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Season of the Witch
Like Fredericks's The Girl in the Park, here is a page-turner that perfectly captures the world of New York City private schools, as it explores the notion of power among teenage girls. Publisher's Weekly , in a starred review, raves, "Fredericks again proves her gift for conveying the intensity of adolescence, while exploring the ways girls’ sexuality is used against them and asking why 'we all have to be predators and prey.'"
Queen Bee Chloe is going to make Toni suffer for whatever transpired between Toni and Chloe's boyfriend, Oliver, over the summer. From day one of eleventh grade, she has Toni branded as a super slut, and it isn't long before things get so ugly that Toni fears for her safety. What's a scared, powerless, and fed-up teenager to do? Guided by Cassandra—a girl with some serious problems of her own—Toni decides to stop playing the victim and take control. Cassandra has been experimenting with witchcraft, and together they cast a spell on Chloe that may actually cause her death. Could Toni have really made such an awful thing happen?
Queen Bee Chloe is going to make Toni suffer for whatever transpired between Toni and Chloe's boyfriend, Oliver, over the summer. From day one of eleventh grade, she has Toni branded as a super slut, and it isn't long before things get so ugly that Toni fears for her safety. What's a scared, powerless, and fed-up teenager to do? Guided by Cassandra—a girl with some serious problems of her own—Toni decides to stop playing the victim and take control. Cassandra has been experimenting with witchcraft, and together they cast a spell on Chloe that may actually cause her death. Could Toni have really made such an awful thing happen?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2013
17 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Fredericks
26 books683 followersMariah Fredericks was born, raised, and still lives in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series as well as The Lindbergh Nanny, which Nelson DeMille called, "a masterful blending of fact and fiction that is as compelling as it is entertaining." The Wharton Plot, was named one of the best mysteries of 2024 by Library Journal. "An Edith Wharton scholar could read Ms. Frederick’s novel with profit and amusement."—Wall Street Journal. Her next novel, The Girl in the Green Dress, featuring Zelda Fitzgerald and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, is out September 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 15, 2014
This book started off with so much promise. I thought it would be similar to one of my favorite movies "The Craft".
Toni was one of the cooler kids in school until over the summer she messed with the Queen Bee Chloe's boyfriend.
So Chloe and her two BFF's decide to make her life a living hell at school. Text messaging, phone calls and even personal attacks. I so hate teenage girls.
Then Cassandra comes into the picture. She has a book of spells and says she knows how to help her.
Bad things happen (you have to read the book yourself to find out what).
Then that's when the book went all to hell for me.
All of a sudden the writing from Toni's point of view seemed much older than she was supposed to be.
It got on my nerves so bad that I almost DNF the book. It seemed that someone different started writing the book and then an older woman took over the second half?
I'm not a spring chicken but damn I don't even talk like this teenager was.
Is there any good witch books out there? Cuz I can't find them if there is.
Toni was one of the cooler kids in school until over the summer she messed with the Queen Bee Chloe's boyfriend.
So Chloe and her two BFF's decide to make her life a living hell at school. Text messaging, phone calls and even personal attacks. I so hate teenage girls.
Then Cassandra comes into the picture. She has a book of spells and says she knows how to help her.
Bad things happen (you have to read the book yourself to find out what).
Then that's when the book went all to hell for me.
All of a sudden the writing from Toni's point of view seemed much older than she was supposed to be.
It got on my nerves so bad that I almost DNF the book. It seemed that someone different started writing the book and then an older woman took over the second half?
I'm not a spring chicken but damn I don't even talk like this teenager was.
Is there any good witch books out there? Cuz I can't find them if there is.
March 9, 2015
While bullying is a popular topic in young adult novels today (and rightly so as it's such a prevalent and growing problem), Ms. Fredericks takes a unique angle on it. Toni isn't a typical nerdy wimp. She's not in the In crowd, but she has friends and people like her. Until that summer night when Oliver told her he and Chloe had broken up, so he and Toni hooked up. And then Oliver and Chloe got back together. And Chloe told everyone that they had most definitely not been broken up, and Oliver wouldn't defend Toni. Chloe is in the In crowd, in fact she seems to be the Queen Bee of the school. And she and her two cronies take it upon themselves to make her life a living hell.
Meanwhile Toni becomes friendly with Cassandra, the cousin of her best friend Ella. Ella is sweet and caring but not tough or devious. Which Cassandra is. She's the perfect friend to help Toni get through this rough time. Until she takes things up a notch, and shows Toni her book of spells. Cassandra wants Toni to hex Chloe. When her first spell, to mute Oliver in revenge for his silence towards her, works, Toni is terrified of the temptation and the potential.
The twist at the end with Cassandra was well set up and felt natural. And while the middle part with Ella was uncomfortable and upsetting, it was supposed to be and was very effective. It was also nice that Ms. Fredericks didn't do the typical thing with the two best friends who didn't like each other and let Toni be friends with both of them, even though it wasn't smooth-sailing. I also liked how she showed that someone like Ella, a bubbly happy well-liked girl, still had a lot of issues. And how even though she wasn't a steel-spined tough-girl, she had an inner strength that her classmates and friends valued and saw. The ending was satisfying, and even if there was a shocking moment or two in the book, nothing felt unbelievable or forced. The teenagers felt like teenagers. The high school was a little unfamiliar but that's just New York for you.
I could have finished this book in one sitting but I dragged it out for four days because I didn't want it to end. Ms. Fredericks's voice is so authentic and real, it feels warm and familiar. You feel like you know all of these characters like old friends (or old classmates). An important story in this world of bullies, and one that is new and fresh.
Meanwhile Toni becomes friendly with Cassandra, the cousin of her best friend Ella. Ella is sweet and caring but not tough or devious. Which Cassandra is. She's the perfect friend to help Toni get through this rough time. Until she takes things up a notch, and shows Toni her book of spells. Cassandra wants Toni to hex Chloe. When her first spell, to mute Oliver in revenge for his silence towards her, works, Toni is terrified of the temptation and the potential.
The twist at the end with Cassandra was well set up and felt natural. And while the middle part with Ella was uncomfortable and upsetting, it was supposed to be and was very effective. It was also nice that Ms. Fredericks didn't do the typical thing with the two best friends who didn't like each other and let Toni be friends with both of them, even though it wasn't smooth-sailing. I also liked how she showed that someone like Ella, a bubbly happy well-liked girl, still had a lot of issues. And how even though she wasn't a steel-spined tough-girl, she had an inner strength that her classmates and friends valued and saw. The ending was satisfying, and even if there was a shocking moment or two in the book, nothing felt unbelievable or forced. The teenagers felt like teenagers. The high school was a little unfamiliar but that's just New York for you.
I could have finished this book in one sitting but I dragged it out for four days because I didn't want it to end. Ms. Fredericks's voice is so authentic and real, it feels warm and familiar. You feel like you know all of these characters like old friends (or old classmates). An important story in this world of bullies, and one that is new and fresh.
October 18, 2013
I picked up “Season of the Witch” by Mariah Fredericks totally at random. The title sounded interesting and I was looking for something to get me in the Halloween mood. This book turned out to be so much more than that.
Reading this book was like taking all the best junk food plots (revenge, mean girls, murder?, witchcraft?!) mixing them all together and somehow ending up with a gourmet meal. It sounds like it should be cheesy, but it just wicked awesome. Teen girl, Toni, is coming back to school after a rough summer of breakups, makeouts and heartbreak. Things get real right away when Queen of Mean, Chloe, vows revenge. Once the actions starts you cannot look away. Every page I read made me want to read the next one even more. The only help Toni is going to get seems to come from a strange source, her best friend's cousin, the suddenly goth, Cassandra. But what kind of help is she offering exactly?
I love how many things are left ambiguous at times without it feeling like a cop out.
***SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS***
Is witchcraft real? Why did *spoilers* die? Who really is to blame?
*** END SPOILERS END SPOILERS END SPOILERS****
It doesn't feel like the author didn't bother to come up with answers to these questions, but instead you feel the struggles as Toni tries to comes to terms with all these questions and more in her own way.
If you love real-life high school stories full of over-the-top reality TV drama I'm pretty sure you will like this book, but if you love well-written emotional books about realistic characters and the adversity they overcome, or fail to, then I *know* you will definitely love this book.
Pick up a copy of this worthy Halloween Read, right away!
Reading this book was like taking all the best junk food plots (revenge, mean girls, murder?, witchcraft?!) mixing them all together and somehow ending up with a gourmet meal. It sounds like it should be cheesy, but it just wicked awesome. Teen girl, Toni, is coming back to school after a rough summer of breakups, makeouts and heartbreak. Things get real right away when Queen of Mean, Chloe, vows revenge. Once the actions starts you cannot look away. Every page I read made me want to read the next one even more. The only help Toni is going to get seems to come from a strange source, her best friend's cousin, the suddenly goth, Cassandra. But what kind of help is she offering exactly?
I love how many things are left ambiguous at times without it feeling like a cop out.
***SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS***
Is witchcraft real? Why did *spoilers* die? Who really is to blame?
*** END SPOILERS END SPOILERS END SPOILERS****
It doesn't feel like the author didn't bother to come up with answers to these questions, but instead you feel the struggles as Toni tries to comes to terms with all these questions and more in her own way.
If you love real-life high school stories full of over-the-top reality TV drama I'm pretty sure you will like this book, but if you love well-written emotional books about realistic characters and the adversity they overcome, or fail to, then I *know* you will definitely love this book.
Pick up a copy of this worthy Halloween Read, right away!
July 21, 2014
3.5 stars Fredericks takes a really unique approach to talking about bullying in school, specifically bullying of girls. I loved how bullying became this kind of evil energy, almost magic, that girls worked on one another. I think that interpretation is really provocative and really captures the feeling of the victim, especially when it seems like one popular girl has bewitched the entire school to turn against you. So I was totally behind this book, up until the end. Unfortunately, I felt that the end, while appropriate for the message Fredericks wanted to send about negative and positive energy, was a little too cheery and happy for the tone she sets early on in the novel. This was a story that called for darkness and tragedy a la The Craft. And the positive ending felt a little unbalanced. Nonetheless, I thought it was a great, creative, readable take on bullying, and of course anything that mixes magic and every day-ness gets my vote.
July 31, 2019
Could complete only 201 pages of the book, as further interest could not be continued. In Toni, Mariah has created a strong character, who was badly victimized and branded as a slut.
Most parts of the story seemed to be quite unrealistic in my milieu in Mumbai, India
Most parts of the story seemed to be quite unrealistic in my milieu in Mumbai, India
October 29, 2018
Check out the review on my blog!
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So this book has been on my bookshelf for the LONGEST time and by that I mean....since 2013! I have decided that I am going to focus more on trying to read the books that have been on my bookshelves for a long time and not buy any more books until I can bring my TBR pile down a little. Any progress is good progress right ?
I had very little idea what this book was as I was going into it, which was probably a good thing. Although the book did not blow me away, I did enjoy it for the most part.
The story revolves around Toni, our main character who over the summer kissed the boyfriend of the most popular girl in school. As she now returns to school, she returns to cold shoulders from everyone, snide remarks and bullying behaviour from Chloe and her group of popular friends.
Toni's life is going through a rough patch, which is when Cassandra comes in. Cassandra, reeling from the death of her younger brother brings Toni down a dark path of witchcraft, midnight hexes, friendship and magic. Their friendship quickly becomes all consuming and strong as they continue to mess with the dark arts to meet their own ends.
The novel was very reminiscent of the movie The Craft for me. I really enjoy that movie, but for some reason this book felt a little flat for the most part. I felt like I was waiting for some huge twist that never came. I read the novel pretty quickly, and maybe if the book was more drawn out or longer, it would have resonated more.
Overall an okay read that would be good for Halloween time.
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So this book has been on my bookshelf for the LONGEST time and by that I mean....since 2013! I have decided that I am going to focus more on trying to read the books that have been on my bookshelves for a long time and not buy any more books until I can bring my TBR pile down a little. Any progress is good progress right ?
I had very little idea what this book was as I was going into it, which was probably a good thing. Although the book did not blow me away, I did enjoy it for the most part.
The story revolves around Toni, our main character who over the summer kissed the boyfriend of the most popular girl in school. As she now returns to school, she returns to cold shoulders from everyone, snide remarks and bullying behaviour from Chloe and her group of popular friends.
Toni's life is going through a rough patch, which is when Cassandra comes in. Cassandra, reeling from the death of her younger brother brings Toni down a dark path of witchcraft, midnight hexes, friendship and magic. Their friendship quickly becomes all consuming and strong as they continue to mess with the dark arts to meet their own ends.
The novel was very reminiscent of the movie The Craft for me. I really enjoy that movie, but for some reason this book felt a little flat for the most part. I felt like I was waiting for some huge twist that never came. I read the novel pretty quickly, and maybe if the book was more drawn out or longer, it would have resonated more.
Overall an okay read that would be good for Halloween time.
February 23, 2019
Really well crafted YA writing. Loved it.
Picked this up because of the obvious witchy elements and wasn't disappointed. This really gets into the mind of what it is to be a teenage girl feeling powerless - and using witchcraft to try and regain control of her life. But it also goes down a new and dark road - what if you wished someone dead, cast a spell and then they died - would be be happy because your magic works, or would you feel just as bad as if you killed them with your own hands?
People are saying it wasn't 'witchy' enough for them, but there's a lot in here that speaks to the morality of magic and how we use it, and what magic actually IS in terms of energy being sent out and received. It's not the fantastical magic of 'The Craft' but real witches will probably enjoy it for its commentary on real life magical workings.
Picked this up because of the obvious witchy elements and wasn't disappointed. This really gets into the mind of what it is to be a teenage girl feeling powerless - and using witchcraft to try and regain control of her life. But it also goes down a new and dark road - what if you wished someone dead, cast a spell and then they died - would be be happy because your magic works, or would you feel just as bad as if you killed them with your own hands?
People are saying it wasn't 'witchy' enough for them, but there's a lot in here that speaks to the morality of magic and how we use it, and what magic actually IS in terms of energy being sent out and received. It's not the fantastical magic of 'The Craft' but real witches will probably enjoy it for its commentary on real life magical workings.
December 14, 2017
Disappointed.. Yeah... right, I got my BOS here and lets call on Hecate to kill off our classmates.
Like Hecate cares about high school angst. I was hoping for so much more. The Craft, this book is not.
Like Hecate cares about high school angst. I was hoping for so much more. The Craft, this book is not.
October 6, 2018
I loved how this book talked about death, grief, and guilt. Those three topics along with revenge and anger were so present in this book and the characters worked through those emotions exactly like teenagers would. It was well written and had such a good message.
November 3, 2018
Ladies of a certain age who grew up watching The Craft on VHS: this book's for you.
October 3, 2020
Looses its magic about half way and has such a silly ending.
The promise of something dark and wonderful is an empty one.
The promise of something dark and wonderful is an empty one.
January 2, 2023
I really liked season of the witch. It kept my attention and was fun throughout. I recommend it to youth or adults too.
November 16, 2023
Accurately portrayed struggles of being a teenager while adding a suspense. Honestly the hex thing kinda bored me as well as added unnecessary confusion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
A few sections of this book haven’t aged well—they feel dated circa 2012 in a way that’s hard to ignore. But those sections are small, and the book overall is interesting and compelling.
June 21, 2014
Over the summer, Toni had a brief fling with Queen Bee Chloe's boyfriend Oliver. Now summer's over but what happened in the summer doesn't stay in the summer. Instead, Chloe's determined to make Toni's life hell for daring to cross her by hanging out with Oliver. And Oliver's refusing to speak up to explain what had happened between him and Toni. Toni's got nobody to turn to, her family is still trying to recover from their own problems and her best friend too uncertain to help her out. Instead Toni's forced to take things into her own hands by bonding with Cassandra, a girl who's been experimenting with the occult having suffered a recent tragedy of her own. Together they cast spells, spells to turn Toni's enemies hapless against her. Only is it really the spells that are work?
Season of the Witch was a different read than I had anticipated. Despite the blurb hyping up all the occult and witchy stuff, there's actually minimal spell-casting going on around here. Instead, we get a more in-depth account of bullying and slut-shaming. Although Oliver had an equal part to play in their summer fling, it's only Toni that seems to suffer the repercussions of it. Chloe takes Oliver back without any complaints to him but she makes Toni's school life horrible. There's gossip floating around about Toni, other boys are calling her and taunting her and it even escalates into a physical confrontation later on. I feel terrible for our protagonist.
However, there were times that I felt like Toni really is too stupid to live. She makes poor choices and is really impulsive. I think Mariah Fredericks wanted to present her as a cool girl, the type of girl who's down with having a short fling with the Queen Bee's popular boyfriend and having *sexy sexy* exploits over the summer:
Yes, I did kind of hope that Oliver was going to break it off with Chloe. And yes, it sucked when it became clear that was not happening. But I dealt with it.
But this characterization falls pretty flat because despite Toni saying that she's cool with everything, she still wants Oliver:
Do not talk to him, I tell myself. Do not. It will be all over school in five seconds and Chloe will have even more reason to hate you.
But if I walk past hi, that's not talking to him, is it? If he talks to me, that's his choice, right?
I have to do this smart. Keep my eye focused on something else, as if I haven't noticed he's there.
Toni, hey--
It only happens in my head. I walk near him...
Walk past him.
He says nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I know he saw me. I can tell by the way he stared straight ahead as I passed.
Sigh, Toni, girl what are you doing?
Aside from the bullying issue, Fredericks also includes some really heavy family drama issues for Cassandra and Toni. These family problems are also the reasons why the two girls are drawn together. In fact, Toni and Cassandra are like two sides of the same coin. They've been through about the same troubles but it is their reactions to their problems that define them. I wished that Cassandra's characterization was also given greater thought because I think she came off as pretty inconsistent as well. She was first presented as a badass and a mystery but later on, as the focus turns towards Ellie and Cassandra, Fredericks tries to garner sympathy for Cassandra and it comes of a little flat and contrived.
Season of the Witch is a book with good intentions, I just think that there's too many issues stuffed into such a short book. There's an eating disorder, family problems, slut-shaming, bullying, the occult and a death. Not enough focus is given to some issues and too time is spent on others. Overall, this was a very fast read though and it did keep me hanging until the very end...so I guess I liked it?
Season of the Witch was a different read than I had anticipated. Despite the blurb hyping up all the occult and witchy stuff, there's actually minimal spell-casting going on around here. Instead, we get a more in-depth account of bullying and slut-shaming. Although Oliver had an equal part to play in their summer fling, it's only Toni that seems to suffer the repercussions of it. Chloe takes Oliver back without any complaints to him but she makes Toni's school life horrible. There's gossip floating around about Toni, other boys are calling her and taunting her and it even escalates into a physical confrontation later on. I feel terrible for our protagonist.
However, there were times that I felt like Toni really is too stupid to live. She makes poor choices and is really impulsive. I think Mariah Fredericks wanted to present her as a cool girl, the type of girl who's down with having a short fling with the Queen Bee's popular boyfriend and having *sexy sexy* exploits over the summer:
Yes, I did kind of hope that Oliver was going to break it off with Chloe. And yes, it sucked when it became clear that was not happening. But I dealt with it.
But this characterization falls pretty flat because despite Toni saying that she's cool with everything, she still wants Oliver:
Do not talk to him, I tell myself. Do not. It will be all over school in five seconds and Chloe will have even more reason to hate you.
But if I walk past hi, that's not talking to him, is it? If he talks to me, that's his choice, right?
I have to do this smart. Keep my eye focused on something else, as if I haven't noticed he's there.
Toni, hey--
It only happens in my head. I walk near him...
Walk past him.
He says nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I know he saw me. I can tell by the way he stared straight ahead as I passed.
Sigh, Toni, girl what are you doing?
Aside from the bullying issue, Fredericks also includes some really heavy family drama issues for Cassandra and Toni. These family problems are also the reasons why the two girls are drawn together. In fact, Toni and Cassandra are like two sides of the same coin. They've been through about the same troubles but it is their reactions to their problems that define them. I wished that Cassandra's characterization was also given greater thought because I think she came off as pretty inconsistent as well. She was first presented as a badass and a mystery but later on, as the focus turns towards Ellie and Cassandra, Fredericks tries to garner sympathy for Cassandra and it comes of a little flat and contrived.
Season of the Witch is a book with good intentions, I just think that there's too many issues stuffed into such a short book. There's an eating disorder, family problems, slut-shaming, bullying, the occult and a death. Not enough focus is given to some issues and too time is spent on others. Overall, this was a very fast read though and it did keep me hanging until the very end...so I guess I liked it?
April 19, 2015
Season of the Witch was a pretty pleasant surprise. When I first ordered the book from Random Buzzers, it sounded interesting, but upon reading the first few pages, I was skeptical. I’m happy to say that it definitely turned around. However, there were a few problems, especially in the writing, that I couldn’t ignore.
The level of bullying in this book was surprisingly graphic and violent. I honestly very surprised by this. I expected mean girl drama, but nothing this bad. Toni is subjected to the usual rumors and stares and whispers that we’re accustomed to reading about, but Chloe and her friends terrorize Toni to the point that it gets physically violent. This passages were obviously not easy to read and left my heart broken. I couldn’t do anything but root for Toni, especially when she was able to pick herself up, clean herself off (literally), and keep moving forward. Her strength was admirable, well before the story turned toward revenge.
As with any sort of revenge story, you’re going to find yourself in some ethically murky water. While I was horrified at the disgusting bullying that Toni was put through in the first quarter of the book, and I longed for her bullies to see justice, I definitely didn’t think that Chloe, the bully, deserved to die. Thankfully, Toni didn’t either. One thing I am thankful for in this book – there wasn’t a very heavy-handed preachiness after Chloe died. Toni was horrified by what she had done, but there was no big revelation and after-school-special like monologue from the author. The story continued well past Chloe’s death and the real turnaround for Toni happens later one.
I was completely fascinated by Cassandra as a character. The author gives us some hints of magical realism so we are unable to tell what’s truly going on with the spells and rituals Cassandra introduces to Toni, but we are easily able to see that this is one troubled girl. Reeling from the death of her autistic younger brother, Eamonn, Cassandra’s grief is complex and believable. Eamonm was not an easy child to care for, and was prone to violent outbursts and fits of rage. His death left Cassandra, and possibly her whole family, with some small sense of relief, and because of that relief, guilt. Grief is not simple – it is complicated and layered, and I appreciated the honesty with which the author handle this subject.
There were some problems I encountered when reading Season of the Witch, though, especially in the writing style. Told in first person from Toni’s perspective, sometimes there would be sentences like: And I wanted to say, Blah blah blah. (Not an actual quote.) This happened more than a few times, and in my head I kept thinking that an editor should have taken the “And I wanted to say” part off that sentence, italicized the rest, and let it be an actual thought Toni has. Aside from the weirdness in the sentences, I also felt like the author kind of dumbed it down to her audience. There were several passages in which everything was laid out for the reader so we wouldn’t miss a single detail. I think that readers are much smarter than that and are able to make the connections on our own, thank you very much. Finally, some of the interactions at the high school between the students felt very ABC Family to me – not very realistic; almost a caricature of what high school is really like.
A fast-paced read, I finished Season of the Witch in one day. At times it was hard to take in, with the bullying and the death of a young child, but I do think it was a solid revenge story as well as a wonderful look at the effects of bullying, both in school and from our closest loved ones. This was surprising and thoughtful, though not without its problems.
The level of bullying in this book was surprisingly graphic and violent. I honestly very surprised by this. I expected mean girl drama, but nothing this bad. Toni is subjected to the usual rumors and stares and whispers that we’re accustomed to reading about, but Chloe and her friends terrorize Toni to the point that it gets physically violent. This passages were obviously not easy to read and left my heart broken. I couldn’t do anything but root for Toni, especially when she was able to pick herself up, clean herself off (literally), and keep moving forward. Her strength was admirable, well before the story turned toward revenge.
As with any sort of revenge story, you’re going to find yourself in some ethically murky water. While I was horrified at the disgusting bullying that Toni was put through in the first quarter of the book, and I longed for her bullies to see justice, I definitely didn’t think that Chloe, the bully, deserved to die. Thankfully, Toni didn’t either. One thing I am thankful for in this book – there wasn’t a very heavy-handed preachiness after Chloe died. Toni was horrified by what she had done, but there was no big revelation and after-school-special like monologue from the author. The story continued well past Chloe’s death and the real turnaround for Toni happens later one.
I was completely fascinated by Cassandra as a character. The author gives us some hints of magical realism so we are unable to tell what’s truly going on with the spells and rituals Cassandra introduces to Toni, but we are easily able to see that this is one troubled girl. Reeling from the death of her autistic younger brother, Eamonn, Cassandra’s grief is complex and believable. Eamonm was not an easy child to care for, and was prone to violent outbursts and fits of rage. His death left Cassandra, and possibly her whole family, with some small sense of relief, and because of that relief, guilt. Grief is not simple – it is complicated and layered, and I appreciated the honesty with which the author handle this subject.
There were some problems I encountered when reading Season of the Witch, though, especially in the writing style. Told in first person from Toni’s perspective, sometimes there would be sentences like: And I wanted to say, Blah blah blah. (Not an actual quote.) This happened more than a few times, and in my head I kept thinking that an editor should have taken the “And I wanted to say” part off that sentence, italicized the rest, and let it be an actual thought Toni has. Aside from the weirdness in the sentences, I also felt like the author kind of dumbed it down to her audience. There were several passages in which everything was laid out for the reader so we wouldn’t miss a single detail. I think that readers are much smarter than that and are able to make the connections on our own, thank you very much. Finally, some of the interactions at the high school between the students felt very ABC Family to me – not very realistic; almost a caricature of what high school is really like.
A fast-paced read, I finished Season of the Witch in one day. At times it was hard to take in, with the bullying and the death of a young child, but I do think it was a solid revenge story as well as a wonderful look at the effects of bullying, both in school and from our closest loved ones. This was surprising and thoughtful, though not without its problems.
October 29, 2013
Rating: 2.5 rounded down. I briefly considered rounding up because I enjoyed the authors voice but I really couldn't do this book that kindness.
This book is about a girl who dates the (then broken up) boyfriend of the most popular girl in the school. Girl comes back and decides to kick this girls ass. And it goes from there.
Before I start, this books theme or major plot is kind of the high school revenge story like 'Mean Girls' with magic (sort of.) It's not quite the same (discussed below) but I just wanted to say that when I talk about the plot, I'm not downgrading it for this general plot/idea. I read it for that and the fact that it's been done a thousand times over has no baring on this review.
This book has a lot of significant issues that should've been worked out in the alpha phase of the book writing. The first major one is that the author can't decided which genre this should be in. She moves from one into another and then another, leaving all the previous genre's behind.
This probably has spoilers so I'm going to cut the rest:
This book is about a girl who dates the (then broken up) boyfriend of the most popular girl in the school. Girl comes back and decides to kick this girls ass. And it goes from there.
Before I start, this books theme or major plot is kind of the high school revenge story like 'Mean Girls' with magic (sort of.) It's not quite the same (discussed below) but I just wanted to say that when I talk about the plot, I'm not downgrading it for this general plot/idea. I read it for that and the fact that it's been done a thousand times over has no baring on this review.
This book has a lot of significant issues that should've been worked out in the alpha phase of the book writing. The first major one is that the author can't decided which genre this should be in. She moves from one into another and then another, leaving all the previous genre's behind.
This probably has spoilers so I'm going to cut the rest:
November 14, 2013
What happens during summer should stay in summer.
Toni had a bit of a wild summer and now that school is starting she's going to have to face her actions head on. She didn't realize what she was getting herself into at the time. She's not the only one to blame, but she's the only one getting the blame. Oliver has gotten back together with his girlfriend Chloe, but Chloe is out for blood. Who knew a kiss could be so dangerous? Toni doesn't know what to do to get Chloe and her friends to stop harassing her, but Cassandra does. Cassandra says there's a better way to get even, a bit of hocus pocus. Toni's not sure she really believes in this stuff, but when it works she starts to change gears. Cassandra doesn't know how far is too far though and things get out of hand fast. Toni is going to have to help Cassandra with her own dark secrets before more people get hurt.
I was pretty excited to read this book. The description had this nice Carrie vibe about it and I saw Toni standing in the middle of a burning down school with a small grin. This book wasn't Carrie, but it wasn't bad either.
One of the things I had an issue with was Toni. She complains about how terrible Chloe is and the bullying and everything, but Toni isn't a nice person. Take this abbreviated excerpt:
"....'I would like us all to rise and join hands, please. We will now recite the school civility pledge.'....I take Ella's hand and offer my other to Bill 'Pigman' Pullman on my right. He grins maniacally, like I've offered him some other body part to touch. I say, 'Drooling's not pretty, Bill.'....'I pledge to be civil and caring to my fellow students. To create a welcoming environment free of hostility and prejudice.' I pray that Chloe is listening."
While she's hoping that Chloe is listening to the Civility Pledge, Toni insults another student. For no reason. There are plenty of snide remarks from Toni and while some of them could be in jest, others just seem glossed over. We're supposed to feel bad for Toni, but it's hard. I realize that the bullying that Chloe is orchestrating is much worse than the comments from Toni, but I can't feel that bad for someone being bullied when they aren't that nice themselves.
It's hard to really enjoy a story when there is no one to root for. I didn't end up really liking any of the characters. Cassandra was all kinds of crazy and Toni and Ella are not great people either. Ella is supposed to be this super nice person, which she is to a point. Gossiping does not make you a nice person. This book seemed to be more than the story though.
The author wanted us to look at this scenario and see all the ugly that can crop up from things left unsaid, or sexist issues. Toni did some sexual things over summer, a guy would have been proud and praised. Toni gets harassed. I didn't feel like that was the central point in the book though and it seemed as if the author was trying to shove too many things in at once.
It was a quick and intense read though. Something worth giving a shot. There are some shocking things which raise the interest level a great deal.
First Line:
"You know how it is with little girls."
Favorite Lines:
"Ella thinks she's sincere, but really, she's just stirring up trouble. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble."
Read more: http://www.areadingnook.com/#ixzz2kdE...
Toni had a bit of a wild summer and now that school is starting she's going to have to face her actions head on. She didn't realize what she was getting herself into at the time. She's not the only one to blame, but she's the only one getting the blame. Oliver has gotten back together with his girlfriend Chloe, but Chloe is out for blood. Who knew a kiss could be so dangerous? Toni doesn't know what to do to get Chloe and her friends to stop harassing her, but Cassandra does. Cassandra says there's a better way to get even, a bit of hocus pocus. Toni's not sure she really believes in this stuff, but when it works she starts to change gears. Cassandra doesn't know how far is too far though and things get out of hand fast. Toni is going to have to help Cassandra with her own dark secrets before more people get hurt.
I was pretty excited to read this book. The description had this nice Carrie vibe about it and I saw Toni standing in the middle of a burning down school with a small grin. This book wasn't Carrie, but it wasn't bad either.
One of the things I had an issue with was Toni. She complains about how terrible Chloe is and the bullying and everything, but Toni isn't a nice person. Take this abbreviated excerpt:
"....'I would like us all to rise and join hands, please. We will now recite the school civility pledge.'....I take Ella's hand and offer my other to Bill 'Pigman' Pullman on my right. He grins maniacally, like I've offered him some other body part to touch. I say, 'Drooling's not pretty, Bill.'....'I pledge to be civil and caring to my fellow students. To create a welcoming environment free of hostility and prejudice.' I pray that Chloe is listening."
While she's hoping that Chloe is listening to the Civility Pledge, Toni insults another student. For no reason. There are plenty of snide remarks from Toni and while some of them could be in jest, others just seem glossed over. We're supposed to feel bad for Toni, but it's hard. I realize that the bullying that Chloe is orchestrating is much worse than the comments from Toni, but I can't feel that bad for someone being bullied when they aren't that nice themselves.
It's hard to really enjoy a story when there is no one to root for. I didn't end up really liking any of the characters. Cassandra was all kinds of crazy and Toni and Ella are not great people either. Ella is supposed to be this super nice person, which she is to a point. Gossiping does not make you a nice person. This book seemed to be more than the story though.
The author wanted us to look at this scenario and see all the ugly that can crop up from things left unsaid, or sexist issues. Toni did some sexual things over summer, a guy would have been proud and praised. Toni gets harassed. I didn't feel like that was the central point in the book though and it seemed as if the author was trying to shove too many things in at once.
It was a quick and intense read though. Something worth giving a shot. There are some shocking things which raise the interest level a great deal.
First Line:
"You know how it is with little girls."
Favorite Lines:
"Ella thinks she's sincere, but really, she's just stirring up trouble. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble."
Read more: http://www.areadingnook.com/#ixzz2kdE...
December 10, 2013
When I got this book in the mail and looked at the cover, I thought it would be a paranormal novel about witches. After reading it, I'm still not sure if there was actual true witchcraft or not, but I definitely got a much more contemporary YA book about high school girls and how far bullies will go to show exactly who is on top at their school.
If there's one thing Toni has learned after summer, it's that people love drama and love taking sides. When Toni had a thing with Queen Bee Chloe's boyfriend (when they were on a break) over summer, she had no idea how far Chloe would go to ruin her life when she figured it out. Now, everyone thinks Toni's a slut and Chloe will do whatever she can to make Toni's life a living hell. Toni has no idea how to handle Chloe and she's scared of how far Chloe will takes things. So when she meets Cassandra, the strange girl whose little brother died that summer, Chloe is shown a dark, magical world where she's no longer the victim. Toni is determined to get revenge on those who have wronged her, but Toni soon realizes just how dangerous witchcraft can be, and just how crazy Cassandra really is.
I've got to say, I really really hate bullying. As a future teacher, I can't stand the idea of people being so mean for absolutely petty reasons. Chloe and her friends were sending threatening messages to Toni before school even started, and Toni had so much fear and anxiety before even entering the school on the first day back. Yeah, Toni messed around with Chloe's boyfriend, but they weren't even together when it happened. This book showed just how evil girls can be, and what their bullying can drive people to do.
Toni is definitely an interesting character. She goes through such a roller coaster of emotions and doesn't know how to deal with everything going on in her life. Her parents are dealing with her dad cheating on her mom, so Toni knows she can't go to them for help. Then, her best friend Ella is dealing with her parents obsessing over her weight and her cousin's death (Cassandra's little brother). High school is such a complex, emotional time and Toni turns to her last hope to deal with everything: Cassandra's strange witchcraft.
Like I said at the beginning, I don't even know if this witchcraft is real or if everything that happened was just a coincidence. Either way, the magic used was really creepy and had you on the edge of your seat just anticipating what would happen after Toni and Cassandra cast their "spells." While it was a little slow at times, I really enjoyed this one and how far it delved into high school life. If you want a contemporary novel with a bit of wickedness and creepy coincidences thrown in, I'd recommend you pick up Season of the Witch.
If there's one thing Toni has learned after summer, it's that people love drama and love taking sides. When Toni had a thing with Queen Bee Chloe's boyfriend (when they were on a break) over summer, she had no idea how far Chloe would go to ruin her life when she figured it out. Now, everyone thinks Toni's a slut and Chloe will do whatever she can to make Toni's life a living hell. Toni has no idea how to handle Chloe and she's scared of how far Chloe will takes things. So when she meets Cassandra, the strange girl whose little brother died that summer, Chloe is shown a dark, magical world where she's no longer the victim. Toni is determined to get revenge on those who have wronged her, but Toni soon realizes just how dangerous witchcraft can be, and just how crazy Cassandra really is.
I've got to say, I really really hate bullying. As a future teacher, I can't stand the idea of people being so mean for absolutely petty reasons. Chloe and her friends were sending threatening messages to Toni before school even started, and Toni had so much fear and anxiety before even entering the school on the first day back. Yeah, Toni messed around with Chloe's boyfriend, but they weren't even together when it happened. This book showed just how evil girls can be, and what their bullying can drive people to do.
Toni is definitely an interesting character. She goes through such a roller coaster of emotions and doesn't know how to deal with everything going on in her life. Her parents are dealing with her dad cheating on her mom, so Toni knows she can't go to them for help. Then, her best friend Ella is dealing with her parents obsessing over her weight and her cousin's death (Cassandra's little brother). High school is such a complex, emotional time and Toni turns to her last hope to deal with everything: Cassandra's strange witchcraft.
Like I said at the beginning, I don't even know if this witchcraft is real or if everything that happened was just a coincidence. Either way, the magic used was really creepy and had you on the edge of your seat just anticipating what would happen after Toni and Cassandra cast their "spells." While it was a little slow at times, I really enjoyed this one and how far it delved into high school life. If you want a contemporary novel with a bit of wickedness and creepy coincidences thrown in, I'd recommend you pick up Season of the Witch.
December 8, 2023
currently reading this book and let me tell you, I have never loved a beginning as much as I do here. It's starting off so well written and sweet and juicy with the background and the characters. I love the POV that goes along with it. Also I'm loving the character Ella so far. The whole thing is just phenomenal and such an easy read. The word choices so far are outstanding and as a 16 y/o in eleventh grade, I actually find this book to be the best I have personally read in a while! Really looking forward to finishing this book. Season of the Witch <3
Update! So far I am more than half way done with the book and omg the twist to Oliver now wanting to talk to Antonia was not expected. I sort of thought he would continue with the whole "oh you have brainwashed me to do bad bad things and I am just a weak man" role but instead he gets a feeling of talking to her again!? Also witchcraft is FINALLY starting which is what I live for because it adds more drama and interest in the story. I also love how Antonia's family is slowly getting better and how they are able to connect through witchcraft without her parents knowing (very clever). So far I would still label this book a 10/10 especially for high-schoolers such as myself!
Update! So far I am more than half way done with the book and omg the twist to Oliver now wanting to talk to Antonia was not expected. I sort of thought he would continue with the whole "oh you have brainwashed me to do bad bad things and I am just a weak man" role but instead he gets a feeling of talking to her again!? Also witchcraft is FINALLY starting which is what I live for because it adds more drama and interest in the story. I also love how Antonia's family is slowly getting better and how they are able to connect through witchcraft without her parents knowing (very clever). So far I would still label this book a 10/10 especially for high-schoolers such as myself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 24, 2013Season Of The Witch by Mariah Fredericks is a thrilling book. The main character Antonia who lives in New York city, is girl who is mistaken for being a “slut” by her whole high school. She is starting her junior year, and is not excited about it. Over the summer she was “just having fun”. One of the most popular girl in the school, Chloe and her two best friends branded her a “super slut”, over the summer Oliver who is Chloe’s boyfriend, got together with Antonia.
Oliver thought they were on a break. While they were together Chloe decided she wanted him back so then it was over between Antonia. As days go by, Chloe finds out about the little fling between them two. She is furious. Antonia starts to get very nasty texts and phone calls. From no other Chloe and her friends. Summer goes by and it time for the first day of school. “Get ready for hell.” A text from Chloe that leaves Antonia worried and scared.
Antonia gets to school and for a while she is keeping an eye out for Chloe and her followers. As she is there at school getting signed up for classes and orientation, she hears whispers, talk, about her and her crazy summer. The day is over so her and her best friend Ella go and get something to eat. Ella tells Antonia about her cousin Cassandras terrible summer. Cassandra’s brother died. As this is shocking news nothing compares to how Antonia is feeling about Chloe. As weeks go by, Antonia gets nasty looks by Chloe, she gets bullied and teased. Not only by Chloe but the whole school. She starts to get frustrated.
As she tries to get things resolved by talking to Oliver things only get worse. Cassandra and Antonia become friends, Cassandra shows Antonia her spell book. Antonia casts a spell on Oliver for not speaking up for her. As this happens after a week of Oliver being silenced, he comes up to Antonia and says that he misses her. As they are talking Zeena, Chloes bestfriends sees them two talking.
They both get scared, and Anonia starts to leave. The next day, the violence comes. Chloe and her friends beat her in the girls bathroom. Cassandra comes in the bathroom to find Antonia hurt. Antonia has had enough. She goes over to Cassandras house and casts a spell on Chloe. The deed is done. Now they wait so see what will happen. The next day she hears the news. That leaves her feeling guilty and some what happy.
If you are into witches and drama this is the book for you. I like this book a lot it leaves you wanting more. It is a wonderful, creative book. It makes you feel all the emotions the characters feel. It is a great book.
Oliver thought they were on a break. While they were together Chloe decided she wanted him back so then it was over between Antonia. As days go by, Chloe finds out about the little fling between them two. She is furious. Antonia starts to get very nasty texts and phone calls. From no other Chloe and her friends. Summer goes by and it time for the first day of school. “Get ready for hell.” A text from Chloe that leaves Antonia worried and scared.
Antonia gets to school and for a while she is keeping an eye out for Chloe and her followers. As she is there at school getting signed up for classes and orientation, she hears whispers, talk, about her and her crazy summer. The day is over so her and her best friend Ella go and get something to eat. Ella tells Antonia about her cousin Cassandras terrible summer. Cassandra’s brother died. As this is shocking news nothing compares to how Antonia is feeling about Chloe. As weeks go by, Antonia gets nasty looks by Chloe, she gets bullied and teased. Not only by Chloe but the whole school. She starts to get frustrated.
As she tries to get things resolved by talking to Oliver things only get worse. Cassandra and Antonia become friends, Cassandra shows Antonia her spell book. Antonia casts a spell on Oliver for not speaking up for her. As this happens after a week of Oliver being silenced, he comes up to Antonia and says that he misses her. As they are talking Zeena, Chloes bestfriends sees them two talking.
They both get scared, and Anonia starts to leave. The next day, the violence comes. Chloe and her friends beat her in the girls bathroom. Cassandra comes in the bathroom to find Antonia hurt. Antonia has had enough. She goes over to Cassandras house and casts a spell on Chloe. The deed is done. Now they wait so see what will happen. The next day she hears the news. That leaves her feeling guilty and some what happy.
If you are into witches and drama this is the book for you. I like this book a lot it leaves you wanting more. It is a wonderful, creative book. It makes you feel all the emotions the characters feel. It is a great book.
October 12, 2013
3.5
Season of the Witch is a really quick read that fits perfectly into the fall season. It’s a book with an interesting premise: A girl who is so fed up with being bullied turns to another girl for help and her answer is witchcraft. It becomes the foundation of their friendship and Toni finds herself wondering if the witchcraft is real.
I blazed through this one and really enjoyed how everything played out. It’s a very contemporary novel with a really creepy feel. Toni is a high school junior with whole lot of snark and a huge problem, she’s managed to get on the bad side of Chloe and now she has to deal with bullying. Which takes a nasty turn and I think it shows a bit more realistic way that teens handle it, instead of seeking help with those who have power to stop it they struggle to deal with it or find ways to retaliate when talking doesn’t solve the problem. In this case Toni turns to her best friend’s cousin Cassandra who promises solutions. Cassandra was one creepy chick…she was oddly detached and cold, which might have been an act at times but it’s really obvious she has some deep seeded issues. To be honest I wasn’t entirely sure why Toni kept seeking her out, other than desperation and maybe that really was on the only reason. However I don’t think I would have stuck around as long even with the supposed victories they were having. Then there is Ella who is bubbly and loves gossip, but doesn’t really have a mean bone in her body. I really liked her even though she talked way too much about other people, but I felt like it was more of shield for her because of her low self-confidence.
I really loved that this was more about the emotional toll that other people can cause on others, and not the witchcraft. Though that was certainly a focal point. It deals with real emotions and just how much one person can affect another, and I think it really succeeded in that. It also deals with real issues and that each was handled in a realistic and respectful way.
The spooky factor really added a lay of creep to everything as well and while it wasn’t the most unique or out there read it was really easy to fall into the story an get caught up in all that was going on.
Season of the Witch is a really quick read that fits perfectly into the fall season. It’s a book with an interesting premise: A girl who is so fed up with being bullied turns to another girl for help and her answer is witchcraft. It becomes the foundation of their friendship and Toni finds herself wondering if the witchcraft is real.
I blazed through this one and really enjoyed how everything played out. It’s a very contemporary novel with a really creepy feel. Toni is a high school junior with whole lot of snark and a huge problem, she’s managed to get on the bad side of Chloe and now she has to deal with bullying. Which takes a nasty turn and I think it shows a bit more realistic way that teens handle it, instead of seeking help with those who have power to stop it they struggle to deal with it or find ways to retaliate when talking doesn’t solve the problem. In this case Toni turns to her best friend’s cousin Cassandra who promises solutions. Cassandra was one creepy chick…she was oddly detached and cold, which might have been an act at times but it’s really obvious she has some deep seeded issues. To be honest I wasn’t entirely sure why Toni kept seeking her out, other than desperation and maybe that really was on the only reason. However I don’t think I would have stuck around as long even with the supposed victories they were having. Then there is Ella who is bubbly and loves gossip, but doesn’t really have a mean bone in her body. I really liked her even though she talked way too much about other people, but I felt like it was more of shield for her because of her low self-confidence.
I really loved that this was more about the emotional toll that other people can cause on others, and not the witchcraft. Though that was certainly a focal point. It deals with real emotions and just how much one person can affect another, and I think it really succeeded in that. It also deals with real issues and that each was handled in a realistic and respectful way.
The spooky factor really added a lay of creep to everything as well and while it wasn’t the most unique or out there read it was really easy to fall into the story an get caught up in all that was going on.
September 7, 2014
So this book was interesting. I found it on Common Sense Media and saw that it was new. So I read about it and thought that it sounded pretty good. I borrowed it from the library and turns out it wasn't as good as I thought.
The protagonist, Toni, was a little wild this summer. Doing a couple things her parents wouldn't proudly boast about. Queen Bee Chloe is going to get Toni back for 'stealing' her boyfriend, Oliver. Toni doesn't have many friends either (only Ella). So things aren't looking too amazing for her.
Cassandra and Ella are related (cousins), and about a year earlier Cassandra's younger brother died. But the way they explain it sometimes sounds a little weird.
She decides to work with Cassandra, someone who is a serious loner.
Supposedly, she is a witch.
So this is where the book gets interesting.
They actually cast a spell on Oliver first, because he ignored Toni after everything that happened, and didn't help her in times of need. So they cast a spell so that he can't speak when he has to most. And it actually worked.
This is where the book goes downhill.
This part always stuck with me, when Cassandra and Toni start dancing together in the park cheering that it worked. That always seemed weird to me.
So they continue to cast spells and they sometimes work but sometimes just end with weird results.
Then we figure out the truth about Cassandra and her younger brother.
The book just didn't make sense to me.
I just didn't like the open ending (not a cliff-hanger, but nothing was really resolved).
The story takes girls sexuality and shows how other girls will use it against you.
Rating: 4/10
Parental Rating: 14+
The protagonist, Toni, was a little wild this summer. Doing a couple things her parents wouldn't proudly boast about. Queen Bee Chloe is going to get Toni back for 'stealing' her boyfriend, Oliver. Toni doesn't have many friends either (only Ella). So things aren't looking too amazing for her.
Cassandra and Ella are related (cousins), and about a year earlier Cassandra's younger brother died. But the way they explain it sometimes sounds a little weird.
She decides to work with Cassandra, someone who is a serious loner.
Supposedly, she is a witch.
So this is where the book gets interesting.
They actually cast a spell on Oliver first, because he ignored Toni after everything that happened, and didn't help her in times of need. So they cast a spell so that he can't speak when he has to most. And it actually worked.
This is where the book goes downhill.
This part always stuck with me, when Cassandra and Toni start dancing together in the park cheering that it worked. That always seemed weird to me.
So they continue to cast spells and they sometimes work but sometimes just end with weird results.
Then we figure out the truth about Cassandra and her younger brother.
The book just didn't make sense to me.
I just didn't like the open ending (not a cliff-hanger, but nothing was really resolved).
The story takes girls sexuality and shows how other girls will use it against you.
Rating: 4/10
Parental Rating: 14+
February 4, 2017
I enjoyed this book up until the last quarter. It all became horribly predictable and extremely rushed. Almost as if the author was told to hurry it up already. If you like things such as Heathers or The Craft then you will enjoy this. I do. But like I said it did get stupidly predictable. My review states it took me ten days to finish but honestly that's due to distractions in the real world. In all reality this took a day to read. Perfect for a lazy day off.
Spoilers:
This book was mainly about a girl with an odd name that I always made up differently in my head. She wen't by Toni. Well, Toni started out as a sort of popular girl until she ruined her reputation by sleeping around with a mean girl's (Chloe) boyfriend. (even though they were on a break, and yes this is stated). Upon the back to school season, Chloe seeks revenge upon Toni. Nasty phone calls, texts, direct threats, spreading rumors around. Most of the bullying towards the first half of the book is pure evil relational bullying. The bullying is pretty graphic, especially when it gets physical. The author spares no details.
Toni does make friends with her best friend's (Ella) odd cousin, self-proclaimed witch, Cassandra. She and Casandra then team up to seek revenge upon Chloe. As predicted things go sour and Cassandra convinces and pressures Toni to kill Chloe via spell casting and hexing. Also as predicted Toni becomes consumed with guilt and turns her back on Cassandra. Predicted again Cassandra hates this and goes after the other best friend/her own cousin Ella. There's this too fast paced eeeeny meeanny witch "battle" that is incredibly rushed. Predicted again, Toni saves the day and becomes friends with Cassandra again. Because...as predicted...Cassandra is just super misunderstood.
Spoilers:
This book was mainly about a girl with an odd name that I always made up differently in my head. She wen't by Toni. Well, Toni started out as a sort of popular girl until she ruined her reputation by sleeping around with a mean girl's (Chloe) boyfriend. (even though they were on a break, and yes this is stated). Upon the back to school season, Chloe seeks revenge upon Toni. Nasty phone calls, texts, direct threats, spreading rumors around. Most of the bullying towards the first half of the book is pure evil relational bullying. The bullying is pretty graphic, especially when it gets physical. The author spares no details.
Toni does make friends with her best friend's (Ella) odd cousin, self-proclaimed witch, Cassandra. She and Casandra then team up to seek revenge upon Chloe. As predicted things go sour and Cassandra convinces and pressures Toni to kill Chloe via spell casting and hexing. Also as predicted Toni becomes consumed with guilt and turns her back on Cassandra. Predicted again Cassandra hates this and goes after the other best friend/her own cousin Ella. There's this too fast paced eeeeny meeanny witch "battle" that is incredibly rushed. Predicted again, Toni saves the day and becomes friends with Cassandra again. Because...as predicted...Cassandra is just super misunderstood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2015
I always enjoy Mariah Fredericks, so I give her four stars for her usual excellent writing and well crafted characters. However, I feel as if the first half (which was amazingly edgy for this author -- that scene where the mean girls almost kill the protagonist in the toilet was startlingly violent -- does not fit with the second half. The first was uncharacteristically out there, with a real supernatural tilt, the second was much more traditional Fredericks, where everything is solved by working/talking it through. Now I have no problem with novels that show a problem being dealt with psychologically, I just don't buy explaining (or trying to explain) away all the very real sorcery in the first half. Sorry; having one event happen as a result of "magic" can be explained away as a coincidence, yes; two, no. Starting a book with characters who are frighteningly harsh, and then suddenly having that harshness collapse in the last quarter by having a therapeutic breakthrough (I am thinking of Cassandra) seems like a cop-out.
I am comfortable with edgy, dangerous plots and stories where the point is to solve the characters' issues by insight, but I think an author needs to decide which one he/she is writing and go all the way. It reminds me of a quote (which I don't have infant of me so I will have to paraphrase) about the actress Deborah Kerr, who after a wild role in "From Here to Eternity" opted for more ladylike parts in the future: "It was as if she threw her bonnet over the mill, only to creep timidly around later to retrieve it."
I am comfortable with edgy, dangerous plots and stories where the point is to solve the characters' issues by insight, but I think an author needs to decide which one he/she is writing and go all the way. It reminds me of a quote (which I don't have infant of me so I will have to paraphrase) about the actress Deborah Kerr, who after a wild role in "From Here to Eternity" opted for more ladylike parts in the future: "It was as if she threw her bonnet over the mill, only to creep timidly around later to retrieve it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2013
What I liked most about this book right off is that Toni, at the begging tried everything to make the energy around her better. It is very easy to call her superstitious, she believes that figures that her father gave will, will faith. Her harassment and slut shamming started before the school year started, by Chloe and her two friends with threatening texts messages and hangups on the phone, but when school starts like typical bullies they get others to join in. At first Toni tries to ignore the taunting and roll with it. But once they corner her, she really starts to fear for her self.
When she finally interacts, with Cassandra it is offer her condolences about the lost that happened in her family over the summer.
To me there friendship, even though it is not stated they both need one another, Toni needs Cassandra for protection and a way to learn how to protect her self. And Cassandra needs Toni to have something other than her own life and feelings to worry and think about.( I can’t really get in to it because it is a huge part of the story and it would spoil it.) Cassandra brings Toni in to the world of casting spells and hexing those who have done them wrong.
This book has so many parts that to it that bridge the character together. I loved that fact that as reading this you felt every emotion, be it sadness anger to joy, you felt it. Even while reading the spells you felt it.
So in the end I do recommend this book, it is released in October 2013
When she finally interacts, with Cassandra it is offer her condolences about the lost that happened in her family over the summer.
To me there friendship, even though it is not stated they both need one another, Toni needs Cassandra for protection and a way to learn how to protect her self. And Cassandra needs Toni to have something other than her own life and feelings to worry and think about.( I can’t really get in to it because it is a huge part of the story and it would spoil it.) Cassandra brings Toni in to the world of casting spells and hexing those who have done them wrong.
This book has so many parts that to it that bridge the character together. I loved that fact that as reading this you felt every emotion, be it sadness anger to joy, you felt it. Even while reading the spells you felt it.
So in the end I do recommend this book, it is released in October 2013
December 11, 2013
I liked this book, but overall it left me with an unsettling feeling. For that reason, I am giving it 3 stars instead of the initial 4 I was thinking.
I picked this up randomly at the library and was immediately sucked into the book. I felt so awful for Toni when Chloe and her gang of friends were bullying her. The scene in the bathroom actually made me dry heave!
I liked Cassandra at first, but it soon became apparent that
The ending of this book just didn't sit right with me.
I picked this up randomly at the library and was immediately sucked into the book. I felt so awful for Toni when Chloe and her gang of friends were bullying her. The scene in the bathroom actually made me dry heave!
I liked Cassandra at first, but it soon became apparent that
The ending of this book just didn't sit right with me.
June 22, 2015
Toni and Cassandra friendship which started out as something weird blossomed into an anchor for each of them to lean on. They had based their friendship on bad sequence of events that they had no one to talk about. Even their connection was strong that it allowed them to instantaneously know what was on each other’s mind. The relationship that they had based on was significant in the book as each of them taught one another values such as trust, compassion and opening up by the end of the book.
The bullying in this book was graphic for the readers when reading the scenes. It was not just about empty threats given by the teens but there was definitely physical assault at play. The bathroom scene when Toni was beaten up was particularly detailed and it does felt to be rather too much. However, I felt that the writer had done a great job in this as it made the readers to be in Toni’s situation whenever she got bullied and it had made a strong stand of bullying too.
The book does not have witchcraft in most of the parts but rather important moments and values that taught the readers. The bully should not suffer the dire consequences of being dead but rather a right one. The book was easy to read with great flow from one chapter to the other. The characters were interesting with good back story that allowed the readers to picture them well. It is recommended for those who want to find story about unexpected friendship.
The bullying in this book was graphic for the readers when reading the scenes. It was not just about empty threats given by the teens but there was definitely physical assault at play. The bathroom scene when Toni was beaten up was particularly detailed and it does felt to be rather too much. However, I felt that the writer had done a great job in this as it made the readers to be in Toni’s situation whenever she got bullied and it had made a strong stand of bullying too.
The book does not have witchcraft in most of the parts but rather important moments and values that taught the readers. The bully should not suffer the dire consequences of being dead but rather a right one. The book was easy to read with great flow from one chapter to the other. The characters were interesting with good back story that allowed the readers to picture them well. It is recommended for those who want to find story about unexpected friendship.
January 30, 2014
There have been a lot of books about bullying lately. And that's a good thing -- bullying is a real issue that we need books about. And, man, mean girls are mean. In SEASON OF THE WITCH, high school junior Toni is about to face the brunt of the consequences that come with hooking up with queen bee Chloe's boyfriend over the summer. And it's going to get ugly.
What I love about SEASON OF THE WITCH is that it straddles the line between reality and fantasy while still completely capturing the feelings of helplessness that come with being a target and the power that comes with fighting back. Of course, neither of these things feels like it's truly in your control when it's happening, and that's almost as frightening as bringing witchcraft into the picture.
When Toni finds an unlikely ally in Cassandra, her best friend Ella's cousin, Cassandra also brings Toni into a world of ritual, of spells that can keep Chloe and her bobble head friends from hurting her. Cassandra also brings Toni into her world of secrets and lies, and into a friendship that might be just as toxic as revenge.
SEASON OF THE WITCH is a brilliant novel, lovely and complex, with characters who are both likable and deeply flawed. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, Sara Zarr, and Lauren Myracle are sure to find a new favorite in Mariah Fredericks. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
What I love about SEASON OF THE WITCH is that it straddles the line between reality and fantasy while still completely capturing the feelings of helplessness that come with being a target and the power that comes with fighting back. Of course, neither of these things feels like it's truly in your control when it's happening, and that's almost as frightening as bringing witchcraft into the picture.
When Toni finds an unlikely ally in Cassandra, her best friend Ella's cousin, Cassandra also brings Toni into a world of ritual, of spells that can keep Chloe and her bobble head friends from hurting her. Cassandra also brings Toni into her world of secrets and lies, and into a friendship that might be just as toxic as revenge.
SEASON OF THE WITCH is a brilliant novel, lovely and complex, with characters who are both likable and deeply flawed. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, Sara Zarr, and Lauren Myracle are sure to find a new favorite in Mariah Fredericks. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
December 24, 2013
That was actually better than I expected. It totally got me out of a reading slump I was in for a couple days....Or maybe it was the book I was currently reading. I am so not into it. Anyway this book just went by so fast. It was so easy to read and I really enjoyed. When I finished and looked at the ratings I was surprised. Why does this book only have like 56 ratings? Did it just come out or something? I'm not sure since I can't see the publication date on the app. Either way I think more people should read it and I'm sure the 3.40 stars it's at right now will pull up.
Season of the Witch starts off with a bang. The prologue got me hooked. I don't know why, but it did. After that though...was a little rocky. I don't buy that Toni just followed Cassandra and went along with her whole witchcraft thing. That felt rushed and unrealistic. So did a lot of things concerning Cassandra.
The creepiness made up for that though. This book is about witches and witchcraft, but never I did ever expect to be so creeped out. I couldn't stop reading and afterwards I felt like hiding underneath my blanket to protect me from the witches. Dumb, right? But I am currently still curled up on my couch, afraid of standing up. Stupid book.
Season of the Witch starts off with a bang. The prologue got me hooked. I don't know why, but it did. After that though...was a little rocky. I don't buy that Toni just followed Cassandra and went along with her whole witchcraft thing. That felt rushed and unrealistic. So did a lot of things concerning Cassandra.
The creepiness made up for that though. This book is about witches and witchcraft, but never I did ever expect to be so creeped out. I couldn't stop reading and afterwards I felt like hiding underneath my blanket to protect me from the witches. Dumb, right? But I am currently still curled up on my couch, afraid of standing up. Stupid book.
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