The Year of the Witching

By: Alexis Henderson

Narrated by: Brianna Colette

A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.

In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet's word is law, Immanuelle Moore's very existence is blasphemy. Her mother's union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.

But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.

Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

©2020 Alexis Henderson (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A thrillingly brisk and bracing tale of magic and power, I loved this book. It takes the best tropes of horror and witchcraft and gives them a refreshingly feminist twist." (S.A. Chakraborty, national best-selling author of The Daevabad Trilogy)

"The Year of the Witching is a dark, dramatic tale of oppression and rebellion, ideology and morality, with a complicated, appealing protagonist caught in a Handmaid's Tale nightmare. It's a fine addition to the body of feminist fantasy works, a great read." (Louisa Morgan, Author of The Age of Witches)

"The Year of the Witching is a dark wood ready to swallow you whole with its tense stakes and beguiling prose. Henderson takes witchcraft to its very depths, unraveling the horrific nightmares of bone-deep ideology and devastating oppression, and giving readers a complex heroine ready to face fire." (Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times best-selling author of The Belles series)

Slow simmering story

Took me several tries but once I settled into it, I loved this book! Great story!

Highly Recommend

I devoured this book. I really can't remember being this compulsively obsessed with a book since Twilight or The Host. I love how deep intimacy is explored without there being a single drop of actual sex. I love the main character's inner dialogue. I could list endless praises. eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Dope read!

This is not the genre I typically read, but that did not slow the pace at which I wanted to consume this book. It's a really good read. I look forward to the follow-up from Alexis Henderson!

Think Of Fear Street on Netflix

If you think of the Fear Street series on Netflix this reminds me of it def the 3rd movie. Its not the same just the vibes kind of feel like that movie

It grows on you

At first I struggled to get into this book. About half in it finally won me over. This was a decent read, but is definitely not for everyone.

Good listen.

I’m certain Netflix would refer to this as a slow burn, but to me #1 I enjoy slow burns and #2 the narration increased the intensity in an expert manner. Listen if you’re a fan of supernatural and buckle up. Shouts out and Rest in peace to Judas the Ram.

Magical

I loved this story's twists and turns I did not see coming. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

An Awesome Dark Tale

I was very excited to get my hands on this book as I had heard such good things about it. It definitely lived up to the hype. Immanuelle was such a good central character and I loved getting her pov as she navigates the puritanical world she inhabits. The town of Bethel is strictly control by the prophet and his apostles, plus it is isolated from everywhere else, in fact it is a sin to leave under the penalty of death by burning on the pyre. It is also very patriarchal, misogynistic, racist, and xenophobic. Immanuelle lives on the outskirts of Bethel with her family near the Dark Woods, which are haunted by witches. This is a complex book but at the same time the author crafts such a well written story that it pulls you along to the very intense riveting conclusion. I highly recommend.

Had so much potential

The beginning starts as a very interesting thriller. But it felt so underwhelming and rushed by the end.

So very good!

I loved this book! The narration was on spot. I love a story with a strong, smart and fearless female. Can't wait for her next book