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The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore and Stories from Around the World
A beautifully presented hardcover collection of folklore and stories of legendary and historical witches from all over the world, with over 80 stunning, spooky illustrations. The perfect gift for the witchy people in your life.
For many centuries the figure of the witch has haunted our imagination and our nightmares. There have been many attempts to quash our fascination with these wielders of forbidden powers, but all have failed.
We invite you now on a journey through a moonlit world, where every shadow tells a tale of magic, persecution and persistence. In this beautifully illustrated volume, discover witches real and legendary, who once terrorized, devoured, helped or empowered their communities, but who are now largely forgotten.
Ten chapters introduce ten different categories of witches, from curse-bringers, shape-shifters and survivors to revenants, nature witches and fate-turners. Most, but far from all, are women, and their stories come from across the world.
Each chapter is linked to a different card of the Major Arcana and to a stage in the alchemical process of turning base metal to gold. In this way, as you learn about the witches, you will complete a journey of self-discovery and transformation, gleaning wisdom and empowerment from the awe-inspiring magical practitioners of folk tradition and history.
For many centuries the figure of the witch has haunted our imagination and our nightmares. There have been many attempts to quash our fascination with these wielders of forbidden powers, but all have failed.
We invite you now on a journey through a moonlit world, where every shadow tells a tale of magic, persecution and persistence. In this beautifully illustrated volume, discover witches real and legendary, who once terrorized, devoured, helped or empowered their communities, but who are now largely forgotten.
Ten chapters introduce ten different categories of witches, from curse-bringers, shape-shifters and survivors to revenants, nature witches and fate-turners. Most, but far from all, are women, and their stories come from across the world.
Each chapter is linked to a different card of the Major Arcana and to a stage in the alchemical process of turning base metal to gold. In this way, as you learn about the witches, you will complete a journey of self-discovery and transformation, gleaning wisdom and empowerment from the awe-inspiring magical practitioners of folk tradition and history.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2024
55 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Balázs Tátrai
4 books14 followersWriter and musician bewitched by folk tales. My latest work, The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World, is available in hardback, ebook and audiobook by Watkins Publishing. Find out more at: balazstatrai.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 11, 2024
ARC received by the Publisher Watkins Media via Netgalley.
I was very excited to read this especially as this is by a Hungarian author & a Hungarian illustrator and it is a rare and welcome experience.
"Ten chapters introduce ten different categories of witches, from curse-bringers, shape-shifters and survivors to revenants, nature witches and fate-turners. Most, but far from all, are women, and their stories come from across the world.
Each chapter is linked to a different card of the Major Arcana and to a stage in the alchemical process of turning base metal to gold. In this way, as you learn about the witches, you will complete a journey of self-discovery and transformation, gleaning wisdom and empowerment from the awe-inspiring magical practitioners of folk tradition and history."
This was an intriguing and fascinating read about a wide range of magical, mythical and real persons from the widely known to the obscure from all over the world and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience especially with fantastic and fantastical illustrations.
Recommended to readers interested in folklore, history, alchemy and mythology.
I was very excited to read this especially as this is by a Hungarian author & a Hungarian illustrator and it is a rare and welcome experience.
"Ten chapters introduce ten different categories of witches, from curse-bringers, shape-shifters and survivors to revenants, nature witches and fate-turners. Most, but far from all, are women, and their stories come from across the world.
Each chapter is linked to a different card of the Major Arcana and to a stage in the alchemical process of turning base metal to gold. In this way, as you learn about the witches, you will complete a journey of self-discovery and transformation, gleaning wisdom and empowerment from the awe-inspiring magical practitioners of folk tradition and history."
This was an intriguing and fascinating read about a wide range of magical, mythical and real persons from the widely known to the obscure from all over the world and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience especially with fantastic and fantastical illustrations.
Recommended to readers interested in folklore, history, alchemy and mythology.
February 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the illustrator, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions and review.
I've taken dozens of classes on the subjects of historical witchcraft, alchemy, mythology, and pagan religions. I have a lot of informed opinions on the matter; accurate, well researched representation of these subjects is a true passion of mine. I'm incredibly picky about books and papers on these subjects, and misinformation is rampant in the genre. I'm VERY delighted to say that The Book of Forgotten Witches meets all my criteria for a good book on these subjects!! It's filled to the brim with gorgeous illustrations on nearly every page, the entries for each figure are historically correct to the best of my knowledge, and it represents a globally diverse list of figures, NOT just ones from Europe. The figures included range from gods, semi-historical and historical figures, folklore characters, and local legends.
This is a treat for the eyes and the mind of anyone curious about the mystical across the world. I HIGHLY recommend buying a physical copy, or if you must buy an e-book copy, get it for a device that can show color. The illustrations are fantastical and vibrantly colored. The Book of Forgotten Witches is a good gift for a teenager or an adult who's passionate about folklore, witchcraft, or mythology.
My personal favorite entries:
* Hecate!!! Finally good information about Hecate!!!!
* Bakeneko
* Mary Laveau
* Merlin
Thank you again for an early copy I cannot WAIT til September 3rd when this releases officially to get a physical copy of my own (which by the way that's the New Moon)
I've taken dozens of classes on the subjects of historical witchcraft, alchemy, mythology, and pagan religions. I have a lot of informed opinions on the matter; accurate, well researched representation of these subjects is a true passion of mine. I'm incredibly picky about books and papers on these subjects, and misinformation is rampant in the genre. I'm VERY delighted to say that The Book of Forgotten Witches meets all my criteria for a good book on these subjects!! It's filled to the brim with gorgeous illustrations on nearly every page, the entries for each figure are historically correct to the best of my knowledge, and it represents a globally diverse list of figures, NOT just ones from Europe. The figures included range from gods, semi-historical and historical figures, folklore characters, and local legends.
This is a treat for the eyes and the mind of anyone curious about the mystical across the world. I HIGHLY recommend buying a physical copy, or if you must buy an e-book copy, get it for a device that can show color. The illustrations are fantastical and vibrantly colored. The Book of Forgotten Witches is a good gift for a teenager or an adult who's passionate about folklore, witchcraft, or mythology.
My personal favorite entries:
* Hecate!!! Finally good information about Hecate!!!!
* Bakeneko
* Mary Laveau
* Merlin
Thank you again for an early copy I cannot WAIT til September 3rd when this releases officially to get a physical copy of my own (which by the way that's the New Moon)
May 8, 2024
The Book of Forgotten Witches is a journey through folklore and history. Divided into ten chapters, each representing a different archetype of witch, this illustrated book delves into the stories of these mysterious figures who once both terrified and empowered their communities, from curse-bringers to shape-shifters, survivors to fate-turners.
The ten chapters on different types of witches introduce key figures from myth and folklore. The witches featured in this book are from all around the world, so the vast majority of these tales were completely new to me.
The particular category of witch is then linked to one of the first ten cards of tarot's Major Arcana, as well as to a stage in the alchemical process called the Great Work, which results in the Philosophers' Stone and the transformation of base metals to gold. It does sound like there are a lot of separate elements to this book, but actually it's really subtle and they come together really well - the link to an alchemical step and a tarot card only feature in one page in each chapter, and they are woven into a narrative that connects all the chapters in the book, and leads directly into a short story.
Each chapter finishes with a short story and illustrations that brings all the elements together. The short stories at the end of each chapter are the highlight for me. They're all so different, and I found that some worked better than others and were easier to follow.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
The ten chapters on different types of witches introduce key figures from myth and folklore. The witches featured in this book are from all around the world, so the vast majority of these tales were completely new to me.
The particular category of witch is then linked to one of the first ten cards of tarot's Major Arcana, as well as to a stage in the alchemical process called the Great Work, which results in the Philosophers' Stone and the transformation of base metals to gold. It does sound like there are a lot of separate elements to this book, but actually it's really subtle and they come together really well - the link to an alchemical step and a tarot card only feature in one page in each chapter, and they are woven into a narrative that connects all the chapters in the book, and leads directly into a short story.
Each chapter finishes with a short story and illustrations that brings all the elements together. The short stories at the end of each chapter are the highlight for me. They're all so different, and I found that some worked better than others and were easier to follow.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 23, 2024
This book was absolutely beautiful and spooky. Sent to me as a PDF I can imagine as a hardcover it would be even more special.
This isn't your typical 'Witch' book. It's insightful and extremely detailed about past folklore, cursegivers etc. I've never read anything like it!
The illustrations were fabulous.
This book will appeal to anyone who likes witches, gothic history, the supernatural or something a 'bit different'.
Thank you to Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for accepting me to read an early copy to enjoy.
This isn't your typical 'Witch' book. It's insightful and extremely detailed about past folklore, cursegivers etc. I've never read anything like it!
The illustrations were fabulous.
This book will appeal to anyone who likes witches, gothic history, the supernatural or something a 'bit different'.
Thank you to Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for accepting me to read an early copy to enjoy.
May 25, 2024
Balazs Tatrai’s The Book of Forgotten Witches Dark and Twisted Folklore from Around the World
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I especially liked the voice of the narrator in this book, the Keeper, who we find in the ruins of a hidden witches’ library—the Corpus Corvorum.
The volume features creepy and fantastic illustrations by Lilla Bolecz and describes a journey taken through the mysteries of the tarot and the knowledge of the alchemist in addition to stories and folklore about witches, demons and other creatures collected from all over the world.
#Witches #tarot #folklore #alchemy #fiction #Fantasy
#Brightbookreviews
Published by Watkins,
an imprint of Watkins Media Limited
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I especially liked the voice of the narrator in this book, the Keeper, who we find in the ruins of a hidden witches’ library—the Corpus Corvorum.
The volume features creepy and fantastic illustrations by Lilla Bolecz and describes a journey taken through the mysteries of the tarot and the knowledge of the alchemist in addition to stories and folklore about witches, demons and other creatures collected from all over the world.
#Witches #tarot #folklore #alchemy #fiction #Fantasy
#Brightbookreviews
Published by Watkins,
an imprint of Watkins Media Limited
May 14, 2024
Really liked this! So many good entries and illustrations. I especially loved reading about Hecate. If you’re even the slightest bit interested in witches, I recommend giving this a go. (Hell, read it even if you’re not interested!)
May 27, 2024
This book is an absolute gem!! Bringing together facts and folklore with stunning illustrations, this book takes us on a journey through the history of witchcraft.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
May 20, 2024
The Book of Forgotten Witches was a delightful collection of witchy folklore from all around the world! I absolutely loved learning about different stories and beliefs from other countries. I also thought the way each section was set up was so unique - a different archetype of witch that directly correlated to one of the Major Arcana tarot cards (i.e. - The Lovers, The Hermit, etc). Super easy and fun read! Additionally, the illustrations were so lovely, I wish there were more!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review!
September 2, 2024
Always love the witchy side of life. There was so much fitted into this book and it really is a full guide spanning different mythology and cultures. The illustrations really bring the book together too - a great addition. I’m just really experimenting with tarot so I enjoyed how this was brought in through the book.
March 15, 2025
Rating: 5⭐
Love the way this book is presented! The hardcover edition is beautiful and so special! The layout is neat and organized, and the information flows well. There is a mix of illustrations, short factual paragraphs and short stories. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely stunning!!😍 It was such a fun, relaxing and informative read. Definitely recommend, especially around Halloween.😊
Love the way this book is presented! The hardcover edition is beautiful and so special! The layout is neat and organized, and the information flows well. There is a mix of illustrations, short factual paragraphs and short stories. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely stunning!!😍 It was such a fun, relaxing and informative read. Definitely recommend, especially around Halloween.😊
Read
December 13, 2025Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect for spooky season, The Book of Forgotten Witches is a great source for anyone looking for a broad overview of magical folklore that doesn't get bogged down in the weeds. Each chapter has a theme, and is split between a half-dozen or so short entries on different legends and folk tales from across the globe, and a short story focusing on one myth in particular. I tended to prefer the shorter entries, since I'm generally more interested in the history of legends and what they say about the culture they come from than I am in straightforward storytelling. Alas, I may just have to accept that I am simply not the mystical type, much as I might wish otherwise. But anyone who is will find this book very fun and engaging. (Supposedly the print book contains illustrations. If that's the case, then I would recommend the print book over the audiobook. Even without artwork, this struck me as the kind of book that's better off being read than listened to).
Perfect for spooky season, The Book of Forgotten Witches is a great source for anyone looking for a broad overview of magical folklore that doesn't get bogged down in the weeds. Each chapter has a theme, and is split between a half-dozen or so short entries on different legends and folk tales from across the globe, and a short story focusing on one myth in particular. I tended to prefer the shorter entries, since I'm generally more interested in the history of legends and what they say about the culture they come from than I am in straightforward storytelling. Alas, I may just have to accept that I am simply not the mystical type, much as I might wish otherwise. But anyone who is will find this book very fun and engaging. (Supposedly the print book contains illustrations. If that's the case, then I would recommend the print book over the audiobook. Even without artwork, this struck me as the kind of book that's better off being read than listened to).
June 21, 2025
The illustrations are all absolutely gorgeous and I'm glad I read this just for them. But I found the short stories connecting the folklore Just Okay to Pretty Bad, and while I've definitely found new bits of folklore and folkloric figures and creatures to look up, the ones I did know were inconsistent with what I already knew to the point that I feel like I HAVE to look up any I'm interested in.
I also always feel it's a BIT disrespectful to include gods and godlike beings from religions such as various Native American tribes' beliefs, native Hawaiian beliefs and the like in the same breath as fucking, vampiric pumpkins. You know? One's folklore and one's religions that are still actively believed in
I also always feel it's a BIT disrespectful to include gods and godlike beings from religions such as various Native American tribes' beliefs, native Hawaiian beliefs and the like in the same breath as fucking, vampiric pumpkins. You know? One's folklore and one's religions that are still actively believed in
June 11, 2024
It was not what I expected, but damn if i didn't love it. It was very well written and composed. Each chapter was a specific category of witches/creatures, and for each category we get a short story. The illustrations were simply amazing, perfectly fitting into the mood of the book.
September 2, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for this ALC.
I went into this book expecting a dry retelling of different witches and demonic creatures throughout history. Oh, boy, was I wrong.
This book is amazing, it weaves the myths and legends with historical and ethnographical facts seamlessly making this a fascinating read. I loved how the book is structured, the information is well researched and well presented. The entities described are from all over the world and quite diverse.
This will be a great read for anyone interested in witches, myths and legends.
I went into this book expecting a dry retelling of different witches and demonic creatures throughout history. Oh, boy, was I wrong.
This book is amazing, it weaves the myths and legends with historical and ethnographical facts seamlessly making this a fascinating read. I loved how the book is structured, the information is well researched and well presented. The entities described are from all over the world and quite diverse.
This will be a great read for anyone interested in witches, myths and legends.
May 17, 2024
We have heard a plethora of versions around the types of witches and their powers. This book is an amalgamation of all that information but, in a sorted way. Divided into 10 chapters, the book takes you through the different classifications of witches, discussing their origins, habitat, power and the folklore surrounding them.
The structure of the book was particularly interesting as the author went beyond just info dumping and also gave us longer stories in each of them. Along with that, you could see that the whole book was held together with an underlying theme of the Major Arcana cards from the deck like a Daedalian series of mysteries unfolding into an unknown path of alchemical transformation.
And oh my God the illustrations in here were so gorgeous, I can go surfing through those pages in an infinite loop. Now I am not really an expert on the subject, but the contents of the book almost felt nonfiction to me 😅. Lastly, here are my favourites from what I read:
• Alison Gross - felt so humane
• Ana, Queen of Keshali - always a fan of these forest nymphs
• Mélusine - destined to repeat the fate of ancestors
• The story of Welmor
• Dragon Sister
Thanks, @watkinswisdom & @balazs_tatrai for the digital ARC
Illustrator: @lillaboleczillustration
P.S: Once the book is out I would love to own the actual hardcover version of it too 😍
The structure of the book was particularly interesting as the author went beyond just info dumping and also gave us longer stories in each of them. Along with that, you could see that the whole book was held together with an underlying theme of the Major Arcana cards from the deck like a Daedalian series of mysteries unfolding into an unknown path of alchemical transformation.
And oh my God the illustrations in here were so gorgeous, I can go surfing through those pages in an infinite loop. Now I am not really an expert on the subject, but the contents of the book almost felt nonfiction to me 😅. Lastly, here are my favourites from what I read:
• Alison Gross - felt so humane
• Ana, Queen of Keshali - always a fan of these forest nymphs
• Mélusine - destined to repeat the fate of ancestors
• The story of Welmor
• Dragon Sister
Thanks, @watkinswisdom & @balazs_tatrai for the digital ARC
Illustrator: @lillaboleczillustration
P.S: Once the book is out I would love to own the actual hardcover version of it too 😍
August 4, 2024
If you're a fan of folklore and supernatural mysteries this book is for you.
The content is divided into ten chapters, each is linked to the first ten cards of tarot's Major Arcana. My favorite chapters were about course-bringers, alchemists, and nature witches. Then we have short introductions to some archetypes from all over the world. I found these too short, and too vague, some feel like ultra-concentrated fabric softener. I'd love to see more details and some insight into the background of these stories.
The illustrations deserve acknowledgment and praise. Creepy, dark, somehow scary, and yet nobody can't say they aren't beautiful. Each is eye-catching, thought-provoking and stunning. Absolutely fantastic.
Three stars for the content and ten stars for the illustrations :)
The content is divided into ten chapters, each is linked to the first ten cards of tarot's Major Arcana. My favorite chapters were about course-bringers, alchemists, and nature witches. Then we have short introductions to some archetypes from all over the world. I found these too short, and too vague, some feel like ultra-concentrated fabric softener. I'd love to see more details and some insight into the background of these stories.
The illustrations deserve acknowledgment and praise. Creepy, dark, somehow scary, and yet nobody can't say they aren't beautiful. Each is eye-catching, thought-provoking and stunning. Absolutely fantastic.
Three stars for the content and ten stars for the illustrations :)
August 29, 2024
✨Audiobook Review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 (4.5)
Speed: 1.75x
The novel is composed of multiple chapters, each corresponding to a tarot card and connecting to a stage in the alchemical process of forming gold while telling the historical background, time period, location, & type of witch. Each chapter ends with a short story relating to that type of witch. Whether you love fantasy or not, readers will be engaged with these modern retellings of stories that have been passed down for centuries.
Highlights:
⭐️Unexpectedly, this book reads like a story. The audiobook begins with a narrator who introduces the experience as if we've stumbled into a lost library, where she tells us about different types of witches. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this, as I originally worried that this book might drag.
⭐️Engaging writing flow & layout. Each chapter begins with a description of a tarot card, the process of alchemy, the type of witch readers will hear about, and a short story. Spanning various time periods & locations across the world, the book describes multiple witches and provides a brief explanation of how these legends were passed down to people or children.
⭐️Modern retellings. I especially enjoyed the modern twists on some of the stories.
⭐️I actually learned quite a lot. I had no idea that witches were considered not only the typical figures we think of with magical powers but also vampires & werewolves/shape-shifters are considered witches as well according to some folk lore.
Pitfalls:
❌None!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC copy of this audiobook for my honest review!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 (4.5)
Speed: 1.75x
The novel is composed of multiple chapters, each corresponding to a tarot card and connecting to a stage in the alchemical process of forming gold while telling the historical background, time period, location, & type of witch. Each chapter ends with a short story relating to that type of witch. Whether you love fantasy or not, readers will be engaged with these modern retellings of stories that have been passed down for centuries.
Highlights:
⭐️Unexpectedly, this book reads like a story. The audiobook begins with a narrator who introduces the experience as if we've stumbled into a lost library, where she tells us about different types of witches. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this, as I originally worried that this book might drag.
⭐️Engaging writing flow & layout. Each chapter begins with a description of a tarot card, the process of alchemy, the type of witch readers will hear about, and a short story. Spanning various time periods & locations across the world, the book describes multiple witches and provides a brief explanation of how these legends were passed down to people or children.
⭐️Modern retellings. I especially enjoyed the modern twists on some of the stories.
⭐️I actually learned quite a lot. I had no idea that witches were considered not only the typical figures we think of with magical powers but also vampires & werewolves/shape-shifters are considered witches as well according to some folk lore.
Pitfalls:
❌None!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC copy of this audiobook for my honest review!
September 5, 2024
A good Book for those who want to learn more about the legends of witches. It's interesting and packs a lot of information. I liked how the authors talk about the intersectionality between witch trials, sexism, homophobia and racism. I however would have preferred to read this in physical format rather than listen to the audiobook because there is a lot of info and the illustrations would have helped.
July 5, 2024
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review
Gives an introduction to many figures in folklore and myths and also some historical with many examples and ones you not have heard before and some fresh perspective on ones that you nay have heard of the book encompasses a wide range of different stories
i liked the chatty style of the narration that makes it seem interactive with the readers encouraging their thoughts on the stories and decisions on how they are presented has a feel like sharing tales round a camp fire
it is also very stunningly illustrated it would be nice to see as a physical copy also a good read if you interested in dark folklore
Gives an introduction to many figures in folklore and myths and also some historical with many examples and ones you not have heard before and some fresh perspective on ones that you nay have heard of the book encompasses a wide range of different stories
i liked the chatty style of the narration that makes it seem interactive with the readers encouraging their thoughts on the stories and decisions on how they are presented has a feel like sharing tales round a camp fire
it is also very stunningly illustrated it would be nice to see as a physical copy also a good read if you interested in dark folklore
October 24, 2024
Some really food information on worldwide folklore with lots of things to further investigate with a index if any peaked your interest.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
August 26, 2024
Reading these folklores was incredibly fun for me. It’s a book I will revisit and will own a physical copy of. The narrator was wonderful!
The author goes through all parts of the world, visiting old folklores about witches and monsters alike. I had not heard some of the stories from my own state and am excited to research it some more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy.
The author goes through all parts of the world, visiting old folklores about witches and monsters alike. I had not heard some of the stories from my own state and am excited to research it some more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy.
May 13, 2024
The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark & Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World. It is almost like an encyclopaedia of characters from folklore and mythology. The book is beautifully designed with illustrations on most pages and is full stories or short biographies of each character. The book is introduced in the form of a narrator, who calls themselves the Keeper, in the ruins of a hidden witches’ library, also know as the Corpus Corvorum.
Some of the people listed here are well know and significant people from history and studiers of alchemy like Isaac Newton, John Dee, Marie Laveau the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.. Other are characters of legend like Merlin and Morgan Le Fay. As they are collected from all over the world it was lovely to see some local characters included like Mother Shipton from Knaresbough in Yorkshire.
This is an extensive collection and would be of interest to anyone who enjoys history, alchemy, folklore to mythology. And a reminder how sometimes normal folk were served injustice by the monarch at the time and their fear of witchcraft. It is broken down into chapters by the various gifts or powers these people are send to process. Ie curse bringers, nature withes, alchemists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some of the people listed here are well know and significant people from history and studiers of alchemy like Isaac Newton, John Dee, Marie Laveau the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.. Other are characters of legend like Merlin and Morgan Le Fay. As they are collected from all over the world it was lovely to see some local characters included like Mother Shipton from Knaresbough in Yorkshire.
This is an extensive collection and would be of interest to anyone who enjoys history, alchemy, folklore to mythology. And a reminder how sometimes normal folk were served injustice by the monarch at the time and their fear of witchcraft. It is broken down into chapters by the various gifts or powers these people are send to process. Ie curse bringers, nature withes, alchemists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
Such an outstanding and creative way to present a collection of folklore and history on the subject of witchcraft.
I loved the structure of this, as well as the tone and approach of its narrator. It’s a lovely mix of an encyclopedic guide to types of witches and witchcraft and collection of related tales.
The stories here are all excellent and serve as a terrific way to exemplify the different types of witchcraft discussed. It allows the whole text to flow really well, so you don’t ever feel like you’re reading a dictionary while still absorbing a lot of information.
In all it’s just a great way to teach history, and I would love to see more nonfiction structured this way, especially that which relates to subjects that pair well with myth and folklore. I also highly recommend audio format for this book if reading that way is an option for you. The structure of the book is perfect for the format, and the narrator does a lovely job.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved the structure of this, as well as the tone and approach of its narrator. It’s a lovely mix of an encyclopedic guide to types of witches and witchcraft and collection of related tales.
The stories here are all excellent and serve as a terrific way to exemplify the different types of witchcraft discussed. It allows the whole text to flow really well, so you don’t ever feel like you’re reading a dictionary while still absorbing a lot of information.
In all it’s just a great way to teach history, and I would love to see more nonfiction structured this way, especially that which relates to subjects that pair well with myth and folklore. I also highly recommend audio format for this book if reading that way is an option for you. The structure of the book is perfect for the format, and the narrator does a lovely job.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 14, 2025
absolutely brilliant, the narrative is spell binding - the people both that lived and those that are folk law are fascinating -- highly recommend
May 12, 2025
4,5⭐*
October 4, 2024
This was one of those books. They would definitely be better in hand than in audio form.
I listen to this audiobook and found that I was wanting to have a copy of the book in hand to see the imagery and even the format and present of the book.
Set up with an overarching witch and folklore story and then divided up by the Major Arcana cards of the tarot, the book listed many incarnations of witches from around the world, and then told one story from that type of witch per chapter.
I enjoyed the stories, but would’ve liked in an audio form to have more stories and less listing of witches.
I did thoroughly enjoy the voice work by , Frances Butt. I found their voice to fit the book well and it helped carry along an otherwise disjointed audiobook that was missing the imagery of this physical book to help tell the story.
I think this audio would do best as a companion to the physical book.
I listen to this audiobook and found that I was wanting to have a copy of the book in hand to see the imagery and even the format and present of the book.
Set up with an overarching witch and folklore story and then divided up by the Major Arcana cards of the tarot, the book listed many incarnations of witches from around the world, and then told one story from that type of witch per chapter.
I enjoyed the stories, but would’ve liked in an audio form to have more stories and less listing of witches.
I did thoroughly enjoy the voice work by , Frances Butt. I found their voice to fit the book well and it helped carry along an otherwise disjointed audiobook that was missing the imagery of this physical book to help tell the story.
I think this audio would do best as a companion to the physical book.
July 28, 2024
I really wanted to like this book - but I struggled to read this.
Not only was it difficult to physically read with the white text on the black background, making it fuzzy and blurred around the edges and therefore hard to see.
But also the language Tatrai uses is very dense and just wasn't as whimsical and interesting as I had hoped. You really have to concentrate, but I wanted something more of an easy read to dip into.
The illustrations were nice, but I wanted more!
Not only was it difficult to physically read with the white text on the black background, making it fuzzy and blurred around the edges and therefore hard to see.
But also the language Tatrai uses is very dense and just wasn't as whimsical and interesting as I had hoped. You really have to concentrate, but I wanted something more of an easy read to dip into.
The illustrations were nice, but I wanted more!
September 12, 2025
'The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark & Twisted Folklore & Stories from Around the World'
What a unique, amazing, fantastical, monstrously creative and imaginative, spooky, creepy early Halloween present for this witch and witch fan.
It is about individual witches, sorted into types/categories, throughout mythology, folklore, and history. It is also a prolonged narrative, with you, the reader, as the curious visitor of an ancient, forgotten witch's library, the Corpus Corvorum, now in ruins atop the gothic Raven Hill. It is a moonlit night, and a mysterious ghost is your host, and the keeper and custodian of the library. You are about to embark on a journey, where you will tear away the veils and barriers of the world.
The ghost will tell you, in brief descriptions, about different witches, and magical creatures, mythical creatures, demons, the undead (including vampires, a bonus), gods, and monsters (not all of them are misunderstood, via tainted and dictated history, but nearly all of them have been previously lost and a target of attempted erasure), based around the process of spirituality, mysticism, and alchemy, and the drawing of tarot cards - the Major Arcana - and their symbolism, so we can discover and purify ourselves, towards enlightenment.
At the end of each witch category list, and stage in the alchemic/spiritual method, the ghost tells the reader a thrilling and scary short story, linking to a different tarot card. Every story is about witches, or otherwise magic, and nature, time, curses, dreams, and people.
I'm sure I'm making the book sound more confusing than it is.
But throughout 'The Book of Forgotten Witches', the reader is transformed and empowered. For witches have always been about empowerment. Most especially, female empowerment.
It is a chimera of a book. It is a dark, educational, and enlightening experience. Whilst reading, I fell under its spell. It felt like it had a darkness to it; something ominous, yet helpful in its own way. A witch like Baba Yaga could have written and stitched it together (incidentally, surprisingly, Baba Yaga's inclusion and description here is one of the shortest ones).
It is haunting, enticing, hypnotizing, and proudly, gleefully unconventional. It is almost necromantic. A codex of the occult.
This review would be far too long if I pointed out my favourite witches and magical creatures listed in 'The Book of Forgotten Witches'. Hecate is a major example. But one inclusion I feel I must highlight is Lilith and Eve (in the 'Fate-turners' category, with their powers being: 'independence'), 'the two major female figures of Jewish mythology' - page 326:
'Lilith stands up for herself and becomes an outcast of the system [literally demonised]. Eve remains in it but as a perpetual scapegoat. She suffers a similar fate to her predecessor, trying in vain to conform to a system that sees women as natural sinners. If Lilith and Eve could join forces, we would be one step closer to a more equal world.' - page 326
Holy shit. I love this book.
This is why we need feminism.
I will add that my favourites of the ghost's short stories are 'Pierced Gitta's Stall' (it is very Roald Dahl's 'The Witches'), 'The Green Rose', 'Nightfall' (an important LBGTQ+ story, about religious propaganda and fearmongering, ostracising, and "We tolerate your existence, barely, and now you want rights?! and to be seen?!", and it is my absolute favourite alongside 'The Green Rose'), 'Dragon Sister' (about a legend concerning the countess Elizabeth Báthory! Plus it has dragons and vampires, what more could you want?), and 'The Stone-dweller's hare' (very 'Watership Down' and 'The Animals of Farthing Wood'). Most of the other stories are confusing, unclear, and just plain baffling, but I see their meanings and morals. All are well written and gripping.
The art by Lilla Bölecz is gorgeous, ethereal, shady, and eerie; an extra scary, unsettling, ghostly touch, and aura and spirit.
'The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark & Twisted Folklore & Stories from Around the World' - I cannot stress enough what an experience it is. It is unlike any nonfiction and fiction book I have ever read. It is wholeheartedly witchy, atmospheric, gothic, twisted, educational, versatile, and diverse, with shadows, fog, fangs, plants, ravens, and blood and guts.
It joins my list of witchy and folkloric nonfiction: 'The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft', 'The Field Guide to Witches: An artist’s grimoire of 20 witches and their worlds', 'Rebel Folklore: Empowering Tales of Spirits, Witches, and Other Misfits from Anansi to Baba Yaga', 'Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology's Fiercest Females', 'Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics', 'Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Woman Writers', 'Fierce Fairytales: & Other Stories to Stir Your Soul', 'Witchcraft: A Graphic History: Stories of wise women, healers and magic', and 'Women Who Run With The Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman'.
Thank you to the Goodreads friend who recommended 'The Book of Forgotten Witches' to me.
Happy early, eerie Samhain.
Final Score: 4/5
What a unique, amazing, fantastical, monstrously creative and imaginative, spooky, creepy early Halloween present for this witch and witch fan.
It is about individual witches, sorted into types/categories, throughout mythology, folklore, and history. It is also a prolonged narrative, with you, the reader, as the curious visitor of an ancient, forgotten witch's library, the Corpus Corvorum, now in ruins atop the gothic Raven Hill. It is a moonlit night, and a mysterious ghost is your host, and the keeper and custodian of the library. You are about to embark on a journey, where you will tear away the veils and barriers of the world.
The ghost will tell you, in brief descriptions, about different witches, and magical creatures, mythical creatures, demons, the undead (including vampires, a bonus), gods, and monsters (not all of them are misunderstood, via tainted and dictated history, but nearly all of them have been previously lost and a target of attempted erasure), based around the process of spirituality, mysticism, and alchemy, and the drawing of tarot cards - the Major Arcana - and their symbolism, so we can discover and purify ourselves, towards enlightenment.
At the end of each witch category list, and stage in the alchemic/spiritual method, the ghost tells the reader a thrilling and scary short story, linking to a different tarot card. Every story is about witches, or otherwise magic, and nature, time, curses, dreams, and people.
I'm sure I'm making the book sound more confusing than it is.
But throughout 'The Book of Forgotten Witches', the reader is transformed and empowered. For witches have always been about empowerment. Most especially, female empowerment.
It is a chimera of a book. It is a dark, educational, and enlightening experience. Whilst reading, I fell under its spell. It felt like it had a darkness to it; something ominous, yet helpful in its own way. A witch like Baba Yaga could have written and stitched it together (incidentally, surprisingly, Baba Yaga's inclusion and description here is one of the shortest ones).
It is haunting, enticing, hypnotizing, and proudly, gleefully unconventional. It is almost necromantic. A codex of the occult.
This review would be far too long if I pointed out my favourite witches and magical creatures listed in 'The Book of Forgotten Witches'. Hecate is a major example. But one inclusion I feel I must highlight is Lilith and Eve (in the 'Fate-turners' category, with their powers being: 'independence'), 'the two major female figures of Jewish mythology' - page 326:
'Lilith stands up for herself and becomes an outcast of the system [literally demonised]. Eve remains in it but as a perpetual scapegoat. She suffers a similar fate to her predecessor, trying in vain to conform to a system that sees women as natural sinners. If Lilith and Eve could join forces, we would be one step closer to a more equal world.' - page 326
Holy shit. I love this book.
This is why we need feminism.
I will add that my favourites of the ghost's short stories are 'Pierced Gitta's Stall' (it is very Roald Dahl's 'The Witches'), 'The Green Rose', 'Nightfall' (an important LBGTQ+ story, about religious propaganda and fearmongering, ostracising, and "We tolerate your existence, barely, and now you want rights?! and to be seen?!", and it is my absolute favourite alongside 'The Green Rose'), 'Dragon Sister' (about a legend concerning the countess Elizabeth Báthory! Plus it has dragons and vampires, what more could you want?), and 'The Stone-dweller's hare' (very 'Watership Down' and 'The Animals of Farthing Wood'). Most of the other stories are confusing, unclear, and just plain baffling, but I see their meanings and morals. All are well written and gripping.
The art by Lilla Bölecz is gorgeous, ethereal, shady, and eerie; an extra scary, unsettling, ghostly touch, and aura and spirit.
'The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark & Twisted Folklore & Stories from Around the World' - I cannot stress enough what an experience it is. It is unlike any nonfiction and fiction book I have ever read. It is wholeheartedly witchy, atmospheric, gothic, twisted, educational, versatile, and diverse, with shadows, fog, fangs, plants, ravens, and blood and guts.
It joins my list of witchy and folkloric nonfiction: 'The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft', 'The Field Guide to Witches: An artist’s grimoire of 20 witches and their worlds', 'Rebel Folklore: Empowering Tales of Spirits, Witches, and Other Misfits from Anansi to Baba Yaga', 'Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology's Fiercest Females', 'Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics', 'Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Woman Writers', 'Fierce Fairytales: & Other Stories to Stir Your Soul', 'Witchcraft: A Graphic History: Stories of wise women, healers and magic', and 'Women Who Run With The Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman'.
Thank you to the Goodreads friend who recommended 'The Book of Forgotten Witches' to me.
Happy early, eerie Samhain.
Final Score: 4/5
April 13, 2025
Catch me with any book on witches and I’ll be happy. Read this for my dissertation and the amount of stories and types of witches from different cultures were so so interesting.
October 9, 2024
"The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World" by Balázs Tátrai and Lilla Bölecz is a nonfiction book almost like a textbook. It is about the legends of various kinds of witches around the world and throughout time. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Frances Butt. She did a great job!
Unfortunately, I think the audio version really missed a lot of beautiful art of paintings of witches and tarot cards that accompany each chapter. The chapters each cover a different type of witch.
Chapter 1 is about Curse bringers like Baba Yaga from Russia and other Eastern European countries.
Chapter 2 is about Shapeshifters such as Kitsune from Japan and Cerridwynn.
Chapter 3 is about Survivors and Fortune Tellers and discusses the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-3.
Chapter 4 is Avengers such as Aisha Kandisha or Deer Woman, who gets revenge on predatory men.
Chapter 5 is about the Mesmerizers who are not really evil, like Kapo in Hawaii.
Chapter 6 is about Well Wishers who use their powers to help others such as Marie LeVoe, Morganne le Fay, and the blind Itako witches in Japan who could communicate with the dead.
Chapter 7 was about Alchemy and the alchemists such as Cleopatra and Isaac Newton.
Chapter 8 is about the Immortals such as vampires, the Hazel Witch, and the Jiang Shi, who are zombies. In this chapter, they talk about Elizabeth Bathory, the witch who married the vampire.
Chapter 9 is about Nature Witches like the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, in the King Arthur stories. Also, in this one is Glueska, who created the mountains in NH and Vermont according to the Abenaki Indians.
Finally, chapter 10 is about Fate Turners and Time Travelers. Mentioned here are Merlin, Lilith, Eve, and Hecate.
Each chapter ends with a short story depicting one of the witches in that category. These stories were my favorite parts.
I found the content interesting but also intense. I took notes and could only listen to one or two chapters at a time. I think it might be useful as a reference book, but it isn't especially suitable as a book to read and even less so as an audiobook.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Balázs Tátrai and Lilla Bölecz for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, I think the audio version really missed a lot of beautiful art of paintings of witches and tarot cards that accompany each chapter. The chapters each cover a different type of witch.
Chapter 1 is about Curse bringers like Baba Yaga from Russia and other Eastern European countries.
Chapter 2 is about Shapeshifters such as Kitsune from Japan and Cerridwynn.
Chapter 3 is about Survivors and Fortune Tellers and discusses the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-3.
Chapter 4 is Avengers such as Aisha Kandisha or Deer Woman, who gets revenge on predatory men.
Chapter 5 is about the Mesmerizers who are not really evil, like Kapo in Hawaii.
Chapter 6 is about Well Wishers who use their powers to help others such as Marie LeVoe, Morganne le Fay, and the blind Itako witches in Japan who could communicate with the dead.
Chapter 7 was about Alchemy and the alchemists such as Cleopatra and Isaac Newton.
Chapter 8 is about the Immortals such as vampires, the Hazel Witch, and the Jiang Shi, who are zombies. In this chapter, they talk about Elizabeth Bathory, the witch who married the vampire.
Chapter 9 is about Nature Witches like the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, in the King Arthur stories. Also, in this one is Glueska, who created the mountains in NH and Vermont according to the Abenaki Indians.
Finally, chapter 10 is about Fate Turners and Time Travelers. Mentioned here are Merlin, Lilith, Eve, and Hecate.
Each chapter ends with a short story depicting one of the witches in that category. These stories were my favorite parts.
I found the content interesting but also intense. I took notes and could only listen to one or two chapters at a time. I think it might be useful as a reference book, but it isn't especially suitable as a book to read and even less so as an audiobook.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Balázs Tátrai and Lilla Bölecz for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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