A Curse of Ash and Embers by Jo Spurrier (review)

In this Australian import, sixteen-year-old Elodie (known as Dee) receives a mysterious letter and heads off to Black Oak Cottage, illiterate, confused, and frightened, but also glad to be leaving her abusive stepfather behind. At her destination, she’s drawn into a fight to the death at the side of a witch (it’s news to Dee that witches even exist) who is attempting (again) to destroy her nefarious mentor who just won’t stay dead. It’s a crash course in independence and self-definition, and Dee is up to the challenge. She does fall for an evil ruse involving a handsome young man who is not what he seems, but it is entirely understandable that she’d be fooled by someone showing her the kindness, sympathy, and affection that she’s been denied. The women in this story are almost all formidable, powerful and obstinate as they face likely death with acceptance. Aleida, the young witch, is a brilliant character, all thorns and protective layers, and she’s the perfect mentor for Dee, who needs some of those thorns but can also help break down some of that armor that Aleida has always needed in a world that universally scorned her. The magic is arresting and zingy, the women are tough as hell, and the villains are terrifying—it’s lucky indeed that a sequel is right at hand.