Bitterthorn: A sapphic Gothic romance inspired by classic fairytales

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Like Mina seemed genuinely upset when the Witch got mad at her, even if it was a front, but then a couple pages later we are in love and stuff again? Her longing for companionship (and a family that could actually love and care about her) had me absolutely livid on her behalf (especially when it came to her father) but her emotional journey was definitely worthwhile one and I’ll not be forgetting it anytime soon. Everything about this book was perfection, the writing, the characters, the suspense/mystery, the romance, the plot twists.

I'm just not sure I loved the 'I can fix her vibes', which I would have been fine with if this was a story of dark obsession and toxicity, but I got the impression that this was meant to be a healthy relationship and idk about that. She’s written about mental health for Mind and The Guardian, and worked as a translator for Japanese television. A darkly seductive sapphic Gothic romance inspired by classic fairytales like Beauty and the Beast . Blumwald is a town overshadowed by an ancient curse: in a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a monstrous Witch. It has slow burn romance - hesitant enemies to reluctant friendship to tentative lovers to love and it was lovely to see this develop.The story is filled with brilliant descriptions - I have a clear image of Mina, the witch, and the cold, stone castle in my mind. I absolutely loved Kat Dunn’s Battalion of the Dead series so this was one of my most anticipated releases. A haunting, atmospheric tale of two lost souls finding each other, and a love that will remake the world. I couldn't help but believe the kind of hopelessness, disillusion and desperation propelling our protagonist onto a journey she'd never have expected for herself (but which, I, for one, loved every minute of).

Bitterthorn is a book I so wanted to love, especially given its plot and that it is magical and witchy, the kind of reads I love. As every proper gothic this book is based on Terrible Secret that the protagonist tries to unearth while the witch doesn't want her to know, because she considers herself a monster. I've heard a lot about this book with quite enthusiastic tones, but honestly, I don't understand why.The entire premise of this book could be solved fairly easily: just give criminals sentenced to death to the wheel? This had all the similar vibes of a story by Naomi Novik or Ava Reid so if you like their work, I’d highly recommend this. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others.

The beginning was great, the atmosphere, the witch, the idea of the sacrifice, the castle, and everything else. I don't care about the characters, the plot is unclear, and some of the writing is a bit too over the top for my tastes. Around the anniversary of her mother’s death, Mina volunteers herself when the Witch comes to stake her claim. Think sweeping landscapes, logic defying magic, mysteries galore, complicated people trying their best, and some unnerving discoveries.I didn't root for the romance, the plot seemed to rely completely on miscommunications/lack of communication, and I felt more and more as if this would have worked better as a short story. But, I have to say I was completely taken by surprise by how emotionally invested I became in our protagonist’s life. When the news comes that the Witch living above the city will come to claim another soul as her companion after fifty years, everyone is terrified.

I should also probably note that this is more of a character driven story, so the pacing might not be for everyone.

When Mina is herself taken as the new companion, she finds herself living in a remote castle, strangely drawn to the Witch.