Reviews tagging 'Death'

Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

4 reviews

ataleofbookworms's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Although I did enjoy Hex Appeal, I found the pacing to be a bit slow in parts. And sometimes the chapters would just jump to a whole new scene where it felt like some information was missing.

I also felt like the two main plots; the romance & the mystery, didnā€™t fully mesh with each other. At times it felt like I was reading two different stories.

But overall it was a fun read, and I enjoyed the cast of characters we got to meet.

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greenmind's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Itā€™s a fun and cheesy romp for those who love witchy, autumnal themed reads for Halloween, with a smattering of rom-com. It reminded my of fanfiction, and thatā€™s not a judgement or a criticism - because I love my fair bit of fanfiction - and this book gave me that same, cozy vibe. It loses its way slightly in the second half/last quarter, but itā€™s still a lovely story to entertain on a cold, dark night and I took a week to read this. ā€œone more chapterā€ publishing from Harper Collins holds to itā€™s promise - I did stay up too late once or twice thinking ā€œjust one more chapterā€ to myself.Ā 

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Hex Appeal was a fun, whimsically witchy and entertaining read that serves up cosy, autumnal Encanto meets Hocus Pocus vibes that I thoroughly enjoyed.Ā 

Essie Winterscale lives in a huge, ever changing magic house in the village of Good Winter. A house whoā€™s inhabitants are as magical and eccentric as their constantly shifting home.Ā 

Every year itā€™s Essieā€™s job to bring in the winter, so that the village can have a white Christmas. And though she may not be the strongest of witches, snow is where she thrives. Unfortunately her love life isnā€™t nearly as uncomplicatedā€”with the house caught up in a perception spell all of Essie boyfriendsā€™s (and everyone in the village) tends to forget Beldam House and itā€™s inhabitants exist, that is until Josh (the new landlord) moves to townā€¦

After things didnā€™t work out in his native Seattle, Josh Henderson had relocated to Essex after inheriting a home from his extremely wealthy late father. But things definitely arenā€™t going to plan. Despite finding out her owns half the village, most of his properties are caught up in tenancy contracts that leave Josh with no income. The only real property of value is Beldam House who owe thousands in back rent. The only problem is no one seems to have heard of it, nor can he find itā€”until he stumbles into Essie, that isā€¦

This was such an enjoyably quirky read that really brought the cosy & chaotic, Autumn/ spooky season vibes that definitely lived up to my witchy rom-com loving expectations.Ā 

I really loved the expansive cast of witchy characters and all the magical mishaps that unfold in the magic mood controlled house they all call home. I really liked resident ghost and former witch Prudence whose random appearances at the most inconvenient times were genuinely entertaining. Blessing and Avery were super fun and Iā€™d love to see more of them both in a sequel.Ā 

I loved that the setting was a rural British village and definitely served as a bit of a palate cleanser to all the small town, US based witchy books Iā€™ve been reading lately. The history aspect was really interesting and, given the houseā€™s magic (and Essieā€™s mum, Lilithā€™s abilities) I do hope Johnson utilises both in future books.

I absolutely loved the romance between Essie and Josh-their flirty banter was top tier though a little Insta- lovey but I did really enjoy every scene they shared. I canā€™t say much else without spoiling any of the plot but it was a fast paced and wildly entertaining read.

Overall, a witty, magical and utterly compelling rom-com that fans of The Ex Hex or Paybackā€™s A Witch should definitely check out.Ā 

And a huge thank you to HarperCollins/One More Chapter and Netgalley for the arc.Ā 

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juffnstuff's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

3.75


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