The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Mystery | Publication Date: October 8, 2024

Thank you The Hive and NetGalley for the free advanced digital copy!

☕ Quick Take:

A spellbinding historical fantasy set during the Black Plague, where magic, mystery, and intrigue collide in the heart of Florence.

📖 Plot Overview:

The Stone Witch of Florence takes us back to 1348, where Italy is reeling from the devastation of the Black Plague. Ginevra di Gasparo, exiled for her unique ability to heal the sick using the magic of gemstones, is called back to Florence by the very people who condemned her. Expecting to use her unorthodox methods to combat the disease, she soon finds herself tasked with something far more dangerous—tracking down a ruthless thief stealing sacred relics from the city’s churches.

As Ginevra dives into this high-stakes investigation, she realizes she is caught in a much larger conspiracy. With her life on the line and the plague threatening to destroy Florence, Ginevra must navigate treacherous waters to protect the city and prove herself as a healer, not a witch.

💭 My Thoughts:

I recently finished The Stone Witch of Florence, and I was instantly captivated by its atmospheric setting and richly detailed historical backdrop. Ginevra di Gasparo’s character is compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in her journey. Her complex relationships and struggle for acceptance in a world that fears her gifts provided an emotional core that balanced the story’s darker, more mysterious elements.

While I was hoping for a romantic subplot to bloom, I was pleasantly surprised by the strong friendships Ginevra formed instead. It added warmth to an otherwise tense narrative and made her growth as a character even more satisfying.

The pacing, however, was a bit slower than I would have liked. The story takes its time building up, which left me wishing for more action earlier on. But as I pushed through, the last 15% of the novel delivered an intense series of twists and turns that made the wait worthwhile. In hindsight, a slightly faster pace throughout could have enhanced the suspense, but the well-crafted plot and unique premise kept me engaged.

🌟 Standout Moments:

Ginevra’s internal struggle between her role as a healer and the accusations of witchcraft made her journey both emotional and empowering.
The richly described setting of Florence during the Black Plague gave the story a palpable sense of urgency and danger, immersing me completely in the time period.
The friendships Ginevra built were a refreshing change from the typical romantic arcs and added much-needed emotional depth.

📚 Final Thoughts:

The Stone Witch of Florence is a fascinating blend of historical fantasy and mystery, filled with rich details and magic that transports you to plague-ridden Florence. While the pacing was a little slower than I prefer, the final act of the story is thrilling and full of intrigue. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, a touch of magic, and a gripping mystery, this is definitely a novel worth adding to your TBR.