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A review by michellekiara
These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
I don’t usually go for fantasy, so I really love how this book blends witchcraft with a contemporary setting. The magic is there, but the story still feels grounded in reality, making it easy to connect with. On top of that, there’s a whodunit element that kept me hooked, especially as a fan of psychological thrillers.
One of my favorite things about this book is how unapologetically lesbian it is. The main character doesn’t just happen to be a lesbian, but she also says the word, owns it, and experiences all the messy emotions that come with it. The yearning, the resentment toward an ex you’re forced to be around, the push-and-pull of wanting something new but still feeling the weight of the past… it’s all here, and it feels so real. This book is undeniably written by a lesbian, for lesbians, and there’s something incredibly comforting about that.
The worldbuilding is another highlight. Reading this felt like being a reg (non-witch) who just found out witches exist and is slowly getting drawn into their world. The magic system reveals itself in a way that feels natural and intriguing.
For some reason, though, I’m not in a rush to pick up the sequel. It’s not that I wouldn’t read it, but I just don’t feel particularly attached to the characters despite how relatable they were. The story itself was fun, but once I closed the book, I didn’t feel that aching need to dive right back in.
One of my favorite things about this book is how unapologetically lesbian it is. The main character doesn’t just happen to be a lesbian, but she also says the word, owns it, and experiences all the messy emotions that come with it. The yearning, the resentment toward an ex you’re forced to be around, the push-and-pull of wanting something new but still feeling the weight of the past… it’s all here, and it feels so real. This book is undeniably written by a lesbian, for lesbians, and there’s something incredibly comforting about that.
The worldbuilding is another highlight. Reading this felt like being a reg (non-witch) who just found out witches exist and is slowly getting drawn into their world. The magic system reveals itself in a way that feels natural and intriguing.
For some reason, though, I’m not in a rush to pick up the sequel. It’s not that I wouldn’t read it, but I just don’t feel particularly attached to the characters despite how relatable they were. The story itself was fun, but once I closed the book, I didn’t feel that aching need to dive right back in.