This novel is a riveting and wonderfully witchy read about three sisters trying to reclaim women's power, set in an alternative fantasy setting. To 1893 New Salem a witch is a distant memory, lost to the burnings of the old city. Yet one fateful day estranged sisters James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth and Beatrice Belladona discover that magic may not be entirely lost, just out of reach. Joining the suffragists of New Salem, the strong-willed sisters go on a hunt for forgotten words and ways that might just change the course of history. After all, what is magic if not words, ways and will? 

‘There’s no such thing as witches. But there will be.’ 

Alix E Harrow’s gorgeous writing style balanced brilliantly the whimsical nature of magic with the harsh reality of women’s struggles of the period, creating a vivid and compelling world. 

The magic system is simple yet clever, focusing on three elements: the words (hidden in fairytales across time), the ways (items for the spell) and the will (the driving force for the magic to work). The beauty of this magic system to me is that it’s accessible. You don't need to be chosen to have magical powers, you just need to have the right knowledge. The difficult part is that this has been lost and needs to be found.

I loved that the novel explored the complex bond between sisters as it's main focus. While there are two romantic subplots (and loved them both), the focus was always on the sisters and the relationship between them. Each sister’s personality was distinct and I really enjoyed being in each of their POVs. 

This is a slower pace read but to me this didn't make it any less gripping. I loved simmering in the author’s beautiful writing and thought-provoking ideas and by the end I didn't want to let the characters go. And I also loved that the book had diverse rep within it.

A perfect fantasy pick for autumn, The Once and Future Witches is a bold and magical read that will linger and leave you wanting to search for the words, the ways and the will.

(Note: due to the history explored, this book deals with many difficult themes so please be aware before reading)