ARC Review: American Witches by Susan Fair

Pub. Date:	Aug. 23, 2016
Publisher:	Skyhorse Publishing
Length:	336 pages
Source:	Edelweiss

American Witches is a light and engaging account of some of the darkest times in America's history. Susan Fair has a good voice and tells the multitude of witchy tales in a modern voice with laymen terms that will appeal to even the most casual reader and/or student. 

The history of witchcraft that ran rampant across America started even before people made it to the country. Bringing suspicions from England (and everywhere else), many would-be settlers never made it across the ocean due to bewitched voyages. Thus begins a journey through the history of America from the early settlers, through the Salem Witch Trials, American Indian witch hunts, and beyond. Accounts of bewitched children, livestock (especially pigs), unknown monsters, vessels and crops were not uncommon in the charges lodged against many society outcasts. Reading these fantastical tales that were all absolutely true really make you question human nature, and how neighbors could turn on one another with such viciousness. 

While most of the book is an entertaining history lesson, there are also a few modern tidbits, some pop culture type info, including an insightful look at the Blair Witch Project and an interview with the director. While I found this book interesting and entertaining, keep in mind that history accounts are slower reads. That being said, I recommend this book to just about anyone that finds America's witchy history intriguing. It would also be a good read for students who find it difficult to learn from dry and boring history books. I know I certainly would have remembered more of my history lessons if they were written in this manner.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.