Okay, I’ll admit it. I requested this book because the cover REALLY drew me in, but when I got it, I hesitated for a bit to read it. Though the summary itself sounded really good, the truth of the matter is that I am REALLY picky with my witch books. In fact, off the top of my head, in all of my library, I can think of THREE books about witches that I have liked. I was so worried that this would not be one I enjoyed.
But, I am very happy to say that Dark Sisters is part of the three witch books that I enjoyed. I enjoyed this book A LOT. The author has a talent for writing, for the flow of things and for creating characters and worlds that just gulp you up. I didn’t know what I would think at first at the 3 different timelines, as usually I’m the sort to settle into one story and get lost in what is happening to them, but I wound up caring about all three timelines and the women contained therein.
Oldest plotline: This one was SUPER depressing. Really good, but super depressing. The mother was completely reasonable and right in her concerns and, I believe anyway, her actions. I disliked Florence greatly until the end of the book, which I think redeemed her character entirely. I felt very bad for the mother and for all she had to suffer through. It made me think a lot about how kids rarely listen to their parents, especially when they’re around Florence’s age.
Middle plotline: I didn’t think I would care about this one, but then the romance showed up and I was very attentive. Mary was such a sad creature and I was SO excited to see her break free of the bonds that tied her… only to be bound again. Her and Sharon’s story was heartbreaking and I still find myself wishing they could have had a HEA. I felt terrible for how things ended with this storyline.
Newest plotline: Camilla was easily my favourite character in the book. Spitfire from the beginning, I love that she was the one that never backed down or changed positions. It was very fun to watch the other two plotlines comes together with this one, especially with Vera doing her best to make amends and Ada’s character. This is honestly the storyline I found myself most focused on reading and was incredibly nervous about.
The ending: Loved it. Went better than I could have ever hoped that it would. Left me feeling very satisfied, if not saddened for the previous generations of women who never really got their vengeance. I would say this is definitely up there in the top ten horror books for this year for me.
