Slewfoot by Brom

Slewfoot by Brom

Publication date: September 14, 2021

Slewfoot by Brom is the tragic tale of Abitha a young widow trying to survive in colonial Sutton, Connecticut in 1666. In the opening of the novel Abitha still has her husband, Edward, but not long into the story Edward tragically dies leaving Abitha to try to fend for herself and their farm. 

Abitha comes from a long line of cunning women. Her mother was a cunning woman that showed her the healing properties of herbs and making tinctures and charms. Unfortunately, in colonial Connecticut any type of  "healing arts" was frowned upon and looked at as a form of witchcraft, no matter how much it might have helped the receipitent. Abitha continues to practice her herbal remedies just very secretly and passes them off to young girls as charms. When Abitha tragically loses her husband she must rely heavily on all her cunning to save herself from his brother Wallace trying to take her and Edward's farm. Unbeknownst to Abitha she has had the magic in her blood the whole time she just had to learn to call upon it. 

I greatly enjoyed Slewfoot. The combination of Native American folklore mixed with colonial witch hysteria was a winning combination for a fantastic story line. Stories about witchcraft in colonial America are always heartbreaking and Slewfoot was no exception. The extent that "the righteous" tortured men, women, children and animals was pure evil, there is no other way to describe it. Those times in our early history need to be remembered forever as a lesson to all of us to make sure to examine each situation for ourselves and not jump on the opinions of others, leaders or not, as solid truth. So many individuals lost their lives during our countries early history just because of the hystieria that was whipped up by religious leaders not understanding early herbal remedies/medicine. 

If you enjoy a good folklore story Brom has created a magical tale with Slewfoot!

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for an advanced copy for an honest review.  

For Purchase: Slewfoot