred Hall arriving to be the governess for the son of the lord of the manor. All is not what it appears at the manor for Winnie isn't a governess, nor does the manor have a butler even though Winnie met Mr. Quincy, the butler, upon her arrival.

I loved this book The first chapter of The Witchwood Knot absorbed me into the setting, characters and mood. I thought the writing was amazing and felt myself slow reading this book to let the mysteries slowly reveal themselves. The imagery built was beautiful as the world of the manor unfolded. I am always a fan of relationship/character development in a story and this tale did not disappoint.

My recent fantasy reads have been filled with action and heated romance, this story was not that. The Witchwood Knot is a fantasy built on prose and character development.

Big fan of this one and I thank NetGalley for this Arc.

Olivia Atwater really continues to write the kind of darker fairy tale vibes books I love. Yes, please.

This book is actually connected to her first series (Regency Faerie Tales), although it is not required reading, and you will find Easter eggs of characters mentioned and a few plots points that happen in the first trilogy.

We follow a young woman named Winifred, employed to be a governess, but is actually undercover. She has some very secret skills that make her uniquely suited to the job. Wini is trying to figure out the disturbing things happening in the house which include ghosts and faeries pretending to be butlers. The staff are all terrified and most have quit shortly after being employed. The lord of the house seems to be oblivious at first, but is he really? And is there something else going on with the faeries? Winifred will have to use all her skills, some advise from her sisters, and a ghost cat, to find a way to save a child and solve the mystery. All the while she's fighting unwanted attention and a stubborn faerie who may or may not be on her side.

Content/trigger warnings: sexual harassment of both a female employee and a child (both stated in author's content note).

Our protagonist Winnie starts a new position as governess at Witchwood Manor, but soon learns something isn't quite right with the place. Several servants have gone missing, the place seems to be haunted and no one can talk about what is actually happening. When her bratty charge is replaced by a piece of wood by the Fair Folk, Winnie is the only one who can help him. With the aid of the malicious Faerie butler Mr. Quincy, Winnie has to enter a dangerous mirror world of the manor to save the young lord.

The Witchwood Knot is set in the same world as Half A Soul, but could technically be read without knowing the aforementioned series. However, I do recommend reading it first because there are a lot of Easter Eggs concerning Regency Faerie Tales and several characters from that series turn up in Witchwood. I won't spoil anything, but when one particular character appeared on page, I legit squealed.

Winnie was an absolutely fantastic protagonist - she's selfish, a liar, and focused on self-preservation above all. She is decidedly not a good person, hell, she doesn't even like kids. Although I loved her from the very first page, we do learn why she has become that way gradually, as we peel back the wallpaper of Witchwood Manor. Her past and her character development were masterfully done and I identified with her quite a lot.

Mr. Quincy is another character I fell in love with immediately, despite him being somewhat of a mysterious and sinister figure in the beginning. While the romance was not the focal point of the story, in my opinion, the romantic moments were still very swoonworthy. Winnie and Mr. Quincy both had really sharp edges and a lot of groundwork to do before trusting each other. When they did, however, I couldn't help but root for them.

Contrary to Regency Faerie Tales, this is quite a bit darker in tone and handles some serious topics, so be aware of that before reading. There are scenes with sexual harrassment and sexual harrassment of a child, but it's not graphic and the topic is handled with care. Since we're on darker topics, I do also want to point out that this doesn't fall into the harmful depiction of changelings. The young boy in this is not replaced by a Faerie child but by a literal piece of wood. There is no harming or killing changelings in this, which I was very thankful for.

Moreover, the book also benefitted from having two terrifying villains who were both absolute monsters in their own right.

I'll read about anything labelled as Gothic, but to have Gothic written by Atwater was just the cherry on top of the cake. While retaining all of the Gothic tropes we love - like a decrepit mansion, a Byronic hero, and lots of ghosts - this still had the magical world we grew to love in Regency Faerie Tales. While the first series was quite fluffy and, well, fairytale-esque, the darker atmosphere worked immensely well with both the story and within the setting. Atwater's faeries are deceitful, malicious creatures and I loved how she wove together Irish folklore with her own unique mythology.

Since the book is set a few years after Regency Faerie Tales, we learn quite a lot of new information about what everyone has been getting up to and new bits of lore. However, since this was often done in a story-within-a-story setup, the new information was not overwhelming. The book also set the sequels up nicely and, I believe, teased who our future protagonists may be. As might be expected, I'm stoked for this new series. Atwater has really cemented herself as one of my auto-buy-authors now, I will officially read anything she writes.

Easiest 5/5 stars I have given all year, I highly recommend The Witchwood Knot to fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries.

I really liked the writing, the descriptive atmospheric setting and whimsical vibe. While I ended up not finishing, it had mostly to do with my reading slump and is not the fault of the book. I know if I read this another time I would've loved it, so I still gave it 4 stars.