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A review by ramunepocky
Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have been excited about reading this book for a long time and I am delighted that it didnt let me down at all !!! It was dark and bloody and very witchy !!! Ik Wild and Wicked Things is often described as a retelling of The Great Gatsby with a witchy twist, which idk enough about to compare it to having never read the book myself, but it was certainly a wild ride and has made me interested to read The Great Gatsby !!! I rlly rlly enjoyed this book, as stressful as it often was in places, and how everything seemed to constantly escalate and every "solution" just became a further problem. The magic system was extremely intriguing, especially the use of blood magic, and how every magic had a different scent and taste. I was very curious about Nathan's abilities and how hard that must have made the world for him. I also found the concept of the Debt and Giving very interesting too.
I enjoyed the switching perspectives and appreciared the fact that both Emmeline and Annie had very distinct voices that made it clear who we were following even without the chapter indicators. I liked watching Annie grow into her magic, become stronger willed and more morally questionable.
I hated Bea with a passion, she was extremely selfish and the cause of so many of the problems and yet she wasnt willing to claim responsibility for any of it. She was constantly blaming everyone else for her problems and the way she acted. I did feel a little kinder towards her at the end, but I will stand by the fact that everything is Bea's fault.
I also found learning about the history of Cross House and what Cilla did to the orphans and how it shaped them to be both interesting and horrifying, and I am so glad that we got to see Emmeline put an end to that.
And my favourite character died, which is just the standard really, so am I surprised?? No, but I had hoped for better for them, especially after all the signs of them dying were there, but I had hoped that the cards were wrong.
Wild and Wicked Things is a bloody tale of magic, murder and intrigue, and I enjoyed it thoroughly !!!
I enjoyed the switching perspectives and appreciared the fact that both Emmeline and Annie had very distinct voices that made it clear who we were following even without the chapter indicators. I liked watching Annie grow into her magic, become stronger willed and more morally questionable.
I hated Bea with a passion, she was extremely selfish and the cause of so many of the problems and yet she wasnt willing to claim responsibility for any of it. She was constantly blaming everyone else for her problems and the way she acted. I did feel a little kinder towards her at the end, but I will stand by the fact that everything is Bea's fault.
I also found learning about the history of Cross House and what Cilla did to the orphans and how it shaped them to be both interesting and horrifying, and I am so glad that we got to see Emmeline put an end to that.
And my favourite character died, which is just the standard really, so am I surprised?? No, but I had hoped for better for them, especially after all the signs of them dying were there, but I had hoped that the cards were wrong.
Wild and Wicked Things is a bloody tale of magic, murder and intrigue, and I enjoyed it thoroughly !!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Murder, Blood, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War and Pregnancy
THERES ALSO THAT WEIRD LINE OF NOT QUITE SELF HARM BUT ITS ALSO BLOOD MAGIC SO THEY LIKE PRICK THEIR FINGERS, CUT THEIR PALMS ETC TO USE IT