Another stunning novel by Olivia Atwater! What an absolute treat it was to be able to read an advanced copy. I've read Half A Soul by Atwater before and knew I was in for something special and it did not disappoint!

I love the romance between Quincy and Winnie. It is so beautiful and gradual. The piano scenes are my favorite parts of the book. The setting is delightfully creepy! It’s a perfect read for spooky vibes lovers. Can’t say how much I LOVED Oliver. He was perfect!

Having only read Half A Soul, I was excited to see previous characters again in this book, however subtly, and see how they figured into the plot. I enjoyed seeing these worlds collide, but it was at times a bit confusing to keep up with all the names.

Also, I was a bit perplexed by the Knot itself and why it acted the way it did or how it trapped it’s otherworldly inhabitants. They imply it was some mysterious magician but I can’t remember if it’s said who that ended up being. Also, I think the premise of Mr. Quincy being a butler was more underplayed than the blurb let on. At best he pretends to be a butler once at the beginning and then dresses like one throughout and serves some master. Otherwise, the butler idea goes out the window very quickly.

Some aspects of the plot just felt forced. There were small details that fell through the cracks and had me wanting more clarity, but the overall story was great as a whole.
I thought Winnie was a marvelously intriguing character. She’s smart and sneaky and very relatable. I wish there was more relationship building between her and young Robert. And then a lot of the story we loose out on those genuine interactions.

The climax of the story is almost lackluster after some of the trials in the tunnels below the house. It was even stranger that they go through all these tunnels only to end up in the woods and never getting to where they want to go. Those scenes were much more intriguing than our final battle. I wish Lord Longfell suffered more, and Lady Mourningwood too, since she tormented Lady Hallowvale. I guess she'll never get to prick her fingers a thousand thousand times. I would have loved to see Winnie use more sneaky tricks with our villain because that was such a key part of her character. Then, about half-way through the book, we never see Winnie use magic again which is a bit of a let down. However the last time she uses those cartomancy abilities is probably one of the spookiest scenes in the book! Also, I would have liked to learn more about the capabilities of the fomorach. They're intriguing and I know they are going to play a major role in the future.

If I could give it 4.5/5 I would. There were just a few too many loose ends that set it just shy of that 5th star. Overall the plot is very solid and the characters are well written. The world building is great and the romance is as good as ever! I’d 100% recommend and can’t wait to read more!

Thanks to Olivia Atwater and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ebook.
CW: child abuse, sexual harassment, mention of rape

"Winnie closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. "Oh dear," she said. "It seems a faerie has just stolen all of my unmentionables." — <i>The Witchwood Knot,</i> p. 13

So begins Atwater's latest faerie tale in the world of <i>Half a Soul</i>. Winifred Hall, former ward of the Lord Sorcerer Elias Wilder, has taken the position of governess at Witchwood Manor to protect its young master from the faeries that haunt it and to investigate why all the other faeries in England have disappeared. Neither governess, boy, nor faeries are best pleased by this arrangement.

Although marketed as the start of its own series, Victorian Faerie Tales, this story is deeply enmeshed with the world and characters of the earlier Regency Faerie Tales. The relevant background info is provided in brief through faerie tales told to the young master. But to truly feel the stakes of the overarching (and ongoing) story, readers will need to be familiar with the previous series.

I'll start the heart of my review by saying that I adored Atwater's previous series, so I had high expectations of this novella. It did not deliver immediately. The first few chapters read like a checklist of Victorian gothic romance tropes: spunky governess from the city (attempting to outrun her tragic past) trudges through the rain toward the creepy gothic manor in the mysterious woods because the superstitious local farmer who offered her a ride will not pass beyond the gates of this cursed place. You already know the rest, until about halfway through the book.

The later half of the book is where Atwater truly shines. The characters and plot become more complex as they're situated within the larger world-building. The nature of monstrosity, both supernatural and human, is explored with aching sensitivity (this is where the CWs come into play.) And a truly sweet, if somewhat rushed, romance blooms.

In the end, this novella provided the delightful mix of gothic vibes, quirky characters (OMG that ghost cat!), and subtle social commentary that I so wanted. The wait is worth the payoff and I'm already looking forward to the sequel.

4.5 stars

This was a lovely gothic story, perfect for cozy reading in the fall. I loved Winnie’s characterization and felt that the examples of the different ways survivors of SA process their trauma were respectfully handled and realistic. The romance was very sweet despite the horrors happening in the manor, haha! I wish we had been able to see the true monster of the story suffer more - he was a colossal piece of garbage. I hope we get to see more of Winnie, Mr. Quincy, and Robert in future books!!! Also, I would die for Oliver. What a good bean. Thank you for letting me read this ARC! :0)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I'm so glad I got to read The Witchwood Knot early. I loved all the previous books I have read from Olivia Atwater and I knew I had to read this one. The Witchwood Knot was quite darker than I expected but I loved it. It was a perfect fall read. Winnie was a great main character and I loved her journey. Her undead cat Oliver was adorable. I like how wicked fairies are in Olivia's books. Mr. Quincy was a very interesting character and I really liked the relationship between him and Winnie. Overall this was a very enjoyable story and I would highly recommend it.

This dark and twisted novel following a young woman in a mysterious and eerie victorian manor. It screamed spooky season vibes to me so I had to pick it up. This book will be published in late November, fitting the muddy season the story is set in.

I received an advance readers copy vie NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Had it not been for my two fluff noses, I could've easily binged The Witchwood Knot within a night. It pulled me in from the beggining when the alleged butler Mr. Quincy greets our MC Winnie just for her to find out that there hasn't been a butler in weeks.

The house itself loomed over Winnie from early on and it was clear that something queer was going on. Lady Longfell and Winnie were especially lovable characters. Winnie seemed a bit naive at first and I feared she might be one of those know-it-all women in books but she turned out to see the fault in her own naivity when it mattered. There was also great chemistry between the characters and our MC and also between other characters like Cook with Mr. Quincy and, though a negative chemistry, it was believable how Mr. Longfell and his son didn't seem to share much love for one another.

I liked how the theme of consent was handled by Olivia Atwater and Winnie's reaction toward certain words and actions by men came across sensibly and were believable. I liked that the book portrayed different reactions of women who found themselves in abusive relationships and manipulation throughout their lives.

Small details from the first chapters reappeared later on, giving The Witchwood Knot a tad more mystery. Along with the threats inside the labyrinthine multifaceted house, the cast of characters and the mysteries fit together perfectly for a dark, spooky book.

There is an open ending and the next book in this series of Victorian Faerie Tales is listed in the end. The book ties in with pther books by Olivia Atwater, though you don't need to read them first.

4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve been loving Olivia Atwater’s books since Half a Soul and The Witchwood Knot is no exception—I would even say that this story got under my skin and is now my favorite novel from her so far. Great praise, indeed.

The first thing you need to know is that The Witchwood Knot is a spin-off from Atwater’s Regency Fairytales trilogy, and if I’m sure you could enjoy it without having no prior knowledge of the world, I strongly advise you read her other books—and the first one, Half a Soul, in particular—before diving into Winifred’s story. First because Half a Soul is fantastic, and secondly because there is a fair amount of nods and cameos that I would hate for you to miss.

As a haunted mansion story, The Witchwood Knot will delight readers who want the gothic vibes but who would like to keep sleeping at night, thank you very much: it’s not devoid of horrors, but everything is filtered through Winifred’s gaze and well, she’s the best, so it never gets too scary—or at all, really. As always with Olivia Atwater the writing flew and I fell into the story instantly, even though I was battling covid at the time. There’s always something so very comforting in starting one of her books, and The Witchwood Knot didn’t disappoint.

Still unsure? How about this: the characters are well-rounded and very likeable; to see them reclaim their freedom—from their fears, from others—felt like a blessing. The slowburn romance made me feel so much: the emphasis on consent and respect was everything and I adored them together. I’ll admit that I’ve had quite a few of their scenes on a loop in my head for a few days now. MY HEART.

The story ended with a bang and I can’t wait to see where Olivia Atwater takes her series next. I need the sequels already, please and thank you.

The Witchwood Knot was something special and I have a feeling I will be recommending it in so many videos in the future. It's a book that I think has the potential to work for a variety of readers, but it feels like it was written just for me. I am 100% preordering a copy for my shelves and I could see myself reread this every October. I mean... Her familiar is an undead cat!!!

I'm seriously in love with the vibes. It was deliciously gothic and grim and dark and wicked... all my love!
I adore the setting so much, and the story matched the setting well. LOVE the building tension between Winnie and Mr. Quincy. The cook and Robert were lovely characters too. I love everything about this book!

A gothic romance involving faeries, necromancers and the spirits of cats. Winifred Hall is employed as a governess to teach the grandson of a dowager who is confined to an old mansion under the control of faeries. The father of the boy is an overpowering Lord who is taken with Winifred's beauty although she is immediately aware that he is not a GOOD GUY. At night the house slips into the realm of Faerie and magical creatures appear and torment/use the inhabitants for entertainment. A magical story with characters I want to read more about and OLIVER!! My favourite skeletal cat in a book ever!

I was so excited when I saw Olivia Atwater had another book about faeries coming. In the same vibe as her Regency Faerie Tales it did no disappoint. One of my favorite reads this year so far.

It’s a more dark and eerie gothic story but with the same whimsy style. I liked Winnie’s no nonsense and straightforward personality. And who’s doesn’t love a familiar cat and a grumply faerie butler with a tail. Also the nod to past characters was an added bonus.

Thank you to Netgalley, Starwatch Press and Olivia Atwater for the ARC.

"But I am not strong- I am surviving. It is the simplest, most difficult thing in the world, because I have no choice."

"The world would be more comfortable without us, Miss Hall," he said. "But I have never troubled myself overmuch with making other people comfortable. I would rather carry a knife.

I guess I'll be here waiting for the sequel. The Witchwood Knot was such a fast paced, fun read with amazing characters. I hope there is an audiobook in the near future because it would be a great listen. 4.5 stars (obviously... it's an Oliva Atwater novel) Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I honestly loved this. This is my fifth book by the author and I think it's probably her strongest and most polished work yet. 4.5/5 but it's very likely it'll become a 5 whenever I re-read it.

Vibes:
This is a gothic, haunted/cursed house story about an attractive young woman who has a favor called in by an old friend to protect her grandson from the haunted house she's tied to and can't leave. It's moody and a little dark, occasionally a tad gory, but ultimately a cozy horror. The house has bad vibes from the moment she touches it, there's haunting music coming from the piano in the conservatory, faces in the walls and a disconcerting butler. There's at least one monster in this house.

Overall:
This was such a fun read that I don't want to go over much of it so y'all can experience if for yourselves. The romance (mentioned in the blurb) is very slowburn and absolutely sweet and chaste and respectful. The monsters are threatening without being overly scary or unrealistic. The plot is straightforward (even if the house passageways are not). And it was honestly just a really lovely time.

Oliver (her familiar) is a cat, and he is dead, and he is the best. <3

This book was so cozy and a perfect read for this fall season. A witch and an undead cat are the ultimate combination for a gothic read!

Winnie is such a powerful and fantastic MC with no-nonsense and iron grip will. I loved her interactions with Mr. Quincy, even though he is such a sly character. A superb read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"The Witchwood Knot" by Olivia Atwater is a mesmerizing dark faerie tale set in a magical version of Victorian England, where the line between the mundane and the mystical is delightfully blurred.

Winifred Hall, a Victorian governess with a keen sense for trickery, finds herself in an extraordinary situation when her young charge is transformed into a block of wood overnight. Winnie soon realizes that the boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk, who dwell in the mysterious Witchwood Manor. The lord of Witchwood Manor, however, is a man who staunchly denies the existence of faeries, leaving Winnie with the daunting task of rescuing the young lord all by herself.

As Winnie embarks on her mission, she discovers that Witchwood Manor is far larger and more enigmatic than it appears, teeming with otherworldly perils and secrets. Along the way, she enlists the help of Mr. Quincy, the faerie butler with a charming facade concealing dark and unsettling mysteries. With her quick wit and determination, Winnie delves deeper into the heart of the Witchwood Knot, where alliances are uncertain, and danger lurks at every turn.

Olivia Atwater's prose is a masterpiece of elegance, perfectly suited to the gothic fantasy genre. The atmospheric setting, characterized by its eerie and haunting qualities, captures the essence of Victorian haunted manor vibes. The blend of romance, ancient magic, and spine-chilling monsters creates a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued from start to finish.

Winnie is a captivating heroine—a brave, no-nonsense woman who refuses to be defined by societal norms. Her complexity and determination make her a character readers can't help but root for. Mr. Quincy, the faerie butler, adds depth to the story with his enigmatic nature and the allure of hidden truths.

"The Witchwood Knot" is a captivating and atmospheric gothic fantasy romance that beautifully blends the supernatural with the historical. Olivia Atwater's storytelling prowess shines, making this novel a delightful addition to the genre. If you're a fan of dark faerie tales, Victorian settings, and stories with complex heroines, this book is a must-read.

"Today," Winnie told the mirror calmly,"I will be wicked and manipulative. And I will not feel guilty for it-not even for a moment."

Reasons to Read The Witchwood Knot:
- It has a MC who has no time for bratty children and entitled men
- She also has an undead cat familiar and no-nonsense attitude
- Her adventure involves a cursed manor, a monster, and wicked faeries

I found The Witchwood Knot to be a captivating and fast paced, I devoured in a single sitting. Atwater ties in references to the previous books in the Regency Faerie Tales series to ground the setting of this one without bogging it down with repetitive information. The plot was amazing and the romance was endearingly natural. The undead cat familiar added the perfect touch to this gothic faerie tale balancing dark and comfort perfectly. The Witchwood Knot is by far my favourite of this authors and a perfect autumnal read.

Thank you Netgalley and Starwatch Press for giving me an advance readers copy in exchange for a honest review. All quotes come from an arc and may change.

One of my favorite MFCs of 2023, governess Winnie is knowledgeable, no nonsense, and prepared for (just about) any eventuality. She has come ready to tackle the issues at Witchwood Manor along with her magic perfume and undead cat. Mr Quincy, the butler (maybe) is far more intrigued than the cook, and Winnie won't be dissuaded by a bratty boy or, you know, whinging walls.

Everyone has secrets, and discovering them was so much fun, so I will not spoil too much. This was my first book by @oliviaatwaterauthor and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Thank you @netgalley and Ms Atwater for allowing me to review this book!

First off, a witch with an undead cat?! I immediately fell in love with that bit alone. Add some fairies, and a spooky tale and it's off to the races.

I loved Mr. Quincy from the beginning and he is as sly as they come but not sly enough for Winnie.

This is the perfect book to get you in the mood for spooky season and the ending will leave you smiling.

Thank you NetGalley, Starwatch Press and Olivia Atwater for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of the author's novels and since they were all very good, I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed, indeed, with Winifred Hall as the main character being so well portrayed, I think this is the best novel I have read from this author. The novel gets straight into the story and it is a real page turner. Highly recommended.

I think this is my favourite from Olivia Atwater yet! I absolutely loved her Regency Faerie Tales trilogy, and this was, in my opinion, even better. It had the same cozy fairytale vibe, and the story was very fast-paced and unputdownable. I read it in pretty well a day!

I adored Winnie. She was such a great main character, and she has an undead cat, which is pretty great too. There were also a ton of references to characters in previous novels in the universe, and I loved seeing the familiar names! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, whether you've read Atwater's other books, or if you're new to her work!

The vibes are immaculate 🤌🏻

The writing was extremely well done, I was captivated from the beginning all the way through the end.

The FMC is such a bad a**, she’ takes no crap and is so unbelievably brave. I wish I could be more like Winnie 🫣

If you love Victorian era with a bit of magic this is for you! There’s also faeries and a cat ANDDDD romance if you need more convincing ;)

I’m now an Atwater fan!!