The Bloody Branch

by Brigid Lowe

Three powerful heroines – a queen, a sorceress and woman made of flowers – plot revenge against the villain who wronged them. A gorgeously dark debut novel inspired by Celtic Britain’s first fantasy fiction.

Man is cruel, but the flowers will take their revenge.

Three great heroines – slave queen Goewin, the reclusive sorceress Arianrhod, and Blodeuwedd, a woman conjured from flowers – unite to avenge themselves on the most dangerous man in ancient legend.

Gwydion is a powerful sorcerer, whose ambition and cruelty wreak havoc across the kingdom. When at last the earth itself is put at stake, Goewin, Arianrhod and Blodeuwedd each unleash their uncanny powers to challenge him.

In this vital and visceral retelling of one of the oldest stories in British literature and precursor of modern fantasy fiction, Brigid Lowe casts ancient light on desire, sex and our relationship with nature to bring Celtic myth to explosive, sensuous, blossoming new life.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Retellings, Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2026

Reviews

[Helene Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first NetGalley DNF. I usually try to finish the books no matter what, but with this one, I was struggling too much. The writing is very dry and reminded me a lot of V. Castro, with an almost exclusively “telling” narrative. I couldn’t tell the characters apart, and I felt like I was missing out because I don’t know anything about Welsh mythology. However, this was the entire reason I requested this book in the first place. If you are a literature lover and you love drier writing, you’ll probably love this book. For me, it just wasn’t the right read.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.

[Alwynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the ideas driving Welsh writer Brigid Lowe’s debut novel, in many ways it’s an imaginative retelling of the fourth branch (section) of The Mabinogian. Numerous scholars of Welsh mythology have singled out the women depicted in this part of The Mabinogian as particularly intriguing even though sketchily drawn. They’re presented as subject to the whims and manipulations of men in this hierarchical, male-dominated society yet often shown to be resistant to assigned gender roles. In Lowe’s vivid, well-researched piece women’s voices are centre stage addressing various lacunae in the original text – their depiction supplemented by material taken from other sources like The Book of Taliesin. These women are Arianrhod, Goewin and Blodeuwedd – familiar from Alan Garner’s classic The Owl Service.

There was much to enjoy in Lowe’s portrayal of all three especially during the first half of her story. But, as this progressed, Blodeuwedd’s narrative was the only one that continued to hold my attention. I especially liked the way in which her character opened up a meditation on the exploitation of nature - introducing broader eco-related themes. For me the later scenes revolving around Goewin and Arianrhod felt overly long – particularly the ones involving Arianrhod and Dylan. I also felt there was too much emphasis on sexual violence at times – I wasn’t sure what the thinking was behind the rape scenes involving Goewin. Was bestiality really needed to make the point? So, mixed feelings overall, and ultimately this fell a little flat for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Harvill for an ARC

Rating: 2/2.5

[౨ৎ e L L i e · Rating 3 out of 5]

[2.75⭐️]

thank you so much to Netgalley, Random House UK, Vintage and Harvill for this early copy of the bloody branch in exchange for my honest opinion!!

this is a book that i really had to push myself through the final stretch, and not because it was necessarily a bad book but because i was really struggling to stay connected as the story went on. i don’t know anything about celtic folklore or mythology so i was excited and intrigued going into this to perhaps learn something new, which i will say i did throughout a lot of the book and i think that’s maybe the reason why my rating isn’t lower then what it is right now. what made it difficult for me to stay connected was the writing style. this is my first book by this author so i of course didn’t know what i was to expect going into it, but i just found the style of writing didn’t flow as well with the story itself. i will say however the story was written with such an intense and raw atmosphere which i definitely liked because it kept me interested enough to push through. i also really liked the fact that we got to see each women’s story told through their own pov, giving them a voice when they otherwise wouldn’t have had one.

[Kamila · Rating 2 out of 5]

[2.5 stars]
Can we give more shout outs to the incredible cover designers? This cover art is stunning and I can't see the artist credited anywhere, including on the author's social media.
Moving on:

This is another book that in theory should jump into my favourites. It ticks many boxes:
- Re-telling stories from Welsh Mabinogion
- Focusing on three female characters, each with its own powers, and each wronged and hurt by a man (damn you, Gwydion).
- Using flowery, ornate and symbolic language to keep the myth format alive.

However, for a novel that promises expanding on the protagonist's perspective and focusing on their emotions and inner worlds, sadly it falls so, so flat.
The author decided on a curious premise: each of the characters (Goewin, Arianrhod and Blodeuwedd) will tell their stories in person to the unnamed listener/traveller (that's you, reader). A cool idea in theory, but in practice this means that the stories are told in an incredibly dry, matter of fact way, that distances the women from the emotions they felt in the moment. And considering the suffering and cruel assaults they went through, this format of writing makes it feel even more detached.
I have a feeling that Brigid Lowe wanted to keep the book in the style of traditional folk storytelling, and give the reader the feeling they're being invited into the mythical story by the characters themselves - but I think it could have been achieved by a more dynamic language that makes us follow the events as they unravel instead of them being recalled from a distance throughout the whole book.

I'm sure the Bloody Branch will find its fans, I just expected something more from it.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for my ARC, here is my honest review.

This is an intense story based on Celtic Welsh folklore which intrigued me as it is not something I've read before so I enjoyed that aspect of getting to learn about the folklore told from the perspective of three females. With so much literature and mythology written from the male perspective it was a breath of fresh air to have it written this way, with the women setting out the tale. I very much enjoyed that we the reader were invited along on this journey. It felt like it gave it a personal aspect that I've not come across previously. The story and language were vivid and I would recommend checking trigger warnings prior to reading to avoid any distress.

I did, however, struggle at times to keep connected as it moves from POV quickly, interweaving the storylines as they bisect each other. Perhaps a little prior knowledge of the women involved would have helped me to keep focused. I don't think this is a book to casually pick up and read, it definitely felt like a commitment but a rewarding one in the end.

[Amy Weston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this, I just couldn't get into it. DNF at 30%

[Luminebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Branch - Brigid Lowe

Here we have a retelling of the fourth branch of the Mabinogi. Within this book we follow three women - a slave Queen, a powerful sorceress and a woman conjured from flowers. All these women have one thing in common, they’ve all been subject to horrific cruelty at the hands of the powerful magician Gwydion. This is a story of what happened to these women and their journey of revenge.
So I have to outright say that I really loved this book. I loved it. I’ve grow up with these stories and this retelling really spoke to me. It was everything I wanted and more.
If you aren’t aware of what this is based on, it is the fourth branch of our Welsh mythology. I really enjoyed the storytelling presented throughout the book, narrated in a way that I always imagine stories from The Mabinogion would have been told and passed on. This really added to the authenticity to me and kept the heart of these tales ever present.
These are old stories and although parts have been carefully and thoughtfully added to in aide of bridging certain gaps, that heart, the storyteller theme really anchors us to the roots of our mythology and honours it.
Brigid’s writing weaves nature so intrinsically into the story in such a magical way. Not outlandishly so, but highlighting the subtle everyday beauty of it that truly sings to my soul. Even in the utter humiliating depravity set upon these women, this wonder of nature, this ever constant is a light, a source of power and I really feel / felt the strength of that. Out of this brutality and pain, these women remain fused to the natural world, but reborn into something more. This is not a romantasy, this is a story of how strong and powerful women are. And I loved it. You just will for these women to set the world alight.

I’ve said it before about the Mabinogion and I could see it in The Bloody Branch as well, these are places that Tolkien took a lot of his inspiration from. I can see clear elements of Gwydion in Sauron and Wormtongue for example. I think that if you are a Tolkien fan, then this is certainly one for you to try, but honestly, I recommend this to all.

[Acantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lyrical fairy-tale of a book that reaches high and hopeful, and for the most part manages to succeed. This book draws from The Four Branches of the Mabinogi, the earliest surviving prose in Britain and I'm ashamed to admit I did not know nearly enough about it before I picked this up.

There is trauma here, there is rape, bestiality, unwilling incest, murder and so much more. But all of these moments are from the myths themselves, and the author has done a really good job in proving context but also some dignity to most of the scenes (aside from one, there was nothing good I can say about a certain scene in the hall but it isn't meant to be good.) They all have a purpose to play and they all build up to explain why we get to where we do.

A lot of this book however feels a little disconnected from the events its describing. The characters are telling the story, they are looking back and recite evenings so we are told a lot of things rather than shown them.

It looses itself a little right at the end, which is where the author runs out of source inspiration and has to come up with a satisfying conclusion which it doesn't really do. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I felt a little cold with how it ended.

It's hard to read this book and know the villain of this piece is the hero of the myths that survive, that the stories sung about these women don't have recorded endings because they weren't considered important enough.

Blodeuwedd in particular broke my heart. The unfairness of man, the cruelty and crimes inflicted upon her and yet she is the one who has to pay for them, yet in this retelling she has a more hopeful ending and that is wonderful. The author also does a great job in tying various different versions of the tale together or filling in the gaps - the myths say a certain character dies, but not why and here, the author creates a heart breaking scene that fits with everything else.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[The Victorian Bookseller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely enthralled by The Bloody Branch's cover when I first saw it, I think it has to be one of my favourites of 2026 so far! I was equally intrigued to delve into a feminist story based on some of the lesser written of women of Welsh folklore. Whilst I was not previously familiar with the tale of Math fab Mathonwy, I had come across characters like Blodeuwedd in books before, and was enthusiastic to do some further reading.

The Bloody Branch focuses on the three women depicted in the tale of Math fab Mathonwy: Goewin, Arianrhod, and Blodeuwedd. I would recommend giving the original mythology a research beforehand (if you aren't already familiar), to provide further background for their roles. Telling their own stories, Lowe recontextualises this arm of Welsh mythology into a tale of the three heroines that inhabit it. It is a deeply empowering and impactful narrative.

It took me a while to finish this novel, but I was utterly gripped throughout. Lowe writes in absolutely gorgeous prose, but remains playful in her heroines narration. I think The Bloody Branch might be one of the best mythology retellings I have read, and that is largely due to Lowe's skill of weaving these lesser known women's stories into something so dynamic. She has really ignited an interest in further researching Welsh mythology in me, and I hope she continues to write similar retellings in the future.

Further reading:
The Mabinogion (for further context on the original mythology of Wales)
Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell
The Animals We Became by Finn Longman (To be released retelling of Blodeuwedd)

*Thank you to the publishers for providing a proof copy for the purpose of review*

[Sal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book - exploring the stories of three strong female characters from the 4th branch of the Mabinogi. This was a male dominated world full of battles and powerful magic, in which the female voice often gets overlooked.
The writing is beautiful and poetic but I did struggle at first to differentiate between the characters. The style is very much storytelling rather than live action and I found this also detached me a little from the characters.
However, as the storylines developed I did get pulled into each of the tales. The sexual violence is difficult to read but it is powerful and in the case of Goewin, her experience is met with great sympathy and horrific punishment.
The love of Goewin and Arianrhod for their children is warm and beautifully told. In contrast, Blodeuwedd's story becomes a thought-provoking story of man's abuse of nature and the environment.
I did feel the book lost its way in the final section. The battle itself was all reported action and became tedious. The narrative thrust of the women's stories was lost and it all became rather muddled and confusing. Blodeuwedd's tale was moving but her fate felt far less powerful than the original story.
There was much to like in this book and it was wonderful to see a new and fresh telling of these oldest of stories but it ultimately fell short of the mark for me.

[Febe Ferro · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wished you could sit with the characters of old stories and hear them tell their own tales, this is the book that will carry you there—into ancient halls and blushing meadows, across dark and stormy seas, and into lands steeped in magic.

An orphan, a bride, and a sorceress—three women mistreated by men—join forces to reclaim their voices, make their bodies fierce, and set their land’s history trembling. Their stories unfold slowly, at the unhurried pace of the fairytales once read aloud at bedtime. Characters drift in and out of the narrative, growing ever more vivid as we learn who they are, how their lives entwine, and how the cruel will of one man has shaped—and scarred—them all.

What truly makes this novel sing is its language. The prose is rich with detail, so immersive it feels as though you’re living within the very fabric of the story. This is not a book to rush through, but one to linger over.

It’s a novel best enjoyed across many quiet evenings, wrapped in a favourite blanket with a warm drink in hand. I would even argue it begs to be shared—to be read aloud to a friend or partner, as stories like these once were.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage for the eARC of this novel.

[Ash Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nothing was changed. I was not changed. He could not change me.”

The Bloody Branch is full of poetic prose and vivid imagery which is often juxtaposed against the brutality the events that occur.
This story has deep Welsh roots and builds on traditional stories and lores, bridging the gaps left by time.

We follow the stories of three women as their lives cross paths and become interwoven. A Queen, a Sorceress and a woman made from flowers seeking revenge against the villain who wronged them.
There’s a distinct narrative style that feels fluid but in the beginning I found it difficult to ground myself in the story. Towards the start it can also be difficult to differentiate between characters.
We witness the women suffer cruelty and violence at the hands of man. They rise against those who made them suffer, alone at first, then later together. Their pain and power becomes an unstoppable force as they reclaim their stories and autonomy whilst trying to restore balance.
Definitely check your trigger warnings before reading.

[Sophstar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll admit I was a bit scared coming into this with it being a feminist retelling, especially after having suffered through Lady Macbeth. But while not perfect, I think that this was a really good way to approach a feminist retelling: Picking a folk tale that needs one.

Initially the writing style confused me, as it’s told as though the story is actually being relayed to a scribe. But overall I thought it was beautifully written. All three perspectives were distinctive to me and I didn’t feel less interested in one compared to the others. My favourite would probably have been Bloduwedd’s chapters, which broke my heart.

I thought that at times there was quite a lot of exposition compared to what we were actually experiencing. Like the final battles were essentially just live-streamed to the characters which felt a bit anti climactic to me.

[Amy Bryan]

The Bloody Branch is a literary fiction based in traditional welsh storytelling and is undeniably rich in celtic folklore.

the lyrical prose creates such a detailed and vivid picture of this story. the style of writing is well suited to the atmosphere and the depth of story Lowe is trying to create. however, i think this beauty was sometimes lost, especially if u are unfamiliar with the original folklore.

the multi pov felt critical for learning how each charcter truly felt and to see exactly what they experienced through their own words. this books truly gave a voice to women who have been silenced or wronged, with each heroine written was such power.

a gorgeous work for those who love folklore.

thank u to Vintage at Penguin for sending me this arc :))

[herdarklibrary]

This was a brilliant read. The beautiful writing paired so well well with the folklore, creating an intense and emotional atmosphere. The journey @brigidlowewriter takes you on in this book is raw and powerful! I didn’t know anything about the Welsh lore but the feminine rage hooked me and the folklore mysteries kept me around. The Bloody Branch is lyrical yet full of impact; if you like mythology and lesser known tales with scream into the air moments along with screaming, fighting, powerful women then this book is for you.

Thankyou @harvillbooks / @vintagebooks for gifting me a proof for review.

[Rachel Sargeant]

The novel is based on the fourth branch of the Mabinogion. The tales - first written down in the twelfth century but based on oral telling going back to the Bronze Age - leave many subplots incomplete and characters without emotional depth.
As Brigid Lowe says, she has 'darned the holes', using other Celtic songs and stories to fill in detail.
She stays true to the storytelling style of the standard text.
Ideal for fans of literary fiction based on traditional Welsh storytelling.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75. I have loved the folklore type stories before - namely Lauren Groff and Molly Aitken - but this one for me fell flat.

Some of the storytelling felt very long and slow, honestly pages of description that didn’t add anything to the story. Other parts that piqued my interest were over in a heartbeat, not even given a full page. I did consider DNFing around the 25% mark and i’m somewhat happy I continued, if just to see where the tale ended up.

There is also quite a lot of sexual violence depicted in this, with no filter on the graphic nature which wasn’t something I expected.

[emily]

DNF @ page 140

I received this as a proof copy and i was so excited but this was so disappointing .The writing felt so disjointed and the jumps from perspective to perspective had no connection. Sexual violence added in for no good reason and is kind of brushed over (idk maybe she covered it better further on but i am not sitting around to see). I feel like the premise was good as i love folklore but the execution was not :(

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Branch gives a strong voice and understanding to the stories of three women from Welsh Mythology. It’s lyrical and raw. Celtic mythology is all kinds of wild, I’m not very familiar with the stories of Welsh mythology and had to stop myself from looking things up to avoid spoilers. I’d recommended this book if you enjoy mythology or feminine rage.

[Dolorosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a staggeringly good Mabinogi retelling: weird, wild, and brutal — like a punch to the heart.

[Jasmine De La Paz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And we three grasped, and held, and pressed - suddenly as though for life - until we formed a circle in the dark. And fear and pain and hate throbbed through the ring as though we shared one beating heart."

I saved The Bloody Branch to read for my time in Wales, as it's a dark and feminist Celtic retelling of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. It follows three heroines: a slave Queen, a moon sorceress, and a woman made of flowers (my favorite). These women, after facing the wrongs of men, come together to fight for their freedom and their ancient land. Most of all, it's a book of motherhood and the power of females working as one. The prose is breathtaking; Brigid Lowe encapsulates the ancient magic of Wale's past (and present) through her words and knowledge. I read this book slowly, cherishing each sentence, and cried twice. Loved it.