“The League of Gentlewomen Witches” by India Holton

Title: The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Author: India Holton
Publisher:  Berkley Books
Year: 2022
Genre(s): historical fantasy, romance
Part of a Series: Yes, Book #2

Rating: 

Why I read it: Saw it at Barnes and Noble’s and thought it would be a good read

Summary: In the Victorian Age, Charlotte Pettifer is the heir apparent to her family’s coven, a group of high society witches who use their magic to help the less fortunate. Charlotte is also the prophesized heir to Beryl Black, believed to be the first witch. When Beryl’s powerful amulet goes on display at the British Museum, Charlotte tries to claim her inheritance. But she finds herself up against her group’s nemesis – pirates who also lay claim to Beryl Black. When the amulet is stolen, Charlotte finds herself teaming up with pirate Alex O’Riley in order to retrieve it. But will they find more than just the amulet?

Review: I loved this book! As I noted, this is technically Book 2 in a series but I felt that I was able to enjoy it without having read the first book.

(Though I do plan on reading the first book in the New Year).

As an Austenite, I enjoyed how often protagonist Charlotte invoked the heroines of Jane Austen. My only quibble though was the fact that she never mentioned the Dashwood sisters even though both Elinor and Marianne were perfect representations of Charlotte’s internal struggle. I guess maybe Horton thought they would be a little too on the nose.

Seriously, that really is my only quibble with the book. That’s how good it is.

Charlotte and Alex were great protagonists who went on intriguing journeys – Charlotte needed to let go more often and Alex needed to trust people more, which they both helped each other learn. Their attraction to each other was very evident and their relationship unfolded in a way that felt very natural to who they were as characters.

The world they inhabit is also very well-built and populated by great characters. Even the supporting characters felt fully formed no matter how small their role ended up being in the book. I also loved the idea that Holton’s pirates flew their houses as airships. And that even though the witches are always denying that witchcraft is real, most people around them seem to accept that things will randomly start flying or happening when they are around and don’t really question it.

I also enjoyed Holton’s writing style and how it helped to create the world while also invoking the style of writing used by Austen. It was very intriguing and I do look forward to reading her first book as well.

Bottom line: A very good read especially if you like fantasy and Jane Austen.

Sex: Yes, with some descriptions

Moonlight Musing

What literary character would you like to get advice from?

(Updated 12/11 with apologies for misspelling the author's last name)