What a great original dark fairytale. The pacing was on point and it was beautifully written, great witchy folk horror.

I struggled to rate this because it was so far out of my comfort zone but… I liked it. I love old witchcraft lore and this will definitely take you to the macabre side of old magic.

This is my first experience with Brom, and I will certainly not stop here.

A love a dark and gory read, and the original art in this book really sets it apart for me.

Weird thing- but I just really enjoyed the name Abitha.

Thanks to the pub and NetGalley for the review copy! (I also bought one, which is how I was also able to enjoy the art, a perk of being way too late on reviewing this really cool book!)

What did I just read?? This book is nuts and it's so good. I felt really uneasy for the characters because I wanted everything to be okay for them. A widow and an old faerie god. But with twist after twist, Brom produces a weird historical world filled with puritanical Christians and Pagan gods and mythologies. You will not be able to guess the ending. I highly recommend this book, especially for Halloween!

One of top horror picks of 2021, Slewfoot combines ferocious feminist energy with a razor-sharp sense of pacing and emotionality. It's one of those rare horror stories that douses you in the full spectrum of human emotion -- terror, heartache, love, empathy, all of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan/Tor Forge publishing for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have to start by saying that I toggle read/listened to this book in ebook and audiobook versions, going back and forth throughout. I will post here my audiobook review, as well as my elaborations on the print version. My audiobook review is as follows:


"I LOVED THIS BOOK! Seriously, this is one of the best books I've listened to ever. I really had no idea what to expect from this story, but it far exceeded any expectations I could have had. This story involved aspects of magic, fantasy, spirituality, horror, fairy tales, romance, revenge and female empowerment. I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

This book is about a Puritan woman in 1666. I don't want to divulge much detail, but essentially, newly widowed, our protagonist Abitha has to persevere in her pious, misygonistic community with everyone seemingly out to get her. Help soon comes from the devil himself.

What a clever story. It really turned around the traditional idea of "the devil" and showed that the real devils are men themselves."

While the audio is fantastic, (the narrator is perfect), there are some things with the print version that were clearer to follow than in the audiobook format. The story changes viewpoints frequently and it can get a little confusing and unclear when listening to the audio. It's easy enough to lose track of which storyline you're listening to. The breaks are clearer.

I do want to add, as well, that this book is definitely not going to be for everyone. It is EXTREMELY dark. There is torture, violence/gore, murder and animal cruelty. There is a "I Spit on your Grave" style revenge subplot that had me cheering. This would also probably be a difficult read for the devoutly Christian as "Satan" is portrayed in a sympathetic light.

This book makes you reassess what good and evil mean. It's seriously one of my favorite books now.

What a perfect autumn/Halloween treat! In Slewfoot, Brom gives us everything we craved in films like The Witch. While both nailed the puritan New England time and place, Brom brings the real magic and mayhem that makes this really FEEL like the occult. A dark, dripping, enchanting experience.

I was interested in this book as historical fantasy, with its setting in mid-17th Century New England among the Puritans. The main character, Abitha, was appealing and her situation, as a non-Puritan bride trying to adjust to the rigidity of life in mid-17th Century New England, sympathetic. I liked that the Puritans were not monolithic; some were kind, others cruel and ambitious, some devout, others pragmatic. Abitha’s husband genuinely cares for her and tries to shield her against his greedy, ruthless brother, whose schemes would have both of them working as indentured servants. Then there is Slewfoot, an ancient spirit with amnesia, that the talking animals “wildfolk” want to use to wipe all humankind—Native and European settlers alike—from the forest. What the heck does “slewfoot” mean, anyway? I looked it up: in hockey it means, “using your leg to take someone off balance from behind by sweeping the back of their knee, often resulting in injury.” It could be a version of “slue-foot,” meaning “having big, clumsy, or turned-out feet.” Neither of these really applies to the goat-headed creature that enters into a partnership with Abitha, half-savior, half-demon. Which of course does not go over well in a Puritan community.

Without giving too much away, I found the moral ambiguities unsettling. Clearly, some of the human Puritans are hateful, using piety as an excuse for cruelty. But so, in their way, are the wildfolk. There don’t seem to be any ethical concerns about their deadly interactions with Native communities, or the ease with which even sympathetic European characters are slaughtered. Abitha’s eventual pact with Slewfoot stuck me as one that leaves behind compassion and human fellowship as well as desperate circumstances. There was no resolution, no consequences, no arc of justice. The worst part, though, was the torture and eventual killing of her beloved cat. If I had known such a scene was gratuitously added, I would never have read this book. Consider this fair warning if you, too, are an animal lover who treasures the trust and affection of our feline friends.

The artwork, world-building, and main character in this book are all stunning. That being said, I did find aspects of the plot to become convoluted and boring. After the first 100 pages, I found myself struggling to get through. However, I found the artwork to be so stunning that I purchased a physical copy. I have conflicting opinions on this because of the spectacular aspects vs. the ones that left something to be desired.

I loved the main character, her ferocity, and her individuality despite all odds. She was alive during one of the worst times in history for women and I think her character reflects someone who fought tooth and nail against that, which I appreciate.

The book ended as well as it started, just the middle got a little wandering. Overall, it's a 4/5 from me.

Probably the best classic 1600's witchcraft novel I've read since The Year of the Witching. All the reviews questioning how the protag just went along with Samson have clearly not been in such desperate situations before that you'll take any rope thrown, regardless of whether that rope is an errant forest god.

I loved this book. It really was bewitching. I loved the magic but hated the reality of the way women were treated. Brom creates a fantasy world that sits right on top of an ahistorical one. I was sucked in the book instantly and wanted to read until I was finished (on sitting was not realistic for me sadly).

This is by and large the most beautifully written book I’ve read all year. It was crafted with the most exquisite of modern prose and made me feel like I was reading a classic. Abitha is one of my new favorite literary characters because she is so well-rounded, so strong, and so…well….easy to like. I think Brom did an excellent job from the very first page and the illustrations were amazing. My first of his books, but most definitely not my last.

Half fairytale, half revenge tale, Slewfoot is one of the most well written fantastical legends I’ve ever read. It will have you seeing red and laughing at the demise of characters. If you like original dark fairytales, you’ll love this.

I’m new to Brom (it’s been a year of new authors and new awesomeness), but I’m so glad I requested this. I’ve been handselling this at work lately just because it’s a combination of passion and beautiful/dark writing. The physical book is something to collect and adore. I can’t recommend Slewfoot enough!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Brom and I might be some sort of kindred spirits. I met him once, many years ago at a local comic con and he was so quiet and unassuming. I was young, not used to meeting celebrities at the time and so was super awkward. I wish I could go back to that day and tell myself to talk with him more. To really engage and talk Paganism, gothic literature, and more.
Slewfoot is just like Brom’s other books I’ve read. It’s got gore, violence, injustice, beauty, love, and above all else a loyalty to the tenants of Paganism that only someone who practices could capture on the page.

This narrative is really about how we can all become devils and demons when pushed hard enough. Present enough ridiculous, scary, life threatening circumstances and anyone can lash out. Additionally humans can also be pushed to say untrue things under enough duress. Hence the witch trials (one of which happens in Slewfoot); and their unjust version of ‘proof’ and ‘confession’.
I adored how Brom brought to the narrative very simple pillars of trust and loyalty (while very complex) he puts our characters in situations where I (personally) could not imagine doing anything other than exactly what someone wanted, even if it was untrue. Only because our drive to survive and live is so powerful.

The ending of Slewfoot is perfect and the reason I believe Brom and I must be part of the same. He exactly narrates and identifies what I have long believed; that all gods and devils are one and the same. Our ability to perceive or define them is only limited by our lack of understanding, imagination, or fake human rules (in this case those the Catholic/Christian church preach). Beautifully written, in such a way that I dare someone to tell me they are not cheering for Abitha, Slewfoot and others to preserver.

This is a book I will certainly need a personal print copy of. Not just for the beautiful, full-colour illustrations included; but because it speaks to me in a spiritual way that is so rare. As a witch (of today) myself I can’t help but get angry at the trials but also appreciate the repercussions after that Brom gives us.

If you are looking for a morally subjective, gothic witch story with heavy Pagan overtones then this is for you.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

4.5 stars.

I am intrigued. Brom can certainly write a fantastic tale. A tale of Puritan New England with a mix of fantastical and dark, this story had me giddy. It's a great read for the fall season, but also perfect anytime of year for those who love tales of witchcraft.

This is no subtle and quiet tale of a supposed witch. This is horror with devilry and destruction. It is dark and brutal. There are moments of serious gore. The plot can be a little slow in a few parts, but there is a lot wrapped up in this story and in a morally gray...dark gray...protagonist. It's always a weird feeling to be rooting for a protagonist who so clearly goes against the moral grain, but oh it was a delicious read. I regret nothing.

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

This story takes you on quite a journey. If you are a fan of Fear Street 1666 or The Witch you will love this book. Abitha is brilliant, fiery, and so full of determination that you can't help but fall in love with her. I found myself so invested in her life, devastated at each heartbreak and whispering "yes!" audibly at every triumph. The story of Samson also tugged on my heartstrings. This is a beauty and the beast sort of tale, but instead of romance, there is a deep bond that promotes the self-actualization and growth of both parties to become all that they were meant to be. I cannot recommend this title enough!

Enter the horror of Puritan dogooders. This was a great historical horror fiction. I didn't even know I would like this genre as much as I did. The witch trials had nothing on some of the descriptions in this book.
So much was going on, but it was easy to keep track of the story and all who made up the story.
Highly recommend to horror lovers and especially those who like some history with their horror. Please read and I can't wait to read more of Brom's books!

Slewfoot is the latest book from Brom, who is an author I usually enjoy. I had a difficult time getting into this one, though. It's not so much the subject matter as it is the style of writing.

It's about to be obvious this was my first Brom book. When I tell you the first quarter of Slewfoot made me feel so unsettled I wondered if I'd even be able to finish, it's pretty clear I didn't know what or who I was in for. Creeping someone out with words on a page is a true talent, and I'm not new to horror. I found my stride past 30% or so and had a hard time tearing myself away. Which is saying something, since I devoured it at night in a tiny cabin in the woods. Loved the setting, the language, the atmosphere, the character development, all of it. If you're familiar with the witch trials, this was a really unique take on that and the perfect autumn read. My most minuscule disappointment is the gorgeous cover (I'm ashamed to even say it), because it made certain aspects of the story obvious well before they revealed themselves. And still, five bloody stars.