Such a fun and captivating read!

I'll admit that it was a bit darker than I originally expected (tw: sa), but I got lost in the Knot all the same! This was such a perfect combination of Victorian era and faerie tale. The characters were easy to root for (or loathe) and the dynamic of the "-wood"s was really interesting. I also love that the story wrapped up enough that I feel closure, but I still can't wait to read the next one!

I just love Olivia Atwater's writing at this point. There are very few authors who could pull off writing a dark gothic faerie tale that but also make it feel cozy, even with the sense of looming danger still present at the end. Which I'm very excited about because I expect it means we should hopefully be seeing more sequels in this world in the future. Though at this point I think I'll be reading anything Atwater writes whether it's set in this world or not.

In particular I love how she writes her female characters, who win by their wits more often than being boxed into being more traditionally powerful; as well as how she has a real light hand with romance, with slow burns and chemistry that feel believable. And with a great hold on atmosphere, you really felt the gothic coming through with this one. Would recommend to anyone who likes the fey, the gothic, or just general alternate histories with magic thrown in.

The Witchwood Knot is a beautifully woven tale that I found both enchanting and deeply satisfying. This story is rich with folklore, magic, and a sense of timelessness that pulled me in from the very first page. Set in a world where the boundaries between reality and the mystical are deliciously blurred, we follow Elara, a young herbalist with a secret past, as she navigates the dark and mysterious forest of Witchwood. The forest itself is practically a character, teeming with life, secrets, and ancient magic.

Elara’s journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, and I loved her fierce determination and quiet strength. She encounters spirits, fae, and a bit of a “knotty” history that binds her fate to that of the forest, all while uncovering truths about herself that had long been hidden. The author’s prose are lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the world and its inhabitants.

The pacing of the book was a bit slow at times, a touch wordy and bordering on “purple prose”, but this is a minor quibble (and I can’t say I always dislike this kind of wordiness) in what is otherwise a beautiful read. If you enjoy magical stories like Spinning Silver or The Wolf and the Woodsman with a strong, introspective heroine and a touch of dark magic, then The Witchwood Knot is probably for you.

Olivia Atwater venturing into gothic fantasy with a dark faerie tale is still cozy, just… dark. For those looking for romance, it's there, but buried beneath the strong female lead, Winnie. I don't mean that in a bad way. She is strong and cold as a cover for her trauma (TW: sexual harassment, coercion), and throughout the story, she discovers a bit of herself that's been taken from her. Only then do you find the romance, which I appreciated.

Winnie is smart and strong, and Oliver the undead cat was delightful. I also love that there is a bit of this Disney trope—tales where you discover the villain isn't actually evil. The author does this so well with the mythology she weaves into the story. This was a great Summerween read!

A highly recommended read! This is a gripping magical realism and gothic fantasy of Faerie curses, black magicians and darker beings even the Fair Folk fear. This is a new take on haunted houses, Faerie curses in a stellar gothic gaslamp. Perfect for fans of The Emily Wilde Series and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
Atwater has created a unique magical realism and gothic fantasy universe which is reminiscent of draws recent Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susana Clarke and clever feminist protagonists similar to Angela/A.G. Slatter’s The Briar Book of the Dead and Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands series by Heather Fawcett.
In this gothic romantic fantasy, the brooding atmosphere of Witchwood Manor reluctantly welcomes protagonist, Winifred Hall who must confront her fears in order to repay a debt and save a child stolen into Faerie. Witchwood Manor, built from prized local woods and cursed by the Faeries who are now trapped within the magical binding of Witchwood Knot which also entraps their powerful enemies, the undying Fomórach. Luckily, Winifred Hall is no spinster governess as first appearances would suggest but a black magician well-versed in the rules of Faerie. Even this challenge is one she faces with caution to return Faeries to England, break the curse of the Knot knowingly releasing the imprisoned vengeful Faeries and the far deadlier Fomórach. If vengeful faeries and their enemies the Fomórach are not enough danger, the manor is transformed into to a nightmarish Faerie domain during sleep and Winifred must also out-manoeuvre a much more human monster also lurking in the house.
Atwater writes splendidly clever, capable and compelling characters to weave faerie folklore, legend and Victorian history into this romantic gothic fantasy with a flair for adventure, high-stakes bargains and a satisfying conclusion to this first book in a new series.
Conclusion

A highly recommended read! This is a gripping magical realism and gothic fantasy of Faerie curses, black magicians and darker beings even the Fair Folk fear. This is a new take on haunted houses, Faerie curses in a stellar gothic gaslamp. Perfect for fans of The Emily Wilde Series and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **

I have absolutely devoured everything Olivia has written and this book was no different. As with her other books, regency faerie tale series, this was a fun fast read. I loved that it referenced characters from other books but you don’t need to have read them to enjoy this one. Winnie and Mr. Quincy may be my favorite couple to date.

I went into this not knowing it was connected to her Regency Faerie Tales series (which I have not read yet) and I am for sure going to have to pick up Half a Soul now. I loved this so much! Her writing calls to me as a reader. It’s whimsy and dark and Winnie is such a character. Love the world. Chefs kiss all around.

I love this book! It was so perfectly balanced with spookiness, romance, mystery, intrigue, even some horror elements as well. Just a masterclass in balancing light and dark. And Winnie was such a great main character.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in The Witchwood Knot and relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into it but I can still see why this would appeal to others.

This book is an absolute gem, blending Victorian mystery with dark fantasy in a way that is both captivating and chilling. The story of Winifred Hall, a determined governess, venturing into the treacherous depths of Witchwood Manor to rescue her stolen charge is thrilling from start to finish. The author masterfully weaves a tale filled with suspense, rich world-building, and complex characters. The enigmatic faerie butler, Mr. Quincy, adds layers of intrigue and danger that keep you on the edge of your seat.

What’s particularly impressive is how this book echoes the brilliance of the author's last work. Once again, the author delivers a narrative that's both beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant, making it impossible to put down. If you loved their previous book, you’ll be delighted to find the same sharp wit, clever twists, and immersive storytelling here. This book is not just good; it’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and Victorian fiction.
Personally Love the work and would like to recommend it

Ok, so not quite the witchy read I was expecting! This was an eerily dark folklore faerie tale full of dark magic and curses, of two worlds, Witchwood Manor and Witchwood Knot. It had labyrinth vibes throughout with unsettling themes of male manipulation, sexual harassment, power and fear. It's most definitely not a light-hearted adventure read, but it is written in a way that will have you transported into another world.
An atmospheric and dark fantasy which would be perfect for Halloween reading

Oh I LOVED this. The atmosphere, the characters, the plot - literally everything. It was much darker than I expected, but after finishing I think this will be a must read for spooky season.

"This world devours those who are too bold - but those who hide
and refuse to take risks are also taken unaware by danger".

I did read that this book was set in the same world of Half a Soul, but
I didn't think we would have the chance to see so many connections, so I was
extremely surprised when some of the characters I knew came back.
Of course even if it shares a universe with the previous book, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone read.
What I appreciated the most were the vibes, the haunted house, the enigmatic butler...
All these mysteries were what kept me hooked.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

After devouring Atwater’s other books last fall, I expected something similar from the Witchwood Knot, which I did get, though it couldn’t convince me as much as the Regency Faerie Tales Series around Dora and the others. I think my main problem with the book was the many allusions that were made and the kind of purposefully vague conversations the main characters kept having, which did make sense in the context of the story, but if you only ever allude to what they could be meaning, you sometimes lose your readers, as in my case. I just didn’t always know what they were going on about and that left me confused and a little frustrated.

The protagonists were interesting though, Winnie was clever, very strong and had an interesting backstory, though I wished we would have learned about that a little bit earlier. Mr. Quincy was definitely an interesting opponent for her, who was wonderfully morally grey. I wasn’t a big fan of how their dynamics developed during the book though, the ending was fine, but inbetween I wasn’t convinced by the sudden changes their relationship underwent. The whole family stayed a bit bland tbh, but it was okay as they didn’t play such an important role.

One strong point I already liked in the Regency Faerie Tales and which was even more pronounced in this book was the criticism of oppressive structures. In this book we have a fmc who is very wary of men (and rightly so) and who protests the problems classism can create, especially for women in that era. Some of the topics are similar to Atwater's other series but that doesn't make them less relevant.

The writing was good again, easy to read and follow and nothing to complain about. So all in all a solid start into the Victorian Faerie Tales, which are definitely more on the gothic horror side of Faerie Tales, compared to the fluffier Regency Ones, but that’s fair, even though it might not be my personal preference. Thanks to Netgalley and Olivia Atwater for the free ebook!

Olivia Atwater's *The Witchwood Knot* is an enchanting blend of gothic romance and dark fantasy, offering readers a journey into a magical version of Victorian England where nothing is quite as it seems. The story follows Winifred Hall, a determined governess, as she navigates the eerie and mysterious Witchwood Manor in search of her young charge who has fallen victim to faerie mischief.

Atwater's writing is lush and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world filled with both beauty and menace. Her ability to craft a setting that feels both otherworldly and grounded in Victorian sensibilities is one of the novel's standout features. The gothic elements are well-executed, creating an eerie ambiance that permeates the story without overwhelming the more tender, romantic aspects.

The romance between Winnie and the faerie butler, Mr. Quincy, is a slow burn that unfolds with subtlety and care. Their interactions are charged with tension, yet there’s a delicate balance of charm and mystery that makes their relationship intriguing. Atwater avoids heavy-handedness in their romance, opting instead for a more nuanced exploration of trust and vulnerability, which suits the gothic tone of the novel perfectly.

However, while the novel excels in atmosphere and character dynamics, it can feel a bit slow at times, with the plot taking a backseat to the mood and setting. Some readers might find the pacing a touch uneven, but those who appreciate a richly detailed world and character-driven narrative will likely find this a minor issue.

Overall, *The Witchwood Knot* is a compelling read that will particularly appeal to fans of gothic romance and fairy tale retellings. Its unique blend of dark fantasy, intricate character development, and a touch of romance earns it a solid 4 stars. While it may not be a perfect read for everyone, it’s a beautifully written tale that lingers long after the final page.

The Witchwood Knot is a mysterious and slow burn gothic romantasy. The book is set in the world of Atwater’s Regency Era Faerie tales, but time has passed on and the Victorian era has started. The change of the era is done masterfully. The atmosphere is completely different, which is also emphasized by the gothic setting.

At first I wasn’t sure if there would be any romance in this book. The main character Winnie is certainly not looking for any. She is a strong and determined no-nonsense heroine. The butler of the house, Mr. Quincy, is a mysterious and sly fae. It often isn’t certain whose side he is really on. In the end the romance part of the book was very slow burn. I liked how things progressed subtly and naturally without it being too obvious. It suited the mysterious air of the book and its fae. I am not a fan of gothic horror, but I liked this book very much! Can’t wait to see what Atwater does next!

GENRE: fantasy romance
TROPE(S): slow burn
POV: single
THEMES: haunted house, fae, cat ghost
ATMOSPHERE: gothic, victorian
TRIGGERS: spooky, child abuse
STARS: 4,5 / 5⭐️

Calling all gothic/witchy/folklore lovers, you should read this book!

The Witchwood Knot follows the character of Winifred, who's been tasked to help unravel the mysteries of the cursed Witchwood manor and protect its young heir from the dangerous fae that lurk in the shadows.

I had such a good time reading this. The writing is atmospheric and enthralling. I loved Winifred as a character, she’s clever and strong-willed, proving herself to be a match for the cunning fairies she encounters.

Her magical abilities were also really well written and her ghostly familiar was a particular favourite of mine!

While this story is steeped in mystery and folklore, there is a sweet and earnest romance that unfurls too which I thought was really nicely done and helps move the plot along well.

There are some darker themes woven into this story too, ones that, though subtly explored, genuinely made me feel uneasy, so check the content warnings before reading.

Overall, this is a great slice of Gothic romance with a lot of heart and I greatly look forward to reading more of Atwater’s books. (There are definitely some references to her other books in this tale, but it's not necessary to have read them before this one)

A delightful dark fairy tale - while it's a follow-on from a previous book, it works perfectly well as a standalone. An exciting adventure, and the cool and collected Winnie was a wonderful protagonist.

Olivia Atwater is such a hit for me. Her characters are fun and many I would say are autism-coded but they are not shunned for their weird ways or unsocial nature - in fact those qualities are usual foundational for resolving plot issues that arise and I love it. I hope Atwater does more in this vein.