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A review by abookandchai
The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith
5.0
read full review on my blog!
Buckle up friends a new secret boarding school for witches in a city with murderous happenings just dropped is going to drop soon!! I love books that surprise me—even though this one was on my radar ever since it was announced, one can never be sure if they like their anticipated releases can they? I don’t know what drove me to rate this 5 stars but I honestly had so much fun consuming The Witch Haven.
The best thing about this book was the steady pace that kept me hooked and engaged. I didn’t feel bored, just sat there and witnessed all the twists as the story took off. The worldbuilding is fairly simple. Sasha brings 1911 New York to life with simplistic, beautiful writing. I love that she chose this setting and gave justice to it. The magic system, mainly spells and control of a witch’s power were super intriguing too. I haven’t read this kind of a book in a long while so the witchy aspect was definitely refreshing.
The mystery aspect was pretty good too, kept me guessing. The Witch Haven also throws light on the inherent misogyny present in the society—how witches weren’t supposed to be too powerful. Frances and witches like her are taken away to be protected and trained meekly in a school disguised as a sanitarium. I like the way the feminist and unjust undertones were included and essential to the plot.
Throughout the entire book, Frances grieves her brother William. This is what drives all her decision, however rash they were. It’s written and explored so well with Smith’s writing bringing out her emotions to the page. Frances is full of hope and desperation, wanting one last chance to see her brother and perhaps get the closure she’s seeking.
I absolutely loved Frances, Lena and Maxine’s friendship! They form an interesting support system, helping her figure the mystery behind her brother’s death and looking out for her. Being a YA novel, I appreciate Smith capturing a teenager’s want for not only romantic aspects but also a strong friend group. found family / found friendships have my heart. The Witch Haven brought out the power of female friendships. This trio of witchy best friends who sneak out to learn magic was so fun to read about.
Apart from this, The Witch Haven has good Irish rep. I’d recommend reading this article by an Irish reader on Smith’s research and inspiration for the Irish character in The Witch Haven! I’m glad Lena’s character, as a Native woman and witch was included and brought light to, along with the inclusion of queer witches.
If I had to critique, I’d say I wish the book stressed on the 1911 New York and boarding school setting a little more. We get glimpses of it, especially of the academic setting when Frances first gets admitted to Haxahaven but I would have liked if we got more scenes relating to those aspects. There’s also a love triangle… of sorts and one of the love interests didn’t sit right with me because he was barely in Frances’ life. But overall, these points didn’t hinder my enjoyment while reading the book.
While I eagerly wait for the next book to know what happens after that turn of events and betrayal in the end, I recommend you give The Witch Haven a shot!! If historical fantasy, feminist themes, a swoon worthy boy, witches and magic interests you then this is for you.
thank you simon & schuster for the arc!
Buckle up friends a new secret boarding school for witches in a city with murderous happenings just dropped is going to drop soon!! I love books that surprise me—even though this one was on my radar ever since it was announced, one can never be sure if they like their anticipated releases can they? I don’t know what drove me to rate this 5 stars but I honestly had so much fun consuming The Witch Haven.
The best thing about this book was the steady pace that kept me hooked and engaged. I didn’t feel bored, just sat there and witnessed all the twists as the story took off. The worldbuilding is fairly simple. Sasha brings 1911 New York to life with simplistic, beautiful writing. I love that she chose this setting and gave justice to it. The magic system, mainly spells and control of a witch’s power were super intriguing too. I haven’t read this kind of a book in a long while so the witchy aspect was definitely refreshing.
The mystery aspect was pretty good too, kept me guessing. The Witch Haven also throws light on the inherent misogyny present in the society—how witches weren’t supposed to be too powerful. Frances and witches like her are taken away to be protected and trained meekly in a school disguised as a sanitarium. I like the way the feminist and unjust undertones were included and essential to the plot.
Throughout the entire book, Frances grieves her brother William. This is what drives all her decision, however rash they were. It’s written and explored so well with Smith’s writing bringing out her emotions to the page. Frances is full of hope and desperation, wanting one last chance to see her brother and perhaps get the closure she’s seeking.
I absolutely loved Frances, Lena and Maxine’s friendship! They form an interesting support system, helping her figure the mystery behind her brother’s death and looking out for her. Being a YA novel, I appreciate Smith capturing a teenager’s want for not only romantic aspects but also a strong friend group. found family / found friendships have my heart. The Witch Haven brought out the power of female friendships. This trio of witchy best friends who sneak out to learn magic was so fun to read about.
Apart from this, The Witch Haven has good Irish rep. I’d recommend reading this article by an Irish reader on Smith’s research and inspiration for the Irish character in The Witch Haven! I’m glad Lena’s character, as a Native woman and witch was included and brought light to, along with the inclusion of queer witches.
If I had to critique, I’d say I wish the book stressed on the 1911 New York and boarding school setting a little more. We get glimpses of it, especially of the academic setting when Frances first gets admitted to Haxahaven but I would have liked if we got more scenes relating to those aspects. There’s also a love triangle… of sorts and one of the love interests didn’t sit right with me because he was barely in Frances’ life. But overall, these points didn’t hinder my enjoyment while reading the book.
While I eagerly wait for the next book to know what happens after that turn of events and betrayal in the end, I recommend you give The Witch Haven a shot!! If historical fantasy, feminist themes, a swoon worthy boy, witches and magic interests you then this is for you.
thank you simon & schuster for the arc!