I think fans of Atwater's regency books may or may not like this depending on what brought them to those books in the first place. If they were primarily interested in the regency or "bridgerton-esque" vibes of the other books this may not be for them. However, if they were simply interested in a genre fiction infused with fairy lore I think they will enjoy this a lot. It's a pitch perfect Victorian gothic full of whimsy and faeries.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a very fun, darkly comic Victorian-era gothic mystery, complete with devious faeries and magic and a seemingly haunted house. While I found the pacing a little slow to begin with, once I was into the main story I was hooked in. I loved the snarky confidence of FMC Winnie, and the darkly mysterious presence of Mr Quincy from the get go. I've seen it billed as a gothic romance, but seeing as the romance plot doesn't kick in properly until quite far in, I'd say it's more of a mystery with romantic elements! I enjoyed how this book managed to be cosy and whimsical while also being darkly fantastical, and I think I'll definitely be checking out the author's other books set in the same universe.

I've fallen in love with Olivia Atwater as an author because of her Regency fairytales, so I was more than excited to see her now tackling the Victorian times. "The Witchwood Knot" is the first in that new series, and it's just as beautifully, almost whimsically written as its predecessors. It tells the story of Winifred Hall who newly arrives at Witchwood Manor to become the governess to the master's son. The manor quickly reveals to be haunted in some way, with the fae having their grabby hands all over it.

I do have to say that the descriptions of the story given on goodreads and co are not the very best, because they reveal a story development that actually happens much later in the book. At first, it's more of a slightly gothic-y haunted mansion story with faeries - and of course we meet our love interest rather soon. Mr. Quincy is not my favourite of Atwater's dashing fae love interests as a person, but I liked him a lot (even though I could have lived happily without a certain um, physical attribute of his). Winifred is great protagonist, layered and capable and relatable. She is, perhaps, a bit Too Good At Everything, but in books like these I don't even mind that much.

While I generally enjoyed the settings of Atwater's previous books a bit more and wasn't completely captivated by Witchwood Manor, I still think this is actually one of her strongest books. And that's because of the subject matter: "The Witchwood Knot" focuses heavily on consent and the consequences of sexual abuse and harassment, and it got rather dark at times because of it. The romance is absolutely amazing because consent is at its core, and while, as I said before, Mr. Quincy is not my fave out of all the fae love interests, his absolute insistence on consent and his unwavering support of Winnie makes him perfect for this book. I love him for the things he stands for.

All in all, a great start to the Victorian fairytales series that didn't blow me away but had something important to say. You can read it without having read Atwater's Regency fairytales, but you will miss out on quite a bit of lore and background, which surprised me. 3,5 stars.

Set in a Victorian Era setting, Winnie finds herself in a house that has WAY more secrets than she bargained for.

I was not convinced that I would enjoy it as much at the beginning as I felt the world building was relatively lacking and I wound up feeling pretty confused. As the story goes on, however, I found myself absolutely invested in Winnie and Mr. Quincy. I truly wound up loving this book by the end. This story is marketed as a gothic romance, but the romance doesn’t sink in until the later half/last quarter of the book, so I don’t necessarily recommend it to romance lovers. That being said, the tension is *chef’s kiss* and the dark magic wrapped up in this world is so worth reading. I definitely recommend it, especially as a spooky fall read!

**This copy of The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater was given to me as an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. This does not change the way I rate books nor the way it is reviewed. Thank you to Olivia Atwater, Netgalley and Starwatch Press. **

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater was a pleasant and beautifully written novel. Taking a darker stance than her previous work, Atwater tells an enchanting gothic romance with elements of mystery, magic and fae folklore.
The story revolves around Winnie, a young spinster, hired by Lady Longfell to be a governess of Witchwood Manor. However, the title is a guise. It seems the Lady has hired Winnie for her magical abilities and knowledge in dealings with the Fae. WitchWood Manor is cursed by the Fae; it is up to Winnie to help lift the curse and save her young charge, Robert Murray.

The pace of the book, like many gothic novels, is slow at the beginning. It creates this haunting sense, almost as if anything could happen at any time. Once things began to pick up and we really got a sense of what world we were looking into, I feel like the novel really flourished.

Things I loved:
- Winnie: She was a strong female character. A Survivor of SA, who went from being cold and detached in order to survive the world she lived in to Empowered and self assured.
- Mr.Quincy: I love me a morally grey man. Especially when he's a fae. I loved that Atwater made him more FAE. Like Holly Black does her mmc's, She gave that man a TAIL. I loved it. My only wish was that we got to see him more. That we got more moments between him and Winnie at the beginning.
- A Ghost cat familiar
- The mythology this book sets up: This book obviously is setting up for a grandeur story. I dont think we've seen the last of Winnie and Mr.Quincy, and that we will see other beloved characters from the previous Novels.
- The theme: Atwater could've written another gothic romance novel that focused on the MC finding love and have left it at that. But she took it a step further. She wove a story with an undelying Theme that made the world believable. That brought some realism to this fairytale. I was able to connect with the MC more because of it.
- The afterword from the Author: I usually dont read the afterword but I did this time. Words cannot express how wonderful it felt to read it. I love the author even more for it and would love to see other authors follow.

Things that I enjoyed but wish had been expanded upon:
- Side Characters: Some characters felt like there were there to just be there, only appearing when needed for the plot. Their interactions with the main characters couldve been more fleshed out.
- The Slow Burn: I am a sucker for slow burns and while this book is definitely a VERY slow burn, I feel like once the romance did happen, it kinda came out of nowhere. I wish there had been more interactions where the line between flirtation and wit were blurred between Quincy and Winnie.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the expansion of the world we were introduced to! Can't wait until the next book :)

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic, spirited tale full of depth arrives at a dark and dreadful manor tasked with caring for sets out to rescue the boy with an unlikely companion. A truly unique story full of energy and intrigue that drew me in and kept my mind turning the whole way through. The story lives on past the last page and will leave you in anticipation captivating storytelling blew me away. This author is a profoundly skilled writer and highly look forward to picking publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC! and character. The book follows a Victorian Governess who a young boy who is soon abducted by the Fair Folk. She for more! Absolutely 5/5 stars. The masterful

This is a beautifully written victorian style novel, set in a gothic fantasy land. I did not read the plot beforehand or have any experience with this author but was intrigued by the book cover and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I have never read a book like this before I felt it was a tad long winded at times but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It is based in a spooky manor following the life of the “governesses” Winnifred Hall which you can’t help but admire. The other characters such as Mr Quincy and Oliver (the cat) you grow to like even though they are unconventional. I would recommend this book to any fantasy lovers as it is something unique.

LOVED THIS BOOK. I enjoyed every second I spent reading The Witchwood Knot, from the moment Winnie arrives to serve as the governess to spoiled child Robert at a haunted mansion in England to the very end. Winnie was, in fact, hired not as a governess, but as a magician protector for Robert. When she arrives at Witchwood Manor, she's greeted by Mr. Quincy, a butler with wine red eyes, a cook, and a housekeeper who refuses to live in the haunted house. Luckily, Winnie knows how to handle herself around faeries. But when Robert is kidnapped by fae despite all of her precautions and a human monster begins terrorizing Winnie, she only has one possibly ally she can turn to: the very same Mr. Quincy who was so unwelcoming when she arrived.

This is a gothic romance in an England with faeries, magicians, familiars, and necromancers. Atwater's prose is beautiful, with chapter-long intervals of true faerie stories. Winnie is a flawed character who knows herself perfectly: she recognizes her strengths and her limitations, and she struggles to abide by her own ethical code. Atwater has written a restrained romance with an earned HEA. Mr. Quincy may start out as an ambiguous character, but as he and Winnie work together and begin to understand each other, both they and the reader see how well matched they are. Also - Oliver the familiar is one of the most delightful kitty characters I've read in a while!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

The Witchwood Knot is a gloriously dark yet cozy faerie tale. The story is wrapped in mystery and has a whimsy quality throughout. The fae lore in a victorian setting added an otherworldly feel to the book. Alongside the enigma of the manor there’s a romantic sub-plot. I didn’t expect this as I went into the book blindly but I really enjoyed the slow-burn which crept upon me, it was truly heartwarming. What stood out for me is the FMC. She is great, the strength she shows despite adversity was something to admire. The author explores themes around women and society through this character beautifully. Overall a lovely gothic read. Thank you to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I fell in love with this book piece by piece. The setting of Witchwood Manor and the Witchwood Knot was dark, magical, haunting, and beautiful all at once.

Winnie Hall is a force to be reckoned with as our knowledgeable “governess” who comes to Witchwood Manor under false pretenses. She knows all about the faerie world and its magic. Winnie is just the first in a cast of characters who grow to be incredibly likeable, or despised, take your pick depending on the scale of good vs evil with some morally grey undertones. Oliver the cat being one of my favorites. Winnie finds friendship and assistance in the most unlikely places as she seeks to find a way to break the Witchwood Knot.

This gothic tale is full of ghostly horrors (although not too scary) leading up to a rather satisfying conclusion albeit setting the stage for next books. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!!

This was the first time I read a book like this. A Victorian era fantasy novel was not something I had on my book bingo card, but I’m so glad that I read it. The gothic, dark elements of this book were thoroughly enjoyable. The magic system was compelling and one that I found to be unique. If you want to be immersed into a gothic fantasy with a sinister house and a strong FMC, this is the story for you. With this being said, if you go into to this book hoping for a hard hitting romance, I find that it falls a little short. There was a lot of tension and potential for the two characters, but their romance was rushed and limited. I also found that some of the plot points during the climax and resolution of this story were a bit muddy. Taking into account the numerous other books I have read throughout the years, the FMC, Winnie was one of my favorite characters. Her desires, needs, and morals were so thoughtfully conveyed that she easily became my most routed for character. I would say this book is worth the read just for her character exploration alone. :)

Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.

This is the second book by Olivia Atwater I have read, and it’s very clear to see how much she has grown from that novel to this one.

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic regency faerie tale complete with a haunted house, a mysterious butler, and an ailing Lady of the house.

I loved every second of this book. I was ensnared from the first sentence and the story continued to keep me in its grasp. This is a delightfully spooky and atmospheric fairytale.

It’s amazing how well fleshed out the setting and characters are. Winnie is such a fresh and cunning fmc. She’s witty, cynical, and more than willing to do what’s necessary.

“”Am I weeping, Your Lordship?” she asked him. Suddenly, her voice was calm and sensible again.
Lord Longfell frowned. “You are not, of course,” he said slowly.
“Then I cannot be in too much distress, now can I?” Winnie asked him””

4.75/5 stars

This book releases Nov 28th 2023

Thank you so much to the publishers and NetGalley for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! This was my first Olivia Atwater but it will not be the last. This gothic faerie novel had a dark setting and amazing characters. The main character, Winnie, is a strong and clever character. While there were a few parts of the story where I wish there was a bit more detail, I still really enjoyed my time with this one. Oh, right, I particularly loved Oliver because who doesn't love a ghostly cat familiar??

This was a perfect story to snuggle up with on a cold day and sink into. Though I suspect the previous works probably give more depth to the world and its magic, The Witchwood Knot does well on its own as a gothic faerie tale that left me wanting more but not feeling lost or lacking in anything. The description does make this seem like it’ll be far more of a romance than it is, a fact that I actually really appreciated. I also liked Winnie a lot. She was smart, clever, and capable - a perfect match for the Fair Folk and their tricky ways.

Note: arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for honest review

This! Was! So! Good! This was my first Olivia Atwater but now it definitely won’t be the last. This had everything I could want from a gothic faerie novel- the setting was dark and atmospheric, it was the perfect magical fall read. I also enjoyed reading all the characters, Winnie in particularly was done very well and her character could have easily gone annoying or treacly. While there were a few wonky pacing moments towards the end, I still really enjoyed my time with this one. My main criticism is that I wanted more!

ARC provided by NetGalley

Very much enjoyed reading this one.

Having never read Atwaters previous work, I enjoyed the writing and the style however would recommend others to pick up her other series first as I realised it is set in the same world. Although I believe you don't need to have read her previous work, some of the worldbuilding and characters aren't fully explained in this book and I assume people would get a better idea from the other stories.

I enjoyed the dark gothic feel of this book and particularly loved Oliver because who doesn't love a ghostly cat familiar.

The book is labeled as fantasy romance, although I wouldn't say that there is a lot of romance in the story and I almost wish there had been a bit more of a build up and more romantic moments.

I do believe this is the first book in the series and will be continuing, and I will be picking up the second one to continue the story.

3.5

What a delightful read! I loved Atwater's Regency Fairy Tales so was delighted to discover she'd written a Victorian one! It's clearly the setup for a longer series, but the gothic atmosphere and sensitive reflection on sexual assault was wonderful. I also loved all the tie-ins with the previous series. I can't wait for whichever one comes next!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Starwatch press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Yes! To Olivia Atwater finally going gothic!

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater is a fantasy novel that follows a governess in search of her charge. The faeries of Witchwood Manor have stolen its young lord. His governess intends to steal him back. Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself. Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust?

I hate to say it, but Mr. Quincy kept giving me Silas from Sorcery of Thorns vibes, and I was all there for it. I loved this book because I was wanting something dark and twisted from Atwater, since reading her debut of Half a Soul, and I'm glad to finally have it. Though I had some qualms about the overall plot and the pacing, I found myself quite enjoying this book.

It's the first book I've read by Olivia Atwater and I really don't think it will be the last!

The Witchwood Knot was an enjoyable read that combines elements of gothic, magic and faerie in a novel that can be read in one sitting!

The story is full of events, adventures and especially from the second half onwards really engaging!
The romance part is also very nice, which although not necessary was a nice addition!

I would have preferred the gothic atmosphere to be more present, but instead you can hardly perceive it, too bad!

3.5 ⭐, thanks to Netgalley and the publishing house for the e-ARC!

I quite enjoyed this book. Great twists and turns, clever fae and intriguing characters. I could see this series having several branch offs.