The Year of the Witching

The Year of the Witching follows Immanuelle Moore, a biracial teenage girl living in the puritanical society of Bethel. The religious settlement is governed by the Prophet and his apostles who maintain strict control through faith-based laws and ritual. In Bethel, women must follow rigid rules about behavior, dress, and marriage, with severe consequences for disobedience. Immanuelle's very existence challenges these structures, as her mother broke their highest laws. The dark woods surrounding Bethel hold secrets about both her family's past and the community's foundations. When Immanuelle encounters supernatural forces in the forbidden forest, she must confront the truth about Bethel's history and her own identity. Her discoveries force her to choose between acceptance in her repressive society and a dangerous path toward change. The novel examines religious extremism, generational trauma, and the complex relationships between power, faith, and gender. Through its horror elements and theocratic setting, it raises questions about how societies maintain control and who pays the price for rigid orthodoxy.

Readers describe this as a dark, feminist take on The Handmaid's Tale with horror elements. Reviews note the atmospheric writing and commentary on religious extremism. Positive reviews highlight: - Strong character development of protagonist Immanuelle - Creepy, gothic horror scenes in the darkwood - Clear messaging about racism and patriarchal control - Fast-paced final third of the book Common criticisms: - Slow start and uneven pacing in first half - Predictable plot points and romance - Worldbuilding lacks depth and detail - Religious elements feel derivative Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (45,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Several reviewers noted the book works better as YA than adult horror. Reader Michelle K. wrote: "The atmosphere and feminist themes shine, but the plot follows familiar beats." Multiple reviews mention wanting more exploration of the magic system and religious mythology.

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🌙 Though The Year of the Witching is her debut novel, Alexis Henderson wrote the first draft in just 30 days during National Novel Writing Month (NaNaWriMo). 🌿 The book's setting, Bethel, draws inspiration from both Puritan New England and the historical witch hunts of medieval Europe, blending these influences into a unique dark fantasy world. ⚡ The author created the magical system and curses in the novel by researching Biblical plagues and historical witch trials, incorporating elements from both into her narrative. 📖 Despite its dark themes, the novel was originally pitched as Young Adult fiction before finding its home in the adult horror/fantasy market. 🔮 Henderson wrote much of the book while working as a barista, often jotting down ideas and scenes between serving customers during her shifts.