This beautifully crafted book offers a rich collection of characters from various mythologies and legends around the world. The illustrations are vibrant and imaginative, making it a visual delight. The unique setup organises witch archetypes to match the Major Arcana tarot cards - such as the lovers and the pope. This is not a world I'm fairly familiar with, but the stories are intriguing and the artwork magical. Even if the content isn't for you, nobody can deny how beautiful this book is set up.

A huge thank you to Watking Publishing for this ARC!

Absolutely loved everything about this book and its setup. So easy to follow and I love the knowledge of how the tales came about.

Not entirely what I expected but enjoyable nonetheless! It focusses more on mythology and folklore, I think I would have enjoyed some historic witch figures from around the world dispersed in alongside.

This was a great spooky read. The illustrations matched with the story very well, I liked it, I would love to read a physical copy around halloween.

This book was both spooky and fun. It includes an extensive amount of witches many of which I had never heard of. It is well organized but type of witch. The writing was fun and engaging. My favorite thing about this book was the artwork which was outstanding and creepy. This would be the perfect fall read. It would also make a great gift to any fan of the spooky and supernatural. I really enjoyed reading this book.

For starters, I absolutely loved the art in this, though sadly, I found the actual text to be lacking a bit. It just felt that this book didn't quite know what it wanted to be: an encyclopedia, retelling short stories, some sort of creature feature where we are being led around by a horror hostess? I was also quite confused because most of the entries in this book were not even witches. It feels like it should be called something to do with monsters or a play on femme fatales. Honestly, I do hope this finds its audience, it just didn't meet my expectations.

I really enjoyed the art and stories in this book. It really tapped into my witchy instincts. Highly recommend for spooky season and anyone who loves witches!

This book is an absolute gem!! Bringing together facts and folklore with stunning illustrations, this book takes us on a journey through the history of witchcraft. This book is a real treat for anyone curious about the mystical aspects of the world.
The structure of the book was particularly interesting. Alternating between fascinating facts and traditional folklore stories. It took the reader on an exciting journey through witchcraft. The illustrations were a mix of creepy and mysterious. Building a wonderful picture of the history of witchcraft and tarot. I was mesmerised.

The illustrations were beautiful, and it was very informative. However, it wasn't what I expected it to be. I would have preferred more actual stories than a compendium of short entries. I definitely think that it will garner an audience but, it wasn't for me.

This choice was curiosity-driven for me. At first glance, the artwork was a bit dark and creepy for my taste but my respect grew after reading the stories, folklore and magical bits of knowledge. Society has been ‘shaped’ to think in carefully constructed ideals that suite those that benefit. It’s time we open our minds, creativity and hearts to the possibilities of our free will existence! My opinions are my own and I am thankful for this complimentary ARC.

₊˚.⋆☾ thank you NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me begin by saying the book is stunning; the illustrations are outstanding and give the reader depth as you dive into different stories. The physical copy of the book will be a lovely gift for anyone interested in mythology and folklore.

The book is divided into ten distinct chapters about various types of mysterious figures and witches that have been forgotten. The variation of characters from different continents and countries is intriguing and well-researched. Some of my favourites were Alison Gross, Bakeneko, and Merlin.

While it was entertaining, some of the stories could've used more description of why they are implemented and how the characters are important to the Major Arcana tarot cards. Additionally, the folklore and mythology were a bit vague in the descriptions at times and made me lose interest in some of the characters that I would otherwise love to read more about.

Overall, it was a good read with an interesting perspective of those who rarely get the spotlight.

"The Witch's Book of Shadows" isn't your run-of-the-mill witch guide. It's a captivating blend of spooky folklore and in-depth historical details, delving into the world of curses and those who wielded them. While the digital format is handy, the rich descriptions make you yearn for a stunning hardcover edition. The unique content and captivating illustrations make this a 4-star read for anyone with a taste for the witchy, gothic, or just something refreshingly different.

A beautifully written book with a comprehensive view of folklore. This will be a joy to read a hard copy of, I would imagine.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

This book was absolutely beautiful and spooky. Sent to me as a PDF I can imagine as a hardcover it would be even more special.
This isn't your typical 'Witch' book. It's insightful and extremely detailed about past folklore, cursegivers etc. I've never read anything like it!
The illustrations were fabulous.
This book will appeal to anyone who likes witches, gothic history, the supernatural or something a 'bit different'.
Thank you to Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for accepting me to read an early copy to enjoy.

Loved this book and its creepy premise! The art throughout is gorgeous and overall this book is a fun and easy read if you are interested in the subject!

The Book of Forgotten Witches was a delightful collection of witchy folklore from all around the world! I absolutely loved learning about different stories and beliefs from other countries. I also thought the way each section was set up was so unique - a different archetype of witch that directly correlated to one of the Major Arcana tarot cards (i.e. - The Lovers, The Hermit, etc). Super easy and fun read! Additionally, the illustrations were so lovely, I wish there were more!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review!

This is beautifully illustrated and covers a really great range of witches from across the Globe. I found a nice mix of those I was already familiar with and some new ones which I had not yet encountered. The only criticism is the layout. I would consider this a coffee table book, which has the appeal to dip in and out of. However, it lacked the techniques of call outs and and more a magazine feel of different coloured backgrounds to help your eye explore around and draw you in.

We have heard a plethora of versions around the types of witches and their powers. This book is an amalgamation of all that information but, in a sorted way. Divided into 10 chapters, the book takes you through the different classifications of witches, discussing their origins, habitat, power and the folklore surrounding them.

The structure of the book was particularly interesting as the author went beyond just info dumping and also gave us longer stories in each of them. Along with that, you could see that the whole book was held together with an underlying theme of the Major Arcana cards from the deck like a Daedalian series of mysteries unfolding into an unknown path of alchemical transformation.

And oh my God the illustrations in here were so gorgeous, I can go surfing through those pages in an infinite loop. Now I am not really an expert on the subject, but the contents of the book almost felt nonfiction to me 😅. Lastly, here are my favourites from what I read:
• Alison Gross - felt so humane
• Ana, Queen of Keshali - always a fan of these forest nymphs
• Mélusine - destined to repeat the fate of ancestors
• The story of Welmor
• Dragon Sister

Thanks, @watkinswisdom & @balazs_tatrai for the digital ARC
Illustrator: @lillaboleczillustration

P.S: Once the book is out I would love to own the actual hardcover version of it too 😍

#TheBookofForgottenWitches

What an utterly enchanting book - a true visual feast, and a journey through the wide world of witchcraft in all its forms!

I loved the way the book is divided into the various categories of witches, and the ways that these span the continents. I have always been fascinated by the history and folklore surrounding witches and magical creatures - and this is the most beautiful compilation of unique and many tales I had never heard - supported by truly magical illustrations.

I have just pre-ordered 2 copies - one for myself to enjoy in print, and one for a very dear witchy friend. This book will make many a wonderful gift!

Many thanks to Watkins Publishing, Balázs Tátrai, Lilla Bölecz & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.

Absolutely obsessed with the work of Lilla Bölecz and Balázs Tátrai partnering together to deliver this STUNNING book. The illustrations are absolutely stunning in encouraging the imagination with the combination of sharing stories of different... magical beings as well as small biographies about them. I do not care if this is too spooky for my family, I am buying it as soon as it is released and will set it on the coffee table where only the brave... the curious... the witchy will dare to peruse the pages.