The year is 1880. Two hundred years after the trials in Salem, Adelaide Thom (‘Moth’ from The Virgin Cure) has left her life in the sideshow to open a tea shop with another young woman who feels it’s finally safe enough to describe herself as a witch: a former medical student and “gardien de sorts” (keeper of spells), Eleanor St. Clair. Together they cater to Manhattan’s high society ladies, specializing in cures, palmistry and potions–and in guarding the secrets of their clients. All is well until one bright September afternoon, when an enchanting young woman named Beatrice Dunn arrives at their door seeking employment. Beatrice soon becomes indispensable as Eleanor’s apprentice, but her new life with the witches is marred by strange occurrences. She sees things no one else can see. She hears voices no one else can hear. Objects appear out of thin air, as if gifts from the dead. Has she been touched by magic or is she simply losing her mind? Eleanor wants to tread lightly and respect the magic manifest in the girl, but Adelaide sees a business opportunity. Working with Dr. Quinn Brody, a talented alienist, she submits Beatrice to a series of tests to see if she truly can talk to spirits…
☼
Ever since I joined Goodreads, I’ve always wanted to read a book by Ami McKay. Her two novels (The Birth House and The Virgin Cure) seemed so exotic and special. Historical, women’s issues… They definitely caught my attention. When I found out that she was releasing a new book about witches, I jumped at the chance to review it. I don’t usually read fantasy, but I thought this would be more “magical realism” (which I really like). Turns out, it was a bit of both.
After finishing the novel, I can say that while I loved Ami McKay’s writing, this was one of those books where I enjoyed the setting and the characters more than the story itself. I thought New York’s characterization was wonderful and we had three interesting main characters here: Adelaide, Eleanor and Beatrice (I’m in love with Adelaide, by the way). Even though I found them captivating, it still took me a while to connect with the story and once again, the blurb spoiled something that only happened in the last section of the book. I really hate when they do that (Don’t worry, I removed it here).
The “action” takes part almost exclusively at the end, so the first part of the book moved rather slowly because of that. At first, I didn’t mind because I was delighted to get to know our lovely witches and their peculiar shop better. However, I believe the story dragged out a bit and I wished it had been a shorter book. I believe I would’ve enjoyed it way more.
The book edition was beautiful and it’s definitely one I’d recommend reading in physical format. It featured handwritten letters, drawings, newspaper stories and other amazing surprises and it was one of the most special books I’ve encountered lately.
What I liked the most
The world Ami McKay created here was compelling and fascinating. The historical part was a pleasure to read and I loved how strong these women were. This is a truly feminist book and makes New York seem so magical and special!
What I didn’t like that much
As I previously mentioned, I would’ve wanted a stronger storyline. I usually don’t mind reading quiet books, but this was a bit different and I really think it had the potential to be even more memorable novel.
The Witches Of New York is a strange and alluring novel that I liked but didn’t manage to love as much as I expected at first.
Other reviews:
What’s Better Than Books
Ola Reads Books
Orion Books, 2016 – Copy from publishers
This definitely sounds different from your usual reads. However, the setting does sound great and I am intrigued by the timeline since I don’t think I have read many books set in the 1800s. Glad you enjoyed it.
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😀 It is, I’ve always liked witches, but this time I guess I needed something more. The setting was wonderful though!
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Sounds very interesting! I like to read witchy stories now and then. I think I have the other two books you mentioned, and never got around to reading them.
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Oops, I didn’t log myself in to comment. I left the comment above. LOL
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Hahaha 🙂 Oh, I wish I had the other 2, I think I’m going to like those more!
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I’ve heard good things about both of them. Maybe I’ll get around to reading them after the new year. LOL
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It’s always great when the setting is fantastic but that’s not usually enough to carry the whole book. Too bad the story didn’t pull you in as well. It sounds interesting though and definitely one I hadn’t heard of
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Yeah, it’s happened a few times this year. But in the end, I obviously care more about the story!
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Story always will trump setting, but it looks like a beautiful book. I always like the added touch of letter and drawings as part of a book.
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🙂 Yeah, that was amazing! The story is definitely more important, but I wish it could have both
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Intriguing premise, beautiful cover, and the graphic on the page you shared is neat. Three stars for me is pretty good, but I’m sorry you were hoping for more. Still, it sounds like you’re glad you read it.
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Yes, aesthetically it’s a beautiful book. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it as I expected. Thanks for the comment Laila ❤
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This ounds interesting and I love reading about witches. I am not sure I could stick with the story though. Thanks for your honest review.
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Me too, esp because one of my favorite movies is Practical magic ^^
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Oh this book does look lovely. The cover is gorgeous as well. I would not mind a copy just to have on my shelf 😉 Although I think I would probably enjoy this one as a read. I admit, I am not familiar with the author. I love witches though ❤ Great review!
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Hahaha Witches forever ❤ really? Maybe she's popular here, but I had seen this author everywhere. And yes, the cover is gorgeous (but not the American one…)
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Have you read The Witching Hour by Anne Rice? I need to. It has literally been on mynshelf for years and I love her work. No idea why I haven’t picked it up.
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Noooo, but I know about it!!!! I’ll wait for your review 😀
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You may be waiting a while still 😛
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I love multiple formatting type of books – letters, newspapers, texts, e-mails, etc. I’m not sure if this book sounds like it would be for me, though.
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Well, the story is definitely more important than that, so you have to like the topic 😀
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Hmmm this had me wondering if I could agree with your take on it – I tend to love quiet books too but it seems this one was too quiet for you 🙂 I may have to check it out!
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I think it’s because I expected another kind of story with this one. It’s not exactly quiet, just that the action is too focused at the end 😦
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Oh that’s a beautiful book! Great review!
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I’ve freed you from Spam ❤ Indeed, it was beautiful!
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This is a book I would not have expected to see on your blog 😀 Glad you’re expanding your horizons! The last time I cared for witches was during my Charmed phase as a teenager, hahaha! It seems like the story has some great characters, too bad the storyline did not give them much to work with!
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Hahah Oh Donna, I loved Charmed too ❤ The reason why I still like to watch/read about witches now is because of Charmed and because Practical magic is one of my favorite films haha But in the end, I didn't enjoy this as much 😦
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I really need to watch Practical Magic!! 😀
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This sounds like a really unique story. It sucks that it seemed to lack in the story department and dragged a bit but I think I might have to give it a read myself in the future because I’m curious about the characters and world. Great review, Annie!! 😊
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All the reviews I’ve read for this one have all been very similar to yours. They wanted a little more from it, but overall still an enjoyable read. I love historical fiction that included women’s issues. If you are interested, I really enjoyed The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati (pen name for Rossina Lippi). It is set in New York in the 1880s and tackles all kinds of issues.
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Oh, really? All the review I had read were raving about it. I feel better XD I know that one but it’s like super long right? Haha I think that’s why I didn’t buy it 😦 I’m the worst XD
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Haha yes, it is a big boy 😂
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Sounds great, and I love how you included the link if anyone reading is interested in buying the book 🙂
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Of course, I always do that 😀
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