I went into Hagitude with high hopes, having been deeply moved by Sharon Blackie’s If Women Rose Rooted. Unfortunately, this latest offering didn’t quI went into Hagitude with high hopes, having been deeply moved by Sharon Blackie’s If Women Rose Rooted. Unfortunately, this latest offering didn’t quite capture the same magic for me. While the premise—a celebration of elderhood through myth and story—is compelling, the execution felt repetitive and lacked the coherence I’d hoped for. The myths themselves are fascinating, but the way they were interwoven sometimes felt forced, leaving me craving a more grounded and dynamic narrative.
For readers unfamiliar with Blackie’s previous work or the realms of myth, folklore, and archetypes, Hagitude might feel fresh and inspiring. However, for those well-versed in these topics, the book may come across as disappointingly shallow. While there are occasional flashes of insight, the exploration often felt surface-level. I longed for more grit, depth, and untamed wildness—qualities Blackie’s earlier work embraced so beautifully.
Perhaps most disappointing is the lack of a positive, robust framework for elderhood. While Hagitude gestures toward reclaiming power and identity in later life, it rarely delves deeply into the lived realities of aging women. The mythical introductions often felt diluted by the rise of a more commercialised, surface-level “witchstagram� aesthetic, which further detracted from the book’s potential.
If you’re new to Sharon Blackie, this might be an enjoyable starting point. But for those hoping for the transformative, rooted depth of her earlier works, Hagitude may feel like a missed opportunity. There are sparks of brilliance here, but they don’t quite ignite into the roaring fire I was hoping for....more
'A woman who has mastered her rage, learned not to fear the power that stems from it, that is terrifying to little men'
The Morrigan by Kim Curran is a'A woman who has mastered her rage, learned not to fear the power that stems from it, that is terrifying to little men'
The Morrigan by Kim Curran is an exquisite storm of mythology, rage, and resilience—a fiercely feminist retelling that captures the raw essence of Ireland’s goddess of war. The writing is electric, weaving myth with mastery, and reminds me of Lucy Holland’s poignant storytelling, saturated with emotion and unrelenting power.
From the very first page, The Morrigan demands your attention. She is fierce, untamed, and unapologetically herself—a shape-shifting goddess whose rage and love fuel a journey spanning millennia. Curran threads multiple Irish myths into the narrative with ease, creating a tapestry of battles, heartbreak, and rebirth that feels timeless yet urgently modern. The themes of female defiance and resilience echo strongly, laced with a healthy dose of righteous fury.
What sets this apart is the prose: ferocious, lyrical, and alive with intensity. Every sentence pulses with energy, pulling you deeper into The Morrigan’s world. It’s a story of transformation, of embracing power and loss in equal measure, and it will leave you wanting for more.
For lovers of Lucy Holland, Costanza Casati, or anyone seeking a narrative that howls with female rage and mythic beauty—this is an unmissable triumph. I honestly cannot believe this is a debut, Curran is surely a new voice to watch.
Huge thanks to NetGalley & Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my ARC of 'The Morrigan'. ...more
I am absolutely obsessed with The Book of Gothel! This isn’t simply another dark fairy tale retelling; but an cauldron full of lore, history, and magiI am absolutely obsessed with The Book of Gothel! This isn’t simply another dark fairy tale retelling; but an cauldron full of lore, history, and magic that weaves together elements of Goddess worship, paganism, German folklore, and even real historical figures like Hildegard von Bingen. McMyne has created a world so rich with character depth and lore that it feels utterly immersive and alive.
The story follows Haelewise, the woman who will eventually become the infamous Mother Gothel from the Rapunzel tale. But make no mistake, this is not a Disney-style villain origin but a deeply nuanced exploration of a young woman’s struggle to survive in a world that fears her, a world caught in the tension between old pagan beliefs and the rise of Christianity. Haelewise is marked as different from the start, suffering from fainting spells that make her a target of suspicion in her small medieval town. After a series of tragedies, she flees to the fabled tower of Gothel, where the secrets of her heritage and power begin to unfold.
What makes The Book of Gothel so compelling is McMyne’s meticulous world-building. The 12th-century German setting is steeped in both historical authenticity and magical realism. The clash between Christianity and earth-based religions feels incredibly well-researched, and I loved how seamlessly the story integrates the mystical with the everyday. The inclusion of Hildegard von Bingen as a character was a stroke of genius. Her role in the story is captivating, blending mysticism, herbal medicine, and historical significance with the folklore and magic that permeate the book.
The characters are another standout. Haelewise is such a richly developed protagonist, her journey from a misunderstood and ostracized girl to a powerful woman is heartfelt and believable. There’s a strong feminist undercurrent throughout the story, with themes of female empowerment and survival woven into every thread. The relationships, especially between Haelewise and her mother, are beautifully complex, and the way McMyne portrays the sisterhood of women tied together by herbalism and ancient knowledge is both powerful and mystical.
What I truly love about this book is how it feels like a legend within a legend. It’s not just a prelude to Rapunzel, it’s a story that stands entirely on its own, enriched by its folklore and mythological roots. There’s an atmosphere of old-world magic that lingers in every page, from the mist-shrouded tower to the haunting forests and forgotten rituals of the past.
The ending left me with a whirlwind of emotions. It was absolutely perfect and so satisfyin. If you’re a fan of dark fairy tales, historical fantasy, or stories steeped in folklore, The Book of Gothel is an absolute must-read. McMyne has crafted something truly special here. ...more
A feminist retelling of a story of Lilith, the first woman written out of history
My last read of 2022 was a nonfiction book ‘When God Had a Wife: TheA feminist retelling of a story of Lilith, the first woman written out of history
My last read of 2022 was a nonfiction book ‘When God Had a Wife: The Fall and Rise of the Sacred Feminine in the Judeo-Christian Tradition�. I absolutely loved it and to my delight it is quite clear that Nikki Marmery has an in depth knowledge of Divine Feminine and its suppression across the ages. ‘Lilith� is fiercely feminist, ferocious and audaciously heterodox. It is funny and poignant at the same time.
This novel unleashes a furious tornado, captivating readers with its fierce and utterly original narrative, making it the extraordinary, important book that many have been waiting for. With its rich, vividly written story, this book serves as a defiant and magnificent origin story for women, exquisitely blending wit and female rage in a daring, fresh, and playful manner. It poses a significant question: What would our culture resemble if women were not systematically excluded from historical narratives, and if the Goddess held an equally important place in people's hearts alongside the male God?
Nikki Marmery's exceptional book illuminates a forgotten yet crucial truth of existence, highlighting Lilith's clear and essential message that resonates now more than ever: A better world awaits, and it requires the courage to believe in it.
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