Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

Slewfoot is yet another stunning offering by the enigmatic Brom. It is set far back in our distant past, the time of the earliest Puritan settlers, and wild magic is waking.

While not my favorite of Brom’s novels, Slewfoot is still an awesome read. You feel as if you are there, with Abitha, in this horrid village full of fanatical people. You feel the weight of their close-mindedness and self-righteousness. I honestly almost didn’t read it because I loathe this period in history. I loathe the religion and mindset that can cause such suffering, but Brom did a great job of bringing it to terrible life. The pagan elements are every bit as rich and far more satisfying. Samson is amazing, and following his journey of self-discovery is an invitation to face your own shadow, to accept your own myriad parts.

Each chapter begins with a small sketch, and the middle of the book contains full color plates featuring Brom’s illustration of each character. Like Lost Gods, Slewfoot is a journey through the dark night of the soul. It involves the facing of death, both literal and figurative, which leaves the survivors stronger than before. Highly recommended!