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samanthamiecz's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked where the plot was going and the setting and the authors take on witches , but I kinda felt that this book was more setting up for the other books in the series at times though. The love triangle got to be a bit annoying at times too. Despite all of that the rest of the book was absolutely fantastic and the characters are so great ohmygod
harridansstew's review against another edition
3.0
Very YAish, but good tale. Wanted more back story...
bookishvice's review
4.0
Once, a long time ago, witches ruled, but those days are long gone. The Brothers' eradicated the witches and now keep a tight leash on all the women. If a woman is accused to witchery she is arrested, and shipped off to Harwood, an institution meant to cure them of their deviant ways. This is Cate's world, and when her mother died she had to grow up fast so she could take care of her sisters, Maura and Tess. She needed to teach them and protect them from the Brothers, because the Cahill women are all witches.
Paul McLeod is Cate's oldest friend. He's been away for a while, and now that he's come back all grown up and handsome, he intends to marry Cate. She has no problem with this, what could be better than marry someone she's known all her life? But he wants them to live in the city, and she can't afford to leave her sisters now. Not only that, but now that she's gotten to know Finn Belastra, the bookseller turned gardener, Cate can't stop thinking about him and his freckles!
Born Wicked is a delightful tale of knowing what you really want, going for it, and making sacrifices for the sake of others. Cate was a wonderful character to read. She's a bit of a control freak, but with good reason since she's trying to keep her sisters safe from the Brothers. She has no choice but to be the parent, the "bad guy," the one who "doesn't have fun." And I think that's why Finn is so perfect for her. He just lets her be free, be who she really is. The girl who likes to climb trees, and get dirty while gardening. I don't know if Paul would have let her be that free, though he seems to like her well enough and they've been friends forever.
I can't get into the story without giving away some major things, but I will tell you this…it will keep you reading all night long! As the story unfolds there are more and more twists and surprises on every chapter. Born Wicked ends with a rather disagreeable ending where Cate has given up her freedom, her happiness to save everyone she loves, and there is no hope on the horizon. But this is just the first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, and boy is it a great start! I can't wait what's next in store for Cate and her sisters!
Paul McLeod is Cate's oldest friend. He's been away for a while, and now that he's come back all grown up and handsome, he intends to marry Cate. She has no problem with this, what could be better than marry someone she's known all her life? But he wants them to live in the city, and she can't afford to leave her sisters now. Not only that, but now that she's gotten to know Finn Belastra, the bookseller turned gardener, Cate can't stop thinking about him and his freckles!
Born Wicked is a delightful tale of knowing what you really want, going for it, and making sacrifices for the sake of others. Cate was a wonderful character to read. She's a bit of a control freak, but with good reason since she's trying to keep her sisters safe from the Brothers. She has no choice but to be the parent, the "bad guy," the one who "doesn't have fun." And I think that's why Finn is so perfect for her. He just lets her be free, be who she really is. The girl who likes to climb trees, and get dirty while gardening. I don't know if Paul would have let her be that free, though he seems to like her well enough and they've been friends forever.
I can't get into the story without giving away some major things, but I will tell you this…it will keep you reading all night long! As the story unfolds there are more and more twists and surprises on every chapter. Born Wicked ends with a rather disagreeable ending where Cate has given up her freedom, her happiness to save everyone she loves, and there is no hope on the horizon. But this is just the first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, and boy is it a great start! I can't wait what's next in store for Cate and her sisters!
katharinem's review against another edition
2.0
This was a pretty good read. I'm intrigued and interested to know what happens moving forward, but not like dying to find out. If my current reading list wasn't already so long, I'd probably pick up the next 2. I spent a good portion of the book just wishing Cate would put on her big girl panties and deal with things. I know the author had to set everything up, but I felt that could have been done in fewer chapters. Again, I liked it! Just not as much as I had hoped I might...
devonadelle's review against another edition
3.0
My mom got Born Wicked for me for my birthday, and I have to admit, I was a little skeptic on whether or not I’d enjoy it. It was such a fun read though! The style was very simple, but better than Stephenie Meyer, that’s for damn sure. It was a nice book to read over spring break, an interesting plot line complete with sexual tension that I love. The parallels between the brotherhood and the Republican candidates was also quite interesting, as they both have pretty much the same beliefs.
rebekahripley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
atinydisaster's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally posted at ReaWrite.com
I’m used to the books I end up loving being the ones that suck me in right from the get go. This wasn’t the case with Born Wicked, but instead I found myself falling more and more in love with the story as I went along, which was really a lot of fun. Born Wicked started out feeling a little stuffy but intriguing and turned into a well crafted story about family loyalty and secrets.
Born Wicked merges (alternate) historical fiction, with a rigid dystopian society and adds a dash of forbidden magic… what’s not to love? What really hooked me though wasn’t the relationship between the main character and her two love interests (yes, something of a love triangle here… I know) but between her and her sisters. Cate has a unique relationship with both Maura and Tess and these relationships are what drives the story forward at the most pivotal moments.
Cate is a great character who is easy to like, even though you will continuously find yourself wishing that she would be willing to trust in some other characters from time to time. She’s strong, loyal and someone you can really root for.
There were a few elements of the story that probably could use a little tweaking. I’d like to see both of the sisters personalities fleshed out a little farther, and the ending of the book could have used a little extra oomph but overall, there is nothing stopping me from eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
Born Wicked is some of the most fun I’ve had with a YA debut novel in awhile and definitely one I will be recommending as the combination of magic and history will make this a must read title of the year.
I’m used to the books I end up loving being the ones that suck me in right from the get go. This wasn’t the case with Born Wicked, but instead I found myself falling more and more in love with the story as I went along, which was really a lot of fun. Born Wicked started out feeling a little stuffy but intriguing and turned into a well crafted story about family loyalty and secrets.
Born Wicked merges (alternate) historical fiction, with a rigid dystopian society and adds a dash of forbidden magic… what’s not to love? What really hooked me though wasn’t the relationship between the main character and her two love interests (yes, something of a love triangle here… I know) but between her and her sisters. Cate has a unique relationship with both Maura and Tess and these relationships are what drives the story forward at the most pivotal moments.
Cate is a great character who is easy to like, even though you will continuously find yourself wishing that she would be willing to trust in some other characters from time to time. She’s strong, loyal and someone you can really root for.
There were a few elements of the story that probably could use a little tweaking. I’d like to see both of the sisters personalities fleshed out a little farther, and the ending of the book could have used a little extra oomph but overall, there is nothing stopping me from eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
Born Wicked is some of the most fun I’ve had with a YA debut novel in awhile and definitely one I will be recommending as the combination of magic and history will make this a must read title of the year.
aneeqah's review against another edition
4.0
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
My full review:
Let me start of by saying this: I really wanted to love this book. I've heard so many good things about it, and I just had that feeling that I was going to love it. Also, the authors is so nice on Twitter, and I love her. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
So, let's start with the characters. Our protagonist is Cate, who is trying to balance everything from managing her sisters to keeping up with town appearances so no on suspects the Cahill family of witchery. I didn't like Cate at first. She was so stubborn, and sometimes was really plain mean to her sisters. But, I did grow to like her as the story went on. I liked that she wasn't perfect, but sometimes she just got on my nerves [especially towards the end, where she makes some really stupid decisions]. But overall, I liked her, even though she did irritate me.
The setting of the book was interesting. It seems like it's set in a dystopia 1900s type thing. Throughout the book though, I kind of wanted some more information. There was some mention of a Indo-China and war or something like that, but it was only mentioned once or twice. I'm hoping that we get to learn more about that in the next book, because it actually seems pretty interesting. The world-building doesn't seem complete to me in this book, so hopefully we'll learn something in the next one.
The plot started off quite boring, actually in the beginning, but the book really started getting interesting in the middle. There were some good plot twists that I didn't see coming, but there were also a few that were kind of obvious. I definitely wouldn't say this is an action packed book or super fast paced, but it was intriguing; you wanted to know what happened.
Now... the love triangle. I didn't really like it. To me, there was a case of almost insta-love, and I don't really like either of the guys. It's not very well done, and it seemed... a little forced, I guess. It would have been nice to see a little character development in both of the guys, so we could really see what they were like. So, I didn't really like it, at all.
Sometimes in the book, especially at the beginning, everything was downright depressing. Everything was going wrong, their mother is dead, Cate has to protect everyone, keep their identity a secret, etc. I mean, how can a 16 year old girl do that?! I wanted something actually happy for her. I can't imagine living through all that and still being totally sane. A little bit of happiness or happy events would have been great to the story, and make everything seem a little less hopeless, in my opinion.
And then the ending. I feel like it was so abrupt, a definite cliffhanger. We're left with so many questions, and I didn't really understand it. I felt like the events were so rushed. A little more time at the end would have been really good, so that we could understand everything. The book wasn't that fast paced, so the ending felt even more rushed at the end. It seemed like an almost awkward place to stop. Overall, it wasn't a very good ending, especially because it's a total cliffhanger [and we all know how everyone hates a cliffhanger ending].
So, in the end, it was a pretty good book, despite the problems. It was compelling to read, and I was interested in the story. But, there were so many problems that I couldn't fully enjoy the story. I still probably will read the next book [which is going to be called Star Cursed], although I won't be buying it, just getting it from the library.
My full review:
Let me start of by saying this: I really wanted to love this book. I've heard so many good things about it, and I just had that feeling that I was going to love it. Also, the authors is so nice on Twitter, and I love her. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
So, let's start with the characters. Our protagonist is Cate, who is trying to balance everything from managing her sisters to keeping up with town appearances so no on suspects the Cahill family of witchery. I didn't like Cate at first. She was so stubborn, and sometimes was really plain mean to her sisters. But, I did grow to like her as the story went on. I liked that she wasn't perfect, but sometimes she just got on my nerves [especially towards the end, where she makes some really stupid decisions]. But overall, I liked her, even though she did irritate me.
The setting of the book was interesting. It seems like it's set in a dystopia 1900s type thing. Throughout the book though, I kind of wanted some more information. There was some mention of a Indo-China and war or something like that, but it was only mentioned once or twice. I'm hoping that we get to learn more about that in the next book, because it actually seems pretty interesting. The world-building doesn't seem complete to me in this book, so hopefully we'll learn something in the next one.
The plot started off quite boring, actually in the beginning, but the book really started getting interesting in the middle. There were some good plot twists that I didn't see coming, but there were also a few that were kind of obvious. I definitely wouldn't say this is an action packed book or super fast paced, but it was intriguing; you wanted to know what happened.
Now... the love triangle. I didn't really like it. To me, there was a case of almost insta-love, and I don't really like either of the guys. It's not very well done, and it seemed... a little forced, I guess. It would have been nice to see a little character development in both of the guys, so we could really see what they were like. So, I didn't really like it, at all.
Sometimes in the book, especially at the beginning, everything was downright depressing. Everything was going wrong, their mother is dead, Cate has to protect everyone, keep their identity a secret, etc. I mean, how can a 16 year old girl do that?! I wanted something actually happy for her. I can't imagine living through all that and still being totally sane. A little bit of happiness or happy events would have been great to the story, and make everything seem a little less hopeless, in my opinion.
And then the ending. I feel like it was so abrupt, a definite cliffhanger. We're left with so many questions, and I didn't really understand it. I felt like the events were so rushed. A little more time at the end would have been really good, so that we could understand everything. The book wasn't that fast paced, so the ending felt even more rushed at the end. It seemed like an almost awkward place to stop. Overall, it wasn't a very good ending, especially because it's a total cliffhanger [and we all know how everyone hates a cliffhanger ending].
So, in the end, it was a pretty good book, despite the problems. It was compelling to read, and I was interested in the story. But, there were so many problems that I couldn't fully enjoy the story. I still probably will read the next book [which is going to be called Star Cursed], although I won't be buying it, just getting it from the library.
marlynb's review against another edition
5.0
Cate Cahill was fourteen when her mother died, making her promise to take care of her two younger sisters, Tess and Maura. Which would be tough enough if they were ordinary, but the three Cahill girls are witches.
With her father mostly away on business, Cate has kept a tight rein on Tess and Maura. But now that Cate is sixteen, Maura fifteen, and Tess twelve, their interfering neighbour Mrs. Corbett has talked their father into hiring a governess for them.
To Cate this is horrendous. She has a hard time keeping her sisters from practicing magic where they can be seen. How will she manage with a governess around all the time?
Yes, the Cahill girls are witches. In the alternate America of the book, the witches killed by the Puritans were really magical, and by the Nineteenth Century when this story takes place, witchcraft has been declared illegal. It's a male-dominated society where women are only allowed to be wives or "Sisters", the female equivalent (though subordinate) of the tyrannical "Brothers" who govern New England. Women who are discovered to be witches are either killed, or send away to an asylum from which they seldom return.
When Cate learns that their new governess is a Sister, she's even more frightened. If Sister Elena catches any of them practicing magic, they'll be in real trouble. Worst of all, Cate is nearing the time when she must declare her Intention: to marry or enter the Sisterhood. But, having promised her mother she'd take care of Maura and Tess, how can she choose either of those options?
Close enough to accepted history to be almost disturbing, but different enough that it's not, this fascinating story grabs the reader and pulls her into its World. Cate is a character most females can empathize with , especially if they have sisters (no matter where they fall in the birth order). None of the options open to her are agreeable, but she must choose one. Her decision, and the path she takes to get there, is complex, thrilling and surprising.
Unfortunately, there has been no indication of when the next book in the series might be expected, but it won't be soon enough!
With her father mostly away on business, Cate has kept a tight rein on Tess and Maura. But now that Cate is sixteen, Maura fifteen, and Tess twelve, their interfering neighbour Mrs. Corbett has talked their father into hiring a governess for them.
To Cate this is horrendous. She has a hard time keeping her sisters from practicing magic where they can be seen. How will she manage with a governess around all the time?
Yes, the Cahill girls are witches. In the alternate America of the book, the witches killed by the Puritans were really magical, and by the Nineteenth Century when this story takes place, witchcraft has been declared illegal. It's a male-dominated society where women are only allowed to be wives or "Sisters", the female equivalent (though subordinate) of the tyrannical "Brothers" who govern New England. Women who are discovered to be witches are either killed, or send away to an asylum from which they seldom return.
When Cate learns that their new governess is a Sister, she's even more frightened. If Sister Elena catches any of them practicing magic, they'll be in real trouble. Worst of all, Cate is nearing the time when she must declare her Intention: to marry or enter the Sisterhood. But, having promised her mother she'd take care of Maura and Tess, how can she choose either of those options?
Close enough to accepted history to be almost disturbing, but different enough that it's not, this fascinating story grabs the reader and pulls her into its World. Cate is a character most females can empathize with , especially if they have sisters (no matter where they fall in the birth order). None of the options open to her are agreeable, but she must choose one. Her decision, and the path she takes to get there, is complex, thrilling and surprising.
Unfortunately, there has been no indication of when the next book in the series might be expected, but it won't be soon enough!
shelvesofsecrets's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with Born Wicked from the very start and that love never once faltered until the last page. Born Wicked is a well thought out combination of Victorian/Edwardian society and a dystopian society, both of which are settings I love. Not to mention the addition of magic and witch-hunts.
I think the world-building is what really make me fall in love with this story. I felt like I was right in Cate's world with her, frustrated and helpless in the face of both the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood. There were so many times I just wanted to shout and hit people and generally throw a tantrum about the situation Cate and her sisters were put into. I love the combination of old-fashioned manners and societal rules merged with a dystopian type government and the presence of magic.
I really enjoyed Cate as a character. She was definitely flawed, but there were so many good qualities in her that I admired. Honestly, she reminded me a lot of Katniss; she was so committed to doing what was best for her family, no matter what. Don't get me wrong, there were times I wanted to shake Cate, but there were at least as many times that I wanted to give her a big hug. There was so much pressure on her and she was forced to shoulder it alone.
I also enjoyed the other characters, especially Cate's sisters, Maura and Tess. Maura was high-spirited and strong-willed and her and Cate naturally butted heads in a way that felt like such a genuine sister rivalry. And little Tess was absolutely adorable and was probably my favourite character. If Cate was Katniss, then Tess would be Prim. There were also a few boys involved in Cate's life. I had a personal favourite, but I don't want to give away too much.
Not all of the characters were loveable, however. The Brothers made me feel ill and angry and violent. Elena rubbed me the wrong way from the start. But the character that made me the most angry never actually appeared in the book: Cate's decreased mother. I feel bad being so angry with someone who's dead, but she left such a burden for Cate and kept them so sheltered and ignorant.
Overall, I absolutely loved Born Wicked. The ending hit me square in the feels and I actually shed a few tears (something I haven't done in a while). I can't wait to get my hands on Star Cursed!
I think the world-building is what really make me fall in love with this story. I felt like I was right in Cate's world with her, frustrated and helpless in the face of both the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood. There were so many times I just wanted to shout and hit people and generally throw a tantrum about the situation Cate and her sisters were put into. I love the combination of old-fashioned manners and societal rules merged with a dystopian type government and the presence of magic.
I really enjoyed Cate as a character. She was definitely flawed, but there were so many good qualities in her that I admired. Honestly, she reminded me a lot of Katniss; she was so committed to doing what was best for her family, no matter what. Don't get me wrong, there were times I wanted to shake Cate, but there were at least as many times that I wanted to give her a big hug. There was so much pressure on her and she was forced to shoulder it alone.
I also enjoyed the other characters, especially Cate's sisters, Maura and Tess. Maura was high-spirited and strong-willed and her and Cate naturally butted heads in a way that felt like such a genuine sister rivalry. And little Tess was absolutely adorable and was probably my favourite character. If Cate was Katniss, then Tess would be Prim. There were also a few boys involved in Cate's life. I had a personal favourite, but I don't want to give away too much.
Not all of the characters were loveable, however. The Brothers made me feel ill and angry and violent. Elena rubbed me the wrong way from the start. But the character that made me the most angry never actually appeared in the book: Cate's decreased mother. I feel bad being so angry with someone who's dead, but she left such a burden for Cate and kept them so sheltered and ignorant.
Overall, I absolutely loved Born Wicked. The ending hit me square in the feels and I actually shed a few tears (something I haven't done in a while). I can't wait to get my hands on Star Cursed!