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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!
kristid's review against another edition
4.0
Poor Cate. This girl has far too much responsibility. She takes care of the household as well as her two younger sisters. On top of that she has to keep hidden the fact that all three girls are witches, less they be persecuted. Cate seems to be lost after the death of her mother and her father isn’t much help since he is often absent from the girls lives. I just wanted to bundle this girl up in a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. Though I’m not sure that would have been the truth.
In addition to hiding her secret from the world, it seems as though her mother was keeping secrets from Cate as well. Ones that she doesn’t discover until after her mother’s death and upon the arrival of a mysterious letter. Cate works to discover her mother’s secrets and finds love in the process. But don’t expect a happily every after. This one exits with one of “those” endings! I am DYING for book two.
It took me a while to read this book. Not because I didn’t like the book, because I adored this book. Jessica Spotswood is a wonderful writing. It was a beautifully written story! So enchanting. I had a hard time reading this book because I was going through a very stressful situation with my life at the time and I had a hard time concentrating on this novel. There is so much that happens in this story, so many obstacles and all I wanted was a happy ending! So, I took a break and waited until I could give this book the attention it deserved and then I didn’t look back!
There were a lot of obstacles in this story, and I wish I could have helped Cate overcome them. I grew to admire her tenacity and her protection of her younger sisters. She is so selfless at times, I just wanted her to do something for herself, just once! This book is the definition of emotional roller-coaster!
I so enjoyed the love story. I’m always a sucker for a story with a love element. What can I say? I love that feeling of falling in love! And Born Wicked has a somewhat complicated love story. Does Cate belong with the childhood friend that’s always been there for her, or the boy that seems to have insight into her very soul. I know who I am rooting for. I can’t fail to mention that closet scene…. whew! I just wanted to stand up and cheer!
I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how the prophecy unfolds! Loved the world, loved the characters, loved the writing! And that cover is gorgeous too, isn’t it!?!?
In addition to hiding her secret from the world, it seems as though her mother was keeping secrets from Cate as well. Ones that she doesn’t discover until after her mother’s death and upon the arrival of a mysterious letter. Cate works to discover her mother’s secrets and finds love in the process. But don’t expect a happily every after. This one exits with one of “those” endings! I am DYING for book two.
It took me a while to read this book. Not because I didn’t like the book, because I adored this book. Jessica Spotswood is a wonderful writing. It was a beautifully written story! So enchanting. I had a hard time reading this book because I was going through a very stressful situation with my life at the time and I had a hard time concentrating on this novel. There is so much that happens in this story, so many obstacles and all I wanted was a happy ending! So, I took a break and waited until I could give this book the attention it deserved and then I didn’t look back!
There were a lot of obstacles in this story, and I wish I could have helped Cate overcome them. I grew to admire her tenacity and her protection of her younger sisters. She is so selfless at times, I just wanted her to do something for herself, just once! This book is the definition of emotional roller-coaster!
I so enjoyed the love story. I’m always a sucker for a story with a love element. What can I say? I love that feeling of falling in love! And Born Wicked has a somewhat complicated love story. Does Cate belong with the childhood friend that’s always been there for her, or the boy that seems to have insight into her very soul. I know who I am rooting for. I can’t fail to mention that closet scene…. whew! I just wanted to stand up and cheer!
I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how the prophecy unfolds! Loved the world, loved the characters, loved the writing! And that cover is gorgeous too, isn’t it!?!?
kaitrosereads's review against another edition
5.0
Born Wicked has everything a reader could possibly want: magic, forbidden romance, prophecies, lies, and betrayals. It's hard to pick one favorite thing about this book. Everything about it is just fabulous!
One of the best and most unique things about Born Wicked is the setting. It is set in an alternate New England of the 1890s. Jessica Spotswood took some bits of real New England and added her own magical touch. The town itself is beautiful as is Cate's own home. The setting only adds to the beauty and the wonder of the book. It's a very unique ability to be able to blend history with fiction but Jessica Spotswood has done it with Born Wicked.
Cate is a strong character that is easy to like even though she has some flaws. She is brave, smart, kind, and a great sister. Her biggest flaw though is that she is unwilling to rely on others. She trusts very few people (with good reason) and the few people she does trust she doesn't want to endanger. Her sisters were sometimes harder to like. They didn't listen to Cate very often even though she was just looking out for them. I still managed to completely fall in love with Tess but I can't say the same about Maura. She was very selfish and immature. She needs to do a lot of growing in the next book. Finn, on the other hand, was perfect the way he was. For once the love interest wasn't someone typically handsome or popular with the ladies. He was a real guy that you still can't help but fall for.
It does take a little time to get into the story but once you are in, you are hooked! Secrets keep being revealed and each one is more shocking than the last. By the end of the book you will be on the edge of your seat dying for the Cahill sisters to get a happy ending. I know I was!
Overall, Born Wicked is one of the strongest debuts I have read. Jessica Spotswood has a gift and I can't wait to see what she does with it next. The sequel to Born Wicked just moved to the top of my wish-list!
One of the best and most unique things about Born Wicked is the setting. It is set in an alternate New England of the 1890s. Jessica Spotswood took some bits of real New England and added her own magical touch. The town itself is beautiful as is Cate's own home. The setting only adds to the beauty and the wonder of the book. It's a very unique ability to be able to blend history with fiction but Jessica Spotswood has done it with Born Wicked.
Cate is a strong character that is easy to like even though she has some flaws. She is brave, smart, kind, and a great sister. Her biggest flaw though is that she is unwilling to rely on others. She trusts very few people (with good reason) and the few people she does trust she doesn't want to endanger. Her sisters were sometimes harder to like. They didn't listen to Cate very often even though she was just looking out for them. I still managed to completely fall in love with Tess but I can't say the same about Maura. She was very selfish and immature. She needs to do a lot of growing in the next book. Finn, on the other hand, was perfect the way he was. For once the love interest wasn't someone typically handsome or popular with the ladies. He was a real guy that you still can't help but fall for.
It does take a little time to get into the story but once you are in, you are hooked! Secrets keep being revealed and each one is more shocking than the last. By the end of the book you will be on the edge of your seat dying for the Cahill sisters to get a happy ending. I know I was!
Overall, Born Wicked is one of the strongest debuts I have read. Jessica Spotswood has a gift and I can't wait to see what she does with it next. The sequel to Born Wicked just moved to the top of my wish-list!
karablong's review against another edition
4.0
This book is wonderful. The characters are wonderful. The prose is wonderful -- not too wordy or lengthy, but enough to give that Victorian air without feeling like you are drowning in metaphors and allusions. The pacing is great.
---- slightly spoiler-y ------
Before I read the book, I did scour the review section and the main thing that put people off from the book was the love triangle. I would have to argue that the love triangle is so predominate for two reasons. First and foremost, Cate's love for Finn surpassed whatever she was feeling for Paul. Personally I couldn't give a rat's ass about the love story in this novel because Cate's love for her sisters took over. The romance was a subplot that tied in toward the end nicely, but the main relationship focus here was between Cate and her sisters. It's a book about sister witches.
Although the love triangle was pointless and Finn vs Paul shouldn't have been a thing. Like really? One could have been totally platonic and given Cate the support she needed without the romantic entanglements. But I guess in an alternate US history universe.... can't escape that draw of using romantic suspense.
---- end slight spoilers ------
Mainly, I do agree with everything that Khanh (Clowns, Nightmares, and Bunnies)'s review stated. It's incredibly diverse with female characters, from Sachi to Elena (which works in this alternate setting). There is female support, fight, love -- this book is so feminist that it surprises you. To have a setting where girls are seen as inherently wicked and that the Brotherhood cracks down and makes sure all the females are submissive, it's wonderful to read from page to page how all these girls are fighting the system in their own way. Sure most of the females we end up meeting are (SPOILERS), but it's a great novel about female empowerment, education, and oppression, use of diversity, and interesting side-characters are are not written off as just another character.
As far as the whole "I don't want to be a witch" trope is concerned, in a setting where the controlling group, the Brotherhood, has said that all witchery is wicked and arrests, etc. etc. it was interesting to read (and not annoying whatsoever) Cate have those teachings actually sink in, while being juxtaposed with Maura, Rory, and Sachi -- then have Tess be the middle factor. Spotswood knows how to balance out her characters but make sure they aren't just there to be a foil, each character compliments and butts at the right points to make all these relationships seem real while also never really showing one girl as more "evil" than the other because the big bad for all of them is the Brotherhood and the ideals of the society.
This was longwinded and probably all over the place.
---- slightly spoiler-y ------
Before I read the book, I did scour the review section and the main thing that put people off from the book was the love triangle. I would have to argue that the love triangle is so predominate for two reasons. First and foremost, Cate's love for Finn surpassed whatever she was feeling for Paul. Personally I couldn't give a rat's ass about the love story in this novel because Cate's love for her sisters took over. The romance was a subplot that tied in toward the end nicely, but the main relationship focus here was between Cate and her sisters. It's a book about sister witches.
Although the love triangle was pointless and Finn vs Paul shouldn't have been a thing. Like really? One could have been totally platonic and given Cate the support she needed without the romantic entanglements. But I guess in an alternate US history universe.... can't escape that draw of using romantic suspense.
---- end slight spoilers ------
Mainly, I do agree with everything that Khanh (Clowns, Nightmares, and Bunnies)'s review stated. It's incredibly diverse with female characters, from Sachi to Elena (which works in this alternate setting). There is female support, fight, love -- this book is so feminist that it surprises you. To have a setting where girls are seen as inherently wicked and that the Brotherhood cracks down and makes sure all the females are submissive, it's wonderful to read from page to page how all these girls are fighting the system in their own way. Sure most of the females we end up meeting are (SPOILERS), but it's a great novel about female empowerment, education, and oppression, use of diversity, and interesting side-characters are are not written off as just another character.
As far as the whole "I don't want to be a witch" trope is concerned, in a setting where the controlling group, the Brotherhood, has said that all witchery is wicked and arrests, etc. etc. it was interesting to read (and not annoying whatsoever) Cate have those teachings actually sink in, while being juxtaposed with Maura, Rory, and Sachi -- then have Tess be the middle factor. Spotswood knows how to balance out her characters but make sure they aren't just there to be a foil, each character compliments and butts at the right points to make all these relationships seem real while also never really showing one girl as more "evil" than the other because the big bad for all of them is the Brotherhood and the ideals of the society.
This was longwinded and probably all over the place.
sashana's review against another edition
3.0
**Excuse me while I ramble**
YA Heroines like Rose Hathaway and Katniss Everdeen have ruined me. I'm so used to their outspokenness and penchant toward ass-kicking that I expect this from all female protagonist. Does this make me unfair/biased/spoiled? Perhaps. Cate was expected to be compliant (not because she wanted to, but because she was expected to) and I didn't mind this at first but I kept waiting for her to say "To hell with these rules! I'm a witch!" Sadly, it never happened.
I was a little bored during the first half but thankfully things picked up towards the end. Cate's responsibilities worked for and against her: I sympathized the with weight she had to carry because of her mom's death but her role made her a bit dull to read about at times. I hated that Cate allowed herself to be so easily controlled by so may people around her. Again, a little Rose/Katniss spirit could have went a long way.
I did enjoy the second half of the story. Lots of secrets were revealed and I'm looking forward to book 2.
YA Heroines like Rose Hathaway and Katniss Everdeen have ruined me. I'm so used to their outspokenness and penchant toward ass-kicking that I expect this from all female protagonist. Does this make me unfair/biased/spoiled? Perhaps. Cate was expected to be compliant (not because she wanted to, but because she was expected to) and I didn't mind this at first but I kept waiting for her to say "To hell with these rules! I'm a witch!" Sadly, it never happened.
I was a little bored during the first half but thankfully things picked up towards the end. Cate's responsibilities worked for and against her: I sympathized the with weight she had to carry because of her mom's death but her role made her a bit dull to read about at times. I hated that Cate allowed herself to be so easily controlled by so may people around her. Again, a little Rose/Katniss spirit could have went a long way.
I did enjoy the second half of the story. Lots of secrets were revealed and I'm looking forward to book 2.
apappashorii's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It was mysterious and thrilling at the same time. I loved how you could also connect with the characters especially Cate. There is also some forbidden romance and a magic. Overall, this book was very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
celia_valenciaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
readacorn's review against another edition
4.0
Erstaunlich angenehm und spannend zu lesen. Ich hatte befürchtet es wäre zu "YA" aber ich freue mich schon auf die folgenden Bände, die hier bereits warten.