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We Call Them Witches
PRE-ORDER WE CALL THEM WITCHES NOW, THE HORROR STEEPED IN PAGAN FOLKLORE AND A SAPPHIC ROMANCE SET IN A POST-APOCOLYPTIC WORLD FULL OF HUNGRY ELDRITCH CREATURES . . .
--
Most people have been devoured by the eldritch creatures, but Sara and her family have been fighting for survival, armed with their knowledge of folklore and pagan rituals - the only weapon that seems to work against these monsters.
And then a young woman, Parsley, comes out of nowhere into Sara's life. Found in their garden, they have no idea where she is from.
Sara and Parsley begin to fall in love, but disaster strikes when Sara’s brother Noah is taken by the creatures.
They set out to find him, across a landscape of merciless terror, haunted by death.
But can Parsley truly be trusted in a world where humanity is as scarse as humans themselves?
--
Most people have been devoured by the eldritch creatures, but Sara and her family have been fighting for survival, armed with their knowledge of folklore and pagan rituals - the only weapon that seems to work against these monsters.
And then a young woman, Parsley, comes out of nowhere into Sara's life. Found in their garden, they have no idea where she is from.
Sara and Parsley begin to fall in love, but disaster strikes when Sara’s brother Noah is taken by the creatures.
They set out to find him, across a landscape of merciless terror, haunted by death.
But can Parsley truly be trusted in a world where humanity is as scarse as humans themselves?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2026
146 people are currently reading
13437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 514 reviews
Did Not Finish
January 5, 2026DNF @ 31%
I'm a HUGE fan of post-apocalyptic stories and this read like every other post-apocalyptic story out there. Nothing stood out to me. The FMC and her family were very bland. The witches were like every faceless entity from every post-apocalyptic horror that's been written before. It also read a lot more YA than adult.
And it's totally unfortunate that I was currently reading this book with Parable of the Sower, which is one of the defining books of the post-apocalyptic genre and which I'm enjoying a lot more.
I think the audience for this novel might be folks who like The End We Start From or How I Live Now. Heavy on the vibes, less on the actual plot.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this arc.
I'm a HUGE fan of post-apocalyptic stories and this read like every other post-apocalyptic story out there. Nothing stood out to me. The FMC and her family were very bland. The witches were like every faceless entity from every post-apocalyptic horror that's been written before. It also read a lot more YA than adult.
And it's totally unfortunate that I was currently reading this book with Parable of the Sower, which is one of the defining books of the post-apocalyptic genre and which I'm enjoying a lot more.
I think the audience for this novel might be folks who like The End We Start From or How I Live Now. Heavy on the vibes, less on the actual plot.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this arc.
September 9, 2025
Dark, eerie, occult, and sapphic? Im listening.
I love the vibes. Let me repeat- I LOVE the vibes.
This really gave me the feeling of both classic and modern takes on horror.
If you were to combine “The Blair Witch Project” with “A Quiet Place”, I think you would end up with something like this book.
The “witches” in this story were so interesting.
They are very different from what you would typically imagine when you think of a witch.
They are more like monsters or animals- and do not share human characteristics.
I really wish that we got a little bit more description on them! As it seems each one is very different.
We do still get some typical witchy elements in this.
Particularly in the use of wards, like stones and herbs that the humans use to protect themselves.
I am so glad the author did things this way, because it really added so much excitement for me.
I just love classic dark magic themes.
I think the only thing missing here is a backstory.
It would have been great to hear about life when the witches first appeared, and how the humans learned to ward them off.
Huge oppournity for a prequel here! I would rush to read it.
There is also a sapphic side-romance going on, between the main characters Sara and Parsley.
I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but this was big. And emotional.
This book pulled me right out of a reading slump. I would absolutely recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author India-Rose Bower for providing me with the eARC of “We Call Them Witches”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
I love the vibes. Let me repeat- I LOVE the vibes.
This really gave me the feeling of both classic and modern takes on horror.
If you were to combine “The Blair Witch Project” with “A Quiet Place”, I think you would end up with something like this book.
The “witches” in this story were so interesting.
They are very different from what you would typically imagine when you think of a witch.
They are more like monsters or animals- and do not share human characteristics.
I really wish that we got a little bit more description on them! As it seems each one is very different.
We do still get some typical witchy elements in this.
Particularly in the use of wards, like stones and herbs that the humans use to protect themselves.
I am so glad the author did things this way, because it really added so much excitement for me.
I just love classic dark magic themes.
I think the only thing missing here is a backstory.
It would have been great to hear about life when the witches first appeared, and how the humans learned to ward them off.
Huge oppournity for a prequel here! I would rush to read it.
There is also a sapphic side-romance going on, between the main characters Sara and Parsley.
I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but this was big. And emotional.
This book pulled me right out of a reading slump. I would absolutely recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author India-Rose Bower for providing me with the eARC of “We Call Them Witches”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
my review will be in Scream magazine
I LOVED this!
I LOVED this!
February 15, 2026
It felt super ya and not creepy or even slightly disturbing at all. I don’t know how a horror post apocalyptic book is able to be so boring.
April 9, 2026
This YA novel offers fast paced, breathless, nonstop suspense that will cure any book slump. I was stunned by how solidly it's written. It's a first book that reads like it was written by a well seasoned award winning author (which I suppose now it is☺️--the author was nominated for and has now won multiple awards for this book).
The novel's most notable quality is the authenticity of the protagonist's voice. Sara is our first person narrator who is just about to turn 18, but she's a young adult who has simultaneously lacked exposure to the world we know and yet also been exposed to too much, such as heightened levels of stress and anxiety. For Sara, PTSD is a lifestyle normative. Such a challenging set of circumstances in Sara's background make the believability of her voice even more impressive.
Nothing about WCTW is run of the mill. This is one post-apocalyptic thriller/horror tale you have never read before. From family loyalty, trauma and recovery, love and friendship, to traditional education vs. the messages in folklore and superstition, its many themes are layered in multiple levels of suggestion. It challenges the very nature of what constitutes morality when one's society has dissolved and/or disappeared. This is the sort of novel that demands and deserves discussion and readily lends itself to a wide array of critical readings.
WCTW is designated a YA novel, meaning it is appropriate for high school students, and that definitely is accurate. Nothing sexually explicit takes place; characters kiss, and that's about it. There are plenty of frightening depictions and terrifying scenes, but nothing that rule this storyline out for ages 13 and up. In fact, the type of loyalty Sara shows her siblings, the dedication she exhibits, her strength and courage and even her extremely healthy responses to trauma all signify very positive messages for young adults. Adult readers also should not hesitate. I was utterly fascinated and captivated from page one. Stories this well written defy such categories.
Basic premise:
The world has fallen to monstrous creatures (which Sara and her family have decided to call witches for lack of a better moniker). So many lose their lives so fast that there was no time for survivors to do much more than run, so nobody knows why these "witches" have come, where they came from, or what they want. Fortunately, Sara's mom learned a great deal about folklore and has learned how to set up wards against the invaders. Still, in order to stay safe, her family has had to stay on the move. Sara is grateful to have her family, but she's also lonely. So when a stranger appears just outside the wards, Sara is eager to take her in despite the potential threat to the family's survival.
This is a thoughtful yet frightening/engaging/edge of your seat sort of story which I urge readers to pick up. Rarely do I find horror novels...or for that matter, thrillers in general...which truly make me consider ideas anew. Rarely do I find YA novels so utterly original and exciting. I have read lots and lots of post-apocalyptic literature, but nothing ever even remotely like this.
__________________________
Further Thoughts on YA Classification:
I saw multiply absurd reviews on Amazon saying this book was inappropriate for young adults, and that is simply ridiculous. There are more explicit suggestions in Goosebump novels for middle schoolers. I suspect these reviewers were merely attempting to tank the novel and couching their bigotry in the patently bogus reasons Amazon's algorithms would allow. Yes, one of Sara's siblings identifies as transgender. And Sara is bisexual. Nothing beyond kissing is described. Yes, this is also a novel which asks environmentally conscious questions. If these are inappropriate, so are most kindergarten level ecology lessons about recycling.
I hope readers will ignore such bias reviews and let the book's awards speak louder.
Ms. Bower is an extremely talented author, and this is an incredible, meaningful, electrifying read.
The novel's most notable quality is the authenticity of the protagonist's voice. Sara is our first person narrator who is just about to turn 18, but she's a young adult who has simultaneously lacked exposure to the world we know and yet also been exposed to too much, such as heightened levels of stress and anxiety. For Sara, PTSD is a lifestyle normative. Such a challenging set of circumstances in Sara's background make the believability of her voice even more impressive.
Nothing about WCTW is run of the mill. This is one post-apocalyptic thriller/horror tale you have never read before. From family loyalty, trauma and recovery, love and friendship, to traditional education vs. the messages in folklore and superstition, its many themes are layered in multiple levels of suggestion. It challenges the very nature of what constitutes morality when one's society has dissolved and/or disappeared. This is the sort of novel that demands and deserves discussion and readily lends itself to a wide array of critical readings.
WCTW is designated a YA novel, meaning it is appropriate for high school students, and that definitely is accurate. Nothing sexually explicit takes place; characters kiss, and that's about it. There are plenty of frightening depictions and terrifying scenes, but nothing that rule this storyline out for ages 13 and up. In fact, the type of loyalty Sara shows her siblings, the dedication she exhibits, her strength and courage and even her extremely healthy responses to trauma all signify very positive messages for young adults. Adult readers also should not hesitate. I was utterly fascinated and captivated from page one. Stories this well written defy such categories.
Basic premise:
The world has fallen to monstrous creatures (which Sara and her family have decided to call witches for lack of a better moniker). So many lose their lives so fast that there was no time for survivors to do much more than run, so nobody knows why these "witches" have come, where they came from, or what they want. Fortunately, Sara's mom learned a great deal about folklore and has learned how to set up wards against the invaders. Still, in order to stay safe, her family has had to stay on the move. Sara is grateful to have her family, but she's also lonely. So when a stranger appears just outside the wards, Sara is eager to take her in despite the potential threat to the family's survival.
This is a thoughtful yet frightening/engaging/edge of your seat sort of story which I urge readers to pick up. Rarely do I find horror novels...or for that matter, thrillers in general...which truly make me consider ideas anew. Rarely do I find YA novels so utterly original and exciting. I have read lots and lots of post-apocalyptic literature, but nothing ever even remotely like this.
__________________________
Further Thoughts on YA Classification:
I saw multiply absurd reviews on Amazon saying this book was inappropriate for young adults, and that is simply ridiculous. There are more explicit suggestions in Goosebump novels for middle schoolers. I suspect these reviewers were merely attempting to tank the novel and couching their bigotry in the patently bogus reasons Amazon's algorithms would allow. Yes, one of Sara's siblings identifies as transgender. And Sara is bisexual. Nothing beyond kissing is described. Yes, this is also a novel which asks environmentally conscious questions. If these are inappropriate, so are most kindergarten level ecology lessons about recycling.
I hope readers will ignore such bias reviews and let the book's awards speak louder.
Ms. Bower is an extremely talented author, and this is an incredible, meaningful, electrifying read.
September 26, 2025
I've not read an apocalyptic work and this was different from what I expected.
The first half of the story focussed on the life led by Sara, surrounded by her family, who protected them through wards from the witches. The witches in the story aren't really witches, but something more evil and difficult to be controlled. Sara and her family was living comfortably (as far as a post apocalyptic world can be), when a girl arrives - Parsley.
Parsley's arrival led to discomfort among the house members and they believe she is one of the witches. But she wasn't and before anyone could predict it, Sara and Parsley forms a bond that made their life bearable amidst the circumstances. It was until Sara's younger brother is taken by a witch and the family goes in search of him.
Truth be told, I enjoyed reading on Sara's life. Her family even with all their issues, loved each other deeply. Sibling bond was also shown beautifully where Sara's interactions with her younger siblings was filled with love and quarrels.
I was able to see the story through Sara's eyes. The way she comforts Parsley even when her family distrusts her. The love they shared through stolen glances was interesting to read.
I also liked the thrill that came when the characters leave the safety of their house to search for her brother. Close encounters with the witches and near death experience made this story thrilling.
The last twist and an emotional ending made me really feel sentimental. But in reality, I wished to know more about the witches and have something more to this story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
The first half of the story focussed on the life led by Sara, surrounded by her family, who protected them through wards from the witches. The witches in the story aren't really witches, but something more evil and difficult to be controlled. Sara and her family was living comfortably (as far as a post apocalyptic world can be), when a girl arrives - Parsley.
Parsley's arrival led to discomfort among the house members and they believe she is one of the witches. But she wasn't and before anyone could predict it, Sara and Parsley forms a bond that made their life bearable amidst the circumstances. It was until Sara's younger brother is taken by a witch and the family goes in search of him.
Truth be told, I enjoyed reading on Sara's life. Her family even with all their issues, loved each other deeply. Sibling bond was also shown beautifully where Sara's interactions with her younger siblings was filled with love and quarrels.
I was able to see the story through Sara's eyes. The way she comforts Parsley even when her family distrusts her. The love they shared through stolen glances was interesting to read.
I also liked the thrill that came when the characters leave the safety of their house to search for her brother. Close encounters with the witches and near death experience made this story thrilling.
The last twist and an emotional ending made me really feel sentimental. But in reality, I wished to know more about the witches and have something more to this story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
February 2, 2026
It’s post apocalyptic, it’s sapphic, it’s witchy (in a way). Should meet all the basic criteria for enjoyment! But alas, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I’m a little disappointed.
It wasn’t bad, really. How I can best describe it is, it’s like eating a bowl of noodles that was advertised as extra hot and the flavor is just… mild. I’ll get into it.
We’re thrust into a dystopian world that’s bleak and unpredictable. We have our main character, Sara and her two siblings, Danny and Noah, who are trying to navigate the situation they find themselves in after a catastrophic event struck. Nearly everybody was wiped out the first few nights. Then, by the title of the book you’d probably expect there to be witches. There… kind of are? Not in the way you’d think though, they’re closer to being animal-like creatures than your average witch. There’s not much to say about the witches because we were left sort of hanging on that, we don’t know much about them.
That being said, the plot wasn’t the strongest. A little weak, if anything. I couldn’t find head nor tail of what was going on. There’s a kidnapping happening at a point, a strong direction for the plot to go in, I’ll say. So they’re just walking around trying to solve it. I liked that there was, however rushed it felt, a queer love story between two women, one of them being the MC. There’s a nonbinary character as well, Sara’s older sibling Danny. And I always love to see any kind of queer rep in books! But as I mentioned, the romance felt rushed, like a lot of the book. It also jumped in time quite a bit so that can get confusing.
The twist at the end I didn’t expect in the least, and the gory parts, the body horror and nature horror (I guess you could call it?) were done really well, so those both deserve some credit. The atmosphere felt very authentic to what I would think a post apocalyptic world would look like, it read very bleak. But still hopeful! Like the ending, it lightened things up a bit. I also loved the sibling bond the three of them had, it felt realistic.
The one thing I just couldn’t get past was all the pop culture references. One more movie title drop and I would’ve lost it. Maybe not every chapter had them but very nearly. And that’s just something I can’t stand, I’m sorry!
It sounds like I was miserable reading this book but I promise this wasn’t the case. I had a good time overall, I just think it’s also important to point out a book’s faults as well as its strengths. And this time, I think the cons outweigh the pros, critically speaking.
I would give this a 3.25/5⭐️ if we really want to be specific. I flew through it, it was a quick read and I would even recommend it, it just wouldn’t be first on the list.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn’t bad, really. How I can best describe it is, it’s like eating a bowl of noodles that was advertised as extra hot and the flavor is just… mild. I’ll get into it.
We’re thrust into a dystopian world that’s bleak and unpredictable. We have our main character, Sara and her two siblings, Danny and Noah, who are trying to navigate the situation they find themselves in after a catastrophic event struck. Nearly everybody was wiped out the first few nights. Then, by the title of the book you’d probably expect there to be witches. There… kind of are? Not in the way you’d think though, they’re closer to being animal-like creatures than your average witch. There’s not much to say about the witches because we were left sort of hanging on that, we don’t know much about them.
That being said, the plot wasn’t the strongest. A little weak, if anything. I couldn’t find head nor tail of what was going on. There’s a kidnapping happening at a point, a strong direction for the plot to go in, I’ll say. So they’re just walking around trying to solve it. I liked that there was, however rushed it felt, a queer love story between two women, one of them being the MC. There’s a nonbinary character as well, Sara’s older sibling Danny. And I always love to see any kind of queer rep in books! But as I mentioned, the romance felt rushed, like a lot of the book. It also jumped in time quite a bit so that can get confusing.
The twist at the end I didn’t expect in the least, and the gory parts, the body horror and nature horror (I guess you could call it?) were done really well, so those both deserve some credit. The atmosphere felt very authentic to what I would think a post apocalyptic world would look like, it read very bleak. But still hopeful! Like the ending, it lightened things up a bit. I also loved the sibling bond the three of them had, it felt realistic.
The one thing I just couldn’t get past was all the pop culture references. One more movie title drop and I would’ve lost it. Maybe not every chapter had them but very nearly. And that’s just something I can’t stand, I’m sorry!
It sounds like I was miserable reading this book but I promise this wasn’t the case. I had a good time overall, I just think it’s also important to point out a book’s faults as well as its strengths. And this time, I think the cons outweigh the pros, critically speaking.
I would give this a 3.25/5⭐️ if we really want to be specific. I flew through it, it was a quick read and I would even recommend it, it just wouldn’t be first on the list.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was going to rate this three stars but the ending did it for me. I loved this. I was so stressed out during some parts, the creatures they call 'witches' are described in such a way sometimes, you can feel them breathing next to you. This is definitely a sign for me to start reading more horror as I'm not really familiar with the genre. I liked the eerie and spooky vibe, and the writing most of the time. It had a pretty slow start and the second half was definitely more enjoyable for me, but all in all i'm glad I've read this ! Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
December 9, 2025
➳ four stars
in a post-apocalyptic world full of nightmares, the people are hunted by obscure forces. sara and her family start calling them witches. as humans, we feel the need to categorize everything we experience with our senses, that’s why naming things is so important to us. giving a name to something helps us understand the world around us.
one day when a new girl shows up, her family’s routine gets disrupted. who is she? and what does she want from them? tensions arise, inside and outside the house. sara is deeply interested in this new girl and they soon become close. i loved the dynamic between sara and parsley, their interactions were sweet. sometimes they did dumb things but i was captivated by their dynamic until the very end.
the horror element was well-written, i couldn’t put the book down. i felt the witches gaze following the characters, it was eerie and spooky. the mystery was engaging, but after that build-up i expected a more impactful reveal. a lot of questions are left unanswered which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. i enjoyed creating my own theories and trying to understand what was happening alongside the characters, who were also completely unaware of everything.
i went into this blindly and i recommend you do too. checking the synopsis now, i feel like it gives one major plot-twist away (which happens halfway through the book!). the focus of the story in the first half is the world-building. it is slower paced but it is necessary to understand the world sara lives in. beware of that if you want to pick this up.
arc kindly given by the publisher. all opinions are my own.
———
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s 'not april yet' but i’m simply too seated.
in a post-apocalyptic world full of nightmares, the people are hunted by obscure forces. sara and her family start calling them witches. as humans, we feel the need to categorize everything we experience with our senses, that’s why naming things is so important to us. giving a name to something helps us understand the world around us.
one day when a new girl shows up, her family’s routine gets disrupted. who is she? and what does she want from them? tensions arise, inside and outside the house. sara is deeply interested in this new girl and they soon become close. i loved the dynamic between sara and parsley, their interactions were sweet. sometimes they did dumb things but i was captivated by their dynamic until the very end.
the horror element was well-written, i couldn’t put the book down. i felt the witches gaze following the characters, it was eerie and spooky. the mystery was engaging, but after that build-up i expected a more impactful reveal. a lot of questions are left unanswered which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. i enjoyed creating my own theories and trying to understand what was happening alongside the characters, who were also completely unaware of everything.
i went into this blindly and i recommend you do too. checking the synopsis now, i feel like it gives one major plot-twist away (which happens halfway through the book!). the focus of the story in the first half is the world-building. it is slower paced but it is necessary to understand the world sara lives in. beware of that if you want to pick this up.
arc kindly given by the publisher. all opinions are my own.
———
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s 'not april yet' but i’m simply too seated.
February 3, 2026
2.5 Stars rounded up to 3 Stars
✨✨✨Intriguing Plot, but fell a bit short for me.✨✨✨
We Call Them Witches is a book that sounded 100% right up my alley! From the summary I saw post apocalyptic, eldritch type creatures, folklore… etc. I was like, YES PLEASE !🙏
I really liked the overall premise and some parts of this story is very interesting. However, the characters and the story overall felt pretty flat for me. That made it a bit difficult for me to really care about what was happening. Such an intriguing plot, but it just didn’t ever fully take off for me and then it just ended a bit abruptly as well. I really like the idea and where this could have gone, but the execution just didn’t work for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released April 7, 2026.
✨✨✨Intriguing Plot, but fell a bit short for me.✨✨✨
We Call Them Witches is a book that sounded 100% right up my alley! From the summary I saw post apocalyptic, eldritch type creatures, folklore… etc. I was like, YES PLEASE !🙏
I really liked the overall premise and some parts of this story is very interesting. However, the characters and the story overall felt pretty flat for me. That made it a bit difficult for me to really care about what was happening. Such an intriguing plot, but it just didn’t ever fully take off for me and then it just ended a bit abruptly as well. I really like the idea and where this could have gone, but the execution just didn’t work for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released April 7, 2026.
February 15, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is really creepy, with excellent post-apocalyptic vibes. This story offers a really interesting take on "witches", and I loved the way that pagan folklore comes into this, in terms of wards, and how all the old stories have some truth to them - I thought this was so unique! The horror element is brilliantly written too - for the last 100-ish pages, I could not put this down, I was so creeped out and had to find out what happened!
I think the reason I've seen quite a few negative reviews of this, is because the actual plot doesn't start until about halfway through, so it is pretty slow going at the start, with much of the story at that point discussing where they were getting food, the wards they were setting, etc.; interesting, but not enough to warrant lasting an entire 50%.
Once the story unravels though, it does get pretty horrifying, and admittedly, you can see how it's going to end, but the entire time you're hoping that it will end differently because of how much you come to feel for the main character. It's a commentary on how far would you go to save your family, and I really like that. The ending did have me going, "what on earth did I just read?", but in a way that I quite enjoyed.
This is really creepy, with excellent post-apocalyptic vibes. This story offers a really interesting take on "witches", and I loved the way that pagan folklore comes into this, in terms of wards, and how all the old stories have some truth to them - I thought this was so unique! The horror element is brilliantly written too - for the last 100-ish pages, I could not put this down, I was so creeped out and had to find out what happened!
I think the reason I've seen quite a few negative reviews of this, is because the actual plot doesn't start until about halfway through, so it is pretty slow going at the start, with much of the story at that point discussing where they were getting food, the wards they were setting, etc.; interesting, but not enough to warrant lasting an entire 50%.
Once the story unravels though, it does get pretty horrifying, and admittedly, you can see how it's going to end, but the entire time you're hoping that it will end differently because of how much you come to feel for the main character. It's a commentary on how far would you go to save your family, and I really like that. The ending did have me going, "what on earth did I just read?", but in a way that I quite enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was stoked for a post-apocalyptic setting mixed with folklore and sapphic love but unfortunately this book did not deliver.
The one positive thing is that the writing worked for me. It did really make me feel isolated in a post-apocalyptic world with a family that tries to handle it. The problem is that this was literally the first half of the book. I wasn't bored exactly because, again, I enjoyed the writing but still, you can't start the plot at the halfway point.
The second half completely lost me. After so much contemplation as to what the "witches" actually were, we got no answers. Instead we got a plot twist that wasn't plot twisting and a bleak ending that was whatever.
Still on the lookout for something to make me fell like "The Last of Us".
The one positive thing is that the writing worked for me. It did really make me feel isolated in a post-apocalyptic world with a family that tries to handle it. The problem is that this was literally the first half of the book. I wasn't bored exactly because, again, I enjoyed the writing but still, you can't start the plot at the halfway point.
The second half completely lost me. After so much contemplation as to what the "witches" actually were, we got no answers. Instead we got a plot twist that wasn't plot twisting and a bleak ending that was whatever.
Still on the lookout for something to make me fell like "The Last of Us".
September 2, 2025
We Call Them Witches is a perfect Eldritch horror read set in present day. It follows Sara who, after the world is set upon by creatures, survives with her family with the use of wards. With the unexpected arrival of Parsley that survival is tested when the witches steal away one of Sara's siblings, prompting a journey across the county to bring him back.
This was a brilliant read, and quite gruesome in parts so if you're not a fan of body horror I'd give this a miss. TW warnings include death and body horror. I'll definitely be reading more books by India if they're anything like this.
This was a brilliant read, and quite gruesome in parts so if you're not a fan of body horror I'd give this a miss. TW warnings include death and body horror. I'll definitely be reading more books by India if they're anything like this.
May 6, 2026
An impossibly bleak story of survival with a sapphic forbidden love woven into its fabric. We Call Them Witches is a remarkable debut for India-Rose Bower and one that'll have me hitting pre order when they next announce a release.
We meet Sara and her family in a post apocalyptic world where they run from place to place never really settling to rebuild a home as they're under constant threat of attack from "the witches". These are creatures we don't really see very often but on the rare times we do, they're far from what we would imagine as traditional witches. Bowers imagination was strong the day she dreamed these up for us, and the unnerving vibe they brought to the story added to its chill factor. Sara and her family use knowledge of folklore and pagan rituals to set up wards to protect them, but one night strange noises are coming from outside the wards and then they find a girl just outside of them. The girl is Parsley and the family (although some very sceptical of the move) agree to take her in and begin looking after her, whilst guarding the other family members.
Later when Saras brother Noah goes missing and is suspected to have been captured by the witches, Parsley tells them of their escape and how they could find Noah. The rescue and fight for survival continues and uncovers a web of deceit where we thought love was.
The topics of gender expression were handled perfectly in this story, the author showed real care but also the truths of relationship dynamics within families where you're not always supported. I appreciated how this didn't feel shoehorned into the story and served a purpose.
*Spoiler ahead*
I have to say I was suspicious of Parsley but REALLY wanted to believe that in the bleak existence there had to be a better explanation than Parsley being the baddie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for this copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
We meet Sara and her family in a post apocalyptic world where they run from place to place never really settling to rebuild a home as they're under constant threat of attack from "the witches". These are creatures we don't really see very often but on the rare times we do, they're far from what we would imagine as traditional witches. Bowers imagination was strong the day she dreamed these up for us, and the unnerving vibe they brought to the story added to its chill factor. Sara and her family use knowledge of folklore and pagan rituals to set up wards to protect them, but one night strange noises are coming from outside the wards and then they find a girl just outside of them. The girl is Parsley and the family (although some very sceptical of the move) agree to take her in and begin looking after her, whilst guarding the other family members.
Later when Saras brother Noah goes missing and is suspected to have been captured by the witches, Parsley tells them of their escape and how they could find Noah. The rescue and fight for survival continues and uncovers a web of deceit where we thought love was.
The topics of gender expression were handled perfectly in this story, the author showed real care but also the truths of relationship dynamics within families where you're not always supported. I appreciated how this didn't feel shoehorned into the story and served a purpose.
*Spoiler ahead*
I have to say I was suspicious of Parsley but REALLY wanted to believe that in the bleak existence there had to be a better explanation than Parsley being the baddie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for this copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 12, 2026
My first Illumicrate/Evernight horror book. Surprisingly, there were moments where I felt a little bit spooked. Unfortunately, the character and the story development didn’t work that well for me, but I liked the vibe nonetheless.
Overall, an atmospheric YA book that could be an interesting choice for an afternoon read.
3/5 ⭐
Overall, an atmospheric YA book that could be an interesting choice for an afternoon read.
3/5 ⭐
March 13, 2026
3.5 ☆
that’s fucked
I think horror witches are my fav type
that’s fucked
I think horror witches are my fav type
April 21, 2026
✨️ 3.5
🌿 soundtrack 🌿
simon and garfunkel - scarborough fair/canticle
feist - the bad in each other
bon iver - creature fear
the national - cherry tree
daughter - home
wye oak - civilian
radical face - ghost towns
the lumineers - scotland
of monsters and men - dirty paws
waxahatchee - i'm not scared
marika hackman - let me in
hozier - wasteland, baby!
angel olsen - shut up kiss me
roses and revolution - the pines
soko - we might be dead by tomorrow
emily haines and the soft skeleton - our hell
frightened rabbit, julien baker - how it gets in
🕸 my thoughts 🕸
an atmospheric post-apocalyptic horror with intriguing family dynamics and a sweet sapphic romance at its center! inspired by welsh folklore, this book follows 17-year-old sara and her family, who are perpetually on the run. ever since gross flesh-eating twig-insect-monster creatures - or witches, as sara and her family call them (no there are no actual witches in this book, yes i was a little disappointed too lol) - have started wreaking havoc and destroying civilization as we know it, the world has become a dangerous place. ever since then, sara, her mother, her oldest sibling and their wife, plus her 3 younger siblings try to survive by moving from one abandoned house to the next, attempting to ward off the witches with pagan symbols. this works well enough - until a strange girl suddenly shows up at their temporary doorstep and disrupts their family unit..
there are a lot of things i enjoyed about this: i loved the whole set-up and atnosphere and how there's always this lingering sense of dread, despite the pacing being on the slower side. i also liked the witches as a horror element and the hints toward environmental themes, although i wish this had been explored a bit more. my favourite thing however were the relationships between sara and her family. especially her tender bond with her younger brother noah, as well as her charged and complicated but still caring dynamic with her older sibling danny, really got to me. parsley as a character stays purposefully mysterious, and i too wish i would've gotten to know her a bit more, but i was still rooting for her and sara. the ending feels a bit rushed, but ultimately still satisfying. would recommend if you're looking for a quick, eerie sapphic horror! also always appreciate a buffy reference, however small it may be :)
🌿
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! all thoughts are my own.
🌿 soundtrack 🌿
simon and garfunkel - scarborough fair/canticle
feist - the bad in each other
bon iver - creature fear
the national - cherry tree
daughter - home
wye oak - civilian
radical face - ghost towns
the lumineers - scotland
of monsters and men - dirty paws
waxahatchee - i'm not scared
marika hackman - let me in
hozier - wasteland, baby!
angel olsen - shut up kiss me
roses and revolution - the pines
soko - we might be dead by tomorrow
emily haines and the soft skeleton - our hell
frightened rabbit, julien baker - how it gets in
🕸 my thoughts 🕸
an atmospheric post-apocalyptic horror with intriguing family dynamics and a sweet sapphic romance at its center! inspired by welsh folklore, this book follows 17-year-old sara and her family, who are perpetually on the run. ever since gross flesh-eating twig-insect-monster creatures - or witches, as sara and her family call them (no there are no actual witches in this book, yes i was a little disappointed too lol) - have started wreaking havoc and destroying civilization as we know it, the world has become a dangerous place. ever since then, sara, her mother, her oldest sibling and their wife, plus her 3 younger siblings try to survive by moving from one abandoned house to the next, attempting to ward off the witches with pagan symbols. this works well enough - until a strange girl suddenly shows up at their temporary doorstep and disrupts their family unit..
there are a lot of things i enjoyed about this: i loved the whole set-up and atnosphere and how there's always this lingering sense of dread, despite the pacing being on the slower side. i also liked the witches as a horror element and the hints toward environmental themes, although i wish this had been explored a bit more. my favourite thing however were the relationships between sara and her family. especially her tender bond with her younger brother noah, as well as her charged and complicated but still caring dynamic with her older sibling danny, really got to me. parsley as a character stays purposefully mysterious, and i too wish i would've gotten to know her a bit more, but i was still rooting for her and sara. the ending feels a bit rushed, but ultimately still satisfying. would recommend if you're looking for a quick, eerie sapphic horror! also always appreciate a buffy reference, however small it may be :)
🌿
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! all thoughts are my own.
April 8, 2026
4.5 stars
Arc from NetGalley
I rarely read post-apocalyptic horror but this was well worth the anxiety. It’s a slow-paced horror, but packed with so much spookiness and vivid imagery that I never found it dull. It was tense and atmospheric and just the perfect amount of unnerving. The main character, Sara, is well-written and realistic, as are all the side characters, though I found the mother rather confusing. Despite the crucial role she plays as the head of the family, we never learn much about her. She’s a mystery even to her own children. I enjoyed the exploration of how a family surviving together would exist; the desperation to keep each other safe even while they fight amongst themselves and disagree about what is really safe. The older sibling, Danny was a personal favorite of mine. Possibly because we are both nonbinary but also because I found them very interesting. They were often harsh and overly blunt and yet they loved their family more than anything and would do anything for them. And I loved their relationship with Lillian. It was nice to get two queer relationships in one book especially ones featuring girls/women and a nonbinary person. It made me very happy.
Sara’s friendship and later crush on the mysterious girl, Parsley, felt realistic to a teen coming of age amidst fear and tragedy; the wish for something that feels normal and the hope of a future that they both know will never be possible.
The ending surprised and delighted me. It’s the kind of ending I enjoy in horror but don’t get as often as I’d like. I found it very satisfying.
Arc from NetGalley
I rarely read post-apocalyptic horror but this was well worth the anxiety. It’s a slow-paced horror, but packed with so much spookiness and vivid imagery that I never found it dull. It was tense and atmospheric and just the perfect amount of unnerving. The main character, Sara, is well-written and realistic, as are all the side characters, though I found the mother rather confusing. Despite the crucial role she plays as the head of the family, we never learn much about her. She’s a mystery even to her own children. I enjoyed the exploration of how a family surviving together would exist; the desperation to keep each other safe even while they fight amongst themselves and disagree about what is really safe. The older sibling, Danny was a personal favorite of mine. Possibly because we are both nonbinary but also because I found them very interesting. They were often harsh and overly blunt and yet they loved their family more than anything and would do anything for them. And I loved their relationship with Lillian. It was nice to get two queer relationships in one book especially ones featuring girls/women and a nonbinary person. It made me very happy.
Sara’s friendship and later crush on the mysterious girl, Parsley, felt realistic to a teen coming of age amidst fear and tragedy; the wish for something that feels normal and the hope of a future that they both know will never be possible.
The ending surprised and delighted me. It’s the kind of ending I enjoy in horror but don’t get as often as I’d like. I found it very satisfying.
July 15, 2025
🌑 ARC Review – We Call Them Witches by India-Rose Bower
📅 Release date: 22 Jan 2026
⭐️ 1/5 stars
#WeCallThemWitches #NetGalley
This was my first NetGalley ARC and I was excited: queer horror, folklore, post-apocalyptic Britain. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The writing felt overly stylised, packed with clashing metaphors and odd analogies that made it hard to follow. The plot meandered with random, often confusing moments (including one bizarre line about a vibrator that’s never mentioned again).
Character building was another struggle. I never truly got to know Sara, and the world building was bogged down by so much fluff that both plot and character fell flat. At times, I felt like Bastian in The Never Ending Story, shouting at the book to give me more.
The handling of pronouns and language also muddled things. Instead of enhancing dynamics, it often made sentences clunky and unclear. It felt like the book was trying so hard to be different, it forgot to be readable.
Overall, reading this felt like walking through a crowd of people waiting for a train, when all I wanted was to catch the bus. To quote the book itself, it was full of “ranting tangents that lose track of themselves halfway through.” That line sums it up perfectly.
Offbeat, meandering, and sadly just not for me.
📅 Release date: 22 Jan 2026
⭐️ 1/5 stars
#WeCallThemWitches #NetGalley
This was my first NetGalley ARC and I was excited: queer horror, folklore, post-apocalyptic Britain. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The writing felt overly stylised, packed with clashing metaphors and odd analogies that made it hard to follow. The plot meandered with random, often confusing moments (including one bizarre line about a vibrator that’s never mentioned again).
Character building was another struggle. I never truly got to know Sara, and the world building was bogged down by so much fluff that both plot and character fell flat. At times, I felt like Bastian in The Never Ending Story, shouting at the book to give me more.
The handling of pronouns and language also muddled things. Instead of enhancing dynamics, it often made sentences clunky and unclear. It felt like the book was trying so hard to be different, it forgot to be readable.
Overall, reading this felt like walking through a crowd of people waiting for a train, when all I wanted was to catch the bus. To quote the book itself, it was full of “ranting tangents that lose track of themselves halfway through.” That line sums it up perfectly.
Offbeat, meandering, and sadly just not for me.
October 9, 2025
This was honestly one of the most interesting reads I’ve had in a while. I might be a little biased because I love post-apocalyptic content, and since there aren’t that many post-apocalyptic books out there, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into this one. The fact that it also included a queer element made it even better for me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so enticing that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world with eerie folklore elements and a dark atmosphere, it somehow managed to maintain a sort of cozy energy throughout the first half, which I really appreciated.
I thought the storyline itself was great, but I did feel like the main conflict came a bit too late, around the halfway point, and the resolution happened very quickly, almost within the last five percent of the book. It left me with quite a few unanswered questions, though I can see how that might have been intentional. In a real life apocalypse, people probably wouldn't get all the answers either, so it fits the tone of the story. Still, I feel like there’s room for a bit more, maybe a sequel or just some extra exploration of those lingering mysteries.
Overall, though, it was an incredibly engaging, atmospheric read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so enticing that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world with eerie folklore elements and a dark atmosphere, it somehow managed to maintain a sort of cozy energy throughout the first half, which I really appreciated.
I thought the storyline itself was great, but I did feel like the main conflict came a bit too late, around the halfway point, and the resolution happened very quickly, almost within the last five percent of the book. It left me with quite a few unanswered questions, though I can see how that might have been intentional. In a real life apocalypse, people probably wouldn't get all the answers either, so it fits the tone of the story. Still, I feel like there’s room for a bit more, maybe a sequel or just some extra exploration of those lingering mysteries.
Overall, though, it was an incredibly engaging, atmospheric read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
September 25, 2025
Unfortunately I DNF'd at 46%
When I read the description I thought this was the book for me, horror, sapphic, apocalypse - What’s not to love? But I soon found out in the first few chapters there was a lot I didn't gel with.
This book follows Sara and her family in a post-apocalyptic world trying to survive the ‘Witches’ that keep narrowing them in. I found it hard to keep up with the story, and at times was completely lost on what was happening in the scenes. Some aspects in scenes didn’t feel thorough and it became a little flat in acknowledging secondary characters.
I wanted to push through to see how it would end but the progression felt slow with no reward and nothing seemed clear at any time for me. I love foreboding and hiding parts of a story away for a more dramatic reveal at the end but sadly it didn’t grip me enough to hold out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the description I thought this was the book for me, horror, sapphic, apocalypse - What’s not to love? But I soon found out in the first few chapters there was a lot I didn't gel with.
This book follows Sara and her family in a post-apocalyptic world trying to survive the ‘Witches’ that keep narrowing them in. I found it hard to keep up with the story, and at times was completely lost on what was happening in the scenes. Some aspects in scenes didn’t feel thorough and it became a little flat in acknowledging secondary characters.
I wanted to push through to see how it would end but the progression felt slow with no reward and nothing seemed clear at any time for me. I love foreboding and hiding parts of a story away for a more dramatic reveal at the end but sadly it didn’t grip me enough to hold out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'We Call Them Witches' is a captivating and thought-provoking apocalyptic novel that kept me engaged from start to finish.
The writing is immersive and compelling, making the story flow effortlessly while maintaining a strong sense of tension.
I found the concept behind the apocalypse especially interesting and well executed, adding depth to the narrative.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and intriguing read that left a lasting impression!
The writing is immersive and compelling, making the story flow effortlessly while maintaining a strong sense of tension.
I found the concept behind the apocalypse especially interesting and well executed, adding depth to the narrative.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and intriguing read that left a lasting impression!
December 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
We Call Them Witches took me by surprise. Initially I found it a slow paced story centering on a family dynamic amidst a post apocalyptic eco horror event. I was intrigued to keep reading, to find the sapphic element of the story but soon was gripped by this exact family dynamic when the pace picks up around the halfway point. Suddenly, I couldn't put the book down and read on, devouring the end half of the book in one sleepless night.
A realisation of character, post apocalyptic eco-horror (now called cli-fi fiction/horror) with gory disturbing scenes that sometimes border on a mix between body horror and occult horror. If you're a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate the settings and visuals much as I did as it keeps the suspense of the book. With a bleak outlook, this book ends on such a note after a plot twist you can see coming but hope not to the entire time because you at least want happiness for Sara.
India-Rose Bower crafted such a tale that stuck with me, I ended up dreaming I was in this world she crafted and have been thinking about after finishing the book.
We Call Them Witches comes out April 7th 2026.
We Call Them Witches took me by surprise. Initially I found it a slow paced story centering on a family dynamic amidst a post apocalyptic eco horror event. I was intrigued to keep reading, to find the sapphic element of the story but soon was gripped by this exact family dynamic when the pace picks up around the halfway point. Suddenly, I couldn't put the book down and read on, devouring the end half of the book in one sleepless night.
A realisation of character, post apocalyptic eco-horror (now called cli-fi fiction/horror) with gory disturbing scenes that sometimes border on a mix between body horror and occult horror. If you're a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate the settings and visuals much as I did as it keeps the suspense of the book. With a bleak outlook, this book ends on such a note after a plot twist you can see coming but hope not to the entire time because you at least want happiness for Sara.
India-Rose Bower crafted such a tale that stuck with me, I ended up dreaming I was in this world she crafted and have been thinking about after finishing the book.
We Call Them Witches comes out April 7th 2026.
December 6, 2025
We Called Them Witches is a striking spin on the post-apocalyptic novel. Think Bird Box. Think A Quiet Place. Think any horror story where terror arrives out of nowhere and annihilates humanity in grotesque, unstoppable ways.
But here, the menace is stranger. These are eldritch monsters that morph into a mixture of whatever they’ve consumed and whatever is in their environment. Imagine a silently shifting mass of twigs, insect legs, moss, human parts, fox skulls, dirt—an ever-changing nightmare that refuses to give up its search for prey.
We follow Sara and her family as they endure this new world by turning to old pagan practices: wards, adder stones, protective circles that hold these creatures at bay. But their fragile safety shatters when they discover an unconscious girl lying just beyond their defenses.
Parsley can't remember how she escaped the "witches" and Sara is simply mesmirized by her. As their friendship blossoms, a horror hits home - the creatures capture her brother Noah and everyone is relying on Parsley's knowledge of the beasts in order to rescue him from their otherworldy clutches.
What unfolds is a frustratingly devious exploration of just how far we're willing to go to save our family. And what we learn is that, in the end, survival isn’t just about keeping the monsters out—it’s about facing the ones we’ve already let in.
I really liked it but I also hated how much it toyed with me lol.
But here, the menace is stranger. These are eldritch monsters that morph into a mixture of whatever they’ve consumed and whatever is in their environment. Imagine a silently shifting mass of twigs, insect legs, moss, human parts, fox skulls, dirt—an ever-changing nightmare that refuses to give up its search for prey.
We follow Sara and her family as they endure this new world by turning to old pagan practices: wards, adder stones, protective circles that hold these creatures at bay. But their fragile safety shatters when they discover an unconscious girl lying just beyond their defenses.
Parsley can't remember how she escaped the "witches" and Sara is simply mesmirized by her. As their friendship blossoms, a horror hits home - the creatures capture her brother Noah and everyone is relying on Parsley's knowledge of the beasts in order to rescue him from their otherworldy clutches.
What unfolds is a frustratingly devious exploration of just how far we're willing to go to save our family. And what we learn is that, in the end, survival isn’t just about keeping the monsters out—it’s about facing the ones we’ve already let in.
I really liked it but I also hated how much it toyed with me lol.
March 30, 2026
2.5 stars.
We Call Them Witches had potential, but it honestly just came out flat. The world being overrun with monsters reminded me of movies like A Quiet Place or Birdbox, but the similarities end there. It feels like none of the attributes the monsters had were really fleshed out, minus being repelled by herbs and adder stones. Was it horrifying to read about them tearing victims apart? Yes, but it still felt like they had no substance.
I could also see the plot twist at the end coming from a mile away, but the true end did manage to surprise me at least. The first half of this book just dragged on- nothing but Sara complaining that Danny treats her like a kid and then proceeding to do the things that cause Danny to yell at her. And I’m not defending Danny at all- their character was honestly really harsh towards the other siblings, mean for what seems like absolutely no reason.
However, it was a quick read, so I’ll give it that! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the e-arc! We Call Them Witches releases on April 7th!
We Call Them Witches had potential, but it honestly just came out flat. The world being overrun with monsters reminded me of movies like A Quiet Place or Birdbox, but the similarities end there. It feels like none of the attributes the monsters had were really fleshed out, minus being repelled by herbs and adder stones. Was it horrifying to read about them tearing victims apart? Yes, but it still felt like they had no substance.
I could also see the plot twist at the end coming from a mile away, but the true end did manage to surprise me at least. The first half of this book just dragged on- nothing but Sara complaining that Danny treats her like a kid and then proceeding to do the things that cause Danny to yell at her. And I’m not defending Danny at all- their character was honestly really harsh towards the other siblings, mean for what seems like absolutely no reason.
However, it was a quick read, so I’ll give it that! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the e-arc! We Call Them Witches releases on April 7th!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was super interesting and had a lot of things going on but then felt like nothing really at all. I was not happy with the ending either. There is SO much potential here, the witches concept was amazing. The characters were amazing, but this book didnt quite land for me. It being the author's debut, I am really excited to see what else India-Rose Bower puts out because this author is going to grow into something beautiful.
Review of advance copy
The writing was a bit clunky at times, the reveals didn't really surprise me and the pacing could have been handled better but I enjoyed my time reading it. The book isn't going to change your life but if you just want a post apocalyptic, sapphic horror with folklore elements I don't think you will be disappointed.
April 4, 2026
3.5 overall!
I didn’t know what to expect with this one and went into it pretty blind. It was definitely atmospheric, which I loved reading during rainy, gray days and gave a little gothic vibes. I was pleasantly surprised by how gory this book got at times and the descriptions of the witches were creepy and gross. This one was definitely slower and took a while to get to some action, which isn’t a bad thing but I wanted it to pick up a little more. I also kept having to remind myself that this post apocalyptic and set in modern times and wanted more of the before the witches. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and felt like the twist happened real fast and there wasn’t much closure with that.
Overall, I liked this one and feel like it’d be a good atmospheric read during fall!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I didn’t know what to expect with this one and went into it pretty blind. It was definitely atmospheric, which I loved reading during rainy, gray days and gave a little gothic vibes. I was pleasantly surprised by how gory this book got at times and the descriptions of the witches were creepy and gross. This one was definitely slower and took a while to get to some action, which isn’t a bad thing but I wanted it to pick up a little more. I also kept having to remind myself that this post apocalyptic and set in modern times and wanted more of the before the witches. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and felt like the twist happened real fast and there wasn’t much closure with that.
Overall, I liked this one and feel like it’d be a good atmospheric read during fall!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 26, 2026
I’ve found the first five star read of the year and it was one I was lucky enough to receive both an ARC and special edition of! We call them witches follows Sara as her family navigate a post-apocalyptic world and the horrors of human/animal eldritch creatures. This checks all the boxes for me: horror, dystopian, a smidge of body horror and a sapphic mc. If you like the walking dead or the last of us this one is for you!
April 17, 2026
the witches being these grotesque, eldritch creatures was really cool and i actually enjoyed the ambiguity that surrounded their lore, added to the spookiness. the story however was okay, didn’t care much for the characters and the pacing suffered in some parts.
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