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lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oooops, I finished this within 24 hours. Really couldn't put it down.
It has so many things I love in stories. A mystery in the past that is being solved in the present. A small, isolated town (bonus points: on an island). Secrets everywhere. And witchy magic.
I absolutely loved the setting and atmosphere. The story takes place on a small fictional island near Seattle. It's autumn, it's moody, it's gloomy, windy, there are a lot of rain and storms. Mixed with the mystery of a dead teenager 14 years ago and the magical atmosphere in the air, it was perfect for me. Really loved the magic and supernatural elements here, I need more like this. Nature-based magic spells, spell books, herbs, every day witches just doing their thing. It was always there in the background the whole time, without being the main focus of the story.
I also enjoyed the plot a lot. Slowly piecing everyone's secrets together was engaging. I guessed the truth pretty early on, but I was still intrigued by the story until the very last page because it was actually well paced and made sense and everything fit nicely together at the end.
Was it overly dramatic for no reason? Yes. But somehow I didn't mind. I actually loved some of the more dramatic scenes because I could picture them so vividly in my head. And I was even rooting for the second chance romance. It just fit the vibes.
I have to say that it read more like a YA book, especially the way the characters behaved. But it really made sense to me, given the circumstances. And again, it fit the vibes.
It has so many things I love in stories. A mystery in the past that is being solved in the present. A small, isolated town (bonus points: on an island). Secrets everywhere. And witchy magic.
I absolutely loved the setting and atmosphere. The story takes place on a small fictional island near Seattle. It's autumn, it's moody, it's gloomy, windy, there are a lot of rain and storms. Mixed with the mystery of a dead teenager 14 years ago and the magical atmosphere in the air, it was perfect for me. Really loved the magic and supernatural elements here, I need more like this. Nature-based magic spells, spell books, herbs, every day witches just doing their thing. It was always there in the background the whole time, without being the main focus of the story.
I also enjoyed the plot a lot. Slowly piecing everyone's secrets together was engaging. I guessed the truth pretty early on, but I was still intrigued by the story until the very last page because it was actually well paced and made sense and everything fit nicely together at the end.
Was it overly dramatic for no reason? Yes. But somehow I didn't mind. I actually loved some of the more dramatic scenes because I could picture them so vividly in my head. And I was even rooting for the second chance romance. It just fit the vibes.
I have to say that it read more like a YA book, especially the way the characters behaved. But it really made sense to me, given the circumstances. And again, it fit the vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Grief, Murder, Death, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Cancer, and Domestic abuse
btaylorb's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Overall I enjoyed this book a lot. I had a hard time keeping track of who the characters were in relation to one another to the point where some sort of dramatis personae at the beginning would have helped. However, I also associate that kind of pre-textual setup with a certain tone and genre, and it probably would not have fit with the tone of this particular story and the voices of the book's narrators.
I wish there had been a little more character development for the two main characters, beyond their reconciliation and solving the mystery. I feel like Adrienne Young has a skill for drawing out the essential threads of mystery and answering the big questions within the last 50 pages. She did this pretty effectively in the Fable duology as well.
I wish there had been a little more character development for the two main characters, beyond their reconciliation and solving the mystery. I feel like Adrienne Young has a skill for drawing out the essential threads of mystery and answering the big questions within the last 50 pages. She did this pretty effectively in the Fable duology as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicide, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
amobrien's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide, Alcoholism, and Death
onceuponabookcase's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was received this eProof for free from Quercus via NetGalley for the purposes of providing an honest review.
I had wanted to read Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young since I first heard about it. It sounded so mysterious, so atmospheric, I knew it was going to be right up my street. And I absolutely loved it!
Saoirse is an insular island. The people have magic, their own traditions and superstitions. They don't like outsiders, and yet depend on the mainlanders who come every autumn to pick apples from the orchard. It's what keeps them afloat. Fourteen years ago, Emery and August were going to leave. They were going to escape and find futures of their own, rather than accept the roles that had been given them.But on the evening before they're due to leave, everything changes. The orchard caught fire, risking the island's livelihood, and Lily, Emery and August's friend, is murdered. The truth about the fire and the murder are never uncovered, but August was the prime suspect. Never changed, he was nevertheless tainted by the accusation, and no-one trusted him. Except Emery. But when the island turns their back on you, and makes your life a misery, there's only one option. August and his mother leave the island - without Emery. Fourteen years later, the island is still haunted by that night. With the return of August to bury his mother's ashes, the hatred and suspicion bubbles up again. And with his return comes strange, unnatural occurrences on the island. It seems Saoirse is finally ready to reveal the truth.
Spells For Forgetting is mainly told in dual perspectives from Emery and August's points of view. Occasionally we get chapters from their perspectives from when they were teens, and occasionally we get chapters in the present day from other characters. This is such a stunning book! You know not everyone is being honest, that people at least know things that have yet to be revealed to the reader. You question everyone, including Emery and August; are they unreliable narrators? #AdrienneYoung has a brilliant way of keeping the reader in the dark, hinting at just enough to keep you turning the pages, with secrets and lies, things just below the surface, without really giving anything away. What actually happened that night? Who killed Lily? What is everyone hiding? It's so beautifully written, and so atmospheric, it was just gorgeous! Plot aside, I really enjoyed simply reading this book, revelling in it. It's all vibes, and those vibes are everything I want. Plus there's Emery and August's relationship. Their love was all encompassing. This epic love alongside Young's writing, it's just stunning. The yearning! The heartbreak! The chaos! I adored it!
As I said, Young manages to keep everyone's cards close to their chests until it's time to reveal them, so you're turning the pages wondering what the hell is going on. When the answers do come, there are some, "Ooooh!" moments. I did have a strong theory as to what happened to Lily, which was correct, but I never figured out the how or the why. And there were other aspects I found quite shocking. It's the kind of book that will always stick with me because of the vibes, so I've been thinking about it the past few days, and I have to be honest, there are something that just don't hold up to scrutiny. It doesn't make sense to me, given who the people on the island are and what is their norm, that the cause of Lily's death was never a consideration in the first place. Once you're aware of certain details, I feel like it's pretty obvious, but it isn't to anybody on the island. And with the other reveals, I had other questions. I could maybe understand the reasons behind certain things that happened in the past, but not about what happens present day. An antagonist's motivations in the present day just felt kind of flimsy, given the situation they find themselves in. Unless it was because of obsession, and they just couldn't let it go.
But it's not exactly clear, because the reveal happens so quickly, and then we're at the epilogue. Which I found quite frustrating, because I was left with certain questions. The real and actual truth comes out, and I would very much like to have known what the consequences of that were for the wider community of Saoirse, and all the other reveals that would have an impact, but we're never told. The focus is more on Emery and August, and what the truth means to them - for them. And yes, I was satisfied with that. But I definitely feel like there should have been more of a conclusion. So much is left open. Perhaps there are plans for a companion novel, I don't know. But that would definitely be my hope, because I want those answers. And there was another smaller thing that I was slightly disappointed in, and that is, for an island where the women have magic and family spell books, and real earthy witchcraft, there is quite the lack of magic actually taking place in this story. Honestly, I feel the magic could be removed, and certain elements rethought to a degree, and the story would still stand. I just expected and wanted more, especially with Spells in the title.
If you want a book that has a real thought out mystery that's tightly plotted and makes sense, and a lot of witchcraft, maybe give Spells For Forgetting a miss. However, if you're looking for a book that is all vibes and atmosphere and stunningly beautiful writing that you can float away on, Spells For Forgetting isn't one to miss. For all my issues with it, I bloody loved it, and I'll definitely read more by Young if she writes more books in a similar vein.
I had wanted to read Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young since I first heard about it. It sounded so mysterious, so atmospheric, I knew it was going to be right up my street. And I absolutely loved it!
Saoirse is an insular island. The people have magic, their own traditions and superstitions. They don't like outsiders, and yet depend on the mainlanders who come every autumn to pick apples from the orchard. It's what keeps them afloat. Fourteen years ago, Emery and August were going to leave. They were going to escape and find futures of their own, rather than accept the roles that had been given them.But on the evening before they're due to leave, everything changes. The orchard caught fire, risking the island's livelihood, and Lily, Emery and August's friend, is murdered. The truth about the fire and the murder are never uncovered, but August was the prime suspect. Never changed, he was nevertheless tainted by the accusation, and no-one trusted him. Except Emery. But when the island turns their back on you, and makes your life a misery, there's only one option. August and his mother leave the island - without Emery. Fourteen years later, the island is still haunted by that night. With the return of August to bury his mother's ashes, the hatred and suspicion bubbles up again. And with his return comes strange, unnatural occurrences on the island. It seems Saoirse is finally ready to reveal the truth.
Spells For Forgetting is mainly told in dual perspectives from Emery and August's points of view. Occasionally we get chapters from their perspectives from when they were teens, and occasionally we get chapters in the present day from other characters. This is such a stunning book! You know not everyone is being honest, that people at least know things that have yet to be revealed to the reader. You question everyone, including Emery and August; are they unreliable narrators? #AdrienneYoung has a brilliant way of keeping the reader in the dark, hinting at just enough to keep you turning the pages, with secrets and lies, things just below the surface, without really giving anything away. What actually happened that night? Who killed Lily? What is everyone hiding? It's so beautifully written, and so atmospheric, it was just gorgeous! Plot aside, I really enjoyed simply reading this book, revelling in it. It's all vibes, and those vibes are everything I want. Plus there's Emery and August's relationship. Their love was all encompassing. This epic love alongside Young's writing, it's just stunning. The yearning! The heartbreak! The chaos! I adored it!
As I said, Young manages to keep everyone's cards close to their chests until it's time to reveal them, so you're turning the pages wondering what the hell is going on. When the answers do come, there are some, "Ooooh!" moments. I did have a strong theory as to what happened to Lily, which was correct, but I never figured out the how or the why. And there were other aspects I found quite shocking. It's the kind of book that will always stick with me because of the vibes, so I've been thinking about it the past few days, and I have to be honest, there are something that just don't hold up to scrutiny. It doesn't make sense to me, given who the people on the island are and what is their norm, that the cause of Lily's death was never a consideration in the first place. Once you're aware of certain details, I feel like it's pretty obvious, but it isn't to anybody on the island. And with the other reveals, I had other questions. I could maybe understand the reasons behind certain things that happened in the past, but not about what happens present day. An antagonist's motivations in the present day just felt kind of flimsy, given the situation they find themselves in. Unless it was because of obsession, and they just couldn't let it go.
But it's not exactly clear, because the reveal happens so quickly, and then we're at the epilogue. Which I found quite frustrating, because I was left with certain questions. The real and actual truth comes out, and I would very much like to have known what the consequences of that were for the wider community of Saoirse, and all the other reveals that would have an impact, but we're never told. The focus is more on Emery and August, and what the truth means to them - for them. And yes, I was satisfied with that. But I definitely feel like there should have been more of a conclusion. So much is left open. Perhaps there are plans for a companion novel, I don't know. But that would definitely be my hope, because I want those answers. And there was another smaller thing that I was slightly disappointed in, and that is, for an island where the women have magic and family spell books, and real earthy witchcraft, there is quite the lack of magic actually taking place in this story. Honestly, I feel the magic could be removed, and certain elements rethought to a degree, and the story would still stand. I just expected and wanted more, especially with Spells in the title.
If you want a book that has a real thought out mystery that's tightly plotted and makes sense, and a lot of witchcraft, maybe give Spells For Forgetting a miss. However, if you're looking for a book that is all vibes and atmosphere and stunningly beautiful writing that you can float away on, Spells For Forgetting isn't one to miss. For all my issues with it, I bloody loved it, and I'll definitely read more by Young if she writes more books in a similar vein.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Alcoholism
This book features sex shaming, sex scenes - one semi-vague & one not overly detailed, arson, and a person being burnt in a fire.lindsayerin's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Domestic abuse, and Death
Minor: Drug use and Alcoholism
map_to_neverland's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“There are spells for breaking and spells for mending. But there are no spells for forgetting”
Book Details:
-Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Magical Realism
-written by the author of Fable
-Setting: Island town (called Saoirse) in the Pacific Northwest
-features mystery, tragedy, witches, and fall vibes
Told across two timelines, this is the story of an unresolved murder, love, and how far people will go to protect their home. I am so glad I got the chance to read an ARC of this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. It was very atmospheric and mysterious.
I also loved how magical was incorporated in a casual way. It was just an accepted and normal part of life on this island, which made the setting feel even more mystical.
I think I need to read Fable now, since I enjoyed this one so much. I also may have to buy a physical copy of this one. So, if you enjoy a mysterious, mystical book (that feels perfect for a foggy and/or rainy day), this is absolutely the book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book Details:
-Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Magical Realism
-written by the author of Fable
-Setting: Island town (called Saoirse) in the Pacific Northwest
-features mystery, tragedy, witches, and fall vibes
Told across two timelines, this is the story of an unresolved murder, love, and how far people will go to protect their home. I am so glad I got the chance to read an ARC of this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. It was very atmospheric and mysterious.
I also loved how magical was incorporated in a casual way. It was just an accepted and normal part of life on this island, which made the setting feel even more mystical.
I think I need to read Fable now, since I enjoyed this one so much. I also may have to buy a physical copy of this one. So, if you enjoy a mysterious, mystical book (that feels perfect for a foggy and/or rainy day), this is absolutely the book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Stalking, Violence, and Pregnancy
Minor: Terminal illness
ablondebooknerd's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“There are spells for breaking and spells for mending. But there are no spells for forgetting.”
Thank you @delacortepress and @netgalley for the #gifted eARC of SPELLS FOR FORGETTING!
Did I love this book? Yes!
So much so that I preordered a physical copy when I was about 30% through with my e-galley. So that should tell you everything you need to know!
SPELLS FOR FORGETTING is such a vibe. It’s set on a fictional island in the Puget Sound, so you know this PNW girl is instantly a fan.
This book just screams to be read on a rainy, gray day with a cozy blanket and a mug of tea.
There is magic, first love lost, secrets, betrayals and so much angst.
Do yourself a favor and preorder a copy now!
SPELLS FOR FORGETTING comes out September 27th.
Thank you @delacortepress and @netgalley for the #gifted eARC of SPELLS FOR FORGETTING!
Did I love this book? Yes!
So much so that I preordered a physical copy when I was about 30% through with my e-galley. So that should tell you everything you need to know!
SPELLS FOR FORGETTING is such a vibe. It’s set on a fictional island in the Puget Sound, so you know this PNW girl is instantly a fan.
This book just screams to be read on a rainy, gray day with a cozy blanket and a mug of tea.
There is magic, first love lost, secrets, betrayals and so much angst.
Do yourself a favor and preorder a copy now!
SPELLS FOR FORGETTING comes out September 27th.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
hownovelofher's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.25
Adrienne Young has a gift for storytelling. I was pulled in by the magic of the island of Saiorse and gripped by the complexity of these characters living in a small town with big secrets.
If you've ever read or watched Practical Magic, the setting of this book feels a lot like that. A windy, moody, mostly quiet town with seasonal tourists and a sleepy, at times eerily quiet, off-season.
Young makes the island of Saiorse feel alive and wholly tangible. Each page is woven so tightly with magic that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s staring you in the face.
Four friends tied together by the blood of their ancestors on the island. August, Emery, Lily and Dutch. It was just them, blissfully young and naive, taking in all the island had to give and never truly giving back. Until one of them becomes the ultimate sacrifice.
With their lives forever altered, August and Emery take the hit hardest. Separated for 14 years with the tug of a bond tied between them pulling them closer and closer to one another until August finally returns.
While his plan is to tie up loose ends and leave Saiorse behind once and for all, he ends up with the creeping vines of the island clawing to root him into the ground.
With well-kept secrets in the heart of every islander, corruption, greed, abuse, and even death begin to take over. The island is home to more than sand and salt. Beneath the well-kept ground of the town’s beloved orchard lie ash and blood.
Thoughts:
I loved this book. It gave me chills and kept me on my toes, guessing and guessing at what the mystery behind the island may be. The use of magic, the realness of each character, the tenderness of love between certain characters…it was so much to take in.
The writing reminded me of something like folklore. Something from one of the oldest books still intact. Browning pages, crumbling spine, the smell of old parchment and cold tea. Herbs. Sea air. The vibes were absolutely immaculate.
This is an adult novel so the main characters are in their 30’s while the elders of the island are beginning to gray and wrinkle, if they aren’t already close to ancient.
What snuck up on me was how everything played out in the end. The sinister wind that hid so well between the trees, came to a head on the surface of the water as the waves of consequence came crashing down on those with secrets.
The ending was a bit rushed for me, and I would have loved a little more depth when it came to certain characters. But truthfully this was pretty close to a 4.5/5 star read for me. I’ll be thinking about this book for some time.
Adrienne Young has a gift for storytelling. I was pulled in by the magic of the island of Saiorse and gripped by the complexity of these characters living in a small town with big secrets.
If you've ever read or watched Practical Magic, the setting of this book feels a lot like that. A windy, moody, mostly quiet town with seasonal tourists and a sleepy, at times eerily quiet, off-season.
Young makes the island of Saiorse feel alive and wholly tangible. Each page is woven so tightly with magic that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s staring you in the face.
Four friends tied together by the blood of their ancestors on the island. August, Emery, Lily and Dutch. It was just them, blissfully young and naive, taking in all the island had to give and never truly giving back. Until one of them becomes the ultimate sacrifice.
With their lives forever altered, August and Emery take the hit hardest. Separated for 14 years with the tug of a bond tied between them pulling them closer and closer to one another until August finally returns.
While his plan is to tie up loose ends and leave Saiorse behind once and for all, he ends up with the creeping vines of the island clawing to root him into the ground.
With well-kept secrets in the heart of every islander, corruption, greed, abuse, and even death begin to take over. The island is home to more than sand and salt. Beneath the well-kept ground of the town’s beloved orchard lie ash and blood.
Thoughts:
I loved this book. It gave me chills and kept me on my toes, guessing and guessing at what the mystery behind the island may be. The use of magic, the realness of each character, the tenderness of love between certain characters…it was so much to take in.
The writing reminded me of something like folklore. Something from one of the oldest books still intact. Browning pages, crumbling spine, the smell of old parchment and cold tea. Herbs. Sea air. The vibes were absolutely immaculate.
This is an adult novel so the main characters are in their 30’s while the elders of the island are beginning to gray and wrinkle, if they aren’t already close to ancient.
What snuck up on me was how everything played out in the end. The sinister wind that hid so well between the trees, came to a head on the surface of the water as the waves of consequence came crashing down on those with secrets.
The ending was a bit rushed for me, and I would have loved a little more depth when it came to certain characters. But truthfully this was pretty close to a 4.5/5 star read for me. I’ll be thinking about this book for some time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Murder, Physical abuse, Blood, and Cancer
Minor: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
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