Disco Witches of Fire Island

by Blair Fell

In the late 1980s, a coven of queer witches on New York's Fire Island strives to protect a young man facing a devastating tragedy.

A gripping novel of magic, romance, and hope—perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, the Tales of the City series, and Red, White, and Royal Blue.

It’s 1989, and Joe Agabian and his best friend Ronnie set out to spend their first summer working in the hedonistic gay paradise of Fire Island Pines. Joe is desperate to let loose and finally move beyond the heartbreak of having lost his boyfriend to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The two friends are quickly taken in by a pair of quirky, older house cleaners. But something seems off, and Joe starts to suspect the two older men of being up to something otherworldly. In truth, Howie and Lenny are members of a secret disco witch coven tasked with protecting the island—and young men like Joe—from the relentless tragedies ravaging their community. The only problem is, having lost too many of their fellow witches to the epidemic, the coven’s protective powers have been seriously damaged.

Unaware of all the mystical shenanigans going on, Joe starts to fall for the super-cute bisexual ferryman who just happens to have webbed feet and an unusual ability to hold his breath underwater. But Joe’s longing to find love is tripped up by his own troublesome past as well as the lure of a mysterious hunk he keeps seeing around the island—a man Howie and Lenny warn may be a harbinger of impending doom.

The Disco Witches need to find help—fast—if they’re to save Joe and the island from the Great Darkness. But how? Fans of queer romances with a dash of fantasy will fall in love with this stunning novel of community, love, sex, magic, and hope in desperate times.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, LGBT, Queer, Romance, Historical

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2025

About the author

Blair Fell writes and lives in New York City. Blair’s television work includes Queer as Folk, and the Emmy Award–winning California Connected. He’s written dozens of plays including the award-winning plays Naked Will, The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, and the downtown cult miniseries Burning Habits. His personal essays have appeared in HuffPost, Out, Daily News (New York), and more. He’s a two-time winner of the prestigious Doris Lippman Prize in Creative Writing from the City College of New York, including for his early unfinished draft of The Sign for Home. Concurrently with being a writer, Blair has been an ASL interpreter for the Deaf since 1993, and has also worked as an actor, producer, and director.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title pulled me in - I admit it. I love disco and wish I grew up in that period. Not that I'd actually go out and dance, ha. Witches are fascinating and have the best balance of reality and magic without going into the realm of the fantasy genre for me; it's not appealing to me. And I spent a few summer's on Fire Island, so I totally understand the culture, even if I was way too young when the book took place in the 80s.

I enjoyed reliving a few experiences, seeing the comedy of older gay men who try to look out for the youngin's, and being exposed to an entirely different side of life that can be shocking and entertaining. Tender moments interspersed throughout the story make for a proper balance of emotions. The magical moments went over my head and for me pulled the story down rather than showcase a tighter theme of tolerance and imagination.

Not a book I'd recommend for the faint of heart when it comes to promiscuity, sexual scenes, or even strong language. But well done in that it evoked a lot of depth to truth, personality, and the party scene.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need me in the next few business days - don't, BECAUSE I'LL STILL BE CRYING OVER THIS BOOK!!! I know Disco Witches of Fire Island won't be for everyone, but it was just about perfect for me.

I started reading it and was instantly transported into a hilarious and heartbreaking story that will stay with me for years to come.

I loved the concept, the characters, the setting and of course the magic. You pair disco and witches, I'll come running. As a dancer myself, I love how their power comes from it, and reading the acknowledgements makes the whole thing even sweeter.

We could've used a few more details about the magic itself, that's this book's only little flaw, but the rest was amazing.

I learned quite a few things I didn't know before, like Fire Island's history. I may have heard about it at some point, but if I did, I don't remember. I'm also not from the US, so you'll have to excuse me.

Blair Fell made it all feel incredibly vivid, and now Fire Island is on my list of places to visit. I'll absolutely be reading up on it more when I'm done with this review.

I also loved how every chapter starts with the Disco Witch Manifesto, and how unapologetically queer everyone is. It's a breath of fresh air.

A big theme throughout is Joe learning to find that freedom, while recovering from a huge loss. He has to learn to trust again, and not let his own worries and insecurities way him down. Easier said than done.

Joe's growth by the end is evident, and it's one of the best parts of this read. Ronnie evolved similarly, though I wish that last big change happened a few chapters earlier, so we could enjoy it for longer.

Howie and Lenny were the real stars of the show, I adored every second they were on-page. What I'd give to meet them and give them a hug...my babies.

We kept getting fed nuggets of information from their perspectives, about their magic and the Great Darkness that was coming. It kept me on my toes for sure, I couldn't wait to find out where it was all heading.

Romance wise, I shipped Joe and Fergal from their very first meeting, I knew there was something there. And I like how (relatively) slow they took it. Some of that was due to Joe being a bit of a mess, but it's okay, he was grieving.

Vince and Ronnie's side romance was equally compelling, and it felt realistic. Both romances did actually, they had ups and downs, and came out better because of it.

The ending made me hunger for a sequel, so fingers crossed we get one in the future. I don't want this to be the end!!!!

The Disco Witches story is truly unique, and, dare I say, a perfect read for Pride Month. It's full of whimsy as well as history, you really can't go wrong with giving it a try.

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[ancientreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disclaimer, first: I'm not sure "Disco Witches of Fire Island" would have landed as hard for me if I hadn't lived through the 1980s as a young queer person and wound up with a number of dead friends. But I did, so I can report that Blair Fell brought me right back to the grief and the desperate fear of those days, when everywhere queer you went seemed to be populated by young men with purple spots on their gaunt faces, and on their heads AIDS hair, unmistakably fine and thin.

By 1989, when the book is set, AZT existed, but all the other treatments addressed just the opportunistic infections, not the virus itself. So when one of the Disco Witches, Howie, prophesies to Joe, who's afraid to love an HIV+ man, that not everyone who has the virus at that time will die of it, Joe can only take that on faith. Joe has an arduous journey from hopeless grief toward willingness to rediscover love and joy; he gets there, but it's enough of a rough ride that while I'll accede to the ad copy's characterization of the book as romantic, no one should go into it expecting a genre romance.

Something I especially liked about "Disco Witches" is that besides its historical vividness about the early days of AIDS, it also presses exactly hard enough on the divide between well-off assimilationist gays (mostly male, mostly white, mostly "masculine") and the more radical queer community (imperfect, sure, but with more room for people of color, for femmes, for women, for openly kinky folks). These days I'm (wince) a legally married, monogamous homeowner, but when Blair Fell mentioned the Disco Witches' copy of "The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions" I could see the cover as clearly as if I were holding it my hands again. I think my copy's still around somewhere. Time to dig it out again, yes?

[ETA: I realize I omitted to say anything about the funny, light parts of the book. The Disco Witches are avatars of splendid queeny excess, caftans and glitter abound, and there's a lot of dancing involved. It's not all heartbreak -- it never was.]

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Eva Müller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everyone in this book talks and acts like a horny teenager. No matter if they're in their 20s, 30s or 60s. The book is also set in the 80s, but everyone sounds like they have a Tumblr blog.

Additionally, these quotes are ... something?

a low rumbling voice that literally caused Joe's testicles to vibrate

Literally? Please see a doctor

The psychic cilia inside my intestines are wiggling with joy

No really. Go and see a doctor

If I looked as good as him, I'd be shish-kebabbing so many bottoms I could open a Greek good truck

I had to read this sentence and now so do you

Vince kissed Ronnie with the right amount of push and pull by the lips and tongue, a good balance of wet and dry, hard and soft, with the perfect number of rest stops and a hungry tension, like a roller coaster climbing to a drop

I have read instruction manuals that were sexier than this. I mean ... rest stops? A roller coaster?

Vince's lips and tongue, like two small fists, beat Joe's mouth into submission, sucking and biting his lips.

You thought the roller coaster was bad? There's worse kissing scenes in this book.

Our orgies, though unphotographed, lasted days. Bliss exploded everywhere, staining everything and everyone with joy.

I'll leave you with this beautiful mental image, that hopefully makes you understand why I'm not going to read the whole book.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey McQuiston for people who do poppers

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Disco Witches of Fire Island, by Blair Fell, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Fire Island is known to be a haven for gay people. Joe and his best friend Ronnie spend the summer at Fire Island. Joe recently lost his boyfriend to AIDS. Joe meets a lot of interesting people on Fire Island. Im not a fan of fantasy books or witches, so this was only an ok read for me.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“Feeling brave doesn’t make you want to escape. Bravery makes you want to stay.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ There were definitely times where I disliked Joe's character immensely; but, in his favor, he was meant to make those mistakes & spout wrong judgement, in order for him to realize the errors of his way of thinking. And it showed. It showed in the way that the twenty-nine-year-old Joe Agabian that followed in his best friend's footsteps to Fire Island in 1989, in the hopes to get over a broken heart over the loss of a loved one was not the same Joe once the Disco Witches of Fire Island worked their magic on him. 🪩 And it does take a lot of magic, a lot of charm, a lot of disco fervor and the relentless freedom to be brave to be oneself to save him from the clutches of the Darkness that the coven of witches found enshrouded in him. A coven that was teetering on the brink of collapse and were keen to fortify their strength, despite how it hurt knowing that the only way to strengthen it was to lose the love of one that started it all.... 💌

“It makes absolute sense to be scared to love again. How can we even begin to love without the delusion of forever?”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Joe is the trifecta of a complicated, complex and conflicted character. He's harboring a secret, he's desperate to find love. 'Where do you put the love for someone who is no longer there?' He's easily swayed by his emotions, and he often appears too self-centered, if not too intent on protecting his own interests, not realizing that the one who is losing everything deserves it more. It is desperation to replace the heartbreak of his beloved with that of the mysterious bisexual webby ferryman, Fergal that leads him into a catastrophe of emotional discomfort, as well as the tug of a simmering pleasure that could prove disastrous. 😢 It is how he survives that pull - how he settles on an understanding of his own feelings that ties the story together. It is a journey of self-growth and self-acceptance, as well as self-awareness to achieve that Great Balance in life where magic proves that there can come a time when it is worth taking a risk for a second chance at love 'and a newfound outlook on life.'

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The AIDS pandemic - 'this disease was not gentle, nor straightforward, nor did it allow some handsome, noble death' - plays a heavy part in the story - one where our respective characters are grappling with the sense of losing a loved one, or even still carrying guilt and shame over the death of a loved one. 'It was out there, aiming for you and all those you would or could love.' 💔💔 It is hard not to feel so much sadness for it; a lifetime of regret over the loss of innocent lives and one where even the spark of magic cannot save, but at least they can save their spirit - metaphorically, of course. And it is in honoring their memory, cherishing the moments shared, treasuring a lifetime lived of 'beautiful lost souls with such promise' that should be remembered and not forgotten or even closed off from. In their own way, Joe and Howie were not able to entirely let go of a love that has meant so much; the courage to let go is the resolve that convinces us to trust in life again. 🥺

“But I do believe the universe puts us where we’re most needed. Sometimes it ends up being wonderful—and other times we must patiently wait for the ‘wonderful’ to arrive.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The writing was imaginative and fresh to some extent. I liked the lure and the lore of the witches; how their powers came to be, how they carried their duties with conviction and pride - so very eager to protect as many wandering souls as possible. I was a bit hesitant about certain parts - like it felt a bit too much at times certain jabs - but, if you take in the spirit of the times, maybe it does get by. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I felt a bit squeamish about some of the comments passed at the bar, but maybe it is positive and honest queer representation, so I really have no say in taking it offensively. For there was a joy to simply being themselves, which radiated at the club and on the dance floor. Each character was unique and interesting - good or bad - a varied sort that brought their own to the scene. 🕺🏼 A celebration of identity and hope that no matter how much darkness clings to our souls - 'the ability to feel peace, joy, and bravery' - and that nothing can crush their spirits or take away their hearts, for there are those who will do anything to protect it. Be it a mentor or a friend, no one should be lost forever, nor should one lose themselves to their memory again. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ��� ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I do have to credit the dynamic of Robbie and Joe - two best friends who met in New York, arrived on Fire Island with their own intentions, forged their respective paths of desires, and walked a journey neither of them expected - 'we fail, we forgive. There is no real friendship without failure.' 😥 It was cathartic and it was heartfelt. Robbie was a dislikable character at times; but he was honest, despite his rather negative views on life. But, how the author wrote his part so convincingly and brought it full closure was what I do commend, as well as their friendship that tested heated waters, but still survived. You could feel the thrum of energy, which I like; where the climax culminates to such a heightened sense that its impact hits you, too. 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I still will say it was a powerfully gripping read - aside from a few instances where my personal tweaks affected my views of the writing and personalities marred the enjoyment. It was enchanting, and the sense of resilience within a close-knit community is prevalent. 🫂 Fire Island itself was brimming with a life of its own - a raw sense of magic waiting to happen. Joe's emotions were portrayed in a raw and aching manner, that made his love story all that more tender, yet brutal. I was charmed at how it developed, and I even smiled a few times at the sweetness of their relationship. It is a magical story and I do applaud the creativity at capturing the triumphant way in which grief and loneliness is overcome with the hope that love is not lost to us forever. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[heptagrammaton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found Disco Witches pf Fire Island trashy (disappointing) whereas I expected it to be trashy (angry),
   so now I am angry and disappointed.
   (This is, admittedly, not within my usual genre. It is, all in all, a tender, fun read: campy summer romance with the usual twisty melodramatic angst and a dash of glitzy opulance where all things end well.)
  I picked this out expecting (perhaps projecting onto Blair Fell a scale of ambition unjustified) the disco witchcraft to be something transgressive and narratively challenging and ungovernabley beautiful in the way street art and upturned police cars are. Ore at least something... dirty. More Divine and less RuPaul. Something that turns the cheap and trashy into something subversive, (at least a little bit) revolutionary. Unassimilable. A disco dance with the murder of respectability.

An ocean away, but still in the period through the 1980-90s, still on (the topic of) tourist-thronged islands which are made and make in turn those that visit them, Paul B. Preciado writes:

... Obeying the historical law of sexual hierarchization of value, the gays would get tanned in cotton hammocks or on waterbeds, sipping their mojitos on a blue and white island in the Cyclades. During that time, the lesbians could be found on the island closer tot he Turkish coast, known more for its military base than for its beaches. Mykonos and Lesbos represented two opposite modes of political spatialization of sexuality. Mykonos was homosexual, privatizing, consumerist, a bank of pink dollars. Lesbos was queer, radical, precarious, vegeterian, collectivist.
 —Apartment on Uranus, transl. C. Mandel, (Jorney to Lesbos, 27 July 2016)

   And Fire Island is very much a place of consumerism and pink dollars, of aggressively delimited desire and beauty ideals, of privatized victories.
   (I don't mean to imply there is anything wrong, nevermind objectionable, with the hedonism of Mykonos or Fire Island. I don't mean echo Larry Kramer's grouchy reprrachfulness. By all means, drink full from the glass of life, and assorted biochemicals. Bare your ass to the sky. Joy is always good and always worthy.
   But I will say that assimilation is conditional and that moments of joy are contingent. And this was a novel that felt too oblivious, too settled, too at peace with the world for all its grudges with people, so I can't take it unseriously.
   I don't feel gay. I feel angry. I am queer and in rapture - but mostly rage and resignation and scrounged up resilience - with the world. And the disco gay superstar of my heart is hobo Harry Dubois.)

{Review of an advanced reader's copy, provided by Alcove Press through NetGalley.}

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

The promo material for Disco Witches of Fire Island says it's perfect for readers who enjoy Armistead Maupin, and I think that's a fair claim to make. This is a stand-alone title, as far as I know, so it can't get quite as Byzantine as the Tales of the City, but it's got a diverse cast, irony about gay culture of the time (1989), comedy and pain, a whole lot about meeting ourselves where we are, and a sense of magic.

We get types here—
• The nonbinary (more or less) person who has tons of fun wearing ridiculous outfits
• The clean and sober leather daddy
• The Fabio look-alike who's trying to land someone rich before his looks fade
• The owner of a small bar struggling to make ends meet
• A young model looking for something better than looking good
• And a heart-broken young gay man who's not sure what he wanys and doubts he could ever have it, even if her figures out what it is

The action takes place—on Fire Island, of course—during the early years of the AIDS crisis when groups like ACT UP were just starting to form. We see the class binary that exists between the wealthy men who summer there and the year-round residents who serve, more of less, as "the help." There's significant tension between those who are starting to fight the epidemic and those who want to pretend it's not happening.

And we have magic. Disco-witch magic that may or may not be real, that may or may not help some of the characters through this particular summer.

The writing can be lovely, compassionate—also laugh-out-loud funny.

If you're starting to line up summer reads, this is a great title to include in your beach bag, whether or not you identify with the LGBTQIA+ community. You'll have a hard time putting it down, but if the disco calls, disco witchee have to answer, which is, I think, somewhere in the many numbered truths collected in the Disco Witch Manifesto.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Dazzling, riotous, and a love letter to summers of the island mentioned in its title, Disco Witches of Fire Island is an absolute boogie of a read.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the idea of this - what's not to enjoy about a coven of gay witches making magic on the dance floor in the eighties? Unfortunately, the execution fell short for me. I didn't find the protagonist, Joe, to be particularly compelling, and the other characters weren't terribly developed. I think this also suffered from too many ideas and too much happening - the pacing felt off, and I had trouble getting into it. Some of the language was totally ridiculous, to the point where it became distracting. I think this could have gone a few more rounds with an editor and been much stronger for it.

Despite my complaints, I found this to be painfully sweet and earnest. It just wasn't my cup of tea - but hopefully it will make its way to the people who will love it.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The setting (1980s Fire Island) felt really immersive. And I really liked how the focus was on multiple connected characters. Kind of gave me Tales of the City vibes for some reason. Definitely hope there is another book in the series.

[Leia Sedai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wildly enchanting ride that blends camp, magic, and queer joy into an unforgettable tale. The characters are fierce, funny, and full of heart, casting spells and throwing shade in equal measure. Fell’s writing crackles with wit and warmth, capturing the spirit of Fire Island during the AIDS crisis with glittering precision. It’s a fabulously fun read that leaves you bewitched, laughing, and wanting more.




***Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.***

[Douglas Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as the title implies- this one is a lot of fun, with a heavy dose of camp. The protagonist, while hot as hell, is a little annoying, and the writing style could use some improvements, but its heart is in the right places as it tells the story of an older generation of gays trying to help the wayward younger gays of today. And the help they’re giving involves witchcraft!
Recommend with 4 out of 5 stars.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! Filled with heart, originality, poignancy,laughter and tears. There are shades of Maupin and Irving in this book yet it’s also something wholly unique. Loved this book and its characters so much. Dance on!

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

me when i read this whole book even though i didn't like it for my book club only to realize i could not make it to book club

this book purports to be a gay campy escapist romance with a dash of magic AND ALSO a reflection on the AIDS epidemic and the culture and history of Fire Island from the perspective of a gay man who came of age in the 80s. that’s a pretty tough balancing act and unfortunately i don’t think that Fell pulled it off.

besides the tonal dissonance, this was also just poorly written. so many lines went something like,

“Why would you do that? I hate you!” said Joe. He was feeling betrayed and upset. He didn’t really hate his friend but wanted him to feel bad.

explaining every little thing and leaving nothing for the reader to chew on. the plot follows suit, with the protagonist realizing in an instant, with the help of a spell and not a Character Arc, that actually he’s been holding himself back, worrying too much, not allowing himself to love for fear of losing it all. which is fine!!!! i like that message! i recognize the time and place for a nice book with a nice fluffy airy moral! (and other reviews have called this a fun light beach read!) but it comes across as hollow when it’s about AIDS, an illness that was literally erased as it happened by the US government! especially after reading a book like Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration, a memoir recounting a man’s anger at the system and love for his friends and the world as he dies of AIDS. i don’t mean to compare and rate the ways that people experienced and processed the epidemic—Fell did live through it—but this was just… really tough to wrap my head around. besides a couple brief mentions of ACT-UP and the privilege of white rich gays, this story stood for nothing politically. and again, even ignoring everything else, i’m really confused that an allegedly prolific playwright and screenwriter spoon-fed me the way this book did. also, this guy is really obsessed with repeatedly reminding me of every character's race.

but i did like the armpit stuff and the sucking/fucking, of course. i read some reviews saying the sex was crass and gross, and i don’t know if those people are homophobic or have just never read a book with a sex scene. (or “spice”, as some might call it. blegh. sorry to be such a hater today y’all)

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4⭐️
I first heard about this book from a Podcast that I listen to about books and reading.
The title immediately struck my curiosity.

At first it sounded kind of out there, but it really wasn’t at all.
I didn’t know if I’d like this book or not when I started it, but I truly enjoyed it.
This a book about love, loss, and found family.

I was born in 1985 and this book takes place in 1989; clearly at that age I was too young to understand what was happening with the AIDS pandemic.
But I’ve made friends with enough gay men two or three decades older than me who told me the stories about how difficult and tragic it was to constantly lose people.
I appreciated that historical fiction part of the book.

Also what I noticed is how a lot of things in our community don’t change with generations.
I haven’t actually been to a gay bar since getting sober a few years ago, but all of the dancing, partying and sex in this book didn’t sound that different from my 20’s.
And despite all of the bar scenes, sobriety is also something that was discussed in the book.

There is also some suspense at the end. I don’t like to give away any spoilers, but as I was reading around the 92% mark, I was thinking that I was either going to really like or really dislike the ending.

[Chris Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect book. I don’t know how to accurately summarize just how much I loved this book but I will say this is so important and timely and moving and I will continue to dance even when the world is on fire.

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile]]

DNF at 15%

Realizing the author has a background in screenwriting was a lightbulb moment in me realizing why his writing style is not jiving with my brain.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I want more Disco Witches? Yes. (Even though I'm not a fan of disco music.)

Did I like Joe? No. (He spent the whole story behaving like a horny teenager.)

Was I the intended audience for this book? Probably not.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still twirling after finishing the incredible historical fiction/romantasy novel, Disco Witches of Fire Island. It's 1989, in the middle of the fucking AIDS crisis. Who doesn't need a coven of disco witches to right the wrongs in the world. They may not be powerful enough to end the plague, but they sure can make things better for some in love and life.

Joe and his best friend Ronnie leave their homes in Philly to spend what they hope will be a glorious summer on Fire Island. But Joe's still grief stricken over his ex, Elliot who died two years ago. He falls into a place to live with two eccentric older gay men who set out to protect him and make sure he's set on the right path for the rest of his life. But boy are there some snags along the way. Disco Witches of Fire Island is a perfect novel. If you lived through the era like me, it's like listening to the best dance music from 1989. If you're too young, it's a history lesson by way of a work of fiction that will have you laughing and cheering for the gang. I was picturing the screen adaptation the entire time I was reading it. This one's a keeper. Thank you Blair Fell.

And thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic summer read

[Bethany Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @alcovepress for the advanced copy to review!

Hit the dance floor with a coven of queer witches on 1980s Fire Island in this gay fantasy romance about finding magic, love, and family in the face of tragedy.

^
From the publisher!

When I read the premise of this book, I just *knew* it was for me, specifically. As I fell into Joe’s world, I fell in love with all of his friends and chosen family along the way. From Dory to Vince to Ronnie to Howie to Lenny to Fergal and everyone in between, I was rooting for these characters from start to finish.

Starting every chapter with a disco witches manifesto was genius and made each chapter more impactful. I laughed and cried my way through Joe’s summer on Fire Island as he grieved the loss of his former lover, made friends with new people, and fell in love again. His fear of not finding love and being alone forever was way too relatable. I was rooting for him and Fergal from the get and their relationship was great to watch progress! I melted by the end with their big revelations and the ocean having its way with them. The epilogue!! Ronnie and Vince… those two crazy kids 🥹🥹.

I LOVED Howie and Lenny so so much. Their coven of witches, their being “cheesier than a gay hickory farms” ways, their fierce protection and care of those they love, and the strength of their friendship - it was so inspiring.

There are some definite though moments here of loss, grief, sickness, sadness, and devastation. But the overarching themes of hope, found family, love, and friendship make everything worth it.I’m so glad I ordered this one for my personal collection.

We are what we remember, indeed. Please don’t miss the author’s note/acknowledgements at the end for what helped to inspire this story

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I'm sure it will be my number one read of 2025. This is my second book by Blair Fell, and like the first (The Sign for Home), this one contained so many of my favorite elements: intersectionality, a diverse cast of characters (each of whom I adored), humor and wit, and a feel good vibe despite some serious topics that the book ended up educating you (as the reader) about. This book was a historical fiction novel of sorts, imbued with a strong twist of magical realism, set during the AIDS crisis in 1989 on Fire Island. I have read a lot about that era and about the AIDS crisis, so I naturally gravitated towards this book. Kudos to the author's choice to address aspects of the AIDS epidemic that are often overlooked (I won't specify what exactly because I don't want to give anything away.) I also liked his socioeconomic study of sorts of the LGBT+ community and all the different tensions existing within that community during that period and even today. Despite all these heavier elements, this book was straight up fun. Laugh out loud funny at times and SO WEIRD, in the best way. This book may not be for everyone, but IFYYK, and then it's the best. Five stars.

[Sergio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed DISCO WITCHES OF FIRE ISLAND. It was a fun, campy and joyously alternative take on the height of the AIDS epidemic. It balances perfect swings between its dark, emotional tone and the more glitzy, witchy elements in a way that is refreshing and keeps you wanting more. My only complaint is that I was expecting more witchiness, given the premise and though it builds to a fantastic conclusion, it doesn’t feel like it completely sticks the climax. Still, I loved how real this version of Fire Island felt and how complex our cast or characters was. This story is very cinematic and it would be really fun to see in a mini-series adaptation.

[Trisha]

I don't know - this one sounds wild enough to be good.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Shannon Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a minute to get situated in this book, but once I was in, I was fully in. Dance dance dance!!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like taking a kundalini yoga class, while listening to Earth Wind and Fire, Rick James, spinning crystals and smudging sage. Now make it 1989 on Fire Island.

[Tyge Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! TJ Klune meets Filice Picano ❤️

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really just wish there were more disco witches. And I also found Joe annoying.