Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

Brom's Slewfoot is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends horror with folklore in a way that is both unsettling and captivating. Set in 17th century New England, the story follows Abitha, a woman who finds herself battling not only the oppressive forces of her Puritan village but also an ancient, supernatural evil. The tension between the natural world and the spiritual realm is one of the book's strongest elements, with Brom's hauntingly detailed prose bringing the forest and its sinister creatures to life.

The character of Slewfoot, a massive, malevolent entity with ties to the land and pagan rituals, is a standout. The complex relationship that forms between Slewfoot and Abitha is the emotional core of the novel, and Brom skillfully builds a sense of dread and fascination around it. There's a potent mix of body horror, psychological suspense, and eerie folklore that keeps the reader on edge throughout.

While the pacing in the middle section can feel a little slow, with some plot points meandering before converging towards a satisfying, albeit dark, conclusion, Slewfoot's atmosphere and world-building more than make up for it. Brom's signature dark art style also adds an extra layer of immersion, with the illustrations helping to visualize the novel's eerie and grotesque elements.

Brom delivers a story that is both unsettling and thought-provoking, exploring themes of power, vengeance, and the human connection to the natural world. Though the novel doesn't quite reach the level of a perfect 5-star read due to its occasional pacing issues, it is an evocative and chilling journey that will resonate with fans of folk horror and gothic fiction.