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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 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.