THE ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES

Gabra Zackman enchants as the narrator of an intricately layered alternative history. In New Salem in 1893, a trio of sisters meet after many years apart on the same night that a fabled dark tower appears. Witchcraft has been all but extinguished from the world, but the sisters may hold the secret to its return. Zackman gives this lushly detailed story room to breathe as she carefully delivers each spell, charm, and curse in quiet, sibilant tones. Each of the sisters--Bella, Agnes, and Juniper--has a distinct voice to match the different ways life has treated them, but with a touch of the same country accent creating unity. Listeners who prefer constant action may find their attention wanders, but lovers of slowly unfolding mysteries will be enthralled. N.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2020]