Book Review: The Furies

THE FURIES | Katie Lowe
10.08.2019 | St. Martin’s Press
Rating: 4/5 stars

Violet is in need of a fresh start after losing her father and sister. Seeking to escape her traumatic family situation, Violet enrolls in an all-girls boarding school on the outskirts of her town. Awkward and unsure where to find her fit within the student body, Violet sees her chance to form a group of friends after being invited to an advanced study group held by her mysterious and captivating art teacher, Annabel.

Violet forms a fast friendship with the three other girls in this group. Alex, Grace, and Robin embrace Violet and together with their teacher, they start to dive into the school’s long-buried history of witchcraft. The school seems to be the home of occult interests, dating all the way back to the founder. Annabel insists her lessons are not to sway the girls into rites and rituals, but to enlighten them to history and mythology. The girls see it differently and they are soon convinced that they should learn to harness the magic they have been studying. As their actions start to spiral out of control, Violet finds herself unsure who to trust, including herself.

THE FURIES is Katie Lowe’s captivating debut into the lives of four teenage girls who are seemingly misfits at their boarding school. Each girl has something they’re hiding in their personal lives, something that draws them to feel lost and unsure. Together they have built a support system. They have also built an interest in witchcraft and the possibility that they could harness magic to be used to seek vengeance on those who have wronged them.

As with any book revolving around teenagers, THE FURIES does have a strong Young Adult presence. As someone who does not predominantly read in this genre I was a bit concerned starting my read. Lowe quickly took away any doubts I had about the enjoyability and content within the pages of her book. Is there school-aged drama? Of course, but it’s written in a way that makes it relatable for a reader of any age, rather than feeling childish. I do think some readers might find the initial few chapters to be heavily YA, but I urge you to give it time as Lowe flushes out the characters.

THE FURIES is not a complicated story, but it is one that I found to be entertaining and a light read. The book certainly touches on some darker areas, but the writing is not overly graphic or gory during those sections of the book. Overall the material, layout, and writing of THE FURIES makes for a binge-worthy, coming-of-age read perfect for the autumnal season!

This book is available to buy from: Amazon | Book Depository

Disclosure: A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Disclosure: What Jess Reads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This in no way influences my opinion of the above book.