SFF

Wildwood Magic

by Willa Reece
Redhook: Orbit. Jul. 2023. 432p. ISBN 9780316591812. pap. $18.99. FANTASY
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In 1960s Virginia, Rachel flees her abusive husband, preacher Ezekial Gray, when she learns she’s pregnant. Drawn to an apple orchard in a small Appalachian town, she finds refuge there in the cottage home of wisewoman Mary May. Hoping to make sure her husband never finds their daughter, Rachel gives her to the local midwife to raise. As Rachel slowly begins to heal and discover her own power, however, she is faced with new challenges when Ezekial comes to town for a religious revival and threatens the place where she has found home. Readers will relish another foray into the magical Wildwood, this time a historical visit, and find some familiar characters from Wildwood Whispers, although this novel also works as a stand-alone.
VERDICT Full of women wielding the magic of the land, often through skills like beekeeping, sewing, or singing, Reece’s latest is an enchanting tale full of magical moments that also confronts the harm that hate and fear can inflict.
Reviewed by Melissa DeWild , Jun 01, 2023
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