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The Year of the Witching

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The Year of the Witching

By: Alexis Henderson
Narrated by: Brianna Colette
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About this listen

A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.

In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet's word is law, Immanuelle Moore's very existence is blasphemy. Her mother's union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.

But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.

Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

©2020 Alexis Henderson (P)2020 Penguin Audio
Fantasy Fiction Horror Scary Witchcraft
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Critic reviews

"A thrillingly brisk and bracing tale of magic and power, I loved this book. It takes the best tropes of horror and witchcraft and gives them a refreshingly feminist twist." (S.A. Chakraborty, national best-selling author of The Daevabad Trilogy)

"The Year of the Witching is a dark, dramatic tale of oppression and rebellion, ideology and morality, with a complicated, appealing protagonist caught in a Handmaid's Tale nightmare. It's a fine addition to the body of feminist fantasy works, a great read." (Louisa Morgan, Author of The Age of Witches)

"The Year of the Witching is a dark wood ready to swallow you whole with its tense stakes and beguiling prose. Henderson takes witchcraft to its very depths, unraveling the horrific nightmares of bone-deep ideology and devastating oppression, and giving readers a complex heroine ready to face fire." (Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times best-selling author of The Belles series)

Featured Article: The Best Dark Fantasy Audiobooks


If your favorite genres are fantasy and horror, and you can't get enough of terrifying scenarios with high-stakes action, then you need to explore the winding world of dark fantasy. When the mystic, magic, and incredible world-building of fantasy are combined with elements of grim horror and the supernatural, the result is something truly pause-resistant. But with such a rich variety of titles to choose from, it can be impossible to know where to begin. We've rounded up the best dark fantasy listens that explore chilling settings, morally grey characters, and twisting plots alongside dark magic.

Captivating Plot • Unique World-building • Engaging Narration • Thrilling Twists • Beautiful Writing
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Took me several tries but once I settled into it, I loved this book! Great story!

Slow simmering story

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I devoured this book. I really can't remember being this compulsively obsessed with a book since Twilight or The Host. I love how deep intimacy is explored without there being a single drop of actual sex. I love the main character's inner dialogue. I could list endless praises. eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Highly Recommend

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This is not the genre I typically read, but that did not slow the pace at which I wanted to consume this book. It's a really good read. I look forward to the follow-up from Alexis Henderson!

Dope read!

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If you think of the Fear Street series on Netflix this reminds me of it def the 3rd movie. Its not the same just the vibes kind of feel like that movie

Think Of Fear Street on Netflix

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At first I struggled to get into this book. About half in it finally won me over. This was a decent read, but is definitely not for everyone.

It grows on you

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I’m certain Netflix would refer to this as a slow burn, but to me #1 I enjoy slow burns and #2 the narration increased the intensity in an expert manner. Listen if you’re a fan of supernatural and buckle up. Shouts out and Rest in peace to Judas the Ram.

Good listen.

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if you're looking for something where the witches aren't good or bad and no one is solely evil or good, and queer rep. in historical fiction, this is a good choice.

fantastic cant wait for book two

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This book had more religious overtones that I was expecting and so I will probably stop
With this book, but the message was hopeful.

Message of hope

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I liked the story and it kept me coming back for more. However, there were some times when I felt it was read a little too slow or just missing some “fun/life/color” but still a great reading and easy listen.

Great book kept me listening for days

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I did enjoy listening to this book. Didn’t realize there would be a love story in there but once there was I was hoping they would have gone down that way a little more but with that being said since this was about witches glad they didn’t. I enjoyed listening to the strength the main character had and bravery.

Good read, kept my attention

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