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michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
The setting could be described as Puritanical because of the vehemence which the Brotherhood pursues witches, but the clothing harkens to a Victorian Age or just a little before. It is alluded that in the past the Witches were on the top of the hierarchy of society and their deity association was from a Greek female goddess. Apparently many witches had gathered in America for religious freedom, but have been nearly annihilated at the hands of the Brotherhood. The rise of the Brotherhood has resulted in a literal witch hunt, but also the suppression of all women, freedom of thought and has also reduced commerce. I'm pretty sure the Brotherhood think all women are born wicked and not just witches. With such power many in the Brotherhood are corrupt and blame women for their own fallacies. The Sisterhood has formed as an alternative for women who don't feel called to be married. This organization also prizes education and is meant to support the Brotherhood.
The romance, and it is a love triangle, was predictable. Though I have to admit I liked Finn, and who wouldn't? He's smart, protective of his family and genuinely kind. The surprise is ...
To read this review and others go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
I love comments and work at answering them all. Thanks!
The romance, and it is a love triangle, was predictable. Though I have to admit I liked Finn, and who wouldn't? He's smart, protective of his family and genuinely kind. The surprise is ...
To read this review and others go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
I love comments and work at answering them all. Thanks!
erincataldi's review against another edition
5.0
Phew, what a read. I was hesitant to read this book at first. I think I assumed that it was going to be like all the other teen paranormal romance or something and I have never been happier to be proved wrong.
"Born Wicked" is the first in the Cahill Witch Chronicles Series and I know I'm going to have to read the others when they're published. The book ends in such a cliffhanger that it'a maddening and you have to, HAVE to, know more!
The story follows Cate, the oldest of three sisters who has cared for and raised her younger sisters since the untimely death of their mother some years before. There's only one complication. They're witches just like their mother was, but they can't let anyone know. The Brotherhood hunts witches and in order to stay together and stay safe, they must keep their magical abilities cloaked and hidden from everyone, no one can be trusted with their secret. Things start to get tricky however, when Cate's childhood friend, Paul, comes home from the university and wants to marry her and a governess from the sisterhood moves into the house. Cate has less than six weeks to decide if she'll marry or join the sisterhood, if she can't make a decision the Brotherhood will for her. Cate tries to make the best of the situation and decide what will be best for her and her two younger sisters but the choices are few and the outcome unpredictable.
I LOVED this book, really and truly. I really identified with Cate (although thankfully I'm no witch... I'm sure some people may argue with that statement though, lol) and the unfairness of her life. I sympathized being an oldest child and I understood her frustration towards her sisters when they acted out and refused to take her seriously. The characters are very well developed and believable, you're sure to have a favorite or two by the end of the book. A must read, full of suspense, intrigue, and plot twists more crooked that a witch's nose.
I received this book for free from GoodRead's giveaway in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
"Born Wicked" is the first in the Cahill Witch Chronicles Series and I know I'm going to have to read the others when they're published. The book ends in such a cliffhanger that it'a maddening and you have to, HAVE to, know more!
The story follows Cate, the oldest of three sisters who has cared for and raised her younger sisters since the untimely death of their mother some years before. There's only one complication. They're witches just like their mother was, but they can't let anyone know. The Brotherhood hunts witches and in order to stay together and stay safe, they must keep their magical abilities cloaked and hidden from everyone, no one can be trusted with their secret. Things start to get tricky however, when Cate's childhood friend, Paul, comes home from the university and wants to marry her and a governess from the sisterhood moves into the house. Cate has less than six weeks to decide if she'll marry or join the sisterhood, if she can't make a decision the Brotherhood will for her. Cate tries to make the best of the situation and decide what will be best for her and her two younger sisters but the choices are few and the outcome unpredictable.
I LOVED this book, really and truly. I really identified with Cate (although thankfully I'm no witch... I'm sure some people may argue with that statement though, lol) and the unfairness of her life. I sympathized being an oldest child and I understood her frustration towards her sisters when they acted out and refused to take her seriously. The characters are very well developed and believable, you're sure to have a favorite or two by the end of the book. A must read, full of suspense, intrigue, and plot twists more crooked that a witch's nose.
I received this book for free from GoodRead's giveaway in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
katetj's review against another edition
5.0
Read the first two chapters here! Sooo good! Cannot WAIT to get my hands on this!
lamb4678's review against another edition
5.0
It took a little while to catch my attention...but once it did I was hooked!! I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
rusticreadingal's review
5.0
This book blew me away. It is beautifully written with intriguing storylines and wonderful, fully developed characters. I didn't want it to end and I can't wait for the next one! I highly recommend!
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at Hooked on Books
This book is one of the best books I've read about witches in a looooonnnnnggg time.
Honestly, the last few witch books I've read have been cheesy, and overdone. They all felt the same. Born Wicked goes in a completely different direction. First of all, it had an amazing and beautiful setting. Jessica Spotswood creates a magical world. This world looks very much like Victorian England but Jessica takes it one step further and builds an entire brand new world. This world is haunting (the Brotherhood gave me chills), its mysterious. It's well thought out and incredibly detailed. I felt myself getting entirely wrapped up in the world and I can't wait to read the rest of this series so I can fall back in.
Another reason you'll fall in love with this book is Finn Belastra. The well read, funny charming gardener?! Was I not supposed to fall (and fall hard) for him? The romance in Born Wicked was beautiful and heart wrenching. I will definitely be rooting for Finn no matter what!
Now speaking of romance...I just have to comment of the presence of lesbian witches. I have to admit this one surprised me a little bit. They seemed to come out of no where, and it wasn't what I expected but for Born Wicked is was kind of a neat idea.
I loved this book. It enchanted me and it wrapped me up in its historical setting. The characters are well formed and easy to connect to. It's definitely the start of an amazing series and after an incredible surprise ending I need the next one now!
This book is one of the best books I've read about witches in a looooonnnnnggg time.
Honestly, the last few witch books I've read have been cheesy, and overdone. They all felt the same. Born Wicked goes in a completely different direction. First of all, it had an amazing and beautiful setting. Jessica Spotswood creates a magical world. This world looks very much like Victorian England but Jessica takes it one step further and builds an entire brand new world. This world is haunting (the Brotherhood gave me chills), its mysterious. It's well thought out and incredibly detailed. I felt myself getting entirely wrapped up in the world and I can't wait to read the rest of this series so I can fall back in.
Another reason you'll fall in love with this book is Finn Belastra. The well read, funny charming gardener?! Was I not supposed to fall (and fall hard) for him? The romance in Born Wicked was beautiful and heart wrenching. I will definitely be rooting for Finn no matter what!
Now speaking of romance...I just have to comment of the presence of lesbian witches. I have to admit this one surprised me a little bit. They seemed to come out of no where, and it wasn't what I expected but for Born Wicked is was kind of a neat idea.
I loved this book. It enchanted me and it wrapped me up in its historical setting. The characters are well formed and easy to connect to. It's definitely the start of an amazing series and after an incredible surprise ending I need the next one now!
leahka89's review against another edition
5.0
Full review and others posted at Bunblebee Book blog!
I fell in love immediately with Cate and her sisters. Cats is the oldest and the responsible one who has had to give up her own dreams in order to protect her sisters. Maura, the middle child, is wild as her red hair. She loves to lose herself in romance novels and wants nothing more than to get out of their stifling little town. Tess is the youngest and the scholar. She loves cooking and is fluent in three languages. All three sisters are witches and must hide their powers from the Brotherhood who runs the town. The girls’ mother died when they were young and her dying wish was for Cate to protect the younger two and to keep their magic a secret. Not even their father knows they are witches.
This is my absolute favorite era to read about (late 1800s) because of the fascinating societal rules and the interesting dresses. Witches are also one of my favorite subjects, so this book was written for me.
All of the characters are wonderful. We mostly get to know Cate, but I have a feeling in the other books in the series we will have a chance to learn more about the other two. I really felt so bad for Cate and how she has had to give up so much to protect her sisters. They resent her for mothering them, but she has done everything in her power (literally and figuratively) to protect them. Now that Cate is coming of age, she has to make a decision to either get married or join the Sisterhood. Her choice seems somewhat clear at first, but as the book goes on and we learn more about each character and all of their secrets, it isn’t as easy as Cate anticipated.
The love triangle in the book is sweet. Cate loves her childhood best friend, Paul, but can she see herself moving away with him and leaving her sisters? Then there is Finn, her unexpected ally who gives her everything she didn’t know she needed. I’m very much Team Finn. He is so sweet and charming. Paul seems like an all right guy, but I feel like their relationship has no spark or desire.
I was captivated and finished the book quickly. The ending broke my heart! Here I was being silly and thinking that Cate had come to a good resolution and BAM things get thrown for a loop. Now here I am desperately trying to find the second book at a local store because I CANNOT wait two business days for it to ship here. Luckily my library has it in stock. I will be there when the doors open to check it out.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you are a fan of witches and books about magic, you need to check this out. I’m so excited to see where to series goes.
I fell in love immediately with Cate and her sisters. Cats is the oldest and the responsible one who has had to give up her own dreams in order to protect her sisters. Maura, the middle child, is wild as her red hair. She loves to lose herself in romance novels and wants nothing more than to get out of their stifling little town. Tess is the youngest and the scholar. She loves cooking and is fluent in three languages. All three sisters are witches and must hide their powers from the Brotherhood who runs the town. The girls’ mother died when they were young and her dying wish was for Cate to protect the younger two and to keep their magic a secret. Not even their father knows they are witches.
This is my absolute favorite era to read about (late 1800s) because of the fascinating societal rules and the interesting dresses. Witches are also one of my favorite subjects, so this book was written for me.
All of the characters are wonderful. We mostly get to know Cate, but I have a feeling in the other books in the series we will have a chance to learn more about the other two. I really felt so bad for Cate and how she has had to give up so much to protect her sisters. They resent her for mothering them, but she has done everything in her power (literally and figuratively) to protect them. Now that Cate is coming of age, she has to make a decision to either get married or join the Sisterhood. Her choice seems somewhat clear at first, but as the book goes on and we learn more about each character and all of their secrets, it isn’t as easy as Cate anticipated.
The love triangle in the book is sweet. Cate loves her childhood best friend, Paul, but can she see herself moving away with him and leaving her sisters? Then there is Finn, her unexpected ally who gives her everything she didn’t know she needed. I’m very much Team Finn. He is so sweet and charming. Paul seems like an all right guy, but I feel like their relationship has no spark or desire.
I was captivated and finished the book quickly. The ending broke my heart! Here I was being silly and thinking that Cate had come to a good resolution and BAM things get thrown for a loop. Now here I am desperately trying to find the second book at a local store because I CANNOT wait two business days for it to ship here. Luckily my library has it in stock. I will be there when the doors open to check it out.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you are a fan of witches and books about magic, you need to check this out. I’m so excited to see where to series goes.
postitsandpens's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 of 5 stars.
Born Wicked tells the story of an alternative nineteenth-century US where witches once ruled but were overthrown by the Brotherhood, who believe that witches are wicked and should be punished and eradicated. Cate Cahill is the eldest of three sisters, all of whom are witches. This makes them the focus of a prophecy which states that one of the three will be the most powerful witch in the world, who will either bring the witches back to power or drop them into another dark age.
With a story and setting like that, I was hard-pressed to resist this book, and immediately suggested it as a purchase for my local library, so I could read it. I was expecting danger and magic and witchery and exciting happenings. But that's not exactly what this book provided. The truth is that this book focuses on Cate, who is determined to keep her sisters safe, per a promise she made her dying mother (who failed to prepare Cate for anything to do with the prophecy). Cate is a bit of a difficult character to like at first: she believes the Brotherhood that witchery is wicked, and that therefore she, too, is wicked. Her constant "but wicked girls don't deserve x" or "but I'm wicked, so deserve whatever I'm getting" mindset at the start of this story was maddening, and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. But she grew on me as the story progressed, particularly once she falls in love with Finn. I also absolutely loved her relationship with her sisters, particularly the youngest sister, Tess.
Knowing that this book is the first in a planned trilogy, I wasn't expecting things to be fully resolved. But I was not expecting very little to actually happen. Cate and her sisters get a new governess, Elena, and Cate spends most of the book from that point on being distrustful of her, jealous of her sister Maura's friendship with her, and generally being disagreeable where Elena is concerned. These feelings are not entirely unwarranted, mind you, but when the majority of this book - which I'd thought would be dealing with magic and witches - is instead taken up with feelings of distrust and the back and forth of "can I trust her", it starts to get really tedious. There is also absolutely NO forward movement with the actual prophecy; we are just as in the dark about this at the end of the book as we were at the start.
What saved this book for me - and accounts for much of this rating - is the romance between Cate and Finn. I found Finn to be utterly charming, and absolutely loved watching their relationship progress. I do want to mention that there is a second guy in this book, Paul, who is Cate's childhood friend (and the guy everyone thinks she'll marry), and there are some love-triangle-ish things happening, but it's pretty clear whom Cate has the deeper feelings for and which way she's going to go in that respect. That being said, the ending kind of broke my heart. I get why it happened; as I said, it's the first book in a trilogy and there's so much to do with the prophecy left to sort out, so it's too soon for happily-ever-afters. But I still wasn't quite expecting that particular ending, and am worried about how things are going to be resolved to my satisfaction (as if I'm the only one who matters, of course).
This book is definitely not what I'd call "action-packed": there's a lot of going to teas, visiting bookshops, and weeding in gardens, but not so much in the way of magic. This had a very "historical fiction" feel to it with just little dabs of paranormal. But the romance, for me, was good enough to pull me through the book, and make me eager for the second installment. All in all, Born Wicked is a decent start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing what's going to happen next.
Born Wicked tells the story of an alternative nineteenth-century US where witches once ruled but were overthrown by the Brotherhood, who believe that witches are wicked and should be punished and eradicated. Cate Cahill is the eldest of three sisters, all of whom are witches. This makes them the focus of a prophecy which states that one of the three will be the most powerful witch in the world, who will either bring the witches back to power or drop them into another dark age.
With a story and setting like that, I was hard-pressed to resist this book, and immediately suggested it as a purchase for my local library, so I could read it. I was expecting danger and magic and witchery and exciting happenings. But that's not exactly what this book provided. The truth is that this book focuses on Cate, who is determined to keep her sisters safe, per a promise she made her dying mother (who failed to prepare Cate for anything to do with the prophecy). Cate is a bit of a difficult character to like at first: she believes the Brotherhood that witchery is wicked, and that therefore she, too, is wicked. Her constant "but wicked girls don't deserve x" or "but I'm wicked, so deserve whatever I'm getting" mindset at the start of this story was maddening, and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. But she grew on me as the story progressed, particularly once she falls in love with Finn. I also absolutely loved her relationship with her sisters, particularly the youngest sister, Tess.
Knowing that this book is the first in a planned trilogy, I wasn't expecting things to be fully resolved. But I was not expecting very little to actually happen. Cate and her sisters get a new governess, Elena, and Cate spends most of the book from that point on being distrustful of her, jealous of her sister Maura's friendship with her, and generally being disagreeable where Elena is concerned. These feelings are not entirely unwarranted, mind you, but when the majority of this book - which I'd thought would be dealing with magic and witches - is instead taken up with feelings of distrust and the back and forth of "can I trust her", it starts to get really tedious. There is also absolutely NO forward movement with the actual prophecy; we are just as in the dark about this at the end of the book as we were at the start.
What saved this book for me - and accounts for much of this rating - is the romance between Cate and Finn. I found Finn to be utterly charming, and absolutely loved watching their relationship progress. I do want to mention that there is a second guy in this book, Paul, who is Cate's childhood friend (and the guy everyone thinks she'll marry), and there are some love-triangle-ish things happening, but it's pretty clear whom Cate has the deeper feelings for and which way she's going to go in that respect. That being said, the ending kind of broke my heart. I get why it happened; as I said, it's the first book in a trilogy and there's so much to do with the prophecy left to sort out, so it's too soon for happily-ever-afters. But I still wasn't quite expecting that particular ending, and am worried about how things are going to be resolved to my satisfaction (as if I'm the only one who matters, of course).
This book is definitely not what I'd call "action-packed": there's a lot of going to teas, visiting bookshops, and weeding in gardens, but not so much in the way of magic. This had a very "historical fiction" feel to it with just little dabs of paranormal. But the romance, for me, was good enough to pull me through the book, and make me eager for the second installment. All in all, Born Wicked is a decent start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing what's going to happen next.