Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Genre: Gothic Horror
Pages: 357 pages
Synopsis
“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches.”
Nana Alba’s stories haunted Minerva all her life—perhaps why she’s now a graduate student researching Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure writer of macabre tales.
As Minerva uncovers the inspiration behind Tremblay’s most famous novel, she finds a chilling truth: during the Great Depression, Tremblay’s roommate vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind whispers of witchcraft.
Now, in 1990s Massachusetts, Minerva senses that the same shadow that stalked Tremblay—and her own great-grandmother in 1900s Mexico—has returned. What began as academic research may end as a deadly confrontation with a force that refuses to stay buried.
Have you ever been drawn to an author’s work over and over again, only to be disappointed every time? You wonder why you keep trying, but something about their stories always pulls you back.
For me, that author is Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
On paper, she sounds like the perfect author for me. Her books cross multiple genres — all the ones I happen to love — and the descriptions are always so enticing. Moreno-Garcia is never lacking in ideas, and her premises are some of the most creative I’ve seen. But when it comes to the execution — the characters and the “big reveals” — something just doesn’t click for me. I always end up feeling a little let down.
So far, I’ve read three of her books:
- Gods of Jade and Shadow — My biggest disappointment. It was the first book I read by her, and I figured maybe she just needed more time to grow as an author.
- Mexican Gothic — The setting and atmosphere were amazing, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about the characters. And the ending? Just weird.
- Velvet Was the Night — Honestly, I only picked it up because of the cover. Historical noir isn’t usually my thing, but this one surprised me by being the best of the three — still only about 3.5 stars for me, but at least I didn’t feel completely let down.
And now… enter The Bewitching.
Obviously, I went into this one with a lot of hesitation. The cover caught my eye, and once again, the description pulled me in. Then one of my favorite BookTubers raved about it. It honestly sounded exactly like what I was looking for in a spooky, dark academia. So I went ahead and bought it. When I got home, I cracked it open (receipt safely tucked away) — and within a few chapters, I knew this book was different from any of the others I had read from her.
It didn’t just live up to expectations — it exceeded them. I was captivated by the characters, the plot, and the atmosphere. For the first time, I felt like Moreno-Garcia’s writing fully clicked with me.
Strengths
✨ Timelines: The story unfolds across three different timelines, and each one was beautifully crafted. I loved how they wove together — distinct but interconnected — and by the end, the threads tied in such a satisfying way. The multiple layers of mystery kept me hooked, urging me to read “just one more chapter” again and again.
✨ Writing Style: Gothic, immersive, and perfectly paced. The book pulls you into its world and doesn’t let go. I could almost feel the candlelight flickering in shadowed halls as I read.
✨ Characters: This was the biggest surprise for me. In past Moreno-Garcia books, I’ve struggled to connect with the characters. Here, each one felt vivid and fully realized. Minerva, prickly and no-nonsense, quickly became my favorite. She wasn’t the easiest to love, but she felt real — and I admired her sharp edges.
✨ Atmosphere: If you’re craving gothic dark academia with a supernatural twist, this book is exactly what you need. It’s moody, eerie, and brimming with tension. The kind of story that practically begs to be read on a stormy night with a blanket and a mug of tea.
Weaknesses
If I had to nitpick, I’d say that some readers may find the timelines uneven — one thread might feel more compelling than the others at certain points. But for me, the balance worked, and by the end, I appreciated how each piece of the puzzle fit together.
Final Thoughts
The Bewitching felt like the book I’d been waiting for from Silvia Moreno-Garcia — all the atmosphere, mystery, and layered storytelling I’d hoped her writing could deliver. I finished it feeling completely satisfied, and honestly, a little enchanted.
Perfect for fans of: gothic dark academia, layered mysteries, and atmospheric supernatural tales. Best read curled up on a rainy day when you want to be swept into a world of shadows and secrets.
The Book Nook 