1. About the Author: Brom – The Dark Artisan of Fantasy
Gerald Brom, better known simply as Brom, is both an acclaimed fantasy author and a legendary illustrator. He began as a visual artist for Dungeons & Dragons at TSR before transitioning into writing dark fantasy novels accompanied by his own iconic illustrations. His standout titles include The Child Thief, Krampus: The Yule Lord, and Lost Gods.
Brom’s narrative voice is bold, gothic, and visually rich—often focused on outcast characters, forgotten myths, and power struggles between good, evil, and everything in between. His work is widely celebrated for merging haunting visuals with thought-provoking, subversive storytelling.
2. About the Narrator: Barrie Kreinik – A Voice of Witchery
Barrie Kreinik is a seasoned narrator and actress known for her evocative voice and immersive performances. In Slewfoot, she brings exceptional nuance to every character—from the resilient Abitha to the enigmatic Slewfoot. Her delivery oscillates seamlessly between gentle whispers and commanding presence, adding texture and depth to the haunting atmosphere of the story.
Many listeners on Audible and Goodreads have praised her as “a voice actor with a touch of magic,” elevating the audiobook to an immersive theatrical experience.
3. About the Book: A Tale of Rebellion and Witchcraft in Puritan America
Set in colonial New England in 1666, Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery follows Abitha, a recently widowed Englishwoman trapped in a rigid Puritan society. As whispers of witchcraft swirl around her, she discovers an ancient forest spirit known as Slewfoot—or Samson—who is both feared and forgotten. Together, they ignite a rebellion against oppressive patriarchy, blind religion, and systemic cruelty.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Folk Horror, Dark Fantasy
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5 (over 78,000 reviews)
Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards nominee – Horror (2021)
Special Edition: Includes over 20 full-color illustrations by Brom himself
What sets this book apart is its blend of beautifully grotesque art, dark poetic prose, and rich world-building grounded in history and myth. It’s not just a horror novel—it’s a cry for justice veiled in shadows and whispers.
4. Book Review: Raw, Empowering, and Elegantly Dark
Slewfoot is a mesmerizing exploration of power, identity, and the cost of resistance. The story unfolds slowly but intentionally, leading readers through the eerie woods of superstition and societal oppression. Abitha is a powerful female protagonist—fiercely independent, constantly underestimated, yet unwavering in her courage. Slewfoot, on the other hand, is not simply a “demon” but a complex symbol of nature, freedom, and rebellion.
Strengths:
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Atmospheric world-building
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Gorgeous and haunting illustrations
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Strong feminist themes woven seamlessly
Weaknesses:
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Slow pacing at the start
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Some mythological elements are left intentionally vague
Critical acclaim:
“A feral, lyrical tale of vengeance and identity.” – Publishers Weekly
“A haunting, richly imagined tale about resistance in the face of oppression.” – Tor.com
Personal reflection:
Reading Slewfoot was an experience unlike any other. It wasn’t just chilling—it was liberating. I felt a deep connection with Abitha’s quiet defiance and was captivated by Slewfoot’s mythical allure. For anyone who’s ever felt judged or silenced, this book speaks directly to your soul, cloaked in metaphor and magic.
5. Audiobook Review: A Spellbinding Performance by Barrie Kreinik
In the audiobook version, Barrie Kreinik delivers a phenomenal performance that draws listeners deep into 17th-century New England. Her voice effortlessly distinguishes characters, from Abitha’s inner strength to the sinister tones of the villagers and the mysterious whispers of Slewfoot.
Production quality is top-notch: subtle ambient sounds and pacing enhance the storytelling without distracting. Some scenes feel like full-blown radio dramas, emotionally charged and cinematically paced.
Audiobook rating:
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4.7/5 on Audible with over 8,000 reviews
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“Kreinik’s voice is magic. Truly. I was hooked.” – Audible Listener
Personal reflection:
Listening to Slewfoot during a rainy evening was surreal. Kreinik didn’t just narrate—she became the voice of the forest, the fear, the fight. If you love immersive storytelling and rich vocal performances, this audiobook is an absolute must.
6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?
This book is ideal for:
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Fans of folk horror such as The Witch or Midsommar
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Readers interested in feminist historical fiction
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Audiobook lovers looking for rich performances and dark storytelling
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Anyone craving stories about resistance and personal liberation
Slewfoot isn’t a quick read—it demands your attention and emotional investment. But for the right reader, it offers a darkly beautiful journey unlike any other.
7. Conclusion: A Must-Hear Tale of Magic, Blood, and Defiance
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom is more than a novel—it’s an artistic ritual. It fuses myth, morality, and menace into a story that’s as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Whether you read the physical edition with its gorgeous illustrations or listen to the haunting audiobook version, this tale will stay with you.
→ Don’t miss out—step into the forest, and discover the beast they fear.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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