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eadrianschmitz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Fire/Fire injury, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Incest, Violence, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Emotional abuse, Grief, Police brutality, Death, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Murder, Sexual violence, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
readmorbookz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide, Alcoholism, Addiction, Death, Abortion, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Child abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Self harm
teatunesandtales's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Rape, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Child death, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Emotional abuse, Grief, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infertility, Hate crime, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Blood, Infidelity, and Misogyny
Minor: Abortion and Classism
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
“Life’s just one burden after another, till we die. But it’s the happy things – the good things – that make it all worthwhile.”
Read this if you like;
• Witches & Demon
• Strong Female Heroine
• Gothic atmosphere
• Magical Realism
I really enjoyed the author’s debut novel; ‘Parting the Veil’. So I was very excited to read this book and suffice to say I thoroughly enjoy reading this one!
The plot is told in multiple POVs and dual timeline, which followed three different women whose unknowingly interconnected with one another by blood and the same enemy.
A well written story and well-crafted world building that brings out the gothic atmosphere throughout the story with the mysterious whispers and curses that will raise your goosebumps.
The characters are likeable but also flawed which makes them so realistic. I easily connected with them and also adore how they try to survive in those times.
There’s only one thing that makes me didn't full enjoy reading this book, it’s how similar both female main characters. Both sounds similar since they are experiencing the same troubles and fears but in different time which makes it difficult to differentiate them at times.
The ending is wrapped up nicely with that epilogue which lets the readers have a glimpse of how the characters lived their life.
Overall, this is a remarkable story about love, family and magic. It also has a great LGBTQ+ representation and covered a lot of heavy topics inside.
This book is highly recommended for those looking for a historical fiction with witchy elements and powerful women!
I’ll definitely look out for new books from this author in the future!
“There’s all kinds of love, and one ain’t any better than the other.”
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, thank you to the author and Let’s Talk Books Promo for having me on this book tour. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Graphic: Murder and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion, Child death, and Bullying
srivalli's review against another edition
3.75
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Abortion, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
rylee2157's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
" Hidden inside his grandfather’s trunk, the boy remains. And the book remembers. "
The dual timeline is set in 1881 and 1931 and follows two girls. I liked how the magic wasn't the main focus considering it was the premise of the book. The author did a great job of explaining everything as it went along (medicine, tinctures, a succubus etc.) without making it feel like a textbook.
" What the hell kind of name is Bellflower, anyway? "
It was almost a fairytale ending which wasn't bad but I wanted to be emotionally destroyed after reading it. Overall, I think it was a great book, it isn't advertised as a queer book but that is the underlying plot in some areas. It worked well, but again was a bit fairytale.
" “Life’s just one burden after another, till we die. But it’s the happy things—the good things—that make it all worthwhile. Things like kisses.” "
Graphic: Child abuse, Lesbophobia, Pregnancy, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Abortion, Bullying, Child death, Medical trauma, Rape, Death of parent, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Murder, and Cursing
mhairi_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Murder, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual content, Bullying, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Infertility, and Child abuse
velsbooknook's review against another edition
4.5
The setting was absolutely stunning. The description of characters, weather and nature was so well done and I felt really immersed in the story and world. I loved the magic the witches used and it fitted perfectly into the setting.
The main antagonist was very well written too. He was evil and manipulative but also not too unlikeable in my opinion. The whole character cast was very diverse and the reader also get some queer romance which I absolutely loved!
I was very surprised that I enjoyed this book that much but all three women were equally likeable and strong, the beautiful atmosphere and setting and vivid writing made me really enjoy this book!
It comes out February 1st 2023 and I'm sure I'll grab a physical copy myself. Highly recommend!
Graphic: Abortion, Sexual violence, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Violence
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was happy to see that the author included trigger warnings in the beginning of the book. Kennedy said she was inspired by the Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee, which is one of my favorite legends! She also included stories from her own family and their history in the region. Her writing clearly shows this as she puts her heart into the setting and folklore descriptions!
I was pulled into the story right away! I loved the characters and plot twists-Each character is strong and has their own voice, I loved all 3 women equally. I also loved the main antagonist! He showed how charming and clever evil can be and how it can be used to manipulate others.
Finally I liked the happy ending, and closure. It’s rare to have a “happily ever after” in a horror novel but I liked that bit of hope in the end!
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Rape, Pedophilia, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Abortion, and Racism
jenmcreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Classism, Medical content, Abortion, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Blood, Incest, Misogyny, Death of parent, Homophobia, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Outing, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, and Infidelity