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thaliareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I loved the premise of this book and the idea of this interfamily competition. I also appreciated Emmy's desire to get away from what she knew growing up and to go explore a wider world despite the consequences on her use of magic coupled with the desire to be there for her family and her town.
In addition, the "revenge pact" that the main trio makes and that guides the plot along through the various stages of the competition makes for a lot of fun antics.
In addition, the "revenge pact" that the main trio makes and that guides the plot along through the various stages of the competition makes for a lot of fun antics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Infidelity
A focal point of the story is three of the girl's relationships with the same guy - who cheated on all of them and wasn't at any point a healthy relationship.melodyseestrees's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Misogyny
thehobbitbarbie's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I thought I was going to love this book and was so excited to read along as the series progresses. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for me to realize this was not the cozy fantasy romance I was looking for. While the setting was charming at times and the spicy moments delivered as promised, the main character's motivations are weak, the relationships all feel forced and awkward, and no one seems to exist past the main character's sphere. For a book that was pitched to me as having Halloween Hallmark vibes, I feel like this missed the mark on the community aspect that makes small-town romances like this successful, and in truth, it felt more like the plot of a Sims neighborhood story than a Hallmark movie. I will also admit that I have a strong bias against characters referring to themselves and each other by their last names outside of sports media, so that certainly didn't win this book any points.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Classism, and Cursing
karina_dreamsinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
A magical, spicy, atmospheric & perfect witchy read? All signs point to Y E S.
The lyrical writing transports you to the magical town of Thistle Grove. I loved the exploration of mending friendships after leaving your hometown and losing touch. Plus the sapphic relationship?! Holyyy-- the angst and tension was *chefs kiss*. I am so happy I loved another witchy read during this spooky season!
If John Tucker Must Die & Delilah Green Doesn't Care had a baby, then said magical prodigy entered the TriWizard Tournament and ta-da, you get Payback's A Witch. I know that might sound a bit wacky but trust me, you'll want to pick this gem up!!
The lyrical writing transports you to the magical town of Thistle Grove. I loved the exploration of mending friendships after leaving your hometown and losing touch. Plus the sapphic relationship?! Holyyy-- the angst and tension was *chefs kiss*. I am so happy I loved another witchy read during this spooky season!
If John Tucker Must Die & Delilah Green Doesn't Care had a baby, then said magical prodigy entered the TriWizard Tournament and ta-da, you get Payback's A Witch. I know that might sound a bit wacky but trust me, you'll want to pick this gem up!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Violence
kayladaila's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
sarinaslibrary's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I've heard good things about this book, mostly that it was a good witchy book with no violence or scary stuff in it, and it was LGBTQ+ - perfect for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was written well and I enjoyed the characters. It gave perfect October witch cosy vibes and I adored it all.
The only thing I didn't like was everyone bullying Emmy a little for her leaving the town and doing her own thing outside with the humans, they didn't like that she didn't visit or call but they could have done the exact same thing to her. Her girlfriend didn't want Emmy to go back to Chicago and didn't want to what a lot of couples do which is to visit her there sometimes, Emmy even said that she would visit the town to see her again after doing her work in Chicago. Emmy was willing to travel but Taila wasn't - to me it was selfish of the character.
Overall I did enjoy the book and it's one my cosy witch books list to read in the spooky season.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was written well and I enjoyed the characters. It gave perfect October witch cosy vibes and I adored it all.
The only thing I didn't like was everyone bullying Emmy a little for her leaving the town and doing her own thing outside with the humans, they didn't like that she didn't visit or call but they could have done the exact same thing to her. Her girlfriend didn't want Emmy to go back to Chicago and didn't want to what a lot of couples do which is to visit her there sometimes, Emmy even said that she would visit the town to see her again after doing her work in Chicago. Emmy was willing to travel but Taila wasn't - to me it was selfish of the character.
Overall I did enjoy the book and it's one my cosy witch books list to read in the spooky season.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
jenmcreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
I picked this up expecting a light and cute fall read and it surpassed my expectations- especially in the last 20% of the book. I felt like the ending did an exceptional job of tying up loose ends and landing the themes from throughout the text.
I really loved the magic system in this book, and the way different individuals experienced magic differently. The (sapphic! Yay!) romance was sizzling and the chemistry, connection and stakes definitely drew me in. The sense of home and searching for home as portrayed in this book was surprisingly poignant.
I honestly loved this and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I really loved the magic system in this book, and the way different individuals experienced magic differently. The (sapphic! Yay!) romance was sizzling and the chemistry, connection and stakes definitely drew me in. The sense of home and searching for home as portrayed in this book was surprisingly poignant.
I honestly loved this and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
froyobaggns's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
this is a really fun read. it's not like, a literary masterpiece, but it is witty and the characters are sassy and badass. emmy as the main character is overdramatic, a bit of an asshole and an unreliable narrator, but it's definitely a lot of fun. and it really leans into witchy tropes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol and Violence
Minor: Drug use
orchidd's review
adventurous
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? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content and Alcohol
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
A cute book and a fun read but I feel like some of the references will make it dated very quickly
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Violence
Minor: Misogyny