The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke

Ever had that eerie feeling of déjà vu, like you’ve lived a moment before? C.J. Cooke’s latest spine-tingler, “The Book of Witching,” will have you questioning reality, history, and the very fabric of time itself. Set against the windswept backdrop of Scotland’s Orkney Islands, this genre-bending masterpiece weaves together strands of historical fiction, supernatural horror, and heart-wrenching family drama into a tapestry as intricate and mesmerizing as the ancient standing stones that dot the Orcadian landscape.

As someone who’s devoured Cooke’s previous works like “The Lighthouse Witches” and “The Nesting,” I dove into this book with sky-high expectations. And let me tell you, folks—she doesn’t just meet those expectations, she blasts them out of the water like a kraken rising from the depths.

A Tale of Two Timelines

Cooke’s narrative dances between two timelines with the grace of a seasoned ballet dancer on a tightrope. In the present day, we follow Clem Woodbury, a mother grappling with every parent’s worst nightmare: her daughter Erin lies comatose in a hospital bed, the sole survivor of a mysterious fire that claimed the life of her boyfriend and left her best friend missing. When Erin finally wakes, she’s… different. Claiming to be someone named Nyx, she’s a stranger in her own skin, leaving Clem to unravel a mystery that spans centuries.

Meanwhile, in 1594 Orkney, we’re introduced to Alison Balfour, a healer accused of witchcraft in a time when such accusations were as common as the cold and twice as deadly. Alison’s story is a gut-wrenching portrayal of injustice, resilience, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her children. Cooke’s depiction of 16th-century witch trials is so vivid, you can almost smell the smoke and hear the crackle of flames.

More Than Just a Ghost Story

Now, if you’re thinking this is just another run-of-the-mill ghost story, think again. Cooke’s genius lies in her ability to blend the supernatural with the all-too-real horrors of human nature. The true monsters in this tale aren’t spectral beings or ancient curses (though those certainly play their part), but the very real demons of prejudice, power, and fear that have haunted humanity for centuries.

Characters That Leap Off the Page

One of Cooke’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft characters so real, you’d swear they were sitting next to you, sharing a dram of whisky and spilling their deepest secrets. Clem, our modern-day protagonist, is a force of nature. A single mom with a ticking time bomb in her chest (quite literally—she’s awaiting a heart transplant), Clem’s fierce love for her daughter drives her to unimaginable lengths. Her journey from skeptic to reluctant believer in the supernatural is both believable and deeply moving.

Alison Balfour, our 16th-century heroine, is equally compelling. A woman ahead of her time, her struggle against the patriarchal forces that seek to silence her is both infuriating and inspiring. The parallels between her story and Clem’s are subtle but profound, highlighting how far we’ve come as a society—and how far we still have to go.

A Setting That’s a Character in Its Own Right

Let’s talk about the setting for a moment, shall we? Orkney isn’t just a backdrop in this story; it’s a living, breathing entity that seeps into every page. Cooke’s descriptions of the rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, and ever-changing skies are so vivid, you can practically taste the salt in the air and feel the wind whipping through your hair. The islands’ rich history and folklore are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a sense of timelessness that blurs the lines between past and present.

Themes That Will Haunt You Long After the Last Page

“The Book of Witching” is more than just a gripping yarn—it’s a meditation on some heavy themes that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Here are a few that really got under my skin:

The Power of Female Solidarity

In both timelines, we see women coming together to support and protect each other in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in sisterhood, whether it’s a 16th-century coven or a modern-day support group.

The Weight of Generational Trauma

Cooke explores how the sins of the past can echo through the centuries, affecting descendants in ways they may not even realize. It’s a sobering look at how trauma can be inherited and the importance of breaking destructive cycles.

The Blurred Lines Between Magic and Science

What was once considered witchcraft is now often explainable by science. Cooke plays with this concept beautifully, leaving readers to question where the line between the two really lies.

A Writing Style That Casts Its Own Spell

Cooke’s prose is like a perfectly brewed potion—rich, intoxicating, and dangerously addictive. She has this uncanny ability to shift her writing style to match the time period she’s depicting. The 16th-century chapters feel authentically archaic without being impenetrable, while the modern-day sections crackle with contemporary energy.

Her dialogue, in particular, is top-notch. Each character has a distinct voice that feels true to their background and personality. I found myself chuckling at Clem’s sardonic wit one moment and holding back tears at Alison’s heart-wrenching pleas the next.

A Plot That Twists Like a Celtic Knot

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Cooke throws another curveball that sends your theories spinning. The way she weaves together the two timelines is nothing short of masterful, with revelations in one era shedding light on mysteries in the other. It’s like watching a master magician at work—you know there’s a trick somewhere, but you’re too enthralled to care.

The pacing is relentless, alternating between nail-biting tension and moments of quiet introspection that allow the characters (and readers) to catch their breath before the next plunge. I lost count of the number of times I told myself “just one more chapter” only to find myself still reading as the sun came up.

A Few Minor Quibbles

Now, no book is perfect, and “The Book of Witching” does have a few small issues that might irk some readers:

• The sheer number of characters and plot threads can be overwhelming at times. I found myself flipping back occasionally to remind myself who was who.
• Some of the supernatural elements towards the end might be a bit too “out there” for readers who prefer their fiction firmly grounded in reality.
• The resolution of one particular subplot felt a tad rushed compared to the meticulous pacing of the rest of the book.

But honestly? These are minor nitpicks in what is otherwise a stellar piece of fiction.

The Verdict: A Must-Read for Fans of Historical Fiction and Supernatural Thrillers

“The Book of Witching” is the literary equivalent of a rollercoaster ride through time, space, and the human psyche. It’s a book that demands to be devoured in one sitting but also rewards multiple re-readings as you pick up on subtle clues and connections you might have missed the first time around.

If you’re a fan of authors like Diane Setterfield, Sarah Waters, or Kate Morton, you’ll find plenty to love here. Cooke’s blend of historical detail, supernatural elements, and deeply human stories puts her in a class of her own.

Who Should Read This Book?

• History buffs with a taste for the macabre
• Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider
• Mothers and daughters looking for a shared reading experience
• Fans of atmospheric, character-driven thrillers
• Readers who like their fiction with a side of social commentary

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Those who prefer their historical fiction strictly factual
• Readers who are sensitive to depictions of violence or injustice
• Anyone looking for a light, breezy read (this one will make you think!)

Final Thoughts

“The Book of Witching” is more than just a novel—it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of the power of stories to connect us across time and space, to help us make sense of the inexplicable, and to find hope in the darkest of times. Cooke has crafted a tale that will linger in your mind like woodsmoke on a crisp autumn evening, filling you with a sense of wonder and a newfound appreciation for the magic that surrounds us every day.

So, grab a copy, find a cozy nook, and prepare to be spellbound. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself booking a flight to Orkney by the time you’re done. Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll feel the islands calling to you, too.