Born Wicked: 1

I received this book in a goodreads giveaway, it's been sitting on the shelf for the last month since I had a few books to read before it. I feel like it's been teasing me, because it's been on my TBR list since before it came out and I've been dying to read it. The Cover is beautiful to look at, and something I love about real books vs. my kindle. I think it's because I'm a sucker for a pretty cover and it leads to a lot of my book purchases and choices to read.

The focus's around the lives of three sisters, in particular Cate the oldest who promised there mother before she died that she would protect her sisters. After the death of the mother the girls turn into recluses not the social butterflies like other girls there age.The girls father is a scholar and not home much after the loss of his wife. So at the insistence of the nosy neighbor he hires a governess to help the girls in preparation for there intention ceremony.

The girls live in a city that is run by the Brotherhood who thinks that witches are wicked, so Cate does her best to keep the girls from doing magic except in the rose garden at home but sometimes it's hard to keep it all in. Cate's mother started teaching the girls magic but they didn't learn everything because of her untimely death. All the responsibilities fall to Cate who only after her mothers death learns that the girls are part of a prophecy that change the world, either bringing the witches back into power or send them into a terror that could destroy them all.

Cate has only a few months to figure out if she wants to get married or if she wants to join the Sisterhood. It's not so easy in addition to figure out the prophecy she must also avoid the Brotherhood who will jump at the chance to send a suspected witch away. Along the way she makes finds unexpected friends, find's love where she least expects it and learns that everything isn't as it seems. That sometimes you have to do what you know is right even if it's not what you want to do.

I loved the book so much it's one of my top favorite books of the year, granted I've only read like 40 something but I loved it. I stayed up super late to finish it, and it took all my will power to not write my review right there. I love the way the characters are written they are very likable, and I spent the whole story so wrapped up in it that I felt like I was there with Cate. This book sucks you in right from the start and you want to know whats going to happen, there isn't a dull moment, I found myself having a hard time putting it down, and when I wasn't able to read it was constantly in my thoughts. It's does have a lot of info which can be overloading for some but it's the first in a brand new series so there is a little series building but I didn't find it overloading at all. I can't wait for the next one oh if only February 2013 would get here faster.

Mandy @ [...]

I really had high hopes for this book. The cover and title really capture your attention and then the description pulls you in. It was on my must read list the moment I saw it. While it didn't disappoint in the end, it took me awhile to get into it.

I think my initial problem lied with Cate. She really was boring at first. But, she's suppose to be this way. She carries the weight of their little world on her shoulders. She has taken on the responsibility of keeping their magic a secret from everybody. Plus, she basically the mother figure since she died a few years prior and their father is largely absent. That's a lot for a young woman to handle. I think her downfall was trying to suppress the magic instead of trying to learn to use it wisely.

But as Cate learns more about who she is and what she really wants, she really blossoms. By hiding her magic, she hasn't learned what she is fully capable of. She's more afraid of it than anything. I really enjoyed reading about her journey learning new things, even if it shocks her. I also learning a little bit about her sisters. I think we've just skimmed the surface when it comes to Maura and Tess (especially Tess). I get the feeling that the scope of their powers is something this fictional world hasn't seen. I'm curious how that might play out.

I enjoyed the romance in this as well. Cate convinces herself in the beginning that the perfect person for her is the next door neighbor. She hasn't seen him in 4 years, but they use to be best friends. He's from the right family and seems to be just the right fit. But, Cate falls for someone else. I thought it was perfect, and worked with the new Cate that emerges throughout the story. I'm not sure if Paul really cared for Cate, but at least his jealousy seemed genuine but never callous and mean.

I disliked the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood in this story. They represent vastly different things. But yet, neither group is really interested in Cate (or her sisters) as a person. They both want something from her and will use whatever means to get it. I was actually shocked at the Sisterhood's actions in the end. I was really wanting them to be the good guys.

This turned into a great story at the end. I feel that's something that rarely happens and is really worth pointing out. I can't wait to read the next one!

It's 1896 in a world reminiscent of Salem, a world where witches are hunted, imprisoned, enslaved--or they just disappear. And right in the middle of it all--the Cahill sisters, Cate, Maura, and Tess.

The fate of the world rests on these three Witches and one clandestine prophecy.

This is the first paranormal romance I've read that is set in the past, and at first, I didn't know if I would enjoy it or not. The first few chapters were very slow, and while it was interesting to see how life was during this time (the petticoats, tea time, misogynistic attitudes toward women), I didn't know if it was going to keep me interested enough to finish; however, once I passed the first four chapters, I was hooked. The mystery reeled me in, and I rushed through because I absolutely had to see how it was going to end.

I loved the idea that there is a trio of sister witches. I mean, I grew up with 2 sisters, who, like me, wished they had magical powers. I won't give anything away, either, but I found that the sister's personalities echoed our own. Cate, like Amy, is the bossy one--sorry Amy. Maura, like me, is the troublesome one. And Tess, like Britt, is the know-it-all. This made their relationships seems very real to me.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cate, the oldest of the three sisters and the pov from which the book is written. As her mother was dying, she pleaded to Cate to watch over her sisters, to protect them. As a result, Cate had to push back her desire to just be a teenager and become the woman of the house. All is well until Cate turns 17, when she has to announce who she will marry or join the Sisterhood convent. With this date looming very near in the future, Cate starts to panic not only about which to choose, but how to keep her sisters safe. This is the part of Cate I loved--seeing her struggle made me connect with her, and I found myself wishing I was a witch in her world so I could help!

But, of course, my favorite part was the boys. There are two again, and I adore me a good love triangle! If there are two hot guys in a book, I break out into my happy dance.

First, there's Paul--the childhood friend turned gentlemen who comes home from New London to court Cate. He's charming, rugged, and rich. Cate has adored Paul since she was a child, and she knows that he would be the perfect man for her to marry. Only, she struggles to choose because there is another man who has also caught her attention.

Finn. Oh, Finn, I absolutely love him. He's the gardener (who knows nothing about gardening) and he and his mother own the bookshop in town (which is the subject of scrutiny from the Brotherhood--the religious sect hunting witches). Cate feels connected to Finn on a deep level, and you will love to see how the romance unfolds!

I loved the romance and the mystery in Born Wicked. There are many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the prophecy is a doozy! I keep going over and over again in my mind how I think the prophecy will play out--especially after the cliffhanger ending! In fact, I'm troubled (more than troubled, let's say outright in turmoil) that I have to wait a full year for book 2 to come out!

With the history of The Crucible, the magic of Harry Potter, and the love story of The Mortal Instruments, this is a must read for fans of paranormal romance!!!! And it's so original because there aren't that many books out there that focus completely on witches!
So--go buy this book, and let me know what you think!!!!! (I think you'll daydream about Finn, too!)

3.5 of 5 stars.

BORN WICKED tells the story of an alternative nineteenth-century US where witches once ruled but were overthrown by the Brotherhood, who believe that witches are wicked and should be punished and eradicated. Cate Cahill is the eldest of three sisters, all of whom are witches. This makes them the focus of a prophecy which states that one of the three will be the most powerful witch in the world, who will either bring the witches back to power or drop them into another dark age.

With a story and setting like that, I was hard-pressed to resist this book. I was expecting danger and magic and witchery and exciting happenings. But that's not exactly what this book provided. The truth is that this book focuses on Cate, who is determined to keep her sisters safe, per a promise she made her dying mother (who failed to prepare Cate for anything to do with the prophecy). Cate is a bit of a difficult character to like at first: she believes the Brotherhood that witchery is wicked, and that therefore she, too, is wicked. Her constant "but wicked girls don't deserve x" or "but I'm wicked, so deserve whatever I'm getting" mindset at the start of this story was maddening, and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. But she grew on me as the story progressed, particularly once she falls in love with Finn and starts to stand up for what she wants and believes in. I also absolutely loved her relationship with her sisters, particularly the youngest sister, Tess.

Knowing that this book is the first in a planned trilogy, I wasn't expecting things to be fully resolved. But I was not expecting very little to actually happen. Cate and her sisters get a new governess, Elena, and Cate spends most of the book from that point on being distrustful of her, jealous of her sister Maura's friendship with her, and generally being disagreeable where Elena is concerned. These feelings are not entirely unwarranted, mind you, but when the majority of this book - which I'd thought would be dealing with magic and witches - is instead taken up with feelings of distrust and the back and forth of "can I trust her", it starts to get really tedious. There is also absolutely NO forward movement with the actual prophecy; we are just as in the dark about this at the end of the book as we were at the start.

What saved this book for me - and accounts for much of this rating - is the romance between Cate and Finn. I found Finn to be utterly charming, and absolutely loved watching their relationship progress. I do want to mention that there is a second guy in this book, Paul, who is Cate's childhood friend (and the guy everyone thinks she'll marry), and there are some love-triangle-ish things happening, but it's pretty clear whom Cate has the deeper feelings for and which way she's going to go in that respect. That being said, the ending kind of broke my heart. I get why it happened; as I said, it's the first book in a trilogy and there's so much to do with the prophecy left to sort out, so it's too soon for happily-ever-afters. But I still wasn't quite expecting that particular ending, and am worried about how things are going to be resolved to my satisfaction (as if I'm the only one who matters, of course).

This book is definitely not what I'd call "action-packed": there's a lot of going to teas, visiting bookshops, and weeding in gardens, but not so much in the way of magic. This had a very "historical fiction" feel to it with just little dabs of paranormal. But the romance, for me, was good enough to pull me through the book, and make me eager for the second installment. All in all, BORN WICKED is a decent start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing what's going to happen next.

I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful hardback ARC from Goodread's first reads... I absolutely love witch stories and beautiful covers.

The story takes place in the early 1900's I believe. Cate, a young woman who is a witch with the responsibility of taking care of her 2 younger witch sisters, has to carry a heavy burden and keep their secret hidden from the BROTHERHOOD who will arrest them if there is any suspicion of witchery.

Cate has very little time to declare her intent, either to marry a particularlar person or to join the Sisterhood in New London. She has been taking care of her sisters & trying to keep their secret hidden since her mother's death a few years before. Her father, who travels a lot does not even know their secret. The Brotherhood censors books, music, dance, & gives the orders to all families and are not challenged. Women are taught that they are wicked, can hold no position other than wife & mother, or join the Sisterhood. It doesn't sound too far from the truth as far as how women were treated in that time.

Cate's nosy neighbor causes her to have to deal with a governess moving into the house to prepair the girls for society and make them proper ladies to catch them as husband. Cate is running out of time & her younger sister is coming up close behind her. The governess poses a whole set of new, unexpected problems for Cate to deal with as she is trying to find allies and make a decision with only her mother's diary to guide her.

The characters in the book are wonderfully developed to the point you feel you know each of them, but there are quite a few surprises that lead Cate to discover everyone is not who they seem. Cate must be very careful of who she can trust. If she makes one mistake she and her sisters will pay the price with their lives as those accused of being witches are being taken away to an asylum often or sometimes never heard from again.

There are many secrets revealed, unexpected twists in the story, and many discoveries made along the way.

With all of this, it comes time to decide her future. Which young man will she marry, or will she join the Sisterhood, who also have their own agenda. It seems Cate's happiness does not matter at all, and she will have to choose the path that protects those she loves.

Cate and her two sisters live in an alternate New England run by the Brotherhood; a christian-esque society of men who have created strict rules for women in their society as a backlash against a former government run by witches. Yes, literally witches.

Cate's mother was a secret witch and since her death, Cate has had to keep her own witchy powers, and that of her sisters, a secret from everyone, including her own father.

Now Cate's birthday is fast approaching, and with it an important deadline. She must announce her intentions; either to marry or to join the Sisterhood (the female auxiliary of the Brotherhood.) The problem is that Cate's mother made her promise to always care for her sisters. How can she keep her sisters safe if she leaves home?

This was an enjoyable read. Cate is engaging, albeit somewhat arrogant and hard headed about making decisions for her sisters' safety without talking to her sisters. The Brotherhood and its tendency to whisk young girls away to prisons or worse was sufficiently menacing.

Really, this was a 3.5 star read for me. I didn't want to give it 3 stars because the story and the writing are perfectly acceptable. What kept me from fully enjoying the story were two things.

One, Cate's romantic interests include a childhood friend who, in the beginning of the book, she is intensely obsessed with. However, her interest is quickly dropped in favor of another without much development on why. So her romantic conundrum was more ho-hum for me.

Secondly, in the second half of the book as events progress and secrets unveiled, and Cate's decision about who to marry or where to go or how to protect her sisters changes because of new information, there's a lot of vacillation. This is understandable, but not as much fun to read as the little, stolen moments between Cate and Finn or the scenes where someone uses magic in a dangerous way.

Still, these are somewhat sophisticated gripes, and the story itself is perfectly fine and entertaining for even younger YA fans.

This Book's Snack Rating: Sour cream and chive Lay's for the slightly piquant flavor of the alternate world on a regular old chip.

my thoughts in a few sentences: A wonderfully thought-out historical world with an undercurrent of the paranormal to excite and bewitch, Born Wicked gives us a familiar take on witches with a twist and takes us back to a time period in our history that sickens us when we think of it, for innocents were slaughtered unmercifully for the wrong reasons. The romance is sexy and adorable, throwing in another heart-throbbing element to an already delightful story.

full review: So it's no secret that I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of reading this book. Witches are my thing, for sure, but it was Finn Belastra that beckoned me. I was happily surprised to find, however, that I enjoyed the main character, Cate, just as much. A story of the shaky, though unbreakable bond between close siblings, the lengths to go to protect what's most important, even if it means losing the power to choose, and how sacrifice isn't always noble but is sometimes necessary, Born Wicked provokes us to ask questions and shows us the importance of appreciating our ability to make choices.

The characters weren't the only aspect driving me to finish the book; I had so many questions that I desperately coveted the answers. Spotswood is clever in her writing and plot development, as she gently strings us along, careful not to turn us off as she gradually reels us in, lets up, then yanks fast, eliciting the perfect reaction from us. Underlining that is the sense of fear that plagues us, stemming from understanding the actions of the Brotherhood--a group of men with the singular goal of taming women and weeding out ones even slightly suspected of witchcraft. Living in that kind of tension, almost waiting for a guard to fall upon on Cate and her sisters--who are indeed witches, if you haven't guessed--and drag them away is it's own kind of torture. This whole retelling of our history feels so authentic, we wonder if these events really occurred or if they mimicked our country's tragic witch hunts of old and relatively recent.

Spotswood does a remarkable job breathing life into a headstrong heroine that's believable and is considerate to the time period. Cate is stubborn, opinionated, and possesses quite the temper, yet she comes across as meek and inclined toward obedience to others, cautious in her actions because she's well-aware of the consequences. For someone with a close relationship to his or her siblings, it's incredibly easy to resonate with Cate and her instinctive protection of her two younger sisters. Sympathy strikes our hearts for the heavy burden that set fire to her childhood, pressed upon her by her late mother, who urged her to promise to protect their secret. Her frustrations and sorrows make her all the more stunning. And when she catches the eye of Finn Belastra, the studious hunk, a romance full of delicious sweetness, sharp sexual tension, and the spicy edge of the forbidden ignites and sets us all ablaze, making us very willing captives of the sensuous flames.

The ending shakes out curses from our thinned lips the moment we near it, brutally aware of what's about to happen and are completely powerless to stop it. Fortunately, this isn't a goodbye, but a seemingly hopeless beginning that we believe will lead into a hopeful future for these characters whom we've come to adore.

Damn. Why must the sequel keep us suspended in torment until next year?!

The plot of this novel is quite engaging. The world the author has created is a perfect storm brewing. Tensions are high as the reader anxiously waits to see who will be accused of witchery next - after all, there is a lot at stake for the Brotherhood. They are fighting to hold on to the power they currently have, and if the prophecy is true, it will tumble down. This is the reason the Cahill sisters are in danger at every moment, the reason they must keep their secret. They must be careful; they must trust no one but themselves. But how can they live life this way? This is what Spotswood explores in the novel - how to live a life without trust.

Readers will find themselves swept away in sisterhood, brotherhood, friendship, love, lust, and the list keeps going. There are elements of the plot that will engage readers more than others, but as a whole work, bravo!

The characters themselves are well-developed in this first novel. Readers will be left with questions, but those answers must wait. The author gives us just enough to feel satisfied at the end but anxiously awaiting more. By the novel's end I could not believe it was the end.

Cate was my favorite character, and seeing as she is the heroine, this is not a surprise. But lately with series novels I've been finding myself enjoying the minor characters more than the heroine. I am pleased that this is not the case with this novel. I invested in her the most because I trusted her to keep my own secret, not just the secret of her sisters. I'm not sure what my secret is, but if I had one that could cost me my life, I would trust Cate to keep it.

The dynamic between Cate and her two sisters, Maura and Tess, is one of protection. The two youngers want to practice their magic, and they're not as careful as they should be. It is Cate's job to protect them, to remind them that they are in danger at every moment, but especially if anyone were to catch them practicing their magic. At no time is Cate bitter about assuming this role, but her middle sister, Maura is. Of the three, she is the one who does not want to live in the necessary constraints. She is the one is seems to be the most likely responsible for their downfall. But will this be the case? Sometimes the most obvious is not the answer.

The minor characters in the novel add just enough "flavor" to enhance Cate's character. They are front and center, but with Cate on the page that take a back seat. They do not steal the spotlight from her - they make it glow brighter. While Finn is her true love interest, I did not find myself rooting for him. I was rooting for her childhood friend, Paul. They seemed to have more on-page chemistry for me, so I will be curious to see where Spotswood takes us with that particular path.

In a society where girls should be nothing but proper ladies, falling for the common gardener is scandalous, especially when your rich and attractive childhood friend has expressed his intentions to make you his wife. Not only is Cate Cahill torn between two boys who she shares equally close bonds with, but she's burdened by a secret that could have fatal consequences if discovered. She and her two sisters, Tess and Maura, are witches and if things weren't bad enough, Cate's just discovered that she's the centre of a mysterious prophecy that will change her life forever. Exciting and filled with entertainment, Born Wicked is a fantastic debut by Spotswood that'll have you jumping in your seat!

Cate's relationship with her younger sisters is crucial to the story, and I loved that they were both so well-developed. While Tess is an advanced caster who's innocent and sweet, Maura's rebellious and desperate to be The Best. Living with their human father, who isn't privy to their secret, they only have each other after their witch mother's death. My respect for Cate is sky high. Throughout the book she suppresses her carefree side to be the responsible one and makes huge sacrifices for the ones she loves. As the prophecy unfolds, this is especially true in epic proportions! She finds herself having to decide between two paths, one that'll lead to a terror and another to a witch resurgence, but both with terrible consequences for her. Beautifully suspenseful and mysterious, Born Wicked will have you desperately trying to piece all of the clues together!

The romance in this book is brilliant! Finn Belastra works in a bookstore (too smart a place for women!) but has become the Cahill's gardener for some extra cash. As Cate hovers about in fear that he'll ruin her beloved garden, the two bond and she falls in love with the boy who doesn't disapprove when she engages in unladylike behaviour (...like climbing trees). On the other hand, Cate and Paul have been neighbours since they were children. She remembers the green-eyed boy during their most playful moments and is shocked by the charming man who returns after four years of being an architect's apprentice in New London. He comes from a good family and could give her the world, but her heart doesn't stutter around him like it does with Finn! In three months, Cate will have her intention ceremony, where she'll choose between marriage or the Sisterhood. If she doesn't, the sinister Brotherhood will do it for her and she's guaranteed to be unhappy. Unfortunately, the prophecy will affect her decision and make things more difficult than you can imagine!! The romance is written with fabulous development and I promise you will just FALL. IN. LOVE.

You'll fly through Born Wicked in search for the conclusion! In the final third of the book, things get very fast-paced and suspenseful as disaster strikes and changes everything. Throughout the book you'll be plagued with questions about the prophecy and you'll only become more ravenous for answers as you learn more! The politics of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood are largely involved but you'll have to read the book yourself to find out more. Get ready for some stunning story-telling with great witch mythology and raging romances. Feel conflicted about every element in the book before being shocked by the cliffhanger that'll have you dying for more! You can find me in the corner. I'll be having a little tantrum and cry...

Cate Cahill was fourteen when her mother died, making her promise to take care of her two younger sisters, Tess and Maura. Which would be tough enough if they were ordinary, but the three Cahill girls are witches.

With her father mostly away on business, Cate has kept a tight rein on Tess and Maura. But now that Cate is sixteen, Maura fifteen, and Tess twelve, their interfering neighbour Mrs. Corbett has talked their father into hiring a governess for them.

To Cate this is horrendous. She has a hard time keeping her sisters from practicing magic where they can be seen. How will she manage with a governess around all the time?

Yes, the Cahill girls are witches. In the alternate America of the book, the witches killed by the Puritans were really magical, and by the Nineteenth Century when this story takes place, witchcraft has been declared illegal. It's a male-dominated society where women are only allowed to be wives or "Sisters", the female equivalent (though subordinate) of the tyrannical "Brothers" who govern New England. Women who are discovered to be witches are either killed, or send away to an asylum from which they seldom return.

When Cate learns that their new governess is a Sister, she's even more frightened. If Sister Elena catches any of them practicing magic, they'll be in real trouble. Worst of all, Cate is nearing the time when she must declare her Intention: to marry or enter the Sisterhood. But, having promised her mother she'd take care of Maura and Tess, how can she choose either of those options?

Close enough to accepted history to be almost disturbing, but different enough that it's not, this fascinating story grabs the reader and pulls her into its World. Cate is a character most females can empathize with , especially if they have sisters (no matter where they fall in the birth order). None of the options open to her are agreeable, but she must choose one. Her decision, and the path she takes to get there, is complex, thrilling and surprising.

Unfortunately, there has been no indication of when the next book in the series might be expected, but it won't be soon enough!

Jessica Spotswood's debut novel, Born Wicked, reads a bit like a cautionary tale of what happens when society allows itself to be ruled by fear. However, there is more to this story than fear, there is mystery and suspense, pretty dresses, bookish heroes and heroines and of course a splash of prophecies, oracles and witches.

Something terrible happened in the 1700s when a group, called the Brotherhood, rose up and eliminated all the witches they could find; burning all the texts and temples and striking fear into the hearts of the people against any woman who might be eccentric or learned or independent. Over a hundred years later, Cate Cahill and her sisters, Maura and Tess, are born into a world where women are treated as inferiors and the Brotherhood's mission to eradicate witchcraft is still going strong.

Cate fears for herself and her sisters as they are witches. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, Cate finds herself in a difficult situation having to chose between a loveless marriage, a life in the Sisterhood - the female arm of the Brotherhood - and true love.

There were many things I loved about this novel, first, the history. I find that, in order to give the reader background knowledge, authors usually let the protagonist explain, in a dialogue, what happened. The things is, this works sometimes, but if overused, it causes the story to become monotonous. Born Wicked uses many different ways to inform the user of history - through dialogue, entries and Cate's thoughts. At the end of it all there was a lot of information related, but nothing seemed boring or repetitive.

I enjoyed the pace of the story and the development of the characters - though I wish Tess had a little more page time; she was, by far, my favourite character. In the end, I figured out a few of the mysteries, however, the way the narrative revealed those twists was enough to keep me glued to the pages. I especially enjoyed the reveal about the sisters and the prophecy, it was not what I expected and I'm excited to see where this will take the Cahills in the future books.

There was one thing that I didn't enjoy - the romantic subplot. There was a love triangle, which was handled well - no pinning over who to choose as the choice was very clear from the beginning - however, I did not see the purpose for it. Hopefully the future books will reveal the purpose that each part of the love triangle plays.

Born Wicked is set in one of my favourite time periods and Jessica Spotswood's description of the customs and dresses transports the reader away from the present and into the past. I always appreciate it when an author can take me away into the world they created. I'm looking forward to reading more about Cate and her sisters.

Cate Cahill promised her dying mother that she would protect her two younger sisters, Maura and Tess. It's not an easy promise to keep. The three Cahill girls are powerful witches - and magic is illegal. They live in late nineteenth century America, but not the one we'd find in our history books. In this America the Brotherhood rules after overthrowing the witches. They maintain strict control of the population, particularly the female population. Once a girl comes of age, she must either marry or join the Sisterhood. And if she's found to be a witch, she'll go to jail or be killed. Cate's coming up on the deadline and can't seem to impress her sisters with the importance of discretion before it's time for her to leave home.

Meanwhile, Finn - the new gardener - is hot. And he reads. For fun.

As Cate comes out of the isolation she imposed to protect the Cahills after her mother's death, she begins to pay more attention to the village and the people in it. Who can she trust? Paul, the old friend come home that everyone expects Cate to marry; Elena, the new governess who is less staid than expected; or Sachi, the daughter of Brother Ishida (Head of the Council) who might be less empty-headed than she appears? And what is up with the note from a mysterious ZR, warning Cate that she and her sisters are in grave danger?

The alternative history/fantasy BORN WICKED is very swoony indeed. Jessica Spotswood doesn't hesitate to make things complicated. Almost everyone in BORN WICKED has their own agenda. She also doesn't make it so simple as all Brothers and Sisters are the enemy. There's far more to the world than the sheltered Cate originally suspects.

BORN WICKED is a propulsive read. Cate's paranoia is well-justified. And on top of risking fear of exposure, there's a time limit! Cate never forgets that her Intention ceremony happens in less than six months. The foreboding prophecy is just icing on the cake.

I'm ready to read the next book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles. Spotswood doesn't follow the annoying trend of leaving the first book hanging, but she does throw in a few last minute twists. BORN WICKED is a thrilling and thoughtful debut.

Crossposted to my blog In Bed With Books

Cate Cahill and her sisters are witches. Unfortunately they don't hide it as well as their mother did. Too educated and far too clever, the Cahill sisters are already known throughout town for being eccentric and reclusive. Cate doesn't mind their poor reputations, though, not if it can keep her younger sisters Maura and Tess safe.

And all three of the Cahill sisters do need to be kept safe. If the Brotherhood finds out about their magic, the girls could be sent to a prison ship. Or an asylum. Or they could disappear altogether never to be heard from again.

Cate's efforts to keep the family beneath the Brotherhood's notice begin to unravel as her Intention Ceremony approaches. With six months to choose between marriage or a life of service to the Brotherhood, Cate finds herself thrust into the heart of town society where she has to contend with tea parties, securing a suitable proposal, and the completely unsuitable but fascinating Finn Belastra.

Cate promised her mother she would keep her sisters safe. But as Cate learns more about the nature of her family's magic and the risks they all face, Cate wonders if she is up to the task. Being a woman in New England during the late 19th century is bad enough. Being a witch could prove deadly in Born Wicked (2012) by Jessica Spotswood.

Born Wicked is Spotswood's first novel. It is also the first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles trilogy.

Set at the end of the 19th century, Spotswood creates an alternate history where witches are very real and women are seen as a threat. With historical details, some familiar and some not, Spotswood brings Cate's New England to life with lushly described settings and brilliant characters that all but jump off the page.

Cate is a witty, realistic heroine torn between her own wants and her desire to protect her sisters at all costs. Cate's siblings Maura and Tess have less page time but are equally individual and add another layer to the story. Finn Belastra, in addition to having a very cool surname, is an excellent foil for Cate throughout the story.

Born Wicked is a fast-paced, exciting read that will keep you guessing. The novel is well-plotted and keeps up the tension until the shocking conclusion. With so many delightful characters and so many unexpected turns, Born Wicked is a splendid start to a series that gives readers a lot to look forward to in book two.

Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, The Selection by Kiera Cass, Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel, Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Oh, how I love a good witch story friends! And frankly, it's been a long while since I read one that really nailed it. Then along came Born Wicked. It's got the things I like best in a witchy story but also has a few elements that make it completely unique and all it's own.

It would probably be best to start with that "unique" element: the setting and time frame. Born Wicked is written as an alternate history, taking place in Maine, around the year 1890. Many of the customs of the Victorian Age are present in Spotswood's story, loads of repressed sexuality, chaperones, calling cards and formal teas. But in this world, the New England community where the Cahill sisters reside is under the control of a group of religious leaders known as The Brotherhood. At some point in the past, the Brotherhood began systematically exterminating and imprisoning witches. Afterwards, the Brotherhood set up up a strict code of ethics and mandated laws that all members of society must follow, or else risk being persecuted themselves. The Brotherhood reminds me of the Puritans who are, of course, well known for their own persecution of witchcraft in New England during the 1600 and 1700's. In addition to their views on witchcraft, the Brothers advocate the complete repression of women, they are not allowed to go to college, or hold professions, and they are to remain pure, chaste and virtuous. Anything less arouses their suspicion and it is obvious how much the townspeople fear them and the power they hold.

At the center of the tale is Cate Cahill, the eldest sister. Cate is practical, sensible and fiercely protective of her other sister's who are, like Cate and their mother before them, witches. Cate made a deathbed promise to her mother that she would look out for her sisters and keep them safe from those who would do them harm. At the age of sixteen, Cate has shouldered this responsibility and kept their family secret from everyone, even their own father (who remains largely absent throughout most of the book.) To make matters even more complicated, Cate is coming to the age where she must decide if she will marry or join the Sisterhood, a religious sect that is sort of the female equivalent of the Brotherhood. At the story's start, Cate's old childhood friend Paul has returned from the city, after being gone the last three years. Rumor has it Paul has come home to ask for Cate's hand in marriage. Though Cate should be thrilled about this prospect, a new gardener, Finn, has started working for the family, and Cate finds herself growing closer to him at the same time.

It is easy to sympathize with Cate and her situation, and one of the ways that Spotswood helps the reader do this is by the first person narration. With every exchange Cate has with her sisters, Paul and Finn, and the other characters in the book, her thoughts are subsequently laid bare for the reader to interpret. Because of this, Cate's outward bossiness and coldness is is actually counterbalanced with her inner doubts, insecurities and fears which she always tries to hide in an effort to appear in control. I really liked this duality in her character and it made me appreciate even more the times when she did open up and allow someone closer to her.
While Cate is realistic and rational in her role as caretaker to her younger sisters, Maura, nearly three years her junior, is a flurry of emotions and recklessness. Cate's every thought about her future is entwined with the welfare of her sisters, but Maura just wants out. She's tired of having to control and tamp down her magic, and she longs for new experiences and new places away from the Brotherhood. She often appears to be selfish and concerned only with her own desires, but she does share a closeness with her sisters in spite of their differences.

Tess is the youngest sister, but somehow has a maturity that makes her seem much older. Her role isn't as large as Cate and Maura's but she seems wise for her years, and is very observant. I think (and hope) that her presence in future books will grow to be much more important.

Adding to the tension in the family, their father has been talked into hiring a governess from the Sisterhood for the girls in an effort to prepare them for their adult roles in society and help curb the rumors that have begun in town that they are "bluestockings," too educated and outspoken for their own good. The introduction of governess Elena to the house only makes things worse between Cate and Maura, who is awestruck by Elena.

There are a TON of twists and turns in the plot, and as the story progresses it becomes very clear that all is not as it seems. I can say that there were parts of the story that genuinely took me by surprise and by the end of the book I wasn't sure who could be trusted anymore. It also becomes clear that nothing is black or white, and that the things Cate believed to be benevolent may in fact be as dangerous as those she she thought to be bad. Because this is the first book in a planned trilogy, there are lots of unanswered questions and loose threads EVERYWHERE, but I have faith that Jessica Spotswood will reveal all before it's said and done.

Now, if the topsy turvy alternate world (here Middle Eastern women, instead of Western women, have the most freedoms and liberties AND are at the height of fashion!) or all the intricate plot twists weren't enough, how about a pretty hot and steamy romance? Because Born Wicked has that too, IN SPADES. So there is a bit of a love triangle going on, mostly due to the fact that Cate can't decide whether to follow her head or follow her heart. It becomes clear pretty quickly on which path she will decide, and wow, can Jessica Spotswood write a love scene! Here is just a small tidbit for you:

'It's only when I taste salt that I realize tears are running in a silent river down my face, dripping off my chin, and onto the cold stone floor.
He's still clasping my hand and he reaches out and wipes a tear away with the soft pad of his thumb.
How did he know I was crying? He can't see in the dark, and I never cry.
His thumb slips down over my cheek and rests softly, sweetly, on the curve of my bottom lip.
"It's all right," he says. He's so close that his warm breath tickles my neck.
I turn and nestle my hot face into the soft cotton of his shirt. He smells of rainy spring days and old books. His hands move to my back and hover there, tentative, as if he expects me to push him away.
I have never been this close to a man before.
Something stirs deep, pulsing through my body, and its quite like the tug of magic, but it's not the magic; this is something entirely different, just between he and I and this moment.'

I substituted "him" and "he" above so as not to give anything away, and let me just say that it gets even better (and hotter) but you will have read it for yourself:)

The above passage also makes references to magic, and though this is a book about witches, there are no spells, or chanting or circles to be found, other than a few words of command in Latin (think Harry Potter: Expelliarmus! or Expecto Patronum!) I rather like this about the book, it set a different tone to their magical abilities, making it feel more as if the magic is a part of who they are, not a skill that they have acquired.

All in all I really enjoyed Born Wicked. I thought the family dynamic between the sisters was well written; I thought the author did a great job transporting the reader to this alternate world, I was totally rankled by the Brotherhood and oppressive society they advocated. I fell for the guy right alongside Cate, and cheered on their blossoming romance. And I was caught off guard more than a few times throughout the course of the book, many times catching myself exclaiming "Not her too!" A word of warning however, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it looks like book two in the series won't be released until spring of 2013. So I'll be waiting anxiously Ms. Spotswood, waiting to see what else you have in store for Cate and the rest of the Cahill clan.

4/5 Stars

Cover Thoughts

This cover is so pretty. I love that golden script, and I love the upside down girl, from that upside down alternate world:)

Cate and her sisters are witches. Their mother was a witch too. Now that she's dead though, Cate is tasked with looking after her sisters and keeping their eccentricities a secret. You see, people don't like witches, they are considered wicked and are sent away...or worse. Cate's mother did not leave her very much advice on how to go on, she said no one could be trusted not even their father. Cate also has to worry about coming of age. If she doesn't pick a husband or choose to go into the Sisterhood, the Council will choose for her. With all this on Cate's shoulders it would be nice for her to have an ally. Someone who could know her secret and help her and her sisters stay safe.

I love historical fiction about witches, so this book had caught my eye right away. Look at that cover too, so I had high hopes going into this one. Luckily I was not disappointed. Jessica Spotswood crafted wonderful characters and an interesting town for them all to live in. Cate is an interesting character. I would have loved her if it wasn't for her appalling disregard for books. She talks about being in a bookstore as a horrid thing. Besides her lack of books in her life though, Cate was a good strong character. I really appreciated that she wasn't the perfect heroine. She was bossy, a bit clumsy and very much in love. Love does make strange things happen. Paul does seem like the perfect choice, he seems quite dashing. Love does not always take one where they intend to be taken though. Cate's sisters were also swell. They interacted and bickered just like siblings. Trying to keep magic a secret can be no easy task. This book was a bit slow going at times, but the content kept me constantly craving more. There were surprises and new information around every corner, and Cate was trying to figure it all out, while handling the entire household. I can understand how she can be so upset with her mother. She really didn't do a good job preparing the girls to be on their own. She left them with no allies and no one they could count on at all. She kept so many secrets from them, that seem more harmful than beneficial. There are people out to get them and Cate and her sisters had no idea. There were a few people who surprised me quite a bit. I would recommend that anyone who likes a good old-fashioned witch novel should pick this up. It is one of the best ones I've read.

First Line:
"Our mother was a witch, too, but she hid it better."

Favorite Lines:
"'...I just don't have the time to read anymore.'
'That's the saddest thing I've heard all day,' Finn says, swiping his hands through his messy hair. 'Reading is the perfect escape for whatever ails you.'"

Disclaimer: I was sent this item to review. This does not influence my opinion.

Maybe because it's been awhile since I read about witches or maybe it was because Jessica focused on a time period where witchcraft was still misunderstood, but I really enjoyed this book. Jessica did a great job creating this world where witches live in secret and the community is ruled by a bunch of religiously cynical men. I loved that I hated them so much.

Now I'm one of those girls who hates feeling inferior to men, female rights and all that, so to be thrown into this world where women are deemed to have evil, sinful ways and must be taught to behave and follow their husbands, be lesser than men, that definitely fueled the fire in me and kept me going through this. I wanted to see how Cate and her sisters would bring about a change to all this and they truly are a force to be reckoned with after all is said and done.

There were definitely some twists to this story, a few that were pretty predictable, but a couple that I didn't see coming at all. Cate is an amazing, albiet uptight, big sister. She cares deeply for her sisters and would do anything to ensure their safety. Her sacrifices for them and the responsibility she had to bear after the death of her mother really made me feel for her. I liked that Jessica didn't keep us in suspense for too long and she kept the magic alive throughout the story instead of only giving us bits and pieces here and there.

This was really more about Jessica and her sisters, the family secret, and their destiny so there wasn't too much in the way of love. Since it was a more proper time there weren't too many lusty scenes, but they're in there. Still, I think the bigger focus is on the Cahill sisters and their destiny. The ending pretty much sucks, not in a bad way, in a way that makes me want to read the second one right now to know what happens next! Damn cliffhangers!

4.5 stars

I've been looking forward to Born Wicked since the moment I laid eyes on the cover and read the synopsis several months ago, and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint.

This book was filled with compelling, realistic characters. Cate Cahill is strong and independent with a fierce spirit under her quiet demeanor. She loves her sisters - feisty Maura, who is desperate for some independence and attention, and sweet Tess who is capable of so much more than anyone imagined - and would do anything to protect them and keep them and their secret safe. Everything Cate did was for them, always keeping their best interests and well-being in mind. I was amazed by her maturity and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness if it meant keeping her sisters happy and safe.

Then there's Finn. Sweet, kind Finn, with his ginger hair and cinnamon freckles and glasses and bookworminess. *sigh* Finn loves his family as much as Cate loves hers. He accepts her exactly the way she is, and doesn't expect anything of her the way everyone else does. The forbidden romance between them was so achingly sweet and realistic. I always looked forward to their encounters.

The Brotherhood made me so angry! They were ignorant and hypocritical, and what's most upsetting of all is that you know these things happened in history. People were accused of witchcraft for the least little thing and were hanged or burned or stoned or sent to insane asylums or prison ships. The way they were portrayed felt spot-on to me - pious, with calm demeanors, but this hidden anger and hatred toward women underneath.

The story had this underlying sense of danger and suspense throughout. I didn't know who to trust through the entire book, and found myself guessing and wondering at what would happen next. Would someone betray Cate and the sisters, or turn out to be an ally? Was someone secretly a witch? Would the sisters get caught? It was very exciting, and the tension really propelled the story forward.

Overall, I thought Born Wicked was a fantastic debut that was beautifully written in a quiet, almost understated way. I'm anxious to find out what happens in the next book, Star Cursed - I just wish we didn't have to wait until next year!

The Brotherhood, a patriarchal religious group, rule Victorian era America with an iron fist. In the previous rule, witches were in power and women were revered, educated, and powerful. The Brotherhood is the opposite in every way: women are forced to be uneducated and oppressed or they are sent to prison or mental institutions. Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric because they don't involve themselves in the society and don't bother to try to fit in. Cate's first priority is to hide the fact that she and her sisters are all witches from the Brotherhood and keep them from using their powers frivolously. Her plan has worked so far, but soon she must either declare her intention to marry someone, become part of the Sisterhood (the weaker, feminine counterpart to the Brotherhood), or allow the Brotherhood to choose a husband for her. She despises the Sisterhood and would loathe any old man that would be chosen for her to marry. The boy she has feelings for is below her station and inappropriate to marry. With any of her choices, the separation from her sisters is inevitable, which puts them in danger and goes against her deceased mother's wishes for her to protect them. Can she conform to her society's rules and protect her sisters? Can she find happiness despite the control the Brotherhood has over her life?

Born Wicked is a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy that weaves together themes of love, duty, religion, magic, and feminism. It took me a little while to get acclimated to the changes in history. I had a clear idea of the historical events and climate in the real world, so it blew my mind a little that the alternate history was so complete and hugely world changing. The Victorian era is even more oppressive and misogynistic than it was in real life, which is no small feat. Not only can women not pursue any sort of education beyond the home-making arts at any age, but if they do anything subversive or offend the wrong person, they can be imprisoned in a mental institution or sent to a prison labor camp indefinitely. It isn't uncommon to be condemned without so much as the smallest opportunity to prove one's innocence. Women are expected to act vapid and shallow and have no other ambition than to serve their husband, who in turn may treat them as an object. They can't hold jobs or positions of power and alternative lifestyles are also not tolerated. This is a frightening society that is based enough on real events that it's complete believable.

On top of the well written setting and dystopia, I really connected with the characters. Cate and her sisters had their own interests and their own viewpoints about life. Cate is a strong character that puts the safety of her sisters above her own wants and needs. The pressure on her to choose a path that will inevitably end in both her separation from her family and her own unhappiness is astronomical, but she continues to soldier on. It's also nice to see a YA heroine think of someone else for a change instead of putting their own selfish needs in front of everyone and everything else. Her sisters had a few surprises up their sleeves, but I didn't like them as much as Cate because they didn't really appreciate the sacrifices she made for them and mostly treat her badly.

I was very impressed with Jessica Spotswood's debut novel Born Wicked. Despite my own misgivings about its genre, the book greatly surprised me and proved to be attention grabbing and interesting. It bypassed all the typical YA tropes in favor of rich story telling and realistic characters. I am very sad I read this so early because I will have to wait even longer to find out what happens next.

About the audio:

If you are looking for a new audiobook, and you're a fan of historical paranormal fiction, or witches, this is the audiobook for you! Nicole Sudhaus was fantastic! She sounded like she could be a teenager, which I really like for YA audiobooks. Her voice was really pleasant to listen to, and I think she was perfect for Cate. Her voices weren't as distinct as other readers that I've listened to, but still differed enough to tell the difference between characters. She did a great job with the male voices as well. I really don't have any complaints! I started this book three days ago, and listened at every opportunity. I definitely recommend it!

The Book:

At a Glance:

Born Wicked is a fantastic paranormal YA set in an alternate history. There's magic and romance and mystery and betrayal. I really enjoyed reading about these three witchy sisters and can't wait to find out what happens next.

Review:

I had absolutely no idea what this book was about, or what to expect when I started it. I had a vague idea that it involved witches, but really that's all I knew.

I really liked it a lot. I love good historical paranormals and this was fantastic. It really reminded me a lot of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series, though I actually liked it better (and I certainly hope it ends better....gah!)

The story is set in an alternate historical time period in New England where the religious Brotherhood dictates practically everything that the community does, down to what they read and who they marry. To be a witch in this age means jail, commitment to a mental institution, or possibly death.

I loved the setting of Born Wicked. I felt like I could picture the small New England town, set in this alternate history, and could especially picture the Cahill's home and gardens. At times I felt like it was Pride and Prejudice or Little Women, mixed with a little Practical Magic. I just really enjoyed the feel of the book.

Although there were times that I got frustrated with Cate, I still really liked her a lot, and felt like I could relate to her. She was a girl who was a free spirit at heart, but who was held back by the responsibility of having to protect and care for her two younger sisters. I feel like her character grew throughout the book, which I appreciated, and she always put others before herself, no matter the personal cost to her.

There is a love triangle in this book, which I know puts some people off, but I thought it was very well done. Both Paul and Finn seem to be great guys who really care about Cate. I really wanted to dislike Paul, knowing that Finn was going to be the one who Cate fell for, but in the end, he was a really sweet guy, and I think he would be good for her too. Actually, as far as physicality goes, Paul is probably the better looking one. But Finn. It's impossible to not fall for him. It's funny because he probably isn't the type that I'd fall for in real life, but I just adored him for Cate. At first he seems quite, but he is fiercely protective and would do anything for Cate.

The book ends on a serious cliffhanger, which isn't my favorite thing. I like there to be more resolution in each book, but I definitely like this one enough to continue the series, so that makes it more bearable (though, now I have to wait). If you are a fan of historical fiction (with some paranormal witchiness thrown in there) then you should definitely give this one a try! I recommend it on audio!

Book Doppelgangers:

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell, The Gemma Doyle Series by Libba Bray

-Andye
Readingteen.net

Content:

Profanity: Minor
Sexual Content: Mild/Moderate
Violence: Minor
Other Notables: Magic, Religious Dictators

Isn't the cover on this book just fantastic?

Reading about ghosts and witches has always been a favorite of mine since I was very little, so much so that I am almost always guaranteed to buy a book if it is about witches, just to try it out. But, here is the catch, I don't like dark witches, or at least I don't like the MC to be a dark witch, that just freaks me out. Because whether I like to admit it or not, I am sort of a chicken and have an imagination that is sometimes a little too active for my own good.

This book was actually pretty perfect for me. It gave me the witchiness that I adore but wasn't too dark or disturbing that I had to repeatedly look over my shoulder while reading to make sure I wasn't being watched. It didn't make me sleep with my lights on and that is always a good thing. There is only so much my husband is willing to put up with after all.

The Salem witch trials have always fascinated me, since I first learned about them as a little girl. They always seemed so sad to me, all those innocent woman that were killed out of jealousy or hate or revenge or just because someone had an issue with you.

And while this book wasn't necessarily about the Salem trials it was like it in the sense that it takes place in a time very much still leery of witches, only in this case, witches are very much real and very much feared by the Brotherhood.

I love the time period that this book takes place, if I am dong my math right it is around the early 1900's in New England. A time when woman were still suppose to obey the men in their lives and go along with whatever they told them to do. When education wasn't really for woman, unless that education was centered around how a young lady was suppose to behave and appear in society.

A time when woman didn't have a whole lot of say in anything and were really rather repressed.

I think I liked this book because Cate wasn't like one of those woman. She stood up for herself and her sisters and would have done anything to protect them and to protect their secrets, in fact she does do anything. She has to sacrifice a lot for them. She has to learn her legacy and she has to overcome a prophecy that she doesn't even fully understand in a time that woman are most at risk and witches? Well witches even more so.

I really think this will be a series that will show a lot of promise if it is handled right. The ending kind of left it open to many possibilities and while my heart broke over the choice that Cate had to make, I understood it and just really hope, that no matter what, Cate and her sisters do get their happily ever after. I really hope it doesn't turn into a series that will make me want to chuck my book across the room in frustration over the ending.

Starting new series that I somewhat become vested in always leave me nervous because, I am always a sucker for HEAs and am so sad when I don't get them.

Hopefully the next book will be even better. I really do look forward to reading more about the Cahill sisters and seeing what Cate and the Sisterhood do next. And I hope, we get more Finn and Paul to because, even though I know where Cate's heart is, I couldn't help but fall a little in love with Paul as well.

Born Wicked wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I mean, from the description alone, I didn't get a sense of the time or place that the book is set in, which actually plays a huge part in the book.

The novel is set in the late 1880s in New England, and it has an alternative history twist. During the time that the English fled their country to find religious freedom in America...so did witches! They were once free and accepted in society until the Brotherhood started hunting them down because their magic was "wicked" and against's God's law.

Because I wasn't expecting it, the plot of Born Wicked took me by surprise, and I struggled a little to accept the twist on America's history. BUT - I ended up really enjoying this fresh perspective, and I think the time and placement of the book add a ton of dimension and interest.

On to the characters - Cate and her sisters Maura (a fiery redhead) and Tess (a sweet, clever girl) are forces to be reckoned with. When they're not arguing with each other (usually about Cate acting too protective), they're causing mischief while trying to keep prying eyes away from their family...and magic.

Cate is a tough character to like at first. She's super bossy and controlling of her sisters - but all with a good cause. Her mother died and her dad is constantly away from home. She's the stand-in Mom, and her sisters don't make protecting them easy. Relationships are pretty fluid in Born Wicked, so I'm really interested to see how they shift and change in the second book.

So even though Cate Cahill is a serious grump, the girl's got game. She has TWO hot suitors, and they're both mad about her! Although you may be thinking - UGH another love triangle sitch, you would be dead wrong if you also though it wasn't good. Cuz it's WAY GOOD!

I don't know how Spotswood does it, but the Cate/John/Finn thing totally worked for me. I think it's because Cate isn't super wishy-washy. She just has decisions to make, you know? She knows her own heart, but she has to make the best choice for her sisters too.

Oh, the drama! But seriously, there's a lot of steamy awesomeness in this book! Plus, it's not overboard because, well, this is 1880s we're talking about here. Sexy then = holding hands outdoors. Ohh scandalous!

No, but seriously, Cate does a bit more than that, the hussy.

OVERALL:

After coming to terms with the alternative history setting of Born Wicked, I really enjoyed this book. It surprised me in the best ways with it's feuding-but-loving sisters and complicated-but-exciting romance. Born Wicked is a fantastic debut novel!

(Review originally posted at ReadBreatheRelax.com)

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!

The Cahill sisters live just on the edge of society. Others snub them for being too reclusive, too educated, and too eccentric. But what they don't know is the truth: they're all witches. It's a secret they keep closely guarded, lest they be discovered by the Brotherhood and meet a ghastly end. Cate, the eldest of the sisters, lives in constant fear of her and her sisters being found out. She's determined to take care of her sisters at any cost, just as she promised her mother before her death, but with less than six months left to choose between marriage and joining the Sisterhood, she fears she won't be able to. Things only get worse after Cate uncovers a shocking secret in her late mother's diary, a secret that could mean the destruction of not only Cate's family, but the entire world as they know it. Cate needs answers and she's determined to find them, even amidst the dress fittings, tea parties, marriage proposals, and forbidden romances that make up her new life. But if what she finds out is true, then Cate and her sisters aren't safe from anyone, including the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood--even themselves.

Born Wicked is a phenomenal debut of dark magic and high society, all set in an alternate version of New England in the 1890s. If the combination of historical glamour, steampunk flair, and illegal magic isn't enough to intrigue readers, then Spotswood's brilliant characters, fantastic plotting, and beautiful writing are sure to do the trick. Born Wicked is so clearly a book that succeeds on so many levels. Cate is a likeable, strong, yet flawed heroine desperate to protect her sisters but unsure of how to do so. Spotswood's lush descriptions and superb character development really bring Cate and her sisters to life and securely establish them within a slightly exotic version of New England. The plot is smart and unpredictable, from the beginning to the shocking end, and certainly had me on the edge of my seat. Add in a sexy, swoon-worthy romance and a prophecy of epic proportions, and you've got this perfect gem of a book. In Born Wicked, Spotswood gives readers a story that is simply irresistible, absolutely riveting, and impossible to forget. What's not to love?

Born Wicked will be snatched by fans of dark urban fantasy, especially readers who also liked the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, and Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall.

You had me at witches. I have always been drawn to anything witchy and Born Wicked satisfies. Then when you add in a hot, nerdy boy, some catty girlfriends with a historical setting, you get awesome.

Cate Cahill is the oldest of 3 sisters. She seems a bit uptight. There were parts of this book where I literally said out loud, "Really? Just chill out!" But if I had a deadly secret hanging over my head, I might be a little uptight too. Her sole responsibility is to look after her sisters and keep them safe. She does everything in her power to protect them but nothing works out the way it's supposed to. Cate finds herself falling in love with the one person she shouldn't fall for. Oh, Finn. I do have a soft spot for nerdy boys and Finn fits this category. I so badly want Cate & Finn to end up together!

The first several chapters seem to drag a bit for me. I was so excited to read this and then I was like... come on! But the more I read, the more I realized I couldn't put it down. My husband left one afternoon to run some errands and I swear it seemed like 10 minutes later he was walking through the door again. I hadn't even changed positions! It's that good!

I was SO frustrated with the ending. I even pouted a little. I complete understand the reasons for the outcome but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm just thankful there are more books coming. This means there are plenty of chances to turn things around!

Definitely read Born Wicked if you love witches. Definitely read Born Wicked if you don't love witches. Just Read It! Like, yesterday.

And can I just point out how gorgeous that cover is?! Love.

There's been a lot of hype surrounding Born Wicked from the very beginning. Rest assured that all that hype is deserved. I loved this book. I adored this book! I think I'm a little hard to please when it comes to paranormal books, so that means a lot coming from me.

Witches are my favorite flavor of paranormal, but I was still a little uncertain of Born Wicked. Mostly because it's set in an alternate 1890's past. I sometimes have trouble connecting with a historical story, but that wasn't a problem at all. This book is filled with such fascinating characters and such a expertly crafted world that I was swept off my feet within the first chapter.

Cate was very likeable. She's in a tough situation, but she's strong and brave. She's willing to make sacrifices to protect the people she loves. What's not to like about that? Her sisters were also very well developed. Tessa was wonderful. She's wise well beyond her years and I just really liked her. Maura on the other hand is a spoiled brat. I wanted to smack her on more than one occasion, but I loved the dynamic between all three sisters. Cate's love of them makes you love them.

I must also mention the swoonworthy romance. That boy....I love him, more than I've loved a YA boy in awhile. He says and does things that I never would have expected, but they were all the right things. Just...*swoon*

The world that Jessica Spotswood has created in this book is definitely unique. I couldn't get enough of it. The whole idea of the Brotherhood and the witches was really fantastic. There wasn't quite as much magic as I was expecting, but there was so much story that I didn't even care. I suspect there will be more magic in book 2.

As you can tell I just loved everything about this book. The mystery surrounding the sisters unfolded in a way that made the book impossible to put down. The romance made me hold my breath. The ending left me craving the sequel. Trust the hype. This is a fantastic debut that you should not miss.

Cheesy Word- Simply Enchanting

First off, if you are looking for a very witchy book where it's consent magic, then look somewhere else. Instead this book has witchy moments that are just simply enchanting but more people would probably say it's a historical fiction. Which I most adore too. ^_^

I love popping into a world that once was. The clothes, the life style, the speak, and the everything.

I loved the story line, the development of the characters, of the mystery and the love for the person she chooses, the twist and turns, the cute little moments, and the drama between the sisters. Man that major blow up at the end and the scenes that led up to it. So. Did. Not. See. That. Coming. So good!

Cate Cahill, I liked her but I really loved her when she relaxed and became an improper lady. Especially when she started talking about pirate books with Finn. Such a cute moment ^_^. And her unexpected magic, fun moments!

Overall, I got what I expected plus more. You get drama/sitting on the edge of your seat moments (when the brothers come and take women whom are supposedly witches), the romance (two guys, but it really doesn't feel like a love triangle, thank god haha), the unforeseen truths behind things that didn't seem huge in the story (so many good ones, my god!) and great characters that you just can't help but to root for, to hope they get what they want in the end.

Most definitely recommend!

How can you not want to read a novel with that description? I was happy to read about these charming young witches at the turn of the twentieth century and everything about this novel was charming to me. I loved the New England setting and the author did a great job of describing the weather and change of the seasons - it really made me pine for autumn up north, something we don't see much of down here in the south. In addition, the characters are captivating, particularly that of Cate. She's an independent spirit and if given the proper venue, I think she would be a great fighter for women's rights. I think she's definitely a heroine young girls can look up to - independent to the core and thus not dependent on a love interest to help her.

But that doesn't mean there can't be a love interest! Despite being a bit of a recluse, Cate had two prospects in the novel. The bit of a love triangle kept me on my toes at first, but by the end of the novel there was a clear winner in my head and I'm still pulling for the two-love birds. I hope to see more of him in the next book.

Finally, I'll add this: Born Wicked isn't just about witchery. There are hints of mythology throughout the novel, a theme that I suspect will be elaborated on in future novels. Witchery and mythology - two things that I wouldn't necessarily think go together, but ended up meshing very well, in fact.

Five stars! I adored this charming novel from debut author Jessica Spotswood. I can't wait to continue on with the series and see what happens to Cate and her sisters.

In a world where women where stripped of their status as equals and fear that one faithful day the brothers will take them away from their friend and family for being suspected to be witches, three sister try to leave they're life's as normal as they can.
In town they are known to be a little eccentric, and reclusive since their mother left this world. The eldest, Cate, was left with the responsibility of taking care of her two little sisters, guide them the best she can and keep the brothers from knowing the truth. All three sisters are witches.
Now with evil lurking everywhere and with no idea with whom they are to trust her mother's diary appears to guide them, but will they be able to locate the evil her mother is warning them from and can they change a future everyone thinks is theirs?

I loved the story! it was really interesting, fun and had a beautiful narration. The way it's written it feels from times passed gives it the perfect touch, you can really feel the emotions that Cate feels, all the frustration, happiness, sadness, everything that presents itself in this story.
This is the first book that after making me feel: so angry, barely handling the suspense and or the butterflies and knots attacked my stomach. I've had books that have had me in the edge of my seat but never something like this I think I loved it a little more then hating the pauses I had to make to settle my poor stomach.
I really recommend this book, this is a good read for all year long! I can't wait for the next installment of this series to come out!!!

I fully expected not to like Born Wicked. In fact, I wasn't even going to read it until I started seeing awesome reviews for it pop up all over the place. Now, I'm not normally so judgmental about a book. I'm usually pretty easily swayed, actually, but historical fiction is not usually my thing. It's one of the two genres I kind of avoid like the plague.
Boy am I glad, I gave this one a try.

I love that it actually takes place in an alternate history where the Brotherhood is in charge. I love world-building, so I still got a taste of that which was nice.

I rather liked Cate, although she did get on my nerves sometimes. I know she had a lot of responsibility hanging over her head, but her indecisiveness kind of drove me nuts at times. Paul was...ugh. I did not like Paul. He could be nice sometimes, but overall he was full of himself and so, so annoying.
Then, there was Finn. Oh, Finn. I don't usually fall easily for YA guys, but I am definitely head over heels for him. He has freckles, glasses, and unruly hair. All things I love. Plus, you know, he loves books. Seriously, read this for Finn if nothing else.

I loved the flow of the story too. I never really felt like I was in the dark, but new revelations kept popping up at the perfect time. Every time I learned something new it completely sucked me back into the story.

The Nutshell: I absolutely loved Born Wicked. If you're afraid of historical fic, please don't write this one off. The alternate history provides enough world-building that you won't be bored (as I usually am). I'm really not sure what more I can say besides this is definitely worth the read. And Finn. You should definitely read it for Finn.

When I first heard about this book, I knew I had to have it; even though it was historical which I'm not a fan of, it contained witches, which I am a huge fan of. I was not disappointed at all. Spotswood does a wonderful job setting up the world and how it works as well as all the characters and how they fit in the hierarchy. There's a lot of characters going around and she gives them such a unique voice and features that the reader is able to remember everyone easily.

I loved Cate as a narrator- she is a definitely flawed character but she's trying to do the best she can with what she's been given, both in regards to information and responsibility. She's an easy character to relate to and sympathize with. Her sisters were great too and had such fun personalities.

The romance is handled well too, feelings burgeoning from a vague acquaintanceship to friendship to full-on relationship. It's just great. Both guys are written really well, and are both just good guys, which was a relief since there usually tends to be a good boy and a bad boy to choose between. This romance was interesting and I had no idea who Cate would pick for a while.

I also want to say that I absolutely hate The Sisterhood and wanted to punch them in the face. Repeatedly. That's my go-to reaction when someone is doing something I don't like and is just WRONG. I don't get that kind of reaction often, from real life or from books, so when it does happen, it's a big thing.

Overall, an amazing debut and I am absolutely looking forward to the next books because this one ends on such a cliffhanger!! Definitely go buy a copy!

I'll admit, I was a bit nervous to read this book. Not because I didn't think I'd like it, or because it's not my type of read. Indeed, it sounds like an amazing book and who wouldn't love that gorgeous cover? Born Wicked was one of my coveted "must reads" for 2012 simply because of the cover. It killed me to wait two weeks past its debut date to buy it, but I knew Jessica would be in town for the Breathless Reads tour, and I wanted to buy it then.

Jessica and I struck up a friendly correspondence on Twitter in January (yay for social media!) and I've come to really like her. She's sweet, witty, enthusiastic, and passionate. What's not to like? We even arranged to meet for lunch the day she was here for the Breathless Reads tour, but their schedule was so hectic, it was impossible. Still, it was an honor that she would even consider having lunch with me, and is yet another testament to her generous, warm nature.

So, you may be asking: What's the deal, BlookGirl? You loved the cover, you loved the synopsis, and you've fangirled over Jessica. What made you nervous to read the book?

That's just it! It's because of all those things I was nervous, but moreso because I really came to like Jessica. I know that sounds odd, but the whole situation got me thinking... If you have the opportunity to become familiar and friendly with an author before reading their novel, do you enter the reading and reviewing phases with a more "forgiving" point of view? I mean, do you unconsciously overlook obvious plot holes, Mary Sue characters, or other glaring errors? I know it sounds silly, but I was worried, because I think as a blogger, integrity is key.

Thankfully, though, my worries were for nothing because Born Wicked was FABULOUS!

A Brief Overview:

Left motherless, the Cahill sisters have closed themselves off from society, afraid of what could happen if the Brotherhood discovered that they are all witches. Mr. Cahill is a loving, but distracted father, more prone to spending time with his studies and away from home than with his family. That leaves the eldest Cahill sister, Cate, to preside over the household and her sisters - which she does with much chagrin. Cate never asked to be a witch, to be left motherless, or to care for her two younger, headstrong sisters. Maura and Tess do not feel the same sense of urgency that Cate does when it comes to their magical heritage. They want to practice and hone their skills, but Cate is the only one who fully appreciates what could happen if they were to be outed.

Set in an alternate Victorian period, circa 1890, New England is ruled by the Brotherhood, a group of patriarchal priests who are determined to rid the country of witches and witchery. They have spies everywhere and will persecute any young girl who steps out of line. If a girl is thought to be a witch, they face one of two outcomes: a lifetime in an asylum, or worse yet, death. All "good girls" are expected to declare their intentions by their seventeenth birthday: either marry or join the Sisterhood.

Six months before she turns seventeen, Cate is sure she will choose to marry. Joining the Sisterhood would mean moving away from her sisters, who she believes need her now more than ever. Plus, her old childhood friend, Paul, has returned to town from his studies in the city and makes his intentions toward marrying Cate well-known. He is sweet and understanding, and even her family supports the union, but Cate just isn't sure about the whole love bit. Paul doesn't make her heart flutter - much unlike the Cahill's new gardener, Finn Belastra, who is also the son of the local book store owner.

Finn is smart, loyal, kind, witty, and most of all, accepting of Cate and her... weirdness. However, he is also just a gardener, and not the man Cate would have envisioned falling in love with, but she just can't ignore her blossoming feelings (and garden!) every time Finn is nearby. Growing up in a community that breeds distrust of your neighbor, and where one wrong move can cost you your life, can Cate trust Finn -and his mother- with her family secrets?

And boy, do secrets abound in Born Wicked! Not only does Cate have secrets, but so does every other character, it seems! I really enjoyed having to guess at the true nature and intentions of each character, though we still have a lot more to learn in Book #2. The ending was...!!

My thoughts:

The story of the Cahill sisters is narrated by Cate, the oldest. I must say, I really loved Cate and her "voice" throughout the novel. She is fiery, independent, and fiercely loyal to Maura and Tess. She doesn't bend to anyone's will, but will sacrifice herself for the good of her sisters. I also love that the girls are not perfect. They make rash decisions, argue with each other and make mistakes, but they continue to learn and grow, and I can't wait to see what's in store for them in the future.

I really loved how Jessica portrayed the relationship between the Cahill sisters. Even though I grew up with two older brothers, somehow the dynamic between Cate, Maura and Tess just seems right. Tess is probably my second-favorite sister, though I am now dying to know what happens with Maura. Trust me, your mind will be going a million miles a minute at the end, trying to figure out what will happen next.

I think my favorite aspect of Born Wicked was the unfolding of the relationship between Cate and Finn. It was so, so swoon-worthy! Seriously, when you get to the "feathers" part, I fully expect you to come back to this review and fangirl with me! Paul is a sweet guy, and while I suspect Cate won't end up with him in the end, I hope we learn more about him in Book #2.

Also, I am very curious to learn more about Mr. Cahill. There just has to be something going on with his precious banned books and why he's away so much.

There isn't a ton of action in Born Wicked, but Jessica did a fine job at keeping me turning the pages. I just know the rest of the series will only get better!

Born Wicked is a book full of page-turning suspense, with romance, magic and secrets at every turn. It explores the complicated relationship between sisters, as well as the importance of separation of church, and is a reminder that not everything -or everyone- are what they seem. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2012!

I got this book at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con and I don't know why it's taken me so long to pull it off my shelf, honestly. I finally moved it to my currently-reading shelf last week and I'm so glad I did!

So the beginning was a little slow for me. I'll say it straight: Cate seemed a little too whiny to me for the first 30 or so pages. I was waiting for the story to move on and since it's written in first person it was up to Cate to get it going. Just as I was about to get annoyed with her it really picked up and from then and did. not. stop!

I loved the story of this book! It's set in America, post Salem witch trials only America looks a little different. It's run by a government-meets-religious body called the Brotherhood, made up of important men who are appointed, not elected, to power. Their sole purpose is to rid America of witches and promote obedience to the Lord, a god that sort of resembles the very strict Puritan version but skewed even more so by their power-hungry motives.

The author did a great job with not only the spoken dialogue in this book but also Cate's inner- dialogue. The book feels almost like an Austen novel in how its written, the language is proper and old-fashioned in a unique way that really puts you in that time setting right away. I had trouble getting used to it at first and was reading slower than I usually do but when I think back, I haven't recently read many novels in this time period. The one that comes to my mind quickly is The Friday Society but it was written a little more casually because the characters were a bit more care-free. Even though it had me paying closer attention to the language I think this was a huge positive for Spotswood's writing.

The sisters, and all girls in America really, are in a pretty bad situation. They must adhere to every custom, courtesy, and regulation. No education past grade school other than etiquette, very little choice in whom they marry or when, and any divergence from these rules leads to suspicion of witchcraft which is an offense that's punishable by death. You can see why these sisters are in hot water, and why Cate especially has important decisions to make.

I would love for every teenage girl to read this book. I couldn't help but swell with girl-power-yeah feelings the entire time! The Brotherhood is a bunch of messed up dudes, to put it lightly, and all I want is to see them taken down. I don't think this is too much a spoiler, but the book is a part of a trilogy (the second one, Star Cursed, was just released!) so I can tell you that I can't wait to pick up the second one and hope to see their butts kicked!

Oh, and this doesn't hurt at all, the romance in this book is great. Such a healthy YA relationship!

I have been waiting and waiting for Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood for what feels like AGES now. If you know me, you know I love all things witches, so I went into Born Wicked expecting pure awesome.

And I was totally not let down. Isn't that such a relief? I freaking loved Born Wicked and I just want to read it over and over again. First off, because the writing was gorgeous and so talented, and I love reading a debut author and thinking - I want to read everything this author ever writes.

Also? The characters. I loved the three sisters - Cate and Tessa and Maura - and how varied their personalities were and their individual story lines were all so different, yet they all worked well with each other, to balance each other out. But at the same time, Cate was clearly my favourite - I was rooting for her all along. And Finn. While Born Wicked initially presented itself as having a love triangle, it quickly became clear to me - there's no contest there. And the kissing scenes. You know.

OKAY AND THE STORY. I don't usually capslock over the entire story of a book, but I swear, I want to capslock all over Born Wicked. Because the storyline is so engaging and upsetting at points and even if you know and you say "yeah, that's going to happen later on" - it goes way beyond the expected.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood is, legit, one of my favourite books of 2012 so far. I love witches, I love historicalish books, I love swoonworthy boys and family drama. Born Wicked had it all and did it badass-ly. Check it out.

My expectations were quite high going into Born Wicked due to the great book blurb, gorgeous cover and raving early reviews. Thankfully, it met and exceed those expectations! This is one debut you do not want to miss!

I was immediately drawn into Cate's narrative. She seemed very pessimistic and had a negative outlook on just about everything. That could have been irritating, but she gives us reasons for her pessimism. She's been in charge of her two younger sisters, since their mother died. All three of them are witches and must keep it hidden from their Father, the town, and especially the Brotherhood or face prosecution. Cate is suppose to announce a betrothal in a matter of months, even though she does fit into society's mold of a proper young woman. Plus she discovers a prophecy concerning three sisters. If I had to shoulder all of Cate's responsibilities and be under so many restrictions and expectations, I'd be a negative Nancy, too!

This books is full of magic, mystery, and romance. Women's oppression is also a major theme throughout, and I think the author did an amazing job linking it to the magical and religious aspects of the book. There's many twists and turns, and ups and downs. It kept me engaged from start to finish, and the events leading up to the finish left me in awe. I'm not sure what else to say without spoiling anything. If you're looking for a new twist on witches, and something a little different in the YA genre (like no love triangle!), I urge you to go out and get this one!

I really enjoyed this book. I think the only thing that kept me from really loving it was its similarity to the Gemma Doyle trilogy, which I adore and is probably a better book. But this is not a copycat, just reminiscent (teenage witches, witches are evil, Victorian setting).

I found myself emotionally involved with the characters in a way I haven't been in awhile. I hated the ended (hated emotionally, not plot-wise) because I so wanted Cate to be happy. And I wanted the prophecy not to be true as badly as she did. I wouldn't say this book is a mystery, but there is plot intrigue and twists. I liked the alternative history aspect (I kept wondering if it was actually futuristic like Incarceron, but I looked it up. Nope, alternative history. I dig it). The setting and culture are important backdrops. The author handles issues related to feminism, independence, and human nature indirectly without being overly preachy. Characters are well rounded and complex, neither all good nor all bad.

I was going to say I hope the sequel is coming out soon, but I just looked it up and it's already out. I'll be devouring that soon.

Cate is protective of her little sister, but now they aren't so little anymore and she must decide on her own future. Cate is a strong character, many people depend on her and she is very young herself. She has a sweet personality, though she can be unyielding at times. Cate's sisters the reader will have varying reactions to. The youngest sister is easier to like while the middle one seems to only cause trouble needlessly. The other secondary characters were interesting, many will stick out and factor importantly into the book's plot.

The events moved along at a fast clip, the reader will be hard pressed to be bored throughout the novel. Cate and her sisters quickly go from a quiet life to trouble within a few chapters. The author describes the rich history and environment beautifully, the reader will easily be able to immerse him/herself within the novel. The author handles multiple issues such as feminism and religion and manages to weave magic into the two.

The slight love triangle is a tad annoying, but the author handles that issue well too. There really isn't a question as to who the main character is going to choose, if there was more emphasis on the love triangle it would've been nice if it was less predictive. The love interests are both hard to choose between, the reader will likely be happy with both! This book is recommended to young adult/teen/adult readers.

*Complimentary copy received for this review, does not affect my opinion in any way*

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I loved the pacing, descriptions and the alternate history that takes place. It is a very creative book that makes you feel for the characters. The Brotherhood rules New England, elevating the status of men in society and forcing women into submissive roles. Boys can be educated, girls cannot. Witch hunts continue, even though it is 1900 and the accused young women are sent to either an asylum or a prison ship. But there is a prophecy that three sisters who are witches will one day emerge to overthrow the Brotherhood and allow the witches to reclaim their power. Can Cate Cahill and her two sisters, Maura and Tess, possibly be the sisters of the prophecy? Will Cate embrace her magical abilities that she has so long had to hide? Will she find true love or will she succumb to a prophecy greater than herself? What I liked about this book so much is that while dealing with magic, the setting of the story is so realistic. The magic and reality mesh so nicely that you don't feel like you are reading about an alternate world. It is believable and the suspense of the story builds at a very good pace. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I'm so used to catching up on my reading that by the time I've finished a book, the series has already been completed and I can read the next book soon after. This is the first time I am discovering a series when only the first book has been published. I have to find out what happens next!

This was an okay read but I didn't like that the action didn't really start until the book was 3/4 over. It's also one of my pet peeves to feel as if I'm being manipulated into spending more money to find a satisfying conclusion. This is one of those books that leave you hanging at the end with no real resolution. There is a prophecy about the sisters and it's alluded to over and over in the book but no real closure takes place. I don't care enough about these characters to plonk down 10.00 again to buy another book that may or may not give me answers or that may end again almost mid-action and ask me to buy a third book.

It's my belief that trilogies or two book deals can be a wonderful thing but only if the writer gives some closure in each book. If the writer is good enough and gives me characters I can care about, I'll buy the next book without the necessity of the author leaving me hanging. In other words, give me a good cast of characters, a full plot in each book and then there's no need to manipulate me into spending my money. I'll gladly do so. Not here, though. Nope.

OMG, OMG, OMG this book had a MAJOR cliffhanger. This book left me in a "I cannot believe that just happened" state. It's going to be really hard to write this review because for one I liked this book so much, and two I have so many mixed emotions about it.

This book is definitely 5 stars, I loved every second of it. Jessica Spotswood is AMAZING. This is her debut novel, and she gave me everything that I was looking for in a wonderful book. I felt like I was transported into this world and living in it. I felt so close to the characters and related to them about a lot of things like sibling rivalry and fights. Being the oldest is the hardest and I really relate to Cate in this aspect.

The Cahill sisters are all witches living in a town ruled by "The Brotherhood", which is a group of religious authority that basically rules over people's lives. In this town girls can't be too smart, stubborn, or eccentric or they are considered "Witches" and sent of to Harwood (A horrible place where girls accused of witchery are taken). With Tess, Maura, and Cate being witches it is very hard to fit in, and when their mother dies Cate made a promise to her Mother, which is to protect her sisters no matter what.

During this story Cate has many conflicts like whether she's going to get married or join the sisterhood and she has a very limited time to choose. There are two guys who want to marry her but she is in love with only one of them.

I love, love, loved this story! I mean it doesn't get any better than this. I love the Salem feeling setting. I've always loved stories of witches that have taken place in the past and this book gave me just what I needed. Action, love, betrayl, confusion, and responsibility all wrapped up in this wonderful book to pack a punch that leaves you needing more. I am officially addicted, and I can't wait until the second book comes out because I have to find out what happened. I suggest that you read this wonderful Debut novel by Jessica Spotswood. This book contains a major cliffhanger :/ and I wanted to know more... just warning you.

The three Cahill sisters are witches, and only one mistake away from revealing themselves as such to society and the Brotherhood. Cate, our narrator, tries to keep her sisters safe and out of the public eye, but it can be tricky when her younger siblings seem to enjoy flaunting their magic for fun. Spotswood's writing excels with the Cahill sisters and their relationships with one another, and with the mysteries in the story. Each scene springs to life, and intriguing characters make this story all the more fascinating. Born Wicked is a wonderful debut with a surprising conclusion that will undoubtedly leave readers breathless and curious about the sequel.

HIGHLIGHTS: One very intriguing twist at the end. The world Cate lives in seemed wonderfully developed alternate setting. Many characters (the Cahill sisters, Finn, Elena, Sachi, and Rory) in this story were intriguing enough to keep me invested in the story. The tension in the story - romantic tension, fearful tension - also made it difficult to stop reading.

LOWLIGHTS: Slow start. Almost entirely predictable (I tend to unravel how a book will end very early on - other people might find certain aspects more surprising than I did), and the romance seemed a bit rushed (but I did like the guy, so it didn't bother me too much).

Poor Cate has a lot on her plate. Between trying to hide her and her sisters' magic, she also has to decide if she will marry or join the Sisterhood. Cate spends much of the book frozen with indecision. She is desperately trying to uphold her promise to her mother to protect her sisters, but is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain. On top of that, she also has to contend with a governess who is not all she seems to be and avoid the attention of the Brotherhood. Talk about being caught between a rock and hard spot.

This book definitely reads as a first in a series. There is a major cliffhanger and a lot of plot threads are left loose. So, be prepared for that. There is not a lot of action, but there is a lot of character and plot development. Spotswood is definitely lining up all the pieces for her next books. I think it helps knowing this going into the story so the reader doesn't expect a strong conclusion. I must say though, I am pretty excited to see how Cate gets out of her predictament!

Born Wicked isn't necessarily a stand out, but I think it is a solid addition to the fantasy YA genre. Those who enjoy historical fantasy will likely enjoy this one as well.

This book was a little out of my realm of reading, being that it was a made up world with historical qualities. For this reason it tended to drag a little for me as the women had tea and such. It has a great plot, and interesting character development, along with intetesting writing. I'll probably check out the next book in the series, because I want to know what happens with the prophecy....

I picked up this book anticipating it. I was so excited to read something fresh and new. It gave me exactly what I wanted .The feel of history flowing through my fingers as I turned each page.

What I loved most about this book is the plot line. I love historical books. Falling into the shoes of Cate and seeing everything she is, is wonderful. I loved the description of the town, the minor characters and the history that is going on at the moment. The plot pacing is perfect as the reader follows along with the sisters, discovering dark secrets hidden from them.

I really adored the love interest. It was sweet and pure. With this love, the reader gets to see it form right before your eyes. I love watching two people fall in love. And with the obstacles facing both of them it just makes me want to root them on!

Now, the ending! UGH!!! Such a good and shocking ending. I mean wow! I did not see that coming since she had already made up her mind, but WOW! Yeah, my mouth dropped open on that tidbit.

Overall, Born Wicked is an entertaining, magical, surprising novel. Born Wicked tantalize it's readers with well written dialogue. A worthy novel from start to finish, Born Wicked is impressive.

So I am going to put this out there- the books that "Born Wicked" is compared to confuses me. I love "A Great and Terrible Beauty" and anything by Cassie Clare, but I really am bewildered as to why they would be picked to explain this book. Libba Bray's book, I can see it a bit- but Cassie Clare? Um, no. Don't get me wrong- this was a fabulous book, but it is not steampunk and it is not at the level of fantasy as The Mortal Instruments.

That being said- I am choosing my own descriptor- Harry Potter meets the Salem Witch Trials. So far (being finished with book one), I would not describe this as dark magic. The magic in this book seems light and fun- unlike the magic in AGaTB. This magic is much more like Harry Potter, but set in a less fantastical setting.

This was an excellent book. The writing was engaging, the characters complex, and a storyline that was enticing. I loved how Cate developed and really became a woman and less of a selfish child in the book. I can't wait until the second book comes out- this is a fantastic debut.

If you are a fan of magic, Harry Potter, or of just reading a good book- pick this one up- you will enjoy it!

Historical and Fantasy in one magical book; what more can a girl want? I loved Born Wicked and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read it.

With magic, secret societies, prophesies, and romance Born Wicked has something for almost any YA lover. It is a fantastic debut that really shows off what Jessica Spotswood can do.

I liked most of the characters in this book, even the ones that I thought I was not going to like I started warming up to by the end of the book. I liked how different all three sisters were, even if Maura drove me mad, they each had their own goals and motivations but thy were tied together as a family. I thought the family dynamic was illustrated very well.

As the story went on the plot got even more twisted and complicated but I never got lost or felt like I was being info dumped on. I cannot wait for the next book to see where Cate's decision takes them!

I recommend this book to everyone but especially people who loved Marissa Doyle's Betraying Season, and Bewitching Season, and if you haven't read them pick them up as you wait for the second book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles.

It's set in the late 1800's America, but not our 1800's America; it's an alternate history where witchcraft was real and welcomed - until it was suppressed by The Brotherhood. A time when teen girls think longingly of the freedom other women have in places like Dubai (I know, right?), and risk being executed for displaying any signs of witchcraft.

The lead character, Cate, is a 16 year old witch, and so are her two younger sisters. Because her mother is dead, and her father is too often absent (and has no clue, apparently, that his late wife and his daughters are witches), it falls upon Cate to protect herself and her sisters. There's a love triangle, and a pressure in the patriarchal society to commit to a husband by one's 17th birthday, but that's not the main focus.

It starts a bit slow, but is really, really well written, and although this is Not My Usual Thing, it sucked me in. There's a dynamic of love/competitiveness/overprotection between Cate and her next oldest sister Maura, that rang quite true. I will be eagerly looking to read the others in the Cahill Witch Chronicles.

I liked Born Wicked. It was quite interesting and different than any other book I have read.

Not much really happened in Born Wicked. That's not to say it's boring though, just different. There was no running away to escape those that were chasing you, nothing that really jumped out at you, nor was there much humor. Like the time period in which it takes place, this book is secretive, proper, deceptive, and serious. We followed the main character through her life as she awaits her ceremony where whe much choose between joining the Sisterhood and marrying. As a Character, Cate is pretty great. She's Strong and Independent and Responsible. The love she feels toward her sisters she cares for is amazing and honest. I loved it. It was easy to connect with her. There is a hint of a love story here, but it doesnt overpower the book. The focus is more on Cate's witchery and family.

Unlike many other books, there seems to be no "bad guy vs. good guy" here. Everyone seems to be some varying shade of gray, even Cate herself. I liked that. What I didnt like was some of Cate's inner monologue. She thinks she's wicked and I understand that, but there's no reason for me to be reminded of it over and over and over again. That was my biggest annoyance.

This was a great simple read. I enjoyed it but it just didn't put me over the edge so I probably wouldnt read it again. For that reason, I give it 3 Stars.

Hands-down, this is one of the best Young Adult fantasy series I have ever read! Not only is Spotswood a fantastic writer, her characters are feisty, intelligent, and wonderful to read about. And, the storyline is interesting! Witches—above anything else— are feared by the Brotherhood, the reigning power in the world of Cate Cahill and her sisters. Anything that could lead a woman into the sinful world of witchery, including education, free will, etc, is forbidden by the Brotherhood. This is problematic for Cate, who in credibly intelligent, and unfortunately (in her eyes), a witch. The reader is taken through the world of the Brotherhood, witches hiding in secret, prophecies, burgeoning love, and sisterly competition. I could not put this book down!

I seriously loved this book! First, I had the pleasure of listing to the audio version and I have to say that it was incredibly well cast. Second, BORN WICKED is a cliff hanger done right. I galloped to the end of this book to find myself simultaneously satisfied and anxious with anticipation. I have no idea how Spotwood pulled that off. I'm convinced that she is an extraordinary plotter. I am counting down the days until the next book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles is available.

Hold on--I have more. I adored Cate. She was just the right amount of everything--strong and soft, wise and naive, brave and fearful. Her complexities made her believable and very likable. And then there is Finn. My best compliment is to say that he is worthy of Cate. *sigh* And the rest of Spotwood's characters are rich and complex--which I require in a great book. And this--my friends--is a great book. I'm off to work on my spells, because even though it's dangerous--I'm taking up witchery--because Spotwood makes being Wicked--wonderful!

I thought for sure that Born Wicked was going to turn out to be another one of those books with a gorgeous cover and lackluster story. I was happy to find that not only is Born Wicked not just another "pretty face", it is an enchanting, unique debut that quickly became one of my favorites.

After the death of their mother, Cate Cahill and her sisters are left to teach themselves to control their magic whilst keeping it a secret from not only their father and everyone they know, but also from the Brotherhood. In this society, girls are meant to act as proper ladies. They are not allowed outside without their cloaks drawn over their head and they are forced to decide whether to marry an upstanding suitor or join the Sisterhood (the Brotherhood's counterpart), otherwise the Brotherhood will choose a husband for them when they come of age. Witchery is considered a crime that girls, often wrongly accused, get thrown in the insane asylum for or disappear completely, never to be seen again.

Cate is a brilliant protagonist with her fiery attitude that brought life to the story. She has a good head on her shoulders and she's just so selfless and responsible which isn't easy for a girl in her situation. Her bond with her younger sisters Maura and Tess is an integral part of the story that I greatly enjoyed. Their bond felt genuine, all the more adding to the story. Being an older sister myself, it was easy to connect with Cate on how fiercely protective she is of her siblings.

Naturally, Cate has two men vying for her affection. Paul - her childhood friend that she hasn't seen since he went away to school years before - is the one she is expected to marry. She's fond of him and thinks he's attractive but it is the dreamy Finn Belastra, the town bookshop owner's son (and also her gardener), that she starts to fall for. He's kind, intelligent and adores Cate for who she really is. Did I mention that he had me swooning throughout the entire novel? Their scenes together had me eating up the pages, dying to read even just a little more about the two. I applaud Jessica Spotswood on her talent to write a believable romance that has the power to captivate readers. It's not one of those "Oh my God, I love you and can't live without you!" insta-loves. It was gradual, subtle and sweet and unlike other books, wasn't the focal point of the story.

I haven't read many books with historical aspects, but Born Wicked has definitely made me a fan and I will be looking into other books set in historical times. There is only so much that I can say about this book without spoiling it, but I feel that I do have to say that it ends rather horribly, but definitely in a good, leave you wanting more kind of way. Waiting for the sequel is going to be painful but oh so worth it.

Born Wicked is a wonderful and engaging debut that had me up into the early hours of the morning, eagerly absorbing Jessica Spotswood's breathtaking prose. She has most definitely caught my attention as a magnificent debut author and I am anxiously looking forward to the coming books in The Cahill Witch Chronicles and anything else she pens in the future.

I received this audiobook for review from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.

This story takes place in the late 1800s, and it features the wealthy Cahill family. Mr. Cahill is a scholar but, since the death of his wife, he has spent less and less time at the family estate and often travels to New London. This leaves his three daughters - Cate (16 years), Maura (15 years), and Tess (12 years) - in the care of family servants. The girls have been somewhat like hermits since their mother died, never venturing into the community and socializing with others. Cate also made a promise to her mother before she died that she would take care of her younger sisters and protect them, because no one must know that they are witches!

Cate receives a strange letter from someone with the initials "Z.R." urging her to find her mother's diary and warning her that she and her sisters are in grave danger. Cate discovers that there is a prophecy concerning a trio of sisters who are all witches. It is extremely rare to have three witches in one generation and, at the time that her mother died, both Cate and Maura already displayed their magical abilities. Cate's mother was concerned that if Tess (who was too young at the time to display any magical abilities) manifests as well, it would be likely that they are the ones that have been prophesied about. The prophecy goes on to say that one of the sisters, who will be gifted with mind magic, will be the most powerful witch born in centuries. She will be powerful enough to change the course of history and even bring a resurgence of the witches' power.

The Brotherhood keeps the peace in Chatham by going around and arresting young women whom they believe to be witches. The young ladies are sent to an asylum in Harwood, where they are often never heard from again.

Kate's Intention Ceremony will soon take place, at which time she must decide either to marry and raise a family or join the Sisterhood. Although Kate's childhood friend, Paul McLeod, returns to Chatham and confesses that he would like nothing more than to marry her, Kate is not sure whether to accept his proposal. She feels a very strong attraction to the gardener, Finn Belastra, whose mother owns the local bookstore. Even though the Belastra family is of a lower social class than the Cahill family, it does not stop Cate from falling for charming Finn.

When the neighbourhood busy-body, Regina Corbett, suggests to Mr. Cahill that the girls need a governess to refine them into proper young ladies, Elena Robichaud is hired. Cate soon learns that nothing is as it seems, and that she can trust no one!

I cannot recall ever reading an historical paranormal novel featuring witches! I loved it!! It was a refreshing change from the ever-popular dystopia and vampires. Spotswood's prose is beautiful, and she creates such vivid imagery. I can't believe that this is her debut novel!

Cate is so wise beyond her years. She is completely unselfish, to her own detriment. She is wonderfully complex and carries herself with grace. Not at all snooty, she would rather be pulling weeds in the garden and getting her hands dirty then putting on airs and having tea with the local ladies. The romance between Cate and Finn is so sweet, and it is hard not to root for them. I'll let you decide for yourself after reading this excerpt:

[told in first-person by Cate] "My hands slide up his chest. My mouth reaches for his.

Our noses bump in the dark, but Finn tilts his head sideways until his lips touch mine. They brush back and forth, testing. Tasting. He waits, but I only press closer, and he reads that for the invitation it is. His kisses grow bolder. My toes curl in my slippers; my fingers clench the fabric of his shirt; fireworks explode in my belly.

His mouth explores the sharp line of my jaw, then moves to the hollow of my throat.

"Finn," I sigh. Never in my life has my voice sounded like that.

I know my fingers in his hair and pull his mouth back to mine.

His hands move over me, light as feathers, stroking my back, my hip. Tangling in the sash around my waist, anchoring me tighter against him. My body burns wherever he touches."

A little bit pulse-pounding, isn't it? And that gorgeous cover does the story justice!

The ending was gut-wrenching, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series, Star Cursed, which is slated for release in February 2013.

This is my first narration by Nicole Sudhaus, and I thought she did a fantastic job! She managed to capture the individual personalities of each character, and I was really mesmerized by her voice.

MY RATING: 5 stars!! Loved it! I will likely re-read it again in the future! You should definitely read it! Thanks to Penguin Audio for the opportunity to review this fabulous audiobook!

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A fantastic fantasy set in an alternate world, a strong narrative voice brings the world alive and will make the reader wish it didn't end! The perfect balance between a unique plot and a sweet romance.

Opening Sentence: Our Mother was a witch, too, but she hid it better.

The Review:

Let me start out by saying, this is the book I've been waiting to read. It's a fantasy, with an almost alternate history where witches were once a part of everyday life. They were powerful and respected-until people began figuring out what they could do, like mind magic. Then the people rebelled and the witches were hung or burned at the stake and the Brotherhood took over. The Temples of the Daughters of Persephone were burned to, usually with witches still inside. That was in 1780. Present day, girls are wearing corsets and riding in barouches, but witches are few and far between. There are still witch trials conducted by the Brotherhood, and women old and young are sentenced to hard labor on ships or Harwood-supposedly a mental asylum. Most of the girls convicted, however, aren't witches. But to stand against the Brotherhood is to put yourself in danger, so no one speaks out against them.

Especially not Cate and her sisters. They really are witches. Since their mother died, no one knows their secret. Not even their Father, who's character turned into an empty shell since the mother's death. Cate, Maura and Tess only have each other, but they learn very quickly they can't survive the way they have been. Terrified her sisters will be careless with their magic and expose them, Cate's turned her family into recluses. They only go out to Sunday School and services, to hear the Brothers lecture them on the wickedness of being female. But being reclusive is starting to draw attention, and worse Cate only has six months before she turns seventeen.

At seventeen every woman has to go through an intention ceremony. They either get married, or they join the Sisterhood-the Brotherhood's female annex. These girls seem way to young to be deciding on the rest of their lives. As you meet more of the almost brainwashed society you see how important these choices are and see Cate's peers for who they really are. An engagement has to be announced three months before the intention ceremony, but Cate's prospective fiancee Paul McLeod isn't home yet. And then there's Finn Belastra. The incredibly attractive bookstore owner's son turned gardener for the Cahill family. He seems to understand Cate in a way her childhood friend Paul doesn't. But Cate's a gentlewoman and the last thing she can do is marry beneath her, especially with the Brother's paying such close attention to the bookstore.

But Father's worried Cate and Maura won't make matches at all, especially since they don't move about in society. So in comes their governess Sister Elena, who seems to embody everything the Sisterhood should oppose-vanity, pride, and materialism. Her sisters love her, but Cate is beginning to realize that everything isn't as it seems and she resents Elena for barging into their lives. Having a Sister living with them isn't going to make hiding their magic any easier, but refusing her help would be worse.

The Cahill sister's are in danger. Or so says the note Cate receives from a mysterious ZR and her mother's diary. Turns out there's a lot about magic and the people who wield it that Cate's mother never told her. Like the fact people will begin hunting down the three sisters mentioned in a prophecy-sisters who could very well be the Cahills. Because according to the prophecy, one of the sisters can do mind magic. She can bend anyone to her will and make them forget anything, and she'll either lift the witches up from repression or bring about their destruction. And there's more to the prophecy-the half Cate's mother never wrote down-that will change everything for the Cahill family. No one's safe, and nothing is as it seems.

This story has a wonderful budding romance, but it doesn't overpower the plot. Cate has a lot of choices to make in this book, as do her sisters. She shoulders a lot of responsibility in this novel and it's hard not to pity her for never being able to be a normal girl. But then, what's normal when you have to hide who you are? This book builds a wonderful fantasy world that closely parallels our own, making it easy to understand the culture brought to life in this book. I fell in love with her characters and I am dying to read the next book!

The Cahill Witch Chronicles Series:

1. Born Wicked

FTC Advisory: Putnam Juvenile provided me with a copy of Born Wicked. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review.

Born Wicked is one of those books I would have read just for the cover. Seriously, I love this cover! But when I heard it was historical and was about witches, well- I was sold! And this book really lived up to my expectations!

It starts out just a bit slow and the entire story is slower paced. I thought it worked fine in the second half but the first half could have used maybe a bit more action. However in the whole scheme of things this ended up feeling rather minor to me by the end of the book. The second half I read in pretty much one sitting. It was getting to where I was dying to know more as more and more things we were revealed and I felt like something big was going to happen any moment. There was romance that had me swooning left and right (okay, that sounds kind of funny...) there were twists that I never saw coming and events revealed that could bring about some major catastrophe.

Cate took a bit to get used to. The story is told in first person present tense and I think her voice was just rather different. I can't pinpoint what it was because I'm fairly certain I liked her quite well from the get-go, but there was something about it that took me just a few chapters to adjust to. While Cate does have her faults (she's a bit over-protective of her sisters), it all felt real to me. That's how she should be because her mother placed this responsibility on her and the slightest slip up and they could all be sent away for being witches. I did love that Cate didn't deny herself her true feelings. She would contemplate what she should do and what she truly wanted to do. And she never denied herself the truth. I hate a character that goes on about how they will just force themselves to want something that they don't really and you know it never works out.

The way the romance plays out was pretty sweet. I wished for maybe a bit more time with Finn and Cate together but honestly I don't think we could ever get enough. I liked that they knew eachother for quite some time but as they run into the other time and time again they realize there's something there. And when placed in great danger your deepest, truest emotions come out. And this was one of those romances that I can honestly say was sweet. Yes it was forbidden, but it was still as sweet as they get.

Finn is a big reader and his mother owns the town bookstore. This puts him 'beneath' Cate, who really couldn't care less about that, and under the radar of the Brotherhood who suspect that unapproved books are being sold there. Which is not so good for Cate and her sisters since they are trying to stay off the radar of the Brotherhood. But Finn is just a 'good' guy. He's not good as in he believes in the Brotherhood, but he's scholarly and very smart and isn't about causing trouble. I liked that for once the smart guy gets the girl. But does he really get her? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out!

I very highly recommend you pick this one up! I can't wait for the next one!

Born Wicked is striking with its mysterious description and eye-catching cover; because of this, and the comments from a few blogger friends, I knew this was going to be a must-read for me in 2012.

I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. I was absolutely captivated and enthralled by this debut from Jessica, and impressed with its clever writing and intelligent, thoughtful storyline. This book absolutely, positively CANNOT BE MISSED! You won't regret picking this one up, promise.

Reasons to Read:

1.An intelligent, clever story:
For those of you who love strong heroines and thought-provoking books, this is going to be one novel that you'll want to pick up. Jessica doesn't shy away from pivotal plot twists that further complicate the story, making it harder for Cate to figure things out. And Cate really does end up having to question everything she's known, everything she's ever taken for granted in her world. Everything just seems to be marbled in shades of gray, making it so unclear as to who the real heros and villains are in this story.

2.A Beauty and the Beast love story:
I don't think this was intended at all, but it was something that really struck me while I was reading; Paul is the Gaston to Cate's Belle, leaving Finn as the Beast. Now, there isn't anything wrong with Finn at all, and there isn't any particular curse. It's just that Finn is the last person Cate should fall in love with; but hey, when did that ever stop a YA heroine? Forbidden love is at its best in Born Wicked, with undeniable chemistry and some seriously lucious kissing scenes. Keep a fan nearby to fan yourself; you'll be needing it.

3.Flawless world building:
I seriously adored the alternate history Born Wicked was set in; while it takes place in the 19th Century, it isn't a world we're entirely familiar with and Jessica has made some key changes that only showcase the extent of her creativity and really add to the world she's made.

4.Sisterly love & familial relationships:
Hurray for stories that don't solely revolve around romance! The relationship between Cate and her two sisters, Maura and Tess is so interesting to read about and I love how they each shine through with such different personalities. It made the book that much more enjoyable to read about.

I seriously loved this book so much, and I can already say that it's going to be one of my favourites for this year. And Born Wicked definitely makes it as one of my favourite books of all time too. I'm so excited to see where this series is headed, and I hope to see many more books from Jessica in the future!

ARC received from Razorbill Canada in an online giveaway.

I can officially say that I am in love with this series! I have always loved witches in stories, and this one is by far one of the best! I loved the setting, the story, and the characters. A nice, simple, yet complex storyline that kept me engaged to the very end. You can imagine my relief finding out that this was part of a trilogy in which the final book was released recently. I was in tears by the end of this book, which doesn't happen to me very often. I would recommend anyone a fan of witches or any kind of paranormal/supernatural fan to read this!

Young adult fiction has a tendecy to be predictable, and it gets boring after a while. Not so with this series! I have read Born Wicked a couple of times and am now reading Star Cursed. This series tells the story of three sisters growing up as witches in a society that is taught to loathe and fear them. The author does an amazing job of developing the characters and the world they live in. The storyline has a lot of unique attributes, which is difficult to do in the YA genre where it seems like almost everything has been done before. I recommend this series to people all the time. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Born Wicked. You will be glad you did!

I LOVED this book. I had a very hard time putting it down. My biggest disappointment? That the next book in this series won't be out until next year! I absolutely loved the style of writing and the characters are likable and REAL (even if it is a different time period). I found a few of the twists and turns predictable, but I truly didn't care because I enjoyed reading it so much. I'm very much looking forward to the next book (and the next!). It's set in an alternative time period in New England and my brain had a tough time wrapping around where I was or when I was...but then I would get sucked into the story again and I would not care.

I read this book a few months ago and I'm *still* thinking about it. I was definitely drawn in just like I was for The Hunger Games, Twilight and Harry Potter. I'm looking forward to many more books from this author.

If you enjoy young adult fiction, you would enjoy this book.

I love books about witches and Born Wicked is not an exception. it may have gone a little bit slower than other books, but it didn't bother me at all. the characters were great, although I wanted to slap some of them frequently (which also often happens with books and horror movies). I will definitely read the sequel as soon as possible! :)

Sypnopis: 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.

Review: I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, I'll admit that freely. However- I absolutely loved Born Wicked. The Premise amazed me. It had a very Salem feel to it and you could imagine things so clearly.

Everything about this book seemed almost fairytaleish but that isn't a bad thing. I loved Finn he was amazing right through. I also loved Paul for a short time and I felt slightly bad for him however Cate was amazing. I'm not so sure about Maura but I loved Tess as well. Those two I loved Maura had a little bit of Middle Child Syndrome I think in a way. But they still found ways into my heart (and do I really have to wait until next year to read what happens after that cliff hanger? Seriously?)

The only thing I felt that let go this plot was that it was a bit too slow in places. But I still loved this book and can't wait for the second one in the series.

This book made me cry my eyes out. The ending was just so wrong and now I cannot help but read the other books too. This is the first book that made me cry since like Harry Potter so it was a achievement that way too. I liked this book even though it was scary and very dark. The beginning was kinda slow so at first I thought I wouldn't be able to even finish this book but I'm very glad I did. And now I just have to hunt down the book 2 in the series so I can read more and hope that Cate can marry Finn. IT just has to happen. He is her Edward, I'm just saying!

Why read: Received for review from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program

What impressed me: Damn near everything. I loved the dynamics of the Cahill family, both in how they relate to each other and how the three girls were so different from one another. I loved the magic and how its necessary secrecy made every use both special and dangerous. I loved Cate as the main character, her struggle with her sisters and trying to keep her word to her dead mother. The girls venturing into society after living a reclusive life for so long was really interesting to see.And the ending just blew me away. Never saw it coming and it made me completely desperate for the next book in the series.

What disappointed me: The romance disappointed me, but in a good way. It didn't make me happy, many times made me want to pull my hair out, but I was always so very concerned what would happen next in Cate's love life.It was frustrating in a realistic way that impressed me while making me unhappy.

Recommended: Definitely. Born Wicked is probably the best YA witch book I've read in quite a while.

Continue series: Absolutely. I'm totally involved in what's going to happen to the characters next.

This book was okay. It was slow, slightly boring at times, and really repetitive in terms of how the main character treated her sisters always giving the same lecture. It actually got annoying, super annoying. Only reason i will read the next book is because I am the type that if i start a book that's part of a series, i feel the need to finish. no matter how I feel about the books. This book didnt have any wow factor to it at all.... Reading it was just like going through the motions when your stuck at something tedious..but it entertains

"Born Wicked" captured my attention immediately. The alternate historical setting made the world interesting as well. I did have some complaints, and that was why I gave it 4/5 stars.

The Good:
Cate Cahill is an interesting character in a unique world. While I was reading it, I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her 2 sisters and the two boys involved. The love story was good but not the main theme. I loved Cate as a character. Strong-willed but conflicted. The book seemed to be full of her making tough decisions with no perfect ending. Maybe that was one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much: I had no idea how it would end. And the ending! Fast paced and intense. If the whole story were as interesting as the end, I'd give it 5 stars. I hope that book 2 picks up in the same fast-paced manner rather than reverting back to the slower pace of the middle. I will definitely read book 2 and can't wait to see what happens next.

The Bad:
At times Cate's inner monologue got repetitive, which was why the middle of the book dragged for me. There was a love triangle, as seems to be the norm for YA books these days. Her relationship with Paul McLeod --a boy from her past that is still in love with her-- is based on a previous version of Cate, one that is care free and spontaneous. The main issue I had was that I never saw Cate as care free. Sure, her and Paul were friends before her mother died, but I would've liked to see some of that personality come through. I'd rather see all the different "versions" of Cate than be told about it in the past tense. I think the minor characters were a bit bland and lacking depth. This didn't ruin the story by any means, but my favorite stories develop minor characters too.

In summary, it was a fun read. I can't wait to read the next one. How much I enjoy this story in the long run depends greatly on where the plot goes. Hopefully it continues to surprise.

I could not put this book down. I have read every chance I got and I will gladly recommend this to all my friends. The writing is superb. The writing reminds me of the Sweetness at the bottom of the pie series with the onry Flavia character. This book has mystery, romance, humor. I really did not know how it would end until the last chapter. The subject matter is not too dark and the romance is not to heavy (though there was a moment of girl on girl action) that I think the age recommendation of 12 and up is appropriate. Great job Ms. Spotswood. Can't wait to read more from you!

As Reviewed on The Lost Book Reports

Born Wicked was not exactly what I thought... For some reason the cover made me think it was a book that took place in the south. However, the New England / Salem Witch Trial esque setting worked nicely too. The thing is I just wasn't entirely moved by the plot line and I felt it dragged on. As for the romantic interests, I like both equally but felt no strong loyalties or pull to one or the other. Overall, I won't make reading the rest of the series a priority.

The Cahill sisters are considered "bluestockings" - eccentrics. They have a good reason. They are witches and their mother was a witch. Before their mother was died, the eldest Cahill sister, Cate, promised to take care of her younger sisters Maura and Tess. She thought dressing down and staying out of society would keep them safe, but their reclusive lifestyle and end extra education have drawn more attention. When their father forces a governess on the girls, the Cahill sisters finally enter society as a new way to blend in. It is just in time, too, because the Brotherhood is arresting more and more girls as witches.

Born Wicked takes place in Maine in an alternate late nineteenth century that still deals with witch hunts, except there are real witches out there. The witches used to be in charge, but they were defeated by the Brotherhood, a dangerous and close-minded society of priests. Their counterpart is the Sisterhood, a society of women similar to nuns who take care of the charity side because women are not allowed as much power as men.

Jessica Spotswood's debut is very good. I love how it is a late nineteenth century witch hunt mingled with Victorian fashion and technology. I loved Cate and Tess. Maura got on my nerves, but that could be because I am an only child. I do understand how she acted out of loneliness; it was just in the wrong ways.

Even though it irked me only for the reason that I do not have the next story in my hands, I enjoyed how things worked out and then did not quite work out. Though, all of that stuff better work out before the very end of the Cahill story!

As for the boys, there was really no contest for me. I loved Finn over Paul because Finn stood by Cate for all of the right reasons. I also loved his personality. And his loyalty. And the fact that he loved to read.

I liked the mystery of never knowing who was who and finding out how good some people acted and hid their identities. I never suspected and I was always worried about trickery or things back-firing - in a good way!

Recommended for young adult readers fourteen and older who enjoy a mixture of fantasy and historical fiction. And for those who want to know, it is a clean read!

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4.5 stars

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.

I actually read this book for a book club at my library! I suggested it since Jessica would be at a local bookstore a few weeks later. I loved Born Wicked and devoured it over my spring break! I was a little (okay very) confused about when the book takes place, but it makes more sense over time. There were characters I loved and characters I wanted to murder... It was super fun meeting the author and hope to see her again!

I really enjoyed this book. Cate is a very relatable character and everything is from her POV. She is strong and determined but not without flaws and weakness just like any other human being. There are strong themes of feminism and religious repression present, but never specific enough or preachy. Romantic subplot was also very intriguing. While the idea of "love triangle" is there, its not really relevant to the story because Cate's intentions and feelings are clear as day. I definitely recommend this book.

Born Wicked is about three sisters, with the eldest, Cate telling the tale. Nearing her birthday, Cate must soon choose her future: Marriage to a man she may or may not have a choice in, or spending her life with the Sisterhood. Either choice means leaving her sisters, sisters that have not always made the smartest decisions about hiding the magic they have. In early New England, the hunt for witches has gone to an extreme, and The Brotherhood takes girls who are even suspicious of having magic to an asylum, are forced to hard labor, or in more extreme cases, kill them. The Brotherhood preaches that women should be meek and mild, and discourages them of having passions.

Cate has taken care of her sisters since their Mother's death as best she can, however her Father is having a new Governess brought in. New people means greater risk of exposure, and Cate already has a hard enough time keeping her younger sisters in check. Now with new dangers coming at her from all sides and the discovery of a prophecy almost certainly about their family that puts them even more in danger, Cate is put to the test.

I enjoyed Born Wicked quite a bit, and I found the world intriguing. As someone who'd always been curious about the Salem Witch Trials, it's interesting to see a twist on a world where this is taken to an extreme. Cate is an interesting character who does the best she can with the rotten hand she's been dealt, and I felt for her continuously throughout the book. No decision she makes is easy, and she's often left between choosing from bad to worse. That said, the romance in Born Wicked leaves something to be desired, and definitely screams `insta-love!'. I had a hard time really feeling the emotions Finn and Cate as they seem to happen without any real evolution. While Cate has known Finn since childhood, she never really paid attention to him in the past, nor him with her. The characters seem to go from `friends' to `risking their lives for each other' in mere days.

In regards to Cate's sisters, I often wanted to throttle Maura, her next eldest sister. Headstrong and stuck in her ways, Maura listens to nothing Cate tries to tell her, and is continually putting not just herself, but her entire family at risk for completely selfish reasons. The youngest sibling, Tess is much more interesting, perhaps because we really see so little of her. Not being old enough to be involved in the social situations happening around Cate and Maura, Tess is often left to the background. A middle ground between Maura and Cate, Tess wants to learn how to use her magic but isn't as foolish as her sister about it, and she is the character I'm much more interested in seeing in the future.

While I had some problems with conclusions being leapt to that had no forethought leading to them, I'm interested to see what comes next for the sisters. The prophecy has yet to really come into play, and like any book in a good series, leaves off at a point where I need to know what happens next. Despite some slow pacing in the beginning, Born Wicked picks up in the latter half and I'd recommend it to fantasy fans.

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.
My Thoughts:
So I had tried reading this book once before and couldn't get into it. SOMEHOW I finished it this time and this is all I have to show for it... 2 stars.

UGH.

First off it couldn't hold my attention. It seemed the author wrote in a monotone voice. It was just sluggish and it dragged. THEN it picked up....then died... I can't believe this is a series! blah! I wanted to hit my head against a wall or desk or something because I couldn't get into it. I was bored reading this book. SO why did I finish it? ONE BLOODY CHARACTER grabbed my attention. Finn...

Sorry to all the fans...

I didn't care for the protagonist of this story Cate. She seemed whiny and overbearing. Granted she felt she had a duty and responsibility to help and protect her sisters since the death of their mother. I just couldn't relate I guess? She just seemed annoying!

Finn was the only interesting character although I felt the author decided to change her mind on what kind of character Finn is suppose to be. Bookwormish/nerd or love of books with a strong masculine character. I dunno I felt he started one way and ended another without any character development, it was like he just changed overnight? What's up with that?!

Whatever.

And what is up with this RANDOM out of nowhere sister who reads ROMANCE novel all of a sudden gay?! HUH?! It didn't make sense! nothing against gay people I just didn't get where THAT came from!

Again whatever.

Overall: the idea of the story was great. Witches in hiding while a brotherhood full of hypocrisy tries to take over the world sort of thing.

Sexual Content: moderate (PG)
Language: mild
Violence: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

First, I have to say I think I was born in the wrong century. Books from the 1800's or even early 1900's where girls were proper and wore these amazing dresses always fascinates me. If you knew me, you'd never believe this because I never wear dresses or even dress all that feminine but let me tell you, if we dressed like they did back in the 1800's, I would be in heaven. It's always fascinated me. BORN WICKED is no different. I don't think my mind would be fitting for a girl of that era but I would try. Girls are so proper and just so - I don't know what word I'm looking for. I respect them because, like Cate, its like society wants you to dumb yourself down to make the male sex appear to be superior. I have to say I'm glad we've moved past that but if only we still dressed like this...

Now, moving on from what they wear . . . this book was amazing. I'll admit, I don't read many witch books; I'm not sure why I don't. I actually like the idea of witches but I guess a lot of these types of books haven't sparked any interest with me? But I'm definitely going to be searching for some because I really enjoyed reading this. There wasn't a whole lot of magic used but enough to appease an appetite for it.

Cate Cahill is the oldest child in her family and with the death of her mother; she has now become the woman of the house. She is sixteen years old and is on the verge of being forced into an engagement with a suitor. All girls must announce their intended three months before their seventeenth birthdays, which hers is coming up faster than she anticipated. She assumes her suitor will be her childhood friend, Paul McLeod, but she hasn't seen him in years and he never even came home from University for her mother's funeral. That doesn't sit well with Cate but he comes home and makes it a point to sweep her off her feet. It's apparent his intentions for her but an unlikely suitor sneaks in to the picture. Finn Belastra. He's not a respectable boy from a well respected family, in fact, he's been hired by Cate's father as their new gardener. But you can't control what your heart wants - but sometimes you need to make sacrifices, whether your heart agrees or not.

There is a prophecy talking about three sisters who will come of age at the turn of the twentieth century who will either help the witches come back to rule in their power they once had or become a second terror. Cate believes she and her two younger sisters, Maura and Tess, are these sisters and it scares her. She promised her mother she would protect her sisters but what happens when she finds out part of the prophecy that will have her sisters turn against each other with one of their lives on the line? To what lengths would you go to protect your sisters? The only friends you've ever really had, the ones you swore your mother you'd protect right before she died? It's a heavy burden that Cate carries...

This is another love triangle I really love. Lots of triangles annoy me but this, no, not this one. I really liked Paul when he first appeared in the story, but it didn't take long for my feelings to change about him. He's not a bad guy, per say, just not the best, either. Especially when it came to how he once treated Finn, that made me change my views on him. But I can see why Cate is so torn between them or what they represent, really.

This book has religion in it but again, it's done nicely where it's not being shoved down one's throat. I respect that. And it was needed for the story, it was used nicely. The Brotherhood are those overly religious types who like to force their ways down your throat, and unfortunately here, they have the power to be able to do so. To me, they are the devil.

I love how balanced this book was. Not a whole lot of action, not a whole lot of magic, not too much romance but enough - it was so evenly balanced and it was paced perfectly that the reader will just want to keep turning page after page. The tension between Cate and the middle sister, Maura, makes it relatable if you have a sister or even brother of your own. Siblings are at each other's throats a lot. This book was just, overall, put together wonderfully.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves books written in the Steampunk time period's. If you like Fateful, Infernal Devices, etc - I think you'll enjoy this. Obviously, if you're into magic and witches, this is a book you'll want to pick up. Even if you're really not, like me, you'll want to pick this up if you're into fantasy novels.

I bought the hard copy of this book a while ago and came online to see if the second book was available on kindle. I felt compelled to leave a review because i absolutely adored it.

The writing is exceptional, the characters lovable. Definitely one of my favourite books.

The only negative comment? The reference/comparison to Twilight in the blurb where the details on this book are noted. For starters it's far better thsn Twilight, they're in no way related and the book is good enough to stand alone. Readers will enjoy this book for what it is.

I look forward to reading more of this author's writing.

There's no good way for me to start this review except to just come straight out and say that this book disappointed me. With a pretty cover and interesting premise but lacking in world-building, solid pacing, and full characterization, BORN WICKED seems to exemplify all that is characteristic of recently published YA that are big hits but technically weak. So what follows is probably going to be more of a what-not-to-do essay for YA writers, and I hope to God that future writers and publishers will take these points into consideration before publishing their books.

Every day Cate Cahill worries that today's the day she and her younger sisters Maura and Tess will be exposed as the witches they are. The Brotherhood, which controls almost every aspect of life in New England, nearly wiped out the Daughters of Persephone several decades ago, and Cate fears for their lives every day.

When a warning note from a stranger and her mother's diary reveal to Cate a dreadful prophecy that affects them all, Cate finds herself ever more mired in the events and relationships of Chatham: trying to decide what the new friendships of several popular girls in town means, dealing with a suspicious new governess, fending off the advances of her childhood friend, falling for someone completely inappropriate for her, and delving more into her mother's history and the details of the prophecy. The more Cate explores, the more she realizes that few people are who they seem...and they all seem to want something from her. But what about what she wants for herself?

So let's begin by going down that list, I guess. BORN WICKED claims to take place in an alternate history of the world, but unless your copy of the book came with the Editor's Note saying so, it's extremely difficult to figure out the "rules" of said world. BORN WICKED is set in an alternate world where New England is religiously oppressed and women dream of someday going to "Dubai" and engaging in freedom of expression. All of these similarities-but-differences beg the question: so where in the course of Earth's history did things change? Only that is never explained in the book. There is no explanation of any "turning points" that led to this alternate course of history. Instead we simply have proper nouns like Dubai and New London and Mexico and the Indo-China War with no anchors in our own history. We have details like dress shapes and vague descriptions of architecture but the details seem to be a jumbled mix of Victorian, American Colonial, and Asian history.

Look. If you want to write a fantasy, then just make up different names and say that your inspiration came from the Salem Witch Trials. Dune is often said to be an allegory of the Middle East oil crisis, but it's not set in the Middle East of our world, is it? If you want to write a story that has its roots in our world, then you damn well better explain in the story how your fictional setting came about. People seem to be confused about how to world-build different genres. For the record, science fiction, dystopian, and alternate-history settings require MORE world-building than fantasy, because they are a what-if regarding a possible different future or past track that we could take. Science fiction, dystopian, and alternate-history settings must, if anything, read like contemporary fiction: the world in the story must be completely natural for readers.

I think I've said enough about that one subject. Moving on.

Some people think it's a good thing that the last several chapters of a 300-plus-page book are dramatic and full of startling revelations and villains going BOOM and protagonists agonizing over difficult decisions that they must make in a pinch of a moment. This is not a good thing. It means that the pacing is uneven and that the rest of the book up until the last few dramatic chapters either drag painfully or could have been condensed into a few chapters without losing anything. You don't sell a 300-plus-page book by saying, oh my goodness, but just wait until you get to page 300. Page 300?! No. The first 300 pages need to be tight. They need to be informative. They need to ensnare the reader. The last few chapters CANNOT justify the first several hundred pages. I don't find the last few dramatic chapters of a book to ever justify the amount of time I spent dragging myself through the first several hundred pages.

And finally, characterization. Writers, minor characters deserve almost the same amount of thought and development you give to major characters. Consider that, if they were real (which is kind of the point of writing fiction: to make everything feel as real and believable as possible, no matter your intention for doing so), minor characters could and should have the potential to be protagonists of their own stories somewhere out there. All of the characters in BORN WICKED are kind of jumbled together in my mind. No one stands out. The Biggest and Baddest Villains are Completely Opaque-Black Badddd, but nearly everyone else's natures and backstories seem to be able to be summarized in just two sentences each. If you want your characters--and thus, essentially, your story--to be memorable for readers, this is not the way to go.

BORN WICKED is probably not better or worse than most of the other hyped YA out there, but, coming at the end of a looooong line of other hyped YA that display the same problems, it has, unfortunately, been forced to bear the brunt of my frustration with recent YA. BORN WICKED really isn't bad, depending on what standards you have. If you've found yourself enjoying most of the YA bestsellers of the past year or so, then BORN WICKED will be your cup of tea. If you are looking for standout YA that elevate the genre, though, it may be best not to have too high expectations for this book. I'm going to get off the computer and go hit some walls now.

BORN WICKED is a strong historical fantasy debut by newcomer Jessica Spotswood. Similar to A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) with hints of Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy, Book I) and Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices), the female characters are the dominate ones in the story, and sisterhood is what its all about!

Set in an alternate-history 1900, 16-year-old Cate Cahill struggles with being the oldest of three motherless girls, trying to keep her sisters in line and their magic.

Yes, you heard that right. Their magic.

Why?

Because in this alternate history, Cate and her two sisters, Maura and Tess, are witches and can do magic, and Cate's the strongest of them all and can do mind magic, allowing her to "fix" people's memories.

But in their society, magic is forbidden and women should be docile. They are taught that marriage is the important thing -- or if not marriage, then join the Sisterhood (the all female government group that rules alongside the Brotherhood). All girls must decide on their 17th birthday what they want to do.

16-year-old Cate is flung into months of vividly descriptive tea parties, new friendships, a new governess to keep Cate and her sisters "right" in society, and a love triangle. Between Paul, her childhood friend, and Finn, the scholarly bookstore's son, it is hard to choose, although I am happy to say Cate does make a choice by the end of the book!

Cate is a strong heroine, who is often times unsure of herself and is worried a lot for her sisters and for herself, who many readers will be able to relate to. Who hasn't gotten into a fight with their sister? So, maybe it hasn't resulted in a magical catastrophe, but we've still all been there...

Highly, highly recommended for those who like pretty ball gowns, friendship, sister-relationships, cute boys that read, alternate history and rich, vivid descriptions.

Ages: 12+ (No cursing and not much sexual content)

I didn't enjoy this book. I would have put it on my Did Not Finish list if it wasn't so short. It ended okay, but I couldn't seem to care about any of the characters. They all seemed pretty bland. I don't think I will be finishing this series.

AMAZING!!! I couldn't put it down. I am now dying to find out what happens to Cate and her sisters. So beautifully written and a truly enthralling story. I immersed myself in Jessica Spotswood's world and I am literally sad that I have to wait to read more. This is the best book I've read in AWHILE. A+++

What an amazing plot with great characters and smooth writing! Never a dull moment, full of life, love, magic, sadness and disappointment. Beautiful setting and such an interesting story! You will not want to put this book down once you get to know the witch sisters. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Jessica Spotswood creates beautiful strong girls in a world that isn't that different from what we live in today. It's a scary world where the girl's struggle is too familiar. Full of love and heart, I loved the characters. Even Cate, who is hard to love at first.

So I read this a few weeks ago and though it started out slow, the mystery and intrigue of the Cahill Sister's abilities and secrets really kept me on edge. In a society where just being a woman is grounds for suspicion of being a witch, its really fun to see how they try to hide their abilities and prevent themselves from being discovered by the demanding Brotherhood. With just a dash of romance and a pinch of danger, this story really kept me on edge and I am eager for the next book in the Cahjill adventures.

I picked up the book because I went to school with the author. I have never been one to read a book about witches but I thought I'd give it a try. And let me tell you, I was very impressed. It was good, very good. Jessica gets right to the point immediately, showing the relationship between family, especially one with a deep secret, a threat to the sisters with the village villians, throws in Romance and Magic!!!! I can't wait to read the sequal when it comes out. I had it read in only a couple of days. A must read for everyone!!!

I went back and forth many times between 3 and 4 stars for this book. Having real witches in my family tree, I was fascinated by the story line.

At first, my only complaint was that the story moved too slowly. I thought the first description of things such as eyes and hair would suffice. I found myself skimming through on many occasions just to pass through the obvious. Don't get me wrong. I think this is a great book and I am looking forward to the next chapter. I am hoping the author gets more to the point after describing scenery and curls.

Faster faster please. And yes, do read this book! You won't regret it.

***Note*** I started this review (all that was written above) and actually liked the book enough to search for similar books. Lucky for me, I found a trilogy from Nora Roberts that made me take a closer peek. The first of the trilogy is 'Dance Upon The Air'. I read the preview and bought it online immediately.

I am so happy I did. I am only a short way through but already see an immediate resemblance with 'Born Wicked'. Maybe Jessica Spotswood read this a while back and loved it so much she felt compelled to write her own book based on three witches.

Either the case, I am delighted to have found the Nora Roberts trilogy. The opening scene is simply magical! Imitation is still the purest form of flattery.

UPDATE TO MY REVIEW: I am ninety pages into the Nora Roberts book and can no longer recommend 'Born Wicked'. It seems to be much to similar. However, 'Dance Upon The Air' has more story in the first one third of the book than BW had in the entire book. I have never once skimmed past a paragraph- much less pages as I did in BW.

The story of three witches is indeed fascinating to many. I'm back to finish 'Dance Upon the Air'. Read the prologue and you'll most likely be hooked as I am.

This was a quick read! Jessica Spotswood really knows how to work suspense and romance into a great story! At times it was a little slow but then it picked right back up again. It was a fantastic book. I can't wait for the next book in this awesome new series!

I was so excited for Born Wicked to come out. I waited patiently for whoever had it checked out to return it to the library so that I could read it. I don't like buying books before I try them out first, and I am super that I got this one from the library first. This book was such a disappointment. The pacing was slow, the plot was boring, the characters were all brats, and the world-building was non-existent. I wanted to love Born Wicked so much, but it fell completely flat for me. The only thing that redeemed it was that the writing was good, even if it was boring. That's what saved this novel from an F rating.

Let's start with the characters. I think Cate was supposed to be a strong woman in an oppressed society, but instead, she just came across as a whiny brat who's too weak to stand up for what's right. Oh she thinks she's noble, but she's not. She's a coward and she's weak. Maura is a temperamental brat, and I wanted her to get shipped off to the nuthouse or something. I really couldn't stand her. Tess was a pushover, but still the strongest of the three. The Sisterhood and the Brotherhood are both bunches of bullies. Finn was weak and Paul was just annoying. Basically I didn't like anyone in this book.

The plot was supposed to be a mystery, I think, or suspenseful, or something. I'm sure there was some point to this book other than to serve the author's purpose of preaching a message, but I'm not sure what, exactly, it was. I mean I guess it could have been a romance, but the ending kind of killed that for me. Sure, Finn and Cate were fine together, but I've seen better couples in YA. Of course, if I had been able to tolerate Finn and Cate, that may have helped. Also, I never felt like anything bad was really going to happen. This is the most anti-climactic novel I've ever read. I was completely bored the entire time. I had to make myself finish this book, and the only reason I did was because I kept hoping it'd get better at the end.

The pacing was slow-as-molasses, and the smallest and most insignificant things drag out FOREVER. There was also no world-building to speak of. I think this was the Victorian era, but they talked in modern colloquial phrases sometimes, so I can't be sure. I mean if she hadn't stated she was in New England and talked about carriages, I wouldn't have know where this book was taking place. And for all the history about horrible witches, Brotherhood, male dominance, etc., I still don't feel like I know anymore about the world than I did to start with.

As I previously stated, the only redeeming factor about this novel was the author's writing. Spotswood has a good writing style, but style alone isn't enough to make me pick up the next book in the series. This is one that I won't be continuing.

I loved this book the twists an turnd at the end...as well as it had a huge cliff hanger at the end so I'm excited to read number 2...does any one know when it will be out? Because I would be first in line to buy it....so please let me know

I would like to start this review by stating that I believe all writers should have the freedom to write whatever they want. I do not believe in book banning or publishing censorship. That being said, that freedom should be restricted to an adult audience. There is a perfectly legitimate reason why teenagers aren't allowed to drive a car until 16,vote until 18 and buy alcohol until 21; it's called maturity.

Though Born Wicked was unique and different and the writing was wonderful, it should not have been marketed or published to a teen audience. There was an incredible amount of inappropriate agenda pushing. Gay rights was mentioned at least three times in three separate occasions before page 61. There was a disrespectful misrepresentation of Christianity that was forced onto the characters by an extreme group of overbearing patriarchal rule. And the female characters were all forced into "arranged" teen marriages at the ripe age of 17. I didn't get the point? So you believe gays should be able to legally marry, Jesus should be crucified AGAIN and men are the spawn of Satan with one agenda: to have non-consensual sex as much as possible and lord over you like a slave master. Great! More power to you! It's just not great for teens. At. All. The main character could have easily been changed to someone in her early 20's, still dealing with the same issues and younger siblings and I think it would have made a great adult novel and would have probably done very well. I did not see the point of marketing it to teens.

This was all written of course, as overly dramatic to make a point and to world build; I understand that. But the point is, a teenager probably wouldn't. Teenagers are still children, that's why they still live at your house, eat your food and spend your money. Most teens are not mature enough to process and/or cope with such adult topics. Parents talk all the time about the negative effects that the overtly explicit media has on children; how it robs them of their innocence. Please let teenagers be teenagers! Leave the adult topics to the adults.