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kitkicia's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
asreadbykat's review against another edition
4.0
Story-wise I actually give this 3.5 stars, but I bumped it up to 4 just because I enjoyed the unapologetic queerness of the characters.
In total honesty, I've read YA books about witches that felt more, well, "witchy" than this, at least in the traditional literary sense. So if that's the type of witchy fiction you're looking for, this might not be up your alley. This is also very obviously the first book in at least a duology, so there's a lot of loose threads by the end that require future works to tie up. And, as per usual with YA novels and romance, the relationships develop pretty damn quickly.
That being said: it was SO GOOD to read a modern YA novel about witches that make me honestly believe the characters are teenagers. They don't sound like almost-adults, they make a ton of messy mistakes, and plenty of wrong choices. I enjoyed this book so much because all the young main heroines felt so REAL. Like girls I actually met when I was in high school, and like the girls I've met since becoming a teacher.
The mystery isn't super complicated; there's plenty of suspects, but I called the real antagonist before the big reveal. But it's not necessarily the mystery itself that's important, but rather the reasons and emotions behind it. It all ties in to the history of this world that I want to learn more about.
I also really enjoy the witchcraft and lore of this world, and I'm really interested to read the second book to learn more about it. And I will be reading the second one; I enjoy the world and the writing enough to want to see what happens next.
TL;DR: if you're looking for a more serious book about traditional or conventional teen witches, this probably won't be your jam. If you want a story with queer heroines and an interesting twist on witchcraft that's good for a quick read, maybe check this one out.
In total honesty, I've read YA books about witches that felt more, well, "witchy" than this, at least in the traditional literary sense. So if that's the type of witchy fiction you're looking for, this might not be up your alley. This is also very obviously the first book in at least a duology, so there's a lot of loose threads by the end that require future works to tie up. And, as per usual with YA novels and romance, the relationships develop pretty damn quickly.
That being said: it was SO GOOD to read a modern YA novel about witches that make me honestly believe the characters are teenagers. They don't sound like almost-adults, they make a ton of messy mistakes, and plenty of wrong choices. I enjoyed this book so much because all the young main heroines felt so REAL. Like girls I actually met when I was in high school, and like the girls I've met since becoming a teacher.
The mystery isn't super complicated; there's plenty of suspects, but I called the real antagonist before the big reveal. But it's not necessarily the mystery itself that's important, but rather the reasons and emotions behind it. It all ties in to the history of this world that I want to learn more about.
I also really enjoy the witchcraft and lore of this world, and I'm really interested to read the second book to learn more about it. And I will be reading the second one; I enjoy the world and the writing enough to want to see what happens next.
TL;DR: if you're looking for a more serious book about traditional or conventional teen witches, this probably won't be your jam. If you want a story with queer heroines and an interesting twist on witchcraft that's good for a quick read, maybe check this one out.
alidathealien's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Pretty cheesy, but fun!
It felt like this should have been the second in a trilogy instead of the first in a duology. They spent so much time talking about Hannah and veronicas relationship and the events of New York, but hardly any time showing it.
It felt like this should have been the second in a trilogy instead of the first in a duology. They spent so much time talking about Hannah and veronicas relationship and the events of New York, but hardly any time showing it.
emalieshaffer's review against another edition
5.0
This book had so many unexpected twists (and drama - in the best way)! I absolutely could not put it down and will definitely be reading the second book. 10/10 recommend!
annsephine's review against another edition
3.0
3.5* I liked the book, but I found some points a bit unnecessary, like the death that occurs towards, as well as some things being a little predictable. Overall I liked it, I wanna read the second book just to get a closure on the story, but it's not something I would reread.
janagaton's review against another edition
2.0
boooorrrriiiingggg. i much preferred The Coldest Touch by this author, and I will not be continuing with this series
readtomea97's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Gun violence, and Grief
sadkitty's review against another edition
4.0
Rating 3.5/5
When I first started reading These Witches Don't Burn, I picked it up only because spooky October was around the corner and I needed the supernatural elements in my life.
At first, the story seemed bleak. Hannah trying to get over her ex- that is Veronica and with Veronica, she's everything you can imagine the perfect crush to be. She was Hannah's best friend since childhood. And she graduates as the valedictorian. There are memories only those two share. Hannah's the typical YA protagonist trying to stand up for herself when she can't.
But then, there's this part where the threats become real. The danger is real. And although the words aren't mentioned, we all know from history what the threat is all about.
Somewhere along the way, friendships and other relationships get involved. Hannah spirals into this thought of thinking that she doesn't know who around her really loves her and who wants to hurt her. This fear is the driving force for me. I actually got a kick out of reading this part.
The emotions are there. A bit flowery in description sometimes, which I don't like, but it's not like you can always put your emotions to words.
Hannah's character development is really something to look forward to. But there are still things I wish were more.
There should have been more of Hannah's sarcastic remarks from the get go rather than showing her as just a scared girl who wanted all her life to learn advanced magic.
The action was breathtaking. I also liked the way they tried to explore the various relationships forming and breaking around our main character.
I like the freaking regret. When the protagonist feels the desperation to go back into the past and change something but she can't. She just can't. And i love it.
That brings to notice the vulnerability of being human and i love this book for it.
When I first started reading These Witches Don't Burn, I picked it up only because spooky October was around the corner and I needed the supernatural elements in my life.
At first, the story seemed bleak. Hannah trying to get over her ex- that is Veronica and with Veronica, she's everything you can imagine the perfect crush to be. She was Hannah's best friend since childhood. And she graduates as the valedictorian. There are memories only those two share. Hannah's the typical YA protagonist trying to stand up for herself when she can't.
But then, there's this part where the threats become real. The danger is real. And although the words aren't mentioned, we all know from history what the threat is all about.
Somewhere along the way, friendships and other relationships get involved. Hannah spirals into this thought of thinking that she doesn't know who around her really loves her and who wants to hurt her. This fear is the driving force for me. I actually got a kick out of reading this part.
The emotions are there. A bit flowery in description sometimes, which I don't like, but it's not like you can always put your emotions to words.
Hannah's character development is really something to look forward to. But there are still things I wish were more.
There should have been more of Hannah's sarcastic remarks from the get go rather than showing her as just a scared girl who wanted all her life to learn advanced magic.
The action was breathtaking. I also liked the way they tried to explore the various relationships forming and breaking around our main character.
I like the freaking regret. When the protagonist feels the desperation to go back into the past and change something but she can't. She just can't. And i love it.
That brings to notice the vulnerability of being human and i love this book for it.