Unapologetic Reviews

I read Weyward by Emilia Hart as part of my Read-Witch-a-Thon 2026, and this book was definitely witchy. It combines historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and witchcraft in a story about three generations of women who are connected not only by blood, but also by their experiences of abuse, their relationships with nature, and their struggle to take control of their own lives. I gave this book five stars, not just because I enjoyed the story and its witchcraft, but because it affected me emotionally in ways I hadn't expected. The story takes place across three timelines, each following a different woman from the Weyward family. The earliest is set in 1619, during the reign of James I, and follows Altha Weyward, a young woman who is accused of witchcraft after a local man dies under suspicious circumstances. The second timeline takes place during the Second World War and follows Violet, a young aristocratic girl who lives in a grand country house with her father and younger br...

3.5 stars. A Whisper of Death is a book by Darcy Burke , and it's the first book in the Raven and Wren series . It's set in Victorian London , and for the most part, it's a historical mystery. However, there is a supernatural element. Let's start with the writing. The writing style is reminiscent of Victorian speech, fitting for an author who’s spent years writing historical romance. I enjoyed the language—it gave the story a sense of immersion that a more modern tone wouldn’t have. Next, let's have a look at the characters. We start with Hadrian Ravenhurst , a forward-thinking lord in Parliament , rich, powerful, and one of the most important people in society. To anyone who's read the synopsis, it will not come as a surprise that in the first chapter he's attacked by a man, and this results in him gaining an unusual ability. I can't tell you much about Lord Ravenhurst's personality. He's the male protagonist. He has a sense of righteousness, ...