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literaryluxe's review against another edition
3.0
The most important thing for me to speak on first BECAUSE IT RELATES DIRECTLY TO ME is the topic of queer and race representation. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS A TOKEN BLACK QUEER PERSON IN EVERY SINGLE BOOK OR SHOW. THIS CANNOT KEEP HAPPENING.
Now to delve into this rant of mine. It is absolutely well and good to show representation among minorities in terms of queer rep. However, is no one else seeing a pattern of authors or show/movie writers ALWAYS making the one black or biracial person that is included, queer? As if we are all queer or vice versa, there are not other races of people who need representation for queerness as well such as the Asian or Hispanic community. And in this book aside from the one black queer person, the rest of the group are straight white ladies? At this point it comes across as more of a stereotype and can seem "other" in terms of making the show diverse or inclusive. Because how is it diverse to keep perpetuating that pattern? And it has been this way for years. Along with other stereotypes included in this book like a broken home and the loud or obnoxious one. Didn't like that at all, but I think some authors and show writers realize they do it or include - but that is a topic for another day.
Moving on, I do think the author did a good job of researching their history in terms of root craft and cultural references such as "bonnets" and "voodoo" "roots"... in addition to how historically, some places have a historical connection to witchcraft that was white washed. Again, I think the author did a good job of trying to show how that happened, why, and the need for different places and peoples to branch off from each other.
I also like the inclusion of other cultural references, languages, and slang. They were used where appropriate and fit the context as someone of the same background may. Please note this too can come off as a stereotype if not careful, but I felt like as a black person, it was subtly enough to not be over the top but also reference that AAVE is a thing and doesn't not mean someone is less dignified for speaking a certain or cultural way - which has also always been a stereotype. So a good job there in my opinion with the subtle inclusion of it in the book.
Nowwwww on another note, I found the homophobia triggering, especially the use of some language. I knew what I was getting into when I read the TWs and that it would likely come up. And when it did, it made me emotional. I suppose that was the point. Didn't make it any easier to read. So be mindful if you pick up this book. In truth though I feel like it also displays how a lot of white saviors feel behind closed doors - they are extremely homophobic or enablers by silence which is also a valid point the book brings up.
Now in terms of the plot, I feel like it was solid. I was intrigued enough to keep reading and wanted to know what would happen next. I think it's already a large sized book but I hope to see more stories on other covens weaved in and there branching off from the UK coven that is centered in this book. I say this because as mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of peoples and culture that have some form of witchcraft within their culture or history - especially on the continents of Africa, Asia, and South America. Just saying.
The plot was pretty fast paced in my opinion and is literally about why a Karen may feel the way she does and why those against her are not entitled to their feelings or thoughts. And of course people in the story act on those feelings and thoughts and you end up with a big climax that was pretty interesting to see unfold.
I will read book two because I want to know how it ends, and I get that this book intended to present some themes in a sensitive manner. Did it do the best job? No. Did the book try? Yes. And I like that it did try because it is more than can be said for a lot of books or shows or movies. If the topics make you uncomfortable or you can't talk about it or put it in your book? Good. Because being unaware or willfully silent never solves anything either.
For future, I really hope to eventually see more inclusiveness and diversity in books that is not just based on hitting a check mark or a token - even if that was not the intention. Again subconscious unawareness or willfully silent can't be the reason anymore for many issues.
Now to delve into this rant of mine. It is absolutely well and good to show representation among minorities in terms of queer rep. However, is no one else seeing a pattern of authors or show/movie writers ALWAYS making the one black or biracial person that is included, queer? As if we are all queer or vice versa, there are not other races of people who need representation for queerness as well such as the Asian or Hispanic community. And in this book aside from the one black queer person, the rest of the group are straight white ladies? At this point it comes across as more of a stereotype and can seem "other" in terms of making the show diverse or inclusive. Because how is it diverse to keep perpetuating that pattern? And it has been this way for years. Along with other stereotypes included in this book like a broken home and the loud or obnoxious one. Didn't like that at all, but I think some authors and show writers realize they do it or include - but that is a topic for another day.
Moving on, I do think the author did a good job of researching their history in terms of root craft and cultural references such as "bonnets" and "voodoo" "roots"... in addition to how historically, some places have a historical connection to witchcraft that was white washed. Again, I think the author did a good job of trying to show how that happened, why, and the need for different places and peoples to branch off from each other.
I also like the inclusion of other cultural references, languages, and slang. They were used where appropriate and fit the context as someone of the same background may. Please note this too can come off as a stereotype if not careful, but I felt like as a black person, it was subtly enough to not be over the top but also reference that AAVE is a thing and doesn't not mean someone is less dignified for speaking a certain or cultural way - which has also always been a stereotype. So a good job there in my opinion with the subtle inclusion of it in the book.
Nowwwww on another note, I found the homophobia triggering, especially the use of some language. I knew what I was getting into when I read the TWs and that it would likely come up. And when it did, it made me emotional. I suppose that was the point. Didn't make it any easier to read. So be mindful if you pick up this book. In truth though I feel like it also displays how a lot of white saviors feel behind closed doors - they are extremely homophobic or enablers by silence which is also a valid point the book brings up.
Now in terms of the plot, I feel like it was solid. I was intrigued enough to keep reading and wanted to know what would happen next. I think it's already a large sized book but I hope to see more stories on other covens weaved in and there branching off from the UK coven that is centered in this book. I say this because as mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of peoples and culture that have some form of witchcraft within their culture or history - especially on the continents of Africa, Asia, and South America. Just saying.
The plot was pretty fast paced in my opinion and is literally about why a Karen may feel the way she does and why those against her are not entitled to their feelings or thoughts. And of course people in the story act on those feelings and thoughts and you end up with a big climax that was pretty interesting to see unfold.
I will read book two because I want to know how it ends, and I get that this book intended to present some themes in a sensitive manner. Did it do the best job? No. Did the book try? Yes. And I like that it did try because it is more than can be said for a lot of books or shows or movies. If the topics make you uncomfortable or you can't talk about it or put it in your book? Good. Because being unaware or willfully silent never solves anything either.
For future, I really hope to eventually see more inclusiveness and diversity in books that is not just based on hitting a check mark or a token - even if that was not the intention. Again subconscious unawareness or willfully silent can't be the reason anymore for many issues.
lamianoctalis's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Das Buch hat eine interessante Geschichte, jedoch bin ich mit falschen Vorstellungen an das Buch herangegangen, was das Leseerlebnis für mich etwas anstrengend gemacht hat. Nichtsdestotrotz, sind alle Figuren liebenswürdig (bis auf die, die man nicht mögen soll) und auch das Ende kam unerwartet. Ich bin gespannt was der zweite Band zu bieten hat.
Ich kann auf jeden Fall sagen, dass der Umstieg aus Hörbuch sehr hilfreich war.
Ich kann auf jeden Fall sagen, dass der Umstieg aus Hörbuch sehr hilfreich war.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Violence
Minor: Blood, Kidnapping, Outing, and War
lauren_epub's review against another edition
I was intrigued by the story, but have been finding it SO heavy handed. Paragraph after paragraph of characters regurgitating leftist talking points. To be clear, it's not the politics I take issue with! It's just very basic writing issues. "Show vs tell" etc! I have read all of these political sentiments online, I don't need the characters to spell everything out as if we're all not clumped into the same Instagram algorithm 🤷🏼♀️
Really creative story idea and characters, it's just a shame I couldn't get past the writing. (I blame my Comp. Lit degree for making me a HATER)
Really creative story idea and characters, it's just a shame I couldn't get past the writing. (I blame my Comp. Lit degree for making me a HATER)
msameliee's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.5
bethanystone13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A bit of a slow start, but oh my god, what a book! I loved this so much. I knew something big would happen at the end, but I would never have guessed what it was. Now i need the other books to resolve that cliffhanger!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Minor: Racism
jessicadennett's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
emijanev's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
highlander1983's review against another edition
5.0
I had a fantastic time reading this book. I listened to some parts of the audiobook, as I got it from the library, and the narrator was excellent. I wish we had more books like this one. I know the second book is out (and the third one is coming out relatively soon), but it’s a bit pricey, so I’ll wait until it goes down a bit. I hope Juno Dawson continues to write books like this one. I love fantasy, witches and queer stuff, so this book was written for me!
pachec_oh_no's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This review will contain spoilers.
I'd like to eat my own words from the first half of the book:
"I know it's usually a big part of "traditional" witch fantasy (traditional in the sense that it plays into the generally accepted western history of women, magic, and persecution thereof) but the stark, heavy-handed gendering of this style is really grating to me. Gender is such a focus in this book and such a dividing factor in this society that there's no room for any sort of gray-area or nonbinary inclusivity."--Me, at 21% through.
Oh, how wrong I was. I still feel this way about most "witchy" fiction, and it's why I don't read this genre much. However, I think Dawson does an incredible job unpacking this sentiment, destabilizing the gender binary within her magical community, and forcing her characters to confront the gray areas, the uncomfortable conversations, the rising inclusivity both in and out of the magical society. The first 21% or so is MEANT to feel weird and gendered because it's setting the stage for a full takedown later on. The characters have to come to terms with their own assumptions and prejudices, and they have to face the consequences that their secrets and biases have on the lives of the people around them. That's 10/10 character writing right there.
Dawson also does a great job portraying what happens when more open-minded and accepting people hit the brick wall of bigots who refuse to accept change, and what happens when those bigots are the people you love. That's not easy, and Dawson's characters really shine as they work with and against each other to come to terms with their changing society and lives.
And above all, Dawson does a fantastic job of reminding the reader that conversations about trans rights aren't about the philosophical -- at the root of every debate there is a person's life, livelihood, and happiness on the line. And as someone who believes everyone deserves to be happy in the skin they are living in, I cannot stress enough how important this aspect of the book was.
3.5 stars only because it took a while for things to pick up, and I didn't love all the jumping back and forth between perspectives.
Oh, and Fuck Helena.
(below are some updates from my reading journey which I would include if I was inclined to write a longer, more formal review... which I am not, so here you go):
At 50%: "The stuff with Theo is interesting, and while it doesn't negate the gendering issue I had earlier in the book, I think it's a good way to introduce the discussion around gender and power in this world and force the characters to re-think the stereotypes and conforming theologies around womanhood in a way that is good. It's a reflection of our own world, and how progress is slow and takes processing time."
At 51%: "Also, fuck Helena"
At 60%: "FUCK HELENA"
At 68%: "This is such a great case of Prophecy =/= Causality. Yes, Theo was foreseen as the precursor to the rise of Leviathan. But that doesn't mean that she is RESPONSIBLE for that rise. I don't think Theo's going to raise a demon. I DO think the demon will rise because Helena is too scared to see that she's causing the problem herself. Real ouroboros"
At 79%: "It's funny that Helena's more accepting of convening with and summoning demons (the thing that ultimately got her husband killed) than accepting trans rights lol"
I'd like to eat my own words from the first half of the book:
"I know it's usually a big part of "traditional" witch fantasy (traditional in the sense that it plays into the generally accepted western history of women, magic, and persecution thereof) but the stark, heavy-handed gendering of this style is really grating to me. Gender is such a focus in this book and such a dividing factor in this society that there's no room for any sort of gray-area or nonbinary inclusivity."--Me, at 21% through.
Oh, how wrong I was. I still feel this way about most "witchy" fiction, and it's why I don't read this genre much. However, I think Dawson does an incredible job unpacking this sentiment, destabilizing the gender binary within her magical community, and forcing her characters to confront the gray areas, the uncomfortable conversations, the rising inclusivity both in and out of the magical society. The first 21% or so is MEANT to feel weird and gendered because it's setting the stage for a full takedown later on. The characters have to come to terms with their own assumptions and prejudices, and they have to face the consequences that their secrets and biases have on the lives of the people around them. That's 10/10 character writing right there.
Dawson also does a great job portraying what happens when more open-minded and accepting people hit the brick wall of bigots who refuse to accept change, and what happens when those bigots are the people you love. That's not easy, and Dawson's characters really shine as they work with and against each other to come to terms with their changing society and lives.
And above all, Dawson does a fantastic job of reminding the reader that conversations about trans rights aren't about the philosophical -- at the root of every debate there is a person's life, livelihood, and happiness on the line. And as someone who believes everyone deserves to be happy in the skin they are living in, I cannot stress enough how important this aspect of the book was.
3.5 stars only because it took a while for things to pick up, and I didn't love all the jumping back and forth between perspectives.
Oh, and Fuck Helena.
(below are some updates from my reading journey which I would include if I was inclined to write a longer, more formal review... which I am not, so here you go):
At 50%: "The stuff with Theo is interesting, and while it doesn't negate the gendering issue I had earlier in the book, I think it's a good way to introduce the discussion around gender and power in this world and force the characters to re-think the stereotypes and conforming theologies around womanhood in a way that is good. It's a reflection of our own world, and how progress is slow and takes processing time."
At 51%: "Also, fuck Helena"
At 60%: "FUCK HELENA"
At 68%: "This is such a great case of Prophecy =/= Causality. Yes, Theo was foreseen as the precursor to the rise of Leviathan. But that doesn't mean that she is RESPONSIBLE for that rise. I don't think Theo's going to raise a demon. I DO think the demon will rise because Helena is too scared to see that she's causing the problem herself. Real ouroboros"
At 79%: "It's funny that Helena's more accepting of convening with and summoning demons (the thing that ultimately got her husband killed) than accepting trans rights lol"