Scan barcode
sitrisummoned's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
dellohel's review against another edition
4.0
kept me on my toes w some parts and got darker than I thought it would go!
dongu's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kitkicia's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
asreadbykat's review against another edition
4.0
Story-wise I actually give this 3.5 stars, but I bumped it up to 4 just because I enjoyed the unapologetic queerness of the characters.
In total honesty, I've read YA books about witches that felt more, well, "witchy" than this, at least in the traditional literary sense. So if that's the type of witchy fiction you're looking for, this might not be up your alley. This is also very obviously the first book in at least a duology, so there's a lot of loose threads by the end that require future works to tie up. And, as per usual with YA novels and romance, the relationships develop pretty damn quickly.
That being said: it was SO GOOD to read a modern YA novel about witches that make me honestly believe the characters are teenagers. They don't sound like almost-adults, they make a ton of messy mistakes, and plenty of wrong choices. I enjoyed this book so much because all the young main heroines felt so REAL. Like girls I actually met when I was in high school, and like the girls I've met since becoming a teacher.
The mystery isn't super complicated; there's plenty of suspects, but I called the real antagonist before the big reveal. But it's not necessarily the mystery itself that's important, but rather the reasons and emotions behind it. It all ties in to the history of this world that I want to learn more about.
I also really enjoy the witchcraft and lore of this world, and I'm really interested to read the second book to learn more about it. And I will be reading the second one; I enjoy the world and the writing enough to want to see what happens next.
TL;DR: if you're looking for a more serious book about traditional or conventional teen witches, this probably won't be your jam. If you want a story with queer heroines and an interesting twist on witchcraft that's good for a quick read, maybe check this one out.
In total honesty, I've read YA books about witches that felt more, well, "witchy" than this, at least in the traditional literary sense. So if that's the type of witchy fiction you're looking for, this might not be up your alley. This is also very obviously the first book in at least a duology, so there's a lot of loose threads by the end that require future works to tie up. And, as per usual with YA novels and romance, the relationships develop pretty damn quickly.
That being said: it was SO GOOD to read a modern YA novel about witches that make me honestly believe the characters are teenagers. They don't sound like almost-adults, they make a ton of messy mistakes, and plenty of wrong choices. I enjoyed this book so much because all the young main heroines felt so REAL. Like girls I actually met when I was in high school, and like the girls I've met since becoming a teacher.
The mystery isn't super complicated; there's plenty of suspects, but I called the real antagonist before the big reveal. But it's not necessarily the mystery itself that's important, but rather the reasons and emotions behind it. It all ties in to the history of this world that I want to learn more about.
I also really enjoy the witchcraft and lore of this world, and I'm really interested to read the second book to learn more about it. And I will be reading the second one; I enjoy the world and the writing enough to want to see what happens next.
TL;DR: if you're looking for a more serious book about traditional or conventional teen witches, this probably won't be your jam. If you want a story with queer heroines and an interesting twist on witchcraft that's good for a quick read, maybe check this one out.
alidathealien's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Pretty cheesy, but fun!
It felt like this should have been the second in a trilogy instead of the first in a duology. They spent so much time talking about Hannah and veronicas relationship and the events of New York, but hardly any time showing it.
It felt like this should have been the second in a trilogy instead of the first in a duology. They spent so much time talking about Hannah and veronicas relationship and the events of New York, but hardly any time showing it.
emalieshaffer's review against another edition
5.0
This book had so many unexpected twists (and drama - in the best way)! I absolutely could not put it down and will definitely be reading the second book. 10/10 recommend!
annsephine's review against another edition
3.0
3.5* I liked the book, but I found some points a bit unnecessary, like the death that occurs towards, as well as some things being a little predictable. Overall I liked it, I wanna read the second book just to get a closure on the story, but it's not something I would reread.
janagaton's review against another edition
2.0
boooorrrriiiingggg. i much preferred The Coldest Touch by this author, and I will not be continuing with this series