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''The Once and Future Witches'' is in one word, enchanting. Alix E Harrow has an achingly beautiful way with words and while I really enjoyed her debut, the

What makes the novel stand out though are its central themes. There is a great theme of anger in this book, anger at the predestined role of women in society, anger at the loss of magic and anger at thwarted justice. But there is also a great theme of the love between sisters and friends and daughters and mothers, as well as the sweet new beginning romance. Throughout the novel the chapters are painted with shades of darkness, shades of pain and hurt and powerless, which effortlessly transport you into Harrow's fictional story. However, what keeps you reading from page to page is the hope carried through the words and the wills and ways of witching, and the fire within the hearts of the three titular sisters. The twists in the plot are both surprising and subtle and steer the story to a satisfying and conclusive end.

Each of the sisters Agnes, Bella and James Juniper brings a different dynamic to the story, with heart and wisdom and wildness. And the other characters, from the members of the women's suffrage movement Miss Stone and Miss Jennie Lind to the love interests Cleopatra Quinn and August Lee to the ghosts from past memories add great layers of diversity to the story. I loved the depth each of them brought to the story and their characters arcs.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing the BookBag with a copy to review!

Dark and spellbinding, with vivid, unforgettable characters and writing that will take your breath away, ''The Once and Future Witches'' is a wonderful adventure that you won't want to end. It is a rare book worth its weight in magic and moonbeams and stardust. Without a doubt, one of the best books of the year.

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