Instead of being a simple and dry retelling of folklore this book presents a very well researched and accumulated collection of myths and historical insights, creating a fascinating and captivating work of writing that everyone that is interested in witches, demonic forces and the supernatural should read.

This was an interesting book for anyone interested in the history of witches. It delves into witches from every walk of life, race, and religion.

This was a fascinating take on folklore and history, as the book features a variation of which in each of the ten chapters. I listened to the audio format, and was entranced by the tidbits I learned from around the world.

*many thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

What a great book! So much information was provided that I had no idea about. Thanks so much to the author!

Such an outstanding and creative way to present a collection of folklore and history on the subject of witchcraft.

I loved the structure of this, as well as the tone and approach of its narrator. It’s a lovely mix of an encyclopedic guide to types of witches and witchcraft and collection of related tales.

The stories here are all excellent and serve as a terrific way to exemplify the different types of witchcraft discussed. It allows the whole text to flow really well, so you don’t ever feel like you’re reading a dictionary while still absorbing a lot of information.

In all it’s just a great way to teach history, and I would love to see more nonfiction structured this way, especially that which relates to subjects that pair well with myth and folklore. I also highly recommend audio format for this book if reading that way is an option for you. The structure of the book is perfect for the format, and the narrator does a lovely job.

🔮THE BOOK OF FORGOTTEN WITCHES: DARK AND TWISTED FOLKLORE STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD compiled, written and edited by @balazs_tatrai and illustrated by @lillaboleczillustration was such a fun, interesting listen! Thank you to the author, @netgalley, and the publisher, @dreamscape_media for the audio-ARC.

I am a big fan of witchy books. It doesn't matter if it is a YA fiction title or a nonfiction exploration of the global witch trials that have taken place all over the world, if it is witchy, I am probably gonna check it out. That is why I grabbed this title on a whim not knowing much about it except that it was witchy and folkloric - say no more!

It was really fun to hear stories about familiar witches such as Baba Yaga but also to be introduced to witches from all over the world I had never heard of. Each story is unique and has cultural undertones from its place of origin. I loved learning about all these witch stories and will certainly try to grab a physical copy at some point for my folklore reference library and to see the illustrations!

The audio was brilliantly narrated by Frances Butt and her voice was an excellent choice. This would be an excellent gift for a witchy friend, an aging goth auntie, or a reader who loves folklore tales.

This book is written in a peculiar way, which made it incredibly interesting.

The narrator seems to be breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the reading, almost expecting an answer at some points, which was a lot of fun.

If you are someone who loves facts and learning or is even doing some of your own research of different witches through history and from around the world, this is definitely the book for you. The facts are short and sweet.

To end each chapter, there's a full short story of one of the tales or legends of one of the witches, which is a nice break also from a bit of a list of witches from history.

Again, I do think this is a great book for those who love readearch and history. It is a great starting point to learn more.

Not for me. I requested this to read in October, as I always like to stock up on "spooky stories" to get me in the Halloween mood. This wasn't quite what I expected, and not my favorite.

While I appreciated the audio and the narrator was excellent, the way the book is written is more as a reference tool or guide and the book or a PDF companion is necessary. I absolutely loved the witches/creatures covered and will be purchasing a physical copy for my own book shelf.

This was a temporary Did Not finish for me. I listened to almost 80% of the book and I just wasn't retaining anything or making any connections. HOWEVER, the narrator has a lovely story telling voice and I absolutely want to pick this book up in a physical copy to read myself. The stories all sound so interesting, but as an audio they confused me.

As a lover of history, witches, and folklore this book was so incredible! The illustrations are gorgeous and the stories so unique and unforgettable!

I don't think the audio does any justice for a type of book such as this one. I would have preferred to either have read it alongside the physical or ebook format, or read it in one of those two formats exclusively. I think my rating would change then.

"The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World" by Balázs Tátrai and Lilla Bölecz is a nonfiction book almost like a textbook. It is about the legends of various kinds of witches around the world and throughout time. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Frances Butt. She did a great job!

Unfortunately, I think the audio version really missed a lot of beautiful art of paintings of witches and tarot cards that accompany each chapter. The chapters each cover a different type of witch.

Chapter 1 is about Curse bringers like Baba Yaga from Russia and other Eastern European countries.

Chapter 2 is about Shapeshifters such as Kitsune from Japan and Cerridwynn.

Chapter 3 is about Survivors and Fortune Tellers and discusses the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-3.

Chapter 4 is Avengers such as Aisha Kandisha or Deer Woman, who gets revenge on predatory men.

Chapter 5 is about the Mesmerizers who are not really evil, like Kapo in Hawaii.

Chapter 6 is about Well Wishers who use their powers to help others such as Marie LeVoe, Morganne le Fay, and the blind Itako witches in Japan who could communicate with the dead.

Chapter 7 was about Alchemy and the alchemists such as Cleopatra and Isaac Newton.

Chapter 8 is about the Immortals such as vampires, the Hazel Witch, and the Jiang Shi, who are zombies. In this chapter, they talk about Elizabeth Bathory, the witch who married the vampire.

Chapter 9 is about Nature Witches like the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, in the King Arthur stories. Also, in this one is Glueska, who created the mountains in NH and Vermont according to the Abenaki Indians.

Finally, chapter 10 is about Fate Turners and Time Travelers. Mentioned here are Merlin, Lilith, Eve, and Hecate.

Each chapter ends with a short story depicting one of the witches in that category. These stories were my favorite parts.

I found the content interesting but also intense. I took notes and could only listen to one or two chapters at a time. I think it might be useful as a reference book, but it isn't especially suitable as a book to read and even less so as an audiobook.

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Balázs Tátrai and Lilla Bölecz for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I loved learning about some lesser known witches throughout history, and was especially excited to see that these stories were from all around the world!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I absolutely adored this book. Lots of creepy spookiness compliments extremely interesting background information about the legends, stories, and tales, giving the reader plenty of information about the time and people that would have known these stories.

Definitely worth reading or listening to (the audiobook is cool because it preserves the oral tradition these tales would have been shared) if you're interested in folktales or even just if you'd like a little fright!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

The Book of Forgotten Witches is a captivating exploration of dark folklore and mystical history from around the globe, offering readers (and listeners) a spellbinding glimpse into the lives and legends of witches—both real and legendary. Lilla Bölecz and Balázs Tátrai have curated a collection of witch stories that feel timeless and atmospheric, steeped in magic, persecution, and resilience. And with Frances Butt's haunting narration, this audiobook becomes a truly immersive experience.

This beautifully crafted collection is not just a tribute to witches but also a deep dive into their varied roles across cultures. From curse-bringers and shape-shifters to survivors and nature witches, the book introduces us to witches of all types, reminding us of the fascination—and fear—that has surrounded them for centuries. What’s particularly refreshing is how the authors move beyond the familiar Western depictions of witches, bringing in lesser-known stories from around the world. It’s a global, inclusive journey into a "moonlit world" of magic that feels both rich and educational.

The ten chapters, each linked to a card of the Major Arcana from Tarot and a stage in the alchemical process, add layers of meaning to the stories. This structure transforms the book from a mere collection of tales into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As you learn about these powerful and feared figures, you’re invited to reflect on your own inner transformation, drawing wisdom from the experiences of those who came before. It’s a lovely touch that gives the book an added sense of purpose beyond storytelling.

Frances Butt’s narration complements the dark and mysterious tone of the stories perfectly. Her voice carries a weight and gravitas that brings out the eerie, magical nature of the tales. She skillfully shifts her tone to match the story’s atmosphere, from chilling moments of terror to quieter, reflective passages. Butt’s delivery adds a layer of enchantment to the listening experience, making it feel like you’re being guided through an ancient world of forgotten magic.

The accompanying illustrations (in the print version) are described vividly enough to leave an impression even if you're listening to the audiobook. Their eerie, otherworldly nature enhances the stories’ dark themes, making this collection as much about visual art as it is about folklore.

However, with over 80 witch stories from around the world, the book occasionally feels a bit dense. There are moments where the narrative could have used a little more pacing or a deeper focus on individual stories, as some legends feel glossed over. That said, the vast scope of the collection is impressive, and the diverse range of witches—both male and female—offers a lot to explore.

Overall, The Book of Forgotten Witches is a beautiful, dark, and enchanting collection of witch lore. With its unique blend of folklore, Tarot symbolism, and illustrations, this book provides more than just an exploration of history—it offers a journey into the heart of magic itself. Frances Butt’s engaging narration elevates the experience, making it a must-listen for anyone drawn to the mystical and mysterious. Whether you’re a lover of folklore, a Tarot enthusiast, or someone with a fascination for witches, this book will leave you spellbound.

I loved and enjoyed every story, and it was beautifully narrated. A wonderful work to get to know more about witchcraft and witches around the world ❤️

I loved The Book of Forgotten Witches tremendously! This book is full of folklore and stories from around the world, definitely weaves history and story together effortlessly. I really enjoyed the writing and it's clear the research and dedication that went into this work.

The frame on this thing was nearly unbearable. The stories were only okay, prolly not worth the...enduring.

Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of Forgotten Witches weaves folklore and history into an interlinking collection of stories that ask us what exactly is a witch? We take the fool's journey (yes, that of the famous tarot card), and end up in a library with a narrator who regales us with stories of the past.

I found this book enjoyable, and I think it would easily fit into a folklore curriculum.

I will say the narration got a bit muddled in audiobook, but overall it was an educational and witty read.