A review by sofia_bookishwanderess
VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

3.0

*3.5 stars*

I really liked the characters in this and getting to read all their stories. The compelling relationship between the main character and her grandmother captivated me, while the relationship between the coven was fun and heartwarming. I appreciated the indigneous, trans and queer representation in this. Also, the last part of the book picks up the pace and it was highly entertaining.

However, while I was interested throughout the reading experience, I was never truly invested. Mainly due to the pace and the fact that not a lot happens for most of the book. Thematically, the narrative falls slightly short, exhibiting some contradictions between the intended messages and the depicted elements. For instance, there's an anti-capitalist message, yet the witches are described using designer clothes and expensive cars, presenting a consumeristic view.

Furthermore, this book has light and vague worldbuilding, which I didn't mind for the most part. Except for the fact that this talks often about this coven solving all the problems of the world but it's never clear how since the powers the witches have are pretty limite and why this particular coven, when they are other covens all over the world.