At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter in a college of witches. Not just for being a really bad shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. But because their girlfriend Elizabeth died―and it was Lando’s fault.

Then charming new boy Bastian arrives with a proposition: he knows a spell that can raise Elizabeth from the dead. It’s dangerous but Lando will try anything. But as Lando’s attraction to Bastian grows, questions start to arise. Who is Bastian? What does he really want? And who will survive the resurrection spell?

Witchlore by Emma Hinds is a complex queer story of identity, exploration of grief and love in a haunting beautiful tale. What is most fascinating is the way Emma Hinds weaves her story, giving us Lando who is both bisexual but also gender fluid. It is a fascinating exploration of relationships and gender using fantasy and magic to demonstrate the complexities of it all. 

Making it even more complex is the curse that hangs over Lando and the grief they feel over the death of Elizabeth. It is intriguing to see both Bastian and Lando struggle with grief and loneliness and as they bond, figure out what the other wants. The ending is unexpected but beautiful. 

If you like complex queer stories, I highly recommend Witchlore. It is full of magic, exploration and beauty. It explores love, grief and curses in a truly unusual way and was impossible not to fall in love with both Bastian and Lando.

Rating: 5 out of 5 gender switches. 

MacMillan Publishing

Emma Hinds website