these witches don’t burn by Isabel Sterling

Eighty-seventh book of 2020

Reading period: Oct 19th 2020 – Oct 24th 2020

Summary

Hannah’s a witch, but not the kind you’re thinking of. She’s the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she’s ever caught using it in front of a Reg (read: non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly By Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans.

But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah’s concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah’s sure it’s the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica.

While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she’s going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem’s witches become deadlier by the day.

Rating

Review

This story surprised me a lot. I dive into it right away, and I didn’t want to stop. You have a good part of mystery in this town, and when everything unravelled, I was so stunned by it, that I took a break in my reading. You have a ton of elements and a ton of suspects which make you doubt about everything.

I like that the setting is in Salem (like duh; it’s a coven!) Nevertheless, the past of the magic and how everything works now is so well detailed. This makes the world of this story clear and real. Also, the magical world is layered, which add a lot to the dynamics between the characters in the story.

I bought the next book right away. I am up to read it as even if you don’t have a real cliffhanger, you want to know what is happening next.

Liz.