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.

I love a dark, gothic and atmospheric witchy novel that draws you in from the first page. When that novel combines folklore, queer love and some history, this witchy reader is in heaven. We all know about the witch trials and the horrors that took place; what we don't know is the stories behind the witches that might have been persecuted. This novel was a perfect blend of fantasy and historical with female empowerment thrown in. I absolutely adored this book and I think that Marielle Thompson is an incredible author who knows how to blend the different themes in this book flawlessly. The way in which Thompson is able to take events that were heinous in nature and turn them on their heads to help bring out the best in the reader is inspiring. This is a book to read if you're a woman for the self-empowerment, a man if you want to know how to empower the women in your lives and every one else in between to inspire you to take control of your own fate and live your life how you wish to live it. I am so excited to see what this author comes out with next!

To be very honest I almost DNF’d this book. The beginning was slow and hard to get through. I am so glad I didn’t though. About halfway through I really became engaged and absolutely adored this book. You see a girl go through so much emotional turmoil and finally start to find herself for it to all be taken away. Then when returning home after hiding for so long and find reasons to fight and engage the wrong in the world that has caused her to hide. It was so beautiful and about so much more than a witch in Edinburgh. It is about being silenced or made to feel less and finding the strength and purpose to stand up and fight for yourself. I loved the underlying themes in this book and would recommend. Thank you Kensington Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for allowing me to read this book.

I appreciate being able to receive an arc for this book, and I really wanted to love it. The storyline itself is solid and strong in women's strength and feminism. I also loved the raw and real portrayal of witchcraft hysteria that plague women who were considered different than the "homemaker, knows-her-place, docile wife". I also liked the villain in the first half of the novel. He was subtle and ominous-hunting with ease and playing on fears anonymously. With that being said, I really didn't connected with Nellie. She starts off young, naive, and fearful, which is well suited for introducing the reader to her and her situation; It's not a good one, and she is desperate for connection with other women. But the constant, repetitive fear and inability to grow and change makes her a very stagnant, and not really likable. She lets fear drive every decision of her life and never moves past it, even when 200 years passes; Jean was a much stronger character and was emboldened with determination and gumption. I also didn't see the need to jump that far into the future with no context for the in-between. I think the story would have been more effective staying within the original parameters of the plot, while hammering the point of solidarity among the followers of Cailleach.
This story had a ton of promise but ultimately fell flat. But I am still glad I read it and learn a bit of history surrounding Edinburgh and women murdered for supposed witchcraft.

Insert the gif of Saoirse Ronan as Jo March - "Women!"

Marielle Thompson has written a very modern tale of historical fiction and the struggles of being a woman. It's an important story, especially in today's political climate.

I think this should be required reading in schools....but LOL, as if that could ever happen.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book

A tragic and heartbreaking story of misogyny throughout history. Starting in Edinburgh in the 1820s Nellie is right in the middle of a war on "witches" with brutal public executions. Being a woman couldn't be more dangerous, with numerous women being accused of witchcraft. There are very few actual witches, that are the women of Cailleach, a deity that helps bring the seasons and renew life.

Disaster strikes which causes Nellie to flee Scotland for centuries. Nellie never plans to return to Scotland, but inevitably fate leads her back. The same evil still has its grip on Scotland, but has evolved from hanging women to more modern forms harsh treatment and oppression, also touching on gender and racial disparities. Having more to fight for, Nellie decides to try and stop this evil once and for all. Although disparities still exist, people more and more are starting to stand up against bigotry and call people out on the inequity and mistreatment of others.

This was a hard book to read. It's just so tragic and, of course, this is a false account, but these things happened and some still happen today. It was a great story, don't get me wrong, but it's super heavy so be prepared. Even with all the tragedy there are still sparks of hope and inspiration. The ending is well worth it!

3.5 stars, rated up

I was ready to love this, and with the first timeline, I was there. However, once the time jump occurred, I didn’t enjoy it as much and found the ending a bit anticlimactic.

However, I’d still recommemd if you’re into well written stories with -
*witches
*magick
*Scottish myth and folklore
*witch trials
*historical fiction
*queer representation
*magical realism
*women's strength
*dual timeline



Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the DRC

In Edinburgh 1824 every woman lives in fear as witch hangings have become a looming threat. Nellie Duncan has recently lost her job in service and is desperately struggling to care for her younger brother and avoid her da's wrath. A chance encounter leads her to Rae Women's Apothecary when she finds companionship and purpose. She discovers a connection to the Callieach, a feminine diety dedicated to the seasons and nature based craft and healing. But an ancient enemy sows patriarchal disaster and destruction and Nellie flees in the aftermath. Nellie spends years in hiding and avoidance until love for a found family draws her back. When a new danger arises Nellie stands her ground facing her fears and determined to protect the sisterhood of women everywhere. This is a powerful narrative of the misogyny and distrust of the feminine that has persisted throughout the ages with a recent resurgence in modern times. Blending Scottish legend and folklore, historical details and forbidden love this is a poignant powerful novel. I have always been drawn to books and articles relating to witchcraft and herbal healing and I feel a close connection to the natural world. Although this is a fantasy novel the emotion and truths depicted within the pages struck a chord with me. I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys a feminist novel that explores the strength and fortitude of women throughout time. The dual timeline was a plot device that worked for me although some readers may find it offputting.

I loved Marielle Thompson first book because I fell in love with how her writing flows...and I'm happy to see that this one keeps that up. It has all the things that I run towards to.....witches, magical realism, feminism, romance, and sapphics.

Wow - this was an engaging and atmospheric read. I went in for the witchy vibes and stayed for the storytelling, strong women, and story of hope. I highly recommend for anyone who loves women's historical fiction with a splash of fantasy.

Book received from NetGalley for review.

This isn’t the book I was expecting but I think it was the book I needed. I will avoid getting political, but sometimes it can be hard to hold hope with the state of the world and this book left me with a strong feeling of hope. In Edinburgh in the 1800’s it wasn’t safe to be a woman. If you used your left hand or wandered after dark or displeased anyone you could be accused of being a witch and hung for it. Nellie isn’t sure what to think when she meets the women of Rae’s apothecary, but despite all of her fears she embarks on a quest to awaken and become a witch with them. When Edinburgh becomes unsafe and her friends are gone she runs and because she is a witch she can run a very very long time. The second half of the book takes place in modern day Edinburgh when Nellie finally ventures home, too tired to be scared anymore. And when the danger appears to be back in Edinburgh this time she isn’t running. I thought this one was very well written and I really liked the characters, especially Nellie.

Love, love, loved this book! It had me hooked on page one and kept me in its grasp until the end. I stayed up all night reading it, because I could not put it down, but then I was sad because it was over. This author is on my top ten list this year.

"For fans of Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary and Alix E. Harrow's The Once and Future Witches, this lush, atmospheric novel from the author of Where Ivy Dares to Grow blends witchcraft, queer love, a vibrant Edinburgh setting, and Scottish folklore for a propulsive and emotional story exploring what it means to resist the patriarchy and find your voice.

In an alternate Edinburgh of 1824, every woman lives in fear that she will be the next one hanged for witchcraft. All it takes is invoking the anger, or the desire, of the wrong person. Nellie Duncan, beautiful and unwed, keeps to herself until she encounters the Rae Women's Apothecary. There, fiery Jean Rae and the other women provide cures and teach others that they too can aid the winter deity, the Cailleach, embracing her characteristic independence, agency, and craft, in turn becoming witches themselves.

Nellie finds a place and a purpose at the shop, and a blossoming romance with Jean, as she learns about nature-based craft and a witch's ability to return to life after death. But the Cailleach has an ancient enemy intent on stripping the power of the deity and all her witches, leaving a wake of patriarchal violence and destruction. When heart-breaking disaster strikes, Nellie flees and spends the next two centuries hiding from the world - until love gives her the courage and the motivation to come back.

Nellie's past is waiting for her there, and hanging witches is no longer the only means of oppression. But this time, Nellie refuses to run - either from her foes, or from her resolve to awaken others to the unimaginable power that can come with fighting the patriarchy in its many forms - and finding one's own magical inner-strength."

I'd like to hide away for a century or two...

This book was fantastic! It had me enthralled from the first chapter with a hook that I couldn't stop thinking about. The dialogue between characters was fantastic and I found myself reading this in a Scottish accent! A true witchy, feminist historical fiction. Loved every second of this!

What a beautifully written book! There is so much that stood out, and the descriptions of witchcraft were so vivid that I felt like I was amongst the witches. An incredible novel.