Scan barcode
A review by queer_bookwyrm
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
3 ⭐ CW: violence, death, imprisonment
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart is book one in the Witches Steeped in Gold duology. This was a YA Jamaican inspired fantasy that, honestly fell a little flat for me. I wanted so badly to like it, but it just didn't hit for me.
We follow two povs from Iraya Adair, the lost Adair heir of the former Obeah doyenne, and Jazmyne, the Emissary and heir of the current Alumbrar doyenne. The Obeah used to be the ruling order of Aiyca, and oppressed the Alumbrar and described as a violent and brutal order. The Alumbrar staged a coup and placed themselves in charge, continuing the cycle of violence. Ira has been imprisoned and doesn't want to rule, only get revenge on the doyenne for killing her parents. Jazmyne wants to end her mother's violent reign.
This book was incredibly slow. I felt like we didn't learn enough about the world, the different orders, or the magic system. The politics seemed convoluted, and neither side seemed to be the "good guy." Neither of the main characters were all that likeable. Ira avoided helping her own people and avoided forming relationships that might have made her more likable. Jazmyne seemed like a weak character that didn't have much growth until the end and it was still pretty weak.
Even the minor romance between Ira and Kirdan feels forced. I just felt like this story was too long and the pacing slow. All of the action and character development happens in the last third of the book. I'm just very disappointed in this book and won't be continuing to the next book.
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart is book one in the Witches Steeped in Gold duology. This was a YA Jamaican inspired fantasy that, honestly fell a little flat for me. I wanted so badly to like it, but it just didn't hit for me.
We follow two povs from Iraya Adair, the lost Adair heir of the former Obeah doyenne, and Jazmyne, the Emissary and heir of the current Alumbrar doyenne. The Obeah used to be the ruling order of Aiyca, and oppressed the Alumbrar and described as a violent and brutal order. The Alumbrar staged a coup and placed themselves in charge, continuing the cycle of violence. Ira has been imprisoned and doesn't want to rule, only get revenge on the doyenne for killing her parents. Jazmyne wants to end her mother's violent reign.
This book was incredibly slow. I felt like we didn't learn enough about the world, the different orders, or the magic system. The politics seemed convoluted, and neither side seemed to be the "good guy." Neither of the main characters were all that likeable. Ira avoided helping her own people and avoided forming relationships that might have made her more likable. Jazmyne seemed like a weak character that didn't have much growth until the end and it was still pretty weak.
Even the minor romance between Ira and Kirdan feels forced. I just felt like this story was too long and the pacing slow. All of the action and character development happens in the last third of the book. I'm just very disappointed in this book and won't be continuing to the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death