Erin's Reviews > Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft

This was one of the best anthologies I have ever read. The editors are to be commended because each story "stood on its own two feet." I just adored that all of our witch characters were diverse women, coming from very different cultures, different periods of time, women who were good friends, daughters, lovers, women exploring their sexuality and or sexual identity. Future readers, prepare yourself for 15 witchy tales. As is my custom, I will be breaking each tale down with their own star rating. Overall, though, it was definitely a strong 4 star representation for me. In addition, I was introduced to 15 new to me authors and enjoyed reading who their favorite witch characters were when growing up.


Starsong by Tehlor Kay Mejia. 4.5 stars
Esperanza Luna is a social media guru, but that's because after a terrible accident, her family is determined to keep her safe. But Luna craves friends and wants nothing more to be able to hold hands and get kissed by someone who loves her. When Luna begins chatting with Mari, she feels confused by the butterflies in her tummy and the skipping of her heartbeat. Maybe not a "witch" tale per say, but it has a good message about being fearless and giving love a chance.

Afterbirth by Andrea Cremer 5 stars

New England, 17th century. During a complicated birth, midwife apprentice, Deliverance Pond, feels helpless when the mother dies. But her pain is ever greater when her midwife instructor, Midwife Ley, is put on trial for being a witch. Cremer does an excellent job of showcasing the mass hysteria in the colonies over supposed witchcraft.

The Heart in Her Hands by Tess Sharpe 5 stars
Bettina Clarke receives her witch mark when she is 16 years old, but soon finds herself irritating her elders when she declares her love for her best friend, Auggie, instead of the male partner the elders declare is her "soul mate." But Bettina knows that it will be work because the love of her life has always been Auggie Both Bettina and Auggie will have to use their strengths to withstand the punishment of the elders and defeat FATE once and for all. I felt that this was such a strong and powerful love story and loved its message.

Death in the Sawtooths by Lindsay Smith 4 stars
Oh yeah, nothing like a good revenge story about dealing with that "mean girl " from school. Mattie, works for Lady Xosia, not everyone 's favorite magical person, but Mattie is content. One day, Mattie receives a visit from an old classmate, Savannah, a Priestess who states that the High Warlock needs help and Mattie is the only one to do it. But it might mean betraying her boss.... Just a great story from beginning to end.

The Truth About Queenie by Brandy Colbert 3 stars
Queenie is dealing with teen angst and coming to terms with the fact that she is actually a witch. Her mother already reminds her that it's hard enough being black, why on earth would Queenie want to make herself stand out more? But when her friend Webb asks for her help, Queenie finds herself more curious about that book of spells. Hey, I loved the characters, but that ending made me desire more!

The Moonapple Menagerie by Shveta Thakar 3.5 stars
Five members of a coven are about to put on their annual play when one of them makes a deal with a demon. Great lesson about asking friends for help.

The Legend of Stone Mary by Robin Talley 3. 5 stars

The Keegan women have been feared by the people of Boyle's Run for generations because of a legend that their ancestress, Mary Keegan placed the town under a curse. Teenager Wendy Keegan is determined to help end the curse and jumps at the chance that new friend Karen gives her to approach Mary's statue. However, Wendy just might not be prepared for her friend Karen's secret.

The One Who Stayed by Nova Ren Suma 5 stars. Narrated by a female collective of known as "we" this was perhaps the most terrifying piece in the collection and that is why I am not going to say more than that. Muhahha....

Divine are the Stars by Zoraida Cordova 3 stars
A family of witches answers their grandmother's call to the ranch where some unexpected events happen. This was maybe the first story, I just couldn't really immerse myself in. However, I felt the reading was beautiful.

Daughters of Baba Yaga by Brenna Yovanoff 2. 5 stars

Two girls unite and there are a lot of antics as they try their powers out on others. I really don't have a lot to say regarding this one.

The Well Witch by Kate Hart 5 stars
Texas, 1875. Oh this was such a good one and terrifying because the character lifters had to fight for her life. Great villians in this one, too! Highly enjoyable!

Beware of Girls with Crooked Mouths by Jessica Spotswood 3.5 stars
Based on a vision of her granddaughters in the future, Jo believes that she can break a family curse and ensure that her sisters and she will survive together. Of course, disaster ensues.

Love Spell by Anne-Marie McLemore4 stars

A young attracts the attention and love of a young altar boy, but can a witch ever be happy in love? Ok, I lied this author isn't new to me! I absolutely adored one of her novels and hated another.

The Gherin Girls by Emery Lord 4 stars

Nova, Rosemary, Willa all take turns narrating this story. When Rosemary finds herself entwined in an awful relationship, it is going to take her sisters courage and life to win her back.

When They Watch Us Burn by Elizabeth May 4 .5 stars
Reading like a manifesto that discusses how women are treated by the patriarchy, we meet several female characters that are being imprisoned. A good story to top of this collection.

So there in a nutshell is a little snippet of what a reader can discover in this collection.

Thanks to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publication Date is August 28th, 2018