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sndrndhrmmrs's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
haley_wilder's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, really good, but the ending was left a bit too open-ended for my taste. Not sure if there’s a sequel planned or something but it was a nice, easy, current, and empowering read.
basicallybisaha's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
karenmishler's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
chaptersofmads's review against another edition
3.5
“This is the story of the witch who refused to burn. Some people said that there was power in her blood, a gift from her ancestors that she could endure.”
An ambitious, meaningful novel that lacks a certain depth or subtly that would have made it more impactful.
Despite the short page count, there are so many layers/levels to this book that I'm unsure how to review it properly. On the one hand, there was a lot I liked about this. I love witchy books, anyway; and I particularly appreciate when witchcraft is intertwined with intersectional feminism and humanity's relationship with nature.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing style, as it made me feel the main character is speaking directly to the reader without feeling cheesy. I liked a lot of the discussions on the intriciies of freedom and if one can truly feel a certain way if they were never given the choice to be anything else. I appreciated the discussion of mental health.
I did - however - struggle with the execution of some of the ideas. For example, despite this being a 'dystopian' it takes place in our modern world? (as evidenced by the modern pop-culture references, which really pulled me out of the story.) The world-building was a bit on the convenient side, alternating between being super detailed and then leaving the reader confused on how we got there.
As I mentioned higher in this review, this book lacked any subtlety - which is fine, but may be a deterrent to some readers. All of the discussions or societal issues are repeated blatantly again and again throughout the length of the novel. There's some moments of meaningful imagery, but they're a minor part of the story. I don't mind this, but I did feel like the meaning was dumbed down and kind of felt like I was being talked down to as a reader.
Overall, even though it wasn't perfect, I'd say this is definitely still worth the read.
An ambitious, meaningful novel that lacks a certain depth or subtly that would have made it more impactful.
Despite the short page count, there are so many layers/levels to this book that I'm unsure how to review it properly. On the one hand, there was a lot I liked about this. I love witchy books, anyway; and I particularly appreciate when witchcraft is intertwined with intersectional feminism and humanity's relationship with nature.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing style, as it made me feel the main character is speaking directly to the reader without feeling cheesy. I liked a lot of the discussions on the intriciies of freedom and if one can truly feel a certain way if they were never given the choice to be anything else. I appreciated the discussion of mental health.
I did - however - struggle with the execution of some of the ideas. For example, despite this being a 'dystopian' it takes place in our modern world? (as evidenced by the modern pop-culture references, which really pulled me out of the story.) The world-building was a bit on the convenient side, alternating between being super detailed and then leaving the reader confused on how we got there.
As I mentioned higher in this review, this book lacked any subtlety - which is fine, but may be a deterrent to some readers. All of the discussions or societal issues are repeated blatantly again and again throughout the length of the novel. There's some moments of meaningful imagery, but they're a minor part of the story. I don't mind this, but I did feel like the meaning was dumbed down and kind of felt like I was being talked down to as a reader.
Overall, even though it wasn't perfect, I'd say this is definitely still worth the read.
smblej's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
katsbookishthoughts's review against another edition
4.75
This book is one I spent the first half of hating, and the next third enjoying, before the ending enthralled me. I would happily skip the beginning and read the rest of the story several times. The ending is such that it might hold onto me for a while. Thank goodness that we dont experience things quite to the extent described here. Long may it remain so.
balderrama10's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
jayla_hh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I have no notes. This is exactly what I'd want from a story w this premise
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture