Book Review: The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
An Eerie Tale of Curses, Identity, and Maternal Love
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
Imagine receiving a phone call that no parent ever wants to hear—your child has been in a terrible accident. But what if they no longer recognize you when you rush to their side? Worse yet, they insist that they are someone else entirely. This is the chilling premise of The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke, a novel that weaves together elements of psychological thriller, historical fiction, and the supernatural. In The Book of Witching, the ordinary horror of a mother’s fear transforms into a haunting tale of ancient curses, forgotten witches, and the unsettling power of memory and identity.
When I first picked up this novel, I was drawn in by the darkly atmospheric story set in the remote Orkney Islands. But it was the deeply emotional journey of a mother fighting to reclaim her daughter—while grappling with her own sense of reality—that kept me hooked. C.J. Cooke is a master at blending psychological tension with myth and history, and this book is a perfect example of her ability to create an eerie, compelling narrative.
In this review, we will explore the layers of mystery, maternal love, and the haunting legacy of witchcraft that make The Book of Witching a gripping and unforgettable read.
The Orkney Islands—Land of Secrets
The novel’s eerie atmosphere is set against the backdrop of the Orkney Islands, a place known for its stark beauty and ancient, haunting past. Cooke vividly paints the landscape—the mist-covered cliffs, the unforgiving sea, and the remnants of old-world folklore that linger in the shadows. The Orkneys are more than just a setting; they are a character in themselves, steeped in secrets, history, and perhaps even an ancient curse.
When Clem, the protagonist, travels to the islands in search of answers, she finds herself drawn into this mysterious world. Her daughter, Erin, has suffered a terrifying accident, and her best friend is missing. But as Erin wakes, it becomes clear that her injuries are not just physical—she claims to be someone named Nyx, a name that ties back to the islands’ dark history. Cooke’s mastery of setting transforms the Orkneys into a liminal space where past and present collide, where witches once roamed, and where an ancient evil might still dwell.
The sense of isolation and otherworldliness that pervades the novel adds to the tension. As Clem delves deeper into the mystery of her daughter’s condition, she discovers that the key to Erin’s strange behavior might lie not in modern medicine, but in the myths and legends that have been passed down through generations on the islands.
The Haunting Legacy of Witchcraft
At the heart of The Book of Witching is the story of a woman wrongfully accused of witchcraft four centuries ago. As Clem investigates her daughter’s condition, she begins to uncover an unsettling connection between Erin’s behavior and the tragic fate of this accused witch. The narrative toggles between the present and the distant past, where we learn about the witch’s story—a woman named Nyx, who was betrayed, condemned, and possibly cursed.
This dual narrative structure adds richness to the story, blending the historical with the supernatural. The past echoes through the present as Erin’s strange new identity seems to mirror the life of the accused witch. The question that drives the plot forward is whether Erin’s behavior is the result of a psychological break or if something far more sinister—a curse passed down through time—has taken hold of her.
Cooke explores the theme of witchcraft not as a symbol of evil, but as a symbol of female oppression, misunderstood power, and the fear of the unknown. The witch trials of the past become a metaphor for the way society continues to fear and suppress powerful women, whether through superstition or more modern means. The Book of Witching makes a strong case for the ways in which history, especially the darker parts of it, can leave an indelible mark on the present.
Maternal Love in the Face of Darkness
A mother’s love and determination is at the heart of this dark, mysterious tale. Clem’s relationship with her daughter is tested in unimaginable ways throughout the novel. Erin’s sudden transformation, her insistence that she is not herself but someone from centuries past, pushes Clem to the edge. How far will a mother go to save her child when her child seems lost to a force she can’t understand?
Clem’s journey from disbelief to acceptance is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. As Erin spirals deeper into the identity of Nyx, Clem must confront the possibility that her daughter’s mind may be lost forever—or worse, that Erin’s body is now host to something ancient and malevolent. The maternal bond is one of the novel’s strongest emotional currents, and it is this fierce love that drives Clem to face the darkest parts of herself and the haunted history of the Orkneys.
C.J. Cooke’s portrayal of Clem is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. As she grapples with the possibility of losing her daughter to an ancient curse, she also faces her own grief, guilt, and the scars of her past. The story explores how far a mother is willing to go to protect her child, even when that child becomes a stranger.
The Thin Veil Between Reality and the Supernatural
The Book of Witching distinguishes between psychological thriller and supernatural mystery. Cooke masterfully blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined, leaving readers questioning whether Erin’s strange behavior is the result of trauma or if something far more sinister is at play.
As Clem unearths more about the witch’s story and the curse that has lingered over the Orkney Islands, the novel builds toward a crescendo where reality itself seems to fray at the edges. The sense of unease is palpable throughout, as Cooke invites readers to consider the possibility that the world is far more mysterious—and dangerous—than we might think.
This uncertainty heightens the tension in the novel and keeps the reader on edge. Are Erin’s memories of being Nyx merely the result of her trauma, or has she truly been possessed by the spirit of a long-dead witch? The psychological tension and the eerie supernatural elements make The Book of Witching a page-turner from start to finish.
A Journey into the Darkness of the Human Soul
Ultimately, The Book of Witching is not just about curses, witches, or the supernatural. It is a deep exploration of identity, memory, and the darkness within us all. Erin’s transformation into Nyx forces both her and Clem to confront the parts of themselves that they have long kept hidden. The novel explores how trauma can fracture our sense of self, and how the past—personal and historical—can profoundly impact the present.
C.J. Cooke uses the story’s supernatural elements to delve into her characters’ psychological complexity. The novel asks difficult questions: What happens when we lose our sense of self? How do we reclaim our identity after it has been shattered? And can we ever truly escape the ghosts of our past?
The Book of Witching is not just a haunting tale of witches and curses; it is a meditation on what it means to be human, to lose ourselves, and to fight to reclaim our identity.
Ready for More Mystical Tales? Let’s Chat Over Coffee!
If The Book of Witching captivated you like it did me, there’s more where that came from. The only thing I had to touch on that I did not like was the constant back and forth between the chapters from one timeline to the next. This book is a relatively quick read; each chapter is only a few pages long. You are diving into another timeline, and as soon as you adjust, you are abruptly thrust back into another timeline. After a while, I wished the chapters were a bit longer so we could stay engaged before being pushed back into the other. It was hard for me to get attached to the events and characters.
Join me at Nevermore Lane for more magical explorations, book reviews, and musings on the mystical. Let’s dive into the unknown together—grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and meet me in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations as we journey through the world of magic and mystery.
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~ Chrystal
