Reading Brom’s Slewfoot feels like reading a work of art. From the wider physicality of the book to the illustrated chapter headings, to the evocative prose: everything about the experience of reading Slewfoot feels intentionally beautiful and deeply unsettling. Brom’s eerie artistic talent bleeds from the phenomenal illustrations gracing both the inside and outside of this novel into the rich world of mythic witchery that he deftly captures in his storytelling.

This is a story about puritanical religion, devils, and witchcraft, and from those buzzwords you may think you know exactly what kind of story to expect, but Abitha, our protagonist, is full of surprises. Sent from England to America by her father to marry a man she has never met in order to keep the colonies thriving, Abitha has done her best to build a home for herself and her new husband, Edward. Together they live on a farm owned by Edward’s brother Wallace, a conniving rat of a man who is never at fault for problems he creates, and who is an expert in the art of making poor choices. One of these choices means that Edward and Abitha may now lose the farm they have worked so hard to grow. However, this won’t be the end of their problems as trouble brews in the forest on their doorstep as the mythical devil, Slewfoot, has begun to menace the village once more. 

It is unbelievably easy to fall into the predictable rhythms of other stories about witchcraft and witch hunts and the persecution of innocent women by intimidated men, but Brom manages to twist this narrative away from the expected at every opportunity. This is a vicious story of revenge and survival that delivers crisp, horrifying scenes, as well as a warm glow of pride as we watch Abitha adapt and fight back. 

Slewfoot explores themes of owning land, opinions versus facts, and the infectious and deadly nature of unopposed ideas and ideology. It presents uncomfortably realistic narratives but also joyous, comforting ones that bring life and light to what could easily have been a miserable book. 

This is a book for people that enjoy the place where mythology, philosophy, and religion meet, who crave all things eerie and beautiful, and who would follow the devil into the woods if he asked nicely.

Slewfoot is available now