Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood Summary, Characters and Themes
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a charming contemporary fantasy novel that blends the warmth of cozy fiction with the excitement of magical self-discovery.
It follows Belladonna “Belle” Blackthorn, a 29-year-old witch in London whose magical spark has dimmed under the pressures of daily life. With her thirtieth birthday approaching, Belle faces a high-stakes witch trial that could strip her of her powers forever. As she navigates her magical challenges, a toxic workplace, and relationships both magical and mundane, Belle embarks on a heartfelt journey of self-love, empowerment, and embracing her inner magic.
Summary
Belladonna “Belle” Blackthorn is a 29-year-old witch living in London, juggling her magical heritage with the challenges of an ordinary life. She works at Lunar Books, a charming local bookstore she dreams of owning, but her daily reality is stifled by her toxic, misogynistic manager.
To complicate matters, Belle keeps her magic hidden from non-witches, including her best friend and roommate, Ariadne. Though she performs small spells in secret, Belle’s self-doubt and anxiety have prevented her from fully embracing her magical potential.
As her thirtieth birthday looms, Belle receives an unexpected summons from her coven. In this magical world, witches are granted powers at fifteen but must prove their magical worth by age thirty to retain them.
Belle’s lack of practice and confidence leaves her ill-prepared, and her initial hearing goes poorly. The coven nearly revokes her magic but grants her a one-month extension, until Halloween, to prove herself worthy through a series of trials.
To assist in her journey, Belle is assigned a Watchman named Rune, a brooding yet handsome protector tasked with her safety.
Their banter-filled partnership hints at a slow-burning romance. She also receives guidance from Artorius, a warm mentor figure in the magical community, and her mother, Bonnie Blackthorn, a powerful witch who inspires Belle to reconnect with her dormant abilities.
The trials push Belle to develop her magic and confront her insecurities. At the same time, she must navigate her complicated personal life.
She finally stands up to her awful boss, gaining the confidence to pursue ownership of Lunar Books. When she reveals her magical identity to Ariadne, their friendship deepens as Ariadne enthusiastically supports her.
Belle also taps into her family history, drawing strength from the memory of her late grandmother, whose influence shaped her early magical upbringing.
However, Belle’s journey is shadowed by hidden sabotage. An unknown antagonist works to undermine her efforts, endangering those she loves and threatening her chances of keeping her magic.
The saboteur is eventually revealed to be someone Belle trusted, complicating her emotional journey.
On Halloween, the final trial arrives. Belle must demonstrate her growth and resolve as a witch while fending off a climactic attack from the saboteur, who attempts to destroy her coven.
Drawing on her newfound confidence and the lessons learned throughout the month, Belle triumphs, saving her coven and proving her magical worth. The coven allows her to keep her powers, which are now stronger than ever.
The story closes on an uplifting note. Belle takes the leap to own Lunar Books, cementing her professional dreams. Her bond with Ariadne flourishes, and she begins a gentle, promising relationship with Rune. Most importantly, Belle embraces her magic and herself, rediscovering the spark she thought she had lost.
Characters
Belladonna “Belle” Blackthorn
Belle is the central character of the story, a 30-year-old witch who is struggling to balance her magical identity with the realities of her everyday life. She works at Lunar Books, a bookstore that holds sentimental value for her, but she faces constant challenges from her toxic, misogynistic boss.
Belle’s magical powers are underused and undervalued, and her lack of confidence in her abilities adds to her struggles. She feels stuck in her personal and professional life, unsure whether she’s capable of achieving her dreams.
As the story progresses, Belle embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She is forced to confront her insecurities, and through a series of trials, she reconnects with her magic and her true potential.
Belle’s growth throughout the book is evident as she learns to trust herself and her abilities. Her development from a self-doubting woman to a confident, powerful witch forms the core of the narrative.
Ariadne
Ariadne is Belle’s best friend and roommate. While she is unaware of Belle’s magical abilities for much of the story, she plays a crucial role in Belle’s life.
Ariadne is supportive, understanding, and a constant source of emotional support. Despite her lack of knowledge about witchcraft, she stands by Belle, offering help and companionship.
When Belle eventually reveals her secret, Ariadne reacts with excitement and curiosity, embracing her friend’s true self. Ariadne represents a grounding force in Belle’s life, helping her stay connected to the human side of things even as Belle delves deeper into her magical world.
Ariadne’s presence allows Belle to keep a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of her trials and magical development.
Rune
Rune is the mysterious, brooding Watchman assigned to Belle by her coven. His role is to protect Belle and ensure her success in the trials she must undergo to retain her magical abilities.
Initially, their relationship is one of tension and banter, with Rune seeming somewhat distant and enigmatic. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his connection to Belle is much deeper than just duty.
Rune serves as both a guardian and an unlikely mentor, helping Belle navigate the challenges she faces. Over time, their relationship evolves into a slow-burn romance, with mutual respect and trust gradually building between them.
Rune is integral to Belle’s journey, offering guidance, protection, and emotional support during her darkest moments.
Artorius
Artorius is a mentor-like figure within the magical community who guides Belle during her trials. He represents wisdom and support, offering Belle advice on how to unlock her true magical potential.
Artorius’s role is crucial in helping Belle realize her worth and reconnect with her magic, especially when self-doubt threatens to overwhelm her. His fatherly presence offers a sense of stability and security as Belle grapples with the uncertainties of her trials.
He encourages her to trust herself and believe in her powers, even when she feels unsure. Artorius is a key figure in Belle’s growth, not just as a witch but also as a person who learns to overcome the insecurities that have held her back.
Bonnie Blackthorn
Bonnie is Belle’s mother, a powerful witch in her own right. Bonnie’s encouragement and faith in Belle’s abilities play a significant role in the latter’s magical journey.
Though Bonnie’s presence in the story is less prominent compared to other characters, her influence is felt throughout. She is a symbol of the power of family and tradition in Belle’s life.
Bonnie’s connection to Belle’s past, particularly the legacy of her late grandmother, becomes crucial when Belle must tap into her ancestral magic to pass her trials. Bonnie represents the nurturing, familial aspect of Belle’s witchcraft, offering a connection to the deeper, inherited magic that runs through Belle’s veins.
Themes
The Struggle for Self-Discovery and the Pursuit of Personal Empowerment
In Rewitched, the protagonist, Belle, embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, which is one of the most pivotal themes of the novel. As she nears her thirtieth birthday, Belle faces a daunting trial to prove her worth as a witch, something she has neglected for years.
Throughout the story, Belle grapples with deep-seated insecurities and self-doubt, feeling as though she is “behind” in life compared to others, particularly when it comes to her magical abilities. She has long hidden her true potential, often relegating her magic to small, unremarkable tasks.
However, as the narrative progresses, Belle’s arc becomes one of personal empowerment, as she learns to trust her abilities, embrace her unique identity as a witch, and find strength in her own choices. The final moments of the book showcase Belle’s growth as she accepts her magic and her worth, culminating in a powerful demonstration of her abilities on Halloween night.
This theme is intricately woven throughout the book, reflecting the internal struggle many people face when stepping into their true potential.
The Importance of Found Family and the Healing Power of Friendship
A significant theme in Rewitched is the concept of found family, which is explored through Belle’s relationships with those around her. Belle may not have a traditional family dynamic, but she builds meaningful, supportive connections with friends and mentors who become her emotional pillars.
Her bond with her best friend, Ariadne, plays a critical role in Belle’s growth. As the story unfolds, Belle opens up to Ariadne about her magical heritage, and instead of rejection, she receives acceptance and enthusiasm.
This newfound trust strengthens their friendship, making it a cornerstone of Belle’s emotional well-being. Additionally, Artorius, a mentor figure in the magical community, helps guide Belle through her trials, providing the wisdom and support that she needs during her most challenging moments.
Even the initially antagonistic Rune, the Watchman assigned to protect Belle, gradually shifts from a figure of duty to a loyal companion and potential romantic interest, adding another layer of supportive relationships.
The theme of found family underscores the healing and strength that can come from the people who choose to stand by you, especially in times of self-doubt and crisis.
The Battle Between External Oppression and Internal Transformation
The tension between external forces and Belle’s internal transformation is another prominent theme in Rewitched. Belle’s struggle against the toxic environment at Lunar Books, where her misogynistic boss undermines her confidence and dismisses her potential, parallels her internal battle.
She feels trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and underappreciation, both in her personal and professional life. The oppressive forces in the external world, from her controlling boss to the looming threat of losing her magic, represent barriers to Belle’s growth.
However, these external struggles also act as catalysts for her internal evolution. As she faces each challenge, Belle is forced to confront her fears and insecurities, gradually learning to stand up for herself.
Her decision to confront her boss and take control of her future at Lunar Books is symbolic of her larger fight to reclaim her power. The ultimate external antagonist, the saboteur who threatens Belle’s magic, further amplifies the theme, serving as a final test for Belle to not only defend herself but also fully embrace the transformation she has undergone.
The Unfolding of Romantic Relationships Amidst Personal Growth and Healing
Romance in Rewitched is not merely a subplot; it is intricately tied to Belle’s personal growth and healing journey. The slow-burn romance between Belle and Rune is a tender exploration of trust, vulnerability, and mutual support.
Rune, initially a stern and mysterious Watchman, becomes an unlikely source of comfort and emotional intimacy for Belle. As their relationship develops, Rune does not only serve as a romantic interest but also as a figure who helps Belle rediscover her magical abilities and self-worth.
Their dynamic illustrates that true romantic connections are built on mutual respect, trust, and emotional growth. Additionally, the romance is not the central focus of the plot but rather unfolds naturally within the context of Belle’s transformation.
This theme emphasizes that love—whether romantic or platonic—can be a powerful force in one’s journey toward self-acceptance and confidence. In the end, Belle’s romance with Rune becomes an important part of her life, but it is her personal growth and acceptance of her abilities that takes precedence, showcasing the importance of self-love before romantic love.
The Complex Relationship Between Magic and Responsibility
Rewitched delves deeply into the theme of magic and the responsibility that comes with it. In the novel, magic is not just an arbitrary power; it is a gift that requires cultivation, respect, and discipline.
Belle’s magical abilities are initially dormant and underdeveloped due to her neglect, which serves as a reflection of her reluctance to fully embrace her true potential. The trial she faces to prove her worth as a witch acts as a metaphor for the responsibility of wielding magic and the consequences of neglecting one’s duties.
Throughout her journey, Belle must not only demonstrate her magical prowess but also prove her commitment to using her abilities for good. Her struggles with this responsibility are mirrored in her personal life, as she learns to take control of her career and relationships.
Ultimately, the theme of magic and responsibility teaches that true power comes not just from talent, but from the willingness to take ownership of one’s gifts and use them wisely. This adds an additional layer of depth to Belle’s character arc, as she moves from self-doubt to a place of mastery and confidence in her magical abilities.