‘Her cage was gilded and beautiful; mine was not, but the bars were there all the same.’
Tilda knows her place: silent, obedient, unseen. In seventeenth-century Norfolk, England, where the nobility and Church rule with an iron fist, submission is survival, especially for a maid whispered to have witchcraft in her veins. Shunned by the staff and controlled by her masters, life consists of little more than making it through each day—until she discovers a connection with Imogen, the lord's daughter.
But as buried secrets surrounding her mother's execution for witchcraft begin to surface, and her bond with Imogen grows into something more, Tilda is forced to question everything she thought she knew. Why was she brought to serve this family, and what do her masters and the staff know about her past that she does not?
In a world ruled by superstition and eager to condemn women who do not conform, the odds were never in Tilda's favour. But can she break the cycle before history repeats itself?
Of Her Blood is a haunting gothic novel exploring love, persecution, and the women society tried to silence.
Rozina Hyland is a gothic historical fiction writer originally from Norfolk and now based in the Midlands, UK.
Her fascination with all things gothic began at an early age, and she has always been drawn to the darker things in life. Through her writing, Rozina explores women's history and themes of power, persecution, and survival.
As a dyslexic and autistic author, Rozina is passionate about sharing her experiences and wants to show there isn't just one way to become a writer.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy for this debut book!
I think this book is beautifully written, although some of the pacing was a bit slow and I did feel a bit bored with some parts, but overall, the author incredibly showed the brutality of the treatment Tilda and many women like her experienced in the 17th century.
I was gutted at the ending, but I reckon it was much needed. I so hoped for a happy ending, but that wouldn’t have been realistic.
I really look forward to future work Rozina puts out!
P.s can I just say Elias I loved you once but you’re a fucking twat I swear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Firstly I would like to thank Rozina for the opportunity of being an ARC Reader for this story.
After I heard this is for fans of the familiar by Stacey halls, I knew I needed to read this and I was right.
Usually I am not one to choose stories with same sex relationships as it is not something I personally can identify with, but if I tell you I was part of this relationship 😂😂😂 well just experience it yourself 🤷🏼♀️
The way she has looked at the issues of the witch trials era and the obscene reasons that would lead you to be killed was incredible, beautiful and outrageous at the same time. Girl, you made me cry of joy and a broken heart several times.
This book should be a 6 star read and will easily land on my all time favourite books list.
I just this second finished it……so don’t mind me digesting it for a split second and being grateful I am born in our timeline, cause I for sure would have been killed already in the 17th century.
This was an advanced reader copy, from the author.
I devoured this book in a day!
Outspoken women, knowledgeable women, women who can heal, have been called witches for centuries, more often than not by ‘god fearing’ men, leading the way of this persecution.
Of My Blood isn’t about a witch, it’s about a woman who has lived with a past, she can’t escape and which sadly shapes her future. But it doesn’t stop Tilda from trying to find happiness, and she does, but it’s short lived for her.
I loved Tilda, you could feel her strength, even in dire times.
Such great characters and story, with vivid storytelling.
Thank You, Rozina for allowing be to an ARC reader. This is my book of the month and it will stay with me for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What an incredible debut?! I’ve had an amazing run of arcs recently and this was no different. Once I got a moment to sit and read I absolutely flew through it. The characters, the heartbreak, the feminine rage, the love and the HATE, it was all just wonderful and horrible and beautiful!
Beautifully written! You follow through previous traumas, family secrets and how violence can be passed from one generation to another. It follows the main character being forced into confronting painful memories after the families buried truths start to come to light. Whilst looking into her family she discovers hidden relationships, sacrifices and betrayal that then helped her understand who she truly is. If reading about women’s resilience is something you enjoy, then this is the book for you!
I was so lucky to receive an advanced reader copy of this fabulous debut book and I absolutely loved it. Definitely a 5⭐️ read for me. My heart was breaking in one place in particular and yes I did cry at the end. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil anything so you are just going to have to read it for yourself. You will realise why and why it has to be that way but that still doesn’t mean I couldn’t wish it wasn’t so. You find yourself feeling such an affinity for the lead character as she represents so many women over the generations. Rozina really shows you the issues of witch trials and the stigma left behind for the next generation. This book isn’t about a witch but a woman who is forced to live with the stigma from the past. And unfortunately this will go on and shape her future. One character I really liked but oh what a turn of events that turned out to be. Once you read it you will understand. The same sex relationship in the book was so beautifully done it was incredibly heart warming. I am really looking forward to Rozina’s next book.
Huge thank you to the author for an Advanced Reader Copy.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of this debut novel and I would have not known it was a debut.
This novel had me feeling so many emotions while going on this journey with the main character Tilda. I was happy, anxious, filled with feminine rage, frustrated, sad and had so much empathy for Tilda and her story. This story beautifully captures many tough subjects in a way that was relatable for me and made me connect to the FMC. The love story was unique and the found family made my heart sing. There were points that made me frustrated with society back in the 1600’s but also had shown me at times we haven’t moved as forward as we should have. And there was other points where I could see the a world I would want to live in and have a found family with such a deep connection. This book isn’t a simple love story it goes deep into the truths of the timeline it was set and that was done so well. It also made me so rage filled with how things were and how it’s not a time that can be glossed over. The ideology of witches and what society believed a witch was is a topic I find fascinating get enraging and this story covers that perfectly! This one quote just spoke volumes and I loved!
“Can’t say I ever trusted your mother. She had a strange way about her. Spoke too freely for my liking.” “ but that doesn’t make her a witch” I said. “It just made her disagreeable to men.”
The ending had me in a chokehold and so gripped and I sobbed!
This book was a 6 star read for me I bloody loved it and all that it stood for regarding women, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity and motherhood! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Even love that hasn't yet begun can still leave behind a hollow space when the chance of it is gone".
If I was to use one line to describe this book it would be: Guilty by association. On account of her mother's actions, Miss Tilda must remain at Lord Montclair's manor as his property for 8 years during which she strikes an unlikely relationship with his daughter, Imogen. What follows is a series of unfortunate, detestable events in the harsh environment of the 17th Century.
The circumstances surrounding the women within this book are shaped by the patriarchy and what they are born into. Ironically, the only way to have freedom is to marry a man who ultimately has the choice to take it away from you. Every decision within the course of this book is to enact some form of self which in turn is trampled by female persecution. It's a cyclical system where the only people on top are men and my goodness do the men in this book play their roles well because I am positively seething with rage at them.
Nevertheless, let's focus on our main girls. Imogen and Tilda share steadfast loyalty to one another. Whilst both have endured hardship, if it was a contest my goodness Tilda would win. It is harrowing reading about her exclusion from society, the endless persecution she faces for deeds which she didn’t even commit (to begin with). Yet, love blossoms between the couples within this novel and there's a quiet beauty to those tender moments which alas cannot last forever.
An utterly fantastic, insightful read and an easy 5 star rating 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Book Review - Of Her Blood - Rozina Hyland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚
@rozinahylandauthor
ARC Read
Out 20th October- Pre Orders Open Now!
This book carries trigger warnings so please take a look before reading 🖤
Standalone
This book was absolutely fantastic in everyway! I throughly enjoyed it!⭐️
Atmospheric, Believable, Captivating! It honestly had me enthralled! 🖤✨️
It follows Tilda a low class women forced into maid service through no fault of her own
It follows her journey from finding herself and who she truly is against a world set against her- carrying the suspicion of being a witch!
It was a heartbreaking 💔 read at times and so poignant especially in todays world and it truly moved me, the characters were rich and full of depth
Such a moving story of overcoming adversity against all odds and showing up for yourself
It also highlights just how far the people who truly care for you will go to protect you!
If you like
🖤Found Family 🖤Identity and Forbidden Love 🖤Sapphic Romance 🖤Female Resilience and Survival 🖤Gothic Atmosphere 🖤Bisexual Protagonist 🖤Class Divide and Social Power 🖤Generational Trauma
Then this is the book for you!
And what a read it was I highly recommend !
I love this quote-
'Not Witch ' 'Not Spellcaster' 'Only Woman'
So true!
In a story ruled by superstition with people ready to condemn any women who doesn't conform it is such an important read especially in today's society
Thank you Rozina for highlighting the importance of this
Have to start this one with the biggest thank you to the amazing Rozina for the opportunity to read the ARC for 'Of Her Blood'
As soon as I found out about this one I was immediately intrigued. A gothic tale of love, life and the difficulties faced by women in 17th century England. 🖤 Yes please! 🖤
The story focuses on a single perspective of our FMC Tilda, sharing a look into her life as the daughter of a previously convicted "witch", who is given the opportunity to cleanse through worship and devotion.
In a time when the country was ran on superstition throughout the noble classes and the Church dominating how everyone was to think, submission was often the easiest and only way to survive as a woman.
This was such an amazing read. If you're expecting actual magic, sorcery or some other mystical powers, this won't fall into that category, though this book tells a much deeper, realistic story of how women were treat in 17th century England, if they weren't born into the nobility, and especially if they showed any signs of being even slightly "different".
It was a devastating story of love and loss, and I couldn't put it down from the first page to the last!
This was easily a 5⭐️ read for me, and I'm so excited to see what else is to come from this incredible author! 👏🏻😍🖤
'Of Her Blood' officially releases on 20th October 2026 and I can't recommend this enough... so please, go and pre-order it and support this amazing author! 🖤🖤🖤
What a FANTASTIC book this was. An immediate 5 stars, I loved every second of this book, 'Of her blood' by Rozina Hyland. Set during the time of witch trials in England, this is the perfect read for those colder months. Split into three parts, we follow a poor, lowly maid, Tilda as she is first taken to an almshouse where the Priest tries to beat the Devil out of her. Tilda is then forced to work for Lord Montclair, a vile man with wandering eyes and hands but will soon have his come uppance at the hand of Tilda.
At the start of the book, Tilda's mother, a midwife and herbalist healer is wrongly accused and tried for witchcraft. We follow Tilda as she lives in the shadows of her mother and her own reputation tarnished as she attempts to work off her mother's debts.
I loved this, at no point is there any magic used but, the fear of the unknown is a powerful motivator for evil.
Thanks to book funnel and rozina hyland for this opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy from the author.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions for me and I really was rooting for Tilda. The end shocked me, I didn't see that coming!
I was enthralled with this book, Rozina had wonderful imagery throughout her book and her characters were interesting, the pace of the book was good too, I didn't want to put it down, it was so interesting to me. Don't get me started on Elias!! I don't want to give too much away but at the beginning I was very much "awwww" and part way through the book I was very annoyed by his actions.
The book made me think about whether things have really changed much, ok so we don't call people witches anymore but women are still thought of as less than men or any differences in anyone are feared and that is a theme within the book. I think this will stay with me for a long time. Very powerful read. I look forward to Rozina's next book.
"That's lucky for you; our lord and lady aren't quite like that." "Really? What are they like?" the maid asked. "Bastards," I replied.
~~~~~~~~~
You can't help but root for our FMC Tilda, she tells it like it is, and it's her unwavering strength this novel hinges upon. A 17th century English maid whose mother was accused of witchcraft, Tilda is up against it from the outset.
This story was easy to read yet also difficult to put down. I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster as I got immersed in Tilda's struggles to be loved and accepted in a highly superstitious society. The author has certainly done her research and it was scary how women were treated back then if there was even a whiff of what men in power deemed 'witchiness'.
If you love gothic fiction, strong female characters, feminine rage, and forbidden love stories, you'll want to read this one. Highly recommend!
This is my first proper ARC, and I would advise any lovers of historical fiction to add this to their wishlist ahead of it's October release!
This book filled me with rage, which I should point out is the intention as far as in can tell! The story of a girl whose mother was accused of witchcraft and so has the accusation herself based solely on that.
But as rage inducing as this story is, it is a tale of finding happiness where you can, of fighting back against hate with as much kindness as you can muster. It might be historical in nature but the message it contains is still as true today as it has ever been. Don't let the small minded opinions of others sour your own life. Simply say to them what the main character says to hers:
"Your mindless opinions are stronger than any love you feel"
Thank you for an Advanced Reader Copy of “Of Her Blood”
This book hand me glued to my Kindle. I haven’t read anything as quickly in a long time.
Tilda’s journey filled me with so many emotions. Even though the story is set in the 17th century, Tilda is still extremely relatable. She constantly questions her worthiness of love despite the love people shower upon her. Her strength in overcoming trauma and refusing to give up truly shines through.
One of my favourite quotes is “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”
This book has made me realise how fortunate we are as women. While we still have a long way to go for equality, at least we’re not being executed for witchcraft simply because of our differences.
What an absolute wild ride this was, I was so comfy in this story for so long, the last 10% hit me like a double decker bus.
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and Rozina writes as a seasoned author would. I can honestly say this is one of my favourite arc's I have ever read.
The pacing was perfect, the detail, the world building, character development, found family, relationships, hardship, pain, terror, happiness. It's all done absolutely perfectly and I have no notes.
The ending was superb. I love books that hurt me and cause the most emotional damage as possible and this was just 😫😫😫😫😫🫠🫠🫠🫠😫😫😫🫠🫠🫠😫🫠😫🫠
Of Her Blood What felt like a realistic telling of an autistic woman's experience in the lower classes of society in a superstitious town. The writing style felt simplistic as if we were reading a diary. However I was compelled to read continuously and finished the book in a matter of days. Reading about Tilda's relationships and her inherent bisexuality just felt like another aspect of the story rather than a defining feature of her character. The story took us on an unexpected journey to a sad inevitable end. Overall a good book although I doubt I will want to re-read in the future. 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was excellent. I found that the author dealt with subjects that were very challenging in a very sensitive and understanding way. The story is a tale of Tilda . Her mother was accused of being a witch and is subsequently murdered. She then has to go through life struggling with the stigma of being the daughter of a supposed witch. Difficult times follow but will she find life easy or hard? I’m not saying. You should buy this book. You will love it. 😊📚📚📚
A realistic representation of the time. Full of class division, fear mongering, sexism, religious influence, patriarchal power and what woman had to endure to stay safe. Let alone find peace or happiness.
✨️ Historical fiction ✨️ 17th Century England ✨️ Sapphic yearning ✨️ Lady and her maid ✨️ Witch trials ✨️ Misogyny ✨️ Fear based superstition