Mundie Moms

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood


Published by: G. P. Putnam's Sons / Penguin Teen
To Be Released on: February 7th, 2012
Source: ARC from publisher to review
4.5 stars: I Really Enjoyed It
Pre-Order from: Penguin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."

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 only six months left 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 starts 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 -quoted from Goodreads

What an enchanting debut! I love being swept away in a well written historical that has magic, romance, and paranormal elements in it, all of which Born Wicked has. Jessica's solid world building, well written characters and flawless plot line also added to my love of this book. Not to mention a strong protagonist, her forbidden romance (sold), and the dangers of living in a society that fear witches. Sounds intriguing right? I was totally addicted to Cate's story.

I really liked Cate and the relationship she has with her sisters. It felt real and genuine, and to me that goes a long way in a book. I felt like I was able to understand and being an older sister, connect with her on some level. With her mother's passing, everything Cate does revolves around her ability to take care of her sisters like her mother asked her to do. It's why she's overly protective about who knows the secrets she and her sister's harbor, why she and her sister's can't openly practice their magic, and why she must carefully choose who she can trust. In her quest for more answers from her mother's cryptic journal entries to her, Cate is also faced with a tough choice, follow her heart, follow the easier path, or join the Sisterhood.

No matter what Cate does, her every movement is being watched. It's like she's being hunted by the Brotherhood who are out to cleanse their society of Witches. Despite a society that frowns upon well educated women, I loved that, that doesn't deter Cate from being a strong, independent and knowledgeable women. Though I give her kudos for acting other wise when she needs to, to protect herself and her sisters. I liked that she thinks before she acts, and often times as hard as it is, she puts her sister's before herself. The one thing I loved that the did for herself, was who she choose to give her heart to. I have to say I loved both romantic interests- Paul the guy she grew up with and is able to have so much fun with, or Finn, the guy who's accepting of her no matter how proper or improper she may act at times.

A lot is at stake for Cate who only has a few weeks to declare who she's going to marry, or give herself over to the Sisterhood, who also harbor their own secrets. Her decision at the end totally surprised me, and I can't wait to the sequel. I really enjoyed Born Wicked. It's a wonderful, clean cut debut to sit and spend the afternoon reading. It's a book that has a timeless feel to it and one I'm looking forward to reading again. I think this is the first book in what's going to be a fabulous series. If you're a fan of magic, witches, forbidden romance and historical settings I highly recommend picking this one up.


Don't miss Jessica when she hits the road with the Breathless Reads Tour with Andrea Cremer, Beth Revis and Marie Lu.

12 comments:

  1. I am so excited for this book to come out. I have been almost dying of anticipation for it the past few months lol! Fantastic review!

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    1. Thank you Amy!! It lived up to all it's hype for me. I hope you love it. :)

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  2. I'm very much looking forward to this title. I like the idea of secrets, and the sister relationship, and figuring it all out before DOOM. *grin* Nice review!

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    1. Thank you! I thought Jessica did a fabulous job with the way she handled the sister's relationships, their secrets and the decision Cate makes in the end. I can't wait for your to read it.

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  3. What a fabulous trailer! I pre-ordered this one and your review made me even more excited (:

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    1. YAY!!! I can't wait for you to read it. I agree, that I really like the trailer.

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  4. Oh I really want to read this. Thanks for the great review. I love the magic & paranormal being combined.

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  5. I cannot believe the UK has to wait until January next year - I WANT IT NOW

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    1. No way! Are you serious!?! Next year. I thought it already came out. I feel for you! It's definitely worth the wait. I hope you can snag a US copy before then.

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