DNF: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Did Not Finish Explanation

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Received: ARC from publisher and won a copy

Read pages: 144 of 330

Five reasons I DNF-ed

1. Men are EVIL OPPRESSORS and women are a part of a Sisterhood of Superiority. This is one of my deal breakers. Not only does this annoy me on principle (hey, I like men), but it also makes it hard for me to swallow the romance.

I just can't buy that in a world where pretty much every man is a closed-minded prison guard, the romantic interest somehow manages to rise above it all and kiss the boots of his beloved.  

And he's the only man who thinks like this, except for maybe a token old guy (though I didn't meet a token old guy in Born Wicked yet...unless you count their father).

2. I wasn't feeling the love interest. He's quirky, awkward, weak, and he does not ooze masculinity. He gets beat up regularly. I like alpha men, so Finn really is not my type.

There was also a sort of love triangle developing, though the eventual winner is super clear (and not MY choice).

3. Cate, the main character, is so NOT getting an invite to my sleepover party. She has this idea in her head that I think is totally unreasonable, but she will not let it go. This provides one of the main conflicts in the book.

She bosses her sisters around and treats them like they're dim children. Now, ok, she does do this out of love for them, but it still annoyed me. She also rejects feminine things I actually enjoy reading about, like dresses and social gatherings and courting. I have a hard time warming up to main characters who diss what I like.

She also reminded me of Azalea, of whom I am not a fan. I liked the second sister Maura MUCH more. She's a spunky little go-getter who totally gets the value of possessing magical powers. Cate, on the other hand, seems perfectly happy ignoring the gigantic prophecy of power, suppressing her magic (?!), and spending her days holed up in her garden. BOR-ING!

4. Too slow for me (but remember, I am a super impatient reader). It sounds like there are some exciting things about to happen (secret societies! a hidden diary! a mysterious godmother! a prophecy!), but it is taking FOR-EV-ER to get to them. I read almost half the book and not much has happened at all. I think Born Wicked is a victim of series stretching, but I can't be sure since I haven't finished the book.

The pacing reminded me of Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters series where there was lots of hinting at something really cool, but it took three whole books to finally materialize (at least, I assume the good stuff eventually showed up in that series--I didn't bother picking up the third book).

5. I wasn't sold on the world building. This is an alternate historical fantasy, which basically means that it is similar to our world, but altered. New England America becomes "New London," a land where women are oppressed under the iron fist of a religious brotherhood. The Arab world is a center of enlightenment and freedom for women. There are lots of tweaks and changes, so while the names of these countries may be familiar, the descriptions of them are all mixed up.

That could be fine. My problem stems from the lack of explanation for these cultural developments. WHY are certain parts of the world enlightened and free while others are not? What in their histories have led them to develop in these ways? We get a little explanation, but only surface level.

I also wanted to know how these countries connect to our world. I understand that this is alternate history, but there must be some connection to real history, right? Some point where our history diverged and developed into the author's creation. Otherwise it would be fantasy and there would be no point in using the names of real countries.

Except there is no connection here. There is no "turning point" explained and so all of the cultural differences don't make sense to me. (Now, these connections may have been made later on in the book. I don't know. But, still, I would have preferred if they had been established earlier to ground the story, but maybe that's my impatience rearing its head).

Bottom line

So, yeah, not for me. This isn't a BAD book though. I can totally see fans of the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy by Michelle Zink loving Born Wicked. I will also order a copy for my library.

Have you read Born Wicked?
I hope you liked it more than I did!
What features are deal breakers for you?

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Cover Review: First Impressions (1)

If I saw these books on the shelves, I would totally want to read them based on their prettiness alone. But a pretty cover doesn't always tell you what the book is actually about, does it?

Initial thoughts: Oooh pretty! I want that dress. And that fan. And that gold shawly-thing. And that headband jewelry thing. And what do I need to do to get my hair to look like that? Want, want, want!

What I expect: Court gossip, scandal, and juicy secrets. Just look at the way she's peering over that fan! She is totally up to something.

Magic? Never would have guessed by the cover alone.

Historical? Oh yeah, that's obvious.

Reality: A light romp through Disney-sweet romances and magical fun. There is court intrigue, but it is not nearly as scathing as I originally expected.Oh, and it's about twin sisters, which I never would have guessed based on the cover.

Initial thoughts: Can I get a print of that to hang on my wall? I could stare at this cover for hours. 

What I expect: I have no clue. Fairy tale retelling, maybe? Fairies? A touch of romance?

Magic? Probably, though I'm not really sure what kind. I'm leaning toward the fairy godmother, witches, or fairies type of magic though.

Historical? Maybe, or maybe just the "generic medieval-like village" found in fantasies.

Reality: I don't know exactly since I haven't read the book yet, but it is described as a "Snow White tale filled with magic and intrigue during the early twentieth century in Appalachia," so pretty close to my initial impressions.

Initial thoughts: I like the flowers in her hair, and you can never go wrong with swirly fonts. The colors are pretty. I'm intrigued.

What I expect: She looks a little, erm, loose for an historical gal--is that what's wicked? I don't really know what to expect, but I want to find out more. I get a strong feeling that there will be some kissing going on!

Magic? The branches at the bottom and her eyes make her look a little witchy, but it's a very subtle vibe. The subtitle at the top that says "The Cahill Witch Chronicles" is a bigger tip off.

Historical? Her clothing makes me think no (a skirt that high? That's a little more daring than showing a bit of ankle), but the cover has a "not of this time" feel to it, so maybe?

Reality: Again, I haven't read this yet, but I know it takes place during the 1890s in an alternate New England and includes witches. So a moderately accurate cover, but definitely effective at catching my eye.

Initial thoughts: Pretty purple dress! A pun! I love puns, and purple, and pretty dresses. I'm sold! Also, she looks like Rachel Lee Cook and now I feel like I need to re-watch She's All That.

What I expect: Honestly, I don't. I'm still stuck on the pretty to give much thought to plot. Maybe it's a biography about Jane Eyre, like that movie Becoming Jane was for Jane Austen? Except, Jane Eyre is a fictional character, so that doesn't work. I don't know, can I just keep looking at the pretty?

Magic? Her dress does seem to have a magical glow to it, but no, I don't get strong magic vibes. 

Historical? Yep, I fully expect an historical story with all of the balls, courting, and manners that entails.

Reality: Haven't read this yet either, but I do know it's about a modern girl who finds herself sucked into the story of Jane Eyre (and into Jane's body!). I haven't read Jane Eyre yet, but she's a governess, right? So I'm not so sure how many balls there will be, but I do know there's probably a hot brooding guy!

When you look at these covers, what are your first impressions? How do they line up with what the book is actually about?

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Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman


Goodreads description of Born Wicked (February 7, 2012):

Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric bluestockings—a little odd, a little unfashionable, and far too educated for their own good. The truth is more complicated; they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it could mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before their mother died, she entrusted Cate with keeping them safe and keeping everyone, including their father, in the dark about their powers. When her father employs a governess and Cate begins to receive notes from her missing, presumed-mad godmother, her task becomes much more difficult. As Cate searches for answers in banned books and rebellious new friends, she must juggle unwanted proposals, tea parties, and an illicit attraction to the new gardener. Cate will do anything to protect her sisters, but at what cost to herself?

Why I want to read it:

Witches. Plain and simple I like books about witches. Banned books, searching for answers, rebellious new friends, and a class-crossing romance just makes Born Wicked sound even better!

Product description of Thirteen Days to Midnight (April 12, 2010):

You are indestructible. Three whispered words transfer an astonishing power to Jacob Fielding that changes everything. At first, Jacob is hesitant to use the power, unsure of its implications. But there's something addictive about testing the limits of fear.
Then Ophelia James, the beautiful and daring new girl in town, suggests that they use the power to do good, to save others. But with every heroic act, the power grows into the specter of a curse. How to decide who lives and who dies?
In this nail-biting novel of mystery and dark intrigue, Jacob must walk the razor thin line between right and wrong, good and evil, and life and death. And time is running out. Because the Grim Reaper doesn't disappear. . . . He catches up.

Why I want to read it:

 It sounds like a fast-paced adventure. The storyline also sounds original and I like that it's told from the perspective of a guy.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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