.png)
As the summer heat envelopes us, sometimes all we crave is a delightful escape to the eerie and enchanting. With my beach vacation on the horizon, I couldn't resist a visit to my beloved local bookstore, McKays, to find the perfect spooky beach read.
Ever since my newfound interest in fantasy novels, I had been wanting to delve into the world of witches. Something autumnal and in the spirit of Halloween would be the icing on the cake. Though it may seem odd to seek out a Halloween-themed book amidst the hot summer days, the allure of escaping into something both spooky and fun was irresistible.
The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith appeared to be just the ticket. However, despite my initial enthusiasm, this book ultimately ended up on my "Did Not Finish" shelf, failing to meet my expectations.
Spoiler Alert: The following review contains plot details about
The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith
The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith is an intriguing tale set in an alternate 1911 New York City. In this world, the existence of witches and their magical powers remains a well-kept secret. The story revolves around the experiences of the young protagonist, Francesca, as she escapes from an orphanage and finds herself embroiled in the mysterious and dangerous world of the Witch Haven.
This sanctuary offers young witches protection from persecution and a place to develop their supernatural abilities.
At first, The Witch Haven captivated me with its promising beginning. The book effortlessly transported me into a world of magic, secrecy, and the allure of hidden powers. The author skillfully painted an atmospheric setting. The stage was set for an enthralling adventure that had the potential to sweep me away.
Main Character
Francesca, the central character, starts off as a strong and determined young woman, embarking on a journey that promises to be filled with self-discovery and growth. However, as the narrative progresses, Francesca undergoes a transformation that becomes increasingly frustrating. Her character development lacks consistency, and her decisions and actions feel disjointed and illogical. Instead of rooting for her, I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed by her choices.
DNF Shelf
Unfortunately, The Witch Haven fails to maintain the momentum established in its early chapters. As the story progresses, it gradually loses its focus, meandering aimlessly without a clear sense of direction or purpose. What initially held the promise of a captivating tale of witchcraft and hidden powers devolves into a convoluted narrative that fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. It felt as though the book lacked a well-defined point, leaving me perplexed and disengaged.
Despite my high hopes for The Witch Haven, my enthusiasm waned as the book progressed. What started as a promising and engrossing story eventually fizzled out, leaving me disappointed. The initial hook was strong, capturing my attention and drawing me into the world of witchcraft. However, the lack of a cohesive plot and the frustrating character development led me to abandon the book before reaching the end. Regrettably, The Witch Haven found its place on my "Did Not Finish" shelf.
2/5 Star Rating
The Witch Haven, while not personally my cup of tea, may hold great appeal for others. As a reader, I found it to be leaning a bit too much towards the YA genre for my liking. However, I can acknowledge that it has potential and a strong hook that might capture the attention of true YA fans. On a rating scale, I would give The Witch Haven a modest 2 out of 5 stars. It's worth noting that I typically give books I don't finish a 1-star rating, but in this case, I recognize its merits and believe it might resonate with the right audience. Interestingly, I have already discovered another witchy book that has captivated me. I'm halfway through it in less than 24 hours, and I am eagerly anticipating the chance to review it. Stay tuned for my thoughts on this new read, as it promises to bring a fresh perspective to the world of witchcraft and magic.
Happy Reading!
.png)