Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Born Wicked
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Number of Pages: 330

Published: Putnam Juvenile

Source: Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Reading Level: YA 
Star Rating: ★★★★★ 
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 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.

First Impressions:  From the first second I laid eyes on this book I was positve I would want to read and as soon as I could. The cover alone is breathtaking and so very unique. I love the font used on the books title and the way the model is laying down in what looks like a forest background while she looks down at you with pleading eyes. After reading more about Born Wicked I knew right away this book would be amazing and wow was I right.

My Review: From the first page I was hooked, which is such a great feeling when you know right away the book you are reading will be amazing! The story begins when you meet Cate Cahill and her sisters which were all born into the craft living in an alternate history in 1870s New England.

Being a witch is in no way easy especially when she must keep such a secret hidden from others, but mainly from a group called the priests of the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood are rulers and want everything to be pure and Godly. Cate struggles to keep her family safe from the Brotherhood and to hide their true identities, just as she promised her Mother before she passed away. When Cate using magic to find her Mothers hidden journal one day she uncovers a deadly secret within the pages. She yearns to find out more about this prophecy and what she can do to keep it hidden. Cate chooses to search in a banned book store in town owned by Finn and his Mother. As Cate comes to find out more than what she bargained for. She must now learn who to trust... and what lies ahead in her families fate.

I will SO taken back by the precious love story between character's Cate and Finn. Jessica went  far and beyond making the reader fall in love with Finn and his hidden love for Cate. I so enjoyed  this stunningly beautiful romance and even the heartbreak. I feel a great love story within a book makes more for a interesting and fun read. I found out something new about myself in the process of reading Born Wicked. I have come to love the era in which the book took place; 1800's, a beautiful and simple time. Which is one of my favorite times in history. I so could tell that the author did a lot of research when writing her book to make for a perfect background for the story. Her writing was flawless and smooth. All of the character's main and secondary was so unique and held there own.  All in all Born Wicked to me was simply divine and perfect in every way. I could not have asked for a more engaging read. 

Final Thoughts:  Born wicked is now one of my favorite books I have ever read, and by far the best debut novel in 2012. Oh course that is just my feeling but honestly if you have not read the book please do so and soon. You will not regret you did. 

{Book Review:} Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony

Title: Chopsticks
Author: Jessica Anthony
Illustrator: Rodrigo Corral
Number of Pages: 272

Published: February 2nd 2012 by Razorbill

Source: Library
Reading Level: All ages
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
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After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As we flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, we see a girl on the precipice of disaster. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to an artistic new boy, Frank, who moves in next door. The farther she falls, the deeper she spirals into madness. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks."
But nothing is what it seems, and Glory's reality is not reality at all. In this stunningly moving novel told in photographs, pictures, and words, it's up to the reader to decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along....

First Impressions: After seeing Chopsticks mentioned on many different blogs I sought out to find out more info about the book. Little did I know that the story in the book is not told is words  but through images not like most novels I have read. I was not sure how I would like a novel like this and was somewhat hesitant to request it at my library. So I decided to wait and read a few more reviews on the book to see if they would spark my attention. I can across Jess's review - here and loved it. So that day I got the book and read it. 

Review:  Who ever said a picture is worth a thousand words knew exactly what they were talking about. While the "Chopsticks" story is told with all images and very few words the book somehow finds a way into the readers heart. I  truly adored how this beautiful and romantic tale was only told from the images on the pages. The story itself is fresh and unique; it sucks you in from the first page until the last leaving you wanting more. I picked up the book and read (or rather looked at) and I was done in less than a hour. All of the images are simply stunning and bring the story to life. Both main character's of the book, Glory and Frank, find each other and fall in love only to be ripped apart from each other suddenly. Glory is a piano prodigy and must leave to go on tour and leaves Frank alone and sad. The images move along in a fast pace and takes the reader through this couple's struggle and hardships. The love and romance is breathtaking between Glory and Frank and even more because you are able to see it with your own eyes. I so fell in love with Chopsticks and so very happy that I decided to take a chance on this book. 

Final Thoughts: I would definitely say go out and read this book. It is a very fun, romantic, and exciting read. I have never read a book that relies on images to tell the story but I can say it was a unique experience. So my readers can see some examples of what the book likes like I am going to shares a few images from the book. 

All images are taken from: http://chopsticksnovel.tumblr.com/

Come visit the official website to check out more images from the book. (here)