The Year of the Witching

Alexis Henderson

Jul 2020 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Brianna Colette

About this audiobook

A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.
 
In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet's word is law, Immanuelle Moore's very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.

But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.

Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

Ratings and reviews

The story, initially, was dark, creepy and sinister, all the stuff I like but as it continued on I noticed that the characters were underdeveloped, and almost childish. The history of this world was thin. Just no substance despite the author's attempt to provide some type of historical background to the plot. The reading of this story was all it was, just a reading. The reader used almost the same voice for all despite her attempts at changing her tone. She couldn't get out of the way of her own voice. It was really annoying. By the time I got to chapter 22 I was desperate to finish this book because I just couldn't take it anymore. Pity because this story has such potential.

About the author

Alexis Henderson is the author of Goodreads Choice Awards finalists The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger. When she's not writing, you'll find her hanging out with her cats or nursing a hot cup of tea.