Book Review: A Tyranny of Petticoats edited by Jessica Spotswood

Anthology

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 354

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Gift

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Criss-cross America — on dogsleds and ships, stagecoaches and trains — from pirate ships off the coast of the Carolinas to the peace, love, and protests of 1960s Chicago. Join fifteen of today’s most talented writers of young adult literature on a thrill ride through history with American girls charting their own course. They are monsters and mediums, bodyguards and barkeeps, screenwriters and schoolteachers, heiresses and hobos. They're making their own way in often-hostile lands, using every weapon in their arsenals, facing down murderers and marriage proposals. And they all have a story to tell.

Review

Anthologies are so hard to review. So, I did write quick comments on each short story as I read (see below).

They are nice because they expose you to new/different authors and stories. I definitely want to check out Y.S. Lee's books now and I'd never even hear of her before. It's a very diverse anthology in a variety of ways which is a plus of anthologies-a variety of POVs.

Most of these stories felt like a set-up for a large story. I wouldn't mind the reading of those books, but that isn't the purpose of an anthology. 

Some of my favorite stories are:

Madeline's Choice

Gold in the Roots of the Grass

The Legendary Garrett Girls

Hard Times

And here are my individual thoughts/reviews: 

Mother Carey's Table: 3 Stars. This one came across a little blah. Because it's short there's little opportunity to explore these characters. The descriptions were good and I could feel what Joe was feeling. But it wasn't anything special.

The Journey: 3 Stars. It deals with Europeans (I assume) encroaching on Native lands. She does a decent job of showing a snapshot in time. And there was tension that had me interested. But I wasn't blown away.

Madeline's Choice: 4 Stars. I really enjoyed this. It talked about a group of people I've never even hear of (which is awful). I really felt for Maddie and her situation. New Orleans has such a different history than the rest of the US. I liked a glimpse into that story/place in time. I wouldn't hate if Ms. Spotswood wrote a whole series in this setting. Now, I need to learn more the gens de couleur libres.

El Destinos: 3 Stars. This follows mythological characters-the Fates-in a non-traditional setting. It was interesting to see her play with the setting and culture. I cared about these characters, but would have preferred more. It kind of feels like a lot to shove into a short story.

High Stakes: 3 Stars. This story blends supernatural elements with the historical fiction. It had potential, but too much scope for such a short story. I was engaged and wanted to know more which kept me reading. But ultimately, I was a little disappointed. 

The Red Raven Ball: 3 Stars. Another Civil War-set story which I'm beginning to realize I don't read a lot of. It is an interesting time to explore-especially because the war split families apart. This was a bit predictable. And again felt like a lot for a short story-not so bad if you look at it as a snapshot in time. There is a trend with these stories.

Pearls: 3 Stars. This was probably one of the better stories, but I can't give it more than 3 stars. You have to make a lot of guesses/inferences about certain events and characters. Ms. Revis left the right amount of bread crumbs. And I really liked the ending.

Gold in the Roots of the Grass: 4 Stars. My favorite (so far) which is even more impressive because this isn't a setting I particularly like. There was so much packed into this story and it was done well. Ms. Meyer slowly weaved cultural and character background info so you understood, but didn't get an info dump. She showcased the darkness of the setting, but also had a beautiful hopefulness.

The Legendary Garrett Girls: 3 Stars. I really enjoyed this. It's almost a 4 star, but I can't quite go there. The characters were interesting-I particularly like the sister's relationship. Ms. Lee kept me on the end of my seat and I had no idea how the conflict would be resolved. I've never even heard of Ms. Lee, but I'm definitely interested in checking out her books now.

The Color of the Sky: 3 Stars. What to say? This was good, but not for me. It was like a snapshot in time (again) which is not something I typically like. I did like learning about a historical figure I've never heard of. I definitely want to learn more about here. 

Bonnie & Clyde: 3 Stars. I don't even have anything to say. But I want to write something for each story. This was fine, but fairly forgettable.

Hard Times: 3 Stars. This was so close to four stars. It was interesting with compelling characters. But it was another set up/snapshot story. I would love a full-length exploration of this story and characters.

City of Angels: 3 Stars. This story made me so sad. there was a hopefulness to it, but mostly it made me sad for Evie (and Frankie) and the real people who were in their situation. It is written well-very close to 4 stars. Sorry, I can't explain why.

Pulse of the Panthers: 3 Stars. This story covers a difficult and awful time in American history. It's important to discuss this time. It was well-written but I think the Black Panthers are a complicated organization, so it's hard to discuss them in a short story. I did recently listen to a podcast that discussed Bobby Seale so it was interesting to read his name. 

The Whole World is Watching: 3 Stars. Thankfully, this story had a hopeful element. When it started I thought the anthology would end on a sad note because of the content. Again, I think this is a pretty complicated time/situation/event to condense into a short story. And I came in with some outside knowledge.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Review: Toil & Trouble Edited by Tess Sharpe & Jessica Spotswood

Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

History tells us women accused of witchcraft were often outsiders: educated, independent, unmarried, unwilling to fall in line with traditional societal expectations.

Bold. Powerful. Rebellious.

A bruja’s traditional love spell has unexpected results. A witch’s healing hands begin to take life instead of giving it when she ignores her attraction to a fellow witch. In a terrifying future, women are captured by a cabal of men crying witchcraft and the one true witch among them must fight to free them all. In a desolate past, three orphaned sisters prophesize for a murderous king. Somewhere in the present, a teen girl just wants to kiss a boy without causing a hurricane.

From good witches to bad witches, to witches who are a bit of both, this is an anthology of diverse witchy tales from a collection of diverse, feminist authors. The collective strength of women working together—magically or mundanely--has long frightened society, to the point that women’s rights are challenged, legislated against, and denied all over the world. Toil & Trouble delves deep into the truly diverse mythology of witchcraft from many cultures and feminist points of view, to create modern and unique tales of witchery that have yet to be explored. 

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

I was pretty excited about this collection. I have liked Jessica Spotswood's Cahill Witch Chronicles and there aren't a lot of witch books/stores out there. But I ended up rather disappointed.

Short stories are incredibly hard to write, in my opinion. It is a particular skill set which not all authors have. I have not read most of these authors longer works so I can't speak to their writing more broadly. 

A lot of the stories came across as pushing an agenda. I'm not offended by the content, but it is annoying to me when things feel forced. I think it's like when a major issue/event happens and then popular shows need to have a similar story line to "address" it. You can do a PSA without feeling like a PSA. 

There were a few stories I did enjoy reading. Jessica Spotswood's and "Death in the Saw Tooths"-sorry I can't remember the author's name-were both interesting. And they made me want to read more like a full length novel of those stories.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, but I don't want to just dismiss it. One of the things about an anthology is that it exposes you to a large amount of authors/stories. Most likely you'll find something you like and maybe you'll find a new favorite author.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Sisters’ Fate by Jessica Spotswood

Series: Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book #3)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 368

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I’m so sad this series is over. But I also don’t have much to say. I waited to write this because I wanted to organize my thoughts. That hasn’t gone well.

This was a great conclusion. It lived up to the previous books. Generally, the resolution worked. I thought a couple things happened a little too fast. And there were a few relationships I would have liked to see more flushed out.

I still think Cate is amazing narrator and protagonist. Especially, in this book she could have made some annoying or foolish decisions, but she kept it together. And I was very pleased with the Cate/Finn relationship. I was concerned after the second book, but they are great partners.

Sister’s Fate is a lot like The Ruby Circle: if you’ve been a fan of the series I think you’ll enjoy the last book. Although, I do wish there was an epilogue set ten or twenty years later. But I always love an epilogue.

I’ll definitely read more books by Jessica Spotswood in the future.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Series: Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book #2)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 384

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

That ending has kind of wrecked me, so I’m not sure how this review will go. But I’m going to pick up the third book and don’t want to accidentally confuse the two.

I just love Jessica Spotswood’s writing. This reads a lot like a contemporary, but has the amazing world building of a historical or fantasy book. She does a great job of creating the world-especially the political and social aspects. And Cate is a spectacular narrator. I never get tired of her. And there was such tension in this book. Almost every page had me on the edge of my seat and that doesn’t happen often.

Cate is an amazing protagonist. Yes, she’s dealing with being a witch, but she’s very real. Her problems are relatable and I love reading about her struggle to find herself. Plus, she’s a good person, sister, and friend.

I wasn’t expecting this, but the series addresses a lot of issues women have to deal with even in our world today. There’s female sexuality, female friendships, sisters, and the cattiness that unfortunately seems to always follow women. It could just be stereotypes, but I feel like it’s so much more.

Now, I’m going to address a pretty big spoiler.

You’ve been warned.

In the last year I’ve done some soul searching and have tried to not call women (fictional or real) names-especially names that are often attached to woman. But Maura is a bitch. I actually wrote that it my notes twice. For so long I’ve been cheering for her, because I really wanted her to be redeemed and a truly good person. But, for me, using mind magic on Finn like that is unforgiveable. I completely believe she did it because it would hurt Cate and it helping Inez’s cause was secondary. As a sister I can say there is NOTHING that would make me do something that cruel to mine. And they (Cate and Finn) better end up together-happily. I pray it doesn’t take the whole book, because how will I survive that?

Now, I need to emotionally prepare myself to read the last book. Wish me look.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book 1)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 330

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This book is hard to describe. It’s an alternate history historical witch book that reads like a contemporary.

                I think there’s a lack of world-building, but it doesn’t bother me. To some extent I wish I knew more about the past and the rest of the world, but I don’t need it.

                And I like the characters. Cate is likeable and a good narrator. She could be a little more trusting, but her society explains it. And the story mainly focuses on women-powerful women. Plus, there are tons of different relationships between these women.

                I’m completely invested in Cate’s story and am excited to continue the series. Ms. Spotswood weaves the romance with the magic storyline with Cate’s personal journey. I care equally about each of these story points and want to know where they’ll go next. 

~Thanks for reading!

Holly