Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Published February 7th by Putnam

Reviewed from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary

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:

I have always loved reading about magic and witches, and my shelves are full of books that reflect that. Born Wicked is definitely a highlight, one that caught me by surprise though the lovely cover should have been a clue to the story inside. 

I immediately adored Cate, and felt the burden of what she had been left with, her responsibilities and her secrets. Desperate to have a life of her own, yet also protect her sisters the story revolves around the time where she must announce her intention to marry or join the sisterhood,

I remember when I was ten my mom and I went on vacation and toured Massachusetts and Salem was on of our stops. I was fascinated and terrified as we went through the exhibits in Salem and I learned about the Salem witch trials. It was horrifying to think of young women who may be slightly different being accused and tortured. It also amazed me at the power men had. 

I thought about that power as I read Born Wicked and the Brotherhood, their judgements and cruelty. The Brotherhood is truly terrifying and every page I worried that the sisters would be found out.

Born Wicked is well written, full of suspense, magic and just the perfect amount of romance laced throughout, I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly Recommended.