Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out Lisa’s introductory post, here.
The Familiars
by Stacey Halls
Fleetwood Shuttleworth is 17 years old, married, and pregnant for the fourth time. But as the mistress at Gawthorpe Hall, she still has no living child, and her husband Richard is anxious for an heir. When Fleetwood finds a letter she isn¹t supposed to read from the doctor who delivered her third stillbirth, she is dealt the crushing blow that she will not survive another pregnancy.
When she crosses paths by chance with Alice Gray, a young midwife, Alice promises to help her give birth to a healthy baby, and to prove the physician wrong.
When Alice is drawn into the witchcraft accusations that are sweeping the North-West, Fleetwood risks everything by trying to help her. But is there more to Alice than meets the eye?
As the two women’s lives become inextricably bound together, the legendary trial at Lancaster approaches, and Fleetwood¹s stomach continues to grow. Time is running out, and both their lives are at stake.
Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.
I’ve owned a copy of this book since its release last year and still haven’t read it, which is ridiculous considering what it’s about. Not only does this novel involve witches and witch trials, which I’m always interested in reading about, but it’s also based around one of the UK’s most famous witch trials – the Pendle Witch Trials – when, in 1612, the testimony of a nine-year-old girl sent her mother, brother and sister, and six others, to the gallows.
I went to university in Lancaster, where the trials took place, so it’s a history I know well and a part of the world that’s very close to my heart, so it’s about time I read this!
Are there any 2019 releases you still want to get to?
Before
Karen Maitland is an author I’ve been meaning to read for years and I own several of her books, but the first book I read by her ended up being one I borrowed from the library. I really enjoyed her writing, but the story left me rather underwhelmed which is a real shame when I was expecting to love A Gathering of Ghosts – look out for my review!
Now
I received a copy of Sandhya Menon’s new Beauty and the Beast retelling, Of Curses and Kisses, through NetGalley, so I’d like to get it read and reviewed asap! I’m not sure how I feel about it so far – there’s been a real surge of contemporary books about royals in recent years and I’m a bit bored of reading about rich people?
Next
Speaking of NetGalley, I desperately need to get on top of my review copies this year and, after reading One of Us is Next earlier this month, I’m in the mood for another YA thriller and I love the sound of Foul is Fair. I need to get it read and reviewed!
I’m currently reading Foul is Fair and I’m very much enjoying it! It’s very fast-paced with short ‘chapters’ that grab your attention. The vibe reminds me of the 2017 movie ‘Revenge’ while the high school hierarchy and drama feels a little bit like Gossip Girl and Netflix’ Élite mixed up together?? I would you’ll like it when you pick it up! c:
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*hope lmao. ps: i love the composition of the cover of the familiars
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I’ve just started reading The Familiars, so it’s too early to tell what I think of it yet, but I’m hoping to love it as I really enjoyed her other book, The Foundling, earlier this year.
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Ooh I hope you enjoy it!
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I’ve had The Familiars sitting on my unread shelf for too long now as well 🤦🏻♀️ I don’t know why I haven’t just picked it up yet! I also couldn’t resist buying Foul is Fair today coz I read an excerpt and it just sounded SO GOOD! I hope you enjoy all these reads 😍 Happy reading!
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It’s good to know I’m not the only one! I hope you enjoy Foul is Fair. 😀
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I just read another blogger’s review of the new book by the author of The Familiars, and it was so positive that it made me want to read it — and The Familiars sounds terrific too. I think I need to get a copy!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of Curses & Kisses. I really like the author… but I’m with you on being tired of reading about rich people. 🙂
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Her new novel sounds really interesting, so it’s about time I got to her debut!
I ended up not enjoy Of Curses and Kisses too much, sadly, but I’m glad I gave it a try. It was a very quick read, at least!
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Oh I’m the same as you with The Familiars. Bought it when it first came out, still haven’t read it oops! Just haven’t been in the mood for it 🙈😂
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Glad to know I’m not the only one! 😉
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The Familiars sounds like something I’d love too. How cool that you went to such an old university!!
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In terms of Britain’s universities Lancaster is really quite new, but the town itself is very old! 😀
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