Spells Like Teen Spirit

The Babysitters Coven #3

by Kate Williams

The final installement in the hilarious, action-packed Babysitters Coven series that Refinery29 calls candy for 90's girls and Gen Z'ers alike, featuring a coven of witchy babysitters sworn to protect the innocent and defend the world from an onslaught of evil--all before bedtime.

Ever since Esme met Cassandra Heaven and discovered the truth about their shared legacy--that they're Sitters, supernaturally-gifted teens tasked with protecting the innocent from evil--her life has been moving at 90 mph. During the day, she chases wild toddlers, and at night, she employs a different skill set for a different kind of demon. Like, literal ones. And sometimes, it's almost fun. Her spells are getting better, her telekinesis is on point, and now that Esme's dad and her best friend Janis know the truth, she's no longer lying to the people she loves. She's also learned that there's a way to undo her mother's curse, and with the Synod out of the picture, she might even have a chance to do it.

If she could just figure out how. But she can't, and even with her mom living at home again, Esme can't shake the feeling that she's failing. Throw in the fact that Pig is still gone, Esme's crush is also MIA, and that it's cold, slushy February, and she's in bummer city.

Esme needs a serious pick-me-up, and Janis has a plan: a Galentine's stay-cation, with the Sitter friends Esme and Cassandra made at the Summit for a serious girls weekend. Except, things are getting weird in Spring River again. Esme and Cassandra just discovered a new band, and not in a good way: these guys reek of Red Magic, and their music sucks too. Trouble is brewing, and if Esme's not careful, this show might be her last--and no one likes a one-hit wonder.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Audiobook, Supernatural, LGBT

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

I'm the author of The Babysitters Coven trilogy (girls, magic, fashion, friendship, LOLs and dogs) and the thriller Never Coming Home (islands, influencers, bikinis, biscuits and gravy, and murder).

Reviews

[megs_bookrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5-stars rounded up**

Spells Like Teen Spirit is the third, and purportedly final book, in Kate Williams' Babysitter Coven series; a non-stop, ridiculous ball of laughs that is part Buffy the Vampire Slayer and part Adventures in Babysitting.



Although, I will say, as the series progressed, the whole babysitting angle sort of dropped off a cliff. Luckily, the rest of it more than made up for that slight change of premise.

In this installment, we again follow teen witches, Esme and Cassandra, as they continue their fight against the forces of evil and try to discover a way to end Esme's Mom's curse, all whilst protecting the town from an evil rock band.



While I didn't have quite as much fun with this one as I did with the second book, it was still cute and hilarious. Nothing could really beat the chickens in the hotel room from For Better Or Cursed.

I really enjoyed being back with this group of characters, especially the girls we were introduced to in the second book and a certain four-legged companion.

The audiobooks for this series are so well narrated; I definitely recommend them as a medium if you choose to check out these stories.



Williams has a consistently good sense of humor. Her 90s vibe and references gave me life throughout this series.

While I can see this as an ending, I sort of wish it weren't. I think there is so much left to explore for Esme and the rest of this fun-loving group of characters. I mean, there are still demons out there, who is going to defeat them if not Esme and Cassandra?



I'm not ready for it to be over. C'mon, Kate Williams, I know you have more in you!!

[tonya_with_an_o · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mm. Well that's over then. I might review this when I stop feeling so salty.

[K Whatsherface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes me feel old. This is suppose to be the last book but this story doesn't feel over. One of the biggest plot lines didn't finish. Sooooo, I hope we get surprised with a 4th.

Edit: also. I was just thinking about pineapple and it reminded of something that bugged me when I read this book. At one point Esme slips a pizza with her friends. They get half pineapple, half pepperoni and mushroom. It was a fight about what goes on pizza. Cassandra on team pineapple but anti mushroom. Janet anti pineapple. It was a thing. They each got 1/3 of the pizza. So esme would have gotten 1 slice of each half but later....Emse didn't drink the punch because she's allergic to pineapple....this just bugs me. Not enough that I remembered when I first wrote this but enough that when pineapple on pizza came up in another book I'm reading it made me think of it

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really just such a fan of this trilogy. It’s fun and cute but also dark and spooky and if that isn’t me then I don’t know what is! As much as I love gruesome horror it’s fun to read some lighthearted spooks sometimes too. This final book is just as great as the rest of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were some pretty big reveals that had me shook and plenty of twists and turns to keep things mighty interesting! It was actually shaping up to be s solid five star read and the total perfect ending to the series right until the very final pages. One BIG part of the whole series was left unresolved and I was just left feeling like the whole thing was unfinished. It was still great though and I really loved the entire series as a whole.

[Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was the final book in the series and got pretty disappointed when I realized I wouldn’t get a closure in it.

The story itself was fine; worse than the second book and maybe a bit better than the first one. I did form a certain attachment to the characters, so things that annoyed me in the first installment irked me less in this one.
Nothing to write home about though; just a silly, over the top, and slightly ridiculous novel in “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” style.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this were a middle of the series book, it'd be 4 stars. But it genuinely seems to be the final installment and that's a terrible way (2 stars) to end the series, so averaging to 3 stars. I'm generally ok with open endings, but this was just really pushing the line and feels super out of sync with what the tone of the books seemed to promise. Did the author get tired of writing the series? Did the publisher say no to another book or a longer book? All 3 books were so much fun that it's a shame to be left with unpleasant feelings towards the series as a whole.

[Sara (A Gingerly Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, this made me so happy! I can't remember the last time I honestly LOL'd at a book. I adore Kate and want to lead her fan club.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so bad I'm not even going to comment further.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Babysitter’s Coven: Spells Like Teen Spirit - 4/5
By Kate Williams

THIS SERIES WAS SO GOOD. Until the end.

Honestly, I feel like theres a good 100 or so pages been left out. One of the biggest storylines just wasn’t answered. And although this book was advertised as the ‘FINAL’ instalment, this book finished as if there will be a fourth one - which I REALLY REALLY NEED.

I just feel super unsatisfied as I felt that series could have ended in a whole different direction.

I did love Esme though - she is most definitely my favourite character - closely followed by Pig! I just wish it didn’t end like that.

[Ali D · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the words of David Rose: “I have never heard someone say so many wrong things, one after the other, consecutively, in a row.”

Look, I can accept that this is a book about teenagers. I can accept that teenagers aren't the most logical beings. What I can't accept is that they literally have Brian, whose job it is to help them, and they never let him know what they're up to until they screw it up. Brian deserves better than that.

There are just so many things that didn't make sense at the end, and I'm mad about it.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this, the third and presumably final, book in The Babysitters Coven series, Esme manages to tie up a lot of loose ends with the help of her friends, both the normal ones and those that are part of the Sitters and gifted with supernatural powers. She finds clues to the Red Magic that is causing problems in her life, tracing it to a band from two decades ago, and then arranges for them to provide the music at the high school Valentine's Dance. Their music is terrible, but Esme plans to put a spell on the attendees so that they'll all love the band. Before she can do that, though, some spiked punch does the job for her, and hilarious scenes ensue. Filled with magic, humor, and friendship as well as witty repartee and putdowns on various bands and songs, this book finishes the series in stylish fashion. While I'm not particularly a fan of this series, I can certainly see why it appeals to many teen readers with its cool cultural reference, knowing characters, and unlikely heroes. While there isn't much babysitting going on in this one, it's exciting to see a babysitter and her friends as part of a coven and victorious over a world of evil. The author does leave a tiny bit of room in case she decides to return to the series with more.

[Claire Cassar · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, this book took me years to find. No libraries had it and it was on hold for MONTHS when I finally had a library get the e book. I don’t know who was reading it.
And the ending? Are you serious? We get a whole page talking about a microwave burrito and every single detail ever about what they’re wearing to the dance but the ritual that solves everything is just one sentence? And we don’t even see Esme’s mom not under the curse? I try not to be too harsh on YA books but this was so disappointing.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stupid and not a finale.

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid and consistent trilogy. The characters are fun and snarky, and the story is unique. This book's title was very fitting and it ended on a cliffhanger so I'd like to see the series.continue.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Pure entertaining paranormal fun. I really love this series featuring teen witches and this latest installment in the series was no exception. A crazy musical instrument monster, a band stuck in a time loop that zombiefy a high school Galentine's dance and let's not forget the role beanie babies play in this story lol.

Overall be prepared to suspend reality and go along for the ride. We learn more about Esme's family and Pig makes a return. The ending definitely makes it clear more books are to come and I couldn't be happier. Great on audio!

[Hannah | Reading Under Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn’t love the whole concept and execution of Superfüd in this one, the emotion and sense of family and friendship really pulled through!

[Darque Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

[Erin Newton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m super pissed that I bothered to keep up with this series. Since book one I’ve wanted to know more about Esme’s mother. Nothing is resolved in that area. Plus, this author is rude and judgmental. My students are smarter than me—I’m the only person that’s even checked these books out at our library

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Esme Pearl is a teen girl who just happens to be a Sitter, protector of the innocent and demon fighter. sounds great right??? Well not for Esme. Esme just wants a "normal life" (is there even such a thing?) but that's hard when you're trying to keep one of your best friends from setting everything on fire and fighting demons and saving innocent and taking care of you're cursed Mom every day. And we can't forget school, thrifting, coffee, donuts, and finding just the right crazy outfit for all of the above.

Pros: This book has a lot of friendship and how even when you think you're alone you're not because there's always someone there for you. No more lies too because now Esme's Dad and her best friend Janis know she's a Sitter. Her Mom is now living with them even though she's cursed and can't speak to them, so far so good. A lot of fashion and shopping and iced coffee and donuts (yum yum yum!!!!). and multiple old songs are mentioned and Winona Ryder reference's

cons: Some of the fashion makes 0 sense. It was to predictable in places, wasn't very gripping a little bland in places. It was like you can describe cheese sticks and ugly outfits but you couldn't properly describe what the characters looked like. And that is something I personally need, I feel like I can't picture or connect with the character as easily. Also I can't remember a lot from the book even though I just read it I also don't remember the series that well, when I was reading this book some stuff that happen in the other books was mentioned I didn't remember that had happened.

Over all it was the worst read of the year so far for me (even though it is only 6th book of the year for me). There's gonna be another book most likely and I hope that Kate Williams can make up for this book and the other two.

[Shelly Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up. Ok. I have really enjoyed this series since the beginning. But this addition was definitely my least favorite. Not only were there weird, random political jabs against my party choice that had nothing to do with the story, but the ending left me completely unsatisfied. All this commitment to the series, so excited to see what will happen, and it ended with a lack of closure. I am not happy! I felt less connected with the characters in this one, except for Pig, the dog. She was/is my favorite. But it was almost as if the author lost interest and just wanted to be done with the Babysitter's Coven. Unfortunately, I feel like I got cheated and, yes, I sound like a spoiled child here, but I was left with a very mediocre and anti-climactic ending to what started out as such a strong, fun series.

[Benny James · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books have become my guilty pleasure. We catch back up with Esme, Cassandra, and the other sitters as they are facing down the new big bad in town. This part of the story gave me Jennifer’s Body vibes and the tango with Low Shoulder. The girls have to come together and take down this band of bad boys from the early 2000’s. The story progresses, but somethings are definitely still up in the air and I will just have to wait for the next book to see how things go!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much better than the last book! However, this doesn't read like a final installment, and the ending leaves some major plot points open which is super disappointing and frustrating. I was already kind of concerned when the book's summary set up completely new antagonists for the story and I feel like even that wasn't fully developed or explained. I really liked the world building and the characters, but as a whole this series just feels unfinished and that's really disappointing because the potential for it to be really amazing is definitely there, things just needed to be developed more than they were unfortunately.

Full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRCh4...

[Amber Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im still loving this series so much. Esme and Cassandra are just the best! I will definitely be continuing the series.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so much fun! I enjoyed this as much as the other two. It is supposed to be the last of the series, but I'm hoping we'll get another.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait… I was reading this thinking it was the last book. And then I finished reading it and thought “oh wait there’s definitely another book”. Just found out that there isn’t 💔
I definitely enjoyed the book but I’m just so sad there isn’t another one. Like how? There’s more that needs to happen!

[Vimaroba · Rating 2 out of 5]

uh WHAT this was originally going to be 3 stars but then i found out this is last book and there was an entire plot hole that just never got resolution??? WHAT?

[✩*⢄⢁✧ ⡈⡠*✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

is this the perfect cozy witches series for fall? yes, it is.

but did this last book leave some major plot holes that unfortunately gave it an unsatisfactory ending? yes, it did.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can this be the last book? There are key plot points unresolved.

[clarabella ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

ya authors please stop trying to appeal to younger generations by putting in slang and ridiculous dialogue that we have never used. nobody says “sumting” or “wut” or “nvrmnd” this is not how we talk and putting these phrases in does not make your book better or more relatable. this whole series was a waste of time

[Tara Goedjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting on here early because I'm excited for this one! The Babysitters Coven had everything I love in a book: more than a little weirdness, WITCHES, and the best one-liners, along with some witty social commentary & 90s nostalgia. I can't wait for the end of the series -- thorough review coming soon!