The Witches of New York
My cover and a snippet for Thirsty Thursday @ Unconventional Book Reviews though there is none this week ? Maybe?
Cover from Amazon
The Witches of New York
Author: Ami Mckay
Genre: paranormal/ fantasy, witches, feminism
Buy from: Amazon; B&N
What’s it About?
200 years after the Salem trials, Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St Clair lived together in Manhattan in the year 1880. Their shop for young women in high societies, frowned upon by more conservative people around them. Both unmarried, both ladies with a penchant of keeping secrets. The word is that they are witches, but only Adelaide Thom remained proud of that fact. The book throws hints about magic spells and traditions, but no brooms and warts.
In fact, with exception of some parts that might seem freaky, this would have been a normal sort of book about feminism and friendship, with a touch of mystery.
Who is Who?
Adelaide Thom, also known as Moth- she had left her sideshow to open a tea shop. Adelaide can be particular in certain things. She also had some medical training, her keen and sharp eye misses nothing. But Adelaide knew that she was born a witch, as her mother was.
Eleanor St. Clair- also a witch but at times unwilling to accept that fact. Eleanor was the keeper of spells in the relationship, and the older lady tends to be snappy at times.
Beatrice Dunn- a young girl who turned up at their doorstep after seeing an advertisement. Beatrice was an orphan who was raised by her aunt, deciding to strike out on her own after reading the ad on the newspaper.
The Villain- of course had to be a guy ! Actually a witch hunter.
Many Parts to the Story
The Witches of New York features a main theme of feminism and sisterhood, more than witchcraft and its risks. Some readers might disagree with me, but honestly there are many elements in the book I felt was paying homage to sisterhood. First of all, three girls working in a tea shop unchaperoned, without a male in sight, that would have been scandalous in high society. But they were easily accepted by the ladies, as their shop is a place for tea and sharing of joy and pain.
Girls know where to get special brews, and ask for help when no men would extend their assistance. Then you had the trinity- each lady represents a stage of a girl’s life. Beatrice is of course the young, Adelaide when girls were ripe to form a family, Eleanor as the crone. Each character has their own point of view and decisions, kind of like how we would react as experience changes us. However, they remain true to themselves when society was against it.
Then there was a risk of the witch hunter, whether witches and magic are real or not, there would always be someone who thinks that way. In The Witches of New York, the enemy is at plain sight, but at the same time, hidden. Beatrice was kidnapped, Adelaide and Eleanor besides themselves with worry, but they also had much on their plate. Would magic actually be of help? Maybe? No point calling it Witches if there is no magic involved right?
Nothing fancy, but as you read on you would understand the progression and the evolution of the characters.
Verdict
Witches of New York is a lot of things: friendship, sisterhood and do not mess with things you do not know. Share on XAmi McKay has done remarkably well with this book, this book is thick but the pace is also quick. The time just speeds by when you follow the three girls around. I like how the voices of the characters are distinct and matches the age. I know that The Witches of New York is already out for a while, but a good book is a good book whenever you get around it.
Copyright © 2018 Ailyn Writes. All Rights Reserved.
I would love this. I love most anything that stems from old American witch history. Great review!
thanks! it’s a good book so it’s easy to review
I actually have this book but haven’t had the chance to read it yet. This sounds fantastic. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
oh you should! with a nice cup of tea
This sounds absolutely incredible Ailyn, I love books with strong female characters pushing back against chauvinistic societies. I can imagine it was quite the scandal, three unmarried women being business owners. The Amazon cover doesn’t really do this book justice, will definitely be buying the paperback. Brilliant review Ailyn, super excited to read this one too! <3
yeah i agree! I do like the whole setting and mystery around it too
Wow… this sounds like an interesting read. And I do love Witches!
this one would be interesting to you! It explores the question if witches are born or made