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A review by tsukk
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Perfectly average.
It's the same kind of lighthearted story that you could find in a hallmark movie, so if you like something that doesn't ask much of you to chill, this could be it depending on your triggers.
There's little complexity, the plot twists are obvious since the first time they are hinted at, to the point that I spent several chapters wondering if they shouldn't have revealed them already, and the characters are a bit flat and/or stereotypical, especially the mothers. I think it's also worth to be noted that some doors got open, only to not deliver.I thought, especially seeing the length of the book, that Mariel would "heal" the demon plane so they can live without souls, seeing how everything is put in place for it since the first moment, but I saw another review saying there's a sequel coming up later this year, so my prediction is that that's gonna be delivered in the next book
That said, the author did plan out what she was trying to do and that is obvious. She did set down the basis for everything, the therapy talk and the mothers' toxic behaviour are obviously researched, and the beats were put in place with a surgeon's precision to explain every action and reaction, but it just kind of... falls a bit flat. It doesn't really flow and feels quite forced at times. That said,my biggest grievance is the lack of accountability for Mariel on her part in some of the conflicts. I understand why, but if the dynamic between her and Oz were to stay the same, I can see them turning into her parents in the end.
As I said, the book is easy to read, perfect to pass the time when you don't wanna think or read something heavy, but it comes with its flaws.
It's the same kind of lighthearted story that you could find in a hallmark movie, so if you like something that doesn't ask much of you to chill, this could be it depending on your triggers.
There's little complexity, the plot twists are obvious since the first time they are hinted at, to the point that I spent several chapters wondering if they shouldn't have revealed them already, and the characters are a bit flat and/or stereotypical, especially the mothers. I think it's also worth to be noted that some doors got open, only to not deliver.
That said, the author did plan out what she was trying to do and that is obvious. She did set down the basis for everything, the therapy talk and the mothers' toxic behaviour are obviously researched, and the beats were put in place with a surgeon's precision to explain every action and reaction, but it just kind of... falls a bit flat. It doesn't really flow and feels quite forced at times. That said,
As I said, the book is easy to read, perfect to pass the time when you don't wanna think or read something heavy, but it comes with its flaws.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Animal death