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Witchborne
FROM THE AUTHOR OF 'THE FINERY' COMES A BLAZING FEMINIST TALE OF PERSECUTION AND MAGIC...
In medieval Locklear, Agnes harbours a dangerous secret—she can touch fire without being burned.
As war rages beyond the town and whispers of witchcraft echo through its streets, Agnes navigates arranged marriages, rivals' schemes, and the threat of the hangman's noose.
When a desperate bargain with a local widow goes awry, Agnes's world erupts in flames—she is accused of witchcraft.
In a society that fears female power, can Agnes find the strength to forge her own destiny?
In medieval Locklear, Agnes harbours a dangerous secret—she can touch fire without being burned.
As war rages beyond the town and whispers of witchcraft echo through its streets, Agnes navigates arranged marriages, rivals' schemes, and the threat of the hangman's noose.
When a desperate bargain with a local widow goes awry, Agnes's world erupts in flames—she is accused of witchcraft.
In a society that fears female power, can Agnes find the strength to forge her own destiny?
280 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 12, 2025
Oh how I loved this story! The author gives us a very accurate and painful glimpse of village life in medieval times, where power over the masses is everything and the word of one person is law. I was furious whilst reading this book and wanted Agnes to do something, but I just needed to be patient and wait for the veil in front of her eyes to drop and then, justice would be served!
I am definitely in my feminist era, the more I grow up (grow old more like), the more I feel this urge to assert myself and take a stand for centuries of misinformation and women silencing. This is the book that satiates my reader and woman’s needs, with a researched historical background, beautiful and fleshed out characters and a mesmerising plot.
What I found so fascinating in this story is the ease women could go from being part of the village, to outcasts, branded witches, only because they do not conform to the norm (which is an absurd concept in itself, given its volatility). Women with no children, no partner, willing to work instead of looking after the house all day, or even women that talk back and ask questions, are considered different and marked. The story is obviously set in the past, but even to this day, women are not considered equally to men, and I’m personally asked all the time by my family and some friends, when am I going to have a child, because that’s what a married woman should think of, right?
This is what Agnes goes through in her story, with so many twists and turns, until she realises that there is another way of living, that there are other norms and they can be completely different from her own! Once she becomes aware and empowered by this knowledge, then the fire that she’s been born with can finally break free and burn!
This is an amazing story that I know everyone will love!
Thanks to the author and Fly on the Wall Press for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I am definitely in my feminist era, the more I grow up (grow old more like), the more I feel this urge to assert myself and take a stand for centuries of misinformation and women silencing. This is the book that satiates my reader and woman’s needs, with a researched historical background, beautiful and fleshed out characters and a mesmerising plot.
What I found so fascinating in this story is the ease women could go from being part of the village, to outcasts, branded witches, only because they do not conform to the norm (which is an absurd concept in itself, given its volatility). Women with no children, no partner, willing to work instead of looking after the house all day, or even women that talk back and ask questions, are considered different and marked. The story is obviously set in the past, but even to this day, women are not considered equally to men, and I’m personally asked all the time by my family and some friends, when am I going to have a child, because that’s what a married woman should think of, right?
This is what Agnes goes through in her story, with so many twists and turns, until she realises that there is another way of living, that there are other norms and they can be completely different from her own! Once she becomes aware and empowered by this knowledge, then the fire that she’s been born with can finally break free and burn!
This is an amazing story that I know everyone will love!
Thanks to the author and Fly on the Wall Press for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2025
Witchborne
"When does a woman become a witch"
I loved this dark, historical fantasy, witchy read, I couldn't put it down, I was hooked!
I was so drawn in by Agnes' story, as a teenager of only seventeen/eighteen, living with her parents, a blacksmiths father, and her mother. Her brother has gone to fight in the war and not to be mentioned again. She’s now of age to get married - a forced marriage.
As children of the spring they are blessed with a gift from the gods, her friend Saskias gift is to love match, while Agnes can touch fire without being burned, but this has to be kept secret, as it is unique, so they say her gift is to collect water. She's constantly told to keep quiet, bite her tongue, not to speak of things.
When Agnes is paired up with Silo a tanners boy, she can't bear it, can't bear the smell, she likes Finn, but Finn is to marry Saskia! So Agnes has to marry Silo, move out of her family home and move in with Silo and his father and she must produce a son, but Agnes is unaware how it all happens, so she seeks Widow Sewalls advice to help her get pregnant, but things aren't what they seem, and is witchcraft at play!? The whole town whispers witchcraft and suspicions of Agnes and her baby grow by the day. She must flee... can Agnes find the strength to forge her own destiny? And a different life from the rules and patriarcal society of Locklear?
Thank you so much @flyonthewallpress for sending me a copy
"When does a woman become a witch"
I loved this dark, historical fantasy, witchy read, I couldn't put it down, I was hooked!
I was so drawn in by Agnes' story, as a teenager of only seventeen/eighteen, living with her parents, a blacksmiths father, and her mother. Her brother has gone to fight in the war and not to be mentioned again. She’s now of age to get married - a forced marriage.
As children of the spring they are blessed with a gift from the gods, her friend Saskias gift is to love match, while Agnes can touch fire without being burned, but this has to be kept secret, as it is unique, so they say her gift is to collect water. She's constantly told to keep quiet, bite her tongue, not to speak of things.
When Agnes is paired up with Silo a tanners boy, she can't bear it, can't bear the smell, she likes Finn, but Finn is to marry Saskia! So Agnes has to marry Silo, move out of her family home and move in with Silo and his father and she must produce a son, but Agnes is unaware how it all happens, so she seeks Widow Sewalls advice to help her get pregnant, but things aren't what they seem, and is witchcraft at play!? The whole town whispers witchcraft and suspicions of Agnes and her baby grow by the day. She must flee... can Agnes find the strength to forge her own destiny? And a different life from the rules and patriarcal society of Locklear?
Thank you so much @flyonthewallpress for sending me a copy
August 1, 2025
In the village of Locklear, seventeen year old Agnes finds herself faced with the responsibility of protecting her family’s status. Her brother has gone to fight against the kingdom, a secret that must be kept from all. Agnes, a daughter of the Spring, must keep her special gift - being able to touch fire without being burned - secret too. Faced with all of this, she finds herself being married off to the tanner’s son as a way to ensure the respectability of her family. However, this brings yet more challenges for Agnes, as she is expected to bear a child quickly, a son to carry on the tannery business. And so begins her true story. Can she find herself being married inner strength to navigate her way through this arranged marriage, the less than kind schemes of her once childhood friend Saskia, motherhood, accusations of witchcraft and the threat of the hangman’s noose?
I have long been a huge fan of historical fiction which tells of witchcraft and how these poor women were persecuted. To be a wise woman and understand the healing power of plants was a treacherous occupation. Sought out yet feared, these poor women lived such precarious lives. Rachel Grosvener’s story is a brilliant examination of what these women faced and I literally couldn’t put it down.
From the very beginning I knew I was going to love Agnes and that she was going to be a fantastic protagonist: strong, resilient, resourceful and determined to be the creator of her own story rather than the one others would dictate for her in spite of her almost sheltered upbringing and therefore naivety. I really felt for her as she struggled to keep her secrets and understand the adult expectations being thrust upon her. My heart sank many a time for her at some of the decisions she made before fully thinking through the consequences. Saskia is superbly portrayed as the counter opposite, being full of cunning, highly manipulative, and very self-centred. I also really liked the Widow Sewall: she is the perfect example of a woman accused of witchcraft.
For me this was a brilliant read and I hope it flies off the shelves on publication. A huge thank you to Fly On The Wall Press for gifting me an early copy of this book.
I have long been a huge fan of historical fiction which tells of witchcraft and how these poor women were persecuted. To be a wise woman and understand the healing power of plants was a treacherous occupation. Sought out yet feared, these poor women lived such precarious lives. Rachel Grosvener’s story is a brilliant examination of what these women faced and I literally couldn’t put it down.
From the very beginning I knew I was going to love Agnes and that she was going to be a fantastic protagonist: strong, resilient, resourceful and determined to be the creator of her own story rather than the one others would dictate for her in spite of her almost sheltered upbringing and therefore naivety. I really felt for her as she struggled to keep her secrets and understand the adult expectations being thrust upon her. My heart sank many a time for her at some of the decisions she made before fully thinking through the consequences. Saskia is superbly portrayed as the counter opposite, being full of cunning, highly manipulative, and very self-centred. I also really liked the Widow Sewall: she is the perfect example of a woman accused of witchcraft.
For me this was a brilliant read and I hope it flies off the shelves on publication. A huge thank you to Fly On The Wall Press for gifting me an early copy of this book.
October 26, 2025
I knew I'd love this book from the moment I started. Such a joy to read with short snappy chapters. If you love historical, fantasy or witchcraft books, then this is the perfect combination.
September 26, 2025
This book was right up my street. A cosy, historical fantasy, focused more on witch craft.
We jumped straight into the story with minimal world building and I felt like I understood the world and era straight away. The pacing was nice and quick and the short chapters were so easy to binge. I found I connected to the characters quickly and although I guessed all the twists instantly, I had so much fun!
The ending was satisfying and everything was wrapped up, but it wasn't really where I wanted the story to go.
We jumped straight into the story with minimal world building and I felt like I understood the world and era straight away. The pacing was nice and quick and the short chapters were so easy to binge. I found I connected to the characters quickly and although I guessed all the twists instantly, I had so much fun!
The ending was satisfying and everything was wrapped up, but it wasn't really where I wanted the story to go.
August 7, 2025
Thanks to Fly On the Wall for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Rachel's book The Finery; it was original, well to me anyway, and really well done.
There was a lot I liked about this book.
Firstly, the premise. I love old books, particularly those set 100+ years ago and older, usually when there's a young woman forced to be quiet in a time where she was expected to behave. And add magic and witchcraft to the equation and it's a clear winner.
I liked the characters. Agnes was a bit naïve at times, but she had this strength throughout it, not an obvious physical strength but in a way that made her stronger. There's a lot of other characters of course, some main and some background, some I liked more than others, but they all worked well individually and in Agnes' story. Although I will say this is a woman's story. The men, on the whole, I disliked greatly.
I think Rachel does an impressive job in creating a sense of space and atmosphere. You can even smell the story at times - not that you always want to. But you're immediately put into this story and you can fully envisage the world around you.
Its sort of a look at feminism against the patriarchy, but not in the obviously modern way. You've got these women who have to do what women did in that time, submit, be a housewife, a mother etc. But they don't always want to be submissive, and that's when the 'witchcraft' words is considered. You've got the boys and men that have aways lived as the rulers, and so when the women start rebelling, they can't cope with it, they can't believe why they would be doing it, and so there must be magic about. It always amazes me, whether I read fiction or non-fiction about witchcraft and witch trials etc. that as soon as a woman does something a man can't explain, then she must be a witch. It's funny in a sad way.
It is less about the witchcraft in my view, although that is obviously a key aspect. For me, it was more about Agnes and how she coped with her new life, and her rivalries with other women, her desperation etc. She completely stole the show.
This is only my second of her books. It's' very different to The Finery but she clearly has talent and I'm looking forward to more.
I really enjoyed Rachel's book The Finery; it was original, well to me anyway, and really well done.
There was a lot I liked about this book.
Firstly, the premise. I love old books, particularly those set 100+ years ago and older, usually when there's a young woman forced to be quiet in a time where she was expected to behave. And add magic and witchcraft to the equation and it's a clear winner.
I liked the characters. Agnes was a bit naïve at times, but she had this strength throughout it, not an obvious physical strength but in a way that made her stronger. There's a lot of other characters of course, some main and some background, some I liked more than others, but they all worked well individually and in Agnes' story. Although I will say this is a woman's story. The men, on the whole, I disliked greatly.
I think Rachel does an impressive job in creating a sense of space and atmosphere. You can even smell the story at times - not that you always want to. But you're immediately put into this story and you can fully envisage the world around you.
Its sort of a look at feminism against the patriarchy, but not in the obviously modern way. You've got these women who have to do what women did in that time, submit, be a housewife, a mother etc. But they don't always want to be submissive, and that's when the 'witchcraft' words is considered. You've got the boys and men that have aways lived as the rulers, and so when the women start rebelling, they can't cope with it, they can't believe why they would be doing it, and so there must be magic about. It always amazes me, whether I read fiction or non-fiction about witchcraft and witch trials etc. that as soon as a woman does something a man can't explain, then she must be a witch. It's funny in a sad way.
It is less about the witchcraft in my view, although that is obviously a key aspect. For me, it was more about Agnes and how she coped with her new life, and her rivalries with other women, her desperation etc. She completely stole the show.
This is only my second of her books. It's' very different to The Finery but she clearly has talent and I'm looking forward to more.
November 24, 2025
Easily one of my favorite books of 2025. Witchborne is smartly written. Effective. Sharp. Haunting, yet empowering. In short, I couldn't stop reading -- and it was an easy one to binge read (tough, as a toddler mama and generally unspecial in how busy life gets).
I've long admired Dr. Rachel as a coach, but to see her own writing in action is the yellow flower against stone -- something one strives for in their own writing.
I admired Agnes' entire arc: the way she believes she must lie in order to have a life just above survival, unable to imagine a reality where she can have anything above the bare minimum.
I have so much more I could say, but I wouldn't be able to do it justice. Basically, do yourself a favor and get lost in medieval times for a week. You'll see your partner differently. You'll see your community interactions differently. And, maybe, you'll start to wonder what you believe about yourself, others, and why that matters most of all.
I've long admired Dr. Rachel as a coach, but to see her own writing in action is the yellow flower against stone -- something one strives for in their own writing.
I admired Agnes' entire arc: the way she believes she must lie in order to have a life just above survival, unable to imagine a reality where she can have anything above the bare minimum.
I have so much more I could say, but I wouldn't be able to do it justice. Basically, do yourself a favor and get lost in medieval times for a week. You'll see your partner differently. You'll see your community interactions differently. And, maybe, you'll start to wonder what you believe about yourself, others, and why that matters most of all.
September 18, 2025
“Do not bind your hands so tightly that you cannot accept a gift."
This is a great book to read if you like historical fiction but want to get into something speculative. The writing is emotive with a minimalist elegance that makes it easy to fly through the book without realising. I felt bad for Agnes, for being swept along on a path forced on her, before being allowed to be her authentic self. I couldn't wait for her to find a way to step into her power. The book showed with heartbreaking clarity how easily a system designed to oppress women and reduce them to no more than birthing servants causes other women to turn on each other. I felt some rage and sadness reading this, but was ultimately satisfied with the ending.
This is a great book to read if you like historical fiction but want to get into something speculative. The writing is emotive with a minimalist elegance that makes it easy to fly through the book without realising. I felt bad for Agnes, for being swept along on a path forced on her, before being allowed to be her authentic self. I couldn't wait for her to find a way to step into her power. The book showed with heartbreaking clarity how easily a system designed to oppress women and reduce them to no more than birthing servants causes other women to turn on each other. I felt some rage and sadness reading this, but was ultimately satisfied with the ending.
August 28, 2025
I love a witchy read, and so when I saw early reviews for Witch Borne, I was desperate to read it, and it really delivered on everything I wanted.
Full of feminine energy and magic, this book is perfect for autumn or any time of year for anyone who loves historical fiction.
In this atmospheric tale of medieval life in a small village, we meet Agnes, who's living with a secret. She can touch fire without burning herself.
As whispers and accusations roam through the war, ravaged streets of Witchcraft Agnes must hide her power or risk the hangman's noose.
Navigating arranged marriage, betrayal, and a world in which women are treated with suspicion. Agnes is forced to marry Silo a man who treats her more as a Servant than a wife, but Agnes, like most other women, has hopes and dreams of breaking free of the Patriarchy and building a life for herself.
Full of tension and foreboding, this story made me furious at the way women are silenced, yet ultimately hopeful, Agnes's strength and resilience shines through, and her character growth was the backbone of this beautiful story.
I love Rachel's writing style. Her simplistic yet emotive prose leaves the reader with a sense of tension that has you unable to put this book down. I read the whole book in less than 24 hours and would highly recommend picking this one up!
Full of feminine energy and magic, this book is perfect for autumn or any time of year for anyone who loves historical fiction.
In this atmospheric tale of medieval life in a small village, we meet Agnes, who's living with a secret. She can touch fire without burning herself.
As whispers and accusations roam through the war, ravaged streets of Witchcraft Agnes must hide her power or risk the hangman's noose.
Navigating arranged marriage, betrayal, and a world in which women are treated with suspicion. Agnes is forced to marry Silo a man who treats her more as a Servant than a wife, but Agnes, like most other women, has hopes and dreams of breaking free of the Patriarchy and building a life for herself.
Full of tension and foreboding, this story made me furious at the way women are silenced, yet ultimately hopeful, Agnes's strength and resilience shines through, and her character growth was the backbone of this beautiful story.
I love Rachel's writing style. Her simplistic yet emotive prose leaves the reader with a sense of tension that has you unable to put this book down. I read the whole book in less than 24 hours and would highly recommend picking this one up!
August 11, 2025
In this book we follow 17 year old Agnes, the daughter of a blacksmith, start her journey into adulthood in the town of Locklear. This town seems a very religious town that do not welcome "Witches" or whoever seems to get that label thrown at them. Poor Agnes is thrown into a world of marriage, pregnancy and the unsolicited judgement of everyone around her. Rumours seem to spread like wildfire in this town and unfortunately, once your name is spoken it can't seem to be reversed. Agnes has a tough old ride in this book and we definitely see the communities vision of what a Woman should provide. The women are viewed only good for providing children and taking care of the house. Women's skills are not seen to be empowering but the opposite. Why can't women be powerful too?
Towards the end of this book it gets very suspenseful and ,as the reader, you have so much sympathy for not just Agnes and Widow Sewall but all women who have to dull their true selves or ultimately face their own death. I thought this was such a powerful book and one that gave me similar vibes to The Handmaid's Tale. This is definitely one of those books that I've been sent to review that I feel so grateful to have read. A truly powerful and real book that shows how women are still portrayed.
Towards the end of this book it gets very suspenseful and ,as the reader, you have so much sympathy for not just Agnes and Widow Sewall but all women who have to dull their true selves or ultimately face their own death. I thought this was such a powerful book and one that gave me similar vibes to The Handmaid's Tale. This is definitely one of those books that I've been sent to review that I feel so grateful to have read. A truly powerful and real book that shows how women are still portrayed.
December 22, 2025
there was a good base idea, but it simply just never came together. the main character didn’t feel like a real person to me since we never get to really see her inner self, and her actions seem to just happen. we just follow her dealing with the fallout every time.
January 8, 2026
Stories like this are always something I enjoy reading even if they also break my heart a little for the women in them
September 14, 2025
This book had me hooked as soon as I opened it. I don’t often give a 5-star but this was a wonderful read. It was heart wrenching and beautifully written. The plot was well developed, you could tell the author researched and put her own twist on things. The characters were well developed, and relatable - each in their own way. Nobody is flawless, and I liked how that was conveyed in such an understandable way. I could go on for ages but nobody likes a waffler… cannot wait to see what comes next from Rachel Grosvenor!
September 3, 2025
From the very first pages, this book smoulders with unease and injustice. Agnes, a blacksmith’s daughter, carries a dangerous secret: she can hold fire in her hands without being burned. In a time when women are easily branded witches, it’s a gift she must keep hidden at all costs.
I was swept up in the claustrophobic tension of Locklear, where every glance feels like judgement and every whisper could be your downfall. Agnes’ uneasy relationship with Saskia — a girl who seems determined to outshine and belittle her — adds another sharp edge to the story, fuelling rivalries that ignite into something much darker.
The mysterious Widow Sewall adds to the unease, a healer whispered about as a witch, while Agnes’ son Godwin becomes the spark of even greater suspicion.
What truly stands out is the rage that simmers through Agnes’ story. It’s a fierce, feminist fire, about women silenced, shamed, and condemned, yet still pushing back in whatever way they can.
The ending doesn’t tie things neatly, instead leaving you with burning questions (in the best way) and space to form your own conclusions. Honestly, this would make an amazing book club pick! I’d love to hear other readers’ takes on those lingering mysteries.
Dark and full of fury — I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I was swept up in the claustrophobic tension of Locklear, where every glance feels like judgement and every whisper could be your downfall. Agnes’ uneasy relationship with Saskia — a girl who seems determined to outshine and belittle her — adds another sharp edge to the story, fuelling rivalries that ignite into something much darker.
The mysterious Widow Sewall adds to the unease, a healer whispered about as a witch, while Agnes’ son Godwin becomes the spark of even greater suspicion.
What truly stands out is the rage that simmers through Agnes’ story. It’s a fierce, feminist fire, about women silenced, shamed, and condemned, yet still pushing back in whatever way they can.
The ending doesn’t tie things neatly, instead leaving you with burning questions (in the best way) and space to form your own conclusions. Honestly, this would make an amazing book club pick! I’d love to hear other readers’ takes on those lingering mysteries.
Dark and full of fury — I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
August 27, 2025
A brilliant and fascinating tale of a strong woman surrounded by fear and rumours.
Agnes captured my heart from the very beginning- an outsider even at home, she always felt something inside her was telling her she was worth more than was ever available.
The female characters in WitchBorne are so cleverly portrayed - forced to behave in a certain way in such a patriarchal time, they either conformed or rebelled with serious consequences.
The rumours and suspicions make up such a large part of this story and show how easy it is for crowds / villages to believe in what they are led to believe
Agnes captured my heart from the very beginning- an outsider even at home, she always felt something inside her was telling her she was worth more than was ever available.
The female characters in WitchBorne are so cleverly portrayed - forced to behave in a certain way in such a patriarchal time, they either conformed or rebelled with serious consequences.
The rumours and suspicions make up such a large part of this story and show how easy it is for crowds / villages to believe in what they are led to believe
August 13, 2025
Witchborne takes place in the village of Locklear, Agnes a 17 year old spring born with a secret special gift is burdend with the task of recovering and protecting her family's status after her brother took off to join the war against the kingdom. She is married off to the tanners son which she believes will all their problems however problems arise when she is expected to bear a child quickly, and not just any child it has to be a boy.
I have grown to love historical fiction so that mixed with witchcraft was just my cup of tea. Rachel Grosvenor did a superb job of portraying what these women went through and showing the pressures and fears they faced.
Agnes our FMC was strong, determined and resilient, she was adamant she wouldn't live a life controlled by others and wished to create her own narrative. I admired her strength and really felt for her as a young girl of 17 who it seemed really hadn't been shown or taught the ways of the world by her mother.
I found this book to be a fantastic read, not too long and medium paced. Thank you to Fly On The Wall Press for a physical copy.
I have grown to love historical fiction so that mixed with witchcraft was just my cup of tea. Rachel Grosvenor did a superb job of portraying what these women went through and showing the pressures and fears they faced.
Agnes our FMC was strong, determined and resilient, she was adamant she wouldn't live a life controlled by others and wished to create her own narrative. I admired her strength and really felt for her as a young girl of 17 who it seemed really hadn't been shown or taught the ways of the world by her mother.
I found this book to be a fantastic read, not too long and medium paced. Thank you to Fly On The Wall Press for a physical copy.
August 14, 2025
Woman’s inhumanity to woman—with special powers
Because she is a child of spring, blacksmith’s daughter Agnes has a special power bestowed upon her at birth—fire does not burn her. But those around her don’t see it as special—they think she’s a witch. Even her mother thinks it’s ‘an affliction’. She pretends that her gift is instead the less magical ability to bind water in a bucket.
Something calls to her. ‘Agnes.’
The local beauty Saskia, against whom she is always compared, teases her.
Against her will, Agnes is betrothed to the tanner’s son. She rebels by pulling a stunt at the wedding, which no one finds amusing. She enters into a loveless marriage with Silo and now always smells of urine, upon which everyone remarks numerous times.
To win everyone’s approval, she must have a son. So, she goes to a local cunning woman the Widow Sewall and makes a pact. The Widow warns that ‘to play the Gods’ one has ‘to bargain for the ever after’.
Everything Agnes does seems to make things worse for her, and the blessing of a son doesn’t change that. The rivalry between Agnes and Saskia affects their babies, and Agnes increasingly hides herself away to avoid retribution. Toward the denouement, there are some twists in the tale, and we find out that previous generations have also made bargains and been shunned. Agnes’ desire to be accepted by her family clashes with the pact she made with the Widow.
Surprisingly, Agnes’ magic power doesn’t much come into the story; it’s mostly about her unhappiness and her rivalry with Saskia.
This is a fictional mediaeval world, verging on fantasy, yet it abides by societal rules familiar to our history. Conformity is expected, women are subservient, witchcraft is feared, and rumours kill. The cycle of ‘woman’s inhumanity to woman’ continues.
The review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
Because she is a child of spring, blacksmith’s daughter Agnes has a special power bestowed upon her at birth—fire does not burn her. But those around her don’t see it as special—they think she’s a witch. Even her mother thinks it’s ‘an affliction’. She pretends that her gift is instead the less magical ability to bind water in a bucket.
Something calls to her. ‘Agnes.’
The local beauty Saskia, against whom she is always compared, teases her.
Against her will, Agnes is betrothed to the tanner’s son. She rebels by pulling a stunt at the wedding, which no one finds amusing. She enters into a loveless marriage with Silo and now always smells of urine, upon which everyone remarks numerous times.
To win everyone’s approval, she must have a son. So, she goes to a local cunning woman the Widow Sewall and makes a pact. The Widow warns that ‘to play the Gods’ one has ‘to bargain for the ever after’.
Everything Agnes does seems to make things worse for her, and the blessing of a son doesn’t change that. The rivalry between Agnes and Saskia affects their babies, and Agnes increasingly hides herself away to avoid retribution. Toward the denouement, there are some twists in the tale, and we find out that previous generations have also made bargains and been shunned. Agnes’ desire to be accepted by her family clashes with the pact she made with the Widow.
Surprisingly, Agnes’ magic power doesn’t much come into the story; it’s mostly about her unhappiness and her rivalry with Saskia.
This is a fictional mediaeval world, verging on fantasy, yet it abides by societal rules familiar to our history. Conformity is expected, women are subservient, witchcraft is feared, and rumours kill. The cycle of ‘woman’s inhumanity to woman’ continues.
The review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
October 29, 2025
Set against a medieval backdrop of patriarchal control, this is a real tale of feminine strength, suffering and persecution. In the town of Locklear, Agnes our protagonist is blessed with a very real magical ability; she can touch fire without being burned. We have a society that accepts "gifts" from the gods, but whispers of witchcraft leads to women being unceremoniously hanged in the woods.
War looms and tensions arise as Agnes is thrown into a world of arranged marriages and the pressures of proving her worth in society by producing a child. What steps will she go to in order to achieve this?
This is a powerful feminist narrative that is so relevant to today's society, and is the type of book that more people should read. As a man I find fiction like this really beneficial to help me understand the lived experiences and struggles of women in society.
The author blends real fantasy magic with a historical look at magic based on folklore and wise women, where we are not sure if the magic is real or a string of coincidences coupled with theatrics.
This story harks back to classics like the Crucible, and is a great exploration of how fear and power shapes identity and society. This is a real character driven story, with timeless social commentary all told through beautiful and evocative prose.
War looms and tensions arise as Agnes is thrown into a world of arranged marriages and the pressures of proving her worth in society by producing a child. What steps will she go to in order to achieve this?
This is a powerful feminist narrative that is so relevant to today's society, and is the type of book that more people should read. As a man I find fiction like this really beneficial to help me understand the lived experiences and struggles of women in society.
The author blends real fantasy magic with a historical look at magic based on folklore and wise women, where we are not sure if the magic is real or a string of coincidences coupled with theatrics.
This story harks back to classics like the Crucible, and is a great exploration of how fear and power shapes identity and society. This is a real character driven story, with timeless social commentary all told through beautiful and evocative prose.
September 2, 2025
As this is a fantasy-novel I have a full review posted up on the fantasy-hive here .
In summary, suffice to say that this is an intriguing exploration of patriarchy and misogyny in a kind of medieval setting where women could be weakly submissive or be compliantly powerful or be branded a witch.
Agnes, seventeen-year-old daughter of the blacksmith and his wife in the town of Lochlear – is desperately unworldly, having barely travelled beyond the borders of the town and with no knowledge of other places or ways of living. Her world is one of superstition and patriarchy and she struggles to build a life within those philosophical, political and geographic confines.
Male children are a boon needed to continue the family business, female children are a burden to be married off at the earliest opportunity and to serve their new family by quickly delivering the essential male heir.
Agnes's bid to find and fill her place in Lochlear is touchingly described in Grosvenor's prose.
She felt a sudden hatred flicker through her heart towards her brother The line between love and hate was thin; she walked that tightrope for her entire family.
“Of course, Silo, I didn’t know where they were kept,” Agnes eventually said, rage bubbling up her windpipe and threatening to blister into her mouth. She swallowed it down.
Ultimately this is a tale told from the underside of the patriarchy, with a protagonist whose own world view is tightly circumscribed. The answers Agnes needs are not to be found in Lochlear and with that realization she can at last begin to grow.
In summary, suffice to say that this is an intriguing exploration of patriarchy and misogyny in a kind of medieval setting where women could be weakly submissive or be compliantly powerful or be branded a witch.
Agnes, seventeen-year-old daughter of the blacksmith and his wife in the town of Lochlear – is desperately unworldly, having barely travelled beyond the borders of the town and with no knowledge of other places or ways of living. Her world is one of superstition and patriarchy and she struggles to build a life within those philosophical, political and geographic confines.
Male children are a boon needed to continue the family business, female children are a burden to be married off at the earliest opportunity and to serve their new family by quickly delivering the essential male heir.
Agnes's bid to find and fill her place in Lochlear is touchingly described in Grosvenor's prose.
She felt a sudden hatred flicker through her heart towards her brother The line between love and hate was thin; she walked that tightrope for her entire family.
“Of course, Silo, I didn’t know where they were kept,” Agnes eventually said, rage bubbling up her windpipe and threatening to blister into her mouth. She swallowed it down.
Ultimately this is a tale told from the underside of the patriarchy, with a protagonist whose own world view is tightly circumscribed. The answers Agnes needs are not to be found in Lochlear and with that realization she can at last begin to grow.
August 23, 2025
This feminist, speculative tale is grounded in history, the details rich and visceral, the prose captivating. I was hooked! My heart ached for Agnes and even for Saskia, for the world portrayed here – and isn’t it familiar? – uses fear to pit women against one another. Grosvenor’s latest novel is an enthralling and timely reminder that history is a cyclical thing and progress should never be taken for granted. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2026
Eh this wasn’t my fave - it had a lot of potential but it wasn’t fleshed out enough at all. I think it skipped details to try and say she was confused but honestly it felt lazy to me. A bit disappointing tbh
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