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54 pages 1 hour read

The Witches of New York

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Ami McKay

The Witches of New York

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

535

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1880s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay follows the lives of two witches, Eleanor St. Clair and Adelaide Thom, who run a tea shop, and a new witch, Beatrice Dunn, in Gilded Age New York. They face societal challenges and hidden dangers while navigating their magical abilities. References to the dehumanizing treatment of women and children and depictions of suicide are present in the book.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Dark

Unnerving

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

29,089 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ami McKay's The Witches of New York is praised for its immersive historical detail and strong, magical feminist themes. Readers appreciate the richly developed characters and atmospheric setting. However, some criticism centers on the pacing, with parts deemed slow. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of history, magic, and social commentary.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Witches of New York?

Readers who enjoy The Witches of New York by Ami McKay are typically fans of historical fiction intertwined with elements of magic and the supernatural, akin to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. These readers appreciate richly detailed settings, strong female protagonists, and a touch of witchcraft.

4.0

29,089 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Beatrice Dunn

A charming girl with red hair and bright eyes, she works at a tea shop and discovers her magical abilities, particularly in communicating with ghosts.

A witch and owner of a tea shop, she upholds her family's herbal and magical traditions, mentoring Beatrice in spellcasting and herbology.

A witch with the power of foresight, who co-owns a tea shop and works to create a new identity after a traumatic past.

A zealous preacher acting as an antagonist whose actions are fueled by misogyny, violence, and the misguided belief that he is saving Beatrice from witchcraft.

A former Civil War surgeon turned psychiatrist who lost an arm and is Adelaide's love interest, offering support to the witches with his interest in ghosts.

Mysterious characters connected to dark, unknown motives, with Palsham being a central villain against the witches, harboring a deep-seated hatred toward them.

Mischievous, angelic beings who provide dream-based guidance and forewarning to the witches, showing a strong connection with supernatural realms.

Various spectral figures that Beatrice encounters, most of whom aid her and her friends; notable among them are Delphine St. Clair, Eleanor’s mother, and other spirits connected to Beatrice’s awakening powers.

Book Details
Pages

535

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1880s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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