Title: Rewitched
Series: -
Author: Lucy Jane Wood
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Release Date: 19th September 2024
Pages: 409
Source: ARC sent by publisher for review
Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰
CAWPILE: 9.43/10
Synopsis
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.
Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.
But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .
Review
Firstly, let me start off by saying it took me an abnormally long time to finish this book, which is not at all a reflection on the book but instead a consequence of my own procrastination in making my eras tour outfit. So when I would have rather been reading a cosy fantasy book about witchcraft, I was gluing thousands of gold rhinestones to boots for my fearless era inspired boots. But as soon as my eras date had passed, I dived head first fearless (iykyk) back into it and I completely adored it as I knew I would.
I've been watching Lucy's videos on YouTube for years now, from around the time she started the channel and worked at Sugarscape (what a throwback!). When I heard that she was releasing a book I was ecstatic, especially reading the synopsis because it truly gives all those perfect witchy autumnal vibes. And let me tell you, it worked.
I absolutely loved Belle's character arc throughout the book, from downtrodden to kickass. Her development over the novel felt realistic, and inspirational for me. At times, Belle felt deeply relatable and personal to me which I loved and also found quite confronting. At this point, I don't think I know anyone my age or older that hasn't yet suffered from burnout and general disillusionment with the world (especially teachers). I think the pacing of the novel helped her journey because though we were focused on her, there was also this persistent and looming deadline in the background, and I think Lucy did so well to tie together so many different aspects of Belle's life and background throughout the book to get them to seamlessly blend with one another.
I also adored the relationships, Belle had incredible relationships throughout the book from friendships to romance. And they all felt fleshed out to me, again in incredibly realistic ways. The history that Lucy writes makes it feel as though you are sat with Belle and Ariadne in these moments, and you truly understand the depths of their sisterhood. Don't get me wrong, at times I got incredibly frustrated at them for not communicating, but I think that was testament to the fact that their relationship was well written and made me want to root for them as friends.
I also loved Belle's relationship with Rune, which develops throughout the book. I really liked that there was that element of romance but it didn't overshadow Belle's own personal journey which was the undeniable focus of the book. I really enjoyed the banter that they had and the way Rune was protective over her and clearly head over heels early on in the book.
Personally though, aside from Belle's journey, my favourite part of the book was the atmosphere. I feel like Lucy did such a good job with it, her talent for building up that autumnal atmosphere was outstanding - especially given that I was reading this in the summer with the sun beating down. But reading it, I genuinely felt transported to halloween and I adored that, it felt especially prevalent any time Belle used magic and especially in Hecate house but it all added to the magic of the book. The autumnal witchy vibes that I loved.
Some of the plot points I had guessed at in advance, but they were still satisfying to read the pay off because they were done so well. And there were others that I didn't guess but I really enjoyed and I was able to look back at and think it made so much sense! I was also really satisfied with the ending, I think there's definitely potential for a sequel and I would love to read one, so hopefully one comes soon!
Ultimately I think the book was brilliant, especially for a debut novel and it makes me so excited to see what Lucy does next! Whether it is a continuation of Rewitched or something different entirely, I will definitely be purchasing! And I cannot wait for Rewitched's publication so that I can get my gorgeous Waterstones edition with jinx on the sprayed edge! So if you haven't preordered yet, make sure you have so you can have your own little familiar poking out on your shelf.
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