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!

Thank you NetGalley for the digital arc of The Witchwood Knot and happy pub day to Olivia Atwater!
Winifred Hall has arrived to serve as governess to the spoiled child Robert at the Witchwood Manor. It is not long after that he is kidnapped and it is up to her to rescue him. On the way there you encounters whispering walls and coming face to face with your darkest fears *check trigger warnings*
She is not on this rescue alone, she does get help from an unlikely alley that I really enjoyed throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the romance in this story but I also admired the strength of the Winnie all on her own as well. It was very empowering and brought more to the story.
If you are looking for a gothic fairytale romance I highly recommend!

3.5 🌟

This was delightfully enchanting and creepy story! This is my first book by this author, but as a fan of all things gothic, faerie, and magical, I still really enjoyed exploring the mystery of our titular haunted Victorian mansion, Witchwood Manor, which we quickly discover is terrorized by sinister faeries. We follow Winifred Hall, Winnie, as she fills a posting for a governess to the grandson of an ailing dowager, a friend from her past, who knows Winnie’s secrets magical talents. Her life before thus far hasn’t been easy, especially with the threat of her magic being discovered in a world where it’s not accepted any longer, but she’s a resilient and resourceful woman. She won’t let the elusive and menacingly handsome Mr. Quincy, the faerie “butler” terrorize her out this place or completing her missions.

I wish there was more of the romance between Mr. Quincy & Winnie!!! Watching these two connect was hauntingly beautiful and tender. Neither are naturally warm and welcoming people, prone to love easy, but they still manage to find comfort in each other’s differentness. It felt fitting for the Victorian romance style of writing, peppered with CRUMBS of aching and yearning and longing glances that leave wanting more, so I didn’t mind it lol.

The language, the peculiar and detailed setting of the manor, the underlying mystery of the curse, all of was engaging and fun! There were times where I felt things were maybe a little rushed, I honestly wanted more detail to understand what was going on, but there were never any gaps that had me confused. I’d say this leans more historical fantasy, with a splash of romance, than being a typically “romantasy,” but overall a really fun and quick read!

I went into this book pretty much blindly. I read the blurb a month or so before, but I didn't immediately jump into the book, so I had no idea what to expect. This world quickly surprised me, and it was unlike any other fae world I've read before.

While I don't enjoy reading about historical settings, I had a blast falling into the Witchwood Knot. Each twist and turn in the book caught me off guard, and I adored the world that was painted for me.

Mr. Quincy was the true winner here. I loved his character, and watching him struggle between what he has to do and what he knows is right was truly enjoyable. I was intrigued by him from the moment he appeared, and I couldn't have loved the ending more.

*Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this arc. All opinions are my own.*

This book was such a delight from the very first page.
I loved the whimsical way the story was written and told, and how our main character Winnie found herself where she was.
It reminded me of Howls Moving Castle, in the way the mystery and magic came about.
From our very first meeting with Mr Quincy, I knew I would like him, and like him I did.
I enjoyed the way the story evolved, and how everything was connected in ways that we, and Winnie didn't see at first glance.
The banter between Mr Quincy and Winnie makes my heart flutter, and how they found themselves growing more comfortable with one another over the time they shared.

I enjoyed this gothic mystery, with the faerie lore woven in, and all the characters too.
The way the story ended, I instantly needed book two!

“All of my worst fears take the form of human beings, you see. As soon as I realized you were a faerie, I lost my fear entirely.”

The Witchwood Knot is a Victorian-era, historical fantasy set within the same timeline as the Regency Faerie Tales series. This book showcases 1) a sharp-witted and cunning FMC who acknowledges her flaws, 2) significant character development, and 3) authentic Victorian-era traditions seamlessly blended with an unique fairy tale. Though the atmosphere is darker than her other series, Olivia Atwater’s signature witty prose shines through, giving the beginning of the book a light-hearted feel. As we learn more about the main character’s backstories, the book takes on a more serious tone, where the reader is shown the consequences of greed & acting without consent.

You do not need to read the Regency trilogy before starting The Witchwood Knot BUT I would recommend it as it will provide more depth to the story & characters mentioned throughout the book. If the next book, like the Regency Faerie Tales, changes main characters, I hope it will follow her sisters! I would love to learn more about their backstory and the magic they possess. Overall, I would recommend this book & highly enjoyed reading it!

“The world is full of monsters, she reminded herself grimly. I knew that all along. What can I do, except to fight them?”

Winnie Hall is hired to be a governess for the dowager’s grandson at Witchwood Manor. The manor has many dangerous secrets, and luckily Winnie has her own set of secrets ready to use at her disposal. However soon young Robert goes missing, and Winnie is forced to partner with Mr. Quincy, the suspicious butler, to find him.

This gothic faerie tale is darker than Olivia Atwater’s previous works, but I enjoyed it all the same. I love her whimsical writing style and how she pulls in the dark realities of the world into her work. Reclaiming freedom and autonomy was a strong theme in this book. I enjoyed the development of mutual trust Winnie built with the various characters. Especially since we learn that she does not give her trust easily.

The Witchwood Knot takes place in the same universe as Half a Soul, but we are now in Victorian England. There are even references to the Regency Faerie Tales series (with a hint of possible reunions later in the series🤞🏾). I am super excited to see where the rest of the series goes!

CW: non-graphic sexual harassment

Thank you to the Netgalley, author Erika Johansen, and, Dutton Books for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own. Available as of November 28, 2023.

I really loved reading this book. It’s so eerie and sinister and has some absolutely gorgeous writing. This is my first Olivia Atwater and I really loved her style of writing; she really creates a claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere throughout that had me feeling on edge. There were some scenes in this that were downright chilling, and I loved how a lot of the actual horror came not from faeries but from actual people. The scene where Winnie, the main character, has taken laudanum was so effectively written, I felt so nervous during it.

The worldbuilding is solid and there’s lots of very clever, intriguing ideas in how the magic works; it constantly took me by surprise and I loved how dark and twisted all of it was. The depiction of faeries was really menacing and nasty.

The other big highlight, for me, was Winnie, the main character. She’s such a determined, bold character; so capable and confident. I loved how she stood up for herself, how resourceful she was, how quick and clever she was. She was just a great addition to the book. Characterisation in general was really strong – even for the minor characters.

This also had a lovely romance, too. I’m not sure I personally would characterise this as a romance because I didn’t think it was the central plotline, but it was gorgeously written. The development of the relationship between Winnie and Quincy was subtle but effective and led to some really beautiful scenes. The part where he teaches her to play her song on the pianoforte was very sensual and romantic; as was the idea that he composed a song to protect her, which was just a lovely concept. The romance actually made a really nice, sweet contrast to the rest of the book – eventually! (They definitely get off to a rocky start but it’s worth it in the end.)

And, of course, I must mention the way her relationship with Quincy was used to show Winnie’s reclamation of her sexuality, which was worked into the book really effortlessly, in my opinion. I hadn’t really realised till reading the author’s note how much this book focused on the subject of bodily autonomy and abuse, and I think that’s a credit to the author’s writing that she got all of that across to me as a reader.

Overall, it was just a really satisfying book; it’s very dark and twisty, and the author has done a fantastic job at creating this sinister world of magic. It also has a really lovely romance underlying it all. As a whole I thought this book was fantastic – just beautifully written, plotted, great worldbuilding and characterisation…I just loved it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Violence, death, murder, body horror, blood, injuries, animal death, death of a pet, death of a close friend, death of a parent, child sexual abuse (in past), references to child abuse, sexual harassment, references to rape and sexual violence, threat of sexual violence, imprisonment.

An incredibly quick read.

This follows Winnie who becomes the governess of a child who is later abducted by faeries. Winnie sets out to save the child and is assisted by the faerie butler.

This was a quick and fun read that allows you to revisit the world of Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales. The cameo appearances of characters from that trilogy will be a treat for fans of those books. I love the writing in this book and also enjoyed seeing Winnie develop a relationship with the child she is newly in charge of. However, I do feel as if not much actually happened in the first half of the book. Because it seemed like not much was happening in the beginning the development of the romance in the second half seemed just a little bit rushed and incomplete.

Overall, I would recommend to readers looking for more romantic fantasy books.

*the content does get rather dark and I would recommend checking content warnings

The Witchwood Knot is a fun gothic fantasy novel set in Victorian England.

Winifred Hall comes to Witchwood Manor to help protect the young heir Robert, per the request of his Grandmother the Dowager.. A manor house that was built of witchwood and appears to have quite the Faerie infestation. Winifred is no ordinary governess and is quite the warrior when it comes to Faeries and their ilk. When Robert is kidnapped by the Faeries, Winifred must call on her knowledge and training to get him back. Will Faerie butler Mr. Quincy be a help or a hindrance? Is there more to the manor than just a bunch of mischevious Fae? Winnie is bound and determined to find out.

I really enjoyed the alternate magical world and the Gothic themes. There were also some scary moments as all good Gothic novels should have.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Starwatch Press and the author for the chance to read ad review this book.

The Witchwood Knot follows Winnifred Hall as she begins her time as a governness in Witchwood Manor. It is a gothic tale of a home being overtaken by faeries, and the people of Witchwood Manor are in danger. Winnifred takes it upon herself to save them.

During the first half of this book, I would have described this gothic tale as a "light haunted house" type story with aspects of fae and other dark creatures. It had the charm and softness of Half a Soul, the other book by Atwood that I have read, but with a slightly darker tone. The second half, however, was no joke, with some gore, some triggers, and some darker aspects overall.

This story is a horror novel for a slightly advanced beginner. There will be blood, but there will also be love. I felt cozy while reading this, which still doesn't make sense to me, but I did just adore it. Atwood has a way of making faerie tales feel real, and deep stories feel light. I don't know how she does it, but I loved it. I heard mediocre reviews of her other books, but this one felt just as strong as, if not stronger than, her beloved novel Half a Soul. I would highly recommend.

Note: while this book is not in the same series as Half a Soul, it does spoiler Half a Soul!

Thank you to Starwatch Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fun book! I really liked the gothic vibes plus the romantic elements throughout the whole book. The relationship between the FMC and the MMC was a fun journey to follow and they were cute together even though the MMC is more of an antihero and morally grey.

I have never read anything by this author but after reading this one, I am definitely interested in going back to read her other work!