Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked (Cahill Witch Chronicles, #1)

by Jessica Spotswood

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.

Reviewed by Angie on

5 of 5 stars

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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!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 2 March, 2012: Finished reading
  • 2 March, 2012: Reviewed