Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked
(The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)
by Jessica Spotswood

Publication Date: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 330
ISBN: 9780399257452

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other. (Goodreads)
I decided to read Born Wicked at the insistence of a fellow blogger. I am SO glad I let her talk me into reading the book. I love novels about witches, and this one was just fantastic.

The story centers around a young girl named Cate, and her two sisters, who are witches. Witches are absolutely forbidden by the Brotherhood. When caught, most are either put to death, sentenced to a prison ship, or put into an institution. Because of this, Cate must keep herself and her sister’s safe at all cost, and from everyone.

Poor Cate; she had so many responsibilities and at such a young age. I definitely sympathized with the choices that she was forced to make, and with such heavy burdens heaped on her shoulders. But I found her to be a very strong character, and I really enjoyed reading about her. I found the sisters, Maura and Tess to be quite likeable as well, although Maura not quite as much as Tess. Tess was awesome!

Cate has two love interests in the story; Paul and Finn. I adore the relationship between Finn and Cate. Finn was such a very interesting character; I thought that he and Cate made such a great pair. I loved that he was willing to do whatever he had to do to keep Cate safe. I love Finn! Paul on the other hand, seemed a bit sneaky to me. I know he had to be up to something, but I couldn’t put my finger on what.

The Brotherhood sounds like an absolutely horrible association. Just reading about them gave me the creeps, and I held my breath hoping that they wouldn’t catch on to the girl’s secrets. The Sisterhood, which is an affiliation with the Brotherhood, didn’t sound much better either.

The storyline for the book was highly addictive, and the pacing was absolutely perfect. My attention was held throughout the book, and I finished most of it in a few hours time. I absolutely loved the historical setting for the story. The world building was wonderful, I could clearly imagine myself having tea parties and hanging out in Cate’s special garden.

Overall, this book is definitely worth the read. I am SO glad that my awesome blogger friend, Kathy, insisted that I read the book as soon as possible. I am officially hooked on this series, and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.

Happy Reading!

Don't forget to watch the book trailer! I Love it!

17 comments:

  1. Questions leap from the pages and incite a hunger for answers that keeps you flying through them. I loved that aspect, in which we feel like we need to know more and as quickly as possible! And don't you get me started on Finn. Gawd, the studious hunk makes me crazy!

    I'm so happy you liked this one so much! It has so much to love—magic, romance, danger. I really liked this one myself so it's exciting to come across another blogger who felt nearly or completely the same :)

    Asher

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  2. I just reviewed this book today too. I really enjoyed it and also felt that Paul was super sneaky. I am still undecided about him! I can't wait for book two!

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  3. Swooon! Finn. I love that feather scene.

    Cate is awesome! Tess is also awesome. I loved the family history, intricate plot. I can not wait to find out more about certain things.

    Great review Christy! I am so glad you read it and loved it. It's one of my favourites.

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  4. Eep! I can't wait to read this I have my copy all ready and waiting! It sounds so good and I love th sounds of the characters and love interests! Great review!

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  5. Thanks for the great review. I wasn't originally interested in Born Wicked, but the reviews have been really positive. I've been on the lookout for a good witch book so I'm going to give this one a try.

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  6. I so have to order a côpy of this book .. your review totalli convinced me :) !! Thanks Christy :)

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  7. I've been hearing a ton of amazing things about this one! I really need to pick up a copy soon. I haven't read any book with witches in quite awhile so this one will be a nice change I'm sure. Fantastic review :)

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  8. MUST READ! I've read so many awesome reviews for this one in the past week and I really just need to go to the store and pick up a copy:) Based on everyone's thoughts, this book seems to be living up to the hype and the gorgeous cover. Love it when that happens!

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  9. I've been hearing mixed things about this one, but I'm glad to hear it worked for you. There aren't nearly enough books about witches in my opinion, so I'm curious to see Jessica Spotwood's take on them. Plus, the cover is pretty! :D

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  10. Ahh! Awesome review. :) I've heard so many fabulous things about this one; I can't wait to read it! Witches, historical fiction, and family dynamics = automatic awesome.

    Giveaway: Paperback of Terrier

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  11. I've read so many amazing reviews of this and now another one from you...I really need to get this!! You've definitely ramped up my excitement for it! Thank you for the awesome review

    The Cait Files

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  12. This book was SO awesome! Finn and Cate were fantastic characters and I loved them both. I love the trailer, too! It's just as amazing as the book. Great review, Christy!

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  13. I loved this one so much! Finn is so, so dreamy. I can't wait for book 2!

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  14. I really liked this one too, and I wouldn't have picked it up but so many bloggy friends recommended it. Like you, I love witch stories and Cate was a great character. Boy, I wanted to smack her younger, snotty sister! Very cool world.

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  15. I've heard only good things about this. Historicals aren't usually for me, except for a few exception and this is definitely going to be one of them. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

    Safari Poet

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  16. I loved Born Wicked. I have a soft spot for witches. Great review!

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  17. This is very high on my to-buy-list of books and your review just made that need to get a copy as soon as possible even worse. :D It sounds like a fantastic and very addictive read and if you loved it, I'm sure I'll love it too!

    Thanks a lot for sharing this. :)
    Carina

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Thanks for stopping by! :)