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turrean's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Entertaining and better written than many other witchy rom-coms I’ve read, and I’m a fan of the genre. I have my usual questions about the way the world’s magical framework holds together (what do Chicago witches use for power, and why can’t Emmy tap into it? Why did every single Harlow Arbiter make the decision to keep their skills secret, if it was a royal pain, upheld an unfair caste system, and was not required by the rules of magic? ) but on the whole, the author was consistent. Gareth was a loathsome overindulged peacock, but not a villain. I would have liked to see a more substantial threat to overcome than just some financial opportunism and sexist behavior.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
readwithria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Payback’s A Witch is an interesting book, and a fun read, but the world building is a little weird. Allow me to explain…
The small Illinois town of Thistle Grove makes almost no sense to me. There are mansions, and giant private estates, and a whole medieval castle, all in a small town that also has regular people living in it? There’s haunted woods, two orchards - how does all of this fit in a small town that also has regular businesses, a high school, and regular people living in it?
All of the town layout conundrums aside, I had a fun time reading this. It was silly and low stakes, and easy to consume.
That being said, I didn’t believe all of the character relationships or the plot setup. Why does Emmy still care about a breakup from nearly ten years ago? What do Emmy and Talia have in common? Why does the competition have to happen? None of this is ever really explained. People even point these things out in the book, and they’re just kinda brushed off as “the way it is”
Is this book fun? Yes. Is it super groundbreaking or impactful? Not in my opinion. 3 stars.
The small Illinois town of Thistle Grove makes almost no sense to me. There are mansions, and giant private estates, and a whole medieval castle, all in a small town that also has regular people living in it? There’s haunted woods, two orchards - how does all of this fit in a small town that also has regular businesses, a high school, and regular people living in it?
All of the town layout conundrums aside, I had a fun time reading this. It was silly and low stakes, and easy to consume.
That being said, I didn’t believe all of the character relationships or the plot setup. Why does Emmy still care about a breakup from nearly ten years ago? What do Emmy and Talia have in common? Why does the competition have to happen? None of this is ever really explained. People even point these things out in the book, and they’re just kinda brushed off as “the way it is”
Is this book fun? Yes. Is it super groundbreaking or impactful? Not in my opinion. 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
lady_smith's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
One descriptive sex scenebookishlucy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.75
This was a really enjoyable read! I enjoyed the set-up and the competition of the Gauntlet.
I felt like the parts actually taking place during the competition were really short though. I wish they lasted a little longer than usually just a chapter.
I also think the reason Emmy left Thistle Grove was a bit weak. Especially because she left for 9 years and never even visited. Not even for birthdays or holidays.
I still enjoyed the relationship between Talia and Emmy. And I really liked the friendship between Linden and Emmy.
I did have patches of the book where I had trouble visualizing the story but I'll still be checking out the next book in the series!
I felt like the parts actually taking place during the competition were really short though. I wish they lasted a little longer than usually just a chapter.
I also think the reason Emmy left Thistle Grove was a bit weak. Especially because she left for 9 years and never even visited. Not even for birthdays or holidays.
I still enjoyed the relationship between Talia and Emmy. And I really liked the friendship between Linden and Emmy.
I did have patches of the book where I had trouble visualizing the story but I'll still be checking out the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
liamliayaum's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A cozy witchy fantasy with a dash of bisexual/lesbian romance. The fall vibes of Gilmore Girls set in the Midwest, specifically Illinois, with a modern bent. The magic of this world is intriguing and the plot of a magical tournament to determine which family reigns over the magic for the next 50 years is a delightful spin.
Emmy Harlow, the main character, is torn between her new non-magical life in Chicago and the implications of magical life in Thistle Grove. She does waffle about this issue for a good portion of the book.
There is some diversity in the main characters but they are mostly white, abled, and Millennials.
I have to appreciate any book that has romance but doesn't give much emphasis to sexual content so if you're looking for spice, this book isn't it. But, if you're like me, and like romance for all the other bits, this might be perfect for you!
Lastly, knowing there are more books in this series, I seriously hope that Talia, Rowan, Linden, and even the eff-boy Gareth get their own spotlight. I especially loved Linden and would love more time with her!
Emmy Harlow, the main character, is torn between her new non-magical life in Chicago and the implications of magical life in Thistle Grove. She does waffle about this issue for a good portion of the book.
There is some diversity in the main characters but they are mostly white, abled, and Millennials.
I have to appreciate any book that has romance but doesn't give much emphasis to sexual content so if you're looking for spice, this book isn't it. But, if you're like me, and like romance for all the other bits, this might be perfect for you!
Lastly, knowing there are more books in this series, I seriously hope that Talia, Rowan, Linden, and even the eff-boy Gareth get their own spotlight. I especially loved Linden and would love more time with her!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
roboroo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
drnsh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Cute, gay (and bi). Great bestfriendships to vicariously feed off of
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
janae's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
I loved this story! The whimsical fluffy fantasy set in modern times, the adorable queer romance, and the main character growing into who she truly is and wants to be. I also loved the magic system, the magical trials, and the sweet relationships the characters had. The writing was poetic and sweet, with only a few missteps that are barely noticeable. The only reason this isn’t a five for me is because my enjoyment didn’t quite reach the level I normally require. But overall it was wonderful and I recommend to fans of romance, light fantasy, and cozy vibes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
raptorq's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
anns_storybound_sanctuary's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was shallow but lovely. If you are in a reading slump and need a cute, little, sapphic pick me up, this is the book for you. Its lighthearted the characters are relatable. But the story line falls a bit short for me and the characters sometimes act like 17 year olds instead of nearly 30.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content