Rewitched with its rich characters, enchanting setting, and subtle yet effective handling of themes, promises an immersive reading experience
| Title | Rewitched |
| Writer | Lucy Jane Wood |
| Publisher | Ace |
| Publication date | 19th September 2024 |
| MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genre | Cozy Fantasy General Fiction (Adult) |
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Synopsis: Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Belladonna Blackthorn, or Belle to her friends, may still possess her magical spark, but she’s struggling to feel it these days. Life as a modern witch isn’t quite as glamorous as one might imagine, especially when it’s overshadowed by the demands of her mundane existence. Working at her beloved indie bookstore, Lunar Books, has always been a dream for Belle. However, her dream is rapidly turning into a nightmare as she battles her toxic boss, who seems determined to run the store into the ground. Add to that the pressure of hiding her witchcraft from the non-magical people around her, and it’s no wonder Belle feels completely burnt out.
As her 30th birthday looms on the horizon, Belle is far more concerned with work drama than perfecting her magical abilities. Yet, everything changes when her milestone birthday brings an unexpected summons from her coven. She’s informed that she must now face a witch’s trial—a test to prove her worthiness and ability to continue practicing magic. If she fails, she risks losing her powers forever.
What should be an exciting opportunity becomes a ticking time bomb, as Belle realizes she has only the month of October to set things right. With the clock ticking down and her magical future hanging in the balance, Belle’s stress levels rise even further when she starts to suspect that dark forces might be conspiring against her success.
In this magical coming-of-age story, Belle embarks on a journey of self-rediscovery, reconnecting with her magic, her identity, and the powerful bonds between women. Along the way, she receives unexpected help from the women in her life who remind her of the strength of sisterhood, an unlikely mentor who sees the potential she’s been ignoring, and a frustratingly handsome watchman tasked with protecting her. Their growing relationship complicates things further as Belle grapples with feelings that go far beyond their professional partnership.
Rewitched is a spellbinding tale that blends modern witchcraft with relatable struggles—burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure of balancing your passions with the demands of everyday life. Lucy Jane Wood weaves a heart-warming narrative of magic, friendship, and personal growth, reminding us all that sometimes the greatest magic comes from believing in yourself.
Review of “Rewitched” by Lucy Jane Wood
A Cozy Blend of Fantasy, Mystery, and Self-Discovery
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a delightful low fantasy novel that centers on Belladonna Blackthorn, a soon-to-be 30-year-old witch grappling with insecurity and uncertainty about her future. Living a seemingly content life working at Lunar Books, a beloved independent bookstore, Belle is at a crossroads. On the surface, she enjoys her routine, but her life is far from simple. Her two main problems: a controlling and toxic accountant nephew running the store into the ground, and the looming threat of losing her magic powers forever.
Set against the backdrop of a quaint bookstore and infused with magical realism, Rewitched is perfect for those chilly days when all you want to do is cozy up under a blanket with a heartwarming read. But beyond its cozy charm, the novel explores deeper themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and finding one’s path in life—topics that resonate with readers who’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of their place in the world.
A Protagonist to Root For
At the heart of Rewitched is Belladonna, a 29-year-old who, despite having magical abilities, has settled into a life that seems comfortable but doesn’t truly challenge her potential. She’s a relatable character—caught between her love for the bookstore and her reluctance to take on bigger responsibilities, like owning it. Belle’s lack of confidence mirrors her magical struggles, and as she faces the possibility of losing her powers, it becomes a powerful metaphor for her journey of self-empowerment.
This journey is kickstarted when Belle fails the test to retain her magic, setting her on a collision course with Rune, a watchman tasked with protecting her. Rune’s arrival adds layers of intrigue and tension to the story, especially as his motives seem to go beyond mere protection. Their relationship simmers with potential romance, but Wood masterfully resists letting it dominate the narrative. Instead, it serves as a subtle undercurrent to Belle’s greater quest for self-discovery.
Supporting Characters with Hidden Depths
Belle is not alone in her journey. Alongside her is a mysterious witch who has been outcast from the magical community for years, helping Belle navigate the challenges of regaining her powers. This mentor-like figure adds an element of mystery to the story, hinting at deeper secrets and untold histories. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s more to Belle’s family—and her mentor—than meets the eye, deepening the mystery surrounding her magical heritage.
A Unique Blend of Genres
One of the most captivating aspects of Rewitched is how it fluidly blends multiple genres. It’s a low fantasy novel, where magic is woven into everyday life rather than being at the forefront. Witchcraft is essential to the plot, yet it never overwhelms the story—it serves more as a setting than the driving force. This allows Rewitched to stand out from more traditional fantasy novels, creating a world that feels magical but grounded in the relatable struggles of everyday life.
The romance in the novel is understated yet effective. It’s there in the tension between Belle and Rune, but it never overtakes the narrative. In fact, readers looking for an all-out romance might find this aspect of the novel somewhat subdued. However, this balance works to the story’s advantage, as the novel remains focused on Belle’s journey of growth and rediscovery rather than a romantic subplot.
Rewitched also explores themes of personal growth, making it a coming-of-age story in its own right. Belle’s struggle to find her true capabilities and come to terms with what she really wants out of life resonates throughout the novel. Her journey is one of self-empowerment, as she learns to take control of her own destiny, both in her magical life and in the mundane world.
A Cozy Mystery Element
In addition to being a low fantasy and a coming-of-age story, Rewitched also carries a thread of mystery. As Belle uncovers more about her family’s history and her own magical lineage, readers are pulled into a deeper narrative about secrets, betrayals, and dark forces that might be working against her. This mystery adds another layer of intrigue to the novel, making it more than just a whimsical magical tale—it’s a story with stakes that keep readers hooked until the very end.
Conclusion A Perfectly Cozy Read
Rewitched is an enchanting novel that doesn’t try to fit neatly into one genre. It’s a cozy, low fantasy that’s just as much about personal growth and family mysteries as it is about magic. While some readers may wish for more intense romantic development or a more pronounced fantasy setting, Wood has crafted a story that’s perfect for those who enjoy a gentle blend of multiple genres.
Lucy Jane Wood’s debut novel, with its rich characters, enchanting setting, and subtle yet effective handling of themes, promises an immersive reading experience that will leave you feeling both comforted and inspired. It’s a novel that invites readers to escape from the hustle of real life, stepping into a world where magic is real, but so are the struggles of everyday life. Fans of cozy fantasy, light romance, and coming-of-age tales will find themselves charmed by Rewitched, eager to see what magic Lucy Jane Wood weaves next.
Meet :Lucy Jane Wood
I found herself falling into the world of writing almost by accident. Blogging friends at university were applying for swanky magazine internships, deciding that she should probably do something useful like that for myself. It was an obvious decision, because writing is just who she is, and reading has always there.
Since happily stumbling into the first paid writing position for teen website Sugarscape back in 2013, Lucy Jane Wood has been working freelance for giant titles like Marie Claire US, Cosmopolitan UK, MTV and Metro amongst others.
Rewitched is the debut novel
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