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annorabrady's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Overall, I'm not sure how I feel about the story. I gave it a 3 because it was entertaining enough. But this isn't one I am going to revisit.
If you have emotional triggers, be aware and proceed with caution. This hits on a lot of things that could get people. I've done my best to list the ones I can remember.
As an aside, this book is not diverse. Beyond the romance and the ex, there's one closeted character who gets little page time and one gay character who gets an even smaller part. Then there's nothing. Everyone is white. If there aren't white characters, they're not described. In real life, Salem has close to 18% of their population identifying as latine and nearly 4% as black. Surely there could have been a friend, family member, or other recurring character who wasn't white.
It also would have made more sense narratively if he hasn't died, especially in terms of Victoria being left alone after getting her magic back.
Hannah would have saved Victoria regardless of her father's death. She was just as invested in the identity of the witch hunter before and after his death. And his death didn't add to any of her struggles or character development. He just died. And then he had a funeral. And she said she was upset about it.
Losing a parent changes you. Especially if it's a parent you have a good relationship with. It fundamentally changes so much of your life, your beliefs, and your priorities. And I saw none of that reflected in what Hannah did at the end of the book. Hannah was still the same character, she was just down a parent.
Graphic: Hate crime, Grief, Medical content, Murder, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Medical trauma, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Torture, and Toxic friendship
lindseyhall44's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this book as one of my fall reads, and would absolutely recommend (especially the audiobook). The characters are fleshed out and complex, the plot is engaging, and the relationships are heartwarming to read. However, the writing may not be for everyone, but I did not have too much of a problem with it.
This is a thriller, which I did not necessarily realize when picking it up, so please check trigger warnings before reading.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Murder, Medical content, Death of parent, Death, Gaslighting, and Grief
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
4.0
➽ These Witches Don't Burn is perfect if you love small-town Fantasy books and all things witchy! The story follows Hannah, an Elemental Witch who has to keep her identity hidden from normal humans like her best friend Gemma. I loved the magic system in this story, as there are different witch covens, from Casters to Elementals to Blood Witches. The latter have a bad reputation though and are seen as monsters. That's why Hannah is horrified that one of them might be running around in Salem! I really liked her friendship with Gemma and the blossoming romance with the new girl in town, Morgan. The story also explores the toxic relationship with her ex-girlfriend Veronica, who still hasn't understood how much she hurt Hannah and keeps trying to get back together with her. The bad guy was a bit predictable, but overall I loved the small-town and witchy vibes!
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Violence, Death, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Hate crime
Minor: Homophobia
ka_ke's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Medical trauma, Murder, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Outing, and Homophobia
moonstruck_next_friday's review
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Death of parent, Grief, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Medical content, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Lesbophobia, Murder, Sexual violence, and Torture
arsenelouppain's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Violence and Gaslighting
Minor: Blood