Not at all what I was expecting, but so so good. It follows Abitha, a woman living in a Puritan village, who has to deal with the judgmental town and greedy brother-in-law who is trying to cheat her after her husband dies. 

I thought this would be a slow-burn scary story, with the horror slowly creeping up on you, and the atmosphere getting more and more claustrophobic—that was not this book! And I am so glad it was what it was, instead of what I thought it would be!

This is less “omg scary witches and selling your soul to the devil” and more “what women had (/have) to go through in the name of ‘religion’ or ‘staying in their place’ is totally horrific and any crimes they commit in response to their oppression is justified, including making deals with the devil”. I support women standing up for themselves, and fuck everyone that stands in the way of what is right!! 

I loved the little woodland creatures, the exploration of identify and how “people” can change from what they’re meant to be, and the uber-religious setting. All of it was very well done and very entertaining. I love Brom and I want more books like Slewfoot!