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We Call Them Witches
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Most people have been devoured by the eldritch creatures, but Sara and her family have been fighting for survival, armed with their knowledge of folklore and pagan rituals - the only weapon that seems to work against these monsters.
And then a young woman, Parsley, comes out of nowhere into Sara's life. Found in their garden, they have no idea where she is from.
Sara and Parsley begin to fall in love, but disaster strikes when Sara’s brother Noah is taken by the creatures.
They set out to find him, across a landscape of merciless terror, haunted by death.
But can Parsley truly be trusted in a world where humanity is as scarse as humans themselves?
And then a young woman, Parsley, comes out of nowhere into Sara's life. Found in their garden, they have no idea where she is from.
Sara and Parsley begin to fall in love, but disaster strikes when Sara’s brother Noah is taken by the creatures.
They set out to find him, across a landscape of merciless terror, haunted by death.
But can Parsley truly be trusted in a world where humanity is as scarse as humans themselves?
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 22, 2026
9990 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
did-not-finish
January 5, 2026DNF @ 31%
I'm a HUGE fan of post-apocalyptic stories and this read like every other post-apocalyptic story out there. Nothing stood out to me. The FMC and her family were very bland. The witches were like every faceless entity from every post-apocalyptic horror that's been written before. It also read a lot more YA than adult.
And it's totally unfortunate that I was currently reading this book with Parable of the Sower, which is one of the defining books of the post-apocalyptic genre and which I'm enjoying a lot more.
I think the audience for this novel might be folks who like The End We Start From or How I Live Now. Heavy on the vibes, less on the actual plot.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this arc.
I'm a HUGE fan of post-apocalyptic stories and this read like every other post-apocalyptic story out there. Nothing stood out to me. The FMC and her family were very bland. The witches were like every faceless entity from every post-apocalyptic horror that's been written before. It also read a lot more YA than adult.
And it's totally unfortunate that I was currently reading this book with Parable of the Sower, which is one of the defining books of the post-apocalyptic genre and which I'm enjoying a lot more.
I think the audience for this novel might be folks who like The End We Start From or How I Live Now. Heavy on the vibes, less on the actual plot.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this arc.
September 9, 2025
Dark, eerie, occult, and sapphic? Im listening.
I love the vibes. Let me repeat- I LOVE the vibes.
This really gave me the feeling of both classic and modern takes on horror.
If you were to combine “The Blair Witch Project” with “A Quiet Place”, I think you would end up with something like this book.
The “witches” in this story were so interesting.
They are very different from what you would typically imagine when you think of a witch.
They are more like monsters or animals- and do not share human characteristics.
I really wish that we got a little bit more description on them! As it seems each one is very different.
We do still get some typical witchy elements in this.
Particularly in the use of wards, like stones and herbs that the humans use to protect themselves.
I am so glad the author did things this way, because it really added so much excitement for me.
I just love classic dark magic themes.
I think the only thing missing here is a backstory.
It would have been great to hear about life when the witches first appeared, and how the humans learned to ward them off.
Huge oppournity for a prequel here! I would rush to read it.
There is also a sapphic side-romance going on, between the main characters Sara and Parsley.
I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but this was big. And emotional.
This book pulled me right out of a reading slump. I would absolutely recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author India-Rose Bower for providing me with the eARC of “We Call Them Witches”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
I love the vibes. Let me repeat- I LOVE the vibes.
This really gave me the feeling of both classic and modern takes on horror.
If you were to combine “The Blair Witch Project” with “A Quiet Place”, I think you would end up with something like this book.
The “witches” in this story were so interesting.
They are very different from what you would typically imagine when you think of a witch.
They are more like monsters or animals- and do not share human characteristics.
I really wish that we got a little bit more description on them! As it seems each one is very different.
We do still get some typical witchy elements in this.
Particularly in the use of wards, like stones and herbs that the humans use to protect themselves.
I am so glad the author did things this way, because it really added so much excitement for me.
I just love classic dark magic themes.
I think the only thing missing here is a backstory.
It would have been great to hear about life when the witches first appeared, and how the humans learned to ward them off.
Huge oppournity for a prequel here! I would rush to read it.
There is also a sapphic side-romance going on, between the main characters Sara and Parsley.
I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but this was big. And emotional.
This book pulled me right out of a reading slump. I would absolutely recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author India-Rose Bower for providing me with the eARC of “We Call Them Witches”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 07, 2026
August 24, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & Michael Joseph Penguin Random House
Okay, so We Are Witches was a ride. I loved the whole concept—post-apocalyptic Britain mixed with folklore? Yes please. The atmosphere was eerie and vivid, and I actually felt like the moors and forests were alive. The family dynamics were also really well done; they bicker and clash like a real family, which made them feel believable. And I’ll give it this: the mystery kept me hooked. I was constantly wondering what the witches really were, what happened to the world, and where it was all going. The twist at the end definitely surprised me.
But… the execution didn’t always hit. The beginning dragged a little, and then the ending felt kind of rushed. There are a lot of time jumps between past and present, which sometimes left me confused, and I wanted more clarity about the witches themselves, they were interesting but stayed a bit too vague. I also struggled with Sara’s choices at times; her obsession with Parsley didn’t always feel realistic compared to, y’know, saving her brother.
Overall: a really cool idea, great atmosphere, and some creepy, gruesome details—but uneven pacing and a rushed finale held it back for me.
Okay, so We Are Witches was a ride. I loved the whole concept—post-apocalyptic Britain mixed with folklore? Yes please. The atmosphere was eerie and vivid, and I actually felt like the moors and forests were alive. The family dynamics were also really well done; they bicker and clash like a real family, which made them feel believable. And I’ll give it this: the mystery kept me hooked. I was constantly wondering what the witches really were, what happened to the world, and where it was all going. The twist at the end definitely surprised me.
But… the execution didn’t always hit. The beginning dragged a little, and then the ending felt kind of rushed. There are a lot of time jumps between past and present, which sometimes left me confused, and I wanted more clarity about the witches themselves, they were interesting but stayed a bit too vague. I also struggled with Sara’s choices at times; her obsession with Parsley didn’t always feel realistic compared to, y’know, saving her brother.
Overall: a really cool idea, great atmosphere, and some creepy, gruesome details—but uneven pacing and a rushed finale held it back for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
my review will be in Scream magazine
I LOVED this!
I LOVED this!
September 26, 2025
I've not read an apocalyptic work and this was different from what I expected.
The first half of the story focussed on the life led by Sara, surrounded by her family, who protected them through wards from the witches. The witches in the story aren't really witches, but something more evil and difficult to be controlled. Sara and her family was living comfortably (as far as a post apocalyptic world can be), when a girl arrives - Parsley.
Parsley's arrival led to discomfort among the house members and they believe she is one of the witches. But she wasn't and before anyone could predict it, Sara and Parsley forms a bond that made their life bearable amidst the circumstances. It was until Sara's younger brother is taken by a witch and the family goes in search of him.
Truth be told, I enjoyed reading on Sara's life. Her family even with all their issues, loved each other deeply. Sibling bond was also shown beautifully where Sara's interactions with her younger siblings was filled with love and quarrels.
I was able to see the story through Sara's eyes. The way she comforts Parsley even when her family distrusts her. The love they shared through stolen glances was interesting to read.
I also liked the thrill that came when the characters leave the safety of their house to search for her brother. Close encounters with the witches and near death experience made this story thrilling.
The last twist and an emotional ending made me really feel sentimental. But in reality, I wished to know more about the witches and have something more to this story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
The first half of the story focussed on the life led by Sara, surrounded by her family, who protected them through wards from the witches. The witches in the story aren't really witches, but something more evil and difficult to be controlled. Sara and her family was living comfortably (as far as a post apocalyptic world can be), when a girl arrives - Parsley.
Parsley's arrival led to discomfort among the house members and they believe she is one of the witches. But she wasn't and before anyone could predict it, Sara and Parsley forms a bond that made their life bearable amidst the circumstances. It was until Sara's younger brother is taken by a witch and the family goes in search of him.
Truth be told, I enjoyed reading on Sara's life. Her family even with all their issues, loved each other deeply. Sibling bond was also shown beautifully where Sara's interactions with her younger siblings was filled with love and quarrels.
I was able to see the story through Sara's eyes. The way she comforts Parsley even when her family distrusts her. The love they shared through stolen glances was interesting to read.
I also liked the thrill that came when the characters leave the safety of their house to search for her brother. Close encounters with the witches and near death experience made this story thrilling.
The last twist and an emotional ending made me really feel sentimental. But in reality, I wished to know more about the witches and have something more to this story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
December 9, 2025
➳ four stars
in a post-apocalyptic world full of nightmares, the people are hunted by obscure forces. sara and her family start calling them witches. as humans, we feel the need to categorize everything we experience with our senses, that’s why naming things is so important to us. giving a name to something helps us understand the world around us.
one day when a new girl shows up, her family’s routine gets disrupted. who is she? and what does she want from them? tensions arise, inside and outside the house. sara is deeply interested in this new girl and they soon become close. i loved the dynamic between sara and parsley, their interactions were sweet. sometimes they did dumb things but i was captivated by their dynamic until the very end.
the horror element was well-written, i couldn’t put the book down. i felt the witches gaze following the characters, it was eerie and spooky. the mystery was engaging, but after that build-up i expected a more impactful reveal. a lot of questions are left unanswered which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. i enjoyed creating my own theories and trying to understand what was happening alongside the characters, who were also completely unaware of everything.
i went into this blindly and i recommend you do too. checking the synopsis now, i feel like it gives one major plot-twist away (which happens halfway through the book!). the focus of the story in the first half is the world-building. it is slower paced but it is necessary to understand the world sara lives in. beware of that if you want to pick this up.
arc kindly given by the publisher. all opinions are my own.
———
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s 'not april yet' but i’m simply too seated.
in a post-apocalyptic world full of nightmares, the people are hunted by obscure forces. sara and her family start calling them witches. as humans, we feel the need to categorize everything we experience with our senses, that’s why naming things is so important to us. giving a name to something helps us understand the world around us.
one day when a new girl shows up, her family’s routine gets disrupted. who is she? and what does she want from them? tensions arise, inside and outside the house. sara is deeply interested in this new girl and they soon become close. i loved the dynamic between sara and parsley, their interactions were sweet. sometimes they did dumb things but i was captivated by their dynamic until the very end.
the horror element was well-written, i couldn’t put the book down. i felt the witches gaze following the characters, it was eerie and spooky. the mystery was engaging, but after that build-up i expected a more impactful reveal. a lot of questions are left unanswered which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. i enjoyed creating my own theories and trying to understand what was happening alongside the characters, who were also completely unaware of everything.
i went into this blindly and i recommend you do too. checking the synopsis now, i feel like it gives one major plot-twist away (which happens halfway through the book!). the focus of the story in the first half is the world-building. it is slower paced but it is necessary to understand the world sara lives in. beware of that if you want to pick this up.
arc kindly given by the publisher. all opinions are my own.
———
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s 'not april yet' but i’m simply too seated.
September 2, 2025
We Call Them Witches is a perfect Eldritch horror read set in present day. It follows Sara who, after the world is set upon by creatures, survives with her family with the use of wards. With the unexpected arrival of Parsley that survival is tested when the witches steal away one of Sara's siblings, prompting a journey across the county to bring him back.
This was a brilliant read, and quite gruesome in parts so if you're not a fan of body horror I'd give this a miss. TW warnings include death and body horror. I'll definitely be reading more books by India if they're anything like this.
This was a brilliant read, and quite gruesome in parts so if you're not a fan of body horror I'd give this a miss. TW warnings include death and body horror. I'll definitely be reading more books by India if they're anything like this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was going to rate this three stars but the ending did it for me. I loved this. I was so stressed out during some parts, the creatures they call 'witches' are described in such a way sometimes, you can feel them breathing next to you. This is definitely a sign for me to start reading more horror as I'm not really familiar with the genre. I liked the eerie and spooky vibe, and the writing most of the time. It had a pretty slow start and the second half was definitely more enjoyable for me, but all in all i'm glad I've read this ! Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
July 15, 2025
🌑 ARC Review – We Call Them Witches by India-Rose Bower
📅 Release date: 22 Jan 2026
⭐️ 1/5 stars
#WeCallThemWitches #NetGalley
This was my first NetGalley ARC and I was excited: queer horror, folklore, post-apocalyptic Britain. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The writing felt overly stylised, packed with clashing metaphors and odd analogies that made it hard to follow. The plot meandered with random, often confusing moments (including one bizarre line about a vibrator that’s never mentioned again).
Character building was another struggle. I never truly got to know Sara, and the world building was bogged down by so much fluff that both plot and character fell flat. At times, I felt like Bastian in The Never Ending Story, shouting at the book to give me more.
The handling of pronouns and language also muddled things. Instead of enhancing dynamics, it often made sentences clunky and unclear. It felt like the book was trying so hard to be different, it forgot to be readable.
Overall, reading this felt like walking through a crowd of people waiting for a train, when all I wanted was to catch the bus. To quote the book itself, it was full of “ranting tangents that lose track of themselves halfway through.” That line sums it up perfectly.
Offbeat, meandering, and sadly just not for me.
📅 Release date: 22 Jan 2026
⭐️ 1/5 stars
#WeCallThemWitches #NetGalley
This was my first NetGalley ARC and I was excited: queer horror, folklore, post-apocalyptic Britain. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The writing felt overly stylised, packed with clashing metaphors and odd analogies that made it hard to follow. The plot meandered with random, often confusing moments (including one bizarre line about a vibrator that’s never mentioned again).
Character building was another struggle. I never truly got to know Sara, and the world building was bogged down by so much fluff that both plot and character fell flat. At times, I felt like Bastian in The Never Ending Story, shouting at the book to give me more.
The handling of pronouns and language also muddled things. Instead of enhancing dynamics, it often made sentences clunky and unclear. It felt like the book was trying so hard to be different, it forgot to be readable.
Overall, reading this felt like walking through a crowd of people waiting for a train, when all I wanted was to catch the bus. To quote the book itself, it was full of “ranting tangents that lose track of themselves halfway through.” That line sums it up perfectly.
Offbeat, meandering, and sadly just not for me.
September 25, 2025
Unfortunately I DNF'd at 46%
When I read the description I thought this was the book for me, horror, sapphic, apocalypse - What’s not to love? But I soon found out in the first few chapters there was a lot I didn't gel with.
This book follows Sara and her family in a post-apocalyptic world trying to survive the ‘Witches’ that keep narrowing them in. I found it hard to keep up with the story, and at times was completely lost on what was happening in the scenes. Some aspects in scenes didn’t feel thorough and it became a little flat in acknowledging secondary characters.
I wanted to push through to see how it would end but the progression felt slow with no reward and nothing seemed clear at any time for me. I love foreboding and hiding parts of a story away for a more dramatic reveal at the end but sadly it didn’t grip me enough to hold out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the description I thought this was the book for me, horror, sapphic, apocalypse - What’s not to love? But I soon found out in the first few chapters there was a lot I didn't gel with.
This book follows Sara and her family in a post-apocalyptic world trying to survive the ‘Witches’ that keep narrowing them in. I found it hard to keep up with the story, and at times was completely lost on what was happening in the scenes. Some aspects in scenes didn’t feel thorough and it became a little flat in acknowledging secondary characters.
I wanted to push through to see how it would end but the progression felt slow with no reward and nothing seemed clear at any time for me. I love foreboding and hiding parts of a story away for a more dramatic reveal at the end but sadly it didn’t grip me enough to hold out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
We Call Them Witches took me by surprise. Initially I found it a slow paced story centering on a family dynamic amidst a post apocalyptic eco horror event. I was intrigued to keep reading, to find the sapphic element of the story but soon was gripped by this exact family dynamic when the pace picks up around the halfway point. Suddenly, I couldn't put the book down and read on, devouring the end half of the book in one sleepless night.
A realisation of character, post apocalyptic eco-horror (now called cli-fi fiction/horror) with gory disturbing scenes that sometimes border on a mix between body horror and occult horror. If you're a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate the settings and visuals much as I did as it keeps the suspense of the book. With a bleak outlook, this book ends on such a note after a plot twist you can see coming but hope not to the entire time because you at least want happiness for Sara.
India-Rose Bower crafted such a tale that stuck with me, I ended up dreaming I was in this world she crafted and have been thinking about after finishing the book.
We Call Them Witches comes out April 7th 2026.
We Call Them Witches took me by surprise. Initially I found it a slow paced story centering on a family dynamic amidst a post apocalyptic eco horror event. I was intrigued to keep reading, to find the sapphic element of the story but soon was gripped by this exact family dynamic when the pace picks up around the halfway point. Suddenly, I couldn't put the book down and read on, devouring the end half of the book in one sleepless night.
A realisation of character, post apocalyptic eco-horror (now called cli-fi fiction/horror) with gory disturbing scenes that sometimes border on a mix between body horror and occult horror. If you're a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate the settings and visuals much as I did as it keeps the suspense of the book. With a bleak outlook, this book ends on such a note after a plot twist you can see coming but hope not to the entire time because you at least want happiness for Sara.
India-Rose Bower crafted such a tale that stuck with me, I ended up dreaming I was in this world she crafted and have been thinking about after finishing the book.
We Call Them Witches comes out April 7th 2026.
December 6, 2025
We Called Them Witches is a striking spin on the post-apocalyptic novel. Think Bird Box. Think A Quiet Place. Think any horror story where terror arrives out of nowhere and annihilates humanity in grotesque, unstoppable ways.
But here, the menace is stranger. These are eldritch monsters that morph into a mixture of whatever they’ve consumed and whatever is in their environment. Imagine a silently shifting mass of twigs, insect legs, moss, human parts, fox skulls, dirt—an ever-changing nightmare that refuses to give up its search for prey.
We follow Sara and her family as they endure this new world by turning to old pagan practices: wards, adder stones, protective circles that hold these creatures at bay. But their fragile safety shatters when they discover an unconscious girl lying just beyond their defenses.
Parsley can't remember how she escaped the "witches" and Sara is simply mesmirized by her. As their friendship blossoms, a horror hits home - the creatures capture her brother Noah and everyone is relying on Parsley's knowledge of the beasts in order to rescue him from their otherworldy clutches.
What unfolds is a frustratingly devious exploration of just how far we're willing to go to save our family. And what we learn is that, in the end, survival isn’t just about keeping the monsters out—it’s about facing the ones we’ve already let in.
I really liked it but I also hated how much it toyed with me lol.
But here, the menace is stranger. These are eldritch monsters that morph into a mixture of whatever they’ve consumed and whatever is in their environment. Imagine a silently shifting mass of twigs, insect legs, moss, human parts, fox skulls, dirt—an ever-changing nightmare that refuses to give up its search for prey.
We follow Sara and her family as they endure this new world by turning to old pagan practices: wards, adder stones, protective circles that hold these creatures at bay. But their fragile safety shatters when they discover an unconscious girl lying just beyond their defenses.
Parsley can't remember how she escaped the "witches" and Sara is simply mesmirized by her. As their friendship blossoms, a horror hits home - the creatures capture her brother Noah and everyone is relying on Parsley's knowledge of the beasts in order to rescue him from their otherworldy clutches.
What unfolds is a frustratingly devious exploration of just how far we're willing to go to save our family. And what we learn is that, in the end, survival isn’t just about keeping the monsters out—it’s about facing the ones we’ve already let in.
I really liked it but I also hated how much it toyed with me lol.
October 9, 2025
This was honestly one of the most interesting reads I’ve had in a while. I might be a little biased because I love post-apocalyptic content, and since there aren’t that many post-apocalyptic books out there, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into this one. The fact that it also included a queer element made it even better for me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so enticing that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world with eerie folklore elements and a dark atmosphere, it somehow managed to maintain a sort of cozy energy throughout the first half, which I really appreciated.
I thought the storyline itself was great, but I did feel like the main conflict came a bit too late, around the halfway point, and the resolution happened very quickly, almost within the last five percent of the book. It left me with quite a few unanswered questions, though I can see how that might have been intentional. In a real life apocalypse, people probably wouldn't get all the answers either, so it fits the tone of the story. Still, I feel like there’s room for a bit more, maybe a sequel or just some extra exploration of those lingering mysteries.
Overall, though, it was an incredibly engaging, atmospheric read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so enticing that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world with eerie folklore elements and a dark atmosphere, it somehow managed to maintain a sort of cozy energy throughout the first half, which I really appreciated.
I thought the storyline itself was great, but I did feel like the main conflict came a bit too late, around the halfway point, and the resolution happened very quickly, almost within the last five percent of the book. It left me with quite a few unanswered questions, though I can see how that might have been intentional. In a real life apocalypse, people probably wouldn't get all the answers either, so it fits the tone of the story. Still, I feel like there’s room for a bit more, maybe a sequel or just some extra exploration of those lingering mysteries.
Overall, though, it was an incredibly engaging, atmospheric read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
November 27, 2025
This was a really interesting read.
October 30, 2025
They Call Them Witches review 🫶🏼
Are you looking for a spooky and apocalyptic story? This is for you! 🤭
They Call Them Witches by India-Rose Bower is about Sara and her family. They live in a world where your nightmares might just come true because there are literal monsters. But they call them witches in the book. ✨️ Everything goes well for Sara and her family until they find a human girl in the garden. They want to help her but everything seems to go wrong since Parsley came into their lives. 👀
I loved this slow paced dystopian story. I really liked the characters and loved the queer representation here! ❤️ Sara was really likeable and also really relatable. She is a teenager in an ending world and I really feel like a real girl of her age would behave like Sara did. That was really well done!
Do you think this is your typical monster story? Nope, it really isn't. The so called witches are so interesting. 👻 There appearances are always different and trust me.. they didn't look like our stereotypical witches 😂 I wish we could hear more about where they come from. I missed a little background story there.
I felt like the book started of really good but the middle part became a little less exciting. The ending was WILD but there was happening so much at once. However, it did result in me finishing the ending in one go so that's a good sign 🎀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Are you looking for a spooky and apocalyptic story? This is for you! 🤭
They Call Them Witches by India-Rose Bower is about Sara and her family. They live in a world where your nightmares might just come true because there are literal monsters. But they call them witches in the book. ✨️ Everything goes well for Sara and her family until they find a human girl in the garden. They want to help her but everything seems to go wrong since Parsley came into their lives. 👀
I loved this slow paced dystopian story. I really liked the characters and loved the queer representation here! ❤️ Sara was really likeable and also really relatable. She is a teenager in an ending world and I really feel like a real girl of her age would behave like Sara did. That was really well done!
Do you think this is your typical monster story? Nope, it really isn't. The so called witches are so interesting. 👻 There appearances are always different and trust me.. they didn't look like our stereotypical witches 😂 I wish we could hear more about where they come from. I missed a little background story there.
I felt like the book started of really good but the middle part became a little less exciting. The ending was WILD but there was happening so much at once. However, it did result in me finishing the ending in one go so that's a good sign 🎀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The atmosphere is fantastic - overwhelmingly bleak and dangerous. The witches are unsettling and there's a strong sense of unease that never lets up. Still, the book takes the time to focus on relationships and survival; Sara's a solid, believable protagonist, and her relationships, especially outside her family, were some of my favourite parts.
The pacing wasn’t always perfect for me. Some parts dragged a little, and the ending felt like it wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly. I also would’ve loved more background on the witches and how the world ended up this way, because the folklore-inspired horror concept is really, really interesting.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
The pacing wasn’t always perfect for me. Some parts dragged a little, and the ending felt like it wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly. I also would’ve loved more background on the witches and how the world ended up this way, because the folklore-inspired horror concept is really, really interesting.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
September 29, 2025
A post apocalypse, sapphic, creepy read 🧙
I really enjoyed this! I love watching apocalyptic themes on tv, but this was my first time reading anything of this genre and it didn’t disappoint!
Such vidid descriptions, really fast paced writing and a plot steeped in folklore.
I am so grateful for being approved to read this ARC via @NetGalley
This is released on April 7th 2026- save the date! 🙏🏼
I really enjoyed this! I love watching apocalyptic themes on tv, but this was my first time reading anything of this genre and it didn’t disappoint!
Such vidid descriptions, really fast paced writing and a plot steeped in folklore.
I am so grateful for being approved to read this ARC via @NetGalley
This is released on April 7th 2026- save the date! 🙏🏼
November 9, 2025
I absolutely flew through this one. Sapphic eldritch folk horror? Those are some of my favourite things! Highly recommend if any of those things also appeal to you. I hope they turn this one into a movie with practical effects, that would look sick af.
August 24, 2025
The concept of a post apocalyptic world with folklore woven through was appealing to me and I looked forward to exploring this would through one family. Unfortunately, the characters didn’t feel developed to me and I did not find myself invested in the plot as a result. (Via NetGalley)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When the eldritch creatures that have come to be called witches came, most people were devoured. But Sara and her family, with her mother's knowledge of pagan wards, are still fighting for survival. A young woman named Parsley shows up in their garden, and soon after, Sara's younger brother Noah is taken by the creatures. Now, trying to find her brother, Sara will have to decide whether she can trust not only her growing feelings for Parsley, but also Parsley herself.
Looking at reviews of this one, I think I might be in the minority, but I actually really enjoyed this one. You get to see enough of the "witches" to really get a feel for how frightening they truly are, and Sara's dedication to helping and protecting her family was everything.
I loved that Sara as a person felt real and relatable. When she meets Parsley, she's the first person outside of her family she's had any real contact or connection with in a long time. It felt natural that she would give in to the attraction she feels, even when her family is telling her not to immediately trust Parsley. But despite her feelings, her family ultimately still takes precedence.
The prose did take me a minute to get into, but ultimately, I felt like Bower's writing style worked really well since you're getting the entire story from the POV of a teenage girl during events that are new and terrifying. There were, however, some weird analogies thrown in sometimes that did feel a bit out of place.
Read if you like:
Eldritch horror
Post-apocalyptic
Strong family bonds
LGBTQ+ rep
Sapphic romance
Single POV
When the eldritch creatures that have come to be called witches came, most people were devoured. But Sara and her family, with her mother's knowledge of pagan wards, are still fighting for survival. A young woman named Parsley shows up in their garden, and soon after, Sara's younger brother Noah is taken by the creatures. Now, trying to find her brother, Sara will have to decide whether she can trust not only her growing feelings for Parsley, but also Parsley herself.
Looking at reviews of this one, I think I might be in the minority, but I actually really enjoyed this one. You get to see enough of the "witches" to really get a feel for how frightening they truly are, and Sara's dedication to helping and protecting her family was everything.
I loved that Sara as a person felt real and relatable. When she meets Parsley, she's the first person outside of her family she's had any real contact or connection with in a long time. It felt natural that she would give in to the attraction she feels, even when her family is telling her not to immediately trust Parsley. But despite her feelings, her family ultimately still takes precedence.
The prose did take me a minute to get into, but ultimately, I felt like Bower's writing style worked really well since you're getting the entire story from the POV of a teenage girl during events that are new and terrifying. There were, however, some weird analogies thrown in sometimes that did feel a bit out of place.
Read if you like:
Eldritch horror
Post-apocalyptic
Strong family bonds
LGBTQ+ rep
Sapphic romance
Single POV
October 19, 2025
Huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the review copy!
Good gods, this author knows how to create a suffocating, anxious atmosphere. I loved the incredibly unique take on the post-apocalypse trope, blending it with folklore in a way I’ve never quite seen before. And while the story doesn’t shy away from gore, it leans heavily on suggestion, letting your imagination fill in the blanks - which somehow makes it all even more terrifying. And that ending? Brutal choices, devastating consequences. I loved it.
That being said, the pacing did feel a bit uneven: a long, slow build-up with most of the real gut punches crammed into the final 20%, which made the ending feel a little rushed. I also found that, despite the heavy themes, the writing occasionally felt a bit too YA for my taste. Additionally, I wished some of the characters and their relationships had been explored in more depth. Still, it’s an easy recommendation if you’re in the mood for something eerie, original, and quietly disturbing.
Good gods, this author knows how to create a suffocating, anxious atmosphere. I loved the incredibly unique take on the post-apocalypse trope, blending it with folklore in a way I’ve never quite seen before. And while the story doesn’t shy away from gore, it leans heavily on suggestion, letting your imagination fill in the blanks - which somehow makes it all even more terrifying. And that ending? Brutal choices, devastating consequences. I loved it.
That being said, the pacing did feel a bit uneven: a long, slow build-up with most of the real gut punches crammed into the final 20%, which made the ending feel a little rushed. I also found that, despite the heavy themes, the writing occasionally felt a bit too YA for my taste. Additionally, I wished some of the characters and their relationships had been explored in more depth. Still, it’s an easy recommendation if you’re in the mood for something eerie, original, and quietly disturbing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars, mostly for vibes.
The writing is well done. Although a slow paced, meandering story, the pace still feels moderate and not tortuously slow.
The characters, to me, are very surface level, as was the sapphic romance. I will give it to Sara that she rarely gets the chance for a love interest, so desperately she takes it with the first girl she meets after the end of the world. However, their progression to romance is.... forced.
Sara is taken advantage of in every single way, up until the predictable and lackluster ending. I hate books that has this open ended, cosmic horror shit after a well written book (this falls in with others that angered me like Nestlings and Episode Thirteen). I just get so disappointed when the book has me intrigued the entire ride and then the end is..... well, phoned in a bit. Sara finds yet another master to serve.
Still a fun read, but not one I feel I will think back on frequently.
The writing is well done. Although a slow paced, meandering story, the pace still feels moderate and not tortuously slow.
The characters, to me, are very surface level, as was the sapphic romance. I will give it to Sara that she rarely gets the chance for a love interest, so desperately she takes it with the first girl she meets after the end of the world. However, their progression to romance is.... forced.
Sara is taken advantage of in every single way, up until the predictable and lackluster ending. I hate books that has this open ended, cosmic horror shit after a well written book (this falls in with others that angered me like Nestlings and Episode Thirteen). I just get so disappointed when the book has me intrigued the entire ride and then the end is..... well, phoned in a bit. Sara finds yet another master to serve.
Still a fun read, but not one I feel I will think back on frequently.
October 4, 2025
Post apocalypse sapphic and creepy this book had me hooked. I normally only watch apocalyptic stuff on TV but this was my first time reading it and it honestly didn’t let me down. The writing was quick, the descriptions were so vivid and the folklore gave it such an eerie vibe.
We Call Them Witches follows Sara and her family who survive using wards until Parsley shows up and things change. When her sibling is taken by the witches it turns into a dark and dangerous journey. The witches in this were so different to what you’d imagine, more like terrifying creatures, and I loved the use of herbs and stones for protection.
It felt like The Blair Witch Project meets A Quiet Place and the sapphic romance was emotional and such a nice touch. It does get gruesome in parts so maybe not one for the squeamish, but I flew through it and it pulled me right out of my reading slump.
Big thank you to NetGalley Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for the ARC. This comes out April 7th 2026 so get it on your TBR!
We Call Them Witches follows Sara and her family who survive using wards until Parsley shows up and things change. When her sibling is taken by the witches it turns into a dark and dangerous journey. The witches in this were so different to what you’d imagine, more like terrifying creatures, and I loved the use of herbs and stones for protection.
It felt like The Blair Witch Project meets A Quiet Place and the sapphic romance was emotional and such a nice touch. It does get gruesome in parts so maybe not one for the squeamish, but I flew through it and it pulled me right out of my reading slump.
Big thank you to NetGalley Poisoned Pen Press and India-Rose Bower for the ARC. This comes out April 7th 2026 so get it on your TBR!
September 16, 2025
3⭐️
I didn’t really like any of the characters they where either boring or just shitty people and the main character moans the whole book about being treated like a child which to be fair she is but then she proceeds to act like a child it infuriating
The overall story is okay it’s like any other post apocalyptic book the concept of the witches is new ish and I feel like it was done well if a bit simple but the whole book just felt quite simple and underdeveloped overall
The book feels as if it’s not sure whether it wants to be ya or adult in general it feels ya then there r moments where it reminds you it meant to be adult but it just feels out of place
October 13, 2025
A girl in post-apocalyptic England will do anything to protect her family—but the arrival of an outsider at their safe haven throws everything into chaos.
The horror elements were amazing, very evocative and original descriptions of the witches which really brought the book to life. I almost wanted more of that, but then again, the impact of the horror is most powerful in small doses.
The main character feels very young, and at times I found her decisions/thought processes frustrating. Her dynamic with her family was very well-written and nuanced, and it’s fun to read a middle child perspective for once.
The pacing was a bit up and down, but the prose was consistently good and the characterisation worked to make up for the slower moments.
All in all perfect for fans of The Last of Us or 28 Years Later.
The horror elements were amazing, very evocative and original descriptions of the witches which really brought the book to life. I almost wanted more of that, but then again, the impact of the horror is most powerful in small doses.
The main character feels very young, and at times I found her decisions/thought processes frustrating. Her dynamic with her family was very well-written and nuanced, and it’s fun to read a middle child perspective for once.
The pacing was a bit up and down, but the prose was consistently good and the characterisation worked to make up for the slower moments.
All in all perfect for fans of The Last of Us or 28 Years Later.
September 18, 2025
We Call Them Witches is a thrilling journey that follows a girl, Sara, as she and her family survive in an apocalyptic Britain, plagued by horrific creatures that hunger for flesh. This story delves into topics of responsibility and love and leaves us questioning what we would do to protect those we care about. This book is fast-paced and puts a new spin on the doomsday hellscape. Overall a great read!
October 27, 2025
Not my favorite. You never really find out what the witches are, where they came from, or why they are. You also know from the get-go not to trust Parsley and yet Sara prioritizes this girl over her own family. I just didn't connect with the characters or story in this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
July 16, 2025
A gripping and unsettling read, so vividly described that by the end, you’ll swear the trees are watching and your shadow has a mind of its own. I really loved the concept; it felt like a fresh, eerie twist on post-apocalyptic Britain, deeply rooted in ancient pagan folklore.
That said, I was left wanting more. The ending felt rushed, and I found myself re-reading sections just to make sense of what was happening. Because of that pacing, the 'big reveal' didn’t hit as hard as it could have. I wasn’t as emotionally invested in Parsley’s true intentions or her end as I expected to be. A haunting premise, but I wish the final act had been given more room to breathe.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
That said, I was left wanting more. The ending felt rushed, and I found myself re-reading sections just to make sense of what was happening. Because of that pacing, the 'big reveal' didn’t hit as hard as it could have. I wasn’t as emotionally invested in Parsley’s true intentions or her end as I expected to be. A haunting premise, but I wish the final act had been given more room to breathe.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
I didn’t get it, it started out great— an interesting and original idea and engaging writing style, but it was very slow and confusing.
It’s hard to figure out some of the background characters, their relationships and introductions are slightly lacking at the beginning, leaving it feeling a little flat. It also could also use more description for characters physical features and it’s a long way in before I start to get an idea of the main characters appearance or even name.
The progression of the plot is weak, without much substance or believability, the characters don’t suspect anything nor wonder about why they’d be doing things. It’s an original idea and unique take on an apocalypse that could have been interesting but just lacks clarity, detail and meaning.
I really don’t understand the ending, I guess it’s supposed to be non-HEA and just a creepy, full cycle moment ending, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
It’s hard to figure out some of the background characters, their relationships and introductions are slightly lacking at the beginning, leaving it feeling a little flat. It also could also use more description for characters physical features and it’s a long way in before I start to get an idea of the main characters appearance or even name.
The progression of the plot is weak, without much substance or believability, the characters don’t suspect anything nor wonder about why they’d be doing things. It’s an original idea and unique take on an apocalypse that could have been interesting but just lacks clarity, detail and meaning.
I really don’t understand the ending, I guess it’s supposed to be non-HEA and just a creepy, full cycle moment ending, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
December 3, 2025
This was so fucking creepy. The witches genuinenly freaked me the fuck out. And this book ended with a punch to the gut. Multiple, actually. So I think I'm gonna go cry in a corner right now. This was fucking amazing.
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