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A review by smillas_tales
These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was such a good time, and exactly what I was looking for this spooky season! It’s got queer witches and a murdererous mystery, and if that doesn’t get your attention, I’m not sure what will!
This is a super fast-paced story with a deadly mystery element, and a cute queer romance. But don’t be fooled, it does take a darker turn than I expected, so consider checking the trigger warnings beforehand!
While I love a fast-paced story, I did find it almost a little too fast at some points. I think this book could’ve benefited from being a little longer! The characters seemed to move on a little too quickly from some of the very serious plot points, and I would’ve loved a bigger focus on the consequences.
Similarly, the romance moved a little too quickly for my liking. But as it’s only a side plot, and both characters are very lovable, it didn’t affect my enjoyment! It was lovely reading about a mostly uncomplicated sapphic romance for once!
Overall, I liked the characterwork and their dynamics, and the abundance of LGBTQ+ characters was wonderful! Hannah can be a bit frustrating at times, though. She’s horrible at communicating, and the mystery probably would’ve been resolved a lot quicker if she had communicated better.
The mystery itself was a little predictable, but I did have a few different theories throughout the book, and the reveal was satisfying. Although not a perfect read, I’m stoked to get to the sequel!
This is a super fast-paced story with a deadly mystery element, and a cute queer romance. But don’t be fooled, it does take a darker turn than I expected, so consider checking the trigger warnings beforehand!
While I love a fast-paced story, I did find it almost a little too fast at some points. I think this book could’ve benefited from being a little longer! The characters seemed to move on a little too quickly from some of the very serious plot points, and I would’ve loved a bigger focus on the consequences.
Similarly, the romance moved a little too quickly for my liking. But as it’s only a side plot, and both characters are very lovable, it didn’t affect my enjoyment! It was lovely reading about a mostly uncomplicated sapphic romance for once!
Overall, I liked the characterwork and their dynamics, and the abundance of LGBTQ+ characters was wonderful! Hannah can be a bit frustrating at times, though. She’s horrible at communicating, and the mystery probably would’ve been resolved a lot quicker if she had communicated better.
The mystery itself was a little predictable, but I did have a few different theories throughout the book, and the reveal was satisfying. Although not a perfect read, I’m stoked to get to the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Biphobia