Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles, #1)

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Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)

by Jessica Spotswood (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 5,163 ratings · 1,138 reviews

Our mother was a witch too, but she hid it better.
I miss her.

To me, the magic feels like a curse. According to the Brothers, it’s devil-sent. Women who can do magic-they’re either mad or wicked. So I will do everything in my power to protect myself and my sisters. Even if it means giving up my life—and my true love.

Because if the Brothers discover our secret, we’re destine...more

Paperback, AU, 330 pages

Published January 25th 2012 by Razorbill

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Jan 14, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, 2012-publication, pn-witches, read-2012, costume-fiction, skimmed-or-unfinished, alternate-history, supportive-author

Well, I read the first 150 pages of this novel and then skimmed another 50, but this one just isn't holding my attention, I'm afraid. The writing and mood are actually rather nice, and the language seems pretty appropriate to early 20th century New England (albeit an alternate history version) aside from some jarring words here and there.

There just isn't enough witchery in this book for me, however, since the book seems very heavily centered around the romance. And unfortunately, the romance wa...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Tatiana marked it as abandoned · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, series-dropped-lost-steam, urban-fantasy, ya, why-the-hype, ala-ya-2013

Whatever I am going to write here will probably sound hypocritical in the light of the recent ramblings about genre/commercial/popular (whatever you want to call it) fiction that I started in my Angelfall and Under the Never Sky reviews, but here it is.

I've only read a couple of chapters of Born Wicked and thus far there are no objective issues with this novel that would justify my giving it a low rating or a bad review. It is written like everything else popular in YA right now, down to the 1s...more

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May 09, 2012 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 12-debut-author-challenge

Poor Cate. This girl has far too much responsibility. She takes care of the household as well as her two younger sisters. On top of that she has to keep hidden the fact that all three girls are witches, less they be persecuted. Cate seems to be lost after the death of her mother and her father isn’t much help since he is often absent from the girls lives. I just wanted to bundle this girl up in a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. Though I’m not sure that would have been the truth...more Poor Cate. This girl has far too much responsibility. She takes care of the household as well as her two younger sisters. On top of that she has to keep hidden the fact that all three girls are witches, less they be persecuted. Cate seems to be lost after the death of her mother and her father isn’t much help since he is often absent from the girls lives. I just wanted to bundle this girl up in a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. Though I’m not sure that would have been the truth.

In addition to hiding her secret from the world, it seems as though her mother was keeping secrets from Cate as well. Ones that she doesn’t discover until after her mother’s death and upon the arrival of a mysterious letter. Cate works to discover her mother’s secrets and finds love in the process. But don’t expect a happily every after. This one exits with one of “those” endings! I am DYING for book two.

It took me a while to read this book. Not because I didn’t like the book, because I adored this book. Jessica Spotswood is a wonderful writing. It was a beautifully written story! So enchanting. I had a hard time reading this book because I was going through a very stressful situation with my life at the time and I had a hard time concentrating on this novel. There is so much that happens in this story, so many obstacles and all I wanted was a happy ending! So, I took a break and waited until I could give this book the attention it deserved and then I didn’t look back!

There were a lot of obstacles in this story, and I wish I could have helped Cate overcome them. I grew to admire her tenacity and her protection of her younger sisters. She is so selfless at times, I just wanted her to do something for herself, just once! This book is the definition of emotional roller-coaster!

I so enjoyed the love story. I’m always a sucker for a story with a love element. What can I say? I love that feeling of falling in love! And Born Wicked has a somewhat complicated love story. Does Cate belong with the childhood friend that’s always been there for her, or the boy that seems to have insight into her very soul. I know who I am rooting for. I can’t fail to mention that closet scene…. whew! I just wanted to stand up and cheer!

I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how the prophecy unfolds! Loved the world, loved the characters, loved the writing! And that cover is gorgeous too, isn’t it!?!?(less)

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Apr 05, 2012 Ariana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, 2012, magic, series

Lovely!

This is bit of a magical story about witches in a very difficult time - when they are hunted down, when they have to hide, to pretend to be ‘normal’ and not draw any attention to them. It's a story about a young girl that needs to protect herself and her sisters from all the dangers that might break them apart, a story about young love and oldprophecies, andeverythingin between.

THE COVER
... isn't it beautiful? I mean, I am not sure of the relationship with the book, as the girl’s dress d...more

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Oct 14, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, ya, historical-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, for-review, own, signed

Yo, I swear Jessica Spotswood must have read my brain or something, because you guys alternate fantasy history about the Salem Witch Trials is EXACTLY the sort of book I want to read and what is delivered by Born Wicked — Spotswood’s debut novel and the first of a trilogy –The Cahill Witch Chronicles.

Read the rest of my review here

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Mar 04, 2012 Brodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

After the death of her mother, Cate Cahill had to take on the responsibility of caring for her two younger sisters. Her father is rarely home and even when he is, he's not exactly the most reliable of men. Not to mention he knows nothing of his daughters whispered spells. Only their mother knew of their magic and urged them against telling anyone, father included. So for years, Cate has had to act as mother more often than sister, and while they've had their many ups and downs, inviting anyone i...more After the death of her mother, Cate Cahill had to take on the responsibility of caring for her two younger sisters. Her father is rarely home and even when he is, he's not exactly the most reliable of men. Not to mention he knows nothing of his daughters whispered spells. Only their mother knew of their magic and urged them against telling anyone, father included. So for years, Cate has had to act as mother more often than sister, and while they've had their many ups and downs, inviting anyone into their private lives to offer help is a dangerous and unthinkable notion. So when her father hires a Governess, on the word of their nosy neighbour, to help transform the girls into ladies fit for society, Cate is more than a little apprehensive. But she only has a few months left to decide her own fate - accept the hand of an eligible man in marriage or join the Sisterhood? Because this is far removed from a time where women have access to a thing called freedom.

Where Cate did her best to make sure she and her sisters flew under the radar, Maura, the middle child, felt trapped. And when a flighty spirit is suffocated, she will thrash her wings until she is freed. She's reckless and feisty, but she added flair to the story and even if there's times where you want to shake her by the shoulders, she will intrigue you. And I so adored Tess! Sweet and eager and a little lonely, for the youngest sister she was wise beyond her years. But even she wasn't happy to let their magic stay untapped like Cate wanted. I loved the strong bond the sisters shared. It may have been fragile at times, with Maura especially, but you could see the love was still strong underneath. Cate herself is an amazing protagonist. Not only for the responsibilities she's taken on at such a young age, but for the fierce and stubborn young spirit inside her, something that is always so invigorating to see from a girl in that historical period. She would truly shine in our modern world, but her day needs a girl like her. To offer hope for revolution, to punch through the stifling restrictions that are forced upon females.

Oh Finn, my feathery Finn! The feather scene? One of my favourites in the book <3 You might have seen the stunning moment captured in the book trailer and oh, it's even sweeter in words. Finn is the quiet, intelligent scholar; passionate about learning, with the kindest of hearts. His own loyalty to his family mirrors Cate's, and what's so beautiful is that he accepts and admires her for who she is - in all her unladylike splendor. He's just a book keeper, taking on the additional job of gardening to try help his family out of financial unrest. He knows he can't offer Cate what Paul (her childhood friend and now suitor) can, but his heart is worth a thousand times the gold any man could give. I did sort of like Paul. He also appreciated Cate for who she was, not who he expected her to be, but I felt Finn was much more of the 'soulmate' type of match. Plus, Paul's behaviour toward Finn in their years at school earned him many narrowed eyes from me!

While my heart did swoon and miss a beat throughout the book, it often thudded angrily, so infuriated with certain people and their rules!! I wanted to reach through and gouge their eyes out, but that would only result in a shredded book and it's too beautiful to ruin. The Brotherhood sprout their, 'witches are wicked, evil, unholy,' rubbish upon the entire community and not adhering to their rules is basically signing your own suicide letter. They rule with an iron-clad fist and their word is absolute, so if they deem a young lady a witch, then they'll drag her away kicking and screaming until she's locked away in an asylum. Or put to death.

The Sisterhood is Cate's second option to marriage, but it's not exactly a viable choice for Cate when it would separate her from her sisters. They're said to offer ladies the best they can in terms of skills and education, but are they perhaps hiding a few secrets of their own?

Born Wicked is a beautifully written debut that had me under a spell from the very first page. Jessica Spotswood has such gorgeous prose. She creates deep and touching characters that you truly care for, unless they're in the Brotherhood, who you only care to stake through the heart. With breathtaking magic, haunting prophecies and impossible choices, Born Wicked is wickedly captivating. If you love romance and danger, sacrifice and magic, and your heroines brave, then this is a novel you cannot pass up!(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 Miranda Kenneally rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is one you can't miss. I'm already dying to know what happens in books 2 and 3!

Jessica Spotswood is an enormously talented author whose prose is gorgeous and full and lush and makes me want to live in the world she's created, an alternate history of America in the 1890s. The author's style reminds me of Kristin Cashore's -- the imagery made me want to attend the tea parties and wear the dresses and hang out in the gardens. I seriously loved this book, and had a hard time putting it do...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Kat (Le Pauvre Cœur) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-signed, amazing-love-interest, bad-ending, boring-as-shit, cheesy-romance, historical-fiction, insta-love, oh-my-a-love-triangle, pretty-cover, stupid-heroine, lust-and-love-are-not-the-same

I met the author and got a copy signed. She's really sweet and genuine, and sounds a lot like me.

After Finishing

Unfortunately, I was immensely disappointed with this book. I especially despised the ending. This was such an obvious attempt to make a series, it's not even...UGH.

2.5 Stars

Cate and her two sisters are witches. They strive to keep their secret from the strict, religious Brotherhood who they have to display obedience to, despite their hatred toward witches and women alike.
In a few m...more

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May 27, 2012 Nea Barabea rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ok, a lot of people rate this book very high. Honestly, I don't have a clue why.

The plot was set good. I liked the idea of the story. But hell, it took 3/4 of the book to finally have some action. I hated the Brotherhood society and their view of a woman - this was horrible. I don't think myself as a feminist, but this was just too much. The woman should not be intelligent should not want to study, she just need to obey her husband and stupid shit like that. OMG I wanted to slap them all.

Ok, t...more Ok, a lot of people rate this book very high. Honestly, I don't have a clue why.

The plot was set good. I liked the idea of the story. But hell, it took 3/4 of the book to finally have some action. I hated the Brotherhood society and their view of a woman - this was horrible. I don't think myself as a feminist, but this was just too much. The woman should not be intelligent should not want to study, she just need to obey her husband and stupid shit like that. OMG I wanted to slap them all.

Ok, the witches are bad. The society is build on the fact that witches are bad and they should all be exterminated. So, Cate is a witch. Also her two sisters, Maura and Tess, are witches. And they are powerful. But they don't know that yet, because their mother died before she could teach them all about magic.

Then there is this prophecy. Saying that three sisters, witches, will be born before the end of the twentieth century and the one witch which will posses the power of mind controlling, will be the most powerful witch in the history. Cate has mind control magic.

Cate. Oh my God. You know, young adult books, should be based on strong female character. Fucking hell, Cate doesn't have a S of a Strong female character. I honestly don't get it. The prophecy says you are the most powerful witch in history, and you let yourself be guided by just EVERYONE? Oh please, come on! Ok, she does have a snapping attitude, and she cares a lot for her sisters, but come on, a little self-confidence? Belief in yourself?

Her sisters. Oh my, Maura is the typical annoying character, who thinks she know everything better and everyone else don't. The more you want her good, the more she thinks you don't want her to be happy and that you're jealous. I would have slapped her, if I was Cate. Tess. Tess is the younger sister and she is very clever and good. I liked her a lot.

The romance. Ok, the romance was good, thought I didn't agree with many choices Cate made. In the beginning she wanted something, then she wanted something else. But that's not the point. What I didn't like was that she always thought about the problems occurring her relationship - as in what will other think? Paul wasn't good because he wanted to move in another city and she couldn't be away from her sisters. Finn wasn't good because of his family business and that was a danger to her sisters.

Maybe it wasn't Cate's fault. I mean, her mother really haven't left her any good advices. And with a society that repress and disgust everything you represent.. I get it, it must be hard. But still!! Being the most powerful witch EVER should count for something, damn it!!

SPOILER Alert!
And another thing. Through the whole book, we listen to her saying she would do anything for her sisters. She kept saying she would sacrifice her happiness and her life for them. But does she really? I mean, when Maura freaks out and Brother Ishida sees everything and acusse Maura and Tess for witchery, what does Cate actually do? She doesn't say anything and she even let him hit her. Hit her. You have the power of mind controlling and you claim you'd anything for your sisters, and then, when they do actually need you, you just stand there? If it wasn't for Tess, both of them would have been sent to the madhouse. Cate here failed me the most.

Now my dear readers I don't want to discourage to read this book. Like I said, many people found it awesome, but I guess it just wasn't my type ;) And OMG this must be my first kind of negative review EVER. But after finishing the book, I just couldn't not say anything about it. (less)

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Oct 28, 2011 Minli rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, speculative

This will definitely appeal to certain types of readers, but it's really not for me. Some parts were interesting, and it was compelling in the sense that it wasn't bad enough for me to give up on.

Cate Cahill and her two sisters, Maura and Tess, live in an alternate history 1870s New England, where a religious order called the Brotherhood extrapolates the Salem witch trial era. Except witches and magic are actually real (though quite rare, so we're told), and if they're caught, the Brotherhood wi...more This will definitely appeal to certain types of readers, but it's really not for me. Some parts were interesting, and it was compelling in the sense that it wasn't bad enough for me to give up on.

Cate Cahill and her two sisters, Maura and Tess, live in an alternate history 1870s New England, where a religious order called the Brotherhood extrapolates the Salem witch trial era. Except witches and magic are actually real (though quite rare, so we're told), and if they're caught, the Brotherhood will sentence them to hard labour or an insane asylum. Abandoned by their father and with their mother dead, Cate and her sisters are developing a reputation in the town for being bluestockings. One day, Cate discovers a family secret while reading her mother's diary--a prophecy made over a century ago, which states that a horrible fate hinges on three sisters all being witches having the power to destroy the current social order. So, duh, everyone thinks it's the Cahill sisters, including the Brotherhood.

Now, I'm all for religious inquisitions. I loved Elizabeth Bunce's Star Crossed, for instance. It's basically a historical version of the current crop of dystopian fiction out there. Your entire life is regimented by the big bad controlling authority and you live in constant fear of being discovered. But this one just made no fucking sense whatsoever. I'm told witches are rare, and then BOOM, it turns out the Sisterhood (which runs concurrently to the Brotherhood and is full of nonmarried women) is FULL OF WITCHES and they've all managed to keep this a secret from HALF the population. The magic system is hokey at best and damned stupid at worst--basically a copy of faux Latin "spells" that without any of the whimsy of Harry Potter.

The marketing copy calls this lush prose, but I found some parts stilted and awkward, especially the beginning. I know this book wanted to be a book about sisters and how women are stifled in society, but the most interesting thing about it was the romance. I actually really liked Finn, the male romantic lead, and Cate's chemistry with him was undeniable.

Ultimately, this book is too angsty for me. And the cover makes it look sooo trashy. (less)

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Jan 05, 2013 Charlie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance, young-adult, fantasy, recommended

"To protect the people I love, I'd do it all over again."

It's not everyday that a paranormal YA book would leave you some tears, but this one sure did. Just the right mix of family, friendship, love, betrayal and responsibility. A very wicked book that was wickedly compelling. As a kid, I was a fascinated by witchcraft and whatnot and found these ways of punishment to those who are accused of it, barbaric. Spotswood just transported me back to those times and she made it feel like I was there...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Kayla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh man, you guys, I so totally enjoyed this book. It's not a particularly fast read, but it's definitely a satisfying one—it has one of those worlds you get to linger in, populated with fabulous, secretive characters. On the note of characters, I really enjoyed all of them. They seemed so real, the sort of well-written characters who jump off the page and come to life. The plot and character motivations were super-cohesive, something I always appreciate in novels. Also, the love triangle is one...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was lucky enough to win an arc of this from the author's blog, and wow, am I so glad I did. The prose was lush and evocative, beautifully painting the world Cate lives in. The idea of a world where women, and witches especially, are supressed by an all powerful "Brotherhood" was compelling, and the worldbuilding felt genuine. All the characters had their own personalitites and issues,and I never felt like the secondary charactors were just a backdrop to the action. The main romance of the book...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Christie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

I stayed up till 3:00am finishing this book. I thought it was a fast read. I couldn't wait to see what would happen and now I'm dying for the next book in the series! DYING to read more.

I didn't even read the back of this book before I read it. I saw the lovely package that the publisher sent and decided just to go for it. So the alternate history and some of the other aspects were a total surprise. Alternate histories are my current favorites! I love the combination of magic and romance. The w...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Caitlings rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-debut, fantasy, favourites, read-in-2011, romance, witch, ya, own

I really, really liked this book. The writing was so well done, and the characters, especially the sisters felt so real. And the issues were so conflicting. And then the ending....it was just the right type of cliffhanger. The type that had every plot thread end in such a way that you need to know what would happen next in their lives.

*Proper review to come.*

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Oct 24, 2012 Saleana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think I've found the book that is going to pull me out of my reading slump! Read this beauty in a day and I can't wait for the second in the series. Pulled me in right from the start, I fell in love with the Cahill sisters, and Finn, and even Paul. All are carving their ways into my heart!

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Sep 08, 2011 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spotswood's enchanting debut is instantly addictive! It features a strong female protagonist (my favorite!) and plenty of forbidden romance and dark magic. Don't miss out on this sensational new series!

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Jun 22, 2012 Aliya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Many people have been waiting to get their hands on Born Wicked. However, the synopsis left me with only a mild interest in the book. I am so very, very glad I read it. It has been a while since I read a book with girls in corsets this was this incredible. Witches and prophecies have a taken on a new light in my eyes. Lately, I've been tired of the spins in magical novels, but this book reminded me how wonderful a story about witches, secrets, and courting can be.

Cate, Maura, and Tess, the three...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Aneeqah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wizards-or-witches, historical-or-sci-fi, magic, covers-to-die-for, 2012-debut-author, read-in-2012, review-for-blog

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

My full review:

Let me start of by saying this: I really wanted to love this book. I've heard so many good things about it, and I just had that feeling that I was going to love it. Also, the authors is so nice on Twitter, and I love her. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

So, let's start with the characters. Our protagonist is Cate, who is trying to balance everything from managing her sisters to keeping up with town appearances so no on suspects the...more Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

My full review:

Let me start of by saying this: I really wanted to love this book. I've heard so many good things about it, and I just had that feeling that I was going to love it. Also, the authors is so nice on Twitter, and I love her. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

So, let's start with the characters. Our protagonist is Cate, who is trying to balance everything from managing her sisters to keeping up with town appearances so no on suspects the Cahill family of witchery. I didn't like Cate at first. She was so stubborn, and sometimes was really plain mean to her sisters. But, I did grow to like her as the story went on. I liked that she wasn't perfect, but sometimes she just got on my nerves [especially towards the end, where she makes some really stupid decisions]. But overall, I liked her, even though she did irritate me.

The setting of the book was interesting. It seems like it's set in a dystopia 1900s type thing. Throughout the book though, I kind of wanted some more information. There was some mention of a Indo-China and war or something like that, but it was only mentioned once or twice. I'm hoping that we get to learn more about that in the next book, because it actually seems pretty interesting. The world-building doesn't seem complete to me in this book, so hopefully we'll learn something in the next one.

The plot started off quite boring, actually in the beginning, but the book really started getting interesting in the middle. There were some good plot twists that I didn't see coming, but there were also a few that were kind of obvious. I definitely wouldn't say this is an action packed book or super fast paced, but it was intriguing; you wanted to know what happened.

Now... the love triangle. I didn't really like it. To me, there was a case of almost insta-love, and I don't really like either of the guys. It's not very well done, and it seemed... a little forced, I guess. It would have been nice to see a little character development in both of the guys, so we could really see what they were like. So, I didn't really like it, at all.

Sometimes in the book, especially at the beginning, everything was downright depressing. Everything was going wrong, their mother is dead, Cate has to protect everyone, keep their identity a secret, etc. I mean, how can a 16 year old girl do that?! I wanted something actually happy for her. I can't imagine living through all that and still being totally sane. A little bit of happiness or happy events would have been great to the story, and make everything seem a little less hopeless, in my opinion.

And then the ending. I feel like it was so abrupt, a definite cliffhanger. We're left with so many questions, and I didn't really understand it. I felt like the events were so rushed. A little more time at the end would have been really good, so that we could understand everything. The book wasn't that fast paced, so the ending felt even more rushed at the end. It seemed like an almost awkward place to stop. Overall, it wasn't a very good ending, especially because it's a total cliffhanger [and we all know how everyone hates a cliffhanger ending].

So, in the end, it was a pretty good book, despite the problems. It was compelling to read, and I was interested in the story. But, there were so many problems that I couldn't fully enjoy the story. I still probably will read the next book [which is going to be called Star Cursed], although I won't be buying it, just getting it from the library. (less)

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Feb 07, 2012 Nicole About Town rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-releases, penguin, books-i-own, for-review, from-the-publisher, personal-copies, winter-2012, arc

So back in August 2011 I got my first glimpse of the cover of Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood and it was love at first sight. I even went on to feature the book as one of my Waiting on Wednesday picks because a cover that pretty deserves to be shared with others. Then I read the synopsis and I knew that I needed to add this one to my wishlist. The only downside was that I had to wait until February 2012 to get my hands on a copy…except I ended up getting a copy at the end of August. I tried, I...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Shannon rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Born Wicked was a novel that I was sure I was going to love since it has a historical setting, witches, and romance. While all three of those things are done extremely well, I felt the novel's slow pace and lack of intensity really hurt the story.

One of my biggest issues with the story begins with the protagonist Cate. Although I liked Cate, I didn't love her. She's actually quite judgmental and overbearing. She thinks very little of the other girls in town, despite the fact that she doesn't rea...more Born Wicked was a novel that I was sure I was going to love since it has a historical setting, witches, and romance. While all three of those things are done extremely well, I felt the novel's slow pace and lack of intensity really hurt the story.

One of my biggest issues with the story begins with the protagonist Cate. Although I liked Cate, I didn't love her. She's actually quite judgmental and overbearing. She thinks very little of the other girls in town, despite the fact that she doesn't really know them and never once in the entire novel does she allow her sisters (Maura & Tess) to make decisions for themselves. I mean its very clear how much Cate loves her sisters, but at what cost? I felt a lot of the conflict in the novel could have been completely avoided if Cate had just trusted her sisters enough with what she learns about their mother.

Though I may not have loved Cate, I did love every minute she spent with Finn. He's smart, kind, values his family and isn't afraid to protect the people he loves. Their connection is undeniable and they're absolutely perfect for each other. Finn helps Cate be more self confident and she helps him relax. I love how their courtship was right for the time period too, its completely enthralling. It was their chemistry and relationship that keep me turning pages even when I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish the book.

I really enjoyed the historical setting, though its set against an alternative timeline where the Brotherhood persecuted all the witches and now very few remain in existence. Any witch that is discovered is immediately arrested and sent off to an asylum. Author Jessica Spotswood really makes the town and citizens feel isolated from the rest of the country adding to the atmospheric and historical quality of the story. She also makes the magic in the story flow beautifully, its intoxicating, but I wish we could have seen more of it.

I found the novel's pacing incredibly slow, painfully so and I'm not usually the type of reader that has problems with things like that. Part of the pacing problem was that I never felt like the sisters were in any real danger. You hear the past stories about the witches that were arrested, imprisoned or murdered, but you rarely see it. When you do, it seems more like something that's just happening than any real threat to Cate or her sisters. I found that very disappointing.

The ending of the novel left me a bit confused since a lot of things happen very quickly and I wanted more of a resolution as to why Cate choice to do what she did. Lets just say I wasn't happy with her choice. I was also unhappy with the lack of resolve involving Maura and Tess, as some big things happen to them right before the novel closes. While I realize its the first book in a planned series and we aren't going to get all the answers, I guess I felt there was just to much set up and not enough revealed. The biggest being; who's out to help the witches and who's out to harm them.

Overall I just wanted a lot more from Born Wicked. Perhaps my biggest disappointments lie in the fact that I didn't like Cate as much as I wanted and the slow pacing of the plot. While it didn't quite work for me, I still think a lot of readers will enjoy the mix of magic, romance and sisterhood. (less)

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Feb 23, 2012 Precious rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Originally posted at Fragments of Life.

Cate, Maura and Tess were beautiful, educated by their father and intentionally isolated from the other girls. Cate had always thought that keeping away from the other girls, not drawing attention to herself and to her sisters was the safe thing to do. But with her 17th birthday and her intention ceremony just a few months away, she started having doubts, especially when more and more girls labeled as bluestockings were being accused as witches and arrested...more Originally posted at Fragments of Life.

Cate, Maura and Tess were beautiful, educated by their father and intentionally isolated from the other girls. Cate had always thought that keeping away from the other girls, not drawing attention to herself and to her sisters was the safe thing to do. But with her 17th birthday and her intention ceremony just a few months away, she started having doubts, especially when more and more girls labeled as bluestockings were being accused as witches and arrested. I admired Cate's dedication and love for her sisters despite the constant tension between them. I loved how I was able to see the complicated happenings at the Cahill household.

In Cate’s world, girls were supposed to talk, act and dress properly. Women were naturally wicked according to the Brothers who preach in church. They were the source of temptation and they were the ones who ended up in an asylum after being accused of witchery. I find the norms of society difficult to bear with and terrifyingly strict. Since the death of Cate’s mother, Cate tried to stand as the protector of her sisters, caring for them, teaching them and warning them against the dangers of magic. But her task was hard to do especially when Maura never listened to her and Tess was too enthusiastic to use magic.

Paul was Cate’s childhood friend. He just came back from New London and he asked her hand for marriage. He was the sweet, fun and handsome boy-next-door type who knew Cate well. Although he was a bit too proud and overconfident, he definitely worked his charm on women. In the beginning, I wanted Paul for Cate. But that changed when Cate’s gardener, Finn Belastra entered the picture. Finn was the intelligent, eccentric, quiet and mysterious type. He was a keen observer with smart ideas, sharp thoughts and funny remarks. He could read and get Cate. But what I really liked about him was that he was a true gentleman and a passionate lover.

Enter the Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The Brotherhood was composed of men serving God who made sure that they kept everyone in line, by line I meant the ‘moral line.’ They preached, walked in that self-righteous way of theirs. They had the right to accuse and arrest girls for witchery. The brothers were scary. If I lived in that time, they would be on the top of my hate list. Their counterpart, the Sisterhood was composed of girls serving God and girls who were forced to join the Sisterhood, either because they didn’t want to marry or no one asked for their hand. But the Sisterhood also became a refuge for girls.

Born Wicked was generally filled with surprises. I kept gasping, staring wide-eyed at the pages every now and then. The novel grabbed me by the hand and led me deeper and deeper into its alternative historical setting. I loved reading about the dresses, corsets, tea parties, strict social norms, scandals and of course, witchery. The author’s attention to detail paid off. Nothing felt off. I think that the novel was backed up with enough research and this made everything even more believable and realistic. The pace was just right for me. It was just right for me to absorb all the details and establish the setting and allow me to get to know the characters.

Born Wicked is the enchanting, romantic, tragic story of Cate Cahill, one of the bravest heroines I’ve ever encountered. Witchery, romance, scandals and history packed in an engrossing YA novel. I highly recommend this to paranormal romance readers, historical readers, romance readers and witch enthusiasts! (less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Trisha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-z-challenge

"Be careful, Cate. Choose wisely. Protect your sister."

wow, this was a captivating book. And these last words from a dying mother have held Cate prisoner for many years now. But now her time is just about up - she must choose between being betrothed to a man who chooses her, choose the Sisterhood (tied to the church) or betrothed to a man the Brotherhood chooses.

This story wove itself around me and held my attention to the very end. Between Paul, Tess, Finn, Maura and even Elena - everyone kept...more

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Apr 11, 2012 jo mo rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to jo by: <a href="http://www.foreveryoungadult.com/2012/02/06/im-on-the-right-track-baby-i-was-born-this-way/">foreveryoungadult</a>

Shelves: chick-lit, witches, historic, young-adult, 1-star, 2012, bible-thumping, call-me-crazy, fantasy, flowers-plants-gardens, adoptee-or-orphan, family, paranormal, series, outsider-underdog-pariah, partly-read, reviews

1.5/5

bantering between the sisters:
My mood does not improve at dinner.
Mrs. O’Hare’s fish chowder is as awful as I’d anticipated: salty and ill seasoned. She’s an excellent housekeeper but a poor cook. I spread fresh butter on thick slabs of sourdough and ignore the bowl in front of me. Tess holds Father’s bowl in her gaze, and a moment later he’s declaring it a wonder.
I frown at Tess until Maura kicks me under the table.
I kick her back harder, and she jumps in her seat. The bread in my mouth tur...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Linda Cohen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ya, series

This was more on the romancey side and I enjoyed every minute of it. So I guess after many years of saying I don't read romances I'm calling myself out. I do read romances and my heart goes pitter pat and all the other mushy stuff! I even found myself looking at my hubby all googy eyed and sighing really big after reading some of the romantic scenes so....

When Cate's Mother
died she promised to
keep her younger sisters
safe. But must she give
up everything she holds
dear-
including love?

-Family secre...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, arcs, books-i-own, signed

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters and I loved how well developed they were. The setting was really interesting to read about, and it was terrible how women were treated. The way the magic was told about was wonderful, and all the things they could do was amazing. I loved the style of writing and how a lot was explained, even though it was told entirely in Cate's point-of-view. I read a measly 3½ books over my 8-day vacation, and this one only took me 1 day to read, which is im...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: advanced-reader-copy, supernatural-paranormal-romance, alternate-history-reality, teen-and-up, you-so-fucking-have-to-read-this, goodreads-author-friend

This is one of those books you don't want to put down and you want to smack the author for leaving you hanging until the next installment. I have to wait longer since I read an ARC and the book breaks in Feb.of 2012. Put this on your TBR and you will NOT regret it!

Three sisters, one prophesy. Reminders of the burning times,religion gone wrong,politics,and secret plots abound in this fantastic first book to a new series. The author plays freely with reality and history, and you will be glad she d...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Born Wicked is the Downton Abbey of magic. Set in the 1900s three well to do sisters struggle to hid their secret. Cate, Maura, and Tess are witches. When their mother passes away she leaves the girls with hardly any inclinations of what they can do. Together the three of them must hide their magic from the Brotherhood, a group of men who absolutely loathe women and who are also strictly religious. The Brotherhood's life mission is to rid the world of witches and evil. Besides the looming threat...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Julie (Manga Maniac Cafe) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holy CRAP! One of the best books so far this year! Could not put it down - loved all of the characters and the setting is so intriguing. It will be a LONG wait for book two in the series!

Full review here:

http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=6010

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Dec 07, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, arc, do-not-own

I pulled this off the ARC shelves of the bookstore where I work part time, hoping to finally find a YA trilogy I could really enjoy and handsell the crap out of. I think this may be it- I didn't LOVE it, but I can see why other people are going to.

This was a weird combination of Practical Magic, The Handmaid's Tale and The Secret Garden. I read it very quickly and appreciated that the paranormal powers were held by the female protagonist while the male love interest was all WTF I AM A MERE HUMAN...more

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About Jessica Spotswood

I heart books, yoga, tea, cardamom cookies, the color pink, board games, theatre, twirly dresses, and bells chiming the hour. I’m frighteningly enthusiastic.

I use GR to keep track of what I read and to recommend books that I really love.

NOTE: I love bloggers, booksellers, librarians, and passionate readers of all kinds! But I don't provide review copies of my books directly. If you're interested,...more

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