The Orphan Witch

I'm such a die-hard fan of witchy fantasy, and even more so when it ties in cute emotional plots about finding your place in the world when you've grown up feeling like you don't, found family/sisterhood, and magic. Just a recipe for success in my book. I know it's really the genre that drew me towards the book, but Crutcher's writing is pretty damn good too. And since it's October, all my fav genres mixed into one witchy book feels like a successful read to me.

Persephone has been alone for most of her life. Any time she tries to get close to someone, she looks into their eyes and they go insane. So, when Persephone finally meets Hyacinth and they begin to talk, Hyacinth invites Persephone out to her island home. There, Persephone begins to discover who she is, what she is capable of, and what it means to be connected to people.

This book is a lovely story of becoming for people who loved Practical Magic or the storytelling style of Magic for Liars. It takes you on an adventure through a woman's discovery of love, family, connection, and her own capabilities. The author's lovely descriptions of the island, the family, and the connection between the sisters alone makes this book worth reading.

My complaint is that the main character reads too much like a lost teenager and less like a young woman. I understand that human connection is difficult to master for some people but the decisions and ideas she has feel too much like the thoughts of a teenager, which kills some of the immersion for me. I was shocked at one point to realize she is supposed to be late-20's, not late teens.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.