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Blessed with a gift...cursed with a secret.
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.
Jessica Spotswood (www.jessicaspotswood.com) lives in Washington, DC, with her playwright husband and a cuddly cat named Monkey. She's never happier than when she's immersed in a good story, and swoony kissing scenes are her favorite.
I was so looking forward to reading Born Wicked from the moment I heard about it and it did not disappoint. The more I think about the story, the more I like it. The story opens right away with magic, no holding back here. And anyone that reads my reviews know how I love my characters and the characters drive this story. The addition of the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood adds some scare and dread factor for the girls. There are a few mysteries to the story that were easy to guess and it was logical for things to go in that direction, I just wish that it would have been more surprising in those aspects. Even with that I still loved the storyline and the idea behind it all. I was left wondering where the story would go from the ending and how it will affect each of the sisters and the other characters that were featured more prominently. Yes, I will absolutely, definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2012
Was given this book as a gift, as it is not one I would have typically chosen myself - and I'm so glad I read it!
Excellent storyline and expertly written. I grew to love the characters and I never wanted to put this book down.
This is book 1 of a trilogy and I'm bummed I have to wait to start the next book.
Never heard of this author before but she sure has my attention now.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.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!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nicollee
Posted March 13, 2012
AMAZING! soomething unexpectecd. it was the first time that i read a book where the story line was in the olden days. i love the whoe concept of the book. i cant wait to read whats next!!!!!
BUY IT(:
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.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!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.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.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have spent so much time thinking about what to say about this book. I bought Born Wicked as part of the Breathless Reads Tour 2011 although it is Historical Fiction and deals with witches which are not my first choice for my reads. However while reading Born Wicked I became immersed in the story, how was Cate to escape her fate in a world and time where women had no rights? Would true love win out or would society be stronger?
How far have we come as a society but yet how many things are still wrong just displayed differently. Watching Cate try to fit into society to protect her sisters is something I see still happen today. Those who don't fit in have a hard time in society. Though we may not have calling hours and fancy dresses we as girls are still expected to socialize and dress with the current fashion. The fact that this book was able to get me thinking is to the author's credit.
Now not only did I find this book good for the feminist debate it started in my mind, but Jessica also nailed the relationships of the sisters. I am the oldest sister with a younger sister (four years my junior), I see my own relationship with my sister reflected in the relationship between Cate and Maura. Then we have the beautiful romantic relationships, and as I do not want any major spoilers I will just say that Jessica creates the perfect kisses leaving this girl swooning. <3
I gave this beautiful novel a 4/5. If you love historical fiction, strong female characters, good kissing scenes, and witches this is a book for you. :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.For a book I thought I'd love, I have lots of issues with Born Wicked. The biggest being with Cate, the main protagonist. Cate is judgmental and overbearing. She thinks very little of the other girls in town, even though she doesn't really know them and never allows her sisters (Maura & Tess) to make decisions for themselves. I mean its very clear how much Cate loves her sisters, but at what cost? I felt a lot of the conflict in the novel could have been completely avoided if Cate had just trusted her sisters enough with what she learns about their mother.
Though I didn't like Cate, I did love every minute she spent with Finn. He's smart, kind, values his family and isn't afraid to protect the people he loves. Their connection is undeniable and I enjoyed how their courtship was right for the time period too, its completely enthralling. It was their chemistry and relationship that keep me turning pages even when I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish the book.
The novel's pacing is incredibly slow and I'm not usually the type of reader that has problems with things like that. Part of the pacing problem was that I never felt like the sisters were in any real danger. You hear the past stories about the witches that were arrested, imprisoned or murdered, but you rarely see it. When you do, it seems more like something that's just happening than any real threat to Cate or her sisters. I found that very disappointing.
Also for a novel about witches I didn't think there was enough magic in it. When magic is used its always explained instead of shown.
The ending of the novel left me confused since a lot of things happen very quickly and I wanted more of a explanation as to why Cate makes the decision she does. Lets just say I wasn't happy with her choice. I was also unhappy with the lack of resolve involving Maura and Tess as some big things happen to them. While I realize its the first book in a planned series and we aren't going to get all the answers, I guess I felt there was just too much set up and not enough revealed.
I guess there's no hiding how much I wanted to love this novel but was left extremely disappointed instead.
Anonymous
Posted March 30, 2013
Like i luv how they made the storyline like old fashioned,but it had this modern interest 2 it, like u can tell the three sisters luv eachother, but hav sisterly rivarly with like supernal , powers so id' ll like 2 see how thats going 2 affect the next book
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2013
It has suspense, romance, a bit of action, and witches!!!!!" AMAZINGNESS!!!!! A MUST READ!!!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters and I loved how well developed they were. The setting was really interesting to read about, and it was terrible how women were treated. The way the magic was told about was wonderful, and all the things they could do was amazing. I loved the style of writing and how a lot was explained, even though it was told entirely in Cate's point-of-view. I read a measly 3½ books over my 8-day vacation, and this one only took me 1 day to read, which is impressive considering it took me just over two days to read The Hunger Games.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Holly_at_GeekGlitter
Posted January 4, 2013
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.
I've had Born Wicked sitting on my shelf for a month or so now and have been dying to read it. I'm glad I found the time because it was amazing! Jessica Spotswood created a society that is reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials, but has its own unique twist.
Cate Cahill and her two sisters have been hiding their magic from their father and the community. After their mother's death, Cate has only ventured outside her home when need be. Confining her and her sisters to their home and garden, she needs to find a boy who will ask for her hand in marriage or be forced to join the sisterhood. With only a few months to go, Cate has to become a lady and keep her sister's antics in check without drawing too much attention.
I adore Cate. Her mother asked her to keep her sisters safe, and she hasn't let her down yet. Cate is protective of her sisters and would do anything to ensure that they come to no harm, even give up her own happiness. Her younger sisters, Maura and Tess, don't control their magic well and flaunt it around their home, putting them all in danger if anyone were to stop by. Cate is put in the position of scolding them, becoming a hypocrite when it happens to her.
There were a few things I liked and one thing I am not too happy about. I loved that Cate wasn't stupid. She knows what's at stake and does everything she can to keep those around her from finding out the truth. Unlike Maura, she isn't naive. She can tell when she is being lied to. I also liked that the sisters acted like true sisters. They got in fights and kept secrets. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I was extremely disappointed and I'm not sure if I would have chosen the same thing Cate did.
Overall, I loved Born Wicked. The ending devastated me and I can't wait to read book two, Star Cursed. I would highly recommend this book if you are interest in the Salem Witch Trials or witches in general!!
RavenKY
Posted September 18, 2012
This was a wonderful start to this series! And I'm dying for the next book in the series also!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LinaLovesToRead
Posted August 19, 2012
I read the description of the book, and since I already loved the show Charmed I figured I would like this as well. This is a great book! It is well written and has a good story line. It takes place in New England a few hundred years back. The vocabulary is with the current time. Every once and a while I find myself looking up a word or two. I really like this book and the main characters. I cant wait to read the next one. I would def recommend this, if you are a fan of Charmed or not!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 14, 2012
I am a fan of the show Charmed, so i figured this would be a good story for me. I really like this book. Interesting characters, and read written. I would recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this book; a bit predictable, but suspenseful nonetheless.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 16, 2012
I jus finished reading this book and i really enjoyed it!! It was good from start to finish!!...its been awhile since i read a book that sucked me in at page 1...i really wish book 2 was out already!!!!.... :)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.trishalovesbook4life
Posted July 15, 2012
love this book cant wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Novelsontherun
Posted July 7, 2012
I loved this book. I’m going to be honest and say that it was a little slow the storyline for the first 100 pages or maybe a little more.....but now....I can’t wait for book 2.
This is a great read once we get right into the story, past the getting to know characters and I know it will only get better as more books enter the reading world.
Tess, Maura and Cate , are 3 sisters who are all witches. Tess uses magic like any 12yr old would do when told not to do something. She is a little mischievous. Maura is 15 and feisty and a little out spoken. Cate is nearing 17yrs and is sensible, worried for all their safety. She knows truly what is at stake if Brother Ishida comes knocking.
There is a prophecy, the Brotherhood ( grrrrrrr...) and the Sisterhood. You don’t want Brother Ishida at your door with his goon squad as he has proclaimed you to be a witch, mostly because he says so and off you go to the mad house or to the prison ship.
This story is set in 1896. The Cahill Sister’s mother is dead and their father away working, almost constantly. A Governess has been brought in to transform these girls into the upstanding , well bred ladies that they are and to get them married off when they come of age.
Enter Paul McLeod, Cate’s best friend who she grew up climbing trees with and mucking about. He has returned from New London and both parties have grown older and more handsome. Paul has the best intentions. I like Paul but he isn’t for Cate. Hopefully he shows us a deeper character, one that will fight for Cate.
Then enter Finn Belastra...* sigh * , the resident intellectual gardener who wants to tend a bit more than the roses. He is swoon worthy and smart. He is a gardener by circumstance, brains he has, but he also has a sense of loyalty to his mother and sister.
This is when the story gets real interesting. There is the most wonderful snogging, letters get revealed, girls get taken, secret rooms, banned books, hidden weaponry , more snogging. Secrets are revealed, there are sacrifices to be made and there is Finn. I can’t wait to see Finn in action.
What I am looking forward to in the sequels is, some action scenes, I’m talking Harry Potter verbal magic sparring without the wands, two guys fighting for Cate and her sisters, more of the totally corrupt Brother Ishida. This guy has two sets of rules and currently needs a rather hard ‘stinky dead fish slap’ from me. Dear old dad to wake up to his daughters strife and to find out what the deal truly is with the Sisterhood.
There are a couple great twists in this book, which I really enjoyed.
Jessica visually writes her scenes beautifully. I loved the bookshop and the garden.
Can the Sisterhood truly be trusted to look out for those within their walls or are they just as bad to a certain extent as the Brotherhood?
This book got very exciting and I wish we had more excitement to read before I turned the last page .
Jessica Spotswood has started something that I want to follow through until the end. I am waving the Team Finn T-shirt and can’t wait to read more about Cate and her sisters.
Oh, and how gorgeous is this book cover?
Overview
Blessed with a gift...cursed with a secret.
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 ...