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whrohala's review against another edition
Very interesting premise, but I couldn't get into it. Just not the book for me.
joanna1905's review against another edition
4.0
**3.75 Stars**
I’m honestly not entirely sure how to sum up my feelings about this book or what even an accurate rating would. I went into it knowing absolutely nothing based only on a positive recommendation so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised - while perhaps not a story I’d typically gravitate to I really enjoyed it for that reason.
The premise is solid and very well executed, the interweaving of real life queer issues with the witch society worked so well and for the uneducated might serve as an eye opening look into how fucking stupid terfs are.
I loved Leonie and Niamh and I also adored Elle and Holly. Helena was an insufferable villain but worked well for the purpose of the plot. Theo’s character was really something special and I adored her journey (tho I would’ve loved to get some chapters from her pov).
I was a bit taken aback by how much transphobia was in this book but at the very least it felt purposeful, it was always making a point and commentating on our own world and didn’t feel like it was hate for the sake of hate.
Honestly one of the plot points that bothered me the most (especially since at this stage it seems so unnecessary) was all the girls knowing Jez is regularly cheating on Elle and not telling her. That’s so unforgivable to me that it really tainted my opinion of the other women for doing this to their friend. To the point that they wiped Holly’s memory when she found out and wanted to tell her mother. I really really hated it and it just made me sad to the bones for Elle - and I think they’re excuse that she’s happy was such trite bullshit.
All in all this was a nice change of pace for me, while I’m a big fantasy reader this was very different to anything I’ve read before and I’m super interested to see what exactly will happen expect. Especially after that last chapter.
My internal debate over the rating is mostly due to the fact that 3 seems too low but 4 seems a little high when I’m not sure this is a book I’d ever reread. But perhaps I’ll change my mind once I’ve read the whole series.
I’m honestly not entirely sure how to sum up my feelings about this book or what even an accurate rating would. I went into it knowing absolutely nothing based only on a positive recommendation so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised - while perhaps not a story I’d typically gravitate to I really enjoyed it for that reason.
The premise is solid and very well executed, the interweaving of real life queer issues with the witch society worked so well and for the uneducated might serve as an eye opening look into how fucking stupid terfs are.
I loved Leonie and Niamh and I also adored Elle and Holly. Helena was an insufferable villain but worked well for the purpose of the plot. Theo’s character was really something special and I adored her journey (tho I would’ve loved to get some chapters from her pov).
I was a bit taken aback by how much transphobia was in this book but at the very least it felt purposeful, it was always making a point and commentating on our own world and didn’t feel like it was hate for the sake of hate.
Honestly one of the plot points that bothered me the most (especially since at this stage it seems so unnecessary) was all the girls knowing Jez is regularly cheating on Elle and not telling her. That’s so unforgivable to me that it really tainted my opinion of the other women for doing this to their friend. To the point that they wiped Holly’s memory when she found out and wanted to tell her mother. I really really hated it and it just made me sad to the bones for Elle - and I think they’re excuse that she’s happy was such trite bullshit.
All in all this was a nice change of pace for me, while I’m a big fantasy reader this was very different to anything I’ve read before and I’m super interested to see what exactly will happen expect. Especially after that last chapter.
My internal debate over the rating is mostly due to the fact that 3 seems too low but 4 seems a little high when I’m not sure this is a book I’d ever reread. But perhaps I’ll change my mind once I’ve read the whole series.
readwithrhys's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
What the ever loving FUCK?
blover's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
3.75
good, fun concept that I feel like does not get the full proper developement ut deserved , specifically Theo's and Leonie'arks(coincidentally the only 2 minorities from the main cast) dont feel fully developed.I get that that id pribably bcs of the existebce of the second book but c mom we could ve gotten more leonie chapters and seen theo s growth more especially when it come to controlling and honing in her powers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
kjmil's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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
4.25
carliereadsstuff's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
serafinassong's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
simmykapoor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Juno Dawson now has a very special place in my heart. What a phenomenal book
sarahinreaderland's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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
Firstly, yes I have been living under a rock and I wish I hadn't left it so long to read this book. Secondly, I desperately want to be a witch and be friends with these woman.
I'm not really a witchy book reader and I honestly can't think of a witchy book that I've read before. Because this book was contemporary, I think it was a good one to start off with as it had all the witchy vibes, but was also super accessible. The concept of HMRC was so smart and I loved the play on Her Majesty's Royal Customs and all of the references to the current political climate and pop culture. I also loved that this book covered some very relevant topics such as systemic racism, misogyny and trans rights. Weaving those topics into a book about witches kept me super engaged and interested.
As already mentioned, I now want to be a witch and I specifically want to be a member of this group of sisters. Niamh was my favourite witch in the group and she was someone I think everyone could do with as a friend. She didn't hesitate to put herself into danger for the purpose of protecting her loved ones, or those who were vulnerable. Hero witch! I actually felt quite sorry for Elle. I don't think she had ever truly accepted being a witch and would rather have just kept it secret and lead a "normal" 2.4 family life. It was beautiful to see her learn from her own daughter and embrace her witchy self.
This book was a huge success with me, I had a great time reading it and couldn't stop turning the pages. I've already reserved the second book at my library and cannot wait to get my hands on it.
I'm not really a witchy book reader and I honestly can't think of a witchy book that I've read before. Because this book was contemporary, I think it was a good one to start off with as it had all the witchy vibes, but was also super accessible. The concept of HMRC was so smart and I loved the play on Her Majesty's Royal Customs and all of the references to the current political climate and pop culture. I also loved that this book covered some very relevant topics such as systemic racism, misogyny and trans rights. Weaving those topics into a book about witches kept me super engaged and interested.
As already mentioned, I now want to be a witch and I specifically want to be a member of this group of sisters. Niamh was my favourite witch in the group and she was someone I think everyone could do with as a friend. She didn't hesitate to put herself into danger for the purpose of protecting her loved ones, or those who were vulnerable. Hero witch! I actually felt quite sorry for Elle. I don't think she had ever truly accepted being a witch and would rather have just kept it secret and lead a "normal" 2.4 family life. It was beautiful to see her learn from her own daughter and embrace her witchy self.
This book was a huge success with me, I had a great time reading it and couldn't stop turning the pages. I've already reserved the second book at my library and cannot wait to get my hands on it.
wishknots's review against another edition
1.0
Where do I start? This book is so terrible. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. I really hate books that read like they’re written by a stroppy teenager who is trying to shock. It’s juvenile, boring and irritating. The writing doesn’t flow, the characters are flat and unrealistic and it felt chaotic. I absolutely hated it and hated that I had to give this book a star to write this review. It’s a big disappointment because I know some people thought this was cute and so I expected a great book. It was trash and I’m fed up I wasted my money on it. Shame on the publishers for allowing this to be marketed the way it was.