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Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Shadow of the Yew Tree by Kate Gateley is a haunting, multi-layered tale that plunges readers into a world where ancient Druid magic collides with dark forces, and where second chances are as rare as they are hard-won. At the centre of this deeply atmospheric fantasy is Dr Ronan Gallagher, a brilliant but broken Druid whose past mistakes reverberate with devastating consequences, and Phoebe Ashburn, a survivor of unimaginable abuse, caught in the violent aftermath of dark Wraith magic. Together, the two must overcome their past and look for a way forward.
Shadow of the Yew Tree by Kate Gateley is a beautifully written novel rich with Druidic lore, vivid magical systems, and the eerie presence of the Otherworld, a realm that lends a mythic weight to the stakes of this expansive tale. The writing is steeped in emotion and tension, with moments of piercing clarity and gut-wrenching intimacy. The story successfully pulled me in from the very beginning, and part of the novel reminded me of a bit of the award-winning game Baldur’s Gate 3, making me love it even more. Shadow of the Yew Tree is a book written for adults, not just in terms of content, but in emotional complexity and ethical nuance. It’s a powerful, challenging, and ultimately cathartic story of love, magic, and redemption. For readers who appreciate fantasy with emotional depth, morally complex characters, and a hard-earned sense of hope, this is a standout, and I would highly recommend giving it a read.
