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A review by maartabarrales
A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers
Did not finish book.
I’ll start this by making a comparison that might not be fair, but I really can’t think of any other way to explain this.
This book feels like V. E. Schwab’s [b:The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|50623864|The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584633432l/50623864._SY75_.jpg|46895612] but stripped of the beauty. Calling it a copycat is impossible given the publishing dates for both of these works, but it’s easy to see how they play with the same ideas. A young woman in France, a deal that preserves her through time and a demon that oversees it all. But while so many things are the same, or at least reminiscing, this book just doesn't have the heart Addie LaRue has.
I wouldn't necessarily call it a bad book, there’s certainly a demographic for it, which come figure, doesn’t include me. But it is dull, enough to make an interesting premise uninviting. With a main character that might just be the most unintentionally dislikeable I’ve encountered this year.
However, it's biggest offense in my eyes is the lack of trigger warnings that preceded it. There’s a big amount of sexual violence in it that, to add insult to injury, does nothing for either plot nor characters. Plus the unfortunate mishandling of a predatory relationship that should not, under any circumstances have been romanticized.
I really don't know what to tell you, it's been a while since I've encountered a book that disappointed me this much. If you're looking for something with a similar premise, do try Addie LaRue and maybe give this one a pass.
This book feels like V. E. Schwab’s [b:The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|50623864|The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584633432l/50623864._SY75_.jpg|46895612] but stripped of the beauty. Calling it a copycat is impossible given the publishing dates for both of these works, but it’s easy to see how they play with the same ideas. A young woman in France, a deal that preserves her through time and a demon that oversees it all. But while so many things are the same, or at least reminiscing, this book just doesn't have the heart Addie LaRue has.
I wouldn't necessarily call it a bad book, there’s certainly a demographic for it, which come figure, doesn’t include me. But it is dull, enough to make an interesting premise uninviting. With a main character that might just be the most unintentionally dislikeable I’ve encountered this year.
However, it's biggest offense in my eyes is the lack of trigger warnings that preceded it. There’s a big amount of sexual violence in it that, to add insult to injury, does nothing for either plot nor characters. Plus the unfortunate mishandling of a predatory relationship that should not, under any circumstances have been romanticized.
I really don't know what to tell you, it's been a while since I've encountered a book that disappointed me this much. If you're looking for something with a similar premise, do try Addie LaRue and maybe give this one a pass.