Review of Spells Trouble (Sisters of Salem, #1)
From the moment I stumbled across Spells Trouble by the sisters Brigid and Caitlin Aoki, I felt an electric pull towards its enchanting premise—a twin witch story steeped in tragedy and the supernatural. The kick-off of their sixteenth birthday, typically a rite of passage, spiraling into chaos had me envisioning a twisty narrative ripe with dark magic and bittersweet familial bonds. Unfortunately, what unfolded in the pages felt more like an exercise in futility than a captivating tale, leading me to a disheartening 1-star rating.
The storyline kicks off with the twins, Hunter and Mercy Goode, pledging themselves to their patron gods, only for their mother to die tragically during the ceremony. What a way to start, right? That emotional weight should have propelled the twins into a gripping quest to save their town from lurking malevolence. Instead, the narrative meanders, alternating between grief and vague attempts at witchcraft that seem pointlessly redundant. In a novel that could have utilized urgency and tension, I found myself waiting for something—anything—to happen, only to end up where we started: two sisters more distrustful of each other than before.
Characterization contributes heavily to the novel’s shortcomings. Hunter’s aspiring writer identity is given scant attention beyond a notebook, while Mercy’s sporadic use of British slang feels jarring and unexplained. They come across as flat and lacking the nuance that could have made them relatable. It was disheartening to see representation mishandled; Hunter’s orientation is clumsily addressed through bullying moments rather than being explored in depth. Additionally, cultural references to global mythologies lack sensitivity, oversimplifying rich heritages into mere plot points.
What stung the most was the narrative tone itself. Disjointed moments of intimate bonding between the twins are abruptly punctuated by a surprisingly graphic sex scene featuring sixteen-year-olds—a jarring contrast to the lyrical potential of a coming-of-age story. I found it unsettling, particularly when the portrayal felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful contribution to character growth.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the novel was the glaring absence of stakes. The twins’ efforts often led to little more than further disillusionment and unresolved tensions. A 320-page read should ideally compel us towards a resolution, but here it felt like spinning wheels that only dug deeper into the mud.
While I genuinely wished for a twist that could redeem the reading experience, I emerged with no insights or resonating themes to cling to. The imaginative concept behind Spells Trouble could have been a spellbinding endeavor, yet poor execution left it feeling like a missed opportunity.
For readers keen on witchcraft narratives that explore familial bonds and self-discovery, I implore you to seek alternatives. This story ultimately fell flat for me, leaving a bitter taste of regret for the hours lost. If you’re in search of something truly enriching, look elsewhere—your time is better spent diving into worlds that can offer authentic joy or real stakes.
In conclusion, I won’t be recommending Spells Trouble. My experience has left me wishing I’d chosen to DNF it. Here’s hoping my next read finds me in the arms of a story that not only entices with its premise but also delivers a satisfying journey. Happy reading, friends!
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