We are certainly at that time of year now where it is often dark when you leave home and dark when you come back. And as such, it always feel like an appropriate time to delve into supernatural stories that touch on that darkness. This book turns to magical realism instead of high fantasy, and for me, that really cemented these sisters’ story. For our Book Bite this week, let’s chat about The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Witches at the End of the World, Chelsea Iversen
Rage burns brighter than any spellfire… Deep in the birchwoods of Norway, magic courses through the veins of two sisters. For years they’ve been alone, but sweet-tempered Kaija is tired of living in shadows and longs for a life filled with community, even if it means stifling her magic. But Minna is a witch through and through, with wrath always simmering just below the surface.
Different as they may be, both will never forget the day they were driven from their village. The day their mother burned. When Kaija leaves to pursue a new life, Minna is left alone in the darkness of the forest.
Devastated and outraged at the betrayal, Minna casts a curse to punish those who took everything from her. What she doesn’t realize is that this act will incite a deadly chain of events. Soon it will destroy everything, including the life Kaija has lovingly built. But once a witch’s rage boils, regret means nothing—she can’t take back what’s already done.
Why You Should Read This…
This is a darker book; darker than what I was expecting. (That’s completely on me.) However, I loved that historical fiction and fantasy were woven together so seamlessly. I was really impressed at how Iversen integrated elements of Norse mythology. It quickly became very clear at how this magic and mythology could easily work its way into daily life without feeling out of place.
I was struck by how deep the emotions run in this book. It isn’t often that I read a book and truly feel the weight of grief or anger or sadness, but The Witches at the End of the World left me reeling several times.
Finally, I loved that the book was set during the seventeenth century witch trials in Norway. Yes, everyone knows about the trials in Salem, and many know about the trials in Scotland. However, these womens’ stories are just as important and I’m glad that they’ve been given a fictional retelling.
If you enjoy mythological retellings where women are placed at the centre, you will enjoy this! It’s not a myth but certainly gives time and space to women who would have otherwise been on the margins of the story.
Is The Witches at the End of the World on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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