Witchborne 🧙

By Rachel Grosvenor.

In the medieval town of Locklear, suspicion lingers like smoke in the air, and power belongs to those who shout loudest.

Agnes, a young woman burdened with a secret that could see her branded as a witch, is simply trying to survive. She can touch fire without being burned—a gift, or perhaps a curse, in a world that fears what it cannot control.

Rachel Grosvenor has crafted an evocative and richly detailed story that draws readers into the shadows of history, where women’s voices are silenced and any spark of power is quickly extinguished. Agnes is a beautifully drawn protagonist.

Torn between duty and desperation, she is forced to navigate not only the cruel structures of patriarchy but the dangerous consequences of her own choices. When a well-meant bargain backfires, she finds herself accused of witchcraft, her life hanging in the balance.

What follows is a tense and often heartbreaking journey as Agnes is forced to confront a society that would rather see her dead than powerful. The writing is lyrical and immersive, with a strong sense of time and place. Grosvenor does not shy away from the grim realities of the period, but neither does she deny Agnes the strength to fight back.

Agnes’s story is one of quiet rebellion and fierce determination. The magical realism is handled with subtlety, adding just the right amount of wonder to a story rooted in the harsh truths of history. This is not just a tale of surviving oppression—it is about claiming space in a world that wants to erase you.

Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong feminist undercurrents and a hint of magic. Witchborne is a testament to the enduring strength of women who dare to burn brighter than the world allows.

Thank you to the team at Fly On The Wall Press for sending me an early copy of the book. The book is due to be published on the 1st September 2025 and is available for pre-order now.

Buy the book here.