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A review by sarahmreads
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Emmy Harlow left her magical hometown of Thistle Grove for a reason, and wanted to lead a normal life without any magic. However, when she finds herself back there to look over the trials to determine the next leader of the town, Emmy may find more than she is bargaining for.
This story was magical in all sorts of ways! The world building is actually really well done, and painted a picture perfect image of the different families of the town, its history, and the magic that fuels it. Even at the end, like almost 90% in, you're learning something new, which is important for the end of the novel. While I understand why it was hidden from Emmy, it also just felt too late to include world building like that.
The magic system was also pretty unique in that each family focuses in on a special magic focus. However I can't really remember what the Blackmoore family had, since they were the big antagonists of the story. Speaking of, I wish we saw a bit more of Gareth because we only really get two or three interactions with him and the rest are stories of all the bad stuff he had done.
I liked Emmy as a main character. She is smart, caring, and a bit more modern than I would have liked. She actively used hashtags either in her internal dialogue or external and it felt a bit forced in to make Emmy more "in the know" since she left the town. Even I don't say hashtags when speaking unless I'm referring to a specific trend. However, Talia sometimes does it too and either way it still bothers me.
Now Talia! I loved her so much. She's charismatic, smooth, but also a bit withdrawn. I loved Emmy and Talia's relationship and its progression. They are able to get to know each other more while also having that chemistry draw towards each other. It made me root for them the entire time. Also, they don't feel the need to identify with a sexuality! I can assume both of them are least bisexual though, based on their discussions.
The side cast of characters was also unique and diverse and lovable. I felt for Linden so much as I have a friend who left our hometown and somedays I wonder if our friendship is as strong as it once was.
Payback's a Witch is a perfect queer witchy story to start off your spooky season, with lovable characters and an even more lovable setting.
This story was magical in all sorts of ways! The world building is actually really well done, and painted a picture perfect image of the different families of the town, its history, and the magic that fuels it. Even at the end, like almost 90% in, you're learning something new, which is important for the end of the novel. While I understand why it was hidden from Emmy, it also just felt too late to include world building like that.
The magic system was also pretty unique in that each family focuses in on a special magic focus. However I can't really remember what the Blackmoore family had, since they were the big antagonists of the story. Speaking of, I wish we saw a bit more of Gareth because we only really get two or three interactions with him and the rest are stories of all the bad stuff he had done.
I liked Emmy as a main character. She is smart, caring, and a bit more modern than I would have liked. She actively used hashtags either in her internal dialogue or external and it felt a bit forced in to make Emmy more "in the know" since she left the town. Even I don't say hashtags when speaking unless I'm referring to a specific trend. However, Talia sometimes does it too and either way it still bothers me.
Now Talia! I loved her so much. She's charismatic, smooth, but also a bit withdrawn. I loved Emmy and Talia's relationship and its progression. They are able to get to know each other more while also having that chemistry draw towards each other. It made me root for them the entire time. Also, they don't feel the need to identify with a sexuality! I can assume both of them are least bisexual though, based on their discussions.
The side cast of characters was also unique and diverse and lovable. I felt for Linden so much as I have a friend who left our hometown and somedays I wonder if our friendship is as strong as it once was.
Payback's a Witch is a perfect queer witchy story to start off your spooky season, with lovable characters and an even more lovable setting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship