I LOVED this. The cast and plot and setting and mystery was just what I wanted. Nothing was too much but I also didn't feel like I was missing context or information. That's pretty mind blowing to me since this is a debut and by no means a long book.

Right off the bat, let's acknowledge the queer rep. We have an out lesbian main character, her ex-girlfriend (who I don't remember how she identified but is only in F/F romances in this book), a key side character is bisexual (own voices) who enters a F/F romance. Another key side character is FTM transgender with a boyfriend. I freaking loved the F/F romance that the mc character is in. It's sweet and cute but also was used AMAZINGLY with this "who is the witch hunter" fear. The cast as a whole was just well established. There's actually quite a few characters and while I absolutely know some of them better than the others, they all seemed to have distinct voices which made sure that I was still able to remember side characters. There was no specific emphasis put on developing one or two specific characters for no reason (which always makes me think they are the villain) so this REALLY helped keep me guessing as to who was the evil witch hunter.

What I found missing sadly was the magic structure. Now this is quite hard to do since the main characters aren't supposed to be doing magic in the open (fair enough, it's set in Salem) and at a point their powers are actually physically restricted from use. It's also not really something that would play much of role. There's a witch hunter and they have to find out who it is first and foremost. I am expecting this to develop in the sequel just with how this book sets up the future.

Finally, no spoiler but I appreciate what the author did at the end. There was no cop out or easy happily ever after for every character. Now maybe the author will do this in the sequel (I hope not) but I can already see the purpose and how the ending is going to affect and motivate the main character and her coven.

Rep: lesbian main character, bisexual side character, FTM transgender side character, multiple F/F romances