Just finished The Black Bird Oracle? Next up read Weyward…
If you've just closed the final pages of The Black Bird Oracle and find yourself craving more stories where magic runs through family bloodlines and women claim their power against all odds, then Weyward by Emilia Hart is your perfect next read. Like Deborah Harkness's enchanting blend of scholarship and sorcery, this debut novel weaves together three compelling timelines where women discover their inherited gifts while navigating a world determined to silence them.
"I just finished and I am having *major* book break-up sadness right now. I already own The Lost Apothecary so I guess I use it to fill this giant gaping hole in my heart lol"— PennyMarbles, Reddit
What makes this transition so seamless is Hart's ability to capture that same atmospheric tension you loved in Harkness's work—the slow burn of magical discovery mixed with the weight of family secrets. Where The Black Bird Oracle gave you vampires and ancient prophecies, Weyward offers something equally spellbinding: three women across centuries—Altha in 1619, Violet during WWII, and Kate in the present day—all connected by their ability to commune with nature and beetles, their shared refuge of Weyward Cottage, and their determination to survive patriarchal oppression.
A Fresh Take on Witchcraft
While Harkness's All Souls series explores magic through ancient manuscripts and academic halls, Hart grounds her witchcraft in something more primal—the natural world itself. This isn't about covens or grand supernatural alliances, but rather intimate magic that flows through generations of women who find strength in beetles, storms, and the wild places that refuse to be tamed. It's the same feminist empowerment that made you root for Diana Bishop, but with an earthier, more visceral approach to power.
"Sublime - a beautiful exploration of three women and their deep connection to the natural world and each other… The author beautifully captured the magic of the natural world, and the way it heals, sustains, and gives life."— Dea, Goodreads
The elegance of Hart's storytelling lies in how she balances historical weight with emotional intimacy. Each timeline feels meticulously researched yet deeply personal, offering that same intellectual satisfaction you found in Deborah Harkness's attention to detail. Critics have praised the seamless way Hart shifts between centuries, creating a multigenerational saga that feels both epic and achingly human—perfect for readers who appreciate how historical context can amplify a story's emotional impact.
