Thank you to Viking for sending a copy of A Resistance of Witches in exchange for an honest review.
A Resistance of Witches: Witches Unite Against the Nazis
In A Resistance of Witches, author Morgan Ryan weaves a tale of courage and resistance centered around Lydia Polk, the daughter of a hedge witch. Lydia’s journey to the Royal Academy of Witches marks her departure from her family’s tradition, where she trains under the mentorship of Grand Mistress Isadora Goode. Isadora Goode, a fierce advocate, uses the Academy’s magic to aid Winston Churchill’s fight against the Nazis.
Lydia’s path is fraught with danger as a malevolent grimoire, the Grimorium Bellum, becomes a target for Hitler and his cronies. Wanting to harness the grimoire’s power, Hitler assembles his own coven. Alongside tragedy at the Academy, Lydia travels to Vichy, France, to locate the grimoire, securing a powerful ally in Rebecca Grange, a French resistance fighter. Henry Boudreaux, a Black American art historian, also joins the fight, bringing his unique abilities.
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Historical Fantasy with a Focus on Individual Journeys
Ryan crafts A Resistance of Witches with an intriguing blend of history and fantasy, but the narrative remains tightly focused on Lydia and her companions, rather than the broader war. This approach evokes the spirit of films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where villains like Nazis play a central role but the larger historical backdrop remains largely unseen.
Scaling back the historical details allows the author to maintain a fast-paced narrative. A mix of faceless enemies and multifaceted antagonists, including Nazi agents and collaborating witches, keep the plot engaging. However, the full scope of the Nazi regime is more alluded to than thoroughly examined, making the story less dense but no less impactful.
Compared to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, with its extensive footnotes on the magical history of its world, A Resistance of Witches provides just enough context to propels its story forward. This concise approach ensures the reader remains engaged without getting lost in complex details.
Fighting Nazism with Magic
Despite the lack of historical depth, A Resistance of Witches succeeds in engrossing readers with its compelling characters and fierce opposition to Nazi forces. The novel’s urgency and the moral clarity of the fight against fascism make for an emotionally satisfying read.
The story’s reliance on Tarot card headings for sections adds a mystical layer to the narrative, further immersing the reader in the magical world. This touch, combined with the focus on key characters, results in a story that feels contained and complete. Unlike many fantasy series that prioritize sequels, A Resistance of Witches stands on its own, offering a satisfying conclusion without leaving readers hanging.
Additionally, the presence of numerous strong female characters enhances the narrative. Whether they’re leading forces or alongside male counterparts, women take center stage, offering a diverse and inspiring cast.
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Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
A Resistance of Witches offers a fresh take on World War II historical fiction with its magical twist. The story’s focus on individual stories and the moral clarity of the fight against fascism make it a standout read. Its upcoming release in July 2025 should excite fans of historical fantasy and those seeking an engaging, heroine-led adventure.
A Resistance of Witches is available on July 15, 2025, and promises to be a thrilling read, especially for those interested in witches or historical fantasy genres. Fans of heroines leading the fight against oppression and the use of supernatural abilities in historical settings won’t be disappointed.
A Resistance of Witches will be available at your local bookstore and/or public library beginning July 15, 2025.
Avery Kaplan is an accomplished author and Features Editor at Comics Beat. With experience serving as a judge for several prestigious awards, she shares her expertise across multiple platforms. Based in Southern California, Avery enjoys exploring the cemetery in her free time and pens articles for various publications, combining her love for both writing and pop culture.
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