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emmablick's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Racism
queergoth_reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I think I enjoyed this more than the first book. The plot gave me a lot more than the first one. This was a fun read if you love a witchy romance.
There were some bits where there is conversations about race and gender that sometimes felt a little clumsy to be nice about it. Would love to see this improved and expanded upon as the series progresses.
There were some bits where there is conversations about race and gender that sometimes felt a little clumsy to be nice about it. Would love to see this improved and expanded upon as the series progresses.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.0
Trigger warnings: anxiety and panic attacks, racism mention, paranormal activity, gore, physical injury and detail, sexual content, alcohol
Payback's a Witch was wonderful and now From Bad to Curse is just exceptional. I love mow much more we learn about Thistle Grove while watching Issa and Rowan investigate the curse and fall in love. I appreciated how well-balanced the mystery and the romance were written out. It didn't feel like one overwhelmed the other. The mystery was also masterfully crafted what with introducing all the key players in the first act and then running through the investigative process and ending with the Sherlock Holmes line "when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth" so it was genuinely perfect. Issa and Rowan were also genuinely so fucking cute it hurt. I love them and I appreciated that the I love you timeline wasn't forced for the sake of the story.
Payback's a Witch was wonderful and now From Bad to Curse is just exceptional. I love mow much more we learn about Thistle Grove while watching Issa and Rowan investigate the curse and fall in love. I appreciated how well-balanced the mystery and the romance were written out. It didn't feel like one overwhelmed the other. The mystery was also masterfully crafted what with introducing all the key players in the first act and then running through the investigative process and ending with the Sherlock Holmes line "when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth" so it was genuinely perfect. Issa and Rowan were also genuinely so fucking cute it hurt. I love them and I appreciated that the I love you timeline wasn't forced for the sake of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
forrestalexander's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Racism
literaryintersections's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ooooooh I really enjoyed this book. Loved Rowan and Issa (surprisingly) - I love a enemies to lovers and this was pretty true to that. The thriller/mystery aspect was intriguing. I wanted to know what happened and who was hurting the Thorns. The climax was a good pay off as well and looped in some storyline from book 2. I was surprised by who book 3 is about - I am ready for LINDEN and although Nina is gonna be cool, I want Linden now.
The last think I will say is that I struggle with Lana Harper's portrayal of Blackness a little bit. Sometimes it is perfect - the ways that Rowan pushes. back when Issa's white privilege comes through. But there were a few references I didn't love: comparing Rowan to Killmonger instead of Thanos, using the term "mixed-race". Things like that felt a little off. I would love for Lana to use sensitivity readers, and if she did would recommend getting a few more. Happy to offer my services!
The last think I will say is that I struggle with Lana Harper's portrayal of Blackness a little bit. Sometimes it is perfect - the ways that Rowan pushes. back when Issa's white privilege comes through. But there were a few references I didn't love: comparing Rowan to Killmonger instead of Thanos, using the term "mixed-race". Things like that felt a little off. I would love for Lana to use sensitivity readers, and if she did would recommend getting a few more. Happy to offer my services!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
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