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titalindaslibrary's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Excuse me, that ending???
I feel like I need to sit with this a bit longer, but it read like Netflix’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch directly challenging JKR.
Trigger warning for transphobia, we get a POV of a TERF witch in this book. It’s very explicitly challenged and shown to be wrong, but still. I can see how triggering that could be to read.
I have some mixed feelings about some minor parts of this (excuse me, why did Elle’s “friends” not just tell her that her husband is cheating on her?? What kind of sisterhood hides that!? ), but I think ultimately this is a welcome addition to witchy novels that address issues of our time.
I feel like I need to sit with this a bit longer, but it read like Netflix’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch directly challenging JKR.
Trigger warning for transphobia, we get a POV of a TERF witch in this book. It’s very explicitly challenged and shown to be wrong, but still. I can see how triggering that could be to read.
I have some mixed feelings about some minor parts of this (
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Racism and War
janeywaneyb's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Hmmm....you can't like every book you read. The story is good but the characters...jeez! These characters are insufferable, they spend most of the book harping on about their own woeful problems which I found so hard to care about.
I think there is meant to be a feminist liberal feel to this book but it comes across as preachy and almost uneducated like reading the lefty version of the Daily Mail. I get what the author is trying to do and there is a good try at discussing the social issues especially around transphobia, which is handled well, but having so many issues trying to have space in a book made it clunky and awkward.
There are paragraphs of moaning self-reflection from every character as they obsess over then men in their lives, their childhoods and the "greater good". The references to the 90's pop culture also wears thin. I stuck with it as the actual story was good and when they start being kick-ass witches I was all for it. I don't think I'll be heading for the next book any time soon.
I think there is meant to be a feminist liberal feel to this book but it comes across as preachy and almost uneducated like reading the lefty version of the Daily Mail. I get what the author is trying to do and there is a good try at discussing the social issues especially around transphobia, which is handled well, but having so many issues trying to have space in a book made it clunky and awkward.
There are paragraphs of moaning self-reflection from every character as they obsess over then men in their lives, their childhoods and the "greater good". The references to the 90's pop culture also wears thin. I stuck with it as the actual story was good and when they start being kick-ass witches I was all for it. I don't think I'll be heading for the next book any time soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Transphobia
Moderate: Misogyny
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
This was one hell of a ride but one I immensely enjoyed: queer witches, powerful women, politics mixed with magic and amazing world-building. Theo was easily my favorite character from the get-go and I enjoyed the TERFs getting their asses handed to them in a way that I wish we could see this same fate for these kinds of people in the real world.
With the topic being transphobia, this book may not be for everyone. I know for a fact that TERFs and their supporters would hate it, but generally speaking, the transphobia is heavy handed and I had to take some breaks in between to punch a pillow and have some cookies and soothing music before I went back into it. I was thoroughly invested though and know I will complete the entire trilogy the moment it all comes out.
With the topic being transphobia, this book may not be for everyone. I know for a fact that TERFs and their supporters would hate it, but generally speaking, the transphobia is heavy handed and I had to take some breaks in between to punch a pillow and have some cookies and soothing music before I went back into it. I was thoroughly invested though and know I will complete the entire trilogy the moment it all comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Transphobia, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny, War, and Sexual content
Minor: Racism
sulaasg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love this book. Absolutely one of the best witchy books I've ever read. The magical lore feels tangibly real. The female power focus is compelling, the smaller consequences of power (such as most sentients being veggie/vegan). I appreciate that the female characters are proper three dimensional people, each with their own flaws and blind spots, though they're still lovable. The author doesn't shy away from the characters responsibility for their own actions and fate.
The development of each character from their first introduction to where the end the books feel believable.
Thank god I came to this book after the second had already been released, otherwise I'd be furious at the wait.
I know some people have found the book politically 'in your face' but I actually enjoyed that about this book. It's feminist, and about female empowerment from an international standpoint and it made the book all the more enjoyable and empowering for me.
The development of each character from their first introduction to where the end the books feel believable.
Thank god I came to this book after the second had already been released, otherwise I'd be furious at the wait.
I know some people have found the book politically 'in your face' but I actually enjoyed that about this book. It's feminist, and about female empowerment from an international standpoint and it made the book all the more enjoyable and empowering for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Death, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, War, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Child abuse
There are several chapters written from the point of view of a TERF. This is unpleasant reading, but crucial to the story. It's worth reminding yourself the book is written by a trans woman.thebooklender's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Racism
hotwaterbottle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.5
A modern fantasy novel focused on exploring the fault lines in contemporary feminism. Wondering how a magical matriarchy might address (or not) their duty towards non-white, non-straight, and non-cis witches? Want to reflect on how childhood friendships develop as you age? Looking for more Spice Girls references? This book has it covered.
Steady pace until the last quarter, which absolutely ripped along. Some developments felt like they were teased too early, or picked up and put down a few times before they were realized. I'm guessing the ending is a bit controversial—that tends to happen, when you kill off (!?) a main character as the credits roll. Definitely book one of a series—you've been warned!
Steady pace until the last quarter, which absolutely ripped along. Some developments felt like they were teased too early, or picked up and put down a few times before they were realized. I'm guessing the ending is a bit controversial
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Racism
Minor: Emotional abuse
elys3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
For a book about feminism and sisterhood none of these girls are a girls' girl.
Not enough witchy vibes. This feels like X-Men super powers in every fight scene. I want more spells, cauldrons and the actual 'craft' in witchcraft.
Way to many PoVs and characters all at once. 35% of the book just to establish the story and characters.
Even after reading the whole book I'm confused about the organisational structure that is HMRC and how it functions.
Not enough witchy vibes. This feels like X-Men super powers in every fight scene. I want more spells, cauldrons and the actual 'craft' in witchcraft.
Way to many PoVs and characters all at once. 35% of the book just to establish the story and characters.
Even after reading the whole book I'm confused about the organisational structure that is HMRC and how it functions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Racism and Outing
Minor: Self harm and Eating disorder
blewballoon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Gonna get a bit more "political" than I typically do, since this is a quite "political" book. If you are the type of person who asks yourself "I don't know, I feel like the stuff JK Rowling says in her tweets isn't that big a deal?" and you are genuinely curious to know why it is a big deal, then this might be a good book to help explain it to you. If you are a TERF, you will hate this book. I didn't like this book either, but not for that reason. I didn't like this book in the same ways I didn't like The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin: dwelling on the power that racists/sexists/homophobes/transphobes/etc have just bums me out. I know things suck. I read to remind myself that sometimes people don't suck. I read to keep myself from falling into a pit of despair about the state of the world. Apart from Niamh, Theo, and Holly, I didn't really like any of the characters. I absolutely hated the ending. I felt like I knew what was coming the whole time and just wanted it to be over. I gave it 3 stars because of the intention, the world-building, the setting, and there were some funny lines. I don't think this is a bad book, it just didn't suit me even though I agree with its message. The narrator for the audiobook was really fantastic, I'll be looking for more books narrated by them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Death, and Animal death
Moderate: Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Blood, Grief, and Racism
Minor: Drug use, War, and Sexual assault
chrisb913's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Please check trigger warnings.
I really wish I liked the book better. Unfortunately the villain of the story was so realistic and believable I found myself upset and pissed for most of the story. On top of that, for a book all about sisterhood and feminism, for 2 of the main characters to be so meh about letting one of their "sisters" be treated like absolute garbage because they don't want to upset her? Where was the outrage?
Lastly, that ending was just utter crap. I do want to read the 2nd book and HOPEFULLY the character development in book 2 will turn the series around (or at least be present).
I really wish I liked the book better. Unfortunately the villain of the story was so realistic and believable I found myself upset and pissed for most of the story. On top of that, for a book all about sisterhood and feminism, for 2 of the main characters to be so meh about letting one of their "sisters" be treated like absolute garbage because they don't want to upset her? Where was the outrage?
Lastly, that ending was just utter crap. I do want to read the 2nd book and HOPEFULLY the character development in book 2 will turn the series around (or at least be present).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Homophobia, Infidelity, Bullying, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Racism, Toxic friendship, Transphobia, and War
blacksphinx's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
On one hand, I feel like the main message of this book is important and I'm glad its been so successful. But I bounced off of the extremely causal prose hard, and it was difficult to read so much misogyny directed at women by other women (please stop calling each other cunts holy shit!)
(I am also very tired of books that go "covid happened but we used magic to make it go away" ugh! And blaming the anti-vax movement on warlocks is so distasteful.)
(I am also very tired of books that go "covid happened but we used magic to make it go away" ugh! And blaming the anti-vax movement on warlocks is so distasteful.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death of parent, Hate crime, Transphobia, Kidnapping, Outing, Grief, and Misogyny
Moderate: Car accident, Fatphobia, Alcohol, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, Bullying, Cursing, Medical content, Classism, Lesbophobia, Racism, Confinement, Dysphoria, Violence, and Gaslighting
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Murder, War, Ableism, Abortion, and Emotional abuse
TW: transphobic, misogynistic, and ableist slurs. Internalized misogyny. Mention of drowning.