Review: Born Wicked

Title: Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)

Author: Jessica Spotswood — Goodreads | Twitter |  Website

Pages: 330

Released: February 7, 2012

Genre: Paranormal/Historical-Fiction

Source: School library

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. (Goodreads Summary)

*** *** ***

It always maddens me when I read historical fiction and the women are taught to stand below men as uneducated house-keepers. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lived back then! The only thing that would have made up for it would have been some of the fashion. I would love to try on replicas of some of the dresses from that era so that I could see what it felt like to be so dressed up!

What I Liked:

After her mother’s death, Cate became the womanly head of household, and she feels that it’s her duty to protect her sisters from themselves and the Brothers. As an older sister, I appreciate the fact that Cate feels so protective of her sisters. I can only imagine how scared she must be that at any moment anyone could lay a claim that they are witches and the Brothers would be after them. In their case it would be true, but people wouldn’t necessarily need any proof!

Also, Finn. He seems like such a strong person. He’s willing to protect his mother and sisters from the Brothers. He doesn’t believe that women are below him. He’s funny and witty. I thought it a little funny how Cate marvels at his freckles. I don’t exactly thing freckles are the cutest thing, but she wanted to know about ALL his freckles!

Tess. I love how she’s the youngest, yet seems to be the one with a solid head on her shoulders. She’s a minor character, but she carries a strong impact when she’s there!

I loved that I couldn’t stop reading the last few chapters. It got to a point where everything was rising to a head, and there were important revelations or actions every page.

What I Didn’t Like:

It’s funny to me that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was engaged in it the whole time when the thing that I didn’t like happened over and over and over. And over! It was driving me NUTS that Cate wouldn’t just TALK to her sisters!! Let them know what the diary says. Let them know that there is a prophecy and what she knows about it. Cate kept fretting over the best way of keeping her sisters safe, but it seems she could have eliminated some of her arguments with Maura if she just would have let her in rather than keeping secrets from her. Quit thinking, “I should tell them…” and just stinkin’ tell them!!

*** *** ***

I’m very curious about where their father has gone off to. He’s not working for the school I presume, since his position is replaced…so what is he doing? Does he know that his daughters are indeed witches? Is he off researching the Prophecy? Is he really just a terrible father who doesn’t have a clue? I want answers!!

The blurb of Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) has me curious. I’m curious to see how Maura and Clara interact. I’m curious about Tess. I want more Finn+Cate! I wonder where Paul lands (I thought he was a secret under cover spy Brother…anyone else?!).

I definitely enjoyed Born Wicked, and I am eagerly anticipating Star Cursed (Juuuuuune!!)!