poetryandpaperbbacks_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I absolutely loved this! The pacing and short chapters were perfect. I loved the way they story was told through Heather's perspective and then her dreams that reflected the sisters lives. It was the perfect mix of charming and unsettling. I love anything to do with Scotland or Celtic lore and this book really took me there! I'm definitely reading more from this author in the future.
beccagomezfarrell's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting take on how cutting could relate to ancient Highlands blood magic, with an unexpected twist in the final few pages. I'd have liked it more if the main character's mental, in addition to magical, problems had been explored more fully in the conclusion, and I think the dreams give too much away. Otherwise, a clear, appealing cast of characters.
queenblife's review against another edition
3.0
Scotland, Friends, and Witches, Oh My!
I think this book has a little bit of everything in it. I love that it's set in Scotland and about witchcraft and healing. This was an interesting read for me, as well as a quick one. I loved the friends being so open with each other about their relationships in true girl fashion as well as the romance that was slightly predictable but still sweet to read as it unfolded.
I feel the ending was a bit rushed and slightly abrupt in that everyone is friends again and there's your happily ever after. At one point toward the end, I did feel as though Heather's friend was suddenly going to be revealed as her true half sister. Accordingly the story mentions her mom using a love potion to get pregnant and nothing else, why couldn't it have been Heather's dad before he left to America and met her mom? Just throwing that out there. Overall, I would recommend this to others, with the warning that there is self harm detailed throughout.
I think this book has a little bit of everything in it. I love that it's set in Scotland and about witchcraft and healing. This was an interesting read for me, as well as a quick one. I loved the friends being so open with each other about their relationships in true girl fashion as well as the romance that was slightly predictable but still sweet to read as it unfolded.
I feel the ending was a bit rushed and slightly abrupt in that everyone is friends again and there's your happily ever after. At one point toward the end, I did feel as though Heather's friend was suddenly going to be revealed as her true half sister. Accordingly the story mentions her mom using a love potion to get pregnant and nothing else, why couldn't it have been Heather's dad before he left to America and met her mom? Just throwing that out there. Overall, I would recommend this to others, with the warning that there is self harm detailed throughout.
skyturtles's review against another edition
4.0
Content warning: cutting.
Young adult novels often surprise me with their readiness to address issues that adults skirt around when talking to young adults in person. Themes of mental health, cancer, dementia, parental disagreements, and finding where in the world that you truly belong. Add in a healthy dose of Scottish magic, what could go possibly wrong?
Though the pacing seemed fast at times, I think it was an accurate portrayal of the recklessness that occurs in shifting times. This book is perhaps the author's lowest rated, but I very much enjoyed it, so I'd like to read more by Demitria Lunetta.
Young adult novels often surprise me with their readiness to address issues that adults skirt around when talking to young adults in person. Themes of mental health, cancer, dementia, parental disagreements, and finding where in the world that you truly belong. Add in a healthy dose of Scottish magic, what could go possibly wrong?
Though the pacing seemed fast at times, I think it was an accurate portrayal of the recklessness that occurs in shifting times. This book is perhaps the author's lowest rated, but I very much enjoyed it, so I'd like to read more by Demitria Lunetta.
theseareader's review against another edition
3.0
Bad Blood was an interesting read. Although I do believed that the story was rushed and could have been so much better if it was longer. Nothing started to happen until about half way through and everything fell in the palms of her hands with no problems. Some of the characters were better than others and I wish the MC and her friends had a little more to them. I did like the different take on magic and the way witches were presented, but again it needed some more development to them.
punta's review against another edition
3.0
This is a short one. Nothing special but I enjoyed it a bit.
Pros:
- Pacing is good. I didn't feel like the story dragged at any point.
- Characters are not annoying. Considering they are all teenagers, this is quite an accomplishment.
Cons:
- The ending is very anti-climatic. Everything was resolved quickly so it felt too neat.
- The side romance was not necessary and added nothing to the main story.
Pros:
- Pacing is good. I didn't feel like the story dragged at any point.
- Characters are not annoying. Considering they are all teenagers, this is quite an accomplishment.
Cons:
- The ending is very anti-climatic. Everything was resolved quickly so it felt too neat.
- The side romance was not necessary and added nothing to the main story.
candacerobinsonauthor's review against another edition
All I can think of is Taylor Swift with that title... But once you get past the title... This book was really good, and the writing was addicting. There were a few witchy parts that reminds me of The Craft, so I was ecstatic about that. There are flashbacks between present and then back to the 1600's with a couple of sisters that have magic. There was some serious betrayal going on in the past, and I loved it! Full review on my blog https://literarydust.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/review-bad-blood/
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