Title: The Witch Haven
Author: Sasha Peyton Smith
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 31, 2021
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Summary
It’s 1911 in New York City, and Frances spends most of her days as a seamstress to make ends meet. For the past 6 months, she’s been mourning the death of her brother. However, one night, she’s attacked and a man is mysteriously murdered–with Frances’s scissors in his neck.
Sure she’s going to jail for the rest of her life, Frances anxiously awaits her fate. What she doesn’t expect is two nurses to sweep her away to a school for witches. A school where someone might know what actually happened to Frances’s brother. Someone who Frances starts to fall for. But when someone wants to take control of Manhattan, Frances has to decide between getting justice for her brother or the saftey of her city.
Review: The Witch Haven
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! From the dazzling cover, I knew there was going to be something I liked about this book. And I am happy to say that it lived up to my expectations!
This is a historical fantasy, and overall, it’s really well done. Smith does such an excellent job crafting this world, and then slowly revealing it to you throughout the story. As Frances is learning, so is the reader. Not only does the magical world feel fully realized, but also the historical one. Smith merged them so well that the two worlds work together seamlessly.
And the characters! While Frances gets a little in her head at times, the romance and the friendships she makes add even more to the story. The mystery behind her journey also keeps you turning the pages, adding twists and turns that make the book all the more exciting. Overall, even if there were some slower moments, this book is sure to keep you hooked.
Plus, it’s coming out just in time for fall spooky season! Which will be the perfect time to read it.
4/5 stars
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