Showing posts with label 2024 releases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2024 releases. Show all posts

2 Jun 2025

The Wedding People by Alison Espach: A Beautiful Disaster Without the Beauty (Review)

02 June 1 Comments

THE WEDDING PEOPLE

Author: Alison Espach
Series: N/A
Source: Purchased at Libro.fm
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Publication Date: July 30, 2024

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: n/a

Summary:
A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help us start anew. 

It's a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn't here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she's dreamt of coming for years - she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she's here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan - which makes it that much more surprising when the women can't stop confiding in each other.

In turns uproariously, absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach's The Wedding People is a look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined - and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.
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Content Warning: violence and murder (including graphic descriptions of dead bodies and murder scenes), needles, torture, physical abuse, war, aftermath of war, references to PTSD and trauma, death of a parent, religious oppression, class-based discrimination, grief, survivor's guilt, blood, injury, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, neglectful parent, militarized state violence, alcohol consumption

This was SO painful to get through. There’s no sugar-coating it — The Wedding People by Alison Espach is one of the most joyless reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. And not because it’s dealing with deep, heavy, life-shattering themes (it tries to, and fails), but because it is full of characters I loathed, meandering plotlines that go nowhere, and a tone that feels like being stuck in an endless, awkward brunch where everyone thinks they’re the smartest person in the room — and they’re all wrong.

The premise had promise: a woman checks into a Connecticut hotel to kill herself and ends up tangled in the chaos of multiple weddings and their dramatic guests. That could’ve been a messy, heartfelt, witty literary soap opera. Instead, it’s a slow-motion car crash of overwritten introspection, self-important tangents, and absolutely zero people worth caring about.

I don’t need to like characters, but I do need them to be interesting. And unfortunately, The Wedding People is populated by emotionally stunted narcissists who mistake trauma-dumping and cryptic detachment for personality. Every time I thought I found someone with an ounce of depth, they’d turn around and be the absolute worst again. Every. Single. One.

The main character — who, honestly, I barely remember the name of because she was just that forgettable and also I read this book months ago (but I'm still so angry about it!!!) (oh, it's Phoebe, I just read the summary while adding it to this post) — spends the entire book in a fog of internal misery, passive to the point of nonexistence. The people she meets? A carousel of pretentious, self-absorbed caricatures with the emotional maturity of soap scum.

No one talks like a real person. No one grows. No one learns. It’s like they all entered this hotel with just enough backstory to justify being deeply unpleasant and never once made a decision worth rooting for.

The pacing of this book is glacial. And not in the poetic, contemplative way. In the "why am I still reading this and when will it end" kind of way. At some point, I continued just to hate read, which I so rarely do!

There’s no real momentum, no hook, no payoff. The book circles around themes of grief, identity, and reinvention, but it never commits to actually exploring them. Just vibes. Sad, soggy vibes. I kept waiting for something to happen — a revelation, a twist, even a decent conversation — and it never came. Instead, I was trapped in the literary equivalent of watching beige paint dry in a fog.

This book thinks it’s clever. And that might be the most frustrating part. The prose is trying to be poignant but lands firmly in overwritten and emotionally distant. There's a detachment in the writing that makes it impossible to connect — like watching someone cry behind a pane of glass and wondering if it's just a performance.

I genuinely don’t know who this book is for. People who want to feel bad and bored at the same time? Readers who like their fiction painfully introspective but without any actual introspection? I feel like people are going to read this and tell me I just didn't get it but nah, I got it: people suck.

I wish I had something nice to say, but the best thing I can offer is that I’m done with it. And that feels like a relief. A book about weddings should not feel like a funeral for my attention span.

Are you going to read this one?
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24 Jan 2025

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CATCHING A KILLER by Maxie Dara (Review)

24 January 15 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CATCHING A KILLER

Author: Maxie Dara
Series: A SCYTHE Mystery #1
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Representation: Older main character

Summary:
Sometimes it takes working with the dead to start living.

Kathy Valence is forty-two, mid-divorce, and pregnant with her ex's baby. She's also a modern-day grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences), but frankly that's the easiest part of her life right now. Or at least it was, until her latest client's soul goes missing. 

When she finally tracks down seventeen-year-old Conner Ortiz, he angrily denies he died of natural causes, despite what his file says. He insists that someone at S.C.Y.T.H.E. murdered him, and he demands Kathy find out who and why. 

Kathy has only forty-five days to figure out what happened to Conner and help him move on before the boy's soul is doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever. She’s forced to rely on the help of her retired mentor, her almost ex-husband—and some sneaky moves by Conner himself. This is the wildest case of her career. . .and one wrong move could cost Kathy her job, not to mention her life.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Death, Pregnancy, Child death, Vomit, Violence, Gun violence, Addiction, Cancer, Chronic illness, Police (Procedural)

Maxie Dara offers a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre with A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer. The story introduces Kathy Valence, a forty-two-year-old grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E., a supernatural organization that collects souls. Juggling the turmoil of a mid-divorce pregnancy and a career handling the dead, Kathy is thrown into chaos when one of her client's souls goes missing—and the missing soul insists he was murdered.

I really enjoyed the way Dara blends the supernatural with real-world problems. The magical elements of the story are ever-present but don’t overshadow Kathy’s personal journey, which is centered around her struggles with self-worth, impending motherhood, and the aftermath of her marriage falling apart. It felt like a very grounded story, despite the more fantastical aspects of grim reapers, missing souls, and paranormal mysteries. Kathy’s struggle to find balance between her work and personal life was particularly relatable, making her an easy character to root for.

Surprisingly, I found myself invested in the second chance romance between Kathy and her estranged husband. Usually, I don’t care much for this trope, but Dara manages to write it in a way that feels natural and authentic. Kathy’s conflicting feelings about her relationship added an extra layer to the story, and it was heartening to watch her navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Their dynamic felt raw and real, which is something I rarely expect in a mystery about grim reapers!

Another highlight for me was the found family theme. As Kathy relies on her retired mentor, her almost-ex-husband, and even the stubborn spirit of the murdered Conner to solve the mystery, there’s a real sense of community that builds over the course of the story. Each character brings something valuable to the table, and their relationships grow in a way that felt heartfelt and genuine.

That said, the mystery and procedural elements of the story left something to be desired. For a book that seems to want to establish itself as the start of a detective series, I felt the investigation itself could have been more fleshed out. While the concept of a grim reaper solving a murder within her own ranks is fascinating, the actual detective work felt a bit thin. It wasn’t as intricate or compelling as I had hoped, which dampened the impact of the overall mystery. I wanted more twists, more suspense, and a stronger connection between the supernatural elements and the investigation.

The cliffhanger ending was another point where the book fell short for me. While I understand that it’s setting up for future installments, I would have preferred a more contained resolution. It felt a bit too open-ended, leaving a lot of plot threads dangling, which made it difficult for this book to stand on its own. I think a stronger conclusion would have made for a more satisfying read, even if it is part of a series.

Overall, A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer is an enjoyable read with strong character development, a relatable protagonist, and an interesting supernatural world. While the mystery itself could have been stronger, there’s plenty of potential here for future books to build on. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or stories that mix life’s real struggles with magical elements, this is a series to keep an eye on.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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17 Jan 2025

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon (Review)

17 January 6 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

BULL MOON RISING

Author: Ruby Dixon
Series: Royal Artifactual Guild #1
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner in this captivating special hardcover edition of USA Today bestselling Ruby Dixon’s new steamy romantasy. 

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts... which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all of theirs away. Now in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items. 

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who needs a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine)... and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops) and will want nothing to do with her if he finds out the truth.

Now Aspeth just needs to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold. Oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, who she might be falling in love with. 
It’s time to dig deep. Literally.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Sexual Content, Sexism, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Addiction, Violence, Death of a parent, Vomit, Pregnancy

In Bull Moon Rising, Ruby Dixon blends romance, adventure, and magic in a steamy romantasy. The story follows Aspeth Honori, the daughter of a Holder who finds herself in a bind after her father gambles away all their magical artifacts. Determined to save her family, she devises a plan to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to retrieve arcane items from ancient ruins. However, the guild won't allow her to train because she’s a woman. To overcome this, Aspeth marries a gruff minotaur guild member who has his own set of problems, creating an arrangement that quickly becomes more complicated than either expected.

While the concept of a high-stakes magical adventure is intriguing, the execution sometimes falls short. As with many romantasy novels, Bull Moon Rising places heavy emphasis on the romance between Aspeth and her monstrous yet alluring partner. While the romance is well-written, steamy, and fun, it sometimes overshadows the broader plot. I would have liked to see more focus on the world-building and the magical artifacts that drive the story.

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of sexism. Aspeth's struggle to navigate a male-dominated guild and her use of her wit to bypass societal restrictions add depth to the story. It was refreshing to see these elements woven into the fantasy world, even if the plot could have done more with them.

On the downside, the "twist" near the end of the book felt out of place and didn’t fit smoothly with the rest of the narrative. It seemed like an attempt to raise the stakes but felt somewhat disconnected from the story's core themes.

Despite these flaws, the monster romance element delivers, and Dixon does a great job of making her minotaur hero both intimidating and endearing. The chemistry between Aspeth and her surly partner shines, and the intimate scenes are crafted with care.

Overall, Bull Moon Rising is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance who don’t mind a story that prioritizes the romantic arc over intricate world-building. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel, as there are plenty of elements in the world and characters that could be expanded upon in future installments.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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20 Sept 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: AN ACADEMY FOR LIARS by Alexis Henderson (Review)

20 September 4 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

AN ACADEMY FOR LIARS

Author: Alexis Henderson
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Representation: Black main character, Black love interest, gay side character, mental health discussions

Summary:
A student will find that the hardest lessons sometimes come outside the classroom in this stunning dark academia novel from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger.

Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.   

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself. 

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton college, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it’s a test she’s terrified she is going to fail.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Violence, Murder, Blood, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Animal death, Bullying, Cancer

This book kept me HOOKED. I loved the atmosphere and the way it was so tense throughout. I really appreciated the mixture of a semi-unreliable narrator with the mystical elements. I thought the storyline was well-developed and kept me really interested. I finished this in one sitting because I was just so enthralled. I loved that this felt fresh and new in the genre while still exemplifying the idea of dark academia.

It had a lot of tropes incorporated into it and they were really well done. I liked the way things were resolved throughout and getting the information that we needed, when we needed it. A lot of what I want to say would be a spoiler but overall I just really enjoyed it!

I would have liked a bit more explanation of how things concluded. It felt like it was a bit hand-waved to make it all work out, which left the ending feeling a bit quick. I feel like the rest of the story was well-paced, with enough information given to us that it made us think, but there were tendrels of the story that didn't feel as though they were closed before the end.

I still highly recommend this book!

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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13 Sept 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: REWITCHED by Lucy Jane Wood (Review)

13 September 0 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

REWITCHED

Author: Lucy Jane Wood
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: ACE
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either. 

Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind. 

But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . . 

With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you've been waiting for. 

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: gaslighting, panic attacks/disorders, grief, death, child death, murder

I really liked this book. A story about figuring out your life and changing direction at 30 made me feel really seen. I think it's so important to have "coming of age" stories when you want to change directions in the future. Your life isn't fully realized when you turn 18 or enter post-secondary (or not). Life is fluid and I loved that this book really portrayed that.

The twists and turns in this were really interesting and I loved all the characters, flaws and all. I thought there was such strong character development for Belle that really warmed my heart.

This was such a good cozyfantasy and I am so glad this genre is becoming more popular. This had such loveable characters, especially Art. I loved that all the characters went through such journies together and came out stronger at the end. The found family element of this really sealed it for me!

I highly recommend this one!

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26 Jul 2024

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Review | Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays

26 July 6 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

MASQUERADE

Author: O.O. Sangoyomi
Cover for Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
Series: N/A
Source: Libro.fm
Publisher: Forge
Publication Date: July 2, 2024
Representation: Black main characters, West African mythology/lore

Summary:
Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale of the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery in a patriarchal society, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future, set in a wonderfully reimagined, pre-colonial West Africa. 

Òdòdó's hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Already shunned as social pariahs, living conditions for Òdòdó and the other women in her blacksmith guild grow even worse under Yorùbá rule.

Then Òdòdó is abducted. She is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper is none other than the vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior. But now that he is swathed in riches rather than rags, Òdòdó realizes he is not a vagrant at all; he is the warrior king, and he has chosen her to be his wife.

In a sudden change of fortune, Òdòdó soars to the very heights of society. But after a lifetime of subjugation, the power that saturates this world of battle and political savvy becomes too enticing to resist. And as tensions with rival states reveal elaborate schemes and enemies hidden in plain sight, she must re-forge the shaky loyalties of the court to her favor, or risk losing everything—including her life.

Loosely based on the myth of Persephone, O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade takes you on a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue that turn an entire region on its head.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Content Warning: violence, murder, kidnapping, animal death, slavery, confinement, sexual assault, rape, sexism

In MASQUERADE, Òdòdó, a formidable blacksmith from Timbuktu, is kidnapped by the powerful Aláàfin leader, Àrệmọ. Despite her initial shock at this handsome and dangerous man's desire to marry her, she quickly recognizes the comfort and power her new role affords her. As the tides of political change and warring kingdoms shift, Òdòdó seizes the opportunity to exert her influence, offering strategic advice to her fiancé, which he then claims as his own. This political intrigue and the looming threat of death draw them closer, forging a formidable partnership to rule their lands.

I absolutely loved MASQUERADE! It offered a fascinating twist on the Hades x Persephone myth, staying true to the essence of Greek mythology and capturing the ruthless and brutal nature of "death." Àrệmọ's portrayal as someone who fully embraces his role was a refreshing departure from the typical sad, emo depictions of Hades in popular media.

The integration of West African mythology was a delightful surprise. It’s not a perspective I've encountered often, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it influenced the portrayal of women's roles in society. The novel's setting in a fantastical 15th century West Africa is richly detailed, avoiding info-dumps except where necessary. However, this sometimes results in a bit of naivety from Òdòdó.

Though we follow Òdòdó’s perspective throughout the book, her motivations and some of the author's choices for her circumstances left me puzzled. The novel is marketed as fantasy, yet it lacks a developed magic system, relying instead on a general fantastical atmosphere. This reliance on mythology, highlighted by perhaps just one key scene, makes the fantasy label feel somewhat overstretched.

While the story boasts elements of great storytelling, it does read like a debut, with room for more well-rounded character development and a stronger central plot. The narrative didn’t follow a clear path to the conclusion, and the side plots felt underdeveloped, detracting from the main story. Nonetheless, I’m excited for Sangoyomi’s next book; her prose is strong, even if all the elements aren't fully realized yet.

I also recommend the audiobook, narrated by Ariel Blake. Hearing the rich West African names pronounced correctly added depth to the experience. Listening to books that draw from a narrative storytelling tradition like this is always a pleasure, and the narration kept me thoroughly invested in the story.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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19 Jul 2024

Interview with Jill Baguchinsky, author of SO WITCHES WE BECAME!

19 July 0 Comments

I am thrilled to be hosting Jill Baguchinsky today for an interview about her young adult queer-feminist thriller, SO WITCHES WE BECAME.


SO WITCHES WE BECAME

Author: Jill Baguchinsky
Series: N/A
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 23, 2024

Representation: queer characters

Summary:
Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse– the choice is yours.

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys," girls will fight back. 

For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast.
 
Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood.

Easier said than done.

But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape.

Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. 
Purchase*:
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Describe SO WITCHES WE BECAME in 15 words or less.

Jill Baguchinsky: Friends trapped by a curse must fight back together or be devoured one by one. 

(That was trickier than I was expecting it to be! Haha.)

How do you ensure that the elements you pulled from Stephen King’s The Mist are unique to your novel while still being an homage to the original?

Jill Baguchinsky: As much as I absolutely adore Stephen King, I didn’t actually start out with The Mist in mind when I wrote So Witches We Became. Both stories feature an ominous fog/mist/haze and a deadly mystery lurking within, but the dynamics of a group of teenagers trapped on a Florida island are different from those of a collection of people trapped in a Maine supermarket, so the stories veer off in very different directions. There’s just something absolutely eerie about the idea of a weird mist settling in and hiding who-knows-what, the way it dulls sound and makes landmarks vanish. It’s all so still, so empty, like the world’s been swallowed up by a void. There’s a lot to play with in that.
On a related note, King fans may recognize a bit of inspiration from his short story “The Raft” in So Witches as well. Some of the imagery from that one has stuck with me for decades.

What character arcs in SO WITCHES WE BECAME were particularly rewarding to write?

Jill Baguchinsky: So Witches’ main character, Nell, goes from a quiet, private, somewhat self-conscious girl to a vengeance-seeking badass determined to figure out how to save herself and her friends. She starts off as the “mom friend” of the group, taking care of everyone else, but when she starts standing up for herself instead of always keeping her focus only on others, that’s when things start turning around. I end up as the mom friend in a lot of group situations, too, so I know how easy it can be to focus so much on everyone else that you forget yourself, and how invisible that can make you. Letting Nell acknowledge her past and find her strength was a delight. 

What core themes did you explore in SO WITCHES WE BECAME, and why are they important to you?

Jill Baguchinsky: I really wanted to tackle the idea that we’re so often stronger when we support and care for each other, especially when it comes to standing up to some of the ideas society pushes on us. The book deals a lot with the sentiment that “boys will be boys” and how those boys are subsequently not held accountable for some of their actions. I remember being young and hearing, “Oh, that little boy hit you? It’s just because he likes you!” or reading high school dress codes that limited girls’ wardrobe choices based on what would or wouldn’t be distracting to boys, etc. I look back on all that and wonder just what we’re teaching the younger generations – where we’re laying blame, and where we’re making excuses, and why. I wanted my characters to challenge the ideas they’ve internalized and accepted for too long. Sometimes all it takes is for one member of a group to push back – they inspire others to do the same, and suddenly changes start to happen.

How do you keep the element of horror and suspense alive while writing?

Jill Baguchinsky: In So Witches, I played with some horror elements and tropes that scare me personally. For example, one character has a history of sleep paralysis and sees a terrifying shadow creature in her room at night – as a child I experienced something similar, although my personal sleep paralysis visitor was a creepy old woman rather than a living shadow (lucky me!). So Witches also draws a lot of parallels between the group’s predicament on the island and the reality of hurricane prep and tracking, something I know all too well thanks to spending most of my life in Florida. By pulling from situations that spook me in real life, I hope I was able to convey the resulting fear in a realistic and convincing manner. 

Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or practices that help you stay productive?

Jill Baguchinsky: I’m very much a pantser when it comes to writing, rather than a plotter. I tend to get really excited about a new idea, obsess over it constantly for a few weeks, and rough out a messy first draft in a short period of time. I throw everything into that mess and see what sticks (and a lot doesn’t!). Then I take that complete dumpster fire of a draft, tear it apart, and start polishing it into something I might actually let someone else read someday. Once I get it to the point where I can bear to let others peek at it, I get feedback from a few trusted beta readers and tear the whole thing apart again based on what does and doesn’t work for them. I used to fear constructive criticism, but over the years I’ve come to realize how valuable other points of view can be. It’s not really possible to objectively judge our own work; we’re too close to it. Someone else might read it and ask, “Okay, but why didn’t this character do this when this happened?” or whatever, and boom, epiphany! I love those “why didn’t I think of that?!?” moments. They’re frustrating, but also fascinating, and SO inspiring.

How do you handle writer’s block or moments of self-doubt?

Jill Baguchinsky: I like to joke that since I’m a Taurus I’m too stubborn to give into such things. If I’m mired in imposter syndrome, it really helps to talk about it with people I trust. I have such brilliant friends accomplishing amazing things, and every one of them seems to doubt themselves, just like I doubt myself. We end up supporting each other and being each other’s cheerleaders.  As far as writer’s block goes, my characters are going to babble at me and do their thing whether or not I’m writing it all down, so it’s mostly a matter of getting myself in front of the computer and not letting myself procrastinate too much. 

What do you hope readers will take away from SO WITCHES WE BECAME?

Jill Baguchinsky: Without giving too much away, I hope that those who need a story like this find it empowering and satisfying. I also hope it encourages some readers to think about challenging how society sometimes assigns accountability and blame. More than anything, I hope there’s a reader out there who feels seen by this book.
Jill Baguchinsky grew up fluent in darkness and Disney. Born in New York and raised on Marco Island, Florida, Jill spent her time reading way too much Stephen King and dodging more hurricanes than she could count.

(credit J. Baguchinsky)
Jill’s first novel, a lighthearted ghost-hunting story titled SPOOKYGIRL: PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction and was published by Dutton Children’s Books in 2012. In her next book, MAMMOTH (Turner 2018), Jill tackled topics like bullying, body image, and the struggle young women often face trying to stand out in male-dominated scientific fields.
“Green Thumb,” Jill’s post-apocalyptic blend of science fiction, horror, and proper succulent care, was chosen by author and guest judge Ken Liu as a winner in Uncharted Magazine’s 2021 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Short Story Award contest, and her Baba Yaga-inspired piece “All Bitterness Burned Away” appeared in the Stoker-nominated women-in-horror anthology INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA from Black Spot Books in late 2022.

In July 2024 Little, Brown and Company will publish Jill’s SO WITCHES WE BECAME, a queer feminist young adult horror novel inspired by female rage and Hurricane Irma. Pitched as THE WICKED DEEP meets Stephen King’s THE MIST, SWWB involves an out-of-control curse that traps a group of friends on a barrier island, forcing them to harness the shared power of their traumatic secrets or risk being devoured.

Jill still lives in Florida, but after one hurricane too many, she and her mini menagerie of rescue animals moved inland. Aside from the manatees she used to watch in her backyard canal, she doesn’t miss much about island life.

Connect with Jill
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Have you pre-ordered your copy of SO WITCHES WE BECAME?

If so, fill out this form and email proof of order (a redacted receipt, if you're uncomfortable sharing information on the receipt) to witches.campaign@gmail.com, and Jill will send you some goodies to say thank you!

While supplies last, the SWWB swag pack includes the following:

  • signed bookplate
  • cover art postcard print
  • holographic “hollow but thriving” quote sticker from Tris
  • set of sketchbook stickers from Harper
  • holographic cover sticker

In addition, the first 50 people to submit their info will also receive a limited-edition copy of Nell and Harper’s horror zine HERE IN THE SHADOWS.

The zine is a big part of the friendship that’s at the heart of SO WITCHES WE BECAME, and I couldn’t resist bringing an issue to life. In the book, every issue of HERE IN THE SHADOWS features a short horror story by Nell (this one includes “I was Promised a Tooth”) along with artwork by Harper (for this issue Insomniac Illustrations recreated Harper’s style gorgeously!).

Each copy is signed by Nell and Harper, and each is individually numbered and hand-assembled.

Swag is available worldwide while supplies last. Some items (especially the zine and the holo cover sticker) are more limited than others. Requests must be received before July 23, 2024. Items will be mailed after this date (or sooner if Jill has time!). Valid for pre-orders of hardcovers, ebooks, and audiobooks from your bookseller of choice.

Thank you for pre-ordering! And keep fighting back, Team Witches! You’ve got magic in you.

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