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Bittershore
The only thing stronger than a witch's promise is a mother's vengeance...
Sarah loved and trusted no one in her close-knit coven more than her oldest friend, Abigail. Then Abigail's son was found dead at a house party and Sarah's daughter, Harper, was accused of murdering him. While the entire village of Sanctuary was consumed by the witch hunt, Sarah and Harper lost everything but their lives.
They fled to the storm-wracked coastal reserve of Bittershore for refuge, but now the past is catching up with them and the secrets they have kept not only from each other, but from the entire world, are set to be unleashed at last...
Big Little Lies meets The Crucible in this fearless portrait of the hatred and hysteria that can so swiftly corrode a community consumed by bigotry - perfect for fans of The Year of the Witching and Her Majesty's Royal Coven.
Sarah loved and trusted no one in her close-knit coven more than her oldest friend, Abigail. Then Abigail's son was found dead at a house party and Sarah's daughter, Harper, was accused of murdering him. While the entire village of Sanctuary was consumed by the witch hunt, Sarah and Harper lost everything but their lives.
They fled to the storm-wracked coastal reserve of Bittershore for refuge, but now the past is catching up with them and the secrets they have kept not only from each other, but from the entire world, are set to be unleashed at last...
Big Little Lies meets The Crucible in this fearless portrait of the hatred and hysteria that can so swiftly corrode a community consumed by bigotry - perfect for fans of The Year of the Witching and Her Majesty's Royal Coven.
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 29, 2024
Sanctuary remains one of the best books I've ever read, so although I was excited to hear there was going to be a sequel I was a little bit nervous as well. However, Bittershore was a fitting continuation of the first book with additional insights into characters I already loved. The beginning was a little slow and it took a beat to get back into the world, but after the first few chapters I was once again gripped.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 24, 2024
I really enjoyed Sanctuary, describing it as: 'A terrifyingly topical book about a literal witchhunt shows how easily hate, paranoia and fear can turn communities against each other. Parallels with brexit, and Trump's America abound in this clever, tightly plotted novel.' I had hoped for a sequel but after 5 years had pretty much given up so you can imagine how delighted I was to see this pop up on Netgalley. So, did Bittersweet live up to expectations? Well, yes and no...
Yes: we delve deeper into this cleverly thought out society where witchcraft is both legal and tightly controlled, learning more about those controls, those who circumnavigate them, the resentment it causes and the dangerous underbelly of magical society. A new danger intensifies, and the tense, taut plotting really ratchets up the tension to almost unbearable levels. We see the aftermath of societal breakdown with relationships and friendships in tatters and individuals unable to face up to their own part in the tragedy and the events that caused it.
No: Too many characters and not all need their own POV. Sarah, the protagonist feels almost unbearably naive, the decisions she makes plot devices rather than making any real sense, the red herring plot in many ways unneccessary. I did find myself skim reading at times which, after a five year wait, was disappointing.
Would I recommend it? Despite some reservations, yes - for the worldbuilding, the continuation of the story and the set up for the next book.
Yes: we delve deeper into this cleverly thought out society where witchcraft is both legal and tightly controlled, learning more about those controls, those who circumnavigate them, the resentment it causes and the dangerous underbelly of magical society. A new danger intensifies, and the tense, taut plotting really ratchets up the tension to almost unbearable levels. We see the aftermath of societal breakdown with relationships and friendships in tatters and individuals unable to face up to their own part in the tragedy and the events that caused it.
No: Too many characters and not all need their own POV. Sarah, the protagonist feels almost unbearably naive, the decisions she makes plot devices rather than making any real sense, the red herring plot in many ways unneccessary. I did find myself skim reading at times which, after a five year wait, was disappointing.
Would I recommend it? Despite some reservations, yes - for the worldbuilding, the continuation of the story and the set up for the next book.
August 15, 2025
After being run out of their hometown of Sanctuary, Sarah and Harper Fenn find refuge in the coastal reserve of Bittershore until they feel safe enough to return home. But the past is catching up to them and secrets they have kept from the world, and from each other, are about to be revealed.
Bittershore follows directly on from Sanctuary, which was unfortunate for me because I can’t remember a single thing about that book apart from that I liked it. Events from the first book are referred back to a lot, and I really could have used some kind of recap at the beginning. Luckily, I did manage to get back into the story pretty quickly and in the end it didn’t matter too much that I couldn’t remember who anyone was or what they’d done previously.
This is not a typical witchy/fantasy novel. It is quite dark and gritty, with a lot of focus on the political battle between magicals and mundanes, alongside a murder investigation and some Fenn family drama. Really, there’s a lot going on, but the story is quite slow-paced and felt a lot longer to me than it actually is.
I enjoyed it, but I don’t think I need to bother with any further books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Bittershore follows directly on from Sanctuary, which was unfortunate for me because I can’t remember a single thing about that book apart from that I liked it. Events from the first book are referred back to a lot, and I really could have used some kind of recap at the beginning. Luckily, I did manage to get back into the story pretty quickly and in the end it didn’t matter too much that I couldn’t remember who anyone was or what they’d done previously.
This is not a typical witchy/fantasy novel. It is quite dark and gritty, with a lot of focus on the political battle between magicals and mundanes, alongside a murder investigation and some Fenn family drama. Really, there’s a lot going on, but the story is quite slow-paced and felt a lot longer to me than it actually is.
I enjoyed it, but I don’t think I need to bother with any further books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2026
Finished this book last night and it was a miss for me, not really the follow up to Sanctuary I was excited about.
There were too many perspectives when it came to characters, the story was not enough magic and too much politics!
The final scene, which I use contained more magic, something where all the witches had to come together to fight the threat, but no…
I felt like Sarah and Harper were just there, and maybe this is the point of this book. I was surprised how rude characters were written because they both seemed so naive, not the witches from the first book. They really felt like different people and I’m sorry if that town tried to kill me I would not return no matter how much I missed my old home and my old friends.
There were too many perspectives when it came to characters, the story was not enough magic and too much politics!
The final scene, which I use contained more magic, something where all the witches had to come together to fight the threat, but no…
I felt like Sarah and Harper were just there, and maybe this is the point of this book. I was surprised how rude characters were written because they both seemed so naive, not the witches from the first book. They really felt like different people and I’m sorry if that town tried to kill me I would not return no matter how much I missed my old home and my old friends.
July 21, 2025
This book series feels like the natural graduation of people who loved Charmed, Sabrina, Bewitched and Buffy growing up. It's a world in which magic exists, people know about it, and they discriminate towards those who have it. This book perfectly answers some of the burning questions Sanctuary leaves you with, whilst setting up for what sounds like an incredible third book.
This book is dark, political and addictive. You may not love some of the characters, but you cannot say they aren't compelling.
It's almost terrifying how real the awful characters in this feel. With characters you love to hate, and characters you can't help to root for this is a fab autumnal read.
This book is dark, political and addictive. You may not love some of the characters, but you cannot say they aren't compelling.
It's almost terrifying how real the awful characters in this feel. With characters you love to hate, and characters you can't help to root for this is a fab autumnal read.
December 5, 2025
stars: 4/5
sadness: 0/5
spice: 0.5/5
comedy: 0/5
drama: 1.5/5
surprise: 1/5
romance: 1.5/5
sadness: 0/5
spice: 0.5/5
comedy: 0/5
drama: 1.5/5
surprise: 1/5
romance: 1.5/5
Did Not Finish
March 22, 2026loved the English show only to discover the book is set in the states. Just couldn't make the mental adjustment to thinking of the characters as American. :(
July 27, 2025
2.5 stars 🌟 On further thought this book was definitely not a 3.5…It has been a week since I read it and I could not tell you the main characters names?! It just fell flat for me despite the good world building and short chapters which I normally love
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews