I guess I’m a fan of Gothic horror paranormal romance? Who’d have thought! This was such a fun and spicy ride, I usually can’t get past the writing in this genre but either I’m becoming less of an a$$hole or this author managed to be both insanely entertaining and skilled in her craft. Why not both! There were twists I did not see coming, scenes that will melt your socks off, and a gothic atmosphere that played like a movie in my brain. Highly recommend to readers of any genre looking for a unique and thrilling read

This was my first book in the practical magic series, and I think it would be a better read for someone who has read the other books first - this is a prequel to the events of the modern day series, set in the 1600's during the Salem witch trials, and gives us the backstory on the infamous Owen women curse. There is a lot of history and scene setting here, lengthy passages dedicated to the politics, historical context, and landscape of colonial new england. The overall tone was slow and detail-heavy, but the strength of the plot kept me going. There's definitely some skilled story telling going on here, and I loved how we saw Maria and Faith's decisions play out; we saw the consequences of their actions both good and bad. No one was wholly good or evil; the characters are flawed and nuanced. I'll be continuing the series, curious if the modern day setting works better for me!

Phew this was a whirlwind. Gagne's memoir dives into her struggles as a sociopath trying to lead a non-violent life and is ultimately a plea for empathy towards sociopaths, challenging the stereotype that they’re inherently dangerous. But, there are issues. Gagne admits to altering names, timelines, and dialogue, which can sometimes make scenes feel more scripted than genuine, like she’s retroactively applying adult wisdom to her past. Some episodes feel overly dramatic, like a movie finale setup - but I do appreciate how entertaining this was despite the subject matter. That being said, I wonder if my skepticism is influenced by her being a sociopath? Especially listening to the audiobook, there were places where her laugh and tone came off as "sociopath attempting charm" - but I immediately questioned myself. Am I thinking that because I *know* she's a sociopath? In the end, the book's flaws are overshadowed by its impact. It got me questioning my own biases and considering the perspective of a sociopath, which is no small feat.