"Bitter Magic" by Nancy Kilgore Published 2021
Genres: Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Paranormal fiction
I found this book on the publisher's website and bought it right off. I regret I took so long to start it for the story of Isobel Gowdie sounded so interesting to me. Despite a slow beginning, once I reached the first chapter in Isobel's POV, I was hooked.
Nancy Kilgore has channeled Isobel wonderfully, showing the reader her innermost thoughts and visions, making it believable. The descriptions of her experiences with the fairies and the devil were detailed and exciting.
I did sometimes wish she had put more effort in the world building of the non-Isobel scenes to help me feel more in the 1665 time period. But I still kept reading anxious to turn the page to see what would happen next.
I've read about the real Isobel Gowdie and some of her actual confession before reading the book. I appreciate Kilgore's keeping with the facts and her ability to create a fully realized world around Isobel's life.
Excellent read. Highly recommend.
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