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A review by hobbithopeful
How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Urban fantasy that deals with topics of spells, racism, and a society built around magic? Yes please! (And it is diverse, with a black MC and a Latina love interest, and so much more!) Shay is determined to win a scholarship that will be her ticket to the University of her dreams. Her only competition is fellow Witch overachiever and her nemesis Ana. When Shay is approahced by beloved yet handsy teacher Mr. B about auditioning for the musical, it's the last extracurricular she wants to add to her overflowing plate. But when he strongly implies that it could be the final push that would get her the scholarship, she agrees. Turns out Ana is also going to be in the musical, it seems the handful of students that weren't white are being pushed out to show diversity. The further into rehearsing the more attentive Mr. B is Shay, and the closer she gets to Ana.
The world building is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I am not sure how Brophy managed to seamlessly blend systemic racism, history, and sexism so smoothly into the narrative without it seeming out of place but it worked so well, and hit so close to home. (I would read a history of this world, that's how great it was)
YOU GUYS SERIOUSLY, THE MAGIC! I am going to need another book in this universe please and thank you, because I am not ready to leave it! I want to know so much more! There are magical jobs, magical face cream, broom sticks, potions, seriously please Brophy give us a sequel. If only so that I read more about this wonderfully fantastical world.
Of course the romance is very sweet and well done as well. Who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers? Ana and Shay's romance slowly developed over time, and their banter was so cute and funny to read. I also really liked how Shay had a healthy friendship with Lex, we don't always get to see a lot of that in romances.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, yes, a million times yes!
Also:
Major props to Alex Cabal, the cover is just *chefs kiss* !
The world building is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I am not sure how Brophy managed to seamlessly blend systemic racism, history, and sexism so smoothly into the narrative without it seeming out of place but it worked so well, and hit so close to home. (I would read a history of this world, that's how great it was)
YOU GUYS SERIOUSLY, THE MAGIC! I am going to need another book in this universe please and thank you, because I am not ready to leave it! I want to know so much more! There are magical jobs, magical face cream, broom sticks, potions, seriously please Brophy give us a sequel. If only so that I read more about this wonderfully fantastical world.
Of course the romance is very sweet and well done as well. Who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers? Ana and Shay's romance slowly developed over time, and their banter was so cute and funny to read. I also really liked how Shay had a healthy friendship with Lex, we don't always get to see a lot of that in romances.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, yes, a million times yes!
Also:
Major props to Alex Cabal, the cover is just *chefs kiss* !
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
TW: Grooming