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andriakennedy's review against another edition
2.0
It kills me to write this review. (I feel like I'm trying to type with lead weights attached to every finger) I adore Ms. Albert; I hung on every word of the Hazel Wood series, forfeiting sleep and chores to finish chapters. When I needed to delay a trip to the store to pick up this book, I threw a tantrum that I'd need to wait ONE extra day to hold it. Her imagery defies description, and her imagination is beautifully wicked.
But I was bitterly disappointed in the unfulfilled promises of everything from the characters to the plot. Turning pages, hoping for a new depth or secret to arise, I found nothing more than obscured mirrors of The Craft (ironic as the movie received a mention). Stereotypes proliferated where I least wanted them, pushing me further and further away from engagement. And the anticipated tension failed to arrive. By the middle of the book, I'd unraveled the entire "mystery" and predicted the ending - with complete accuracy, unfortunately. Turning pages became a hunt for more of Ms. Albert's luscious wordplay rather than a need to discover answers.
The Hazel Wood series turned the trope of fairy tales upside-down and inside-out, leaving you questioning everything you thought of favored stories. It was a complete revelation, and I wanted the same from the witch concept. I opened the book expecting a fresh suspense angle and familial cursing, knotted into a new nightmare. Instead, I found a repetition of the usual pathways writers have tread for decades - possibly centuries. And it broke my heart.
Unless that was her intent (unusual), I wish I had a way to lock the memories of the book away.
But I was bitterly disappointed in the unfulfilled promises of everything from the characters to the plot. Turning pages, hoping for a new depth or secret to arise, I found nothing more than obscured mirrors of The Craft (ironic as the movie received a mention). Stereotypes proliferated where I least wanted them, pushing me further and further away from engagement. And the anticipated tension failed to arrive. By the middle of the book, I'd unraveled the entire "mystery" and predicted the ending - with complete accuracy, unfortunately. Turning pages became a hunt for more of Ms. Albert's luscious wordplay rather than a need to discover answers.
The Hazel Wood series turned the trope of fairy tales upside-down and inside-out, leaving you questioning everything you thought of favored stories. It was a complete revelation, and I wanted the same from the witch concept. I opened the book expecting a fresh suspense angle and familial cursing, knotted into a new nightmare. Instead, I found a repetition of the usual pathways writers have tread for decades - possibly centuries. And it broke my heart.
Unless that was her intent (unusual), I wish I had a way to lock the memories of the book away.
eperaino's review against another edition
4.0
3.5-4
Very different book - dark and moody. I enjoyed the story and was thoroughly engaged. It got a smidge cheesy at times with the teenage language but I enjoyed it.
Very different book - dark and moody. I enjoyed the story and was thoroughly engaged. It got a smidge cheesy at times with the teenage language but I enjoyed it.
bina_malde's review against another edition
4.0
The paranormal and semi-historical elements in the blurb drew me in, but I didn't expect the creepiness. I tend to steer away from horroresque novels, so be aware it is more eerie than you might expect.
Dual in dual time lines from both mother and daughter, with Ivy, the daughter, trying to unravel the twisted mystery of her and her mother's pasts.
As the reader we get a front row insight into the younger Dana's deeds and meddling in witchcraft. We follow as Ivy tries to discover what transpired with her mother and her mother's friends, and how it now impacts her.
Dual in dual time lines from both mother and daughter, with Ivy, the daughter, trying to unravel the twisted mystery of her and her mother's pasts.
As the reader we get a front row insight into the younger Dana's deeds and meddling in witchcraft. We follow as Ivy tries to discover what transpired with her mother and her mother's friends, and how it now impacts her.
saraplanzreadz's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for the physical arc of this book in exchange for a review.
Our Crooked Hearts would definitely appeal to fans of the The Craft, Practical Magic, and Charmed. Told from the alternating perspective of Ivy and her mother Dana, this story explores Dark Magic, female friendship, along with the give and take of complex mother/daughter relationships, all wrapped up in a mystery that spans two generations. Ivy knows her mother is keeping secrets from her and after a mysterious run-in with an unknown girl, Ivy begins to try to put together clues to her mother's past, as well as her own. Ivy discovers her mother is part of a powerful coven that may have gotten in over their heads. Can Ivy help her mother right her wrongs and find out her own truth in the process?
Our Crooked Hearts would definitely appeal to fans of the The Craft, Practical Magic, and Charmed. Told from the alternating perspective of Ivy and her mother Dana, this story explores Dark Magic, female friendship, along with the give and take of complex mother/daughter relationships, all wrapped up in a mystery that spans two generations. Ivy knows her mother is keeping secrets from her and after a mysterious run-in with an unknown girl, Ivy begins to try to put together clues to her mother's past, as well as her own. Ivy discovers her mother is part of a powerful coven that may have gotten in over their heads. Can Ivy help her mother right her wrongs and find out her own truth in the process?
ginalouise09's review against another edition
5.0
So captivating, powerful and magical. One of my all time favorite witchy reads good for any time
of year. Loved the Chicago setting and the 90’s flashbacks, the sisterhood and subtle romance. 5⭐️
of year. Loved the Chicago setting and the 90’s flashbacks, the sisterhood and subtle romance. 5⭐️
hpgorrie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookrecsplease's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
I loved how this mystery started RIGHT away! It was really consistently fast pacing throughout the whole novel!
The magic system in this book is so soft it’s completely liquid. So if you’re into vibes-based magic, this will work for you.
I was really enjoying the witchiness and the mystery of it all, but then the ending was really over-simplified, both in Magic and family drama. :/
kortni_21's review against another edition
5.0
[ARC REVIEW]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hazelwood Series has always been a revered series for me. When I heard @melissaalbertauthor was coming out with a new book I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. Thanks to @netgalley and @flatironbooks, I was able to read the best #witchy book of 2022.
It was dark and creepy.
There’s family flaws and spells gone wrong.
A very different take on a story of true love.
Add it to your TBR
#ourcrookedhearts hits shelves 6/28
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #booksbooksbooks #booklover #booklove #bookaddict #booknerd #book #bookworm #bookishcoven #shelfie #bookaesthetic #booksofinstagram #booksofig #bookblogger #bookcommunity #bookbloggersofinstagram #bibliophile #readersofinstagram #readersofig #currentlyreading #bookrecommendations #bookreview #igreads #kindle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hazelwood Series has always been a revered series for me. When I heard @melissaalbertauthor was coming out with a new book I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. Thanks to @netgalley and @flatironbooks, I was able to read the best #witchy book of 2022.
It was dark and creepy.
There’s family flaws and spells gone wrong.
A very different take on a story of true love.
Add it to your TBR
#ourcrookedhearts hits shelves 6/28
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #booksbooksbooks #booklover #booklove #bookaddict #booknerd #book #bookworm #bookishcoven #shelfie #bookaesthetic #booksofinstagram #booksofig #bookblogger #bookcommunity #bookbloggersofinstagram #bibliophile #readersofinstagram #readersofig #currentlyreading #bookrecommendations #bookreview #igreads #kindle