Title: Antenora
Rating: ★★★★☆

In the atmospheric debut that is sure to resonate with fans of "The Year of Witching" and "Slewfoot," we delve deep into the enigmatic tale of Nora Willet. Set against the fervently religious backdrop of Bethel, Alabama, the story unravels the disturbing events surrounding Nora, a figure both vilified and mythologized by her community.

From the outset, Nora is portrayed as a misfit, later demonized as possibly possessed. Her narrative is heartbreakingly sketched through the eyes of her childhood friend, Abigail Barnes, whose account shifts between intimate confessions and desperate pleas for Nora’s return. Abigail recalls the horrors of a bloodied eighteenth birthday, a snake mysteriously brought back to life, and their secluded moments at the lakeside, providing glimpses into the tender yet tumultuous bond they shared.

The novel expertly weaves themes of religious extremism and forbidden love, casting a critical eye on the dangers of blind faith and societal exclusion. As the story of the girls' innocent affections unfolds, it threatens to upend the very fabric of their tight-knit community, branding one as a traitor to a homeland fraught with secrets and denials.

While the book brilliantly sets a chilling and somber mood, its true triumph is in how it captures the intricacies of fear and the consequences of otherness in a small town. Though the narrative may feel constrained by its shorter format, limiting some character and plot development, it remains a compelling read.

For anyone drawn to stories of eerie folklore entwined with human drama, this book offers a poignant exploration of friendship and the harsh scrutiny of an unforgiving community. It stands as a powerful reminder of the thin lines between sanity, superstition, and survival.

Very enjoyable southern gothic horror. I'm going to keep my eye out for more from the author. Really enjoyable.

Cloistered in a fervently religious community, secreted in the Appalachian Mountains, Nora bucks against the constraints of expectation. Does demonic possession explain the mounting deaths? And can she be delivered from Satan?

I wanted to love this but I needed more. This read like a 3-star outline for what could have been a 5-star novel. There is a beautiful, haunting longing threaded through the harsh strictures of a life where women often celebrate their wedding day and 18th birthday simultaneously. I hoped to see that explored more than was possible in a short story.

I received this arc for free on netgalley.