In an alternate history where the Church rules Europe through the Holy Roman Empire, a young woman is hunted for witchcraft as she seeks the purpose of her family’s dark powers.
When second-year Dresden University student Nell Blythe is accused of witchcraft, not even the Holy Office knows just how guilty she is. She may not believe in spells, but she does have frightening abilities she keeps hidden and can’t explain. The same abilities that made her mother infamous, then got her killed.
Forced to flee, Nell meets a powerful stranger with abilities like hers. He can answer questions about her mother and their dark gifts that she has spent her whole life asking. But she is not nearly prepared for what he will show her. No one is.
As the Holy Office closes in on her, how far will Nell go to uncover the secrets her mother died for? Secrets that could cut to the heart of the Church itself.
About the author:
Matthew was born in South Africa and grew up there, but now lives in the Netherlands with his wife, new-ish daughter, and two terrible/wonderful cats. He spends much of his time working in a part of the investment world focused on social impact, and the rest writing novels that have nothing to do with that. Matthew is drawn to dark stories told with hope and humour, and can often be found trying to convince people to listen to The Offspring and watch Lord of the Rings movie marathons. The novel will also be published in Armenian translation.
Praise for The Tilted Pentagram
"Every once in a while, dark stars align and a book is birthed in a fiery nebula as if it has been written just for me. The Tilted Pentagram is such a book." - Nerine Dorman, author of The Company of Birds
The Tilted Pentagram | Matthew MacDevette
Hardcover: 978-1-0672242-0-2
Paperback: 978-1-0672242-1-9
Ebook: 978-1-0672242-2-6
A good book is one that leaves you wanting more. The ending leaves you satisfied, but always there is the wanting. Another chapter, another book- for the story to continue with you, always.
The Tilted Pentagram is one of those books.
Initially, I was a bit wary. TTP isn't my first occult fiction, but it also isn't one of my usual genres, and then added to the fact that the main character is female and written by a male... there was some apprehension. No biases, of course- I've read some great books from a female's perspective by many male authors- but still, I've been burnt before.
All that said, Nell Blythe is a wonderfully flawed, well thought-out character. She's smart, but naive, and young, but wise beyond her years. Most of all, Nell aches in a way that makes her human in the way we all are.
We follow Nell as she does what's expected of her even though her past tragedies slowly threaten to consume her, and new enemies reveal themselves, and we see her fall in love and grow as a person- and as a witch- through trials and tribulations. Unsure of who to trust and finding herself increasingly alone, she discovers more and more of herself as she discovers her history- and what a history it is.
So much of TTP feels especially relevant today, in this very tumultuous world we find ourselves living in, and so much of it had me remembering old English lessons and discussions about George Orwell and his works. It's a scary thought, but even today, it's plainly obvious that controlling the narrative can equate to controlling the masses. Scary, but thought-provoking.
My one gripe, I'll have to admit, is that I still have so many questions, and so many things I still wish I could have seen- like a little comeuppance, for one.
Regardless, there were many things about TTP that I loved- the diary entries, Nell's sharp tongue and quick wit, and the kindness extended to her by those around her. By far, it's one of the best reads of the year for me, and I am so grateful to @miraripress for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.
Set in an alternative history where the Catholic Church retains political control over Europe, a young woman named Nell is hunted for witchcraft.
Poor girl was just trying to survive university, be with her friend, be a good niece to her aunts, play with matches and explore the same abilities that made her mother infamous.
The Holy Office force her to flee and she is led to forces that are far more deadly than she imagined, and a world she never dared to imagine.
While the Catholic in me was twitching at a few creative liberties, I really enjoyed the world built and the rules in place. You get a sense of the rigid rules that must be obeyed, unless you pay a fee. The magic and witchcraft of this tale was also very interesting and felt quite tangible which is always a good thing!
I must also say I really enjoyed the characters in this and their chemistry with each other. Their dialogue felt natural and engaging!
Nell is reserved (for good reason) but possesses wit and kindness that makes you route for her. Characters like Thomas, Blair, Sasha and her aunts are so easy to love, while characters like Declan and Jacob always keep you guessing. Would have to say my favourite of course is Julia the Terrible.
This story does lead to quite the climax and it does leave an opening for a sequel... Which I would like because I would love to see more of this world and these characters.
If any of this interests you, I would definitely recommend trying this book out!
Oh did I forget to mention this book is from a South African publisher and by a South African author??? Another win!!!
The Tilted Pentagram is set to be one of my top favourites for 2025.
In an alternative history where the church is in power and witchcraft is banned, we follow the protagonist Nell as she delves deeply into her past to discover who she really is. The story is engaging, fast paced, twisty and a little dark with characters that keep you reading way past your bedtime. I did not want to leave this world and I cannot wait for the sequel to be released.
For fans of The Discovery of Witches and Ninth House, The Tilted Pentagram stands it own ground with a compelling story of persecution, power and the lengths we go to to know who we are and where we come from in this witchy dark academia. Michael weaves an intricate tale of belonging, loss, friendship and family all through the eyes of our badass FMC.
I highly recommend this novel.
I have had The Tilted Pentagram on my radar since it was first published. It lived up to all the hopes I had for it and then some! The author has a fantastic sense of pacing. Although the worldbuilding was complex at times, he managed to convey a lot of information succinctly and efficiently without ever infodumping. This book is a masterclass in drawing the reader in and allowing them to absorb everything they need to know while the characters explore and learn themselves. It makes for an eminently bingeable read.
I'm not always a witchy kind of reader, so I really appreciated how dark the magic in this is, verging more on occult rituals and religious mysticism. This story is also very raw in how mental health comes into play. The way it was dealt with felt realistic given the oppressive society the characters are living in and the peril they're taking on in trying to break it all down. The main antagonist is chilling. The danger he presents is not dampened. I NEVER felt like Nell had plot armour. There were some genuine risks being taken.
Perfect for fans of Slewfoot by Brom, James Herbert, and Mitchell Luthi's Pilgrim.
Thanks to Mirari Press for providing me with a copy for review through their Luminary Programme.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
Witchcraft, power, and an alternate history ruled by the Church… 👀
I really enjoyed the concept of this story — an alternate Europe under the grip of the Holy Roman Empire, where the Church hunts those with dangerous gifts. The premise was dark, intriguing, and full of potential, and Nell Blythe’s journey as a young woman accused of witchcraft immediately drew me in. 🌒🔥
That said, while the setup was fascinating, I felt the execution fell a little flat at times. There were moments where I wanted the pacing tighter and the worldbuilding a touch more immersive to match the strength of the idea. Still, I appreciated the way the story explored themes of inherited power, secrets, and the cost of truth.
Nell as a character is compelling — carrying the weight of her mother’s legacy while being forced to confront abilities she doesn’t fully understand. And her encounter with a stranger who finally holds the answers? Definitely a highlight that added layers to her journey.
If you enjoy historical fantasy with witchy vibes, forbidden secrets, and an atmosphere thick with danger, this one is worth picking up. It’s imaginative, thought-provoking, and has a strong foundation for what could be a really captivating series.