This gothic fairytale was just the right balance between dark, mysterious, and whimsical. With devious faeries, buried secrets, inspiration from Wuthering Heights, and one adorable ghostly cat companion, The Witchwood Knot was a great start to a new series by Atwater.

Witchwood Manor holds more than secrets and dark shadows—it is home to wicked and cunning faeries lurking in the depths of the estate. When a new governess arrives with her own source of magic to rival the trickery of the conniving faeries, she seeks to protect the young lord of the estate. When he suddenly goes missing, she finds she must work with one of the manor’s faeries and discovers a much bigger thread binding all of Witchwood Manor inhabitants together.

I adored the elements of whimsiness and quirkiness Atwater added as a layer to balance out the dark and sometimes unpleasant themes of the novel. It helped bring the characters and their varying personalities to life, sparking color against a gothic backdrop. It makes me excited to continue her other series and return back to those cozy and fun elements set in one of my favorite periods to read about, Victorian London.

This was a fast-paced read filled to the brim with inspiration from fairytales and gothic allure, a combination I loved—and a perfect autumnal read.

3.5/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

The Witchwood Knot is everything I’ve come to expect from Olivia Atwater’s writing. It’s at once heartfelt, cunning, and cozy in all the best ways. While this is the beginning of a new Faerie Tale era, it builds off of the world and characters we’ve come to know in the Regency series. I lobe interconnected universes like this. However, with that in mind, I wouldn’t recommend starting here. I think to fully grasp the scoop of this world, you’ve got to read the first trilogy. That way you know the history and the landscape of the world. Each story is technically a standalone about a different couple, but they’re all building toward larger stories, it seems.

Of Atwater’s Faerie Tale world, Winifred my be one of my favorite heroines yet, next to Dora. She’s clever, cunning, and willing to do what she needs to do in order to survive a world of faeries and monsters. She has a traumatic past, but seeing her reclaim her own desire was amazing.

This is a delightfully gothic tale, with all the classic trappings of the genre. The mysterious, dilapidated manor, the gothic father/monster duology, and an atmospheric sense of isolation. Atwater combines this flawlessly with her existing world. It’s creepy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a great time. While I occasionally found myself a bit confused, I felt that by the end I had all the answers I needed. I can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

The Witchwood Knot is the first book in the Victorian Faery Tales, a new spin off series set after the events in the Regency Faery Tales series. I had not read the prior series and still enjoyed this book so much, in fact right after finishing it I went back and read the first series since I was so enchanted by the world and Olivia Atwater’s writing. But, I saw there are a lot of nods to at least Half a Soul that I would have gotten a little more out of if I’d read it as well.

Winnifred has come to Witchwood Manor to help solve a mystery and a curse on the house. The lady of the keep is ill and wants desperately to keep her grandson safe. The Fae though, have infiltrated the manor and causing no end of trouble for family and the servants. There are actually only a few servants willing to work there, because those who sleep under the manor’s roof have a tendency to be transported to a pocket faery realm and the fae in the realm are no end of trouble to the mortals transported there. Winnie is supposed to keep her charge safe and figure out how to thwart the curse. Just one problem, she has already lost her charge, replaced by a changeling boy and now she has to rescue him.

This was a little dark with so many great reveals along the way. The house and its history, what was released from the ground there and so many other questions posed I hope will be answered in the rest of the series, that I think will feature Winnie’s sisters who are still in London. Winnifred finds an reluctant ally in the house to help her on her quest to save the young master snatched away to Faery and we get to see the Knot. Mr. Quincy has played the butler in the Manor and Winnie has found a way to bargain with him to find the missing boy in the heart of the Knot. There are many dangers in Faery and in the Manor that they will have to traverse if they are going to win.

There was no happy ending, here– but she could choose the unhappy ending which most suited her. That had to be enough.

I enjoyed this story, the gothic romance, the mystery and the set up for the next two books in the series. I am pretty desperate to find out more of Winnie’s sisters and why the pathways to Faery in London have vanished. This was a great set up for the overlaying arc it seems we will get in this series. Having now read the original series, I can say that The Witchwood Knot is a bit darker in a delicious kind of way, more like a true Faery story. Winnie and the way she sees the world is really fantastic and I loved seeing the Curse of the Manor through her eyes. Otherwise the story might have been more scary than interesting.

Great start to a new series blending Gothic Romance with Faery Stories.

4.5 Stars
I am a lover of all things fairytale and this did not disappoint! This was told in third-person single POV, and I was immediately struck by how strong Winnie’s voice was. Her character was layered, and we got a sense for her personality and outlook right away. She also sees some really great development, as she learns value of caring for and loving others, and healing some of her traumatic past.

The author did a good job of communicating atmosphere; the setting of a dark Victorian mansion only got more eerie as the mystery unraveled, and we learned more about its history. The fairytales woven between chapters actually strengthened the plot, and contributed to the overall tone.

I would say the romance element is fairly minor, and that this is first and foremost a fantasy-mystery. But the romance was endearing nonetheless!

I will say, I did not get a chance to read her Regency Fairytales series before this, and while I don’t think you *need* to, I could tell that some references and context would have been more potent if I did!

Side note:
I want to emphasize to mind the trigger warnings, because those listed (sexual harassment, and SH of a child) and quite prolonged and graphic, rather than a passing mention. However, I do think it was handled well.

This was a delightful read. Perfect for the fall weather.

We follow our FMC Winnie to the spooky Witchwood Manor where she takes a job as a governess. The manor seems off putting and she notices a lack of staff upon arrival. The backdrop of the manor is gothic, and mysterious. Nobody will tell Winnie what's up with the manor. Are there ghosts? Faeries? Curses? Creatures in the wood?

We meet the aloof butler Mr Quincy, who let's Winnie into the manor. We find out he's not who he says he is and the mystery ensues around his identity.

This story was fantastic at slowly revealing little bits of character backgrounds and stories within the main story. Like the Dowager and her son. I was intrigued by the myths and surrounding the faeries and other creatures. I also liked that the magic was creative and really played with your mind. The young Robert had an imposter made of sticks and ribbon.

The side characters were great, I loved Oliver the cat. A sassy cat sidekick is always welcome. And cook with her scones. She makes valid points about having the world crumble without good food.

Mild spoiler- I always love an alternate dimension. I like how you can really open up worlds and fantasy aspect of the secret doors. Atwater does such a great job of the sequences between the world's and Winnie's consciousness. I do wish this started sooner in the book. My only real complaint is the beginning is a tad slowly paced compared to the rest of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy in an exchange for an honest review.

I'm not familiar with Atwater's previous works, but enjoyed this and would pick up her backlog.

✅ This is a perfect read for fall, or Halloween.
✅ Faeries that are wicked and tricky.
✅ A tiny bit of Victorian era romance.
✅ Mystery and suspense

How am I meant to function when there are eerie manors and wicked butlers to dream of?

This is one of those stories where you’re better off going in without knowing the synopsis. The events described don’t happen until the halfway mark, which is where the story finds its footing. Fortunately, I’d forgotten all the details of the synopsis before starting. I think I would have found it a little frustrating or boring if I’d gone in anticipating a certain kind of story when you instead get something that’s slower, more contemplative. Here is what you should know:

The Witchwood Knot is a Victorian fantasy novel drawing on the darkness and malevolence of both faeries and humans. Winnie ventures into a manor with a troubling faerie problem and attempts to unravel the secrets of the estate while overseeing a young lordly ward. There’s a cat, who may or may not be one of my favourite characters, and predatory men, who are very much not and are chill-inducing because of how close to reality they feel.

I’ve seen the story described as gothic. While we do get the aforementioned eerie manor, the story could have been more vivid if these elements were described in greater detail. If anything, I’d use the word sensible for the story. Whenever anything vaguely eerie happens, Winnie frowns at being inconvenienced, before handling whatever faerie trickery is sent her way. It’s actually quite amusing to read, though it negates tension from the story because you’re never really worried that things won’t work out. Parlour tricks come to mind. It’s when things start to go wrong that you become invested in the story.

The story as a whole progresses rather quickly, but not all that much happens. It serves as a way to lay the framework for future installations in the series, which never bothered me. Speaking of future installations, the novel is set in the same universe as Olivia Atwater’s previous trilogy, though you don’t have to read it first. I haven’t (though now I want nothing more than to read everything Atwater writes, forever). There’d be moments where events or characters would be emphasised and I could tell they were from the previous books, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment or understanding of the story.

Despite not all that much happening in terms of plot and there being a lack of gothic atmosphere, I find myself abundantly attached to The Witchwood Knot and its cast. This is where the story truly shines, with Winnie and co. as light amidst the darkness that lurks within the pages. These characters have faced the evils of the world and have hardened themselves as a result. Slowly, they open themselves up to softness, and it makes for a surprisingly healing read.

The rational and critical part of me can sit and nit-pick the novel for flaws, but the larger part of me simply loves the book for what it is. This is one of those stubborn stories I’ll not be able to forget, and will surely reread ad nauseum. I cannot wait.

I loved this book! It was exactly what I was looking for in a gothic fairytale!! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

The author did a great job creating the two worlds and developing the characters. She also depicted a more traditional view on the faeries. It tickled my spooky little soul in the best way!

Mystery, fairies and gothic background. This book gave me the chills while my fantasy went wild in the background settings of the Witchwood Knot. A very well-written book that I enjoyed profoundly. The characters are super interesting and witchy, full of mystery.

I recommend it to people who like fairyland and a good mystery.

My special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy.

I looked forward to reading this, and the premise is interesting. A gothic romance with a faerie twist!

Overall the story was good, but the writing is a bit disjointed and it didn’t keep me throughout the book.

Included as a top pick in weekly November New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

This new to me author gave me a wonderfully wild ride in The Witchwood Knot. This story is a gothic lover's dream made real. I'm so glad to have read this. I can't sing it's praises enough! Ms. Atwater is a wonderful writer that I'm planning on reading her other works.

I want to thank Star Press for this advanced copy via Netgalley in exchange fir an honest review.

The Witchwood Knot is a Victorian faerie tale with strong Brontë energy, so if you love a gothic-infused fantasy, this will be right up your alley (or right up your corridor, as it were).

Winifred Hall arrives at Witchwood Manor to work as a governess for the young lord Robert, at the urging of the boy’s sickly grandmother. Upon her arrival, she is met by a butler who introduces himself as Mr Quincy and warns her about the monstrous manor and its otherworldly dangers. But his warnings go unheeded. After all, Winnie isn’t really there to prepare Robert for a future at Eton. And she certainly isn’t the only one keeping secrets because as it turns out, Witchwood Manor doesn’t employ anyone by the name of Mr Quincy…

I really loved the Wuthering Heights vibes in this! The atmosphere is perfect for a rainy fall day. If you like a darker faerie story, I think you’d really enjoy this.

I will say that there was a bit of a lag up until maybe halfway through. I couldn’t really tell where the story was headed and I got a little lost in the murkiness. I was searching for the romance with a magnifying glass. That said, I do think the second half of the novel was much more entertaining and by the end I was convinced I’d read more of this series. I especially loved Winnie as a protagonist and watching her overcome her work through trauma was a beautiful addition!

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for the eARC!

Three years ago, a friend asked me if I wanted to read a book that was fantasy Pride & Prejudice meets Howl’s Moving Castle and thus began my obsession with Olivia Atwater.

However, where the Regency Faerie Tales were whimsical, colorful fantasies, The Witchwood Knot is the antithesis. A step into the Victorian Faerie Tales brings us the gothic, spooky vibes and leaves behind the cozy nature of its predecessor.

The Witchwood Knot brings us darker magic and beautifully flawed characters that are not defined by their imperfections, but by the strengths they have refined. Winnie has become one of my favorite female characters of Olivia’s. Her overall character arc and growth with each interaction, especially after scenes of her past, had me quickly softening and letting go of the reservations I had of her in the beginning. As always, Olivia brings us a beautiful romance between two characters whose rough edges click together like matching puzzle pieces.

With dark forbidden magic, tales of the monsters both mythical and human, and mysterious haunted mansions, I was enthralled. I loved how closely connected this was to the Regency trilogy and each mention of characters that I knew and loved had me smiling like seeing an old friend.

A show stealer was Winnie’s familiar, Oliver. A force both in life and resurrection, it’s hard for me to not root for him.

Set in the same world as her previous novels, Half a Soul and Ten thousand Stitches, this story is firmly placed in a gothic Victorian setting.
Our protagonist is Winifred Hall or Winnie, a governess who arrives at the gothic Witchwood Manor in suitably stormy weather. Winnie has been hired by the dowager Lady Longfell as governess to her grandson Robert, and she soon discovers that all is not well in Witchwood.
In this era the Fae have disappeared from the mortal realms, but their influence remains as is evidenced by the curse laid on Witchwood Manor, built from trees with fae souls. Few servants will stay in the house, and even Lord Longfell will not reside there for fear of the nightly hauntings which occur.
Winnie is a pragmatic and faces any fears full on and from her upbringing has a full knowledge of the Fae and this is what Lady Longfell wants passed on to her grandson, whom she is desperate to protect.
We meet the enigmatic Mr. Quincy who is not quite what he seems and with whom Winnie forms a tentative alliance based on the rules of fae bargains. When Robert is taken into the Witchwood Knot ( a fae reflection of the mortal world accessed by night when residents are asleep) Winnie forges ahead to find her charge and break the curse.
There are references to the Regency period, however this could be read as a standalone. I did enjoy this book but it is definitely darker than the previous novels and covers some subjects such as abuse that could be triggering for some readers.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

3 Stars
I enjoyed the gothic vibes in this but the writing felt a bit disjointed to me, I didn't realize this was connected to another book either until I read reviews, so maybe I would've enjoyed this more if I read the previous book. The romance was unexpected and I found this to move slow because the plot was lacking. I liked Winnie, she came off as a strong character and her companion, Oliver was a great addition. I didn't hate this, nor did I love it but overall, a decent read.

Thank you NetGalley and Starwatch Press for the ARC!

…And the reward for the longest novel I devoured in record time this month (that wasn’t a spicy romance) goes to The Witchwood Knot, which is my first Olivia Atwater book and certainly won’t be my last because it simply hit every single one of my cozy gothic fairy tale buttons while maintaining a certain sense of style and panache that you don’t see too often when it comes to the cozier tales. That flair sets this story apart from so many cozier gothics that can often cause me to drift off in the second act. Not this book. This book kept me captivated from the start.

(Note please that there is an author’s note at the beginning of this book regarding TW/CW when it comes to sexual harassment of both woman and child. Take care of you.)

This book simply wouldn’t work without our FMC, Winifred, exactly as she is. She’s a terrific female protagonist, made just the way I like them: full of spite. Let’s just say I identify. She’s also intelligent, cunning, deceitful, and careful. I absolutely love her. She’s had to learn some hard lessons, both mundane and arcane, to get where she is today, and that makes her unique. Her unique outlook on life and on everything faerie is the framework for everything we readers see and understand of this story for a good long while, so it’s marvelous that she’s as intriguing and engaging as she is.

Likewise, the flip-side of Winifred is our MMC, Mr. Quincy, the mysterious and vexing “butler” of Witchwood Manor. He’s everything Winifred is, save he’s full of frustration and anger instead of spite. He’s trapped within Witchwood Manor, bound to an oath he can’t undo, and is almost as alone as is possible. He hides behind cruelty and illusions, but is filled with fear.

Atwater has an unmistakably lovely way with charming, lovely prose and with the elegant and polite dialogue of the Victorian period. Reading the dialogue exchanges between Winifred and Mr. Quincy are like an amped-up version of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, if Elizabeth carried a knife with her at all times and Darcy were willing to turn her own fears on her. When they aren’t exchanging witty repartee and they drop the social mores, these two melt so deliciously it’s like milk chocolate.

I love Atwater’s use of faerie lore. It’s amazing. Most of it is well known, but it’s the little stuff that means so much, you know? Like how important the number three is to faeries. How the scent of bayberry is associated with protection from evil (and that it’s easier to carry bayberry perfume while traveling than to carry candles of it). The way some believe mirrors are portals to the other side. It’s these touches that always impress me when it comes to worldbuilding. I love it when authors do their research and do it well. When it comes to historical fantasy, an author must do double duty by ensuring the historical and fantastical aspects both are accounted for and Atwater has done exactly that.

It’s a simply wonderful novel. I can’t recommend it enough.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. This review was written without compensation. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale/Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Gothic Fiction/Historical Fantasy

Gothic vibes at its best.

Unmistakably Olivia Atwater this gothic romance in a regency setting is a continuation of a beautiful writing style with wit and perfect pacing.

Connected to previous books but absolutely possible to read as a stand alone, this world will pull you in and remain a part of your bookish soul.
Like Half a Soul this book ooze’s atmosphere and instantly likeable characters with a down to earth feel.
Even the tricky characters are dripping with intrigue and curiosity, never too much to despise them but just enough relatability to adore them instead.

If you’re looking for something dark and mysterious with a twist of romance and a magical system and world that is described so well it feels real this is the book for you.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater

This is another great Victorian Faerie Tale by Olivia Atwater. If you enjoyed Half a Soul, Ten Thousand Stitches, and Long Shadow you will love this one too!
This is the story of Winifred Hall who is a governess for a young man in his home of Witchwood Manor. The faeries have stolen the young lord and Winifred along with an interesting and handsome faerie works to solve the generational-long mystery of this manor and bring the Lord back to the human realm. It is a dark, lonely, and desolate enterprise that Winnie embarks on to stop the nefarious faeries from taking the soul of yet another Lord of the manor. The challenges are not only difficult but lives depend on the outcome including hers. A fun read and as always an enjoyable journey.

This book was definitely darker than the Regency Fairy Tales, as described. You don't not have to read the three books in that series first to enjoy this book, but I think it would add to your understanding of some of the references made in this book, so I recommend reading the other books first if you want the full experience.

I really liked the setting of this book, in a creepy house set off from the village where sleep is not restful at all. Winnie has come to the house ostensibly as the governess, but really she's there to figure out what is going on with the house and how to potentially stop the horrors within. She meets Mr. Quincy (whom I adore), who reluctantly helps her in her quest.

It's also quite clear that this book is setting up a longer story arc. The three Regency Fairy Tales were books that were related but could be read as standalones as each book contained its own plot. And although the central plot in this book was resolved by the end, there is a larger, ongoing plot that is also set up. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

Do make sure to check content warnings for this one as it deals with sexual trauma.

This was a wonderful gothic romance that’s perfect for fall or spooky season!

We follow Winnifred Hall, a woman posing as a governess in order to investigate the dark and mysterious Witchwood Manor.

Going into this book, I was not expecting it to be as dark as it was. But I enjoyed every second of it. The writing style was phenomenal and I really enjoyed the characters. I wasn’t expecting the romance in the story but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m very excited to read more from Olivia Atwater in the future!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!