The Last Witch in Edinburgh is a powerful and atmospheric novel set in Edinburgh and spanning two centuries. It’s a beautifully written book about patriarchy, misogyny, climate, gender, intersectionality and queer love. I loved the way the story was constructed and how it used metaphors to deliver a powerful message. It begins in 1824 when women are being accused of being witches and hanged left, right and center. It’s mainly the story of Nellie Duncan, who encounters the women of Rae Women's Apothecary and her entire life changes. She learns about witches and witchcraft while falling in love and trying to keep herself safe from a powerful adversary. When disaster strikes one night, she is forced to flee and spends the next two centuries trying to keep herself safe. Then she finally comes back to Edinburgh reluctantly, only to realise that the adversary is still there and more powerful and this time she won't flee. The character arc is great. The story is powerful. The best part is how atmospheric it is and the audiobook really helps with that. I loved the climax. It might be a bit ambitious especially in the aftermath of everything that has happened recently but I think that's the role of fiction. To give hope. I definitely recommend it if you are into historical fiction or literary fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh was a highly anticipated book release for me. Everything from the title, cover to the description checked all my boxes. I love historical fiction mixed with witches.

Let's start with what I liked: the narrator, Siobhan Waring, has narrated a couple other books I've read and I enjoy her voice. The cover is breathtaking.

What I didn't love: Unfortunately, the story just didn't keep my interest. I didn't notice the time element in the synopsis. I really enjoyed the first half with Nellie in her original timeline. The book perfectly illustrated how much hatred for women existed. To be a woman was to be hated by man. I think I would've liked to see more of that time period play out. Once centuries passed, I didn't connect with Nellie as much.

But I think most readers will enjoy that this offers a unique element to a historical fiction/witch book so I say still check it out! Thank you to NetGalley, Marielle Thompson, Siobhan Waring, and Cantor Audio for the opportunity to read The Last Witch in Edinburgh. I have written this review voluntarily.

The Last Witch is a very direct message on current events. It makes use of an alternate reality where the witch hunts we know from history repeat themselves. Powerful feminist issues are portrayed from a slightly different perspective. While I agree with the overall message and found the supporting research to be compelling, the story itself felt a bit obvious

Thank you Marielle Thompson, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for my advanced review copy.

Plot - 3
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 3
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 2
Final Score - 3.4

From the very first moments of "The Last Witch in Edinburgh," I was captivated by the richly imagined alternate history of 1824 Edinburgh, where the spectre of witchcraft looms over the lives of every woman. Marielle Thompson weaves a hauntingly beautiful tale that explores not only the fear and oppression associated with witch hunts but also the empowerment and resilience of women who dare to embrace their identities as witches.
Nellie Duncan, our protagonist, starts as a quiet and unassuming woman, living in the shadow of the potential for violence and persecution that accusations of witchcraft bring. However, everything changes for her when she discovers the Rae Women’s Apothecary. Here, under the fierce guidance of Jean Rae and her fellow witches, Nellie begins to understand and embrace her unique gifts. The magical lore, particularly the connection to the winter deity Cailleach, fascinated me as I followed Nellie's journey from a fearful young woman to someone who realises her inner strength and purpose.
What I loved most about this novel was how Thompson explored themes of feminism, oppression, and patriarchy through powerful character arcs and their relationships. The bond between Nellie and Jean blossomed into something beautiful, yet the romance was only one thread in a rich tapestry of sisterhood, courage, and resistance against malevolent forces. While I expected a heavier focus on their romantic relationship, I found that the emotional depth of the story far exceeded my expectations. Their connection felt authentic and poignant, rooted in mutual respect and the shared struggle against the oppressive world around them.

Siobhan Waring's narration elevated the entire experience. Her voice brought life to the characters, skilfully conveying the emotions and tensions that permeate the narrative. I was particularly moved by her ability to capture the nuances of fear and defiance, which resonated deeply as I immersed myself in the story. The atmosphere was intoxicating.
Thompson’s exploration of witchcraft as a lens through which to view historical and societal injustices was both thought-provoking and relevant. It was a stark reminder of the real women who have endured on the fringes of society, accused and condemned, merely for being different. I appreciated how the narrative connected past to present, showing that while the methods of oppression may evolve, the roots of patriarchal violence persist. This novel serves as an illuminating commentary on our societal structures.
I also found moments in the story that touched on the spiritual and magical aspects of the narrative to be unexpectedly profound. Although such elements leaned a bit more towards "witch religious" themes than I initially anticipated, I appreciated how they added layers to the characters’ journeys. It’s not just a tale of survival; it’s a celebration of women crafting their destinies amidst chaos.
"The Last Witch in Edinburgh" left me feeling a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, empowerment, and a strong urge to reflect on the roles women have played throughout history. This book will linger in my mind long after finishing it. Marielle Thompson has wonderfully crafted a story that both haunts and inspires, and I eagerly look forward to diving into more of her works in the future.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a novel that masterfully blends history and fantasy, while boldly addressing themes of oppression and courage, "The Last Witch in Edinburgh" is an absolute must-read. It's a haunting yet beautiful tale that will resonate with anyone who values the strength of women and the fight for autonomy.

STUNNING book. i loved the narrator as well. the accent and the ability to act truly blew me away and i could not stop listening. i had seen such good things about this book and i’m so glad to say it was rightfully so!!! every second was captivating and i already want to reread it

I was lucky enough to read the book first, and I absolutely loved the story, so I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio book too. The voice acting was excellent, and I was immediately pulled into the story. If you like women's fiction, historical fiction, LGBTQ+ representation you will LOVE this book!

Nellie has been caring for her household as long as she can remember. Her mother died bringing her little brother into the world and her father spends most of his time exerting his dominance over his children and drinking.

When Nellie loses her post as a lady’s maid because of the lady’s husband’s roving eyes and hands, she’s desperate for work to support her brother. She finds it in a lady’s apothecary. But this work is dangerous as a fever is sweeping the city into a frenzy and leading to the deaths of many women for being a little too independent. However she can’t refuse the sisterhood, love, and knowledge she finds among the women of the apothecary.

When terrible things do happen Nellie runs. And stays running for 200+ years with the extended life she’s been granted.

But home will always call to her.

Ultimately this a book focused on toppling the patriarchy with a veneer of magic.

I love reading about the history of witch trials and what brought them about. It wasn't about burning witches. It was about patriarchy. Men blaming women. Women blaming other women. It was a time of growth for evangelicalism, and whoever didn't fit that norm could be called a witch. This book was an interesting novel to listen to, based on these dynamics. It was a bit more "witch religious" than I expected, and not my favourite parts, but as a whole I loved the book and appreciate the fiction mixed with reality.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC .

The Last Witch in Edinburgh follows Nellie as she lives through a witch hunt and faces her greatest enemy centuries later. I loved the setting, the premise, and the narration. I struggled with the pacing a bit, and ultimately this book reminded me of another and paled in comparison. If I had read this book first, I believe I would have enjoyed this one more.

Narration by Siobhan Waring was outstanding!

I received an ARC and ALC from Kensington Publishing | Kensington and Tantor Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalleg and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audiobook.
Beautifully narrated, this book was very thought provoking on how misogyny morphs over time.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an audio copy of this book. I am a fan of this author and have been looking forward to this book for so long!! She is a master at writing atmospheric books. What really started to captivate me was Nelly’s relationship with her “daughter.” I loved their story and hearing how much they cared for each other. The book really took off from there and I enjoyed it!!

This book was absolutely perfect and Siobhan Waring did a fantastic job recording this work. As an avid romance reader this didn't feature the relationship as much as I expected but I did not care. Everything about this book was hauntingly beautiful. The themes of feminism, opression, the patriarchy, and courage to live a life you can be proud of will stay with me. I look forward to reading more from Marielle Thompson.

This is a powerful story of love and empowerment set amid witch trials. It was incredible to see the stories of queer and trans people represented in this time period and to see the power of women when we rally together. This is going to be a beloved read for folks who loved Claire from the Outlander series!

I'm beyond grateful to have received an audio ARC of this book! Siobhan Waring brings this characters to vivid life in a way that made the audiobook experience feel like watching a movie.

What a great book. I loved both sections - and the fact it was a dual timeline book told in chronological order, hallelujah!! - and Nellie as a character. I was a bit concerned about the time jump, since it comes so late in the story (I even had to decide whether or not I considered it a spoiler, but since it's mentioned in the summary...), but in practice it works extremely well. I wouldn't mind seeing a few short stories fleshing out Nellie's time between 1824 and 2006.

The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson is a harrowing tale of fear, survival, and women's rights. Set in Edinburgh in 1892, we get a peek into the dangerous lives of women as an evil force convinces mankind that all women are witches. In reality, there are only a few, but they are strong and resilient. They are the women of Cailleach, the winter deity, and as they aid her, they gain lifesaving powers.
Nellie and Jean Rae, with the support of Cailleach, face down the evil that seeps through Edinburgh in a centuries long battle.
I felt all the emotions with this book. Although it is a fantasy novel, it is based on truth and lore. For centuries, women all over the world had to fight accusations of witchcraft or cultural equivalents. I love books that fight or at least document this history and portray women heroins. I definitely shed tears for this gripping story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Media, for an advanced copy of The Last Witch in Edinburgh, in exchange for an honest review. This book is on my top read list for 2024.

Narrator Siobhan Waring's soft and lyrical voice brings this story to life. She has the amazing ability to breathe emotion into her words.