Scan barcode
A review by eggboybee
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
I really enjoyed the first 3/4ths of this book, but after that, the pacing was all over the place.
Sclesa does a really great job of establishing the Salem atmosphere and explaining what "witchy" means without feeling like I was being hit over the head with it. I really liked that the focus of the coven was "this is a group of people who take care of each other and are connected to their surroundings" rather than "these teens think they're casting spells."
The way the narrative bounced between past and present felt really clean, and helped keep the tension even.
I also really appreciated that queerness was approachable but not overwhelming, and that characters' identities are allowed to be nebulous.
I read the audiobook narrated by Stacey Glemboski, and really enjoyed her work.
<Spoiler> If I found out my girlfriend was not only aware of a huge scandal in my past, but that it had been a driving force in her seeking me out, she would absolutely not be my girlfriend anymore. It was super unrealistic that Pix - who is previously a true believer in the human ability to communicate their intention - would be so dishonest about that!
Also, the quick resolution of "Aha, everyone doesn't actually hate me, it was just my anxiety all along!" made me feel cheated as a reader. I think there could have been a lot more foreshadowing about that to make Eleanor's acceptance that Chloe had been using her a way more natural progression.
Overall, I would have given this book 4 stars, up until the point where Eleanor realizes that the coven sent her the tarot book. I think it would have been way cleaner if Pix saw Eleanor's tarot guide for the first time when Eleanor found the draft of it. I don't think Pix should have known about Eleanor's past - the coven leader whose name I don't remember should have sent it to Eleanor as part of the larger effort that the coven was making to heal Salem. Pix should have asked Eleanor why the coven leader chose her, and Eleanor should have told Pix what happened, while the goth girl whose name I forget explained that Chloe was a manipulative creep. </Spoiler>
Sclesa does a really great job of establishing the Salem atmosphere and explaining what "witchy" means without feeling like I was being hit over the head with it. I really liked that the focus of the coven was "this is a group of people who take care of each other and are connected to their surroundings" rather than "these teens think they're casting spells."
The way the narrative bounced between past and present felt really clean, and helped keep the tension even.
I also really appreciated that queerness was approachable but not overwhelming, and that characters' identities are allowed to be nebulous.
I read the audiobook narrated by Stacey Glemboski, and really enjoyed her work.
<Spoiler> If I found out my girlfriend was not only aware of a huge scandal in my past, but that it had been a driving force in her seeking me out, she would absolutely not be my girlfriend anymore. It was super unrealistic that Pix - who is previously a true believer in the human ability to communicate their intention - would be so dishonest about that!
Also, the quick resolution of "Aha, everyone doesn't actually hate me, it was just my anxiety all along!" made me feel cheated as a reader. I think there could have been a lot more foreshadowing about that to make Eleanor's acceptance that Chloe had been using her a way more natural progression.
Overall, I would have given this book 4 stars, up until the point where Eleanor realizes that the coven sent her the tarot book. I think it would have been way cleaner if Pix saw Eleanor's tarot guide for the first time when Eleanor found the draft of it. I don't think Pix should have known about Eleanor's past - the coven leader whose name I don't remember should have sent it to Eleanor as part of the larger effort that the coven was making to heal Salem. Pix should have asked Eleanor why the coven leader chose her, and Eleanor should have told Pix what happened, while the goth girl whose name I forget explained that Chloe was a manipulative creep. </Spoiler>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse