A review by stitchandwitch
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
I wanted to love this. I really wanted to love this. And I know a lot of people do love it and it's possible that I'm completely wrong. But I just didn't love this book.
I wanted a cozy fantasy, because that what we're being told this is. This book is being hyped up as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, and I think that's probably what it COULD be. But it isn't.
For reasons I don't understand, the main character's grandmother calls her a pissant in the first chapter? I wanted family vibes, and maybe for some people this would give them that, but for me it was jarring and not relatable. The people all talk to each other in this really aggressive way. One character's "love language" is painfully pinching people!? What is that about? Throughout the book the dialogue wavers between jarring and expository.
I love the idea of herbs being magic, using them in cooking. I identify as a kitchen witch, and that side of this was really fun. I also love the representation, especially of mental health diagnoses.
I admire anyone who can complete writing a novel. It's such a difficult thing and every book has its audience. I'm just not the audience for this one, I guess...
I wanted a cozy fantasy, because that what we're being told this is. This book is being hyped up as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, and I think that's probably what it COULD be. But it isn't.
For reasons I don't understand, the main character's grandmother calls her a pissant in the first chapter? I wanted family vibes, and maybe for some people this would give them that, but for me it was jarring and not relatable. The people all talk to each other in this really aggressive way. One character's "love language" is painfully pinching people!? What is that about? Throughout the book the dialogue wavers between jarring and expository.
I love the idea of herbs being magic, using them in cooking. I identify as a kitchen witch, and that side of this was really fun. I also love the representation, especially of mental health diagnoses.
I admire anyone who can complete writing a novel. It's such a difficult thing and every book has its audience. I'm just not the audience for this one, I guess...