The Once and Future Witches

 The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, 525 pages.

In alternate history 1893 there are no witches, just women who work a little minor magic. The powerful witches all burned centuries ago. But when an odd occurrence gives them hope that it may be powerful to bring witching back into the world the Eastwood sisters, long estranged and newly reunited in New Salem, decide to dedicate themselves to helping it come back. But the more magic they work the more obvious it becomes that much darker things are at work in New Salem.

I think that the most interesting part about this book, by far, is the setting. Which isn't to say anything against the plot or the characters (which are all very good), but rather high praise of how rich this alternate history is. In the world of The Once and Future Witches witches have always existed, generally openly, and this has shaped history in a number of minor and major ways (my favorite might be all of the historical and literary figures that are casually women, such as Alexandra Pope). At the same time it is in many ways just like our own world in 1893, complete with Suffragettes (who are sometimes racist), female investigative journalists, and a disaster clearly referencing the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. The world is rich and interesting, and if the plot is predictable at times it's fresh and surprising at others. Overall this is a really interesting book, and it's further cementing that I'll read and enjoy anything by Alix E. Harrow.