What do you think?
Rate this book
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery
Set in Colonial New England, Slewfoot is a tale of magic and mystery, of triumph and terror as only dark fantasist Brom can tell it.
Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector.
The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil.
To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help.
Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.
Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector.
The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil.
To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help.
Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.
305 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
13327 people are currently reading
194122 people want to read
About the author
Brom
60 books6,532 followersBorn in the deep dark south in the mid-sixties. Brom, an army brat, spent his entire youth on the move and unabashedly blames living in such places as Japan, Hawaii, Germany, and Alabama for all his afflictions. From his earliest memories Brom, has been obsessed with the creation of the weird, the monstrous, and the beautiful.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 17,283 reviews
October 14, 2025
Oh the heavens…this book. This BOOK. THIS BOOK!!!!!
This is a vivid and luscious work of dark folklore full of historical horror like no other…
The entire book is so completely captivating, full of rich, dark descriptors and drags you along for an incredulous ride. The historical parts are spot on and make you feel the desperation and condemnation as if you were right there, back in 1666. Beautifully told with incredible imagery, this story envelops you in a unsettling darkness that you somehow welcome.
The story itself ebbs and weaves from one perspective to another, allowing us to see each persons actions and thoughts. This style of writing allows the story to come together so effortlessly and draws the picture of events so well, it’s like being there.
We follow the story of Abitha, a young woman who finds herself in a small town trying to make the best of a life she was sold into. Straining against the rigid puritan laws and struggling to fit into a culture that doesn’t belong to her, she begins to unravel who she is and what she is meant to be. It’s an utterly heart clenching tale full of so many emotions.
This book opened up so many doors for me. I typically don’t read this type of genre but I absolutely could not get enough!!!!!
This is a vivid and luscious work of dark folklore full of historical horror like no other…
The entire book is so completely captivating, full of rich, dark descriptors and drags you along for an incredulous ride. The historical parts are spot on and make you feel the desperation and condemnation as if you were right there, back in 1666. Beautifully told with incredible imagery, this story envelops you in a unsettling darkness that you somehow welcome.
The story itself ebbs and weaves from one perspective to another, allowing us to see each persons actions and thoughts. This style of writing allows the story to come together so effortlessly and draws the picture of events so well, it’s like being there.
We follow the story of Abitha, a young woman who finds herself in a small town trying to make the best of a life she was sold into. Straining against the rigid puritan laws and struggling to fit into a culture that doesn’t belong to her, she begins to unravel who she is and what she is meant to be. It’s an utterly heart clenching tale full of so many emotions.
This book opened up so many doors for me. I typically don’t read this type of genre but I absolutely could not get enough!!!!!
Read
December 24, 2024living in a puritanical society is so whack i'm surprised the main character didn't turn into a monster-fucker
October 11, 2025
WHYYY did I wait so long to read this masterpiece?!? PHENOMENAL
May 30, 2025
2nd read: We love a Demon Daddy! Samson is a hot ticket and Abitha is paying full price.
Abitha is THAT bitch and deserves rights. She is serving and slaying (literally) in this good-for-her revenge story. Samson is the goat-god-devil we all love but don't deserve.
Forest is my lil bb. Yeah, he's frustrating at times but I would throw my body in front of his in an attack. He is precious and loyal and sweet. Gotta love a ride-or-die.
Wallice can literally suck a thousand dicks and choke on them all. Enough said.
The talk of perception and how it can always be skewed to favor someone's side is so interesting. The talk of Christianity and how it empowers people to excuse their sins as 'god's will' or decree something sacrilege just because you so choose is enlightening. This book put a lot of things into a surreal perspective for me.
I love this book. Can't wait to get a physical copy to see the stunning illustrations and to annotate. I have so many thoughts.
Also, the audio is fantastic. I would highly recommend it because there is a point where Abitha sings an old song and when I tell you she SINGS an entire song. It is stunning. I've already relistened to it 5 times. Love it.
1st read: rereading immediately. Review to come...
Abitha is THAT bitch and deserves rights. She is serving and slaying (literally) in this good-for-her revenge story. Samson is the goat-god-devil we all love but don't deserve.
Forest is my lil bb. Yeah, he's frustrating at times but I would throw my body in front of his in an attack. He is precious and loyal and sweet. Gotta love a ride-or-die.
Wallice can literally suck a thousand dicks and choke on them all. Enough said.
The talk of perception and how it can always be skewed to favor someone's side is so interesting. The talk of Christianity and how it empowers people to excuse their sins as 'god's will' or decree something sacrilege just because you so choose is enlightening. This book put a lot of things into a surreal perspective for me.
I love this book. Can't wait to get a physical copy to see the stunning illustrations and to annotate. I have so many thoughts.
Also, the audio is fantastic. I would highly recommend it because there is a point where Abitha sings an old song and when I tell you she SINGS an entire song. It is stunning. I've already relistened to it 5 times. Love it.
1st read: rereading immediately. Review to come...
October 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ insufferable in the best way
August 11, 2021
3.25⭐️ maybe.
So conflicted.
The last 20% saved it. If only the first 80% was that good
So conflicted.
The last 20% saved it. If only the first 80% was that good
April 2, 2025
If The Crucible and Pan’s Labyrinth had a lovechild raised on dark folklore and feminist fury, it would be Slewfoot. Brom, the master of eerie, atmospheric fantasy, delivers a spellbinding tale that’s equal parts horror, historical drama, and pagan dreamscape. This isn’t your typical witch hunt, it’s a ferocious, heart-wrenching dance between oppression and liberation, set against the backdrop of Puritan New England, where sin lurks in the shadows and virtue is just another weapon.
At the center of it all is Abitha, an Englishwoman struggling to carve out a place in a society that sees her as little more than an outsider. When misfortune strikes, the whispers of witchcraft begin, and she finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a world that fears what it cannot control. But Abitha is no meek bystander, she’s fierce, determined, and unwilling to bow to those who would see her silenced.
Enter Slewfoot, an enigmatic and ancient force who may be salvation, damnation, or something in between. As Puritan fears grow and the shadows lengthen, the line between man, beast, and myth blurs, and both Abitha and Slewfoot must decide what they are willing to become to survive.
Brom’s storytelling is as immersive as ever, blending historical grit with supernatural wonder. His signature illustrations are gorgeously grotesque, pulling you even deeper into the story’s darkly enchanting world. The tension in Slewfoot is relentless, you’ll find yourself gripping the book like a Puritan clutching their rosary, as the stakes rise and the nooses tighten.
This is a novel about power, who holds it, who fears it, and who dares to claim it. It’s about the dark beauty of the wild, the seductive terror of the unknown, and the real monsters lurking not in the woods, but in the hearts of men.
🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹 – 5 out of 5 broomsticks! A wickedly enchanting read. Perfect for fans of dark folklore, historical horror, and stories that remind us that sometimes the most dangerous thing isn’t the devil, it’s those who think they’re on the side of righteousness.
At the center of it all is Abitha, an Englishwoman struggling to carve out a place in a society that sees her as little more than an outsider. When misfortune strikes, the whispers of witchcraft begin, and she finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a world that fears what it cannot control. But Abitha is no meek bystander, she’s fierce, determined, and unwilling to bow to those who would see her silenced.
Enter Slewfoot, an enigmatic and ancient force who may be salvation, damnation, or something in between. As Puritan fears grow and the shadows lengthen, the line between man, beast, and myth blurs, and both Abitha and Slewfoot must decide what they are willing to become to survive.
Brom’s storytelling is as immersive as ever, blending historical grit with supernatural wonder. His signature illustrations are gorgeously grotesque, pulling you even deeper into the story’s darkly enchanting world. The tension in Slewfoot is relentless, you’ll find yourself gripping the book like a Puritan clutching their rosary, as the stakes rise and the nooses tighten.
This is a novel about power, who holds it, who fears it, and who dares to claim it. It’s about the dark beauty of the wild, the seductive terror of the unknown, and the real monsters lurking not in the woods, but in the hearts of men.
🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹 – 5 out of 5 broomsticks! A wickedly enchanting read. Perfect for fans of dark folklore, historical horror, and stories that remind us that sometimes the most dangerous thing isn’t the devil, it’s those who think they’re on the side of righteousness.
February 11, 2023
Oh my god.. this was just. so bad. i’m never reading female protagonist stories by male authors ever again. The “i’m -not-like-other-girls-because-i’m-just-so-stubborn-and-strongwilled-this-town-just-doesn’t get-me” trope is so TIRED and dismisses the complexity of the new england witch trials to an ignorant fantasy. there is 0 historical accuracy (even for a supernatural fictional narrative), 0 depth, unnecessary characters, cringey dialogue, redundant nudity, absolutely no chemistry between characters and insufferably long and useless scenes. the plot summary, cover art, and character design pieces included in the book were so so promising. i just don’t get how you can take inspiration from one of america’s most fascinating and bizarre historical events and fumble so bad.
September 24, 2024
4.5 dark and captivating Stars!
𝓐 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓐𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓪'𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮. "𝓘𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽," 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭, "𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮."
“𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 … 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝔃𝔃𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓢𝓪𝓭𝓵𝔂, 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽?”
╰⪼ Atmospheric
╰⪼ Dark, Eerie, Chilling
╰⪼ Compelling and Captivating
╰⪼ Haunting
╰⪼ Pagan vs Puritan
A dark and devastating tale that takes place in 1666 New England, in a small Puritan village. An ancient malevolent force awakens in the haunting woods and the villagers are fearful of what awaits them.
Our FMC Abitha comes from a long line of cunning folk and bewitchery herself. When her husband mysteriously disappears, she sees a figure who is a half-human and half-horned beast. She becomes enamored with the man-beast and since his true identity is unknown, she names him Samson. Who is Samson? Protector or slayer? Is he virtuous or monstrous? Is he the devil himself?
So, I really loved this as a whole. Normally I'm a really fast reader, with this book, I believe you need to slow your own pacing - or well for me, I needed to. In order to really soak up all that this novel has to offer.
Slewfoot is an incredible, harrowing tale about a remarkable friendship and a demon trying to find his soul. A journey of witchcraft, misogyny, paganism, and piety.
Completely captivated my tortured black heart.
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂 𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓷 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼, 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼." 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭. "𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓼.”
𝓐 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓐𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓪'𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮. "𝓘𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽," 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭, "𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮."
“𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼 … 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓾𝔃𝔃𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓸𝓾𝓽. 𝓢𝓪𝓭𝓵𝔂, 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓼 𝔀𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽?”
╰⪼ Atmospheric
╰⪼ Dark, Eerie, Chilling
╰⪼ Compelling and Captivating
╰⪼ Haunting
╰⪼ Pagan vs Puritan
A dark and devastating tale that takes place in 1666 New England, in a small Puritan village. An ancient malevolent force awakens in the haunting woods and the villagers are fearful of what awaits them.
Our FMC Abitha comes from a long line of cunning folk and bewitchery herself. When her husband mysteriously disappears, she sees a figure who is a half-human and half-horned beast. She becomes enamored with the man-beast and since his true identity is unknown, she names him Samson. Who is Samson? Protector or slayer? Is he virtuous or monstrous? Is he the devil himself?
So, I really loved this as a whole. Normally I'm a really fast reader, with this book, I believe you need to slow your own pacing - or well for me, I needed to. In order to really soak up all that this novel has to offer.
Slewfoot is an incredible, harrowing tale about a remarkable friendship and a demon trying to find his soul. A journey of witchcraft, misogyny, paganism, and piety.
Completely captivated my tortured black heart.
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂 𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷, 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓾𝓷 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼, 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼." 𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭. "𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓼.”
December 31, 2023
Dark fantasy, Puritanical setting and a feisty main character you can't help but root for, fighting against overwhelming odds. Blurring the lines between good and evil, with a few gruesome scenes. This was excellent!
December 30, 2022
This book is the very definition of "I support women's rights AND women's wrongs".
Slewfoot is a deliciously dark tale of pagan vs puritan, throwing us back to the days of witch trials. We see Abitha befriending the demon in the woods when the village turns against her, a vicious cycle of wrongdoings causing the downfall of all.
Brom's writing is amongst some of the most atmospheric I've read, aided even more so by his stunning illustrations. I adore his artwork, and it is especially helpful for the gothic twisted tales he writes, the sights of demons being beyond standard imagination.The combination of storytelling and illustration proved an engaging read I couldn't escape from, and even now month's later I still think about Abitha, her woodland and the small village nearby.
Slewfoot is a deliciously dark tale of pagan vs puritan, throwing us back to the days of witch trials. We see Abitha befriending the demon in the woods when the village turns against her, a vicious cycle of wrongdoings causing the downfall of all.
Brom's writing is amongst some of the most atmospheric I've read, aided even more so by his stunning illustrations. I adore his artwork, and it is especially helpful for the gothic twisted tales he writes, the sights of demons being beyond standard imagination.The combination of storytelling and illustration proved an engaging read I couldn't escape from, and even now month's later I still think about Abitha, her woodland and the small village nearby.
November 23, 2023
i am… underwhelmed
January 17, 2024
So…I have mixed feelings about this, and that makes me sad, because I was sure I was going to love this. And the spooky vibes are impeccable. But there are also a few things about this story that don’t sit right with me. Let’s discuss…
To start with the things I liked: The ART! Brom started his career as a visual artist, and it shows in the wonderfully creepy illustrations.
[image error]
https://www.budsartbooks.com/wp-conte...
It also shows in the many beautifully descriptive/emotionally evocative passages in the book:
"'Nay, if anything, I was eager. Mayhap not at first, but once I got a taste of...of what, magic?' She couldn't think of a better word for that sensation of potency, of power, of being connected to the pulse of the trees, the sun, the earth itself...It had been seductive, almost sensual, awakening something deep within her...'Do you want more?' it seemed to ask her. 'Aye, I do, God, I do.'"
So, what’s the problem? Well, some read for characters, some for plot, some for worldbuilding, some for vibes… and all those things are important to me, but what really gets me going is some juicy THEMES. That’s where this fell apart for me, because I have no idea what, if anything, this book is trying to say! And that’s a serious problem when your book is using for its setting something rife with real-world historical injustice – in this case toward women (especially poor, elderly, disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise marginalized women) and indigenous people. And also Black people like Tituba, one of the first people accused in Salem...but that didn't come up here at all. For a while, I was enjoying the fact that you can’t tell who to root for – I was like “yay, moral complexity!” – but at some point it just started to feel confused.
Regarding the women and witchcraft…Maybe it’s partly the fault of a video essay I watched recently about whether/when witch stories are really feminist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41xsf... ), but I couldn’t help being troubled by the fact that, in this story, the awful hysterical witch-hunters are actually correct! Not about Abitha’s intentions, of course. But about her having gained powers by forming a relationship with a male* horned entity who might indeed have spawned devil myths? Yeah, that’s exactly what happened! It’s not the first time I’ve read a story where there are both witch hunts and real witches, of course. But usually the uncomfortableness of that is defused by the witches not having anything to do with any possibly-demonic entities, or real witches being able to escape the hunters (who maybe go for easier targets instead, while the witches try to protect them). None of that here, unfortunately!
*Well, technically both their powers come from “mother earth”…but she isn’t walking around and talking to the protagonist, even if she does manifest in snake form from time to time!
Regarding the other half: I’m not indigenous myself, nor am I enough of a folklorist to properly explain why the way native religious beliefs were represented felt…wrong. But it did. Basically, it seemed like the author was conflating Old World paganism and New World religions. While there are many similar patterns and themes that crop up across human cultures, indigenous religions in the Americas diverged from their Old World counterparts more than 20,000 years ago – and there ARE differences that you can feel when you read the corresponding stories, even if (like me) you struggle to articulate them. For instance, the “horned god” of the wilderness is not really a thing. Coyote or Raven, for example, are far more important figures than any ungulate-based deity, and there is less of a humanity vs. nature dichotomy - though it would be interesting to dive more into the stories of highly agricultural/urbanized societies like the Maya to see if that theme emerged more there.
That’s especially a problem given that A) charges of witchcraft and witch trials were frequently used by colonizers to attack native people, B) the spirits of the forest seem to regard all humans as equal threats, and C) the only named Pequot characters exist just to die almost immediately! I’m not counting the seemingly-immortal shaman who probably isn’t human who seems to be trying to steal the magic of the forest spirits. It’s never explained what his deal is, but the fact that he doesn’t get the moral complexity of the other characters – you can sympathize with the maybe-devil entity Abitha is dealing with, and Mamunappeht (which just means “spider”) acts purely as an antagonist to HIM –is an issue. Spiders (usually as FEMALE entities) are important figures in a lot of indigenous mythologies. For instance, Spider Woman taught the Navajo to weave, the Hopi say Spider Grandmother guided humans to the upper world and continues to act as a source of wisdom and medicine, while there is a Cree legend of a spider lowering the first humans to earth on its web. Likewise, the fact that the name “Hobbamock” is given as the name of a god of death is VERY questionable, because when you google it the first thing that comes up is real person! According to the World History Encyclopedia: “He is best known for exposing Squanto’s plot to undermine Massasoit's authority and set the pilgrims at Wampanoags against each other.” It goes on to add: “Hobbamock may have been an epithet of respect as it was the name of a powerful healing deity of the Native Americans of the region. The English colonists, only able to understand Native American religious beliefs according to their own, interpreted the supernatural entity Hobbamock as the devil when, actually, the natives had no concept of anything like the Christian devil."
Abitha also just seems…kind of willfully stupid? I like her and sympathize with her, don’t get me wrong. But people living in a repressive system usually learn to hide their rebelliousness better! When we meet her, she’s been living with the Puritans for TWO YEARS and is still running her mouth, peddling charms, adopting funky-looking cats, and generally acting like she doesn’t know what they’re like. She’s also working SO hard to hold onto a piece of land, when all it will gain her if she succeeds is a lifetime of hard labor on the fringes on a community she hates. Just, WHY, girl?! God damn, go run away to one of the non-Puritan colonies or go live with the Pequot or make your own cabin in the woods or something! You could say she’s doing it for her late husband’s dream of that farmstead, but…can we talk about him for a sec? Edward is already a cinnamon roll in this dry Puritan toast box, and I fell in love with him the second it turned out he was a self-taught neurodivergent-coded artist who smuggled her books! But
Then there’s the ending. If you’re into “good for her” revenge fantasies – which I am, if they’re done right - you might like this. Because Abitha does get her revenge, and it is wonderfully gory. But the moral confusion continues, And the epilogue…sigh.
With all that ranting, you may be wondering why this isn’t 1 star. Well, craft-wise, there is a lot that is good here, and I could definitely see why one would enjoy it. And there WERE a lot of scenes I liked. I just…can’t do the “it’s just a book, it’s not political” thing myself.
To start with the things I liked: The ART! Brom started his career as a visual artist, and it shows in the wonderfully creepy illustrations.
[image error]
https://www.budsartbooks.com/wp-conte...
It also shows in the many beautifully descriptive/emotionally evocative passages in the book:
"'Nay, if anything, I was eager. Mayhap not at first, but once I got a taste of...of what, magic?' She couldn't think of a better word for that sensation of potency, of power, of being connected to the pulse of the trees, the sun, the earth itself...It had been seductive, almost sensual, awakening something deep within her...'Do you want more?' it seemed to ask her. 'Aye, I do, God, I do.'"
So, what’s the problem? Well, some read for characters, some for plot, some for worldbuilding, some for vibes… and all those things are important to me, but what really gets me going is some juicy THEMES. That’s where this fell apart for me, because I have no idea what, if anything, this book is trying to say! And that’s a serious problem when your book is using for its setting something rife with real-world historical injustice – in this case toward women (especially poor, elderly, disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise marginalized women) and indigenous people. And also Black people like Tituba, one of the first people accused in Salem...but that didn't come up here at all. For a while, I was enjoying the fact that you can’t tell who to root for – I was like “yay, moral complexity!” – but at some point it just started to feel confused.
Regarding the women and witchcraft…Maybe it’s partly the fault of a video essay I watched recently about whether/when witch stories are really feminist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41xsf... ), but I couldn’t help being troubled by the fact that, in this story, the awful hysterical witch-hunters are actually correct! Not about Abitha’s intentions, of course. But about her having gained powers by forming a relationship with a male* horned entity who might indeed have spawned devil myths? Yeah, that’s exactly what happened! It’s not the first time I’ve read a story where there are both witch hunts and real witches, of course. But usually the uncomfortableness of that is defused by the witches not having anything to do with any possibly-demonic entities, or real witches being able to escape the hunters (who maybe go for easier targets instead, while the witches try to protect them). None of that here, unfortunately!
*Well, technically both their powers come from “mother earth”…but she isn’t walking around and talking to the protagonist, even if she does manifest in snake form from time to time!
Regarding the other half: I’m not indigenous myself, nor am I enough of a folklorist to properly explain why the way native religious beliefs were represented felt…wrong. But it did. Basically, it seemed like the author was conflating Old World paganism and New World religions. While there are many similar patterns and themes that crop up across human cultures, indigenous religions in the Americas diverged from their Old World counterparts more than 20,000 years ago – and there ARE differences that you can feel when you read the corresponding stories, even if (like me) you struggle to articulate them. For instance, the “horned god” of the wilderness is not really a thing. Coyote or Raven, for example, are far more important figures than any ungulate-based deity, and there is less of a humanity vs. nature dichotomy - though it would be interesting to dive more into the stories of highly agricultural/urbanized societies like the Maya to see if that theme emerged more there.
That’s especially a problem given that A) charges of witchcraft and witch trials were frequently used by colonizers to attack native people, B) the spirits of the forest seem to regard all humans as equal threats, and C) the only named Pequot characters exist just to die almost immediately! I’m not counting the seemingly-immortal shaman who probably isn’t human who seems to be trying to steal the magic of the forest spirits. It’s never explained what his deal is, but the fact that he doesn’t get the moral complexity of the other characters – you can sympathize with the maybe-devil entity Abitha is dealing with, and Mamunappeht (which just means “spider”) acts purely as an antagonist to HIM –is an issue. Spiders (usually as FEMALE entities) are important figures in a lot of indigenous mythologies. For instance, Spider Woman taught the Navajo to weave, the Hopi say Spider Grandmother guided humans to the upper world and continues to act as a source of wisdom and medicine, while there is a Cree legend of a spider lowering the first humans to earth on its web. Likewise, the fact that the name “Hobbamock” is given as the name of a god of death is VERY questionable, because when you google it the first thing that comes up is real person! According to the World History Encyclopedia: “He is best known for exposing Squanto’s plot to undermine Massasoit's authority and set the pilgrims at Wampanoags against each other.” It goes on to add: “Hobbamock may have been an epithet of respect as it was the name of a powerful healing deity of the Native Americans of the region. The English colonists, only able to understand Native American religious beliefs according to their own, interpreted the supernatural entity Hobbamock as the devil when, actually, the natives had no concept of anything like the Christian devil."
Abitha also just seems…kind of willfully stupid? I like her and sympathize with her, don’t get me wrong. But people living in a repressive system usually learn to hide their rebelliousness better! When we meet her, she’s been living with the Puritans for TWO YEARS and is still running her mouth, peddling charms, adopting funky-looking cats, and generally acting like she doesn’t know what they’re like. She’s also working SO hard to hold onto a piece of land, when all it will gain her if she succeeds is a lifetime of hard labor on the fringes on a community she hates. Just, WHY, girl?! God damn, go run away to one of the non-Puritan colonies or go live with the Pequot or make your own cabin in the woods or something! You could say she’s doing it for her late husband’s dream of that farmstead, but…can we talk about him for a sec? Edward is already a cinnamon roll in this dry Puritan toast box, and I fell in love with him the second it turned out he was a self-taught neurodivergent-coded artist who smuggled her books! But
Then there’s the ending. If you’re into “good for her” revenge fantasies – which I am, if they’re done right - you might like this. Because Abitha does get her revenge, and it is wonderfully gory. But the moral confusion continues, And the epilogue…sigh.
With all that ranting, you may be wondering why this isn’t 1 star. Well, craft-wise, there is a lot that is good here, and I could definitely see why one would enjoy it. And there WERE a lot of scenes I liked. I just…can’t do the “it’s just a book, it’s not political” thing myself.
June 16, 2023
Need more Brom!
I didn't anticipate such an exceptional piece, but it turned out to be just that! This book exceeded all my expectations and checked all the boxes. I absolutely adored it!
This book contains several minor trigger warnings as well as abundant descriptions and discussions about religious beliefs.
I didn't anticipate such an exceptional piece, but it turned out to be just that! This book exceeded all my expectations and checked all the boxes. I absolutely adored it!
This book contains several minor trigger warnings as well as abundant descriptions and discussions about religious beliefs.
January 16, 2023
Oof. This one went from a 4-star to a 2-star real quick.
I really enjoyed the first 70% of this book despite it not being anything like I expected. It was basically a slice-of-life story about a spirited woman in a Puritanical society trying her best to be true to herself among all of the many rules for women. When she is suddenly alone, she struggles to earn her place while supernatural creatures linger near her property. I liked that everything wasn't black and white; while there were extremely strict rules for women to abide (omg a piece of your hair is out of your bonnet!), there were people that weren't entirely terrible. Abitha was a great character and her friendship with Samson was almost ... sweet. I really enjoyed the little forest spirits and also understood why they disliked humanity. I LOVED the mingling of religion and mythos. The best part about this book was his creepy art and beautiful cover. Again, not what I was expecting from horror, but it set a tone that made the rest incredibly jarring.
The other shoe didn't just drop, it was decimated. She's accused of being a witch by a man who has it out for her and, as we all know, that does not go well for women once that happens - guilty or not. I suppose the point IS to be disturbed and uncomfortable. That the Puritans use nudity and lust as tools against women. The point is for Abi to fall to her lowest state and lose everything because then she can ascend into the violent queen she is meant to be... but I think that a male author needs to be cautious with extreme violence against women. The explicit torture can come off a certain unsavory way and that was _actually_ what made me uncomfortable. Focusing on certain parts of her body as she's broken down feels like torture porn. And it just..... keeps going. Now.. Abi gets her revenge and it is satisfying, but she is no longer the character from the beginning. The complete tone shift made it feel like two different books entirely. I just.. skimmed the last 20%, gotta be honest.
tw: animal death and cruelty, violence, torture, gore, death, murder, misogyny, abuse
I really enjoyed the first 70% of this book despite it not being anything like I expected. It was basically a slice-of-life story about a spirited woman in a Puritanical society trying her best to be true to herself among all of the many rules for women. When she is suddenly alone, she struggles to earn her place while supernatural creatures linger near her property. I liked that everything wasn't black and white; while there were extremely strict rules for women to abide (omg a piece of your hair is out of your bonnet!), there were people that weren't entirely terrible. Abitha was a great character and her friendship with Samson was almost ... sweet. I really enjoyed the little forest spirits and also understood why they disliked humanity. I LOVED the mingling of religion and mythos. The best part about this book was his creepy art and beautiful cover. Again, not what I was expecting from horror, but it set a tone that made the rest incredibly jarring.
The other shoe didn't just drop, it was decimated. She's accused of being a witch by a man who has it out for her and, as we all know, that does not go well for women once that happens - guilty or not. I suppose the point IS to be disturbed and uncomfortable. That the Puritans use nudity and lust as tools against women. The point is for Abi to fall to her lowest state and lose everything because then she can ascend into the violent queen she is meant to be... but I think that a male author needs to be cautious with extreme violence against women. The explicit torture can come off a certain unsavory way and that was _actually_ what made me uncomfortable. Focusing on certain parts of her body as she's broken down feels like torture porn. And it just..... keeps going. Now.. Abi gets her revenge and it is satisfying, but she is no longer the character from the beginning. The complete tone shift made it feel like two different books entirely. I just.. skimmed the last 20%, gotta be honest.
tw: animal death and cruelty, violence, torture, gore, death, murder, misogyny, abuse
September 13, 2021
Having read LOST GODS a few years ago, I became a fan of Brom. When I saw the cover of this one I knew I had to have it. I was not disappointed!
Abitha was sold off by her drunk father in London, to a husband, (Edward), in Puritanical Connecticut. She begins her life on her new husband's farm and grows to truly love him. Unfortunately, her husband's brother is part owner of the farm, and he's deep in debt. Before she knows it, her brother-in-law is attempting to steal their land and the nosy Puritanical neighbors are all up in their business. It's almost too much for Abitha to take. One day, Edward wanders into the woods and Abitha's life changes forever. Widowed now, will she be able to hold on to her farm? Will her evil brother-in-law work with the uptight townsfolk to oust her? You'll have to read this to find out!
I very much enjoyed the style of storytelling here, it was almost like a fairy tale. I'm trying to explain without spoiling anything, so bear with me. I felt like some of the characters could have used a bit more of a back story for me to be fully invested in them. Sky and Forest, to mention two.
That said, Abitha has to be one of my favorite characters in all of literature. She was so well defined, I never found myself second guessing her decisions. She, being put into a terrible situation by her father, decides to make the best of it and then follows through on that, under the most ghastly conditions. She holds the memory of her mother dear, and Abitha never forgets what her mother told her as a young girl. But Abitha is also strong-willed and headstrong, and she's certainly a lot of woman for the prudish ladies in town to handle. That's what I loved most about her.
Samson was a confusing character for me, which I guess isn't surprising, because he was confused himself. As the tale progressed though, things became more clear, and I began to like and pity Samson at the same time. I love characters that are conflicted because otherwise where's the story? Samson and Abitha both grew as characters and I felt differently about them both at the end of the tale than I did at the beginning. That's always a sign of great writing in my book, and that's what's in THIS book.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale and Brom has impressed me once again. I read an e-ARC of this story, so I cannot yet speak to Brom's artwork. A paper copy is on the way though, and once I see it, I reserve the right to update this review accordingly. As of right now, based on the story alone, I highly recommend SLEWFOOOT: A TALE OF BEWITCHERY. Let Brom bewitch YOU!
*Thanks to NetGalley/Tor/Nightfire for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
Abitha was sold off by her drunk father in London, to a husband, (Edward), in Puritanical Connecticut. She begins her life on her new husband's farm and grows to truly love him. Unfortunately, her husband's brother is part owner of the farm, and he's deep in debt. Before she knows it, her brother-in-law is attempting to steal their land and the nosy Puritanical neighbors are all up in their business. It's almost too much for Abitha to take. One day, Edward wanders into the woods and Abitha's life changes forever. Widowed now, will she be able to hold on to her farm? Will her evil brother-in-law work with the uptight townsfolk to oust her? You'll have to read this to find out!
I very much enjoyed the style of storytelling here, it was almost like a fairy tale. I'm trying to explain without spoiling anything, so bear with me. I felt like some of the characters could have used a bit more of a back story for me to be fully invested in them. Sky and Forest, to mention two.
That said, Abitha has to be one of my favorite characters in all of literature. She was so well defined, I never found myself second guessing her decisions. She, being put into a terrible situation by her father, decides to make the best of it and then follows through on that, under the most ghastly conditions. She holds the memory of her mother dear, and Abitha never forgets what her mother told her as a young girl. But Abitha is also strong-willed and headstrong, and she's certainly a lot of woman for the prudish ladies in town to handle. That's what I loved most about her.
Samson was a confusing character for me, which I guess isn't surprising, because he was confused himself. As the tale progressed though, things became more clear, and I began to like and pity Samson at the same time. I love characters that are conflicted because otherwise where's the story? Samson and Abitha both grew as characters and I felt differently about them both at the end of the tale than I did at the beginning. That's always a sign of great writing in my book, and that's what's in THIS book.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale and Brom has impressed me once again. I read an e-ARC of this story, so I cannot yet speak to Brom's artwork. A paper copy is on the way though, and once I see it, I reserve the right to update this review accordingly. As of right now, based on the story alone, I highly recommend SLEWFOOOT: A TALE OF BEWITCHERY. Let Brom bewitch YOU!
*Thanks to NetGalley/Tor/Nightfire for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
September 3, 2023
we love women getting their revenge!
July 29, 2025
If this isn’t the PERFECT spooky season read, then it doesn’t exist. Slewfoot actually rewired my brain and I’ve made everyone I’ve encountered since listen to me rant about it.
October 21, 2025
“Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery” by Brom was one of the most unique reading experiences I’ve ever had. This was the first time I’ve ever read anything by Brom, and I was genuinely impressed. He has an excellent writing style, and even though this novel was a bit wordier than I would have hoped, it did not disappoint.
Before I dive into my review, these are the trigger warnings I found while reading…
- Parental abuse (physical)
- Misogyny
- Religion
- Self-harm
- Burning churches
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was such an addictive read. For the most part, I couldn’t put this book down. Brom’s writing style is superb, and besides being the author, he also drew all the incredible illustrations at the start of every chapter. I’ve always been a massive fan of art, and living in the city that never sleeps, New York, his art is worthy of the Museum of Modern Art.
Seriously, it’s incredible in a very creepy, horrific way. It added to the overall reading experience since the immersion was on a whole other level. It brought me back to my teenage years, when horror paperbacks often featured illustrations and graphics to break up chapters or scenes.
The atmospheric writing here was brilliantly written, as it felt as if I was transported to medieval times, where small villages were super religious and worried about demons, spirits, and witches. I connected with many characters, especially Abitha, while loathing Wallace. Don’t worry, I would never spoil anything for my fellow horror readers, but you feel many emotions while reading what these main characters go through.
Speaking of characters, Brom also did a great job with a unique POV involving creatures and building up some incredible suspense for the most part. Now, the only complaint I have about “Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery” is that, at times, the story dragged on. It took me out of the reading experience since it was too heavy with dialogue. This is definitely a slow-burning kind of story with a reward that will completely blow your mind once you hit the end. If this novel were 50 or so pages shorter, it would no doubt be a perfect read.
Additionally, I also wished there were more horror. The horror situations and events in this novel were magnificent, but it needed just a bit more for the horror reader in me. Regardless, the gore, bloodshed, and horror in those parts had me making many weird faces.
Now, when it comes to the ending, it’s simply three words: OH. MY. GOD. My goodness, that was beyond my wildest expectations and completely blew me away. It was terrific, epic, and horrific. I was shocked, to be honest, and it checked all the boxes for what an epic ending (and epilogue!) should be for a horror novel. I also loved the special art gallery at the end, which was also a pleasant surprise. You’ll see what I mean when you finish, and if you’re able to, try to view these images in color or on your mobile devices because it’ll be so worth it.
I give “Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery” by Brom a 4/5, and it was so very close to a perfect 5-Star read in my book. Make no mistake about it, this is one of the best and most original horror novels I’ve ever read. The art from the book cover, each chapter, and the ending are all magnificent. If you’re looking for one hell of a novel that involves all things witchy, look no further than this. If this novel were tighter and didn’t drag on with more horror scenes, it would have been a masterpiece for me. Either way, I would consider it a must-read for anyone who loves stories about witches with a demonic twist.
Before I dive into my review, these are the trigger warnings I found while reading…
- Parental abuse (physical)
- Misogyny
- Religion
- Self-harm
- Burning churches
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was such an addictive read. For the most part, I couldn’t put this book down. Brom’s writing style is superb, and besides being the author, he also drew all the incredible illustrations at the start of every chapter. I’ve always been a massive fan of art, and living in the city that never sleeps, New York, his art is worthy of the Museum of Modern Art.
Seriously, it’s incredible in a very creepy, horrific way. It added to the overall reading experience since the immersion was on a whole other level. It brought me back to my teenage years, when horror paperbacks often featured illustrations and graphics to break up chapters or scenes.
The atmospheric writing here was brilliantly written, as it felt as if I was transported to medieval times, where small villages were super religious and worried about demons, spirits, and witches. I connected with many characters, especially Abitha, while loathing Wallace. Don’t worry, I would never spoil anything for my fellow horror readers, but you feel many emotions while reading what these main characters go through.
Speaking of characters, Brom also did a great job with a unique POV involving creatures and building up some incredible suspense for the most part. Now, the only complaint I have about “Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery” is that, at times, the story dragged on. It took me out of the reading experience since it was too heavy with dialogue. This is definitely a slow-burning kind of story with a reward that will completely blow your mind once you hit the end. If this novel were 50 or so pages shorter, it would no doubt be a perfect read.
Additionally, I also wished there were more horror. The horror situations and events in this novel were magnificent, but it needed just a bit more for the horror reader in me. Regardless, the gore, bloodshed, and horror in those parts had me making many weird faces.
Now, when it comes to the ending, it’s simply three words: OH. MY. GOD. My goodness, that was beyond my wildest expectations and completely blew me away. It was terrific, epic, and horrific. I was shocked, to be honest, and it checked all the boxes for what an epic ending (and epilogue!) should be for a horror novel. I also loved the special art gallery at the end, which was also a pleasant surprise. You’ll see what I mean when you finish, and if you’re able to, try to view these images in color or on your mobile devices because it’ll be so worth it.
I give “Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery” by Brom a 4/5, and it was so very close to a perfect 5-Star read in my book. Make no mistake about it, this is one of the best and most original horror novels I’ve ever read. The art from the book cover, each chapter, and the ending are all magnificent. If you’re looking for one hell of a novel that involves all things witchy, look no further than this. If this novel were tighter and didn’t drag on with more horror scenes, it would have been a masterpiece for me. Either way, I would consider it a must-read for anyone who loves stories about witches with a demonic twist.
April 24, 2022
Immaculate 😌
January 19, 2024
This book bewitched me! From the very beginning, I was enchanted. I found this book to be addictive, shocking, original, and so well done. Another plus was the beautiful illustrations in the book which helped me envision the characters and enhanced my reading experience. This book was a nice mix of horror, fantasy, historical fiction and the supernatural. This was my first time reading a book by Brom and it will not be my last. I look forward to reading more of his books.
Abitha's father put her on a ship and sent her off to a Puritan colony to be married. It's not an easy transition for the outspoken Abitha who now must follow strict rules on dressing, behavior, and speaking. When her husband dies, she does her best to advocate for herself.
A powerful entity has woken in the depths of a deep dark cave. It doesn't know its own identity or purpose. Soon Abitha and Samson, as Abitha calls him, will both need to decide who they are in this world.
This book was dark, atmospheric, imaginative, brooding, and wonderful. I was transported to colonial New England in the 1600's through Brom's vivid descriptions. It is a time when women had no voice and must be obedient. But even then, if you anger the wrong person, your fate is sealed.
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I am happy I did not live back then. It was a male dominated world with women having no rights. With misogyny kicked into overdrive and harsh punishments dealt out, it was a dark and unforgiving time. I felt for Abitha having to change/tone down who she was to fit into the new community she did not choose. She is a strong outspoken person, and I admired her spunk and determination. I also felt for Slewfoot at times, not knowing who or what he was. Both are on a journey, and I enjoyed reading as they chose their paths. I was also angry for the injustice that was dealt. I thought Brom did a great job showing Abitha's frustrations as well as the group mentality of the colony.
This book was a nice surprise. I had no idea what I was getting into when I selected this book to read. I wanted to read a book about a witch or witches but what I got was so much more. I enjoyed how the story was told and the pacing of this highly imaginative and descriptive book. As I mentioned, the illustrations are amazing, and I suggest reading the book so that you can enjoy them.
Dark, gripping, horrific and atmospheric.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Abitha's father put her on a ship and sent her off to a Puritan colony to be married. It's not an easy transition for the outspoken Abitha who now must follow strict rules on dressing, behavior, and speaking. When her husband dies, she does her best to advocate for herself.
A powerful entity has woken in the depths of a deep dark cave. It doesn't know its own identity or purpose. Soon Abitha and Samson, as Abitha calls him, will both need to decide who they are in this world.
This book was dark, atmospheric, imaginative, brooding, and wonderful. I was transported to colonial New England in the 1600's through Brom's vivid descriptions. It is a time when women had no voice and must be obedient. But even then, if you anger the wrong person, your fate is sealed.
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I am happy I did not live back then. It was a male dominated world with women having no rights. With misogyny kicked into overdrive and harsh punishments dealt out, it was a dark and unforgiving time. I felt for Abitha having to change/tone down who she was to fit into the new community she did not choose. She is a strong outspoken person, and I admired her spunk and determination. I also felt for Slewfoot at times, not knowing who or what he was. Both are on a journey, and I enjoyed reading as they chose their paths. I was also angry for the injustice that was dealt. I thought Brom did a great job showing Abitha's frustrations as well as the group mentality of the colony.
This book was a nice surprise. I had no idea what I was getting into when I selected this book to read. I wanted to read a book about a witch or witches but what I got was so much more. I enjoyed how the story was told and the pacing of this highly imaginative and descriptive book. As I mentioned, the illustrations are amazing, and I suggest reading the book so that you can enjoy them.
Dark, gripping, horrific and atmospheric.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 10, 2025
🌟🌟🌟
I could not stop reading this book, I finished more than half of it in one day. Truly captivating and plenty of that great catharsis. Loved the illustrations and the story to excuse the slips of modern cursing. The pace, descriptive language, plot twists, and research are commendable.
I could not stop reading this book, I finished more than half of it in one day. Truly captivating and plenty of that great catharsis. Loved the illustrations and the story to excuse the slips of modern cursing. The pace, descriptive language, plot twists, and research are commendable.
January 8, 2022
Brom and I might be some sort of kindred spirits. I met him once, many years ago at a local comic con and he was so quiet and unassuming. I was young, not used to meeting celebrities at the time and so was super awkward. I wish I could go back to that day and tell myself to talk with him more. To really engage and talk Paganism, gothic literature, and more.
Slewfoot is just like Brom’s other books I’ve read. It’s got gore, violence, injustice, beauty, love, and above all else a loyalty to the tenants of Paganism that only someone who practices could capture on the page.
This narrative is really about how we can all become devils and demons when pushed hard enough. Present enough ridiculous, scary, life threatening circumstances and anyone can lash out. Additionally humans can also be pushed to say untrue things under enough duress. Hence the witch trials (one of which happens in Slewfoot); and their unjust version of ‘proof’ and ‘confession’.
I adored how Brom brought to the narrative very simple pillars of trust and loyalty (while very complex) he puts our characters in situations where I (personally) could not imagine doing anything other than exactly what someone wanted, even if it was untrue. Only because our drive to survive and live is so powerful.
The ending of Slewfoot is perfect and the reason I believe Brom and I must be part of the same. He exactly narrates and identifies what I have long believed; that all gods and devils are one and the same. Our ability to perceive or define them is only limited by our lack of understanding, imagination, or fake human rules (in this case those the Catholic/Christian church preach). Beautifully written, in such a way that I dare someone to tell me they are not cheering for Abitha, Slewfoot and others to preserver.
This is a book I will certainly need a personal print copy of. Not just for the beautiful, full-colour illustrations included; but because it speaks to me in a spiritual way that is so rare. As a witch (of today) myself I can’t help but get angry at the trials but also appreciate the repercussions after that Brom gives us.
If you are looking for a morally subjective, gothic witch story with heavy Pagan overtones then this is for you.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Slewfoot is just like Brom’s other books I’ve read. It’s got gore, violence, injustice, beauty, love, and above all else a loyalty to the tenants of Paganism that only someone who practices could capture on the page.
This narrative is really about how we can all become devils and demons when pushed hard enough. Present enough ridiculous, scary, life threatening circumstances and anyone can lash out. Additionally humans can also be pushed to say untrue things under enough duress. Hence the witch trials (one of which happens in Slewfoot); and their unjust version of ‘proof’ and ‘confession’.
I adored how Brom brought to the narrative very simple pillars of trust and loyalty (while very complex) he puts our characters in situations where I (personally) could not imagine doing anything other than exactly what someone wanted, even if it was untrue. Only because our drive to survive and live is so powerful.
The ending of Slewfoot is perfect and the reason I believe Brom and I must be part of the same. He exactly narrates and identifies what I have long believed; that all gods and devils are one and the same. Our ability to perceive or define them is only limited by our lack of understanding, imagination, or fake human rules (in this case those the Catholic/Christian church preach). Beautifully written, in such a way that I dare someone to tell me they are not cheering for Abitha, Slewfoot and others to preserver.
This is a book I will certainly need a personal print copy of. Not just for the beautiful, full-colour illustrations included; but because it speaks to me in a spiritual way that is so rare. As a witch (of today) myself I can’t help but get angry at the trials but also appreciate the repercussions after that Brom gives us.
If you are looking for a morally subjective, gothic witch story with heavy Pagan overtones then this is for you.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 31, 2023
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/B_yRiE4mDh8
April 8, 2023
This is the first book that I’ve read by Brom and I loved his writing and illustrations!
Slewfoot will bring all types of emotion to the reader.
I loved the setting of 1666 when Puritans ruled the land and colonies. It’s such a fascinating time but also a period in time that makes me angry.
There’s no way I wouldn't have been burned at the stake. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The main character of Abitha was fierce, smart and brave. I loved her character and how she stands up for herself and her husband, Edward.
There are secondary characters in this book that will enrage you as a reader and you hope they die a violent death. I'm looking at you Wallace.
Slewfoot has wonderful imagery and atmosphere. It’s also got an interesting and different spin on an ancient pagan spirit. The battle between pagan and Puritan was bloody, brutal, and well done!
I’m glad that I got to this one and looking forward to reading more books by Brom!
Slewfoot will bring all types of emotion to the reader.
I loved the setting of 1666 when Puritans ruled the land and colonies. It’s such a fascinating time but also a period in time that makes me angry.
There’s no way I wouldn't have been burned at the stake. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The main character of Abitha was fierce, smart and brave. I loved her character and how she stands up for herself and her husband, Edward.
There are secondary characters in this book that will enrage you as a reader and you hope they die a violent death. I'm looking at you Wallace.
Slewfoot has wonderful imagery and atmosphere. It’s also got an interesting and different spin on an ancient pagan spirit. The battle between pagan and Puritan was bloody, brutal, and well done!
I’m glad that I got to this one and looking forward to reading more books by Brom!
August 7, 2023
3⭐️ last 30% of this book was FREAKING BRILLIANT 😩😩😩 and the first 70% was just there
So this was a bit of a let down. If you know me, you know my favorite trope in horror and mystery thriller is a good revenge killing ☠️ better yet, make it a freaking killing spree 🤭🤭 so when I was promised that and witchy vibes and a whole ass devil as a love interest, I couldn't resist it.
The first 20 pages was very good then it got very boring, like I'm-going-dnf-anytime-from-now boring, I was disappointed. Then 80% in, things started to get very, very good. I usually give books that bore me 2⭐️ but giving that the last third of the book was worth the read, I'll leave it at 3⭐️. I don't know if I'll recommend it to someone else though.
So this was a bit of a let down. If you know me, you know my favorite trope in horror and mystery thriller is a good revenge killing ☠️ better yet, make it a freaking killing spree 🤭🤭 so when I was promised that and witchy vibes and a whole ass devil as a love interest, I couldn't resist it.
The first 20 pages was very good then it got very boring, like I'm-going-dnf-anytime-from-now boring, I was disappointed. Then 80% in, things started to get very, very good. I usually give books that bore me 2⭐️ but giving that the last third of the book was worth the read, I'll leave it at 3⭐️. I don't know if I'll recommend it to someone else though.
October 17, 2025
I want justice for Samson and Booka!
Slewfoot is not only the title of this novel but also the nickname for the Devil used in the South. In folklore it's also another name for Satan. Slewfoot is the name of a mysterious beast-like being which presence in Sutton Village is causing fear and suffering.
Themes
Feminine rage and oppression, patriarchal society, social expectations placed on women and the punishment for defying them, social norms vs deviance, fear of the unknown (supernatural entities), human vs supernatural, witchcraft, faith vs folklore, good vs evil, justice vs vengeance, resilience, self-discovery, survival and loss.
Characters
I felt indifferent to most of them. Abitha was interesting for being so fierce in the 17th century where woman were always oppressed. I liked the relationship between Edward and Abitha and how he tried to stand his ground and not obey to the social norms, especially to hit a woman if she is hot-headed. The other characters were either evil (and dislikes by me for it) or were too briefly mentioned in the novel to actually shine.
Pacing
The pacing felt very sluggish. The first 20-25% were dark, mysterious and had a nice atmosphere, but then at 30% till 80% the mystery was almost completely gone if it wouldn't be for the lost identity of Samson. In addition, it wasn't dark and the atmosphere was not engaging at all anymore. The last 20% were the true nature of Samson was revealed and were the witchcraft reached its peak was more enjoyable, but given too late to actually call it a good read.
(The start was also full of drama. I really enjoyed it and then it was just gone??)
Final Thoughts
The most spectacular thing in this novel were definitely the drawings at the start of each chapter. I really like this art style!
The witchcraft, spells and the supernatural aspects were still enjoyable. A dark fantasy was promised to me and it was given to me. I only wish it would have been darker, scarier, the mystery not vanishing that quickly and a better pacing.
I initially thought that I would read something about the devil and that it therefore also be more scary than it actually was at the end. The title is in my opinion a bit misleading. There is a good reason why this novel is called Slewfoot, but not for the reasons I initially thought.
StoryGraph review
Slewfoot is not only the title of this novel but also the nickname for the Devil used in the South. In folklore it's also another name for Satan. Slewfoot is the name of a mysterious beast-like being which presence in Sutton Village is causing fear and suffering.
Themes
Feminine rage and oppression, patriarchal society, social expectations placed on women and the punishment for defying them, social norms vs deviance, fear of the unknown (supernatural entities), human vs supernatural, witchcraft, faith vs folklore, good vs evil, justice vs vengeance, resilience, self-discovery, survival and loss.
Characters
I felt indifferent to most of them. Abitha was interesting for being so fierce in the 17th century where woman were always oppressed. I liked the relationship between Edward and Abitha and how he tried to stand his ground and not obey to the social norms, especially to hit a woman if she is hot-headed. The other characters were either evil (and dislikes by me for it) or were too briefly mentioned in the novel to actually shine.
Pacing
The pacing felt very sluggish. The first 20-25% were dark, mysterious and had a nice atmosphere, but then at 30% till 80% the mystery was almost completely gone if it wouldn't be for the lost identity of Samson. In addition, it wasn't dark and the atmosphere was not engaging at all anymore. The last 20% were the true nature of Samson was revealed and were the witchcraft reached its peak was more enjoyable, but given too late to actually call it a good read.
(The start was also full of drama. I really enjoyed it and then it was just gone??)
Final Thoughts
The most spectacular thing in this novel were definitely the drawings at the start of each chapter. I really like this art style!
The witchcraft, spells and the supernatural aspects were still enjoyable. A dark fantasy was promised to me and it was given to me. I only wish it would have been darker, scarier, the mystery not vanishing that quickly and a better pacing.
I initially thought that I would read something about the devil and that it therefore also be more scary than it actually was at the end. The title is in my opinion a bit misleading. There is a good reason why this novel is called Slewfoot, but not for the reasons I initially thought.
StoryGraph review
May 28, 2023
3.5 stars
There are many positive things to be said about this book.
The protagonist, Abitha, was likeable and I was genuinely rooting for her. That one scene near the end was pretty badass and exactly what I wanted to happen.
I also loved the rituals Abitha performed, as well as the inclusion of nature spirits. They and the definition and even appearance of Satan reminded me of Princess Mononoke—which, of course, is always a huge plus.
I just wish Satan's personality would've been half as interesting as his looks. He was passive as hell and repeated himself over and over saying: "What do you want, Abitha?, " and "Who am IIIIII???, " like your average conformist bloke reaching his forties.
Also the whole narrative felt oddly disjointed, like the author sat down and was like: 'Hmm, and then what happened? Oh yeah, maybe this cool thing. And what next? How about this cool thing (that is very similar to the other cool thing that has already happened but Idc).'
To me it felt like he had only a vague idea of where he wanted to take things and took way too many pee- and flower-smelling-breaks along the way.
So yay for the vibes, nay for the scribes. Or something.
There are many positive things to be said about this book.
The protagonist, Abitha, was likeable and I was genuinely rooting for her. That one scene near the end was pretty badass and exactly what I wanted to happen.
I also loved the rituals Abitha performed, as well as the inclusion of nature spirits. They and the definition and even appearance of Satan reminded me of Princess Mononoke—which, of course, is always a huge plus.
I just wish Satan's personality would've been half as interesting as his looks. He was passive as hell and repeated himself over and over saying: "What do you want, Abitha?, " and "Who am IIIIII???, " like your average conformist bloke reaching his forties.
Also the whole narrative felt oddly disjointed, like the author sat down and was like: 'Hmm, and then what happened? Oh yeah, maybe this cool thing. And what next? How about this cool thing (that is very similar to the other cool thing that has already happened but Idc).'
To me it felt like he had only a vague idea of where he wanted to take things and took way too many pee- and flower-smelling-breaks along the way.
So yay for the vibes, nay for the scribes. Or something.
April 8, 2023
Slewfoot is my first 'favorite' of 2023, and my second Brom ever.
She called to them: the cicadas , the moths, the beetles, and fireflies, the little gnats and mosquitos, the thousands and thousands of little mosquitos. And they responded, their tiny voices swelling, coming together like a song, filling the woods with their melody as they flew to her, swarming and swirling together like a growing storm cloud.
Brom is a rare kind of artist whose stories are fantastical yet grounded in the truth of human emotion and experience. The characters all felt like they could be real, and Abitha, our protagonist, is one of the most memorable characters I've ever read. I rooted for her every step of the way and I miss her now that the book is over.
If it is a witch they want," she hissed, "then a witch they shall have
Slewfoot is definitely a book I'll read again. And again. And again and again and again.....
She called to them: the cicadas , the moths, the beetles, and fireflies, the little gnats and mosquitos, the thousands and thousands of little mosquitos. And they responded, their tiny voices swelling, coming together like a song, filling the woods with their melody as they flew to her, swarming and swirling together like a growing storm cloud.
Brom is a rare kind of artist whose stories are fantastical yet grounded in the truth of human emotion and experience. The characters all felt like they could be real, and Abitha, our protagonist, is one of the most memorable characters I've ever read. I rooted for her every step of the way and I miss her now that the book is over.
If it is a witch they want," she hissed, "then a witch they shall have
Slewfoot is definitely a book I'll read again. And again. And again and again and again.....
October 29, 2024
“If it is a witch they want,” she hissed, “then a witch they shall have.”
Here for the feminine rage.
Here for the feminine rage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 17,283 reviews