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This Too Shall Burn
Arden has lived in the woods near the deeply religious town of Arrothburg all her life, practicing magic and keeping balance with nature. She heals the sick, as her mother did before her. No matter how deeply the people of the village hate witches, they still arrive at Arden’s cabin in the dead of night, looking for help that their pastor, mayor, and doctor would never provide.
Verity is trapped in a life she doesn’t want. Her mother was burned as a witch six years ago, forcing Verity into the role of caretaker for her father and her younger siblings. The Good Book asks her to serve, and so she does. But it also asks her to endure the ungodly, debilitating agony of her monthly bleeding. No medicine, no comfort, no protests. If God is kind, why is she so cursed?
When a chance encounter between them leaves both their skin charred at a single touch, Arden and Verity are left with questions that may get them killed.
Does something wicked live inside Verity?
If Arden is the only true witch for miles, who is burning on the pyres?
Will they be next?
Verity is trapped in a life she doesn’t want. Her mother was burned as a witch six years ago, forcing Verity into the role of caretaker for her father and her younger siblings. The Good Book asks her to serve, and so she does. But it also asks her to endure the ungodly, debilitating agony of her monthly bleeding. No medicine, no comfort, no protests. If God is kind, why is she so cursed?
When a chance encounter between them leaves both their skin charred at a single touch, Arden and Verity are left with questions that may get them killed.
Does something wicked live inside Verity?
If Arden is the only true witch for miles, who is burning on the pyres?
Will they be next?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2023
11 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Cat Rector
7 books241 followersAbout the Author
Cat Rector grew up in a small Nova Scotian town and could often be found simultaneously reading a book and fighting off muskrats while walking home from school. She devours stories in all their forms, loves messy, morally grey characters, and writes about the horrors that we inflict on each other. After spending nearly a decade living abroad, she returned to Canada to resume her war against the muskrats. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing video games, spending time with loved ones, or staring at her To Be Read pile like it's going to read itself.
Find her on social media or visit her website, CatRector.com
Cat Rector grew up in a small Nova Scotian town and could often be found simultaneously reading a book and fighting off muskrats while walking home from school. She devours stories in all their forms, loves messy, morally grey characters, and writes about the horrors that we inflict on each other. After spending nearly a decade living abroad, she returned to Canada to resume her war against the muskrats. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing video games, spending time with loved ones, or staring at her To Be Read pile like it's going to read itself.
Find her on social media or visit her website, CatRector.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 5, 2024
Female rage transformed into ink and paper. An achingly beautiful, cathartic tribute to people everywhere who are persecuted, who are overlooked when they cry for help, and who have a magic inside them that humanity refuses to comprehend. I highly recommend this novella if you’re interested in a fantasy book (that still feels all too real) about the witch burnings, women’s struggle for advocacy, sapphic passion, and female friendship that finds a way to blossom even in the most barren soil.
*just please check the trigger warnings first 🫶🏼
*just please check the trigger warnings first 🫶🏼
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April 27, 2023THE EDIT IS COMPLETE AHHHH OFF TO THE EDITOR YOU GO, MY BABY BOOK
September 10, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
This Too Shall Burn is a new dark fantasy novel, written by Cat Rector, which encloses a big feminist message, drawing parallelism between nowadays and the novel setting, especially regarding female care and how it is neglected many times due to religion/social beliefs. A story told from two perspectives, Arden, a witch who helps other women practising health care, and Verity, a young and pious girl whose mother was burnt as a witch.
On the one hand, we have Arden, a witch, who has lived near the religious town of Arrothsburg; as her mother did before, she heals the sick. Even if the villagers hate witchery and her, they arrive to Arden's cabin, looking for the care the authority figures don't give especially to women.
On the other hand, we have Verity, the eldest daughter of a burnt woman, who is expected to assume the role of taking care of her younger siblings and her father; she does it as the Good Book tells them. She's really sweet, but also really devoted to the religion, a religion that asks her to endure her monthly bleeding without any help or remedies; a bleeding that each time becomes more painful and debilitating.
Those two characters get their paths crossed, in a chance encounter which leaves both of their skins burnt, leaving them with many questions that they need to answer, but which might get them burnt by the authorities.
Verity is full of doubts, thinking if it might be possible that something wicked is inside herself. As a deeply religious person, she feels guilty and a traitor to the Good Book; but at the same time, what she's learning now is bringing help to other women, so in reality, is this bad at all? We can see her struggling, questioning if the beliefs Arrothsburg holds are just plain wrong; Arden is opening a new world to her.
Arden is confused after the meeting with Verity, but soon finds in her somebody she can trust for help. She has been taking care of sick people in Arrothsburg all her life, even if she's despised for being a witch; without her, many women would have died, especially because of the negligent practices of Arrothsburg's doctor. She also has a great relationship with the nature, and also tries to preserve it from destruction caused by men's hand; she's greatly protective of "her people", and is troubled because women are being burnt in Arrothsburg accused of witchery, something that shouldn't be possible, as Arden is the only practicing in the zone.
Around those characters, Rector has created a setting profoundly marked by the religiousness and the zealotry; derived from it, sexism is deeply ingrained into the society, putting women on a second level that is even dangerous for their health. The puritanism forces them to pass their monthly bleeding alone, without any kind of help and relief, deemed as impure; many women experiencing a pain that is not normal or even healthy for them (drawing a parallelism with a situation that is sadly too common nowadays, as painful periods are a medical condition which should be treated).
In this context of puritanism, any women that can be seen as smart or practicing natural remedies is called a witch and ostracised from society; even burnt at the stake. Women are being left/mistreated by the same figures that should be taking care of them, represented in the figure of a doctor who is furiously negligent. Arden practises her art and saving many lives while remaining hidden, only safe because she can defend herself.
You can clearly read how this is a novel about feminism and fighting the situations that break the equality; it's enraging at many points, especially because you see how many aspects that should remain fictional are still present nowadays, with many women being denied cares that could make their lives better. Authority should be taking care of those under them, not using power to just gain more of it.
Cat Rector has written a novel that I think it's a must read for anybody, a big ode to feminism; if we knew of Rector as a great author with the Unwritten Runes series, I can say that it has become an autoread with This Too Shall Burn. Do yourself a favour, and pick this novel as soon as possible.
This Too Shall Burn is a new dark fantasy novel, written by Cat Rector, which encloses a big feminist message, drawing parallelism between nowadays and the novel setting, especially regarding female care and how it is neglected many times due to religion/social beliefs. A story told from two perspectives, Arden, a witch who helps other women practising health care, and Verity, a young and pious girl whose mother was burnt as a witch.
On the one hand, we have Arden, a witch, who has lived near the religious town of Arrothsburg; as her mother did before, she heals the sick. Even if the villagers hate witchery and her, they arrive to Arden's cabin, looking for the care the authority figures don't give especially to women.
On the other hand, we have Verity, the eldest daughter of a burnt woman, who is expected to assume the role of taking care of her younger siblings and her father; she does it as the Good Book tells them. She's really sweet, but also really devoted to the religion, a religion that asks her to endure her monthly bleeding without any help or remedies; a bleeding that each time becomes more painful and debilitating.
Those two characters get their paths crossed, in a chance encounter which leaves both of their skins burnt, leaving them with many questions that they need to answer, but which might get them burnt by the authorities.
Verity is full of doubts, thinking if it might be possible that something wicked is inside herself. As a deeply religious person, she feels guilty and a traitor to the Good Book; but at the same time, what she's learning now is bringing help to other women, so in reality, is this bad at all? We can see her struggling, questioning if the beliefs Arrothsburg holds are just plain wrong; Arden is opening a new world to her.
Arden is confused after the meeting with Verity, but soon finds in her somebody she can trust for help. She has been taking care of sick people in Arrothsburg all her life, even if she's despised for being a witch; without her, many women would have died, especially because of the negligent practices of Arrothsburg's doctor. She also has a great relationship with the nature, and also tries to preserve it from destruction caused by men's hand; she's greatly protective of "her people", and is troubled because women are being burnt in Arrothsburg accused of witchery, something that shouldn't be possible, as Arden is the only practicing in the zone.
Around those characters, Rector has created a setting profoundly marked by the religiousness and the zealotry; derived from it, sexism is deeply ingrained into the society, putting women on a second level that is even dangerous for their health. The puritanism forces them to pass their monthly bleeding alone, without any kind of help and relief, deemed as impure; many women experiencing a pain that is not normal or even healthy for them (drawing a parallelism with a situation that is sadly too common nowadays, as painful periods are a medical condition which should be treated).
In this context of puritanism, any women that can be seen as smart or practicing natural remedies is called a witch and ostracised from society; even burnt at the stake. Women are being left/mistreated by the same figures that should be taking care of them, represented in the figure of a doctor who is furiously negligent. Arden practises her art and saving many lives while remaining hidden, only safe because she can defend herself.
You can clearly read how this is a novel about feminism and fighting the situations that break the equality; it's enraging at many points, especially because you see how many aspects that should remain fictional are still present nowadays, with many women being denied cares that could make their lives better. Authority should be taking care of those under them, not using power to just gain more of it.
Cat Rector has written a novel that I think it's a must read for anybody, a big ode to feminism; if we knew of Rector as a great author with the Unwritten Runes series, I can say that it has become an autoread with This Too Shall Burn. Do yourself a favour, and pick this novel as soon as possible.
September 8, 2023
3.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She always felt there was so much about life that she didn’t understand. That she couldn’t ask about, because questions could be deadly, and she never knew which questions were not.
This Too Shall Burn follows Verity, a 17-year old pious and family-loving, and a Witch in the Woods who goes by the name Arden.
This tale is a rich tapestry woven with feminine rage, manipulation of religion, and the suffering of those whose body, mind and soul were in torment due to neglect, abuse, or pure ignorance.
Verity's moon cycle was getting worse each year yet her family and society expects her to keep up a cheerful face and fulfill her duties as the eldest daughter. You might ask where's the mother? Well... she was burned at the stakes for being a "Witch".
That's the fate of all who are tainted by Witchcraft. The burning stakes.
Except for Arden who dwells in the Forest and is surrounded by its spirits. Despite the protection the Forest offers and the occasional discreet visits from villagers seeking her help, Arden longs for companionship.
The rest is up for the reader to experience in this queer romantic fantasy, but it is unlike any romantic fantasy you have read.
The way Arden depicts a god-fearing society with its misogynistic values and their treatment of women as something lesser, and not to mention the utter cruelty of people who believe in a merciful god in dealing with others who they might deem as sinners was just brilliant and not far from the brutal reality the world experiences to this day.
Rector is an excellent storyteller and this story managed to stand out to me and it stirred something in me that was part rage and part awe.
My rating does not reflect the quality of the writing and the story because it's splendid, I finished the book and I was left a tad unsatisfied because I was craving more and there were some missed opportunities in fleshing out this story more.
Thank you to the author for providing me an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content warnings: This book deals with many topics surrounding bad healthcare, religious trauma, and menstrual health. More triggers are listed at the beginning of the book.
She always felt there was so much about life that she didn’t understand. That she couldn’t ask about, because questions could be deadly, and she never knew which questions were not.
This Too Shall Burn follows Verity, a 17-year old pious and family-loving, and a Witch in the Woods who goes by the name Arden.
This tale is a rich tapestry woven with feminine rage, manipulation of religion, and the suffering of those whose body, mind and soul were in torment due to neglect, abuse, or pure ignorance.
Verity's moon cycle was getting worse each year yet her family and society expects her to keep up a cheerful face and fulfill her duties as the eldest daughter. You might ask where's the mother? Well... she was burned at the stakes for being a "Witch".
That's the fate of all who are tainted by Witchcraft. The burning stakes.
Except for Arden who dwells in the Forest and is surrounded by its spirits. Despite the protection the Forest offers and the occasional discreet visits from villagers seeking her help, Arden longs for companionship.
The rest is up for the reader to experience in this queer romantic fantasy, but it is unlike any romantic fantasy you have read.
The way Arden depicts a god-fearing society with its misogynistic values and their treatment of women as something lesser, and not to mention the utter cruelty of people who believe in a merciful god in dealing with others who they might deem as sinners was just brilliant and not far from the brutal reality the world experiences to this day.
Rector is an excellent storyteller and this story managed to stand out to me and it stirred something in me that was part rage and part awe.
My rating does not reflect the quality of the writing and the story because it's splendid, I finished the book and I was left a tad unsatisfied because I was craving more and there were some missed opportunities in fleshing out this story more.
Thank you to the author for providing me an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content warnings: This book deals with many topics surrounding bad healthcare, religious trauma, and menstrual health. More triggers are listed at the beginning of the book.
October 12, 2025
If you know me in real life I apologize cause I will be talking about this book for the foreseeable future. INCREDIBLE. If you have a feminine rage playlist or just enjoy that genre READ THIS!!!!! I legit have already recommended this to at least 5 people. It's not a light read, this is dark, its raw, its impactful and its important. Check the triggers before reading but if you can handle it I truly could not recommend this more.
March 27, 2023
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS AAA
April 18, 2024
I enjoyed this very much
September 16, 2023
"This Too Shall Burn" by Cat Rector is a thought-provoking and daring exploration of complex and often overlooked topics that are central to the lives of women. Set in the deeply puritanical town of Arrothburg, the story follows two women, Arden and Verity, who couldn't be more different yet find their lives intertwined by a chance encounter.
Arden, a wood witch who practices healing magic and lives in harmony with nature, serves as the clandestine healer for the villagers. In contrast, Verity, burdened by her mother's execution as a witch, is trapped in a life she never wanted, forced to endure the physical and emotional hardships dictated by her faith.
The novel deftly delves into themes of religious oppression, societal expectations, and the suppression of women's voices and experiences. It fearlessly confronts the issue of how medicine and society often fail to address women's health concerns, especially those related to menstruation. It also includes a sapphic relationship and a character questioning her sexuality, which I adored. We love exploring diverse perspectives and identities in this house. While the narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of Arden and Verity, it also touches on the suffering of indigenous people, shedding brief light on the atrocities done to them while not speaking for them.
In summary, "This Too Shall Burn" is a thought-provoking novel that discusses religious oppression and gender-based discrimination while allowing its characters to shine. Despite the heavy topics, it allows to reader to have a great time and I will continue to think of this story often. It shines a light on the silenced voices of women during this time period and weaves a narrative that is both engaging and empathetic. Cat Rector's exploration of these challenging topics makes for a compelling and enlightening read. Great read.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
Arden, a wood witch who practices healing magic and lives in harmony with nature, serves as the clandestine healer for the villagers. In contrast, Verity, burdened by her mother's execution as a witch, is trapped in a life she never wanted, forced to endure the physical and emotional hardships dictated by her faith.
The novel deftly delves into themes of religious oppression, societal expectations, and the suppression of women's voices and experiences. It fearlessly confronts the issue of how medicine and society often fail to address women's health concerns, especially those related to menstruation. It also includes a sapphic relationship and a character questioning her sexuality, which I adored. We love exploring diverse perspectives and identities in this house. While the narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of Arden and Verity, it also touches on the suffering of indigenous people, shedding brief light on the atrocities done to them while not speaking for them.
In summary, "This Too Shall Burn" is a thought-provoking novel that discusses religious oppression and gender-based discrimination while allowing its characters to shine. Despite the heavy topics, it allows to reader to have a great time and I will continue to think of this story often. It shines a light on the silenced voices of women during this time period and weaves a narrative that is both engaging and empathetic. Cat Rector's exploration of these challenging topics makes for a compelling and enlightening read. Great read.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
December 30, 2024
Great premise and cover. As soon as I heard this was a great “feminine rage” book, I knew I had to read it. And I was not disappointed on that front! I really enjoyed both viewpoints, one that was angry from the beginning of the story and one that slowly learned about the realities of her life and developed her anger throughout the book, giving it a target and goal eventually that led to an interesting showdown.
While I do wish the book would’ve been longer with a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions and with the addition of an antagonist POV, I understand that not every story will be like that just because I prefer certain aspects (Oh no! 😆). This was still told really well in its short page count and conveyed the appropriate emotions throughout while maintaining a good pace. For someone that doesn’t want all the intricate emotional depth that I tend to look for, this will be an exciting, snappy, and righteous tale to read!
I especially enjoyed that at a specific moment where a character could make a momentous decision (and know how it would affect them later, probably negatively), they just went ahead and did it instead of somehow justifying not doing it to be the better person and causing way more issues later (and making it feel like it was just done to add more drama to the story). A strong woman being decisive and sacrificing for her community at a high personal cost isn’t something original, of course, especially in this story, but I love how it was used in that moment to quickly do the thing instead of talking in circles just to add more excitement to the story (talking and talking and talking without saying the thing like I’m doing here? 🤪). I know that was a lot of rambling but I just really enjoyed the decision the author made in that moment. It worked well for me.
The world building was really interesting and I could’ve learned about that for forever. The magic, the pacts, the possibilities! I love a good witchy story and this one really delivered on that front, both for actual witches and those accused by the community. The plot built around that was interesting and I enjoyed discovering the mystery buried beneath the shiny veneer of the community. The theme of feminine rage for a whole variety of reasons was threaded well throughout the whole book in a way that didn’t feel like it was beating a dead horse but rather felt consistent in the right way with overwhelming intensity where it was needed.
I have another story by the same author already waiting on my kindle, Coal Gets In Your Veins, and am really looking forward to it. It promises the same kind of satisfaction of an exciting story with a great message.
While I do wish the book would’ve been longer with a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions and with the addition of an antagonist POV, I understand that not every story will be like that just because I prefer certain aspects (Oh no! 😆). This was still told really well in its short page count and conveyed the appropriate emotions throughout while maintaining a good pace. For someone that doesn’t want all the intricate emotional depth that I tend to look for, this will be an exciting, snappy, and righteous tale to read!
I especially enjoyed that at a specific moment where a character could make a momentous decision (and know how it would affect them later, probably negatively), they just went ahead and did it instead of somehow justifying not doing it to be the better person and causing way more issues later (and making it feel like it was just done to add more drama to the story). A strong woman being decisive and sacrificing for her community at a high personal cost isn’t something original, of course, especially in this story, but I love how it was used in that moment to quickly do the thing instead of talking in circles just to add more excitement to the story (talking and talking and talking without saying the thing like I’m doing here? 🤪). I know that was a lot of rambling but I just really enjoyed the decision the author made in that moment. It worked well for me.
The world building was really interesting and I could’ve learned about that for forever. The magic, the pacts, the possibilities! I love a good witchy story and this one really delivered on that front, both for actual witches and those accused by the community. The plot built around that was interesting and I enjoyed discovering the mystery buried beneath the shiny veneer of the community. The theme of feminine rage for a whole variety of reasons was threaded well throughout the whole book in a way that didn’t feel like it was beating a dead horse but rather felt consistent in the right way with overwhelming intensity where it was needed.
I have another story by the same author already waiting on my kindle, Coal Gets In Your Veins, and am really looking forward to it. It promises the same kind of satisfaction of an exciting story with a great message.
June 12, 2025
5 stars. This was so unique and different from anything that I’ve read. The magic system in this was intriguing, I loved the plot, the writing, and the main leads. I also liked how the romance was handled as it’s more on the subtle side but I do wish we got a bit more from it. Arden and Verity are both great characters (Verity took a little longer for me to warm up to) and I really liked the chemistry and bond between them. Them working together was fantastic. Great read. I have another book by Rector on my kindle and I cannot wait to read it.
June 10, 2023
Full candor, I was given an ARC for my honest review of this book.
Cat Rector has very rapidly become an auto-buy author for me. I have loved every book that she has written thus far. I sat down with this book at 8:30pm and by 12:30am I was done. Who needs food or sleep.
Arden was sassy and salty and cynical and I adored her. She lived her life how she wanted and was fiercely protective of her "people." I loved her relationship with Dalic and (especially) Ilyana *winkwink*. The respect she had for the Gloam. I loved that despite being persecuted and hated, she still helped the women of the village. She tried not to care, but couldn't. She continued saving lives knowing doing so was risking her own. A witch. A healer. Are those even different things? The "witches" that were burned were simply smart women. Strong women. Opinionated women.
Verity was a precious cinnamon roll. Innocent and kind and trying so damn hard to take care of her family and be a good girl. The pain she had to suffer through each month is such a reality for so many uterus owners. I am fortunate to have manageable menstrual cycles, but many aren't and getting the people who can help to actually listen and do something can feel impossible. Women's health is too often disregarded. LGBTQIA+ health is too often disregarded.
I adored watching Verity and Arden learn from each other and form a bond. They were everything that the other needed, even if needing each other was hard. They made each other stronger. This book was compact, but so needed. It gave a voice to issues that people are still facing today. Rights that we're still fighting for! Women and LGBTQIA+ people are still under attack. Our voices are still being quieted. This book made me angry, it made me rant, and I loved every second because it brought light to the truths people in power try to bury.
“You wanted a fucking witch. Here I am.”
Cat Rector has very rapidly become an auto-buy author for me. I have loved every book that she has written thus far. I sat down with this book at 8:30pm and by 12:30am I was done. Who needs food or sleep.
Arden was sassy and salty and cynical and I adored her. She lived her life how she wanted and was fiercely protective of her "people." I loved her relationship with Dalic and (especially) Ilyana *winkwink*. The respect she had for the Gloam. I loved that despite being persecuted and hated, she still helped the women of the village. She tried not to care, but couldn't. She continued saving lives knowing doing so was risking her own. A witch. A healer. Are those even different things? The "witches" that were burned were simply smart women. Strong women. Opinionated women.
Verity was a precious cinnamon roll. Innocent and kind and trying so damn hard to take care of her family and be a good girl. The pain she had to suffer through each month is such a reality for so many uterus owners. I am fortunate to have manageable menstrual cycles, but many aren't and getting the people who can help to actually listen and do something can feel impossible. Women's health is too often disregarded. LGBTQIA+ health is too often disregarded.
I adored watching Verity and Arden learn from each other and form a bond. They were everything that the other needed, even if needing each other was hard. They made each other stronger. This book was compact, but so needed. It gave a voice to issues that people are still facing today. Rights that we're still fighting for! Women and LGBTQIA+ people are still under attack. Our voices are still being quieted. This book made me angry, it made me rant, and I loved every second because it brought light to the truths people in power try to bury.
“You wanted a fucking witch. Here I am.”
August 28, 2023
Strap in for what may be the longest book review I will ever write, but I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this book, so here we go. I’ll keep things mostly spoiler free, but in case you still don’t want to sit through the whole thing, here’s the TLDR version: I loved this, I connected with this deeply, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Ready for the long version? Here we go.
This Too Shall Burn takes place in and the small fantasy village of Arrothburg and the surrounding forest. The people of Arrothburg are extremely religious, their beliefs resembling Puritan Christianity in the years of the Salem witch trials (including the witch-burning part). Actual-witch Arden lives in the forest near the village, mostly keeping to herself and just trying to be left alone, but stepping in to assist the villagers when needed. When injured teenager Verity stumbles onto her property, Arden tries to help and ends up burned through contact with Verity’s skin, indicating that Verity herself may have some latent magic of her own. From there, the two women’s journeys are linked as they try to understand what’s happening and learn more about the dark truth of Arrothburg’s witch burnings.
I loved how different Verity and Arden were from each other. On the surface, Arden is delightfully bitter and irreverent with a sharp remark always at the ready. (See: “I do love seeing you simpletons pee your pantaloons with fear.”) Beneath that tough exterior is a somewhat lonely woman with a genuinely good heart who wants to protect life, ease suffering, and build connections with others where she can. Verity, with all her piety and deeply-rooted but misinformed beliefs, very much annoys Arden when they first meet. But Verity has her own secrets hiding just below the surface, including the fact that she isn’t entirely content with her role in life and the rigid expectations imposed by religion. As she comes to rely on Arden and the two begin to understand each other better, a friendlier connection forms, but it’s definitely not an easy path. The contrast between them creates some interesting tension that really drives home the themes of the book.
Speaking of themes, this book definitely tackles a lot in a very short amount of pages. There are explorations of women’s health issues, gender roles, religion, familial duty, control and manipulation, respect for the earth and its resources, and more. It’s a big ask to expect a book to fully explore the nuances of even one of these subjects in a single story, and while endless pages could be filled telling stories with these themes, this one captures them well in a brief but powerfully effective way. The author skillfully weaves together these threads in a way that feels natural, creating a complex tapestry that has concrete impacts on the world, the characters, and their choices. I found myself connecting and relating to so much in this story, but I just want to talk about one of those things that was the most important and meaningful to me at this stage of my life. (Minor spoiler’s below for Verity’s character arc)
I know some would say that the religion in this book is an extreme example of harmful beliefs and practices that are no longer an issue, and while that may be true on the surface, I still think there’s an argument to be made about how many of those beliefs have carried over into certain modern, real-life religions. The specifics may not be the same, but the general principles are uncannily similar, at least comparing to my own experience. Women have their place and their role, and men have theirs (notably one that gives them power over women). To step outside of that role, to question the church or its leaders, to begin seeking outside information and thinking more critically about the world---all of these things are wrong, forbidden, and a sure sign that one is being led astray (by the devil, witchcraft, the evils of the world, or whoever/whatever the big bad of the time is). And there are certainly some other haunting real-world parallels when we look at the state of healthcare for anyone with a vagina/uterus.
I’ve already rambled on too long but to close I’ll just say again that this was an excellent book, and an important one. I hope it resonates with other readers as much as it did with me. If you have even the vaguest interest in picking this up, do it. It’s worth your time.
(Also insert obligatory appreciation for the cover because DAMN what a beauty she is.)
The End
(finally)
Ready for the long version? Here we go.
This Too Shall Burn takes place in and the small fantasy village of Arrothburg and the surrounding forest. The people of Arrothburg are extremely religious, their beliefs resembling Puritan Christianity in the years of the Salem witch trials (including the witch-burning part). Actual-witch Arden lives in the forest near the village, mostly keeping to herself and just trying to be left alone, but stepping in to assist the villagers when needed. When injured teenager Verity stumbles onto her property, Arden tries to help and ends up burned through contact with Verity’s skin, indicating that Verity herself may have some latent magic of her own. From there, the two women’s journeys are linked as they try to understand what’s happening and learn more about the dark truth of Arrothburg’s witch burnings.
“It seems to me you’re already burning, a little at a time.”
I loved how different Verity and Arden were from each other. On the surface, Arden is delightfully bitter and irreverent with a sharp remark always at the ready. (See: “I do love seeing you simpletons pee your pantaloons with fear.”) Beneath that tough exterior is a somewhat lonely woman with a genuinely good heart who wants to protect life, ease suffering, and build connections with others where she can. Verity, with all her piety and deeply-rooted but misinformed beliefs, very much annoys Arden when they first meet. But Verity has her own secrets hiding just below the surface, including the fact that she isn’t entirely content with her role in life and the rigid expectations imposed by religion. As she comes to rely on Arden and the two begin to understand each other better, a friendlier connection forms, but it’s definitely not an easy path. The contrast between them creates some interesting tension that really drives home the themes of the book.
Nuance was often too much to ask.
Speaking of themes, this book definitely tackles a lot in a very short amount of pages. There are explorations of women’s health issues, gender roles, religion, familial duty, control and manipulation, respect for the earth and its resources, and more. It’s a big ask to expect a book to fully explore the nuances of even one of these subjects in a single story, and while endless pages could be filled telling stories with these themes, this one captures them well in a brief but powerfully effective way. The author skillfully weaves together these threads in a way that feels natural, creating a complex tapestry that has concrete impacts on the world, the characters, and their choices. I found myself connecting and relating to so much in this story, but I just want to talk about one of those things that was the most important and meaningful to me at this stage of my life. (Minor spoiler’s below for Verity’s character arc)
One life after another that hadn’t needed to be sacrificed, but had been all the same. And for what? For a stupid god and a rigid way of life and ideals no one could live up to. For greed and dishonesty and apathy.
I know some would say that the religion in this book is an extreme example of harmful beliefs and practices that are no longer an issue, and while that may be true on the surface, I still think there’s an argument to be made about how many of those beliefs have carried over into certain modern, real-life religions. The specifics may not be the same, but the general principles are uncannily similar, at least comparing to my own experience. Women have their place and their role, and men have theirs (notably one that gives them power over women). To step outside of that role, to question the church or its leaders, to begin seeking outside information and thinking more critically about the world---all of these things are wrong, forbidden, and a sure sign that one is being led astray (by the devil, witchcraft, the evils of the world, or whoever/whatever the big bad of the time is). And there are certainly some other haunting real-world parallels when we look at the state of healthcare for anyone with a vagina/uterus.
I’ve already rambled on too long but to close I’ll just say again that this was an excellent book, and an important one. I hope it resonates with other readers as much as it did with me. If you have even the vaguest interest in picking this up, do it. It’s worth your time.
(Also insert obligatory appreciation for the cover because DAMN what a beauty she is.)
The End
(finally)
June 6, 2023
I devoured this ARC in a day. It was wonderfully written and the plot was spectacular. The were moments of happy fuzzy and then moments that made me have to pause and process what I just read. Please take head to the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Cat Rector does a fantastic job in this book of taking modern day issues and making them relatable to all. Highly recommend.
August 16, 2023
This Too Shall Burn is a New Adult/Adult Historical Fantasy standalone novel.
I received an eARC for an honest review.
Book Cover: 5* - Ok, this author knows how to already hook me with a gorgeous illustrated cover. The fall setting, the shadowy figure hiding in the corner, and the mysterious cover pulling out what could be her soul, but why? Well, I'm already curious so let's jump into this.
Summary/Tagline: 5* - Letting me know this will be dual pov, this story is promising a mystery, women oppression, religious trauma, herbal medicine, and so much more. Alright, let's experience women rage!
Characters: 5* - Like I said earlier, this book is dual pov, we follow a young pious and naive woman named Verity, who's mother was burned for being a witch, who experiences some of the worst periods known to womankind, who was forced into the mother role so young and, despite loving her family, is ready to explode from all the weight placed down on her. The other character is Arden, the one and only forest witch, who despite threats of death from the town she lives by, continues doing what she must because it was what her late mother asked of her before she too was burned for being, well, a witch. Both of them come together in the weirdest circumstances, only for something dark hanging over the town. Verity took a bit to get used to, but grows into herself once she realizes the wrong done to not only herself, but her mother and those murdered before her. Arden, I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed seeing her get angrier and angrier as the story progresses until she just couldn't contain that rage any longer, almost quite literally. I won't say anymore in case spoilers, but just read it if you like religious oppression to be toppled and women taking back their urgency.
World Building: 5* - The setting is simple and vague, but enough historical facts to get an idea of what, when, and where this story takes place. The fantasy is also more on the light side. If that's not your cup of you tea, then you'll probably get frustrated, but I enjoyed some of the little details, both real and fantastical, happening throughout the book from spirits, to herbal medicine, period pains(this isn't just cramps but severe pain only experienced when Verity is going through her monthly bleeding), and the entitlement displayed when people abuse God in a way to favor them and their way of living. I'll talk more in the next bit.
Story: 5* - Alright, I'll do my best to explain the story without spoilering. Both Verity and Arden have their own reasons for being, but who's stories meet before the end. Because Verity is a God fearing young woman, she experiences conflictions throughout the story with what was said in the Good Book about witches, how there are a million ways to sin and if you suddenly step out of that line, even if by accident, you would be outed as a witch and with knowing Arden, Verity begins to wonder why people are being burned for something they actually have no control over. Why wanting to rest, needing a moment to think by themselves, wanting help with chores, would suddenly be crimes for witchery? They soon learn that there is something wrong with how the three most important men in this town have such sway over the people of this town. This story was thrilling, mysterious, and a ride of emotions, usually anger lol. Again, if you like stories were religious abuse and oppression gets toppled and women wanting support, help, and understanding, then pick up this book. It's really short.
Over All: 5* - This story was a mystery and light fantasy mixed with historical facts about religion being used to oppress people, women, witches, just anyone who wasn't a man in the seat of power and medicine used to ignore those in genuine pain, but who refuse to understand what's wrong. This wasn't a story of women taking power for themselves, but a story of women taking back their urgency, their bodily autonomy, and the understanding of self discovery. People trying to break away from a system that's done nothing but keep them down for the betterment of "superiors" who barely work, who live in bigger and better homes, who constantly hurt them and provide no relief. There's light magic, a question of faith and those who rule, nature spirits that need help, and human evil that Verity and Arden try to overcome. This was a thrilling story to read, and one I hope you walk away understanding it.
I received an eARC for an honest review.
Book Cover: 5* - Ok, this author knows how to already hook me with a gorgeous illustrated cover. The fall setting, the shadowy figure hiding in the corner, and the mysterious cover pulling out what could be her soul, but why? Well, I'm already curious so let's jump into this.
Summary/Tagline: 5* - Letting me know this will be dual pov, this story is promising a mystery, women oppression, religious trauma, herbal medicine, and so much more. Alright, let's experience women rage!
Characters: 5* - Like I said earlier, this book is dual pov, we follow a young pious and naive woman named Verity, who's mother was burned for being a witch, who experiences some of the worst periods known to womankind, who was forced into the mother role so young and, despite loving her family, is ready to explode from all the weight placed down on her. The other character is Arden, the one and only forest witch, who despite threats of death from the town she lives by, continues doing what she must because it was what her late mother asked of her before she too was burned for being, well, a witch. Both of them come together in the weirdest circumstances, only for something dark hanging over the town. Verity took a bit to get used to, but grows into herself once she realizes the wrong done to not only herself, but her mother and those murdered before her. Arden, I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed seeing her get angrier and angrier as the story progresses until she just couldn't contain that rage any longer, almost quite literally. I won't say anymore in case spoilers, but just read it if you like religious oppression to be toppled and women taking back their urgency.
World Building: 5* - The setting is simple and vague, but enough historical facts to get an idea of what, when, and where this story takes place. The fantasy is also more on the light side. If that's not your cup of you tea, then you'll probably get frustrated, but I enjoyed some of the little details, both real and fantastical, happening throughout the book from spirits, to herbal medicine, period pains(this isn't just cramps but severe pain only experienced when Verity is going through her monthly bleeding), and the entitlement displayed when people abuse God in a way to favor them and their way of living. I'll talk more in the next bit.
Story: 5* - Alright, I'll do my best to explain the story without spoilering. Both Verity and Arden have their own reasons for being, but who's stories meet before the end. Because Verity is a God fearing young woman, she experiences conflictions throughout the story with what was said in the Good Book about witches, how there are a million ways to sin and if you suddenly step out of that line, even if by accident, you would be outed as a witch and with knowing Arden, Verity begins to wonder why people are being burned for something they actually have no control over. Why wanting to rest, needing a moment to think by themselves, wanting help with chores, would suddenly be crimes for witchery? They soon learn that there is something wrong with how the three most important men in this town have such sway over the people of this town. This story was thrilling, mysterious, and a ride of emotions, usually anger lol. Again, if you like stories were religious abuse and oppression gets toppled and women wanting support, help, and understanding, then pick up this book. It's really short.
Over All: 5* - This story was a mystery and light fantasy mixed with historical facts about religion being used to oppress people, women, witches, just anyone who wasn't a man in the seat of power and medicine used to ignore those in genuine pain, but who refuse to understand what's wrong. This wasn't a story of women taking power for themselves, but a story of women taking back their urgency, their bodily autonomy, and the understanding of self discovery. People trying to break away from a system that's done nothing but keep them down for the betterment of "superiors" who barely work, who live in bigger and better homes, who constantly hurt them and provide no relief. There's light magic, a question of faith and those who rule, nature spirits that need help, and human evil that Verity and Arden try to overcome. This was a thrilling story to read, and one I hope you walk away understanding it.
June 26, 2023
Full of emotion, this book captures the essence of the too often buried rage, grief, and pain that women endure. With a focus on medical neglect, religious abuse, and ostracizing of those who are "other", this book is not for the faint of heart.
Beyond relatable characters, there are no punches pulled when it comes to calling out neglect in medical institutions (esp. towards women) , abuse of power in religious institutions, and how those two intersect into an often oppressive and deadly combo. The book may have fantastical elements, but the problems it discusses are very real.
Arden provides the town with invaluable services, however her clients are people who would call for her death in the same breath they beg her to save them or their loved ones. As someone with decades in the service industry, I didn't have to imagine what Arden felt each time she buried her fury in the name of professionalism and trying to do good despite it all.
Verity is a woman who is given too many burdens while lacking in familial and social support, and whose pain (both medical and non) is ignored, mis-represented, & is told is something she must bear "because God wills it". Her chapters were the hardest to read, because they were so real and reminded me of my own experiences being raised Christian. The plus side was remembering the freedom of leaving.
Cat Rector is one of my favorite authors, and especially in a time where there is book censorship and calls for books to only talk about "good & pure things", Cat once again provides an invaluable gem. It is a story that is real and provides the reader with insight and a chance to observe its truths from a safe distance, so you can digest and think about them. It speaks of pain, of lessons learned, and of hope for the future. Anyone can read it, even if (maybe especially if) you can't relate to the main characters. This book is meant to light a fire in your heart to make things be better than they are.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Beyond relatable characters, there are no punches pulled when it comes to calling out neglect in medical institutions (esp. towards women) , abuse of power in religious institutions, and how those two intersect into an often oppressive and deadly combo. The book may have fantastical elements, but the problems it discusses are very real.
Arden provides the town with invaluable services, however her clients are people who would call for her death in the same breath they beg her to save them or their loved ones. As someone with decades in the service industry, I didn't have to imagine what Arden felt each time she buried her fury in the name of professionalism and trying to do good despite it all.
Verity is a woman who is given too many burdens while lacking in familial and social support, and whose pain (both medical and non) is ignored, mis-represented, & is told is something she must bear "because God wills it". Her chapters were the hardest to read, because they were so real and reminded me of my own experiences being raised Christian. The plus side was remembering the freedom of leaving.
Cat Rector is one of my favorite authors, and especially in a time where there is book censorship and calls for books to only talk about "good & pure things", Cat once again provides an invaluable gem. It is a story that is real and provides the reader with insight and a chance to observe its truths from a safe distance, so you can digest and think about them. It speaks of pain, of lessons learned, and of hope for the future. Anyone can read it, even if (maybe especially if) you can't relate to the main characters. This book is meant to light a fire in your heart to make things be better than they are.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2025
This was one of those reads I didn't know I needed but just hit the spot. Summarized, the story is about an angry witch and a girl with endometriosis who team up to fight the crappy men who controls them and ruins the world around them.
I loved all about it! From the righteously - and very relatable - pissed-off witch, Arden, who's just sick and tired of religious men controlling women, to the unraveling of church-mouse Verity who's finally seeing the light, the raw and real description of PMS, periods, cramps, endometriosis, the haunting hint of historical accuracy, the magic of the forest spirits both dark and somewhat sweeter, and the way I felt like the "Elmo in Hell" gif at the final act of the book.
The plot was very straightforward but packed a punch in its delivery. The growing relationship between the two main characters was really sweet and Arden's mother/big sister vibe toward Verity a wonderful addition of 'found family'.
It was a very cathartic read as a woman who's generally pissed at the world, sick of her period, angry at Men™️, and who nurtures dreams of becoming a woodland witch and part of local folklore.
Anyone who supports women's right - and wrongs - should absolutely check out this very timely gem of feminine rage.
I loved all about it! From the righteously - and very relatable - pissed-off witch, Arden, who's just sick and tired of religious men controlling women, to the unraveling of church-mouse Verity who's finally seeing the light, the raw and real description of PMS, periods, cramps, endometriosis, the haunting hint of historical accuracy, the magic of the forest spirits both dark and somewhat sweeter, and the way I felt like the "Elmo in Hell" gif at the final act of the book.
The plot was very straightforward but packed a punch in its delivery. The growing relationship between the two main characters was really sweet and Arden's mother/big sister vibe toward Verity a wonderful addition of 'found family'.
It was a very cathartic read as a woman who's generally pissed at the world, sick of her period, angry at Men™️, and who nurtures dreams of becoming a woodland witch and part of local folklore.
Anyone who supports women's right - and wrongs - should absolutely check out this very timely gem of feminine rage.
February 17, 2025
I went into this book a little bit blind. I was under the vague impression that it was a romance (it’s definitely not), but that did not disuade me from getting really attached to this book. It’s a perfect novel to encapsulate feminine rage and highlight the way women have been demonized over time. It made me furious in a comforting way - because while it was honest and hard to read at times, it made me realize I have never been alone in my struggles. Cat Rector did such an incredible job with this novella and I would recommend reading this if you’re looking to connect with your feminine roots, or learn more about the plight that women have carried for centuries. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book.
July 11, 2023
I'm basically always here for anything Cat writes so obviously I inhaled my ARC when I got it. I loved both of the leads: Arden for her sharpness, compassion, wit, and her excellent taste in magical girlfriends, and Verity for her willingness to question, learn, and grow despite her fear. Also very here for the righteous fury that fills both of these ladies and the work they put into building a better world.
Dooo we get a sequel?? Asking for a friend LOL <3
Dooo we get a sequel?? Asking for a friend LOL <3
May 1, 2025
"To the dark places, I offer devotion. To fear and be feared in equal measure. When the time comes, I will be unforgiving."
"We can't change the past, but it's our responsibility to learn from it. To do better than the ones who came before us."
"People are tempted into the arms of demons. And I'm starting to wonder if demon's aren't kinder than people."
"You wanted a fucking witch. /Here I am/."
"We can't change the past, but it's our responsibility to learn from it. To do better than the ones who came before us."
"People are tempted into the arms of demons. And I'm starting to wonder if demon's aren't kinder than people."
"You wanted a fucking witch. /Here I am/."
Read
January 29, 2024What a book. This story is raw and painful, but also endearing and full of hope. That ending was just so perfect.
December 31, 2024
I cried a lot, got mad a lot while reading the story.
Wish for an epilogue for only Arden and Verity.
Wish for an epilogue for only Arden and Verity.
March 29, 2023
You guys are not ready for this book, even I'm not sure I'm ready!
January 27, 2025
If female rage was a book, this is it
July 4, 2023
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew I was going to like this when I read "witches" and "menstrual health". Plus, the author has already successfully broken my heart several times (I still owe myself to read the sequels and short stories belonging to The Goddess of Nothing At All, but I'll get there) so I was curious what kind of pain she will offer me now. I wasn't left disappointed! I didn't think I could get this angry and sad (but more angry tbh) over the depicted clashes of religious backwardsness and well, proper handling of health and womanhood, because we all know how these things went and in many ways, still go, but I did. I did get angry. Like a lot.
Arden and Verity were really the perfect characters to show this kind of tension with. I loved Arden's bluntness and sarcasm, but compassion and kindness as well, plus her relationship with nature and its spirits. And Verity...it would have been so easy to dislike the religious, meek girl for me, especially when faced with truths she had a hard time accepting those. But that's just it. Bigotry and (religious and otherwise) abuse hurts us all, and some more than others. The fact that these things happened (because even though the book's world is magical, it really resembles true historical times) boils my blood, and especially that remains of it is still all over our thinking. I felt for Verity, her struggles and uncertainties and frustration. All of it.
The book is relatively uncomplicated and straightforward as it speaks about these issues, but that's a strength, I think. We need books like this. Stories that talk about periods and births (and the way God-fearing citizens can handle these things) honestly, as they are, without the weird fetishizing/glorifying and/or demonizing that usually connects to them and sex and sexual preferences and raising children. I have a lot of feelings about this and the book echoed many of them.
I liked Arden and Verity's careful friendship as well, and how the book handled the progress we reached by the end. Because yeah, progress is slow, and weird, and scary, but it has to happen.
I think I only had one small gripe, which is more like a personal preference plus if I think about it a bit more I can argue against myself from a storytelling perspective but it occurred to me
And let me just say, this was not enough, can I just read the adventures of Arden and Verity keeping women safe and educating them and going on weird spirit quests or something similar? I'd love that. Witches as healers, which what they mostly were, weren't they, are my jam.
Great book, great themes. Absolutely needed. And the cover is beautiful. Another win for Cat Rector.
I knew I was going to like this when I read "witches" and "menstrual health". Plus, the author has already successfully broken my heart several times (I still owe myself to read the sequels and short stories belonging to The Goddess of Nothing At All, but I'll get there) so I was curious what kind of pain she will offer me now. I wasn't left disappointed! I didn't think I could get this angry and sad (but more angry tbh) over the depicted clashes of religious backwardsness and well, proper handling of health and womanhood, because we all know how these things went and in many ways, still go, but I did. I did get angry. Like a lot.
Arden and Verity were really the perfect characters to show this kind of tension with. I loved Arden's bluntness and sarcasm, but compassion and kindness as well, plus her relationship with nature and its spirits. And Verity...it would have been so easy to dislike the religious, meek girl for me, especially when faced with truths she had a hard time accepting those. But that's just it. Bigotry and (religious and otherwise) abuse hurts us all, and some more than others. The fact that these things happened (because even though the book's world is magical, it really resembles true historical times) boils my blood, and especially that remains of it is still all over our thinking. I felt for Verity, her struggles and uncertainties and frustration. All of it.
The book is relatively uncomplicated and straightforward as it speaks about these issues, but that's a strength, I think. We need books like this. Stories that talk about periods and births (and the way God-fearing citizens can handle these things) honestly, as they are, without the weird fetishizing/glorifying and/or demonizing that usually connects to them and sex and sexual preferences and raising children. I have a lot of feelings about this and the book echoed many of them.
I liked Arden and Verity's careful friendship as well, and how the book handled the progress we reached by the end. Because yeah, progress is slow, and weird, and scary, but it has to happen.
I think I only had one small gripe, which is more like a personal preference plus if I think about it a bit more I can argue against myself from a storytelling perspective but it occurred to me
And let me just say, this was not enough, can I just read the adventures of Arden and Verity keeping women safe and educating them and going on weird spirit quests or something similar? I'd love that. Witches as healers, which what they mostly were, weren't they, are my jam.
Great book, great themes. Absolutely needed. And the cover is beautiful. Another win for Cat Rector.
June 8, 2023
I was given this ARC in exchange for honest feedback.
This Too Shall Burn was a fast read for me, because yes it’s a short tale but because I INSTANTLY clicked with Verity and Arden (which is sad, especially if you read the author’s notes).
Cat Rector perfectly captured the frustration that many women feel when thrust in stereotypical roles and when there are just so many expectations with zero support. “She wasn’t feeling well and there had been three other people in the house and no one else could just make the bread?” When I say I felt that in my soul… Throughout the first half of the book you just feel Verity’s frustrations build and build because no matter that she does or goes through, it’s not enough. Many mothers feel this - you can do EVERYTHING, every single day, and someone will still point out one item that they feel you should have done, or how you could do more/better. Also, the focus on women’s health was played up on the description but it is very well woven into the story, fueling into how even in contemporary settings, our health concerns are misunderstood and dismissed.
“For the first time, it occurred to Verity that perhaps when someone paid a witch to curse their spouse, it wasn’t because of any single large wrong that had been done. Perhaps it was because of a thousand small wrongs over a thousand days that had festered past the point of healing.”
“Pastor Wolfe wasn’t asking the people whose lives were hard. He was asking people who had some measure of control over things.”
I felt very heard when reading Verity’s POV. I especially connected with her struggling in her faith. Her discussions with Arden felt so real in content, despite being set in a fantasy world. Discussing how God could create so much for them yet leadership proclaimed so much to be bad was something I think many will resonate with. Facing how things had always been done against how things could potentially be felt so comforting.
I adored the relationship between Arden and Verity. It was well constructed to show how we can sometimes let each other down in expectations or actions, be completely different in confrontational styles or within societal roles, and still connect with other women. I won’t give away the ending, but I will say l feminine rage has many faces and I loved seeing it displayed.
Try to go into this blind. I read the description but feel as tho it’s very simple compared to the story. For women that have been turned away by doctors or had their experiences minimized, for those who have shouted their needs and been told to quiet down, for anyone who has just felt trapped, I think you’ll enjoy this story. Yes it’s fantasy, but you don’t have to be interested in dragons or swords to love it.
This Too Shall Burn was a fast read for me, because yes it’s a short tale but because I INSTANTLY clicked with Verity and Arden (which is sad, especially if you read the author’s notes).
Cat Rector perfectly captured the frustration that many women feel when thrust in stereotypical roles and when there are just so many expectations with zero support. “She wasn’t feeling well and there had been three other people in the house and no one else could just make the bread?” When I say I felt that in my soul… Throughout the first half of the book you just feel Verity’s frustrations build and build because no matter that she does or goes through, it’s not enough. Many mothers feel this - you can do EVERYTHING, every single day, and someone will still point out one item that they feel you should have done, or how you could do more/better. Also, the focus on women’s health was played up on the description but it is very well woven into the story, fueling into how even in contemporary settings, our health concerns are misunderstood and dismissed.
“For the first time, it occurred to Verity that perhaps when someone paid a witch to curse their spouse, it wasn’t because of any single large wrong that had been done. Perhaps it was because of a thousand small wrongs over a thousand days that had festered past the point of healing.”
“Pastor Wolfe wasn’t asking the people whose lives were hard. He was asking people who had some measure of control over things.”
I felt very heard when reading Verity’s POV. I especially connected with her struggling in her faith. Her discussions with Arden felt so real in content, despite being set in a fantasy world. Discussing how God could create so much for them yet leadership proclaimed so much to be bad was something I think many will resonate with. Facing how things had always been done against how things could potentially be felt so comforting.
I adored the relationship between Arden and Verity. It was well constructed to show how we can sometimes let each other down in expectations or actions, be completely different in confrontational styles or within societal roles, and still connect with other women. I won’t give away the ending, but I will say l feminine rage has many faces and I loved seeing it displayed.
Try to go into this blind. I read the description but feel as tho it’s very simple compared to the story. For women that have been turned away by doctors or had their experiences minimized, for those who have shouted their needs and been told to quiet down, for anyone who has just felt trapped, I think you’ll enjoy this story. Yes it’s fantasy, but you don’t have to be interested in dragons or swords to love it.
June 30, 2023
"This Too Shall Burn" è un fantasy autoconclusivo di Cat Rector che ringrazio tantissimo per avermi mandato l'arc del suo libro 💓.
La storia è ambientata in una piccola cittadina chiamata Arrothburg, un luogo estremamente religioso in cui le donne vivono una vita difficile e le streghe vengono uccise sul rogo.
Verity è una ragazza che ha da sempre seguito ogni regola che le è stata imposta, e da quando sua madre è morta è lei ad occuparsi della casa, di suo padre e dei suoi fratelli.
Arden è una strega che vive nel Bosco adiacente a Arrothburg. Pratica la magia grazie agli spiriti a cui è legata e nonostante sia costretta a nascondersi per non rischiare la morte, è sempre disposta ad aiutare le persone della città che si rivolgono a lei.
Quando un giorno le due si incontrano per caso Verity comincia a capire che c'è qualcosa che non va in Arrothburg, che dovrebbe vivere una vita diversa, e che le persone che la circondano sono più crudeli di ciò che sembra.
"This Too Shall Burn" è un libro che si legge molto velocemente e che racchiude in poche pagine dei messaggi davvero potenti.
Lo stile di scrittura è semplice e diretto, infatti nonostante il libro sia scritto in inglese per me è una lettura che si può affrontare senza grandi problemi.
All'inizio può sembrare una lettura cozy e confortevole, ma più avanti i toni si fanno decisamente più seri e cupi.
Il world-building non è particolarmente elaborato, ma nonostante tutto l'ho trovato molto suggestivo, e le protagoniste mi sono piaciute molto. Arden è una strega che non si fa problemi a compiere sacrifici pur di sopravvivere, ma che allo stesso tempo fa di tutto per aiutare le donne del villaggio. Verity è una ragazza estremamente ingenua che non fa altro che seguire le regole, eppure riesce a compiere una crescita bellissima.
Nel libro c'è anche rappresentazione queer, ma non si tratta di un romance, infatti tra le due protagoniste si crea una meravigliosa amicizia.
Fulcro del libro sono, però, i temi trattati. Si parla tantissimo della condizione della donna, costretta a rispondere ai desideri dell'uomo e a sottomettersi, ma soprattutto si parla di mestruazioni e di tutto ciò che comportano. L'autrice sottolinea in particolare quanto dolore possono causare, e quanto certi sintomi vengano spesso sottovalutati dalle persone che le circondano.
Gli unici elementi "negativi" del libro sono la prevedibilità della trama e il finale
affrettato, ma nel complesso per me si tratta di una lettura interessante e coinvolgente, che consiglio soprattutto per il periodo spooky.
La storia è ambientata in una piccola cittadina chiamata Arrothburg, un luogo estremamente religioso in cui le donne vivono una vita difficile e le streghe vengono uccise sul rogo.
Verity è una ragazza che ha da sempre seguito ogni regola che le è stata imposta, e da quando sua madre è morta è lei ad occuparsi della casa, di suo padre e dei suoi fratelli.
Arden è una strega che vive nel Bosco adiacente a Arrothburg. Pratica la magia grazie agli spiriti a cui è legata e nonostante sia costretta a nascondersi per non rischiare la morte, è sempre disposta ad aiutare le persone della città che si rivolgono a lei.
Quando un giorno le due si incontrano per caso Verity comincia a capire che c'è qualcosa che non va in Arrothburg, che dovrebbe vivere una vita diversa, e che le persone che la circondano sono più crudeli di ciò che sembra.
"This Too Shall Burn" è un libro che si legge molto velocemente e che racchiude in poche pagine dei messaggi davvero potenti.
Lo stile di scrittura è semplice e diretto, infatti nonostante il libro sia scritto in inglese per me è una lettura che si può affrontare senza grandi problemi.
All'inizio può sembrare una lettura cozy e confortevole, ma più avanti i toni si fanno decisamente più seri e cupi.
Il world-building non è particolarmente elaborato, ma nonostante tutto l'ho trovato molto suggestivo, e le protagoniste mi sono piaciute molto. Arden è una strega che non si fa problemi a compiere sacrifici pur di sopravvivere, ma che allo stesso tempo fa di tutto per aiutare le donne del villaggio. Verity è una ragazza estremamente ingenua che non fa altro che seguire le regole, eppure riesce a compiere una crescita bellissima.
Nel libro c'è anche rappresentazione queer, ma non si tratta di un romance, infatti tra le due protagoniste si crea una meravigliosa amicizia.
Fulcro del libro sono, però, i temi trattati. Si parla tantissimo della condizione della donna, costretta a rispondere ai desideri dell'uomo e a sottomettersi, ma soprattutto si parla di mestruazioni e di tutto ciò che comportano. L'autrice sottolinea in particolare quanto dolore possono causare, e quanto certi sintomi vengano spesso sottovalutati dalle persone che le circondano.
Gli unici elementi "negativi" del libro sono la prevedibilità della trama e il finale
affrettato, ma nel complesso per me si tratta di una lettura interessante e coinvolgente, che consiglio soprattutto per il periodo spooky.
June 15, 2023
Buon pomeriggio ☁️
Finalmente la pioggia ha lasciato un po’ di tregua e anche la voglia di leggere è tornata prepotentemente a farsi sentire.
Oggi voglio parlare di This too shall burn di @cat_rector , che ringrazio per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere in anteprima il suo libro che uscirà poi nel mese di settembre.
Ambientato nella cittadina di Arrothburg, dove gli abitanti, timorati di Dio, trascorrono le loro esistenze seguendo fedelmente le regole che Dio ha dato loro; ciò include anche la caccia alle streghe. Ai margini della città, in mezzo ai boschi, vive Arden, una giovane strega legata agli spiriti della natura. La convivenza tra queste due realtà opposte non è semplice e gli equilibri si romperanno quando Verity, una ragazza del luogo, scoprirà di possedere delle capacità particolari.
Parto con il dire che ho AMATO questo libro. L’ho letto in pochissimo tempo, complici la scorrevolezza della trama e dello stile dell’autrice che ben si adattano alla storia a cui ci si approccia.
Cat Rector ha creato un mondo lontano nel passato ma quanto mai attuale, dove le discriminazioni nei confronti del diverso sono sempre all’ordine del giorno. È una storia di crescita, di bigottismo, di problemi femminili che spesso sono considerati taboo e per tanto ignorati, ed è anche una storia di un legame tra donne che non potrebbero più essere diverse tra loro.
Arden è una strega cinica e solitaria, i suoi unici contatti con il paese sono sporadici e dettati dall’urgenza dei cittadini di usufruire dei suoi poteri in maniera segreta ma quanto mai ipocrita. Vive con gli spiriti della foresta, è connessa a loro tramite un forte legame e loro in cambio compaiono al suo fianco nel momento del bisogno.
Verity è una ragazza giovane, spaventata dall’attrazione che prova e che ritiene sbagliata, una ragazza gentile con un peso enorme sulle spalle.. insomma, un vero pasticcino! La sua crescita nel romanzo è strabiliante, il modo in cui prende coscienza di sé e di ciò che la circonda avviene in maniera lenta ma consapevole ed ho apprezzato molto il modo in cui l’autrice ha trattato il suo personaggio.
In più viene sdoganato uno dei tabù più grandi della nostra società - il ciclo mestruale - che l’autrice tratta in maniera delicata ma decisa, portando alla luce aspetti che tutte, prima o poi nella vita, abbiamo vissuto.
Un romanzo che parla di amicizia, di legami, di religione e magia che consiglio a tutti gli amanti del genere.
Finalmente la pioggia ha lasciato un po’ di tregua e anche la voglia di leggere è tornata prepotentemente a farsi sentire.
Oggi voglio parlare di This too shall burn di @cat_rector , che ringrazio per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere in anteprima il suo libro che uscirà poi nel mese di settembre.
Ambientato nella cittadina di Arrothburg, dove gli abitanti, timorati di Dio, trascorrono le loro esistenze seguendo fedelmente le regole che Dio ha dato loro; ciò include anche la caccia alle streghe. Ai margini della città, in mezzo ai boschi, vive Arden, una giovane strega legata agli spiriti della natura. La convivenza tra queste due realtà opposte non è semplice e gli equilibri si romperanno quando Verity, una ragazza del luogo, scoprirà di possedere delle capacità particolari.
Parto con il dire che ho AMATO questo libro. L’ho letto in pochissimo tempo, complici la scorrevolezza della trama e dello stile dell’autrice che ben si adattano alla storia a cui ci si approccia.
Cat Rector ha creato un mondo lontano nel passato ma quanto mai attuale, dove le discriminazioni nei confronti del diverso sono sempre all’ordine del giorno. È una storia di crescita, di bigottismo, di problemi femminili che spesso sono considerati taboo e per tanto ignorati, ed è anche una storia di un legame tra donne che non potrebbero più essere diverse tra loro.
Arden è una strega cinica e solitaria, i suoi unici contatti con il paese sono sporadici e dettati dall’urgenza dei cittadini di usufruire dei suoi poteri in maniera segreta ma quanto mai ipocrita. Vive con gli spiriti della foresta, è connessa a loro tramite un forte legame e loro in cambio compaiono al suo fianco nel momento del bisogno.
Verity è una ragazza giovane, spaventata dall’attrazione che prova e che ritiene sbagliata, una ragazza gentile con un peso enorme sulle spalle.. insomma, un vero pasticcino! La sua crescita nel romanzo è strabiliante, il modo in cui prende coscienza di sé e di ciò che la circonda avviene in maniera lenta ma consapevole ed ho apprezzato molto il modo in cui l’autrice ha trattato il suo personaggio.
In più viene sdoganato uno dei tabù più grandi della nostra società - il ciclo mestruale - che l’autrice tratta in maniera delicata ma decisa, portando alla luce aspetti che tutte, prima o poi nella vita, abbiamo vissuto.
Un romanzo che parla di amicizia, di legami, di religione e magia che consiglio a tutti gli amanti del genere.
September 13, 2023
Arden lives in the woods, practicing magic and staying in tune with nature. The deeply religious town of Arrothburg has members who will come to her cabin late at night for healing despite the fact that they hate witches. Verity's mother had burned as a witch six years ago, so she must take care of her father and younger siblings. Verity is expected to endure and serve, and she feels cursed. A chance encounter between Arden and Verity leaves their skin charred. Now they have questions that may get them killed.
There is a list of trigger warnings in the beginning because this is not a story that shies away from the potential harm done to witches. Arden works with and loves spirits, and fully understands from the start that she walks a careful balance between that life and that of humanity that would quickly turn on and burn her if they could. She tries to keep nature and the needs of humans in balance, but those of the village take and don't replace. The church Verity belongs to is rigid, misogynistic, and eager to burn women as witches. She isn't told the truth about the world, the better to serve others and ignore her own needs. After their chance meeting, Verity begins to hear thoughts and see visions, something that terrifies her based on her upbringing.
As the story progresses, we see how much the people of the village are being controlled, and how much of their beliefs are being shaped by those in power. It all comes to a head at the very end, a thrilling conclusion I raced through because of how intense it was. The only way to get through the difficulties and lies was to confront them head-on. Verity is so brave for doing that, for unlearning the lies she was raised with, to see the truth of the world around her. It's absolutely a mirror to the rest of us: how many "truths" do we carry that are things we absorbed as children and don't question? How much do we need to unlearn to be good citizens of the world and help those around us? The wonderful part about fiction is that we can see it with magical stakes, internalize the lesson, and become better people for it.
There is a list of trigger warnings in the beginning because this is not a story that shies away from the potential harm done to witches. Arden works with and loves spirits, and fully understands from the start that she walks a careful balance between that life and that of humanity that would quickly turn on and burn her if they could. She tries to keep nature and the needs of humans in balance, but those of the village take and don't replace. The church Verity belongs to is rigid, misogynistic, and eager to burn women as witches. She isn't told the truth about the world, the better to serve others and ignore her own needs. After their chance meeting, Verity begins to hear thoughts and see visions, something that terrifies her based on her upbringing.
As the story progresses, we see how much the people of the village are being controlled, and how much of their beliefs are being shaped by those in power. It all comes to a head at the very end, a thrilling conclusion I raced through because of how intense it was. The only way to get through the difficulties and lies was to confront them head-on. Verity is so brave for doing that, for unlearning the lies she was raised with, to see the truth of the world around her. It's absolutely a mirror to the rest of us: how many "truths" do we carry that are things we absorbed as children and don't question? How much do we need to unlearn to be good citizens of the world and help those around us? The wonderful part about fiction is that we can see it with magical stakes, internalize the lesson, and become better people for it.
July 6, 2023
Like every one of Rector's other books, This Too Shall Burn blew me away. Something about the way it so perfectly encapsulated life as a woman just hit. It felt like a raging scream into the universe. It felt like a final declaration of doneness. It felt like an ending to a cycle.
I will admit that I may be a bit biased in this regard. Books like Small Favors and Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery both hold very special places in my heart. The recurring theme of women reclaiming their power and the title of Witch is something so intrinsically powerful. Because anyone who has ever existed as a woman knows just how tempting this act can be. To say fuck it and throw every bit of care out of the window. To finally take revenge for every small slight and cut collected throughout the years.
This Too Shall Burn did that so incredibly well. As the reader, we can see a storm building. We know that at some point, the waves will crest and crash. We know that Verity and Arden are going to be tested. And watching them both overcome and struggle through was so powerful. Although I was partial to Arden's character (she was a witch in the woods, what else could I ever want??), I loved Verity as well. Together, they were the perfect pairing to challenge the status quo.
I've been in a massive reading and reviewing slump lately, so sadly, this will be the extent of my review. There's so much more to say, but I simply cannot find the words. What I can say is that this is an amazing book and I'm glad to have read it.
Thanks to Cat Rector for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I will admit that I may be a bit biased in this regard. Books like Small Favors and Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery both hold very special places in my heart. The recurring theme of women reclaiming their power and the title of Witch is something so intrinsically powerful. Because anyone who has ever existed as a woman knows just how tempting this act can be. To say fuck it and throw every bit of care out of the window. To finally take revenge for every small slight and cut collected throughout the years.
This Too Shall Burn did that so incredibly well. As the reader, we can see a storm building. We know that at some point, the waves will crest and crash. We know that Verity and Arden are going to be tested. And watching them both overcome and struggle through was so powerful. Although I was partial to Arden's character (she was a witch in the woods, what else could I ever want??), I loved Verity as well. Together, they were the perfect pairing to challenge the status quo.
I've been in a massive reading and reviewing slump lately, so sadly, this will be the extent of my review. There's so much more to say, but I simply cannot find the words. What I can say is that this is an amazing book and I'm glad to have read it.
Thanks to Cat Rector for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 28, 2023
Why is this witch so much like my mother?
Let me start from the beginning. I beta read an earlier version of this book, and I signed for an advanced copy because the topics this book touches are very important to me. I am not the type of person who reads a book more than once if I didn’t love it. With all that there is to read out there, and so little time, the fact that I wanted to read it again, and I will probably read it once more when it comes out, should speak volumes of how much this book moved me.
Verity at the start of the novel was like a heavy reminder of the kind of person I was pushed to be when I was younger. There are things in this book that I’ve never told anyone, except perhaps my mother, and there it is, somewhere among these pages. If you are a religious trauma survivor, and you feel like no one listens, this book listens. Let it help you release all that bottled-up grief.
I wasn’t exaggerating when I said Arden reminds me of my mother. So knowledgeable, so independent and sure of herself, always helping others with their medical issues and solving their problems, and yet, it’s all a thankless job. Arden’s life, that peaceful and solitary life in harmony with nature, that is something I aspire to. She has become one of my favorite characters of all time.
Besides the moments of grief, this story also brought me some moments of peace.
I recommend this book to readers looking for a different kind of fantasy, closer to our world, where magic and nature aren’t separated concepts. I also recommend this book to anyone who has suffered from physical yet invisible pain and the struggle to find a good doctor has left them exhausted. This book can help them remember they’re not alone.
How could I not give this 5 stars? As a trauma survivor, witch, with monthly cycle pains, I am the exact audience for this book, and I’ll advocate for it whenever people are looking for fantasy book recs. A hundred thousand thanks to the author for her hard work.
Let me start from the beginning. I beta read an earlier version of this book, and I signed for an advanced copy because the topics this book touches are very important to me. I am not the type of person who reads a book more than once if I didn’t love it. With all that there is to read out there, and so little time, the fact that I wanted to read it again, and I will probably read it once more when it comes out, should speak volumes of how much this book moved me.
Verity at the start of the novel was like a heavy reminder of the kind of person I was pushed to be when I was younger. There are things in this book that I’ve never told anyone, except perhaps my mother, and there it is, somewhere among these pages. If you are a religious trauma survivor, and you feel like no one listens, this book listens. Let it help you release all that bottled-up grief.
I wasn’t exaggerating when I said Arden reminds me of my mother. So knowledgeable, so independent and sure of herself, always helping others with their medical issues and solving their problems, and yet, it’s all a thankless job. Arden’s life, that peaceful and solitary life in harmony with nature, that is something I aspire to. She has become one of my favorite characters of all time.
Besides the moments of grief, this story also brought me some moments of peace.
I recommend this book to readers looking for a different kind of fantasy, closer to our world, where magic and nature aren’t separated concepts. I also recommend this book to anyone who has suffered from physical yet invisible pain and the struggle to find a good doctor has left them exhausted. This book can help them remember they’re not alone.
How could I not give this 5 stars? As a trauma survivor, witch, with monthly cycle pains, I am the exact audience for this book, and I’ll advocate for it whenever people are looking for fantasy book recs. A hundred thousand thanks to the author for her hard work.
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