New England magic refers to the unique and distinct magical practices and traditions in the region of New England in the United States. With its rich history and cultural diversity, New England has been a hub for various forms of magic, folklore, and witchcraft. One of the most famous aspects of New England magic is its association with witchcraft. The Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in the late 17th century, are a significant part of American history and have greatly influenced the perception of magic in the region. These trials resulted in the execution of several individuals accused of practicing witchcraft, and their legacy continues to shape the practice of magic in New England. New England magic often draws inspiration from the natural surroundings of the region.
NOTE: It’s also worth noting that I happened to get this book from the library when Chupeco opened up about how they received hate and xenophobia when this book was first published. It sucks when authors and books receive hate for dumb reasons and things out of their control. I will always be honest in my reviews, but I don’t tolerate hate and bad ratings for books and authors purely because some people don’t like where the author is from??
I will always be honest in my reviews, but I don t tolerate hate and bad ratings for books and authors purely because some people don t like where the author is from. That being said, I think if you love slower-paced, coming-of-age stories that are heavy on the detail and lyrical images but with minimal plot, then I definitely think this is the story for you.
New England magic often draws inspiration from the natural surroundings of the region. The dense forests, rocky coastlines, and changing seasons provide the perfect backdrop for magical rituals and beliefs. Many practitioners of New England magic incorporate elements of nature, such as herbs, plants, and stones, into their spellwork and ceremonies.
The Bone Witch
Tea can raise the dead, but resurrection comes at a price.
When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother, Fox, from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she's a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.
In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha—one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.
Riveting and atmospheric, The Bone Witch is perfect for readers looking for
- witch novels for adults and teens
- stories with diverse representation and multicultural influences
- dark fantasy YA books and series
- original worldbuilding and captivating writing
Praise for The Bone Witch:
"A fantasy lover's fantasy" —Foreword Reviews
"Mesmerizing. Chupeco (The Suffering) does a magnificent job of balancing an intimate narrative perspective with sweeping worldbuilding, crafting her tale within a multicultural melting pot of influences as she presses toward a powerful cliffhanger."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review
"Chupeco delights us with a fascinating world and a rich atmosphere for a story that is exceptionally written from beginning to end."—Buzzfeed
"Readers who enjoy immersing themselves in detail will revel in Chupeco's finely wrought tale. Game of Thrones fans may see shades of Daenerys Targaryen in Tea, as she gathers a daeva army to unleash upon the world. Whether she is in the right remains a question unanswered, but the ending makes it clear her story is only beginning." —Booklist
The Bone Witch Trilogy:
The Bone Witch (Book 1)
The Heart Forger (Book 2)
The Shadowglass (Book 3)
Despite hanging on to the last bits of Halloween for way longer than I probably should, I do not have a horror novel for you this week. Instead, I bring you some high fantasy. Please welcome to the stage The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco!
Historically, cunning folk and wise women played a vital role in New England magic. These individuals, often known as healers, witches, or conjurers, possessed knowledge of herbs, charms, and rituals to help their communities. Their practices included spellcasting, divination, and healing, and they were often sought out for their magical expertise. Today, there is a revival of interest in these traditional magical practices, with individuals embracing the wisdom of the past and incorporating it into modern-day witchcraft and spiritual practices. New England magic is not solely focused on witchcraft. It encompasses a wide range of magical traditions, including folk magic, Hoodoo, and Native American spirituality. Each of these traditions adds a unique flavor to the broader tapestry of New England magic, creating a diverse and inclusive magical landscape. Modern practitioners of New England magic can often be found participating in gatherings, workshops, and events that celebrate and explore the rich history and practice of magic in the region. These events provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with like-minded people, learn new magical techniques, and honor the heritage of New England magic. In conclusion, New England magic is a fascinating and complex system of beliefs, practices, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. From its association with witchcraft to its deep connection with nature, New England has a vibrant magical history that continues to thrive and evolve in the modern world..
Reviews for "Exploring the Enchanted Forests of New England"
1. Jane - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'New England Magic'. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt one-dimensional and unrelatable. The writing style was also quite dull and lacked the magical atmosphere that I was expecting. Overall, I found it difficult to stay engaged with the story and ended up feeling let down by the end."
2. Mark - 1 star - "I couldn't finish 'New England Magic'. The pacing was incredibly slow, and nothing seemed to be happening in the plot. The descriptions were overly detailed and added little to the story. The dialogue was flat and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with the characters. I found myself getting bored and frustrated, and decided to give up on the book altogether."
3. Samantha - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for 'New England Magic', but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The world-building was lacking, and I had a hard time visualizing the setting and understanding the magical system. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by brief moments of action. The romance subplot felt forced and didn't add much to the overall story. I found it difficult to connect with the main character and ended up feeling indifferent towards her journey."