Reviews

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais

rachelmerrie's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.0

Eh. It’s almost cute, but there were quite a few things I couldn’t get behind. I think a more left-winged reader would enjoy this more than someone in the middle politically (me).

rosemwood's review against another edition

4.0

More like a 3.6. This is a witch mystery with older characters. The first part of the story was spent on character development and was a slow read. Later secrets came out and there were twist but they weren't really surprising. A slow read with many repetitive areas that became a little boring.

krista_reads_it_all's review against another edition

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

raekit's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

cduu's review against another edition

3.0

Ending felt rushed

This had a good premise but I felt like we didn’t get to know the characters well enough and the endin GB felt kind of rushed.

mzohrer's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kristins911's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

4.75

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

3.0

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais is an odd witchy tale. There are witches, a crow, a ghost, and a lively teenager. The story has a unique beginning (nudity and intimate relations) as we get to meet each witch. The point-of-view switches between the sisters and Persephone. The author created some unique characters including a transgender woman. The witches are in their 80s with all the aches and pains that comes with that age. We learn about each sister which includes the secrets they are keeping. I loved Persephone. She is a precocious teenager who wishes to help the octogenarian witches. Persephone provides levity and charm. The pacing picks up in the last quarter of the book as the action and suspense ramp up. There are sisterly squabbles, the reading of tea leaves, a fiery game, a frantic search, reuniting with Ruby, and magic spells. The resolution was a little too neat and easily accomplished, but there was an unusual component. There is a part that is clever, and I like the revelation near the end (I cannot say more because it is a spoiler). The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is a book that I would never have chosen to read if I could have read a sample first. I found the first chapter to be a turnoff. I struggled to get through the book (skimming was involved). I am not a fan of reading about eighty-year-old having intimate relations or satisfying themself. I do want to let you know that the story does contain an excessive amount of foul language, intimate situations, nudity, and self-love. The Witches of Moonshyne Manor is a peculiar tale with a clever crow, a talented teenager, sister witches, mad men, a self-righteous relative, a sizzling sport, a ticking clock, and a panicky pursuit.

spikehype's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

2.5

This author overwrote this one. Things are over-explained with too many words, like they were trying to be poetic and instead  detracted from the story. Give the reader a little credit that they can fill in the easy blanks. The overall story was simple yet fun - a classic fight against the patriarchy but with witches. 

melaniesreads's review against another edition

challenging funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense 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

3.5