The stakes of this book felt much lower than the title would have you believe… but it was still a deeply evocative book. I love a story that focuses on family bonds so this was amazing

Loved this read!

"Does strength always have to be ruthless?"

The Witches at the End of the World is a lovely story about two sisters who are witches and who only had each other and their grandmother growing up. Minna and Kaija are a couple of years apart and that makes all the difference in their upbringing, their mentality, their goals... it truly shapes their lives so differently that it reminded me of how much siblings can grow up to be very different people, despite a similar upbringing.

"My sister is flowers and herbs. I'm fire and blood."

This book reminded me so much of another book called "The Witch and the Tsar" in the way it was written, the narration, the folklore & the lessons behind it. In this debut book, Iversen delves into the lives of Minna and Kaija and it is a dual POV so you get to see how different they are, what magic means to each of them and the prices they are willing to pay to achieve their own needs.

To me, it was such a lovely journey, to see the sisterhood build up between Minna and Kaija, through pain and life experiences. It reminded me of the fact that relationships and unconditional love always comes at a price and it is truly unconditional once you learn to forgive the person for breaking your heart.

This was a 4 star read for me and I'd recommend it to people who like fiction stories with a lesson & morality standing in it. I truly loved this book and read it quickly, always wanting to know where the journey would take us with the two sisters, the villages and their love for each other.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Minna and Kaijia are sisters, raised in a magical, secluded birch wood in northern Norway, by their grandmother, after their mother is burned at the stake. Their grandmother nurtures and grooms the witches that resides within each girl. Kaijia is older, and gentle and she and her inner witch learn the magic of healing and protection. Minna has a fiery and powerful inner witch, and she is full of anger learns the magic of power and chaos.

After their grandmother passes, Kaijia leaves the wood and tries to begin a new life in the village of her youth. Minna stays alone and rages at Kaijia and the village church and the villagers who murdered their mother.

Minna’s rage sets off events and catastrophes that can end more than either sister could have imagined and the worlds they have created.

This lovely tale has the feel of a fairy tale retelling. I love the idea that their magic is a separate personality, with needs and demands and wants and desires. I love the sisterly love and forgiveness, but also grudges and jealousies.

Iverson builds a clear time and place, with all the perils of a dark Norwegian winter.

Well-written and well-narrated, I thoroughly enjoyed my time listening to this audiobook.

Thank you @NetGalley and RB Media @recordedbooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.