This book is an absolute MASTERPIECE and I was hooked right in from the very first page.

The writing is fantastic! It’s atmospheric, very graphic and some parts actually made me wince while I was reading it. I literally had goosebumps during some of the more magical/empowerment scenes.

I loved learning about Helena’s story and how brave she was to stand up to Kramer. So well researched and written I honestly can’t fault it

C.J. Cooke does it again! Yet another book I just couldn’t put down. I absolutely devoured this, in two sittings. It was so gripping that I didn’t want it to end but at the same time I couldn’t wait to find out the ending

Slightly different vibe to other books by this author in a good way as I find the author usually goes for spooky atmospheric stories where this is more historical fiction (although based on real people/events).
As with every book by this author, this one was extremely well written - it made me so angry at men/religious control of society.
I've read a similar story to this by a different author that I found a bit of a slog but this was really compelling. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the main ladies (maybe because I'm familiar with this authors work so I was waiting for a creepy twist somewhere).
This is a very good discussion about the persecution of women and how men then and now think they should be able to 'control' women.

Absolutely outstanding. One of the best historical books I’ve read involving witchcraft.
I have always enjoyed C.J. Cookes writing but this book has to be her best yet.
It left me stunned, heartbroken and horrified at the atrocities committed against women accused of witchcraft. To even think this is based on a true story horrifies me. I even dreamt of it.
C.J. Cooke has researched this topic painstakingly and it shows. I couldn’t believe at the end that the Malleus Maleficarum came about through this witch hunt. I, obviously, don’t want to give anything away to anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
I cannot recommend The Last Witch enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.

A heart-wrenching, infuriating, and magical story about some real-world heroes (and villains) of the barbaric witch trials in Europe. I loved how Cooke scooped Helena out of history, gave her a voice and told her story centered around the women persecuted and murdered in which trials. Georg was a great character too - another human pulled from real life. The Author's Note was particularly fascinating: exploring which elements were pulled from history and how Cooke filled in the blanks. I loved the Hecate arc (and wished we'd got to spend more time with Helena as she embraces this part of her life and history).

This propulsive and emotional book was well-paced with high stakes and some timely commentary on group think, mob mentality, and misogyny. As one might expect with a story revolving around witch trials, there are some graphic scenes of torture, abuse, and violence.

As always, Cooke's sense of place and time were artfully drawn. If you liked Cooke's previous stories, or historical fiction, check this out when it drops in October. It's an atmospheric tale for fall and a great read to curl up with.