Review of These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling (physical book)

 

 

 

These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

 

“Infused with page-turning suspense, bittersweet romance, shocking twists, and tragic turns, Sterling has written a standout debut.” –Dana Mele, author of People Like Us

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.

Isabel Sterling’s delightful, suspenseful debut is equal parts sweet romance and thrilling mystery. With everything she loves on the line, Hannah must confront this murderous villain before her coven–and any chance she has with the new girl–is destroyed.

 

 

 

 

I was finally able to read one of my most anticipated books for 2019 and I ended up loving it!

 

I am here for all things witches.  Magic, wicca, anything.  I rarely dislike a book with any of these things.

 

In this book, there are three types of witches.  Elemental, Caster, and Blood.  Blood witches are rare and most things the other witches have been told about them is negative.  Hannah is an elemental witch living with her parents in Salem.  Hannah’s grandma is the high priestess of their coven.  She is still learning how to control her powers and use them the right way.  The main rule of the coven is to never use your magic in front of regs (non magic users).  They also cannot tell anyone they are a witch.

 

Hannah had been dating Veronica until just recently.  They had been friends since they were young and it developed into more.  Some bad things happened on a trip to New York, and Veronica won’t accept any blame.  The break up has been really hard on Hannah.  She still has feeling for Veronica, but she knows they can’t date.  Hannah’s best friend, Gemma (a reg), helps to keep her busy.  So does her job at the local store that sells stuff for Wicca.

 

All the girls are at a party when something weird happens.  Hannah stumbles upon a dead raccoon hanging from a tree with a fire started.  This is just the start of fires that start popping up around Hannah.  She’s sure the blood witch from New York is after her, but her family said there isn’t a blood witch involved.  They felt magic, but it was something Veronica used, so both girls are punished.

 

Hannah develops a crush on the new girl, Morgan, but things aren’t going well with them.  There are always issues with Veronica that Hannah has to deal with.  She’s also been hanging out with a boy from school, Benton.  Her boss hired a college kid, Cal, that Hannah is training.  Things are keeping her busy, but there are things that start happening besides the fire.  Hannah knows that she and Veronica are both in danger, but it’s hard to be around her to work together and stop it.

 

This book was a lot of fun.  While I figured out who the dangerous person was early on, I was still enjoying everything leading up to the reveal.  There were a couple other things that surprised me (one sad).  This is one of those books I could have easily read in one sitting.

 

I gave this book 5 stars.

 

Warnings for the animal sacrifice, fires, attacks, a car accident, a death (can’t say who, but it’s really sad to read).  There is a little about sex and there is swearing if that’s something that bothers you.

 

In case you missed it earlier this year, check out my interview with Isabel Sterling:

Q&A Post with Isabel Sterling

 

 

Have you read These Witches Don’t Burn?  Are you a fan of books like this?  If so, I recommend checking out Undead Girl Gang, too.