Reviews

For Better or Cursed by Kate M. Williams

dame_samara's review against another edition

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2.0

The first third of this book is literally the monotony of party planning, and while I can definitely relate to having no clue what is hip with "kids" my age. This was incredibly difficult for me to slog through, and it felt like I was being subjugated to some layer of hell. Especially as someone who has planned a convention and knows that magic or not you need a large team of people and weeks if not months of prep work beforehand,

Both the first and second third of this book is incredibly slow-paced. But if you can get through the party planning, you will at least be treated to some more insight into what Sitter culture, history, and practices look like. But in reality, you are left feeling like you didn't learn a lot, which really stinks given that The Summit was introduced as just the kind of place where we would learn that kind of thing.

I can't decide if it's because I'm not quite the demographic for this book or just Motives' choice. But I found it really hard to take the villain seriously. Like they felt like you could give them the level of credibility you would Dr. Doofenshmirtz, but they are actually a terrible person that will stab you,

I am definitely left with this really meh feeling, much like finishing the first book. Where I think the story is great, but the execution isn't there.

staystitchy's review

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5.0

This second installment in The Babysitters Coven series was even better than book one. I love these characters and this world that Kate Williams has created. For Better or Cursed goes more into the universe of the sitterhood and the magic is further explained when sitters from everywhere come together for a summit. I love the new characters we meet in this one and there’s just so much action the whole time! Ok here’s a summary and now off I go to start book three.

Esme Pearl is adjusting to her new life as a Sitter, supernatural teens armed with magic to help them protect the innocent from evil demons. The Synod (the governing circle) has called a summit to provide training, education and bonding among the Sitterhood. It’s hard for Esme to focus on what’s in front of her with a myriad of issues she’s got to deal with all at the same time. With her magical and normal worlds colliding along with the typical perils of being a teenager.

coralinejonesss's review against another edition

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3.0

Meh? The first book was cute and quirky. This one was confusingly cringy and a bit frustrating. The synod and rules the Sitters must follow are so dumb and arbitrary. The constant name dropping and pop culture references add to the cringe factor and permanently date the book. The twists near the end added some intrigue but the thing with her dog near the end was upsetting to me. I’m on mobile so I won’t say more cuz I can’t figure out how to hide spoiler sentences without hiding the whole thing.

Cute in parts but whatever for the rest of the book. Hoping the third one is better since it’s the end of a trilogy.

owlsreads's review

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.0

I didn't have such a good time with this sequel. Cassandra's character arc here was really frustrating, personally, and the slow pace didn't help things one bit. It took a looong time for the plot to move forward and the introduction of many different characters helped drag it all down a bit.

The world-building kept expanding and the new information about the magic and Sitter world was interesting! And the final chapters when the action finally came into play was also exciting.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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4.0

A fun sequel to the first Babysitter's Coven book that picks up where book one ended. In this book we get to know more about the organization as Esme and Cassandra are tasked with hosting a once every ten year Synod conference. Pig the pitbull has a starring role in this book and I can't wait to find out what happens to him in book three! Great on audio, this book is a not to be missed supernatural teen adventure story perfect for fans of Buffy the vampire slayer!

whitreadslit's review against another edition

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4.0

I really liked this second book in the Babysitters Coven series! I enjoyed the additional Sitters that were introduced in this one. It was still funny and still spooky! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

itsonmytbr's review against another edition

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4.0

In this one, Esme and Cassandra throw a party (against their wills), make some friends (some of them avian), have some romances (some of them avian), and unearth a conspiracy. Very little babysitting takes place.

This second book is just as fun as the first. Only now, we actually get a bit of backstory on the Sitters and their families. Esme and Cass feel left out because they're the only ones who weren't raised in the family business, but it turns out not knowing what they can't or shouldn't do might just be what helps them save the day.

chaiteaandbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the second book in the babysitter’s coven. E-online said us was a mixture of Buffy and babysitter’s club, which as a 90’s girl, immediately made me want to read this series.

We again meet Esme and Cassandra, two teenagers with kinesis powers. They are just starting to get the hang of it when they get notice that not only is the Synod (the governing group of Babysitters) throwing a Summit this weekend, where Babysitters from all over the country converge, but that it is coming to their tiny town in Kansas, and it is up to them to plan it.

I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, so that was a pleasant surprise. I did feel like this wasn’t entirely wrapped up at the end, but there is a third book in the series, so hopefully that will wrap up what needs resolved.

allsmile's review against another edition

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4.0

This series is just a good time. I’ve really grown to care about the characters (why Pig why??!) and I love all the twists and turns in the plot. Can’t wait for the next book!

lostinafairytale's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. Unfortunately, this wasn't as good as the first one. There was just too many new characters crammed in with little development and we were just supposed to love them. Also it was super easy to tell who the bad person was this around which was disappointing because the twist of the villain in the last one was so good! The end action sequence though was really good!