The witches found in fantasy literature are often a way to discuss the power women hold despite their disadvantages. The ways in which that power is unleashed or kept hidden depending on perceived safety or danger is always interesting to work out and an excellent way to get to know characters.
Look, all I know is that if there are witches in the book….I’m in. But in A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan, the WITCHES FIGHT NAZIS. That pushed it all the way to the top of my TBR pile, and I was not disappointed.
the plot
It’s World War II in Europe. Things are not going well and the Allies are feeling the strain. Winston Churchill is approached by a secret society of witches to pledge their assistance in the war efforts. Their mission is to locate a book that contains spells powerful enough to turn the tide of the war in favor of the witch who possesses it. However, our main character, Lydia, is not the only one looking for the book and the coven soon finds that the Allies are not the only ones receiving help from witches. Who will find the book first? Who are the witches in Hitler’s service? And will our heroine be strong enough to use the book?
Impresssions
I was immediately invested in the story. The writing is really strong and well-paced. Ryan doesn’t waste any time dropping you into the action and setting up the stakes. The characters are well defined and compelling to follow along as they develop. The magic has rules, but it’s mostly fun when the witches are allowed to let it rip.
Do not be misled — this is not a cozy book. Couching the story in a historical fiction setting was a really smart choice because we know the whole time where we are heading. That knowledge kind of holds you together as Lydia’s harrowing mission unfolds. By the end, I felt very satisfied with how Ryan chose to land the story and the trajectory of the characters.
This is not the first time I’ve seen this concept of WWII witches. However, it’s the first time I’ve seen it done this well. This being Ryan’s debut novel is commendable and very promising.
Ooh or Boo?
OooOOooOOOOOoooooO