I’ve been desperate to share my review of this book, but life keeps getting in the way.
Witchland is a brilliantly written novel that takes elements of history, romance, fantasy, dragons and witches and creates an unputdownable story. I was sad to finish reading the book, until I realised the author has put the second book up for pre-order. More on that later. First, here is the amazing cover and blurb.
The Blurb
A realm ruled by women.
A witch cursed to kill the man she marries.
An enemy who must wed a witch.
Those eyes. Wolf eyes, golden amber-brown, rich with the promise of wildness… but he looked at her with loathing.
It’s hate at first sight when Eliza Peverley meets Will Darsyn, an outspoken critic of Witch Society. But she needs to marry fast, so her Land will give her more magic as a wedding gift. Eliza’s vicious cousin has challenged her to a magical duel, and if she loses, her sister dies too. Will, for reasons of his own, also needs to wed quickly.
Cursed to kill her husband, the last thing Eliza needs is love. She wants a marriage of convenience with a man she won’t mourn. Will is perfect for her – perfectly disagreeable – and there isn’t the slightest chance of her growing fond of him.
Eliza and Will feign love to earn the queen’s approval to wed. And when Eliza’s rival attacks, they are forced to work together to survive. Attraction sparks, but Will has a dangerous secret. One that could change the stakes entirely.
A man who hates witches and the witch who’s going to kill him can never fall in love… can they?
My Review
I’m finding it hard to write a review that can explain just how good this book is. All I can say is that it lives up to the premise in the blurb and then some! Witchland will appeal to people who love enemies to lovers, fae, dragons, conspiracies, magic and mystery.
I love the alternative take on history and how witches are in power in this matriarchal society. It’s an interesting spin on Anne Boleyn’s story and I would love to read more about past events. Merlin plays a part as well, as do the fae and druids. The story is filled with rich history and there are tantalising glimpses into stories that are yet to be told in this world. There are regency balls, magical rituals and traditions that make the story come alive. Juno Goldstone has created a unique world that’s vividly brought to life with deft touches like how each witch’s magic has a distinct smell, and how they can travel the ley lines of the land.
The relationships between Eliza and her sister, and Will and his family create heart-warming moments but also ramp up the tension as their lives are threatened. The enemies to lovers romance between Eliza and Will doesn’t disappoint and the sparks between them run hot through the story. I was desperate for them to get together even when that very prospect might tear them apart.
The end was surprising and satisfying, and well earned. It was a great first in series, and I can’t wait for more.
(I was lucky enough to read a very early draft of the story as a beta reader and am blown away by the final novel.)
It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
The author’s website is Juno Goldstone, and you can follow her on Goodreads and Instagram.
And here is the link to book 2 on amazon Tides of the Heart
I’ll be back to share more of book 2 soon.
