Firstly, thank you NetGalley and Usborne books for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This was fantastic and was gripped from the moment I started reading this.

Read the trigger warning as it mentions suicidal thoughts and suggestions of an attempt by the main character Orlando.

Orlando is a shapeshifter in a witchy world but has no magic so is more of an outsider…. She is blamed for her girlfriend’s death, and this is about her struggles with her family, college and peers.

Then a new guy joins, Bastian, and they become friends who want to try a resurrection spell to bring her girlfriend back.

This story follows the terrifying steps they take to do this and how they catch feelings for each other, Orlando starts to have visions and dreams about the grimoire of a past shifter that they are using to bring her girlfriend back.

There is so much fantastic writing in this book and they way the author dealt with grief and death of loved ones was done so beautifully.

This is YA, but I found this engaging and interesting to read, a completely new magic world but based on actual historical events.

Will be recommending to everyone , loved it.

This had me at “for fans of V.E. Schwab and Rainbow Rowell” 😍
Witchlore tackles the topic of grief, which in its own is a heavy topic but it also mentions suicidal ideation, so that is something to be aware of when reading!
I loved this! I loved reading about Lando and Bastians developing relationship. I loved how the Witchlore covers the topic of grief. I loved the uniqueness of Lando’s shapeshifting abilities and the non binary representation that brings to the book!
Witchlore is, ultimately, a heartwarming, emotional paranormal romance that balances its heavy topics so well with hopeful writing!

Emma Hinds’ Witchlore is a sharp, emotionally charged contemporary fantasy that blends grief, desire, and dangerous magic into one compelling tale.

At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outsider in every possible way — the only shapeshifter among witches, unable to control when their body switches between male and female forms, and carrying the crushing guilt of their girlfriend Elizabeth’s death. Their peers blame them, and Orlando blames themself. So when the alluring and mysterious Bastian offers a way to bring Elizabeth back, Orlando is willing to risk everything, no matter how dangerous the magic.

But resurrection comes with a price. As Orlando and Bastian grow closer, attraction tangles with mistrust, and dark secrets begin to surface. Who exactly is Bastian? What does he really want? And in a spell where someone must pay the cost, who will survive?

With echoes of Holly Black’s edge and the wit of Lex Croucher, Witchlore delivers a queer love story wrapped in gothic charm and high-stakes sorcery. It’s a story about identity, longing, and the fine line between love and obsession, told with heart, heat, and just the right amount of menace.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Witchlore, but it turned out to be a unique and engaging read. TW for suicidal ideation at the beginning, it’s handled sensitively, but worth noting.

I loved the contemporary setting paired with a fresh, original magic system. The non-binary representation was a highlight for me, I was curious to see how it would be portrayed, and it was handled thoughtfully and with care.

For me personally, I would have enjoyed more world-building and deeper exploration of the magical creatures and lore, but that comes down to my own reading preferences. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, found it different from anything I’ve read before, and think it will appeal to readers looking for inclusive, contemporary fantasy with a touch of originality.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I found myself thinking about this book even when I wasn’t reading it. It really stayed with me. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for letting me read this book.

This good book was very enjoyable! It had the right amount of mystery, twists, and turns. It also is a great representation of grief, the LGBTQ+ community, friendship, and mental health. Would definitely recommend this book for all and not just YA enjoyers!

A very well written, imaginative book- very chatecter driven. This is an unusual take on the witch school story- with LGBTQ+ elements that feel organic to the story and characters. I really felt for Landos lack of control of their form, and how jarring that must be to constantly be changing. The characters are well written and draw you in to a believable alternative Manchester.

I enjoyed the twist at the end, it fitted in well with the story with hints and foreshadowing dotted throughout. A very enjoyable read, with an interesting magic system and world- I would love to see more of this universe!

I really enjoyed Witchlore, it might not of been a book I would initially take up straight away but it was extremely enjoyable. The mystery, the build and the twists along with the highlight on mental health and LGBTQ+ elements can really support someone who feels lost within their own body.

I loved the highlight of British small towns and intricate details. I would love a second book in this world although it was a really nice standalone.

Witchlore may just be one of my favourite books that I’ve read this year.

Lando is an outcast at Demdike College of Witchcraft due to their shapeshifting abilities, and when their girlfriend, Elizabeth, dies, Lando’s pariah status is only furthered. Yet when charming new boy Bastian arrives with the promise of raising Elizabeth from the dead through a dangerous resurrection spell, Lando jumps at the chance to fix their mistakes and get Elizabeth back.

This book had me hooked from the very first line. It is definitely a line that reels you in and makes you want more. The prologue held such mystery and wonder, setting up the rest of the book and giving you some insight into Lando and Elizabeth’s relationship. It helps you truly understand why Lando is ostracised and later why they are so insistent on getting her back. It also helps set up the mystery around Lando’s magic allowing their journey as a character who struggles with their magic to develop. This air of mystery is carried on throughout the book until the very last chapter which I really enjoyed.

The book is also so beautifully descriptive. It is heavy with description but the way that Hinds uses it is astonishing. Reading it made me feel like I was actually there. I felt like I could picture the most important scenes in the book so clearly. I also really enjoyed that each time Lando shifted we got a brief yet vivid description of each new form. The inclusion of the magical creatures beyond witchcraft had me thrilled and again their descriptions were so realistic that they stuck with me for the entirety of the book.

Witchlore is a very character driven book. I felt like the characters were well written and I liked how they were fleshed out- especially Elizabeth who is fleshed out through how Lando and also Kira remember her. It really helped her character haunt the narrative. The one thing about the characters that I wasn’t a huge fan of, was just how quickly Lando agreed to do this dangerous spell with some guy that they had just met, but I do like how that aspect came into play later on. Lando’s character development was so subtle, that the major changes really grab you; I liked that each character had some hand in Lando’s development as a character.

Witchlore gave me such emotional whiplash. I was laughing and then I was crying (out of sadness and also joy). The dialogue was laugh out loud funny but also incredibly devastating. Lando’s grief and their struggles as a shifter felt very real It was so incredibly touching to read. The way Witchlore is written, whilst simplistic, doesn’t read as a ‘young’ book, and I think this will make it more available to older readers.

Overall, Witchlore is a stunning YA debut and a must read. It will resonate with readers for its interesting take on gender identity, queer struggles and its beautifully heart wrenching exploration of the many stages of grief.

I wasn't keen on the main characters, which meant I wasn't really that bothered what happened to them. I am disappointed that I didn't take to the characters, and therefore didn't get the most out of the book. My fault and I don't want to put other readers off.

The character representation in this was brilliant. I loved Lando and how they shape shifted across gender forms. How this book included people's often negative reaction to that and the mental health impact on Lando was written with compassion and insight.

At first I did struggle with the instant connection between Lando and Bastian and how Lando agreed to do a dark necromancy spell with someone they had literally just met. But as the story continues the author draws you into their growing relationship more. By the end I was definitely hoping they got together.

This was a really interesting YA read that took an alternative view on shifters, relationships and magic. It takes a really open approach to grief, sexuality and self acceptance and combines this was a very different take on magic.

Overall a book I enjoyed.

I absolutely loved this. This was such a compelling story filled with so much mystery and both characters were extremely lovable. I desperately rooted for both of them and enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. I constantly thought about this book when I wasn't reading it and it gripped me all the way through, I will definitely be recommending this. Both characters are grieving in their own ways and I felt that this was dealt with beautifully and sensitively- I definitely sobbed at some parts! I loved the non binary representation too.

Well wasn't this just wonderful!! I am obsessed with the idea of a non-binary shapeshifter! It just makes so much sense. I found it fascinating as of-course it raises the conversation of us being more than the bodies we inhabit. Lando switches between different bodies, which must be incredibly jarring and dysphoric. I only have one body and find it tough to accept it. I would have loved more info into this, such as if there was a reason why Lando's shifts chose the bodies it did, since Lando wasn't in control of the gender and face. For example, was it like the randomised sim button on Sims, or is it because Lando saw and appreciated certain features on other people. One of my favourite parts of this book was when Bastian complimented Lando, and Lando was upset because they thought it was just an appreciation for the pretty female body they had just shifted into, BUT THEN BASTIAN SAID IT WAS LANDO THEY LIKED, NOT THE BODY! AAAAAAAAAA WHERE CAN I FIND A LOVE LIKE THIS?!!! As someone that feels so out of sync with their own body and dysphoric, this meant so much to me.

I thought this book was great, it was very character-driven which I prefer my books to be. As you can tell from above, I found Lando very compelling, and I really appreciated their humour. In fact one of the strengths of this book was the dialogue between Lando and Bastian, which felt very real. It was why the slow-burn romance worked well. It felt like their connection was natural and believable.

I must admit I do think you could guess early on Bastian's intentions. The idea that this random stranger was willing to help you resurrect an ex for no other reason than to help him look good (when obviously resurrecting people is frowned upon since it isn't commonplace?) is not believable. As soon as we found out he had a dead brother I was like "well there it is, he's gonna slip in his brother to bring back instead"..... Despite this, I still enjoyed it, and I do understand that I have a suspicious brain haha. Obviously as well it's a YA so maybe teens wouldn't have guessed this. I did appreciate that it was revealed he had actually changed his mind about bringing his brother back, and started to fall for Lando. I do wonder if the romance went from zero to a hundred too quickly. Don't get me wrong, I was glad they became a couple, but it was a little jarring. I also have more questions because altho it's a YA so it was fade to black (which I am glad about) I did have questions about how being dysphoric and in different bodies effected Lando's want to be physical with a partner.

I also loved the past life story line, this was so awesome. The way the character shifted so they could fill different roles, such as being a man so they could go to war. I would have loved more of this characters life tbf, they went through a lot and were very courageous. I do think that again, you could guess way before the reveal that Lando was the writer in the diary. But again, this didn't take away from my reading experience.

ALSO I live in Norfolk and loved the Black Shuck mention!!! The creatures featured were such a lovely touch, it was interesting to learn more about this world and how magic creatures existed in it.

I really liked the writing style of the author, and found it very engaging. I thought grief was handled very well and explored in it's complexities. I am sorry I mentioned so many questions I have about this world and the shapeshifting. I promise it's a compliment! I want to know more about such a great concept. I would definitely read more in this world or of Lando. I really love them, and related to them a lot. Also tHE VEGAN BABYBEL FEATURE I WAS CACKLING. I am vegan and I am obsessed with this mention haha

This book focusses on a shapeshifter that can change gender forms, and I believe that the character identifies as non -binary. I feel that this representation is quite new to the book community, and I really loved having it featured, As this is a topic that I'm still learning about, I cannot comment on whether it was done well, but I did feel that the author took the time to develop Lando and explore their feelings around the topic and their journey to self-acceptance.

I did feel that the plot regarding trying to bring Elizabeth back from the dead was a bit slow at times, but I did like the magical twist on the themes of grief and dealing with a lost loved one.

I think young adults will resonate with the themes portrayed and the characters, and enjoy the magical twist. I personally felt it was a bit of a slow read, but it just gave it a rather heart-warming tone to the whole story, rather than just be an exciting magical adventure. 3.5 rounded up.

Witchlore is the story of an outcast – Orlando, a non-binary shapeshifter – and their journey through their grief at the death of their girlfriend, with the help of an attractive new witch, Bastian.

Lando is the only shapeshifter at Demdike College of Witchcraft, and they are unable to control their shifts. Add to this the fact that they are blamed for the death of Elizabeth – the only person to show them love, and Lando is ostracized and mocked at every turn. Enter Bastian – a new boy who claims he can help Lando raise Elizabeth from the dead…

This book had me in a chokehold very early on. Lando is so well written, I felt everything they did, and I just wanted to help make them feel better. Bastian is charming and handsome but hides deep secrets that I could sense very early on, and I was anxious to know what they were!

Witchlore is about shifters and witches on the surface only, it is so much more than that. It is an exploration of gender expression and all its variety. It is an in-depth look at grief and all the forms and stages it has. It is about self-love and self-acceptance.

I loved how well written Lando was, and I felt like I could really feel their struggles. It also opened my eyes further to the struggles that non-binary people must deal with on a day-to-day basis. The fact that Basian is so accepting is wonderful and made me wish everyone was like that!

I was nervous throughout the whole book wondering what the outcome of the spell would be, and I was not disappointed with the ending.

I adored this book. I found it to be heartbreaking and heartwarming by turns, and so many of the themes resonated with me. The descriptions about grief especially resonated, as did the feeling of being an outsider. I would recommend!

Thank you to Emma Hinds, Usborne, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Witchlore follows Lando, a non-binary shapeshifter at college / uni, grieving for their girlfriend, Elizabeth, who died when a spell went wrong. They soon meet Bastien, who has a dangerous idea he needs Lando for.

This book definitely exceeded my expectations! The writing was fairly simplistic but was definitely still engaging enough that I would recommend it to an adult audience too. It’s a mostly character driven urban romantasy so I would recommend it for those who enjoy light fantasy, as the magic system isn’t fully explored. Witchlore 2 is hopefully coming soon, so I assume the world-building will be expanded in that.

Whilst I usually dislike fantasy written in first-person, I feel the plot and pacing wasn’t bogged down by it. I found Lando really very irritating at times, but they soon grew on me. Each character also felt unique and their actions made sense.

A very enjoyable and cute (!) YA urban romantasy! Recommended for those who enjoyed Juno Dawson’s ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Coven’ book series.

There were beautiful moments in this book. I feel certain character relationships were not given enough time to fully develop. As a reader I felt thrown into the book, this wasn't unpleasant. The ending felt as it if had been a rush to tie up al the lose end. I am not sure if I cared for the main characters, they didn't lend themselves to be over likeable but I didn't dislike them. I didn't enjoy this book but it did leave me in a weird limbo, I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was slower and written over 2-3 books so I wud get to know the world and the characters more.

Oh this was so fun. I really enjoyed the discussions around Lando's gender and experience of being non binary, and what they're shifting between male and female forms means for them. I think the queer elements were handled really well, and I thought the elements of homophobia/female born women being seen as the only valid life givers was an interesting take. I think I would have even liked to see this discussed a little bit more, especially since we're discussing trans and non binary characters within the same witching world. And I was also pleasantly surprised to see this was set in Manchester.

I liked Lando's relationship with Bastian though I did guess the twist pretty early on. I also guessed the other reveal/twist, but that's ok. I think this is where I slightly think things could have been developed more. A lot of Ariel's diary entries felt very surface level and didn't really hit me with the emotion I wanted. Also, I think Lando made the same jokes a millennial would have made ten years ago, not a current gen z 20 year old (I mean I really don't think the kids are still making single ladies jokes. I just don't.) And that took me out of the story a little bit.

Overall though I enjoyed this and I am always interested in finding more queer authors and stories.

Thank you to Usborne and Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! The diversity and queer representation was so amazing!!! Having a non-binary main character and having their struggles so well represented is truly a breath of fresh air.

Now to the plot, I wish we had a bit more insight on why Witches are as powerful Shifters, and why the divide was never breached after so long. It seems counterintuitive to keep your most powerful potential allies at bay, when you could be working together.

The twist at the end was predictable, but still satisfying to watch it unfold as well as the redemption character arcs, although it would have been nice to have seen Lando mending the fences with his parents as well.

All in all, it is a book about dealing with grief, survivers guilt, being different, finding your voice, finding your people and learning to trust.