Really enjoyed this historical fantasy about witches helping with WW2. I worried at first about the mix of fantasy elements with real historical figures, but the author entwined the two really well so nothing felt ridiculous, it just added to the world. I loved the characters and appreciated the diverse representation, my favorite by far was Rebecca. I loved how scrappy and quick thinking she was. The writing was snappy and it felt like we were going at such a high pace the whole time, which I love. My biggest note is that I wish the ending gave us a bit more insight into what happened next with the characters, but overall had a great time with this!

Hitler’s fascination with the occult has been documented. So what if Churchill was offered the assistance of witches in WWII?

That’s what this debut novel explores when an old friend of the Prime Minister, the Grand Mistress of the Royal Academy of Witches, does just that. Hoping to turn the war efforts in Britain’s favor, even as she goes against her vow of secrecy. This is not well received among some of her sisters or The Grand Council.

The book follows Miss Lydia Polk, apprentice to Grand Mistress Isadora Goode, and as each section of the book takes us through the war and the ways in which the witches do their part, we see how she changes too. Also how the power contained within a grimoire could change history forever.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in an alternative historical perspective or a what if mentality. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this debut author.

I would like to thank Viking and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an arc of this title.
A Resistance of Witches is a fascinating debut novel that incorporates witchcraft into a historical wartime setting. In this story we follow Lydia who is such a delightful character to follow. She's clever, witty, and loves so deeply it's impossible not to love her journey throughout this book.
Morgan Ryan has artfully intertwined history and fantasy in this story with a decadent prose that keeps you turning the pages. As I was reading this story I was constantly thinking about what was going to happen next and was so concerned over where the characters were. It's truly so special to have a book that keeps you wondering even when you are not actively reading the pages.
I will be looking out for anything that Morgan Ryan writes as she has a true gift for storytelling and I'm eager to read her writing again

5 star Read!

I picked up this book because it was the only one that interested me on the Reading Challenge on GoodReads for the Debut Darlings Bookmark. I had low expectations going in. I had also requested it on @netgalley for an honest Review for an ARC copy.

This story instantly grabs you. Best way to compare is think Marvel’s Agatha Circle in Captain America fighting the ‘Red Skull’ while being Indiana Jones!

It’s fantasy with World War 2 aspects and drama! It was an exciting adventure with twists and turns! I shed a few tears and fully enjoyed this tale!

@thegracegray did an eloquent and phenomenal narration while seamlessly switching to English, French and NOLA accents!

@authormorganryan has a great future ahead if stories like this one keep coming out!

#morganryanbooks
#witchesandworldwar2
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#vikingpenguin #penguinbooks

I really enjoyed A Resistance of Witches! From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its mix of magic, tension, and atmosphere. The world felt unique and alive, and I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold. The characters were one of my favorite parts because each of them had depth, flaws, and strengths that made them feel real and relatable. What I loved most was how the book wove in themes of identity, belonging, and empowerment without ever losing the excitement of the plot. It was both emotional and thrilling, and I didn’t want it to end. Definitely a book that sticks with you after reading!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ – You had me at WW2 and witches!

I really enjoyed this historical fantasy set in an alternate universe where the Nazis are using witches to hunt down a deadly book called the Grimorium Bellum, which grants its owners terrifying powers. Our main character, Lydia, is stubborn, loyal, and determined to uncover the Nazi witch traitor who infiltrated the Royal Academy of Witches and get to the book before they do.

My favorite characters were Lydia’s mom and Rebecca, a fearless French resistance fighter. I loved the magic system (each witch has a single specialty, like Projectionist or Traveler), giving their abilities a focused, distinctive feel. The story also weaves in paranormal elements, ghosts, and even a touch of voodoo, which kept me hooked throughout.

Would recommend it for any fans of witches and WW2 fiction, as this is a very unique premise that I have not encountered yet.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Okay I'm annoyed I let this sit on my TBR shelf for so long. I think the idea of reading a WWII book while living through Cheeto fascism was off putting. I WAS SO WRONG. This book is a surprising addition to the fantasy genre that somehow touches on voodoo, wicca, an evil sentient book, nazis, and british spies all without being contrived. And yes things were bleak most of the time, but Ryans storytelling highlighted the ability of people to persist and find magic in unexpected places. I loved the intersectionality of the characters, their magic, and the stories that made them. Then Henry made me cry. Rebecca made me cry. Even Lydia made me cry. I swear I don't usually cry.

4.5/5 with an unabashed roundup to 5 for GR.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free ARC in return for an unbiased review.

The pretense of this book drew me in. WWII has begun and London is being bombed, and a coven of witches volunteers their skills to Churchill to help England win the war.
Lydia Polk is descended from a potion witch and is tasked with finding magical objects before Hitler’s troops can get them. However, tragedy strikes when a Nazi witch infiltrates the coven and steals the valuable book Grimorium Bellum, which grants the owner frightening power.
Lydia has to get the book back before the Nazis find it and realize it’s power.
This is a fast paced read, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received at a complimentary Dr copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars "A historical fantasy debut set against the backdrop of World War II, where a witch journeys to find a book of unspeakable power before it lands in Nazi hands."

Lydia Polk is second in command for a coven of British witches during WWII. She is tasked with harnessing her magical powers to recover the Grimmorium Bellum before it falls into Nazi hands who will use it to promote their evil purposes. She befriends Rebecca and Henry, who is alluring and handsome. Things are more complicated because of a traitor in the midst.

It's a race across Northern Europe against the clock, which creates a lot of tension and the need to turn pages quickly. This historical fantasy is unique and is perfect for the quickly approaching spooky season.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking, and Morgan Ryan for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. The audiobook performance is excellent. 🎧

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Morgan Ryan, and it absolutely won't be my last.

This was a fun historical fantasy centered in WW2, and I loved every minute of it. While I usually stay away from Nazi content, this story was so different and well-written that it pulled me in completely. The characters, especially Lydia, were so well-developed and realistic, which made their difficult journey feel all the more compelling. I honestly don't have a single complaint about this book. It was exactly what I was looking for, and it kept me guessing and fully invested from start to finish. I will absolutely pick up whatever Morgan Ryan puts out next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start off by saying that I absolutely adored this book. The cast of characters were diverse and well done. I loved how much care was taken with the setting and historical nature of this work. No matter how gruesome and grisly the subject matter, the author never shied away from depicting life as it was, and that is very much appreciated by this reader. Nothing came easy for these characters, it was all earned (quite literally) by their blood, sweat and tears. Particular care was taken with the subject of grief and redemption, and of remaining true to oneself in the face of true adversity.

All in all, this was a solid debut for this author, and I very much look forward to reading from them again!

4.5 stars rounded up!

An alternate historical view of WWII where witches of Great Britain join the fight against Hitler and Nazis. Gripping, tense, and oddly lovely when viewing the mother/daughter relationship of the MC, as well as the importance of true friends. I read this slowly, absorbing the detail, the atmosphere, and the relationship nuances.
Hard to miss the parallels to current times, though I'm not sure that was the author's intention.

Morgan Ryan’s A Resistance of Witches is a lush, immersive fantasy novel that masterfully blends magic, political intrigue, and romance against the backdrop of a richly built world. This book stands out for its fresh take on witchcraft, weaving together themes of rebellion, identity, and power with compelling characters who defy expectations.

A Resistance of Witches is set during an alternate WWII where a secret society of witches in Britain have joined the fight against Hitler. Our fierce protagonist, Lydia, is a witch tasked with tracking down an ancient book of unspeakable power before it falls into Nazi hands. This was an absolute page-turner! Ryan seamlessly blends history with fantasy to craft a brilliantly imagined and painfully timely story about morality, resistance, and resilience. It’s thrilling and suspenseful with strong, memorable characters. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend for historical fantasy lovers.

INTENSE RADIANCE AND POWER ON EVERY PAGE.
This genre-bender is a uniquely action-packed ride.

1942: Hitler’s army is invading Europe, but The Royal Academy of Witches knows the secret to their success - the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book able to weave a path of death and destruction through its powerful magic. As a protege of the academy’s Grand Mistress, Lydia Polk will do whatever it takes to get her hands on this book before Hitler’s third reich coven obtains it. But, Lydia’s Royal coven is compromised when two are murdered and trust is broken. She can feel the book pulling her as she resolves to go the quest alone. Along the way, she will uncover the scope of her abilities and forge unlikely friendships with a spy and a man who can communicate with the dead. Lydia will fight for what is right - even to the death.

This books does not stop. Its gripping action strengthens with each turn of the page. The stakes just keep getting bigger and higher. I was not expecting it to be this eventful. Also, these characters are completely unique. I especially found the character of Henry to be highly effective and such a creative offering to the uniqueness of the storyline. His character arc was my favorite. Strong writing.
I hope this book is a hit!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Morgan Ryan, and Penguin Group - Viking Penguin for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a gripping read that kept the conflict and urgency coming. The concept of the book also had a lot of parallels to history and current events.

A clever and engaging debut novel! Morgan Ryan does an incredible job of combining historical fiction and fantasy. Set during the Nazi occupation in England and France, the story revolves around a young British witch fighting against Nazi witches to stop Hitler and bring an end to the war. Filled with powerful women and family relationships this novel was an exceptional read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Viking for an advanced copy of this novel.

I ended up buying this for myself and will read the physical copy. So stoked! I didn’t get to read this before release day, but now I’ll just read at my pace.

This is a fantastic debut novel that combines historical fiction with fantasy in a truly unique way. The premise is brilliant: a coven of witches secretly works to undermine Hitler and the Nazi regime during World War II. It's a compelling twist on a historical period we all know, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

The story is engaging and unpredictable. Morgan Ryan did a great job of weaving magical elements with real life events. There were enough twists and surprises that this was a true page turner. The pacing is excellent, building tension with every chapter and making it a book you just don't want to put down.

The characters are another major strength of the novel. The witches feel incredibly realistic and relatable, not like typical fantasy tropes. Their emotions, personal struggles, and internal conflicts are so well-written that you genuinely care about their fates. You feel their fear, their determination, and their loyalty to each other as they face impossible odds. This emotional depth is what elevates the book from a simple genre mash-up to a truly memorable read. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, fantasy, or just a good story with a unique premise. It's an impressive first novel, and I can't wait to see what Mrgan Ryan does next.

4⭐️ Intriguing historical fiction fantasy with witches!
Set in WWII London, and France, gifted young witch Lydia Polk is second to the coven leader Isadora. Enlisted by Churchill to find the Grimmorium Bellum, a spell book so strong it could end the war, and whoever takes possession. After Isadora’s murder, elder witch Sybil takes over.

With magic, spells, murder and betrayal, Lydia and her friends Rebecca and Henry race against the clock to find the book before the Third Reich coven gains possession! There are a couple of twists that came as no surprise, but did not detract from the story.

This debut novel was well written and held my interest til the end. The FMC, Lydia, is strong, smart, and loyal. There are great supporting characters Rebecca orphaned Jewish French resistance member, Henry, African American who sees the dead, Lydia’s witchy Mom Evelyn, coven leader Sybil, and several evil witches that you love to hate!

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.