“Infused with page-turning suspense, bittersweet romance, shocking twists, and tragic turns, Sterling has written a standout debut.” –Dana Mele, author of People Like UsHannah’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 … 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.
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Sterling’s rich, magical world dazzles readers with its fantastic intricacies. Suspense, romance, and wit go hand in hand, and the thrills run right up to the last page.
4.25 stars. The VOICE of this book immediately pulled me in, strong, fearless, passionate, angry. Because of that, every hurt Hannah felt dug deep into my soul, and man was there so much pain. I think I’ll be feeling this one for awhile. I enjoyed how this book showed a supportive environment for queer teens, wasn’t a coming out story, and showed hints of the realness of ongoing homophobia and biphobia without centering the story on those negative issues.
CW: homophobia, fire, car crash, blood, parental death, grief
Loved this! The characters were fun. The mystery was excellent, even if I did guess the bad guy, I loved how it was built up.
I really enjoyed this book. The only things keeping it from 5 stars for me is the lack of a proper ending (I get kore books are coming but I’d have liked more of a real finale to the story) and the sometimes whiny main character over the most ridiculous things (though I get it, teenage girl and all, but my god we GET it that your ex is kinda crazy). Anyway, other than that it really was a great and well written story. I loved this new take on witches with the different categories and styles. I loved that it was set in Salem with all the history that comes with that. And I loved that from page 1 the main character was openly gay. It was a fun, fast and easy read.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster!
From Hannah’s love life, to her coven/magic, and within her friends, it’s a journey that was hard to tear myself away from. The struggles were so real. The world needs more of these lesbian coming of age tales!
I loved the world building, it was a unique way to structure the politics of the magical world, and the various types of witches. I’d love to learn more about the lore behind the witches, and can’t wait to read the squeal.
The YA aspects were spot on, well written struggles from a teenaged perspective, never felt over done, or like an adult writing a dramatic teen character. While it has the typical reacting from an emotional state, instead of a logical one, it was never unbelievable, or eye roll worthy.
You’ll love this book if you love books about witches, coming of age, and mystery.
Note: LGBT, HP Reference, Own Voice.
Literally so good that it was a chore to put down and do other activities.
I absolutely loved this book.
A fun, fresh contemporary fantasy with one of the most endearing and authentic casts I’ve read. Complicated friendships, deeply relatable romantic entanglements, and Salem’s long history make this book an unforgettable read.
Sterling’s debut meshes high magical stakes with the raw, real human emotions of broken hearts and new love, creating a book that’s utterly bewitching in every way.
An enchanting mystery, simmering with intrigue. Once you start These Witches Don’t Burn, you’ll be utterly spellbound.