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tomstbr's review against another edition
4.0
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
If I didn't have to sleep at night, or at all, then I would've finished this in one setting. Unfortunately, with days filled with endless appointments - my eyes were pretty tired once I got the half way mark of A Curse of Ash and Embers. Luckily for me, I got to dive back into once I woke up and I was extremely excited to see how everything was going to play out.
Not going to lie.. but I was pretty dead on with my guesses about a certain character throughout this book. So when we go to the ending and some secrets came out - yeah, wasn't surprised one bit. 10 points for me bitches! Other than that, you do get to meet Elodie. She is just a girl looking for a place to belong to. It certainly isn't at home with her mom and douche of a stepfather.
God, did they annoy the crap out of me. The whole.. well you aren't his kid and that's why he doesn't treat you as such is complete bullshit. I sure as hell hope step parents don't act like that in real life. I'm only saying that because I have no step parents.. so yeah, not real familiar with them.
Other than that, the whole magic and witch stuff was pretty cool. I'm glad Elodie, aka Dee, got a better life outside of her family. Even if she now works for the towns witch and has become a Blackbone. I absolutely adored Aleida and I can't wait for them to both grow in the next book.
I also really want to know who sent the damn letter. Please tell me I find out in the next book?
evanipatel's review against another edition
DNF about 1/3 of the way through.
I tried to get into this but unfortunately nothing in the first half of the book reeled me in. I just felt that I was reading a bland YA story in an even blander half “witchy medieval” world. Hopefully for those who finished the latter part, the book paid off.
emiodo's review
3.0
The novel really focuses on Elodie and Aleida. Their relationship as it develops throughout the novel is satisfying and compelling, as they learn to trust one another. Over the course of the novel Elodie comes to reckon with her own innate magical abilities, and the choice she must make whether to learn witchcraft or embark on a new life altogether.
Elodie is a loyal character, she is steadfast and brave and she refuses to leave Aleida's side even when given the opportunity. Although she makes some mistakes that seem stupidly obvious to the reader, it is easy to understand how these things happen.
Aleida is more mysterious, a complicated witch who is trying to make amends for her wicked actions of the past. She can be a difficult character to empathize with, or to fully understand. But since we are viewing her through Elodie's eyes, this makes perfect sense.
I particularly liked how this novel approached the stigmas around witchcraft, while acknowledging that it is a power that can be used for both good and bad. Witches are not inherently evil, but the fear of their power very real and fallible humans can easily be corrupted by power.
A fascinating start to a new series full of magical creatures, mysterious forests, ancient magics, and complex characters. I look forward to seeing more in this world from Jo Spurrier.
someonetookit's review
4.0
I loved all the leading ladies tbh. They are well rounded, stubborn and occassionally prickly and thats just the start. Elodie while undereducated is so ridiculously clever that I was in awe pretty much the whole way through. Aleida is initially broken but still so strong mentally. And Gryssa is just a greedy piece of work who will do whatever it takes to claw her way back to the world of the living.
The 'love interest' portion of the book was well rounded and more of a crush with the occassional perve rather than a major plot point and I LOVED IT! I am not a fan of lovey kissy taking centre stage without purpose and Spurrier manages to sprinkle the love lightly enough that it felt ample but not overexaggerated.
While the world building is not groundbreaking, any reader would easily be able to conjure up images of the characters various surroundings. In a novel which has a highly character driven narrative, it was well and truly enough.
Overall I just loved this book. Its the perfect mix of witchy business with self discovery and butt kicking babes. 4.5 stars
bookloversofi's review against another edition
4.0
I want to thank Edelweiss+ & HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is a comfortable read in many ways, I enjoyed it a lot, I expected a little more impact and I had it, but only at the ending. I think it largely feels like a short story, cause not only it's a short book, but it also doesn't have too much depth to the plot itself. Even so, I enjoyed the characters, the magical and atmospheric vibe, and especially the background of feminine power that's felt when reading it.
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
thatweirdbookgirlie's review against another edition
4.0
Elodie's family gets a mysterious letter sending her away to Blackbone Cottage to be a handmaid. After quite a journey, where she meets a wizard and a warlock, she arrives to find out the one who sent for her is a witch. Although it turns out Aleida didn't send for her, and it's still unknown who sent the letter.
Much of the story revolves around trying to get rid of that warlock she met on the road, with plenty of other twists and turns thrown in.
Overall a pretty interesting story and am interested to see where the story goes from here.
straker's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Curse of Ash and Embers
Author: Jo Spurrier
Book Series: Tales of the Blackbone Witches Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: paranormal, fantasy, magic
Publication Date: November 3, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (child abuse TW (emotional, verbal, physical), domestic violence, misogyny, dissociation, suicide TW, gore, death, violence, kidnapping TW)
Publisher: Voyager
Pages: 368
Synopsis: A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.
Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.
But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess.
When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.
Gyssha's final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie's help, whether she likes it or not.
And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back home.
Review: Overall, I liked the book. The book was very atmospheric and perfect for the Halloween season! The book had witches and darkness and things that go bump in the night! The characters were likeable and well developed. The world building was amazingly well done. I liked this book!
The only issues I had with the book is that the pacing was a bit too slow in my opinion and the plot was a bit hit or miss in places. Sometimes I got fed up with the book and had to walk away from it. The book also talks about a lot of very tough subjects and it’s a really hard read, especially for someone like me who has somewhat thick skin.
Verdict: It was good!