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The Salt Bind
This stunning historical fantasy debut is steeped in the salt and superstition of the Cornish coast, full of forgotten sirens, mischievous sea gods, and the lore from days long since passed. Perfect for readers of Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale.
The people of Portscatho are bound to traditions and to the sea, living side by side with the spirits, gods, and monsters that inhabit the rollicking waters. When Kensa and her half-sister come across a dying sea beast on the Cornish shore, Kensa is quick to claim credit for the discovery, and in doing so steals the glory and her sister’s position as apprentice to the local wise woman. It seems an appropriate station for Kensa, who has always existed out of step with the others in the village.
Yet to be a wise woman is to be alone—unmarried, childless, relied upon and lusted after yet never truly wanted. Kensa’s only real company is her mentor, the wise woman Isolde.
But Isolde won’t live forever, and when she falls ill, Kensa will do anything to save her and retain her newfound elevation within the community. Even if that means having to seek help from the Bucka, a terrifying and unfathomable sea god who guards the tides around Portscatho. In doing so, she’ll risk her life, her family, and everything she’s sworn to protect.
Beautifully written, expertly crafted, and full of engaging and compelling Cornish mythology, A Spell for Drowning tackles the expectations and limitations put on women by society, what it means to be feared and needed at the same time, and how the desire for acceptance can either save or destroy us.
The people of Portscatho are bound to traditions and to the sea, living side by side with the spirits, gods, and monsters that inhabit the rollicking waters. When Kensa and her half-sister come across a dying sea beast on the Cornish shore, Kensa is quick to claim credit for the discovery, and in doing so steals the glory and her sister’s position as apprentice to the local wise woman. It seems an appropriate station for Kensa, who has always existed out of step with the others in the village.
Yet to be a wise woman is to be alone—unmarried, childless, relied upon and lusted after yet never truly wanted. Kensa’s only real company is her mentor, the wise woman Isolde.
But Isolde won’t live forever, and when she falls ill, Kensa will do anything to save her and retain her newfound elevation within the community. Even if that means having to seek help from the Bucka, a terrifying and unfathomable sea god who guards the tides around Portscatho. In doing so, she’ll risk her life, her family, and everything she’s sworn to protect.
Beautifully written, expertly crafted, and full of engaging and compelling Cornish mythology, A Spell for Drowning tackles the expectations and limitations put on women by society, what it means to be feared and needed at the same time, and how the desire for acceptance can either save or destroy us.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2026
46 people are currently reading
8274 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Ferrier
3 books37 followersRebecca Ferrier is an award-winning writer based in Edinburgh. In 2022, she was awarded a place on the RSE-funded Death Writes network, supported by The University of Glasgow Arts Lab.
Her debut novel, The Salt Bind comes out in September 2025 with Renegade, an imprint of Dialogue Books, Hachette.
She was a UNESCO City of Literature writer-in-residence at the Melbourne Literary Festival in 2021, hosted by Emerging Writers Festival. Rebecca was also part of the first All Stories development cohort and her debut novel secured funding from Creative Scotland.
Prior to that, she was the winner of the 2020 Bridge Award.
Rebecca is represented by Alex Cochran at Greyhound Literary.
Her debut novel, The Salt Bind comes out in September 2025 with Renegade, an imprint of Dialogue Books, Hachette.
She was a UNESCO City of Literature writer-in-residence at the Melbourne Literary Festival in 2021, hosted by Emerging Writers Festival. Rebecca was also part of the first All Stories development cohort and her debut novel secured funding from Creative Scotland.
Prior to that, she was the winner of the 2020 Bridge Award.
Rebecca is represented by Alex Cochran at Greyhound Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
June 12, 2025
This book started out soooo good. I was sucked in by the writing and the tantalizingly unique story. But then…. meh. It turned into something that’s been done a million times already (and with more skill by other authors).
I found myself skipping through the last chapters, just to be done with it, due to the climax being so drawn out.
With that being said, there is obvious excellence in storytelling here, so it’s possible that my opinion will eventually reside amongst the minority. I think the beginning represented a “promise” (to me, at least) that the rest of the book would feel as new and fresh.
I’d give this book a 3.75, rounded up to a 4 based on the solid character arc, decent story structure, and intriguing writing style.
I found myself skipping through the last chapters, just to be done with it, due to the climax being so drawn out.
With that being said, there is obvious excellence in storytelling here, so it’s possible that my opinion will eventually reside amongst the minority. I think the beginning represented a “promise” (to me, at least) that the rest of the book would feel as new and fresh.
I’d give this book a 3.75, rounded up to a 4 based on the solid character arc, decent story structure, and intriguing writing style.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dark fairytale rooted in Cornish folklore with sea monsters and a mysterious sea god.
I think this will work for fans of historical fiction touched with a bit of the fantastical.
This is a quick read with immersive writing and an interesting plot but moves a little slower than I typically prefer.
Whats to love…
- sea creatures!
- folklore and dark fairytale vibes
- a bit of mystery
- romantic subplot
- themes of sisterhood
- immersive writing
- interesting seaside setting.
Whats not to love…
- While I do think plenty of things happened during the course of the book, the first half felt slow in comparison to the ending.
3.5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I think this will work for fans of historical fiction touched with a bit of the fantastical.
This is a quick read with immersive writing and an interesting plot but moves a little slower than I typically prefer.
Whats to love…
- sea creatures!
- folklore and dark fairytale vibes
- a bit of mystery
- romantic subplot
- themes of sisterhood
- immersive writing
- interesting seaside setting.
Whats not to love…
- While I do think plenty of things happened during the course of the book, the first half felt slow in comparison to the ending.
3.5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
**4,25/5**
Thank you so much Dialogue Books | Renegade Books for the arc!
„You were determined to do everything alone and I saw how lonely it made you. I don't think you realized that it made me lonely too.“
🌊 Folklore sea creatures
🌊 Small-town setting
🌊 Sisterly bond
🌊 Gothic fairytale vibes
🌊 Romance side plot
What I liked:
The atmosphere was absolutely outstanding; I could almost feel the wetness of the ocean and the salt in the air! The setting, too, was fantastic and right up my alley! A small coastal town between the 18th and the 19th, with a community torn between Christianity and the Old Ways.
I also absolutely loved the romance side plot! It’s very subtle and slow-burn, and I’m so happy how it turned out for the pair!
What I didn’t like:
I wished the main character would have developed a bit more throughout the story. I understand that she has an impulsive and stubborn character, but after a while she should really have learned, that her rash actions have consequences!
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
Thank you so much Dialogue Books | Renegade Books for the arc!
„You were determined to do everything alone and I saw how lonely it made you. I don't think you realized that it made me lonely too.“
🌊 Folklore sea creatures
🌊 Small-town setting
🌊 Sisterly bond
🌊 Gothic fairytale vibes
🌊 Romance side plot
What I liked:
The atmosphere was absolutely outstanding; I could almost feel the wetness of the ocean and the salt in the air! The setting, too, was fantastic and right up my alley! A small coastal town between the 18th and the 19th, with a community torn between Christianity and the Old Ways.
I also absolutely loved the romance side plot! It’s very subtle and slow-burn, and I’m so happy how it turned out for the pair!
What I didn’t like:
I wished the main character would have developed a bit more throughout the story. I understand that she has an impulsive and stubborn character, but after a while she should really have learned, that her rash actions have consequences!
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
November 23, 2025
Shout out to Alcove Press for giving me an opportunity to review an advanced reader copy of A Spell for Drowning.
Being a huge fan of mythology, this book, especially the cover and title, caught my eye. I’ll admit, Cornish mythology is a world I am unfamiliar with, which did not take away from the book at all in my opinion.
The story had my attention from the beginning and captured my curiosity from middle to end. The writing is beautiful notably with diction that sets a salty mood.
At times, pacing felt awkward, and the romance story line did not have me completely sold. I can’t say I was in love with the main character, Kensa, but then enjoyed where her character arc ended up.
Overall this would be a perfect book for someone looking for witchy (and sometimes even spooky mermaid) vibes with a side of Pet Semetary and a heavy theme of finding one’s place in life.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4/5 stars
Being a huge fan of mythology, this book, especially the cover and title, caught my eye. I’ll admit, Cornish mythology is a world I am unfamiliar with, which did not take away from the book at all in my opinion.
The story had my attention from the beginning and captured my curiosity from middle to end. The writing is beautiful notably with diction that sets a salty mood.
At times, pacing felt awkward, and the romance story line did not have me completely sold. I can’t say I was in love with the main character, Kensa, but then enjoyed where her character arc ended up.
Overall this would be a perfect book for someone looking for witchy (and sometimes even spooky mermaid) vibes with a side of Pet Semetary and a heavy theme of finding one’s place in life.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4/5 stars
August 10, 2025
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of A Spell for Drowning in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There were several aspects that resonated with me while reading this book—the intriguing setting, the mix of uneasiness and enchantment in the otherwise ordinary town, and the threads of Cornish folklore woven throughout. The story carries a deeper, almost heritage-like quality and reads at times like a fairytale.
I’m a bit conflicted about how to rate this. I can see the value in the story, and I hope it reaches its intended audience. Perhaps I just wasn’t the right reader for it. I found it difficult to get into, and the pacing felt off to me, which made it challenging to stay engaged.
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but I won’t be harsh—there’s no need for that. I believe this book will find its readers, and for those who connect with it, it will likely be an immersive and rewarding experience.
Goodreads rating: 2.5 stars
There were several aspects that resonated with me while reading this book—the intriguing setting, the mix of uneasiness and enchantment in the otherwise ordinary town, and the threads of Cornish folklore woven throughout. The story carries a deeper, almost heritage-like quality and reads at times like a fairytale.
I’m a bit conflicted about how to rate this. I can see the value in the story, and I hope it reaches its intended audience. Perhaps I just wasn’t the right reader for it. I found it difficult to get into, and the pacing felt off to me, which made it challenging to stay engaged.
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but I won’t be harsh—there’s no need for that. I believe this book will find its readers, and for those who connect with it, it will likely be an immersive and rewarding experience.
Goodreads rating: 2.5 stars
May 25, 2025
A Spell for Drowning blew my expectations out of the water. It is so deep, kinda scary, and a bit funny here and there too. At no point was I able to predict what was going to happen, so it definitely kept me on my toes
The story is about Kensa, who is ostracized by the village because of who her father was. One day when trying to find where her sister, Elowyn, has wandered off to she sees her next to a beached sea monster and from there, decides to lie and says it was her who found it, thus taking the place to become a Wise woman. Eventually she begins her training and strange things start to unfold after Kensa tries to help heal her sick sister. She has to learn what pacts she must make, sacrifices, and take lessons in the hard way.
I found this book to be a very interesting read, its piqued my interest and curiosity for Cornish Folklore. l enjoyed the humorous bits, the horror, the magic and creatures. It's a great read, I highly recommend it especially to people that like their fantasy to be a bit scary.
(I received this as a arc)
The story is about Kensa, who is ostracized by the village because of who her father was. One day when trying to find where her sister, Elowyn, has wandered off to she sees her next to a beached sea monster and from there, decides to lie and says it was her who found it, thus taking the place to become a Wise woman. Eventually she begins her training and strange things start to unfold after Kensa tries to help heal her sick sister. She has to learn what pacts she must make, sacrifices, and take lessons in the hard way.
I found this book to be a very interesting read, its piqued my interest and curiosity for Cornish Folklore. l enjoyed the humorous bits, the horror, the magic and creatures. It's a great read, I highly recommend it especially to people that like their fantasy to be a bit scary.
(I received this as a arc)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An immersive, magical and dark fairy tale
From the very first page, I found myself drawn into this spellbinding fable set in Cornwall 1779. As a fan of gothic and historical fiction, and enjoying elements of folklore, mythology, fantasy and fairytales, I was set up for an enjoyable read and what a joy this was.
When Kensa hunts for her sister, Elowen, one evening, she discovers her at the side of a dying sea monster. Kensa claims a destiny to be the apprentice to Portscatho’s wise woman, Isolde, a destiny that should not have been rightly hers.
Kensa is a spirited young lady, who feels unwanted and disliked by the townspeople. She has not recovered from the circumstances surrounding the death of her father, and this deeply impacts her attitude and interactions with folk. She has a strained relationship with her half-sister, Elowen, a typical sibling love/hate relationship and this story theme weaves throughout the story. I connected with Kensa and her sister Elowen in so many ways, both deep characters with mystery and I found myself hoping for everything to resolve and happiness and direction to be found.
This story is full of superstition and ancient magic and woven really well into the rugged mystery and legends that surround Cornwall to this day. We meet sea creatures, a sea god, death and a ghoul/zombie and strangely reminded me of all the dark fairytales I grew up with (nothing P.C in my day!).
Also including a little romance, humour and hope, my only slight criticism was the ending lost a little impact but still had me turning the pages to get to the end. I completely recommend this read if you like something a little different. Hoping for another read from Rebecca in the future, really good.
Thank you to Dialogue Books and Rebecca Ferrier for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 22 January 2026.
From the very first page, I found myself drawn into this spellbinding fable set in Cornwall 1779. As a fan of gothic and historical fiction, and enjoying elements of folklore, mythology, fantasy and fairytales, I was set up for an enjoyable read and what a joy this was.
When Kensa hunts for her sister, Elowen, one evening, she discovers her at the side of a dying sea monster. Kensa claims a destiny to be the apprentice to Portscatho’s wise woman, Isolde, a destiny that should not have been rightly hers.
Kensa is a spirited young lady, who feels unwanted and disliked by the townspeople. She has not recovered from the circumstances surrounding the death of her father, and this deeply impacts her attitude and interactions with folk. She has a strained relationship with her half-sister, Elowen, a typical sibling love/hate relationship and this story theme weaves throughout the story. I connected with Kensa and her sister Elowen in so many ways, both deep characters with mystery and I found myself hoping for everything to resolve and happiness and direction to be found.
This story is full of superstition and ancient magic and woven really well into the rugged mystery and legends that surround Cornwall to this day. We meet sea creatures, a sea god, death and a ghoul/zombie and strangely reminded me of all the dark fairytales I grew up with (nothing P.C in my day!).
Also including a little romance, humour and hope, my only slight criticism was the ending lost a little impact but still had me turning the pages to get to the end. I completely recommend this read if you like something a little different. Hoping for another read from Rebecca in the future, really good.
Thank you to Dialogue Books and Rebecca Ferrier for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 22 January 2026.
January 20, 2026
‘a spell for drowning’ had the potential to be a really unique witchy story inspired by cornish history, but it unfortunately fell flat for me.
I had a really hard time getting into this book due to the clunky writing and the drastic scene changes. I could never fully grasp what was happening because of how quickly we’d move on from some pretty intense scenes that lacked any in-depth descriptions. the pacing of the story was also confusing to me where some scenes lasted multiple chapters and then we’d have a huge time jump that didn’t have a smooth transition, which again made it really difficult to ever feel fully immersed in the story.
I also was so surprised when a romance was just thrown in randomly. I really felt like it came from left field and all of a sudden we’re talking about this man she’s in love with and I’m like??? am I missing pages when have we EVER mentioned this man in a romantic context? it felt so out of place and made no sense whatsoever to the story.
the potential was there to have a historical witchy story that explored some really important topics, particularly in relation to women’s rights and perceived duties, but personally, the narrative structure of the story itself made it difficult to focus on those aspects.
thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really hard time getting into this book due to the clunky writing and the drastic scene changes. I could never fully grasp what was happening because of how quickly we’d move on from some pretty intense scenes that lacked any in-depth descriptions. the pacing of the story was also confusing to me where some scenes lasted multiple chapters and then we’d have a huge time jump that didn’t have a smooth transition, which again made it really difficult to ever feel fully immersed in the story.
I also was so surprised when a romance was just thrown in randomly. I really felt like it came from left field and all of a sudden we’re talking about this man she’s in love with and I’m like??? am I missing pages when have we EVER mentioned this man in a romantic context? it felt so out of place and made no sense whatsoever to the story.
the potential was there to have a historical witchy story that explored some really important topics, particularly in relation to women’s rights and perceived duties, but personally, the narrative structure of the story itself made it difficult to focus on those aspects.
thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2026
If you’ve been following my reviews for awhile, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of folklore. When I read the synopsis on NetGalley, I immediately requested it.
This book will be right up your alley if you’re also into the folklore of the British Isles (in this particular case, Cornish). Kensa is the main character, and the local wise woman (Isolde) agrees to take her in as an apprentice after an omen. Kensa has never fit in with the other kids, and unfortunately, this assignment will just make her more of an outcast. Still, it gives her purpose, and if you’re going to be ostracized no matter what you do, you might as well get paid for it, right?
When Isolde gets sick, Kensa turns to the sea god within the waves. Bucka is enigmatic, frightening and definitely not to be trifled with, so contacting him is a last resort. It’s kind of like when you make a bargain with one of the fae, although on a much larger scale—you can never fully trust that you’re not going to end up with something completely unexpected, and not in a good way.
There’s horror elements in here, and the historical aspect (1779 Cornwall) is quite interesting, but this is also a plot that plods along for awhile before the pacing picks up.
Ultimately, even though I wished the pacing was more even throughout the story, I think Ferrier is a very talented writer, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her next book.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for an early copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
This book will be right up your alley if you’re also into the folklore of the British Isles (in this particular case, Cornish). Kensa is the main character, and the local wise woman (Isolde) agrees to take her in as an apprentice after an omen. Kensa has never fit in with the other kids, and unfortunately, this assignment will just make her more of an outcast. Still, it gives her purpose, and if you’re going to be ostracized no matter what you do, you might as well get paid for it, right?
When Isolde gets sick, Kensa turns to the sea god within the waves. Bucka is enigmatic, frightening and definitely not to be trifled with, so contacting him is a last resort. It’s kind of like when you make a bargain with one of the fae, although on a much larger scale—you can never fully trust that you’re not going to end up with something completely unexpected, and not in a good way.
There’s horror elements in here, and the historical aspect (1779 Cornwall) is quite interesting, but this is also a plot that plods along for awhile before the pacing picks up.
Ultimately, even though I wished the pacing was more even throughout the story, I think Ferrier is a very talented writer, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her next book.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for an early copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2026
Initially I was super engaged with the story. I loved the setting, the ocean, the magic. I just couldn’t grow to love the characters and this made the story drag on and on.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Alcove Press for a copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Alcove Press for a copy.
August 26, 2025
Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for this eArc :)
I requested this ARC from NetGalley after reading the premise—two sisters find a sea monster washed up on the shore, a discovery that ties their destinies to the role of the village wise woman. I was intrigued by the mythology: the creature revealed to be a magical woman who had traded her life on land to keep a pact between land and sea. Whoever discovered her first would inherit the mantle of wise woman—though Kensa, our protagonist, lies about being the one to find her.
The atmosphere was gorgeous, with writing that felt moody and windswept, perfectly fitting the Cornish folklore woven throughout. The grey, coastal tone was vivid and comforting, almost cinematic.
Where the story faltered for me was in the pacing and characters. Despite spanning many stages of Kensa’s life, it felt long for its length, and the timeline sometimes disoriented me. And while I appreciated that Kensa’s choices were explained, I found her hard to like. She could be cruel to her sister and repeatedly made decisions that distanced me from rooting for her. Without a strong emotional anchor in the characters, the haunting setting had to carry the story alone.
That said, as a debut this shows real promise. The concept and atmosphere were brilliant, and I’ll definitely keep an eye on Ferrier’s future work.
I requested this ARC from NetGalley after reading the premise—two sisters find a sea monster washed up on the shore, a discovery that ties their destinies to the role of the village wise woman. I was intrigued by the mythology: the creature revealed to be a magical woman who had traded her life on land to keep a pact between land and sea. Whoever discovered her first would inherit the mantle of wise woman—though Kensa, our protagonist, lies about being the one to find her.
The atmosphere was gorgeous, with writing that felt moody and windswept, perfectly fitting the Cornish folklore woven throughout. The grey, coastal tone was vivid and comforting, almost cinematic.
Where the story faltered for me was in the pacing and characters. Despite spanning many stages of Kensa’s life, it felt long for its length, and the timeline sometimes disoriented me. And while I appreciated that Kensa’s choices were explained, I found her hard to like. She could be cruel to her sister and repeatedly made decisions that distanced me from rooting for her. Without a strong emotional anchor in the characters, the haunting setting had to carry the story alone.
That said, as a debut this shows real promise. The concept and atmosphere were brilliant, and I’ll definitely keep an eye on Ferrier’s future work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
I was intrigued by the concept of a witch story set in the beautiful coast of Cornwall steeped in Cornish folklore, with very little romance for once. But ultimately this just didn't work for me because I couldn't connect to the characters.
Ostracized Kensa, whose late father was a smuggler, has always longed to be loved and belong somewhere, so she lies and jumps at an opportunity to become the town's wise woman. This is a witch and healer versed in the Old Ways who makes a Pact with the Folk to chain her to this place to keep monsters at bay. I liked how this wasn't the kind of Disney fairy tale but it showed the darker, sinister side of folklore. The descriptions of sirens and the Bucka were the most interesting part.
While I understood her motivations to become a wise woman, I couldn't understand why Kensa stayed, to essentially become enslaved. I also couldn't understand her desperation to use necromancy on a sister she didn't really know all that well and a secretive mentor who lied to her and treated her with disdain. She hated the village and felt resigned to this path, so why did she stay? I couldn't understand what was keeping her there. I did like her complicated relationship with her smuggler father.
I was also hoping for a more atmospheric story that touched more deeply on Cornish folklore and traditions. It almost felt like it could have been set anywhere in the UK.
I'm trying to read more witchy books but when they don't work for me, they lose the story and characters in service to the witch element.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ostracized Kensa, whose late father was a smuggler, has always longed to be loved and belong somewhere, so she lies and jumps at an opportunity to become the town's wise woman. This is a witch and healer versed in the Old Ways who makes a Pact with the Folk to chain her to this place to keep monsters at bay. I liked how this wasn't the kind of Disney fairy tale but it showed the darker, sinister side of folklore. The descriptions of sirens and the Bucka were the most interesting part.
While I understood her motivations to become a wise woman, I couldn't understand why Kensa stayed, to essentially become enslaved. I also couldn't understand her desperation to use necromancy on a sister she didn't really know all that well and a secretive mentor who lied to her and treated her with disdain. She hated the village and felt resigned to this path, so why did she stay? I couldn't understand what was keeping her there. I did like her complicated relationship with her smuggler father.
I was also hoping for a more atmospheric story that touched more deeply on Cornish folklore and traditions. It almost felt like it could have been set anywhere in the UK.
I'm trying to read more witchy books but when they don't work for me, they lose the story and characters in service to the witch element.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2026
‘The people of Portscatho are bound to traditions and to the sea, living side by side with the spirits, gods, and monsters that inhabit the rollicking waters. When Kensa and her half-sister come across a dying sea beast on the Cornish shore, Kensa is quick to claim credit for the discovery, and in doing so steals the glory and her sister’s position as apprentice to the local wise woman. It seems an appropriate station for Kensa, who has always existed out of step with the others in the village.’
This is a great witchy fantasy book.
The characters had good depth. I totally understood why Kensa made the decisions that she did. I found the sibling relationship nuanced and beautiful. The relationship between wise woman and apprentice was also lovely.
The magic had a great vibe, very earthy and with clear costs and repercussions. I was charmed by the whole atmosphere of this book.
I also really liked the narrator, she was able to infuse the story with a lot of emotion.
Would definitely recommend this one!
Thank you netgalley for this audiobook ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
This is a great witchy fantasy book.
The characters had good depth. I totally understood why Kensa made the decisions that she did. I found the sibling relationship nuanced and beautiful. The relationship between wise woman and apprentice was also lovely.
The magic had a great vibe, very earthy and with clear costs and repercussions. I was charmed by the whole atmosphere of this book.
I also really liked the narrator, she was able to infuse the story with a lot of emotion.
Would definitely recommend this one!
Thank you netgalley for this audiobook ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
December 2, 2025
I picked up this book several times, never quite being able to start it. I finally decided to try again and blew through most of the book in two days.
Focused on the town of Portscatho and the people within it, this book follows Kensa’s journey in becoming a wise woman. Throughout, there is a wonderful blend of Cornish folklore, sisterhood, and what it means to truly find acceptance within a society.
Kensa herself was an interesting protagonist to follow. I struggled at times with the book, even though I found her beginnings as an outcast and training as a wise woman believable, I just became very frustrated at many decisions she made. To the point where I needed to pause and rub my eyes in frustration at times. Perhaps this is indicative of her being a believable/fallible/well-written character, I’m still a bit undecided.
My other critique would be the drastic shift from part one to part two. Obviously there should be a clear line between parts in a book, but I found that it wasn’t just delineated by a significant event, but by the writing style as well. Certain characters, especially a new one, fell a little flat for me at times. The pacing and several key events also didn’t feel like they amounted to what they could have been. Nevertheless, I really loved the constant exploration of the relationship between the two sisters and how it grew over time.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book, specifically the relationships between characters, folklore, and the setting itself. I understand why it was recommended to readers who like “Circe,” but it is still a very different type of story.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but all reviews are my own
Focused on the town of Portscatho and the people within it, this book follows Kensa’s journey in becoming a wise woman. Throughout, there is a wonderful blend of Cornish folklore, sisterhood, and what it means to truly find acceptance within a society.
Kensa herself was an interesting protagonist to follow. I struggled at times with the book, even though I found her beginnings as an outcast and training as a wise woman believable, I just became very frustrated at many decisions she made. To the point where I needed to pause and rub my eyes in frustration at times. Perhaps this is indicative of her being a believable/fallible/well-written character, I’m still a bit undecided.
My other critique would be the drastic shift from part one to part two. Obviously there should be a clear line between parts in a book, but I found that it wasn’t just delineated by a significant event, but by the writing style as well. Certain characters, especially a new one, fell a little flat for me at times. The pacing and several key events also didn’t feel like they amounted to what they could have been. Nevertheless, I really loved the constant exploration of the relationship between the two sisters and how it grew over time.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book, specifically the relationships between characters, folklore, and the setting itself. I understand why it was recommended to readers who like “Circe,” but it is still a very different type of story.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but all reviews are my own
June 19, 2025
I’m a big fan of dark seaside fantasies, so early on I saw a lot of promise in this book. From the first chapter, the world instantly felt real and complete, and Kensa seemed an interesting protagonist to follow: the underdog who eventually rose above by acquiring magic.
In theory, A Spell for Drowning is a great concept, but I do think the pacing could have been a bit better, and the characters more rounded. The pacing thing is a bit tricky since the book follows Kensa over many years of her life; at one point the momentum is just lost and became difficult to regain. And on the characters: I feel like we only ever got to see one side of everyone, which made it hard to redeem their choices and make them worth caring for.
read as an arc, courtesy of Netgalley
In theory, A Spell for Drowning is a great concept, but I do think the pacing could have been a bit better, and the characters more rounded. The pacing thing is a bit tricky since the book follows Kensa over many years of her life; at one point the momentum is just lost and became difficult to regain. And on the characters: I feel like we only ever got to see one side of everyone, which made it hard to redeem their choices and make them worth caring for.
read as an arc, courtesy of Netgalley
June 5, 2025
There’s something about this book that feels like a whispered warning and a lullaby all at once. A Spell for Drowning caught me completely off guard—in the best way. It’s eerie, poetic, and steeped in that peculiar kind of magic that creeps up on you: slow, coastal, cold to the bone.
Kensa’s story unfolds in a remote village weighed down by fear, suspicion, and old pacts. Her journey begins with a lie—one that feels small at first, almost necessary—and unravels into something far more dangerous. The further she goes, the more the story digs into themes of sacrifice, consequence, and what it means to claim power that was never freely given.
There’s folklore in these pages that feels lived-in. The sea monster, the rites, the wise women—it’s all wrapped in a fog of Cornish myth and memory. I never knew what direction the story would take, and I loved that. There’s a quiet unpredictability that kept me on edge, like the tide pulling back before a storm.
But what really made this stand out was the tone: part horror, part dark fairytale, part bittersweet coming-of-age. It’s filled with oddities and strange, beautiful creatures—and yes, some surprisingly funny moments too, like the kind of dry humor you’d find in an old folk tale told late at night.
If you love atmospheric stories with folklore roots, stories that unsettle while enchanting, A Spell for Drowning is a must-read. It's the kind of book that stays with you—not because it shouts, but because it haunts.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I didn’t expect this book to find me the way it did, but I’m so glad it did.
Kensa’s story unfolds in a remote village weighed down by fear, suspicion, and old pacts. Her journey begins with a lie—one that feels small at first, almost necessary—and unravels into something far more dangerous. The further she goes, the more the story digs into themes of sacrifice, consequence, and what it means to claim power that was never freely given.
There’s folklore in these pages that feels lived-in. The sea monster, the rites, the wise women—it’s all wrapped in a fog of Cornish myth and memory. I never knew what direction the story would take, and I loved that. There’s a quiet unpredictability that kept me on edge, like the tide pulling back before a storm.
But what really made this stand out was the tone: part horror, part dark fairytale, part bittersweet coming-of-age. It’s filled with oddities and strange, beautiful creatures—and yes, some surprisingly funny moments too, like the kind of dry humor you’d find in an old folk tale told late at night.
If you love atmospheric stories with folklore roots, stories that unsettle while enchanting, A Spell for Drowning is a must-read. It's the kind of book that stays with you—not because it shouts, but because it haunts.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I didn’t expect this book to find me the way it did, but I’m so glad it did.
July 25, 2025
3.5 stars - I'm feeling a little bit conflicted on this one. On the one hand, the atmosphere was fantastic. On the other hand, I just never felt strongly for the characters.
A spell for drowning is an eerie dive into Cornish folklore. Kensa, our protagonist, becomes an apprentice to the wise woman Isolde after she and her sister Elowen discover a dying sea monster on the beach. After a few months of training with Isolde, Elowen becomes ill, and Kensa asks Isolde to do anything she can to save her. The bargain causes Isolde to become ill as well, and Kensa goes to extraordinary lengths to prevent losing her, including seeking help from the Bucka, a sea god living in the ocean near the village of Portscatho.
The description of this book compared it to Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale, and while I can see where the comparisons are coming from, I didn't think this was quite as good as those other series that I love. While the atmosphere and writing were fantastic, and while I loved the dive into Cornish history, I never felt as much for the characters as I wanted to. Kensa was strong, but Elowen could have been much more compelling. And there was something about the pacing that just felt a bit off.
But if you're looking for something vibey for this upcoming winter/fall, I think the setting alone could make this a pretty good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher and the ARC!
A spell for drowning is an eerie dive into Cornish folklore. Kensa, our protagonist, becomes an apprentice to the wise woman Isolde after she and her sister Elowen discover a dying sea monster on the beach. After a few months of training with Isolde, Elowen becomes ill, and Kensa asks Isolde to do anything she can to save her. The bargain causes Isolde to become ill as well, and Kensa goes to extraordinary lengths to prevent losing her, including seeking help from the Bucka, a sea god living in the ocean near the village of Portscatho.
The description of this book compared it to Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale, and while I can see where the comparisons are coming from, I didn't think this was quite as good as those other series that I love. While the atmosphere and writing were fantastic, and while I loved the dive into Cornish history, I never felt as much for the characters as I wanted to. Kensa was strong, but Elowen could have been much more compelling. And there was something about the pacing that just felt a bit off.
But if you're looking for something vibey for this upcoming winter/fall, I think the setting alone could make this a pretty good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher and the ARC!
August 1, 2025
4.5/5 stars rounded up. A Spell for Drowning was such a wonderful surprise as I went in blind without knowing much about Rebecca Ferrier and her other works. The prose was fantastic and the characters were extremely engaging. It doesn't hurt that I'm also a sucker for books with strong elements of mythology.
I found myself at the start struggling to connect with the main character Kensa, almost reminiscent of how I felt reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. Both books tell a story from the perspective of the outcast and somewhat bitter sister that leaves you very frustrated at times. However we get to watch Kensa come of age and become a very empathetic character as she tries to do what's right.
The author also lets the reader do the work to connect characters, relationships and events without hitting you over the head with clunky exposition. Often there would be interactions where you'd have to read between the lines to fully understand the undertones. I appreciate reading a well-crafted book where the author trusts the reader!
My only knock on the book was that the pacing got a little off in the last chunk of the book. I almost wanted the story to breath a little and not quite rush into the climax. Additionally, I was disappointed to learn that this is a stand-alone and not part of a series. I would love to follow Kensa and the residents of Portscatho more and feel like there's so much more to explore!
Thank you Alcove Press and Net Galley for the ARC!
I found myself at the start struggling to connect with the main character Kensa, almost reminiscent of how I felt reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. Both books tell a story from the perspective of the outcast and somewhat bitter sister that leaves you very frustrated at times. However we get to watch Kensa come of age and become a very empathetic character as she tries to do what's right.
The author also lets the reader do the work to connect characters, relationships and events without hitting you over the head with clunky exposition. Often there would be interactions where you'd have to read between the lines to fully understand the undertones. I appreciate reading a well-crafted book where the author trusts the reader!
My only knock on the book was that the pacing got a little off in the last chunk of the book. I almost wanted the story to breath a little and not quite rush into the climax. Additionally, I was disappointed to learn that this is a stand-alone and not part of a series. I would love to follow Kensa and the residents of Portscatho more and feel like there's so much more to explore!
Thank you Alcove Press and Net Galley for the ARC!
June 13, 2025
From debut author Rebecca Ferrier comes a dark, atmospheric tale laced with seafoam and bile. Fans of Ava Reid and Erin A. Craig will love this sea-swept tale of magic, love, and sisterhood.
It's rare for a book to have a main character as unlikable and Kensa and still manage to create such an engaging story. I often found Kensa overly selfish and irritating, and while I appreciate the development she went through, I do feel that her character development was slightly rushed around the end. All of the characters were so interesting and I wish I could know more about them! I especially loved the ending, and I sincerely hope we aren't done with tales of the Bucka and his life as a human just yet.
The writing and setting were the true jewels of this book. All of my knowledge of Cornwall comes from Poldark, so I was fascinated by the snippets of mythology combined with the rugged setting that brought new depth to such an ancient place.
Rebecca Ferrier's writing is exquisite and visceral in this book - she has a true talent for darkly whimsical storytelling. That being said, the writing could be too dense at times and made it difficult to discern what was happening at first glance. In all, though, A Spell for Drowning is the perfect read for fans of dark historical fantasy with its rich sense of place, intricate imagery, and complex characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC!
It's rare for a book to have a main character as unlikable and Kensa and still manage to create such an engaging story. I often found Kensa overly selfish and irritating, and while I appreciate the development she went through, I do feel that her character development was slightly rushed around the end. All of the characters were so interesting and I wish I could know more about them! I especially loved the ending, and I sincerely hope we aren't done with tales of the Bucka and his life as a human just yet.
The writing and setting were the true jewels of this book. All of my knowledge of Cornwall comes from Poldark, so I was fascinated by the snippets of mythology combined with the rugged setting that brought new depth to such an ancient place.
Rebecca Ferrier's writing is exquisite and visceral in this book - she has a true talent for darkly whimsical storytelling. That being said, the writing could be too dense at times and made it difficult to discern what was happening at first glance. In all, though, A Spell for Drowning is the perfect read for fans of dark historical fantasy with its rich sense of place, intricate imagery, and complex characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
I’m conflicted about this book: the worldbuilding and mythos are absolutely outstanding but I didn’t like the book all that much. Definite first book vibes.
I loved the characters. I loved that Kensa was an unreliable narrator but in a transparent way - she wasn’t hiding anything from us necessarily, but she was naive and sometimes downright stupid. But there were parts of the book where the plot was thin, or rushed through, and it felt covered up by the poetic, flowery language of the author. I would reread whole paragraphs to figure out nothing happened.
Overall this is a great debut fantasy novel and I look forward to reading more by Ferrier in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Ferrier, and Alcove Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the characters. I loved that Kensa was an unreliable narrator but in a transparent way - she wasn’t hiding anything from us necessarily, but she was naive and sometimes downright stupid. But there were parts of the book where the plot was thin, or rushed through, and it felt covered up by the poetic, flowery language of the author. I would reread whole paragraphs to figure out nothing happened.
Overall this is a great debut fantasy novel and I look forward to reading more by Ferrier in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Ferrier, and Alcove Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2025
a haunting tale of Cornish folklore and legend! a great debut for sure
Read
July 18, 2025First, just look at that gorgeous cover art!
Second, I recommend this book for fans of "The weaver and the witch queen" by Genevieve Gornichec.
I love that the Cornish setting and place names are real.
Due to her father's ill-repute and being an outsider in her own stepfamily, I can understand Kensa's desire for prominence or position of superiority. However, I don't like her as a character because she swings between being over-confident and entitled to an insecure, defensive liar and back.
Either it was so vaguely described or not mentioned at all so Kensa's sudden "I can't lose him" attitude toward Jack seems to come out of nowhere. Sure, they've known each other for years but they rarely interact and there's no romance implied when they do. I wouldn't even call them friends. Was the author forced to add a romance?
I'm proud of myself for managing to finish this book. I got 35% in and didn't like any of the characters. I got 50% in and still didn't like any of the characters. The plot was just interesting enough for me to want to see what happened next. I found this book confusing and annoying at times. The ending made it worthwhile.
The synopsis on NetGalley made this book out to be more than the first-person narrative of a whiny, self-absorbed child that it is. I believe the author's intention may have been for the reader to see the inner growth of Kensa's character when she finally becomes the wise woman. That happened far too late in the book for me to like her as a character. Perhaps if there had been more vignettes about life after the battle and Kensa settling into life as the wise woman, it wouldn't have felt so anticlimactic for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it.
Second, I recommend this book for fans of "The weaver and the witch queen" by Genevieve Gornichec.
I love that the Cornish setting and place names are real.
Due to her father's ill-repute and being an outsider in her own stepfamily, I can understand Kensa's desire for prominence or position of superiority. However, I don't like her as a character because she swings between being over-confident and entitled to an insecure, defensive liar and back.
Either it was so vaguely described or not mentioned at all so Kensa's sudden "I can't lose him" attitude toward Jack seems to come out of nowhere. Sure, they've known each other for years but they rarely interact and there's no romance implied when they do. I wouldn't even call them friends. Was the author forced to add a romance?
I'm proud of myself for managing to finish this book. I got 35% in and didn't like any of the characters. I got 50% in and still didn't like any of the characters. The plot was just interesting enough for me to want to see what happened next. I found this book confusing and annoying at times. The ending made it worthwhile.
The synopsis on NetGalley made this book out to be more than the first-person narrative of a whiny, self-absorbed child that it is. I believe the author's intention may have been for the reader to see the inner growth of Kensa's character when she finally becomes the wise woman. That happened far too late in the book for me to like her as a character. Perhaps if there had been more vignettes about life after the battle and Kensa settling into life as the wise woman, it wouldn't have felt so anticlimactic for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it.
May 26, 2025
This magical tale is surely a good read if this is the type of novel you are looking for. The time setting is in the late eighteenth century and is combined with cornish folklore. The moral of the story is that when someone comes into great power they also come into the great responsibility of maintaining it.
Our main character Kensa has always felt like an outsider in her village based on the bad deeds of her father. One day when out looking for her sister she finds her with this beached sea monster and legend has it whoever finds it becomes a wise woman. Knowing that she'll never earn the respect of her village if she doesn't take on this role she decides to take credit for finding it.
Kensa then presumes the duties of training as a wise woman with the help of another wise woman named Isolde. From there she will learn that it is a role that comes with great responsibility. Dhr also learns that sometimes the role comes with great loss that can only be endured as well. Overall this was a very interesting read.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Our main character Kensa has always felt like an outsider in her village based on the bad deeds of her father. One day when out looking for her sister she finds her with this beached sea monster and legend has it whoever finds it becomes a wise woman. Knowing that she'll never earn the respect of her village if she doesn't take on this role she decides to take credit for finding it.
Kensa then presumes the duties of training as a wise woman with the help of another wise woman named Isolde. From there she will learn that it is a role that comes with great responsibility. Dhr also learns that sometimes the role comes with great loss that can only be endured as well. Overall this was a very interesting read.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
June 15, 2025
A Spell for Drowning took Cornish folklore and made it accessible in a moving story about the love between siblings and for a mentor. In A Spell for Drowning, we follow Kensa, a girl when the book begins, that feels disconnected from others around her due to her parentage. This spurs her to seize the opportunity to train with Isolde, the wise woman in the area, and learn healing and the old ways of the land. What ensues is a series of unfortunate choices and reactions by Kensa that lead her deeper and deeper into the relationship between the land and the sea as well as her role therein as the wise woman of Portscatho.
The story spends a fair amount of time exploring coming-of-age themes as well as the tumultuous relationships within Kensa's family - most notably with her half-sister Elowen, before finally settling into atmospheric horror with a bittersweet ending. This book felt like old stories parents told to children to keep them from wandering too far from home or staying out too late. Unfortunately for Kensa, she didn't head these warnings. Fortunately for us, this led to an interesting story that held my attention and left me wondering as to whether I would have had the strength of character to make different choices, even with what feels like a stronger sense for danger than Kensa had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read and review A Spell for Drowning.
The story spends a fair amount of time exploring coming-of-age themes as well as the tumultuous relationships within Kensa's family - most notably with her half-sister Elowen, before finally settling into atmospheric horror with a bittersweet ending. This book felt like old stories parents told to children to keep them from wandering too far from home or staying out too late. Unfortunately for Kensa, she didn't head these warnings. Fortunately for us, this led to an interesting story that held my attention and left me wondering as to whether I would have had the strength of character to make different choices, even with what feels like a stronger sense for danger than Kensa had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read and review A Spell for Drowning.
March 12, 2025
Rebecca Ferrier's The Salt Bind is a remarkable novel about sisterhood, grief, empowerment, class, community, and, of course, the enchanting qualities of the sea and all the power that resides within. Ferrier's depictions of the seaside landscape are spellbinding, and her writing is suffused with a gorgeous poetic voice that remains precise and engaging.
Rooted in the folklore and history of the Cornish coast, we follow (and fall in love with) Kensa as she navigates her life as a wise woman and learns the way of The Pact – a pact between the land and the sea. As readers, we are constantly at the seam, at the shoreline, of these vividly portrayed worlds. Through Ferrier's deft hand, we are guided toward and thrillingly entangled with sea monsters, Bad Books, watchful cormorants, and – of course – the captivating residents of the village of Portscatho.
Rooted in the folklore and history of the Cornish coast, we follow (and fall in love with) Kensa as she navigates her life as a wise woman and learns the way of The Pact – a pact between the land and the sea. As readers, we are constantly at the seam, at the shoreline, of these vividly portrayed worlds. Through Ferrier's deft hand, we are guided toward and thrillingly entangled with sea monsters, Bad Books, watchful cormorants, and – of course – the captivating residents of the village of Portscatho.
August 5, 2025
*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*3.75 Stars*
Summary: A uniquely told dark fairytale-esque story that left me wanting more.
Overall, I thought this was such a well written book, with the subtle writing that doesn’t hit you over the head every second to tell you how the characters feel or what they mean. It’s told in past tense through Kensa’s third-person perspective. It was refreshing to see a main character who didn’t “deserve” her role by some twist of fate or chosen-one arc, who instead stole it for herself. All in all I was satisfied with this read, though there’s quite a bit that felt lacking.
More about what I did and didn’t like below.
Things I Liked:
- MC Backstory/Arc: I thought Kensa was a refreshing MC, dirty and rough and real where an MC like her would normally just be called tough while having nothing to show for it. I also really appreciated her familial backstory and relations, and how they affected how Kensa viewed herself and the actions she chose, especially surrounding her dad and sister. They felt complex and the opposite of cookie cutter.
- Jack: The romance was a very small part of the story, but it (and Jack) made an impact. I definitely wanted more of him, but I’m happy with the role he played, and I really appreciated the slow burn.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Pacing: I did feel like the ending dragged, and it took way too long to finally wrap everything up. It felt like the climax started way earlier than it actually did. And since the first part of the book is really, really slow (as it focuses on character and world), I think the pace should’ve sped up, not slowed down. We even get introduced to a new character pretty late in the game, who winds up being very important to the finale (weird).
- Epilogue: Not sure if a sequel is planned… because that epilogue just gave me a bunch of new questions.
- Worldbuilding: I went into this expecting a nautical or sea inspired world (especially because of the cover), but there was really very little of that. All the sea creatures come at the end and it’s mostly off page/summarized. Most of the world is what it means to be a coastal town, but the ocean magic side of it seemed to fade into the background :/
That being said, I enjoyed the nuance in this story and felt it was a refreshing take on what could’ve been a run of the mill YA story!
*3.75 Stars*
Summary: A uniquely told dark fairytale-esque story that left me wanting more.
Overall, I thought this was such a well written book, with the subtle writing that doesn’t hit you over the head every second to tell you how the characters feel or what they mean. It’s told in past tense through Kensa’s third-person perspective. It was refreshing to see a main character who didn’t “deserve” her role by some twist of fate or chosen-one arc, who instead stole it for herself. All in all I was satisfied with this read, though there’s quite a bit that felt lacking.
More about what I did and didn’t like below.
Things I Liked:
- MC Backstory/Arc: I thought Kensa was a refreshing MC, dirty and rough and real where an MC like her would normally just be called tough while having nothing to show for it. I also really appreciated her familial backstory and relations, and how they affected how Kensa viewed herself and the actions she chose, especially surrounding her dad and sister. They felt complex and the opposite of cookie cutter.
- Jack: The romance was a very small part of the story, but it (and Jack) made an impact. I definitely wanted more of him, but I’m happy with the role he played, and I really appreciated the slow burn.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Pacing: I did feel like the ending dragged, and it took way too long to finally wrap everything up. It felt like the climax started way earlier than it actually did. And since the first part of the book is really, really slow (as it focuses on character and world), I think the pace should’ve sped up, not slowed down. We even get introduced to a new character pretty late in the game, who winds up being very important to the finale (weird).
- Epilogue: Not sure if a sequel is planned… because that epilogue just gave me a bunch of new questions.
- Worldbuilding: I went into this expecting a nautical or sea inspired world (especially because of the cover), but there was really very little of that. All the sea creatures come at the end and it’s mostly off page/summarized. Most of the world is what it means to be a coastal town, but the ocean magic side of it seemed to fade into the background :/
That being said, I enjoyed the nuance in this story and felt it was a refreshing take on what could’ve been a run of the mill YA story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a beautiful, layered story set in the gorgeous historic Cornwall of folktales and wise women.
Kensa and her younger sister stumble upon the dying form of a seamonster on the Cornish coast one night, and as a result of this interaction, Kensa's fate as an apprentice to the local wise woman is sealed. She learns the Old Ways but also finds that there are more secrets than she will ever know, but her teacher, Isolde, is failing. In panic, she turns to a vengeful seagod to save her, but things don't go as she hoped.
I loved the setting of this tale and the folkloric background. It's historical fiction with a touch of fantasy that's so well-written that you can believe it's true - just the way most myths are. It sits somewhere between ancient storytelling and fairytale.
The only issue I had was that it took a while for the story to come into itself. For a while, it felt like we were just going slowly follow the path of Kensa's life while she felt like an imposter in her role. When the story kicked off, it all came together nicely, but it felt a bit rambling for a while. Fortunately the setting and the storytelling kept me invested through this slower start, and it paid off well enough.
There were some aspects of the characterisation that threw me a little. I found Kensa and her sister's relationship hard to understand - they would save each other but also kind of hated each other. I suppose maybe that how some sisterly relationships are, but there seemed to be little that they really had issues with, and considering that they shared a small bed until Kensa went off to become a wise woman, I can't see how they could easily pull so far apart, but also love each other so much. Maybe just very different to my relationship with my sister!
I loved learning more about Isolde and the Old Ways, the beliefs, the techniques, and how it wasn't necessarily always magic at the end of the day, but sometimes just being there for people. I loved that the mysterious element of witchcraft sat so tenuously alongside everyday life and alongside the church.
It was a really good read, I would definitely pick up more by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Kensa and her younger sister stumble upon the dying form of a seamonster on the Cornish coast one night, and as a result of this interaction, Kensa's fate as an apprentice to the local wise woman is sealed. She learns the Old Ways but also finds that there are more secrets than she will ever know, but her teacher, Isolde, is failing. In panic, she turns to a vengeful seagod to save her, but things don't go as she hoped.
I loved the setting of this tale and the folkloric background. It's historical fiction with a touch of fantasy that's so well-written that you can believe it's true - just the way most myths are. It sits somewhere between ancient storytelling and fairytale.
The only issue I had was that it took a while for the story to come into itself. For a while, it felt like we were just going slowly follow the path of Kensa's life while she felt like an imposter in her role. When the story kicked off, it all came together nicely, but it felt a bit rambling for a while. Fortunately the setting and the storytelling kept me invested through this slower start, and it paid off well enough.
There were some aspects of the characterisation that threw me a little. I found Kensa and her sister's relationship hard to understand - they would save each other but also kind of hated each other. I suppose maybe that how some sisterly relationships are, but there seemed to be little that they really had issues with, and considering that they shared a small bed until Kensa went off to become a wise woman, I can't see how they could easily pull so far apart, but also love each other so much. Maybe just very different to my relationship with my sister!
I loved learning more about Isolde and the Old Ways, the beliefs, the techniques, and how it wasn't necessarily always magic at the end of the day, but sometimes just being there for people. I loved that the mysterious element of witchcraft sat so tenuously alongside everyday life and alongside the church.
It was a really good read, I would definitely pick up more by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
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February 1, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
A Spell for Drowning by Rebecca Ferrier is a third person-POV speculative historical. Kensa is the daughter of a smuggler who was hanged and has struggled to find a place for herself in her hometown ever since. She has little relationship with her half-sister, doesn’t see her mother or stepfather much, and the rest of the town seems to just about tolerate her. Her separation only grows more when she is taken on as the apprentice of the village wisewoman, a position that means she can never marry or have children, but gives her freedom to make her own choices.
I have a hard time pinning down if I think this is historical fantasy, speculative historical, or historical paranormal, which shows how these turns can sometimes be nebulous or have enough overlap that it’s hard to state clearly which subgenre it falls in. The historical, character-driven aspects take center stage and the fantasy aspects are present, but sometimes drift off to the side. Because of this, I feel that this is more historical genre with some fantasy elements, but I’m also not gonna argue with anyone who says it’s a historical fantasy or historical paranormal. The comp to Circe feels accurate because Madeline Miller straddles a line between fantasy and women’s fiction/book club fiction and this feels like it sits in a similar space.
There is a romance arc between Kensa and Jack, who is the son of a miner and respected community member and is kind of the last person she would be able to be with even if she wasn’t in training to be a wisewoman. Despite this, the two are drawn to each other and Jack spends a lot of time in similar spaces to Kensa due to their shared circle of close people. This romance is more of a C or D plot, so this is definitely not a romantasy or romance genre, but it is a nice romance if you’re into two people who keep acting like they can’t be together and then can’t fight their attraction anymore.
The speculative elements come from traditional Cornish folklore, such as selkies or mermaids, and them making their way into the town. The folklore creatures are given possible names, but Kensa, who is the main POV character, doesn’t know exactly what the beings are and it’s implied that it doesn’t really matter what they are as what matters more is the impact that they leave behind.
I would recommend this to fans of women’s fiction with historical elements and readers who gravitate to historical fiction that explores the treatment of women in various positions in society
A Spell for Drowning by Rebecca Ferrier is a third person-POV speculative historical. Kensa is the daughter of a smuggler who was hanged and has struggled to find a place for herself in her hometown ever since. She has little relationship with her half-sister, doesn’t see her mother or stepfather much, and the rest of the town seems to just about tolerate her. Her separation only grows more when she is taken on as the apprentice of the village wisewoman, a position that means she can never marry or have children, but gives her freedom to make her own choices.
I have a hard time pinning down if I think this is historical fantasy, speculative historical, or historical paranormal, which shows how these turns can sometimes be nebulous or have enough overlap that it’s hard to state clearly which subgenre it falls in. The historical, character-driven aspects take center stage and the fantasy aspects are present, but sometimes drift off to the side. Because of this, I feel that this is more historical genre with some fantasy elements, but I’m also not gonna argue with anyone who says it’s a historical fantasy or historical paranormal. The comp to Circe feels accurate because Madeline Miller straddles a line between fantasy and women’s fiction/book club fiction and this feels like it sits in a similar space.
There is a romance arc between Kensa and Jack, who is the son of a miner and respected community member and is kind of the last person she would be able to be with even if she wasn’t in training to be a wisewoman. Despite this, the two are drawn to each other and Jack spends a lot of time in similar spaces to Kensa due to their shared circle of close people. This romance is more of a C or D plot, so this is definitely not a romantasy or romance genre, but it is a nice romance if you’re into two people who keep acting like they can’t be together and then can’t fight their attraction anymore.
The speculative elements come from traditional Cornish folklore, such as selkies or mermaids, and them making their way into the town. The folklore creatures are given possible names, but Kensa, who is the main POV character, doesn’t know exactly what the beings are and it’s implied that it doesn’t really matter what they are as what matters more is the impact that they leave behind.
I would recommend this to fans of women’s fiction with historical elements and readers who gravitate to historical fiction that explores the treatment of women in various positions in society
June 18, 2025
A Spell For Drowning
“To be a woman, whether wise or foolish, was to carry what others could not.”
Wow, what a beautifully stunning historical fantasy debut!
From the first page I knew this wasn’t going to be your typical fantasy that is currently saturating the market. This story reads more akin to literary fiction, with gorgeously poetic prose and a character driven narrative.
The first half of the novel is a slow burn inspection of a young girl and the small village she is coming of age in. Eventually our main girl, Kensa, comes to train as an apprentice under the Wise Woman of her village and has to grapple with the effects it has on the relationships with those around her and her village as a whole.
I loved the first half of this story, Kensa was a bit frustrating but I felt that was the point. We are meant to grow up with her and stand by her as she learns important lessons. The writing is so beautiful and I felt myself getting lost in the music of it. The story made me reflect on all the women in my life, myself included, and all the things we carry for others.
The second half of this book does take a turn, however. It becomes very tense and fast paced but in a very drawn out way (if that makes sense?) and I wasn’t expecting it. I think, upon reread, that I will enjoy the back half of this a lot more but during my initial read it was a bit jarring. There are horror elements that I really enjoyed reading but tonally felt out of place.
The romance is this story is very subtle, and if you’re going into this expecting a romance heavy romantasy please dampen those expectations now. This is a story about a girl and everything she feels, the romance is there but it takes a back seat.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author! Stunning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
“To be a woman, whether wise or foolish, was to carry what others could not.”
Wow, what a beautifully stunning historical fantasy debut!
From the first page I knew this wasn’t going to be your typical fantasy that is currently saturating the market. This story reads more akin to literary fiction, with gorgeously poetic prose and a character driven narrative.
The first half of the novel is a slow burn inspection of a young girl and the small village she is coming of age in. Eventually our main girl, Kensa, comes to train as an apprentice under the Wise Woman of her village and has to grapple with the effects it has on the relationships with those around her and her village as a whole.
I loved the first half of this story, Kensa was a bit frustrating but I felt that was the point. We are meant to grow up with her and stand by her as she learns important lessons. The writing is so beautiful and I felt myself getting lost in the music of it. The story made me reflect on all the women in my life, myself included, and all the things we carry for others.
The second half of this book does take a turn, however. It becomes very tense and fast paced but in a very drawn out way (if that makes sense?) and I wasn’t expecting it. I think, upon reread, that I will enjoy the back half of this a lot more but during my initial read it was a bit jarring. There are horror elements that I really enjoyed reading but tonally felt out of place.
The romance is this story is very subtle, and if you’re going into this expecting a romance heavy romantasy please dampen those expectations now. This is a story about a girl and everything she feels, the romance is there but it takes a back seat.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author! Stunning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
November 30, 2025
Torn how to rate this. In the end rounded up to 4 stars for the last half the book.
This started off way to slow for me. It was almost half way through, 200 pages in, before I decided I liked this book enough to actual care what was happening.
The first part of the book, while you got to know the characters could easily have been halved for me. It just dragged and felt pointless. I struggled to connect to Kensa and didnt feel like there was actually anything happening in the story itself. And definitely nothing that actually felt connected to 'the old ways' everyone kept talking about.
The second half in contrast was a vast improvement as we actually started to see some of the old ways and folks. Faster paced, more going on, and some actual action and a real storyline.
Recommendation? Skim read the first half when you loose interested and skip to the middle then you'll be hooked. Without the second half this would have been an easy less than three stars DNF for me.
While I didnt hate the first half, I was just disinterested, I only continued because it was an ARC read from netgalley, and I hoped it would improved.
All thoughts are my own.
This started off way to slow for me. It was almost half way through, 200 pages in, before I decided I liked this book enough to actual care what was happening.
The first part of the book, while you got to know the characters could easily have been halved for me. It just dragged and felt pointless. I struggled to connect to Kensa and didnt feel like there was actually anything happening in the story itself. And definitely nothing that actually felt connected to 'the old ways' everyone kept talking about.
The second half in contrast was a vast improvement as we actually started to see some of the old ways and folks. Faster paced, more going on, and some actual action and a real storyline.
Recommendation? Skim read the first half when you loose interested and skip to the middle then you'll be hooked. Without the second half this would have been an easy less than three stars DNF for me.
While I didnt hate the first half, I was just disinterested, I only continued because it was an ARC read from netgalley, and I hoped it would improved.
All thoughts are my own.
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