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“Fear suddenly consumed by wonder.��

TW: animal death, alcohol, blood, child abuse, confinement, death, death of a loved one, fatphobia (minor but unchallenged), genocide, gore, grief, human sacrifice (mentioned, not shown), injury/injury detail, kidnapping, murder, pregnancy, violence, war.

I had originally tried to read this back in September, but took a break because I was in such a weird reading place and blamed my slump on my inability to enjoy it. Unfortunately, I just don't think this book was for me.

It was reminiscent of early YA, but not in any of the ways that would have made me feel affection or nostalgia. There were so many moments that I wanted to put the book down just because I was cringing so terribly at the dialogue or plot conveniences. This somehow read like a younger YA written for adults, and I don't know how to explain it. (The best examples are pieces of dialogue like, "I must have misinterpreted your moans." vs. very ridiculous, juvenile moments that feel jarring.)

I don't want to sound entirely negative about this, because I do understand why people like it. There were good parts to it, such as a pretty original plot. I liked the witchy aspect and what the sisterly bond could have been if it hadn't felt so rushed; so, I suppose I appreciate what the book could have been.

Overall, it was by no means a terrible book, I just didn't enjoy it.