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Review: Born Wicked

I’m worried that if I keep telling you how much I liked the books I have been reading, you won’t believe me anymore. So, I need to remind you that when I don’t like books, I say so. Really. I do. Now that we have that cleared up, I can tell you about the latest selection that I read through the BlogHer Book Club: Born Wicked.

Born Wicked is a novel about the Cahill girls, three sisters who are all witches. Their mother died when they were younger, leaving them to learn magic from each other, while protecting their secret. And their father? He doesn’t know. Cate, the oldest, promised her mother that she would look after her sisters and protect them. That’s no small feat either, since witches are persecuted — sent to asylums, locked up or put to hard labor. But with her birthday approaching, she’s reached the time when she must announce whether she’ll marry or join the sisterhood (a convent of sorts). It’s a huge decision made more complicated by her strong urge to protect her family.

I. Loved. This. Book.

Author Jessica Spotswood has woven together an amazing tale of politics, friendship, family and betrayal. I was riveted from the first chapter and found myself sneaking away to read just a bit more. I was drawn to the sisters, wanting to help Cate protect them. And the passages about the magic left me feeling like I was right there, watching spring wash over the fall landscape.

This is like the girl-centric version of Harry Potter, with a lot of appeal for adults (but then again, HP had that too). Except in this witching world, being empowered is downright dangerous. Even more so when Cate discovers a prophecy about three witch sisters that could change their lives forever …

The only downside to Born Wicked? We have to wait until 2013 for the next installment. Sigh …

Join the discussion about Born Wicked at the BlogHer Book Club.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book and compensated for this review. But all opinions are still mine.

Cindy

Monday 14th of May 2012

That'll be great "break" from my Dean Koontz and Stephen King marathon.

Enough violence. Enter love :)

Stephanie

Tuesday 10th of April 2012

I'm always on the lookout for a good book. Can't wait to read this one! And thanks so much for the link to the BlogHer Book Club!

sarah

Tuesday 10th of April 2012

Thanks, Stephanie! Are you a big reader like me?

Lisa

Tuesday 10th of April 2012

I read stories about lives of vampires, fairies, wizards yet it is rare that I read stories that tell about what witches are going through. I like that this is a serious book and I feel more secure knowing you like it as well.

sarah

Tuesday 10th of April 2012

Agreed, Lisa! It's an aspect that isn't as widely written about.

Kate

Friday 6th of April 2012

Interesting how witches always seem to come in threes (MacBeth, Charmed...)

sarah

Friday 6th of April 2012

It's true. But it's not limited to witches. Three is a number that has been long revered as magical. Look at the Holy Trinity in Catholicism and the three wise men. Three branches of government. Even in literature -- The Three Musketeers.

Laurie Borgen

Thursday 5th of April 2012

Awesome review...Just bought it! always need new books to read (that are not about food!)

sarah

Friday 6th of April 2012

Thank you, Laurie! Hope you love it as much as I did!