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A review by jaedyn
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
To start with the positives, this book is one of the best written books I’ve read in a while. Her descriptive skills are stunning, and her world building immaculate. The cozy, slice of life, small town America vibes are unmatched!
Additionally, the author handles large casts of characters incredibly well. As more and more people were introduced I started to get nervous, but the author clearly has a brilliant vision of who her character are.
This books is also incredibly good and luring you in with the promise of a heartfelt romance before twisting the knife and taking a darker turn! I read this book relatively quickly and I think that is down to the twists, turns and mystery.
Unfortunately, there were two reasons why this book wasn’t rated higher, one of which is a mild spoiler. However, read below as I think it is important to mention
MINOR SPOILER ALERT
Firstly, the book alludes the sexual assault of rape of the mother. I’m just tired of books marketed as cozy including sexual violence against women that is not, at the very least, mentioned as a trigger at the start of the book. I have read and enjoyed a plethora of books with trigger warnings, they don’t take away from the experience! Other TW include, attempted suicide, murder and death
Secondly, the author is Christian, which obviously isn’t the issue, however the use of bible stories and verse in the book is. Once the main character and some of the side characters start quoting the Bible immediately you become hyper aware of the world in which this book takes place and it completely breaks the fourth wall. The book espouses good values, however they become on the nose Christian values when coupled with the Christian theme.
Also, on a milder note, it makes the authors choice to blatantly say that they are not witches far less whimsical. Now, Sadie is not just some magical girl, but instead not a witch Bcs witches are conduits of the devil and the devil is bad *shakes fist and pouts
Obviously, the author is in her right to write about her faith, however from an accessibility and literary point of view, whenever Christianity was referenced it broke the pacing of the story, which is a pity because the author is a brilliant writer. However, I do want to say that there is NO RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY! In fact, upon some digging, the author seems like a really nice person.
Additionally, the author handles large casts of characters incredibly well. As more and more people were introduced I started to get nervous, but the author clearly has a brilliant vision of who her character are.
This books is also incredibly good and luring you in with the promise of a heartfelt romance before twisting the knife and taking a darker turn! I read this book relatively quickly and I think that is down to the twists, turns and mystery.
Unfortunately, there were two reasons why this book wasn’t rated higher, one of which is a mild spoiler. However, read below as I think it is important to mention
MINOR SPOILER ALERT
Firstly, the book alludes the sexual assault of rape of the mother. I’m just tired of books marketed as cozy including sexual violence against women that is not, at the very least, mentioned as a trigger at the start of the book. I have read and enjoyed a plethora of books with trigger warnings, they don’t take away from the experience! Other TW include, attempted suicide, murder and death
Secondly, the author is Christian, which obviously isn’t the issue, however the use of bible stories and verse in the book is. Once the main character and some of the side characters start quoting the Bible immediately you become hyper aware of the world in which this book takes place and it completely breaks the fourth wall. The book espouses good values, however they become on the nose Christian values when coupled with the Christian theme.
Also, on a milder note, it makes the authors choice to blatantly say that they are not witches far less whimsical. Now, Sadie is not just some magical girl, but instead not a witch Bcs witches are conduits of the devil and the devil is bad *shakes fist and pouts
Obviously, the author is in her right to write about her faith, however from an accessibility and literary point of view, whenever Christianity was referenced it broke the pacing of the story, which is a pity because the author is a brilliant writer. However, I do want to say that there is NO RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY! In fact, upon some digging, the author seems like a really nice person.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault