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pixelpigeon's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Oh my gosh wow this book was so fun. It's like if Harry Potter was all girls and feminist and actually diverse. GIRL POWER.
The twists! The turns!
I love stories about women saving each other.
The twists! The turns!
I love stories about women saving each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Gun violence, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
anoveldestination's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Stalking and Sexual assault
Minor: Confinement, Racism, Classism, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, and Addiction
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book gave me The Owl House meets coming-of-age meets grief processing vibes and I loved it. The world building felt a bit slow to start for me, however once Frances's magic kicked in, the story picked up well. Once at Haxahaven, I chafed against the "boring" magic they were being taught along with Frances, Lena, and Maxine. What's the point in having this great and awesome power if you're just going to use it for chores?? But I also kept having to remind myself that, as said in the book, "The world doesn't like powerful women." Especially not back in the early 1900s.
To have a magic system that manifests in it's users after a traumatic experience was a powerful choice, and given the time frame the story is set in, traumatic experiences (especially for women and girls) abound. Frances's story was likely a similar and common one, unwelcome sexual advances by an older man, but then hearing stories like Lena's with the Indian school and being ripped away from her family like that; my heart ached. "What's the best way to kill an entire people? Take their children." And her response later in that scene when she "reclaimed" or at least restated that she was of her people (I listened to the audiobook, so I don't have the exact line to share), what a visceral moment. I started to tear up a bit in the car as I listened.
And the quasi-romance subplot with Finn and Oliver. Oh Frances, what options! Like Frances I, too, was taken by that sweet Irish brogue, mischievous smile, and sparkling eyes. But Oliver was such a solid choice too; steadfast, honest, and knew everything she'd been through, and had been just as heartbroken by losing William. Also the casual queer rep in the lovely kitchen witches as well as Maxine was lovely to see, even if it was swept a bit under the rug (which I also give a bit of a pass because, time period)
When Maxine told Frances "I don't trust him." (meaning Finn) I started to have some suspicions, since the sisters of Haxahaven always had each other's backs, especially when the chips were down. I wanted to trust Finn so much, and hearing he had been seeing Frances in his dreams for years had such a romantic air when he first shared it with her. And their date to Coney Island? So sweet!! But then when he just had the binding spell at the ready after the resurrection spell didn't work when Frances tried it alone, and when he didn't repeat the final binding words back to Frances, only for him to STEAL HER POWER FOR HIS OWN GAIN?? Readers, when I tell you I was LIVID and SEETHING on the couch as I listened to the complete change in character as he described his new world order. I was dumbstruck!! I raged with Frances and LOVED how the power of sisterhood was what ultimately brought him to his knees after the final fight at Haxahaven. That she ripped his power from him just has he had her, through the power of love and support from her coven.
I was so glad everyone survived, and that Frances and Oliver will have his time to convalesce to let her bring him up to speed on everything and what that means for them as a couple/pair in the next book. And then that epilogue??? The letter from Finn!! I'm at the same time, thrilled, terrified, and furious that he survived the final encounter and have no idea if his magic will be back the next time we see him, but I can't wait to find out!!
To have a magic system that manifests in it's users after a traumatic experience was a powerful choice, and given the time frame the story is set in, traumatic experiences (especially for women and girls) abound. Frances's story was likely a similar and common one, unwelcome sexual advances by an older man, but then hearing stories like Lena's with the Indian school and being ripped away from her family like that; my heart ached. "What's the best way to kill an entire people? Take their children." And her response later in that scene when she "reclaimed" or at least restated that she was of her people (I listened to the audiobook, so I don't have the exact line to share), what a visceral moment. I started to tear up a bit in the car as I listened.
And the quasi-romance subplot with Finn and Oliver. Oh Frances, what options! Like Frances I, too, was taken by that sweet Irish brogue, mischievous smile, and sparkling eyes. But Oliver was such a solid choice too; steadfast, honest, and knew everything she'd been through, and had been just as heartbroken by losing William. Also the casual queer rep in the lovely kitchen witches as well as Maxine was lovely to see, even if it was swept a bit under the rug (which I also give a bit of a pass because, time period)
I was so glad everyone survived, and that Frances and Oliver will have his time to convalesce to let her bring him up to speed on everything and what that means for them as a couple/pair in the next book. And then that epilogue??? The letter from Finn!! I'm at the same time, thrilled, terrified, and furious that he survived the final encounter and have no idea if his magic will be back the next time we see him, but I can't wait to find out!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Minor: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual assault, Colonisation, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
shannnne_reads_words's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Stalking, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Violence, Abandonment, and Gun violence
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Racism, Colonisation, and Sexual assault
calamitywindpetal's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Blood, Murder, Death, Misogyny, and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Confinement, Racism, Gore, Vomit, and Sexual violence
Minor: Stalking, Alcohol, and Sexual content
caitlin_doggos's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Blood, and Forced institutionalization
toofondofbooks_'s review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
3.5 rounded up to 4
It's the early 1900s, and Frances Hallowell is a seventeen year old seamstress reeling from the loss of her older brother who was murdered. One night, when her boss attacks her in the empty shop, something Frances can't explain happens and her boss ends up dead. Before the police can cart her away on a murder charge, she is taken by two nurses to HaxaHaven "sanitarium," but it's not a sanitarium at all, but a school for witches. Magic ensues.
There is a lot to like about this book! I thought the writing was simplistic, but beautiful. The vibes of the writing reminded me a bit of one of my favorite authors, Sarah Waters. I wrote down a ton of quotes from this in my reading journal. The side characters, particularly Frances' friends at the school, were probably the highlight for me. I appreciated that Haxahaven is a place that includes people from all backgrounds and identities (more on that later). This book was easy to get lost in and by the end of it, I was excited to read the sequel (releasing in October 2022).
I have some qualms though, and I wish I didn't. This was going to be a 5 star, and then a 4 star, and then a 3.5. Hear me out. While this book has characters from diverse backgrounds and identities, I don't believe that you can claim that this book is incredibly diverse. If the non-white , non-straight characters took center stage at any point, you could. However, that never happens. Two of the non-white or non-straight characters get significant page time, but only in relation to the white main character. At the end of the book, we get a bonus chapter about a lesbian character in the book, and while that's great, it would've been nice to see her actually get to be queer outside of passing mentions of it and then just that one chapter.
Another thing that cost this book a star was the twist. I hated it. I felt as betrayed as anyone else in the book did. I normally wouldn't take off a star for a plot point, but I feel VERY strongly about it, and that's why I'm doing it.
Despite my qualms, I really did like this book and I am interested in the sequel.
It's the early 1900s, and Frances Hallowell is a seventeen year old seamstress reeling from the loss of her older brother who was murdered. One night, when her boss attacks her in the empty shop, something Frances can't explain happens and her boss ends up dead. Before the police can cart her away on a murder charge, she is taken by two nurses to HaxaHaven "sanitarium," but it's not a sanitarium at all, but a school for witches. Magic ensues.
There is a lot to like about this book! I thought the writing was simplistic, but beautiful. The vibes of the writing reminded me a bit of one of my favorite authors, Sarah Waters. I wrote down a ton of quotes from this in my reading journal. The side characters, particularly Frances' friends at the school, were probably the highlight for me. I appreciated that Haxahaven is a place that includes people from all backgrounds and identities (more on that later). This book was easy to get lost in and by the end of it, I was excited to read the sequel (releasing in October 2022).
I have some qualms though, and I wish I didn't. This was going to be a 5 star, and then a 4 star, and then a 3.5. Hear me out. While this book has characters from diverse backgrounds and identities, I don't believe that you can claim that this book is incredibly diverse. If the non-white , non-straight characters took center stage at any point, you could. However, that never happens. Two of the non-white or non-straight characters get significant page time, but only in relation to the white main character. At the end of the book, we get a bonus chapter about a lesbian character in the book, and while that's great, it would've been nice to see her actually get to be queer outside of passing mentions of it and then just that one chapter.
Another thing that cost this book a star was the twist. I hated it. I felt as betrayed as anyone else in the book did. I normally wouldn't take off a star for a plot point, but I feel VERY strongly about it, and that's why I'm doing it.
Despite my qualms, I really did like this book and I am interested in the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Racism, Murder, Death, Classism, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexual assault, and Violence
bandysbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a book about a young woman who discovers she’s a witch. She finds herself frustrated by the housekeeping and cooking spells She’s being taught and goes in search of more powerful magic and the truth about her brother’s killer. Eventually, she gets tied up with a bad crowd. It’s an okay story, but there are a fair few plot holes and the “twist” can be seen coming from two miles away. Enjoyable enough if you don’t think too hard while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Racism
sashiee's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is amazing!! I'm obsessed with Lina and I love how her character was written. The book was super slow and a tad boring at first (first 130-ish pages) but it was so worth it. THE ENDING, THE PLOT TWIST OMG!!! This book gave me trust issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gaslighting, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, and Colonisation
leahlovesloslibros's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Frances Halloway lives as a seamstress in 1911 New York City, where she spends most of her time mourning the recent death of her brother, William. When her boss attempts to attack her and her sewing shears end up in his neck, she is quickly named as the prime suspect - only she has no idea how it happened. Two women in caps quickly arrive and take her to Haxahaven Sanitarium, which Frances is surprised to learn is actually a disguised school for witches. Frances yearns to learn more about her magic than what they are teaching at Haxahaven, so when Finn - an attractive young man with magic - shows up and offers to teach her all he knows, she is eager to learn. She must decide whether the risk of secretly meeting with Finn is worth putting her new friends in danger, and what other secrets may lie deep beneath the surface.
There were so many great elements to this book: witches, boarding school, murder mystery, women's rights/feminist movement - loved them!
What I liked:
- Diverse characters, though please be aware of some content warnings surrounding certain characters, especially a prominent Native American side character
- LGBTQIAP+ representation
- lots of feminist ideals throughout the book
- the twists and turns throughout the book (although some were predictable)
- imperfect characters
What I didn't like:
- some of the characters felt underdeveloped, especially some of the side characters at Haxahaven
- Frances was kind of whiny and impulsive at times, which I think was partially due to her age and struggles with grief (seeing as this is a YA book, I can't really hold it against her, as it seems that many of her reactions were age-appropriate for a girl in her situation)
- some of the plot twists were predictable
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.
There were so many great elements to this book: witches, boarding school, murder mystery, women's rights/feminist movement - loved them!
What I liked:
- Diverse characters, though please be aware of some content warnings surrounding certain characters, especially a prominent Native American side character
- LGBTQIAP+ representation
- lots of feminist ideals throughout the book
- the twists and turns throughout the book (although some were predictable)
- imperfect characters
What I didn't like:
- some of the characters felt underdeveloped, especially some of the side characters at Haxahaven
- Frances was kind of whiny and impulsive at times, which I think was partially due to her age and struggles with grief (seeing as this is a YA book, I can't really hold it against her, as it seems that many of her reactions were age-appropriate for a girl in her situation)
- some of the plot twists were predictable
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, and Misogyny
Minor: Racism and Homophobia
Additional TW/CW: Native American boarding schools