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A review by annagwritesandreads
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an early eARC of this book!
4/5
Description: Marigold Claude is given the chance of her lifetime: to be freed of the societal pressures of her home and live with her grandmother to become the next Honey Witch. However, there's a curse Marigold has to take on, which is no one can fall in love with her once she becomes the Honey Witch. But Marigold can't really focus on love as she's learning all her new witchy skills and learning to protect the isle of Innisfree and take care of the surrounding residents. Marigold must protect the land from the Ash Witch, who is the mortal enemy of the Honey Witch. But, love tries to find its' way to Marigold in the form of Lottie Burke, the resident grump of the town. Once Lottie claims magic isn't real, Marigold tries to win over her opinion...and Lottie in general. Will Marigold be able to protect her island and her heart?
All the good:
- The magic system is well thought out and I love learning more about the world. I'd definitely delve back in if Sydney writes a series.
- I like Marigold's motivations, they were consistent throughout the book and she is someone I would trust with my life.
- The relationship between Marigold and her grandmother is precious, I was almost moved to tears.
- The side characters in Mr. Benny and August were refreshing additions to the story, adding humor and love throughout.
The loss of a star:
I have 2 main issues here:
1) The pacing was just all over the place. The beginning felt so slow and it ended WAY too fast. It feels like the build up to a series but it's a standalone so my brain was confused and it took me out of the reading a bit. You also do this random side quest it feels like about 70% of the way through the book and I was just thrown off.
2) I feel like the description was a bit misleading. Lottie's name is in the description but you don't really meet her until like a third of the way through the book (or more?). It is still a romance, but I really thought we'd see even more of Lottie than we did.
Overall, if you're into slower burn stories and are looking for your next sapphic romance read, I'd definitely recommend The Honey Witch.
4/5
Description: Marigold Claude is given the chance of her lifetime: to be freed of the societal pressures of her home and live with her grandmother to become the next Honey Witch. However, there's a curse Marigold has to take on, which is no one can fall in love with her once she becomes the Honey Witch. But Marigold can't really focus on love as she's learning all her new witchy skills and learning to protect the isle of Innisfree and take care of the surrounding residents. Marigold must protect the land from the Ash Witch, who is the mortal enemy of the Honey Witch. But, love tries to find its' way to Marigold in the form of Lottie Burke, the resident grump of the town. Once Lottie claims magic isn't real, Marigold tries to win over her opinion...and Lottie in general. Will Marigold be able to protect her island and her heart?
All the good:
- The magic system is well thought out and I love learning more about the world. I'd definitely delve back in if Sydney writes a series.
- I like Marigold's motivations, they were consistent throughout the book and she is someone I would trust with my life.
- The relationship between Marigold and her grandmother is precious, I was almost moved to tears.
- The side characters in Mr. Benny and August were refreshing additions to the story, adding humor and love throughout.
The loss of a star:
I have 2 main issues here:
1) The pacing was just all over the place. The beginning felt so slow and it ended WAY too fast. It feels like the build up to a series but it's a standalone so my brain was confused and it took me out of the reading a bit. You also do this random side quest it feels like about 70% of the way through the book and I was just thrown off.
2) I feel like the description was a bit misleading. Lottie's name is in the description but you don't really meet her until like a third of the way through the book (or more?). It is still a romance, but I really thought we'd see even more of Lottie than we did.
Overall, if you're into slower burn stories and are looking for your next sapphic romance read, I'd definitely recommend The Honey Witch.