This one will win awards this year. This was a love poem to feminine energy, to appreciating feminine power and beauty. Perfect for the fall, reading in a little cafe with a flannel on was the best decision I ever made!

I really enjoyed this new take on a classic genre. I loved the weaving of Scottish folklore with alternate Scottish history, witchcraft, feminism, and patriarchy. I found Nellie to be a really interesting and motivating character and I really liked the way all of the women of the story interacted with one another.
I think the themes of this book are often quite heavy. It really explores the effects of misogyny, patriarchy, trauma, and fear on women and other marginalized communities have faced not only historically but currently. Honestly, this made the book a little hard for me to read at times. It was just one bad thing after another and there are very few lighter moments to break up it.
Overall, a very solid, feminist-heavy, witchy read that I rather enjoyed.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson. Women’s rights, witches, and magic.

I rated this 3 stars.

Set in Edinburgh 1892, different time lines, quick and engaging read. Nellie Duncan finds the Rae Women’s Apothocary, where women help to cure those in need. They honor Cailleach, a deity, when they help her she repays by giving them powers.

I enjoyed the book but there were a couple loop holes and said but not shown moments.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Nellie Duncan lives in an alternate Edinburgh in the 1800s—one where women are hanged as witches in the town square. Nellie doesn't fully believe in witches; but one night, as she's helping her drunken father keep watch for resurrectionists, she sees a woman brought back to life: one she'd only just watched hang.

This discovery leads her to Rae Women's Apothecary, where certain women of Edinburgh care for the locals and fight for the winter deity known as the Cailleach. Those who fully embrace their role as the Cailleach's daughters become "witches" of a sort: gifted with longevity and a second life. As Nellie finds a lover in Jean Rae and a place among these women, the Cailleach's jealous son fights back, seeding the ground with hate for any woman who might serve her. And decades later, when Nellie returns to the site of her defeat with her adopted daughter, she discovers she's not as alone as she thought. Not only that, but the battle against Angus and his withering summer heat must be fought with new tactics.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh brims with love of all sorts: romantic, familial, the love between friends, and the love between mentors. It also speaks a lot of often-forgotten truths about violence against women—notably, that women can be guilty of it, and that men are not born violent and hateful. In its latter half, it does occasionally suffer from the same issue as many modern books with a message: a seeming uncertainty about whether or not it's speaking the message clearly enough, leading to the dialogue to drive said message home occasionally being stilted and reading more like a college course than a narrative. That, however, is the only real downside of an otherwise engaging and heartfelt novel.

New fall read dropped!

If you watched the Barbie movie and wished it was darker, had witches, and got a little sapphic....oh boy do I have the book for you!

Brief overview:

Set during a revival of witch trials in Scotland, Nellie and her brother live with their drunk father after losing their mother young. Nellie meets a group of women in an unlikely situation that show her a different path may be possible for her.

My thoughts:

This book had beautiful prose, the writing between the two time periods was so distinct it was easy to feel the time shift, as opposed to just using modern technology to show the time jump. The story is, overall, about the power of girlhood, inclusivity, and community. It also expresses the challenges faced by those that don't conform to the standards. I absolutely love the historical references at the end, showing the root of the inspiration for the story.

I was stuck between giving this book 4 stars or 5. I am going with 4, only because there were some slow spots that made me want to take a break and pick up a different book, but it was totally worth it to push through!

eARC Review: The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson ❄️

How can I write out this review without it sounding too complainy/negative? There were elements that I really loved and others that just really didn’t. It honestly jumbled together so weirdly that at some point, I found myself rather bored with it and that just hurt because I was really wanting to enjoy it. 😩

I’ll start with the positives. I LOVED the focus on the Cailleach and her son, Angus. It really brought Scottish folklore to life for me. The other thing I also really enjoyed in the story itself was the focus on wise women and how integral they were to the community despite the efforts to get rid of them. 🍶

Sadly though, as much as those elements made me love the story, in some way it also hindered it. For one, the use of the god love as the main antagonist felt rather . . . Odd. I could see how the author wanted to show how the mother-son battle has lasted centuries, but it just didn’t work for me using a deity of love to spread hate in Edinburgh. ☹️

The wise women of the story have power, but it’s more told to you than ever really shown. In fact, the book was FILLED with a lot of telling instead of showing. The reader is TOLD that the witches have great power, but never really shown other than through tinctures and homeopathic treatments; the reader is TOLD about how men are bad, but never really shown anything to back up the claims; and the Cailleach is SAID to be an incredible being who helps her hags, but never once makes an appearance. I was honestly getting so bored of being told things that I found myself picking up my phone more often than actually reading. 🤦🏻‍♀️

And the main character, Nellie. Oofta. . . She’s so afraid of everything that it honestly was getting rather exhausting hearing about her weak and selfish excuses to remain back and hide. That and her continuous hatred of men and her continuous yapping about how bad the patriarchy is because of them felt like I was getting preached to. Like girl, I know the patriarchy is bad and that men can be trash, but are you going to do anything about it except HIDE and COMPLAIN?? 🙄

While the author left a wonderful research and author’s note at the end, this just fell horrible flat for me in the end. If we had stuck to a character like the love interest of Jean, I might have had a better time reading. 🫤

Thank you goes out Kensington Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Publication day: August 20

Overall: 2.5/5 ⭐️

I've been absolutely loving all books witchy over the past year and this one did NOT disappoint! The Last Witch of Edinburgh starts in the 1800s with Nellie Duncan, a young woman who lost her mother at a young age and had to grow up quickly to care for her brother and dad - still alive but lost in his grief. Nellie has learnt the hard way that physical beauty can draw attention that she doesn't want, but through a series of unexpected turns, Nellie meets the Rae women - a family that teaches her of the Cailleach and how to support her as a witch - and from there her 200+ year life is forever changed.

In the book, we learn about the killing of witches (women) in Scotland, of Scottish folklore including Cailleach and her family, that witchcraft isn't necessarily spells and devil worship, found families and fighting for what matters. While it is considered sci-fi/fantasy, I would consider it to be more magical realism - there are no epic battles or spell casting, more utilization of Mother Nature and her resources.

I really loved the strong female characters and how Thompson connected the witch killings in the 1800s to sexual violence in the present day part of the story, all while connecting it back to feminism in a patriarchy ruled society.

I would recommend this book to lovers of magical realism, historical fiction, womens fiction and those interested in Scottish lore/mythology. Books with similar topics and themes of witchcraft would be The Lost Apothecary, The London Seance Society, Weyward, and The Change (no historical fiction component).

I want to thank Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read The Last Witch of Edinburgh in advance of it's publishing date and Marielle Thompson for writing a book with such strong female characters and addressing the important and ever present topics surrounding equality, womens rights and the patriarchy.

A slightly shortened/edited version of this review has been left on Target.com and Amazon. Links will be shared up the websites notifying me of their approval.
Will also be uploading my Instagram review shortly.

4.5⭐️

It’s early 19th century Scotland, Edinburgh 1892 to be precise, and there’s not a street nor a hiding place in which a woman is safe. The wrong action, word or place could see you strung at the end of the nooseman’s rope. Accusations of witchcraft abound and Nellie Duncan is about to experience the perils of dabbling in things society deems she ought not to.

Ancient mysteries and teachings of the craft come
thick and fast from the learned women of Rae’s Apothecary but too soon the darkness that hunts them all sends each scattering in different directions. In Nellie’s case, the question is how far can she run? And when she stops to catch her breath, has enough time passed to make returning home a safe option or will Edinburgh always be a dangerous place for women folk of her “ilk”?

I absolutely adored this book, it has been a breath of fresh air and a story I’ll return to time and again. Author, Marielle Thompson weaves a captivating tale of magic and reflection that spans timelines, the dark days of the witch trials and societal norms. The whispered stories, dreams, fears, screams and powerfully emotive resistance in the name of survival are delivered so beautifully in this well-written novel with its meticulously depicted characters.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh is an historical fictional piece that speaks of social and global concerns that are relevant both in our past and present. For me, it is a reminder that what has taken centuries to reclaim can be rescinded in a moment. Like wildfire, the loss of our hard-fought rights are easily snuffed out by a series of strategic moves, or a singular catastrophic vote.

This is definitely a keeper and one destined for my shelves!💫

My thanks to Marielle Thompson, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for sending the ARC of this book.

Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, given freely and without incentive.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson is a spellbinding tale set in an alternate 1824 Edinburgh where women live under the constant threat of being accused of witchcraft. Nellie Duncan, a solitary and unwed beauty, finds herself drawn to the Rae Women’s Apothecary, a haven for women seeking both healing and empowerment through the winter deity, the Cailleach. As Nellie embraces the apothecary’s teachings and her own burgeoning powers, she also finds love with the fiery Jean Rae. But their growing strength attracts the attention of an ancient enemy bent on eradicating the Cailleach’s influence, leading to devastating consequences that force Nellie into centuries of hiding.

Thompson weaves a rich narrative of magic, love, and resilience in the face of patriarchal oppression. The novel beautifully explores themes of female empowerment and the enduring fight against societal constraints, all set against the evocative backdrop of an alternate-history Edinburgh. Nellie’s journey from a fearful woman to a powerful witch who refuses to hide is both inspiring and poignant. The Last Witch in Edinburgh is a captivating read that resonates with anyone who has ever sought to find their own strength in a world determined to keep them powerless.

I started this book and enjoyed the world building of 1800’s Scotland and learning about the witch trials of the day. But then the book kinda goes off the rails after the main character starts working at the apothecary and I just couldn’t finish. DNF’ed at 23%

I really enjoyed the drama in this novel.

This story starts with the hanging of a witch in the Grassmarket of Edinburgh. Nellie witnesses this horrible tragedy. The woman being hanged looked right at her. The leads Nellie to search out the Rae Women’s apothecary. These women are of the deity Cailleach. These women provide cures and treatments to other women. But they have a dreadful enemy. And when violence breaks out Nellie runs! She stays hidden for several centuries until she has to come back to Edinburgh and it changes her whole world!

I savored the strength of these women! This time period is not kind to them. But through intelligence and creativity they manage to stay alive and live to fight another day.

This is not my usual genre. It is a bit more mystical than I usually like but the characters and the setting were too good to pass up! And hey…fall is around the corner. Time to start these fall reads! And I highly recommend this one!

Need a good, witchy, historical fiction tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I really enjoyed The Last Witch in Edinburgh. This book which starts with a witch hunt in Scotland in the 1800’s and ends in current day Edinburgh was entertaining, yet infuriating. The misogyny and oppression is just unreal, and the sad thing is that it really isn’t unreal, as we can see it happening still today.

Based on the Scottish lore of the Callieach, this book fed my desire for all things Scottish. The description of past and present day Edinburgh made me feel as if I was right there in the city. The character development was good, the plot was engaging, and reading about the witch trials was upsetting. The range of emotions felt in this book was wide, from anger and sadness to hope and happiness. All the things a good book should make you feel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, this book was just wonderful.

The writing is beautiful. I've never in my life highlighted passages, but there a few that just spoke to me so much I had to.
The characters are great. I love the dichotomy of Nellie and Jean. Ones too scared and timid and wants to hide to protect herself and her lives ones. The other angry and brash. I like how their relationship explored those two ways of dealing with things.
The themes are excellent. I'm sure all women can relate to much of this book. I love how the witch hysteria of hundreds of years ago and that deep unsettling dread and fear morphed into spikes drinks and being brushed (if not outright told) off to protect the assaulters future and a sense of helplessness because what can we do when this has been happening forever and nothing ever really changes. I liked the way it was weaved in with the tale of the Caillleach and Angus and their struggle. Heck, I even liked the authors notes where she talked about the folklore surrounding that myth and it's history.
And I loved that it included trans women and nonbinary people under its feminist umbrella and acknowledged that woman of color struggle even more.

A historical fiction that collides with modern day feminism through the story of women who have been victimized throughout history. An interesting look at the plight of women, particularly those in Scotland, throughout history.

Well done alternate history in a very atmospheric Edinburgh. Fans of novels about witches will enjoy this one for the strong female characters and the positive messaging about friendship and love that pulls the women through the prejudice and trials . Thanks to netgalley for the aRC. A very good read.

Until I visited Scotland in Spring 2023, I never knew they had experienced their own witch trials and the frenzy that came with them. I was horrified and fascinated to learn some of the dark history of misogyny, oppression, and persecution. When I discovered The Last Witch in Edinburgh, my curiosity was immediately piqued. I mean, a sapphic historical romance about witches in my favourite city? Plus that gorgeous cover? Sign me up!

As a lover of Edinburgh, one of the things I loved most about this book was the setting. It really showed how little Edinburgh has changed over the last two centuries. I was able to picture every single place that was mentioned, and it felt like I was walking the streets with Nellie. The writing was wonderfully atmospheric, and the underlying sense of foreboding made for a compelling read. I loved the themes of feminism, fighting the patriarchy, defending the rights of women and marginalized people, and righting wrongs - both personal and otherwise. This was a story of hope, perseverance, resistance, and survival, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

3.5 stars. The messaging of this book is, though heavy handed at times, powerful and relevant. The world building of the fantastical elements were pretty straight forward and easy to follow; however a tell rather than show method was sometimes enacted to explain these elements, with long scripts of monologue or dialogue by our main cast. Nonetheless, the parallels between the 1824 Edinburgh of fear-mongering and witch trials and the 2022 Edinburgh of rampant sexual assault and the hateful laws and university sanctions that empower this abuse and silence women was clear and impactful.

The antagonist, Nellie, is a pretty passive one. The outspoken and angry personality of her lover Jean is used throughout the book to foil Nellie’s fear. I did appreciate that ultimately the novel acknowledges that fear is healthy, and accepts the many possible traits of women as possible contributors towards feminine power. Unfortunately, some of these revelations came a bit late or without having earned the character development accompanying them.

Overall, this was a pretty well written story of the nuances and power of women coming together. Unfortunately, poor pacing took its toll on my rating here. The first 50% became a bit repetitive, and relied too heavily on internal narration by the main character rather than plot development. On the other hand, the time-skip moved a bit too quickly, introducing characters that our lead had a strong emotional attachment to without building that connection for the reader. While simultaneously other established characters were written out such that I questioned their presence to begin with. The second half of the story was better paced, but still fell a bit anti-climatic at times, and ended in a way that felt inaccurate to the reality of the world building.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this book.

This is a heartbreaking, hauntingly beautiful, and uplifting story of what it is to be a woman and a witch. The author manages to weave a story that draws you in and makes you believe that her version of the past must have been true. I really appreciated the way she portrayed queer/sapphic romance in both the past where it had to be hidden to the present where it could be shared openly in some places.

This book has two distinct parts, one written in the past where the evil is hanging witches and one in the present where the persecution of witches / women is hidden in new more subtle ways. It is a wonderful way to show the changes in how women have been beaten down in the past to how they are still shoved into small boxes in the present. Also through Nellie we see the growth of one woman and how she learns first how to find her truth and then how to be proud of her truth and share it with the world.

The way witchcraft and what it is to be a witch in this book is a refreshing take that one that isn’t written often lately. She presents an amazing fictional story that presents an almost educational history of women’s place in the world and how they earned the right to be true to themselves and live authentically. Highly recommend to anyone who likes have a little heartbreak in their uplifting urban fantasy/ historical fiction novels.

**Features:**
- Historical fantasy set in Scotland
- Traditional witchcraft married with Scottish mythology
- Focuses on female independence, power, and voice in a time of patriarchal oppression
- Women helping women
- LGBTQ romance and explores themes of gender identity (mostly focused on femininity)

Though she had seen many women hanged for witchcraft, Nellie never truly believed witches existed. That is, until she saw a woman pop out of a grave the very day she had been hung. Whether by fate or circumstance, Nellie soon finds herself working side-by-side with the witch and her family in Rae Women’s Apothecary. However, the more she learns to embrace the independence and strength required of all true hags of Cailleach, the greater danger she finds herself in. For nothing in Edinburgh is more dangerous than being a woman.

Like many witch stories, this book has a strong feminist message and explores what it means to have agency as a woman in a male-dominated world. This book manages to find a good balance between oppressiveness and warmth and depicts female empowerment in a way that fits its dual timeline incredibly well. The magic itself is tied into Scottish mythology, which I thought was really cool. Though there are definitely some bigger ‘acts of magic’, as a whole I would say it is closer to magical realism and is explained in a simple but satisfying way. I love a good witch book and the only thing keeping me from giving this a perfect score is the main character Nellie. Though hard to connect to, the fearful lens through which she views her life is completely understandable and makes the earlier parts of this book extremely compelling. However, I did not feel like she ever really evolved past this point and it made her more and more annoying as the characters and story itself seemed to move on without her. Despite this, I quickly devoured this read and think it will make a perfect fall read!

**A tale of two worlds**

From the very first paragraph, this book creates an Edinburgh that feels cold, oppressive, and isolating. Nellie’s fear and feelings of helplessness as she navigates this environment only enhances this feeling further. However, behind the doors of Rae Women’s Apothecary, there is space where all women, witch or not, can be heard and seen free from fear. The starkness of the world outside of the shop only serves to highlight the little things Nellie (and the reader) come to admire about the women in the shop and the purpose of their craft. This book truly stands out through its focus on creating a safe space for others and finding power in that space rather than more direct conflict. I think I found the modern parts of the book a little less compelling because it loses some of this aspect, but it still never loses the balance it creates.

**Why Nellie?**

In this world, witches or ‘hags’ get their abilities by serving the Cailleach. Though there are many ways to do this, one thing is key; the hag must ‘take up space’ and embrace her independence. As someone who is journeying into this world, one would expect to see Nellie start to reflect this new way of thinking and being. However, even though Nellie becomes more readily understanding and accepting of these qualities in others, she never really seems to embrace it herself. Since she never truly conforms to one of the key requirements to being a hag, it becomes hard to believe in her journey of becoming one. Ultimately, I didn’t feel like Nellie was ever fully invested in her own story and that made me question her as the lead character in a story like this.

I have always really enjoyed reading about witches. I
Alot of innocent people were killed for no reason during that time. The story follows Nellie in Scotland in 1824 during a tumultuous time where women were hung in the town square for being a " witch". She ends up meeting a group of women who she befriends and become her family. An awful event happens and Nellie moves away from the area. In 2022 Nellie returns to Scotland to battle her demons from long ago. Overall the book was good and thankfully was a short read.