Bad Witch Burning is bloody and brilliant. I read it in one sitting; I dare you to try and look away once you start reading.

Katrell doesn’t have time for high school, she’s more focused on helping her mom try and pay the rent. Katrell has a secret gift: when she writes a letter to the dead, she can summon them to have a conversation with the living. On a fateful night when everything goes wrong, Katrell realizes that isn’t the extent of her powers. Katrell can resurrect the dead...or can she? With the help of her best friend Willa, Katrell stretches her magical powers to the limit to provide for her family. As word spreads of her powers and dangerous people seek her out, Katrell has to decide how far she will go for power.

Bad Witch Burning is gritty and real, pulling no punches. Katrell is in a fight for her survival, dealing with an emotionally manipulative mother and her mother’s evil and physically abusive boyfriend. This is not a lighthearted story, but the story of a witch forced to fight for herself in a world where no one else will- or so she believes.

Willa is my favorite character without a doubt; she is Katrell’s guiding star. Willa is also slowly recovering from the extensive abuse she suffered in the foster system. I loved her character growth! Katrell and Willa’s interactions were so well-written. While Katrell believes that no one is looking out for her, I appreciated the inclusion of her concerned guidance counselor Mike. The Revenants (people Trell resurrects) were chilling and haunting; I loved how Lewis portrayed them.

When her magic begins demanding more and more of her energy, Katrell has to balance her ambition and desperation with her will to stay alive. Katrell is such a fantastic character who I know will stay with me long after the last page. I loved the conclusion SO much!! It had such beautiful symbolism and made a lot of sense in terms of magical world-building.

I highly recommend you add this to your list of powerful, unputdownable reads that is ideal for the fall season. It might make you cry, it’ll make you reflect, you’ll contemplate what you might do with Katrell’s power. I can’t wait to read what Jessica Lewis writes next!

As always, please check trigger warnings or ask me if you have content questions!