Paranormal Book Club: Born Wicked

For the newcomers: Alexa, DJ, Kristin and I unofficially formed the Paranormal Book Club and the goal is to re-read (or in some cases, read for the first time) old YA paranormal books. The plan is to read a book/series per season (which I'm tracking here) and after, we'll answer five questions.

So far we've read The Iron Fey, Beautiful Creatures, Sweet Evil, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone together and today I'll be talking about latest read: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood.

Here are my thoughts:

1. What were your initial thoughts about the book? Were you excited to read it?
   This was a first-time read for all of us and that alone was pretty exciting since that hadn't been the case for any of the previous books we read together. Born Wicked takes place in an alternate version of 1890s America where witches exist but are hated and persecuted. Enter the three Cahill sisters, Cate (the main protagonist), Maura (who I didn't like at all), and Tess (the youngest, who I thought was great), who are all witches and hiding their abilities. Because if the Brotherhood discovered the truth about them, they'd be sent off to an asylum or killed. Due to that fear and their mother's death, Cate as the oldest has vowed to do everything she can to protect her sisters. But as she begins to uncover truths about her family, the society she thought she knew, and magic, all while falling in love for the first time, her worlds get turned upside down. I thought the world-building and the premise of the story were very strong and intriguing. I didn't deeply connect with any of the characters but I do have a soft spot for the youngest sister, the love interest Finn, and Cate just for all that she does. 
   
   
2. What was your favorite quote or passage, and why did it resonate with you?
   “Reading is the perfect escape from whatever ails you.” I mean, do I even need to explain why? 
   
   
3. Which character did you relate to the most, and what was it about them that you connected with?
   Probably Cate. I'm not the oldest of three sisters but among my 10 cousins, 2 are younger than me and I certainly act like an older sister to them. I related to the love she felt for her family and the lengths she would go to protect them. But I also related to her frustration at her middle sister not listening to her and to the responsibility of it all when she too wanted love and freedom like everyone around her. 
   
   
4. Was there anything you wanted to see more of in the book, like more page time for a secondary character or a plot point you wish was explored more?
   I wouldn't have minded more Finn and Tess! They felt the most honest and real, which showed in their relationships with Cate and how they brought out those same qualities in her. 
   
   
5. What are your final thoughts? Would you read this book again and/or continue with the series? Would you read another book written by the same author?
   I liked it! The ending in particular was very strong and makes you want to continue. At least that's the effect it had on me! I am curious to know how the story pans out so I think I will eventually continue but I don't feel the need to do so right away. 

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Don't forget to check out what Alexa, and DJ 

had to say about Born Wicked!

And if you want to learn more about 

Paranormal Book club and our past reads, go here.