The history of witchcraft in Massachusetts is a dark and controversial chapter in American history. It is a period that is often referred to as the "Salem Witch Trials," as the town of Salem, Massachusetts, became the epicenter of a paranoid frenzy that gripped the region in the late 17th century. **The Salem Witch Trials** began in 1692 when a group of young girls in Salem Village claimed to be possessed by witches. These girls started accusing others in the community of being witches as well, setting into motion a series of trials and executions that would ultimately claim the lives of 20 people. **The trials** were conducted in a chaotic manner, with little to no evidence or due process. Many of the accused were subjected to brutal interrogations and even torture, with the objective being to force them to confess to being witches.
A Court of Thorns and Roses, Book 1
I think it wise to read this yourself first, and if you are unwilling to do so, or it's not your style - err on the side of caution and delay a year longer before recommending this to your child. I've just finished it and am happy to let my 15 year old read it. When I was much younger, 12 -13 I discovered much more sexually explicit books and delighted in them, which is all part of growing up. Chances are, if you're questioning if your teenager can handle sexual content - you're too late anyway due to what they've undoubtedly already consumed. Having said that, all children are different and only you know your child. I wouldn't let my 12 year old read this - and not only because of the sexual content. The relationship between the two main characters, and consensual sex that occurs as the result of a loving connection that's described (not in explicit detail) isn't the issue. The graphic and heart wrenching graphic torture scenes that crop up frequently, especially towards the end, are. This book should make a parent wary not because sex occurs. It's vague enough the deeper meaning is lost on younger readers without the experience to draw on, and the implications in print are, for the most part, wrapped up in themes of love and mutual respect. This book requires special consideration when suggesting or buying it for a younger reader because the implications of, and psychological effects of the explanations of physical pain being inflicted on others for sadistic pleasure, and exploring those themes requires some consideration as to whether you believe your child is ready to tackle such ideas. Whilst some sexual content focusing on the objectification of women is touched on at the end, much of the deeper connotations are lost to the less experienced - and pretending these elements aren't an intrinsic part of the very fabric of society is naïve and you do your teenage daughter a disservice by pretending otherwise. Do I wish my daughter's never had to know or experience the most unpleasant side of of sexism and objectification? Of course. Will it serve them to pretend it doesn't exist and censor any material that alludes to it? Absolutely not. Children are corrupted not by the content they consume so much as by the repeated actions of society that doesn't fail to reach their notice. Creative material like this serves to unify female experiences and acknowledge the existence of injustices that are undoubtedly already aware of, and provide an avenue for which to relate their building collective experiences in a way that is meaningful and important for women's voices to be heard finally. Does your 12 year old need to be aware of these issues, no not yet probably. Is it terrible if they are, also no. If they weren't ready for the material - they wouldn't be able to proceed. Do I think a level headed 14 or 15 year old can handle this? Absolutely.
Prince of Thorns & Nightmares (Hardcover)
For fans of Disney Twisted Tales and Serena Valentino's Villains comes the next book of the Disney Prince Young Adult series.
Prince Phillip tells his side of Disney's Sleeping Beauty where once upon a dream was just the beginning.
Prince Phillip’s known from a young age that his destiny has already been decided for him by his father, King Hubert. His job is to smile and wave for the crowd and ride off into the sunset with his predetermined fiancé, Princess Aurora, after her curse is lifted on her sixteenth birthday. But just days before Aurora’s birthday party, Phillip experiences a strange burst of magic, and three fairies tell him that he is part of a prophecy set to defeat Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil. Suddenly Phillip feels as if he has a choice—maybe magic can be the freedom he has been looking for.
Although, having magic and working with fairies to retrieve powerful ancient artifacts would be much more enjoyable if he didn’t have to deal with her every night, a girl named Briar Rose who appears in his dreams on the other side of a mystical thorn maze. Phillip doesn’t know how he can be so annoyed by a person he can’t even see but having to hear the mysterious maiden’s laughs and jabs at him every time he goes to sleep is worse than any nightmare. But Phillip is starting to realize that Briar Rose isn’t so different from himself, and maybe they can change both of their fates one dream at a time.
About the Author
Once upon a time, Linsey Miller studied biology in Arkansas. These days, she holds an MFA in fiction and can be found writing about science and magic anywhere there is coffee. She is also the author of the Mask of Shadows duology, Belle Révolte, The Game, and What We Devour. Visit her at linseymiller.com.
- Young Adult Fiction / Action & Adventure
- Young Adult Fiction / Boys & Men
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance
Review: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
Many of the accused were subjected to brutal interrogations and even torture, with the objective being to force them to confess to being witches. Those who were convicted were often hanged, while a few died in prison. The **causes** of the Salem Witch Trials are still debated by historians.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn
Melissa Bashardoust
Flatiron Books
Published July 7, 2020
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads
About Girl, Serpent, Thorn
There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.
As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.
Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.
A captivating and utterly original fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and who discovers what power might lie in such a curse…
My Review
I went into this book a little nervously because I’d read some mediocre reviews, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The font on my ARC was also super small, so I worried that reading it might give me a headache.
Mainly I say all that to let you know that when I feel like I zipped through the book super quick and found it completely engrossing, you get the kind of obstacles it was up against. Ha.
First, the characters. I loved Soraya and her mom and the complicated relationship between them. The women in the cast absolutely shine, from Parvaneh and the sisterhood of pariks (winged demons) to Soraya and her mom, they were all complex and fascinating.
As far as the story, I enjoyed the story world, which is based on Persian mythology. Some of the titles are a little unfamiliar and confusing, but there is some explanation about them in the back of the book. I think a glossary would have been helpful, too. All in all, though, I as I got into the story, I was able to keep my bearings just fine.
The plot is very twisty. Less in terms of surprises (though every story has its share of surprises) and more in terms of the way things sort of loop back around, where the past connects to the present. I liked that a lot, and it gave the story a layered feel to it that I enjoyed.
One of the things that will stick with me, I think, is the way Soraya talked about making herself smaller early in the story– trying to keep others safe by shrinking herself as small as she could. I felt like that created this incredible picture of who she was at the beginning and showed such a contrast with who she became and how her courage changed her.
I feel like there are areas in our lives (especially as women) where we sometimes do that– make ourselves smaller to avoid conflict or hurt, even when it hurts us. So I loved reading this story about a young woman who comes into her own, learns to take up her space and be bold. It was both validating and freeing.
I think readers who enjoyed FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee or FORBIDDEN WISH by Jessica Khoury will enjoy this one.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 14 up.
Representation
Based on Persian mythology.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very rarely.
Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Kissing between two girls.
Spiritual Content
In this story, the world is ruled by two gods: the Creator and the Destroyer. The Destroyer releases demons, or Divs, into the world. Soraya’s family is protected by a feather freely given to them by a powerful bird.
Violent Content
Some situations of peril. Battle violence and some brief gory descriptions of battle wounds.
Drug Content
None.
Note: I received a free copy of GIRL, SERPENT, THORN in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
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Some believe that economic, social, and religious factors played a role in creating a climate of fear and suspicion. Others point to a breakdown in the system of justice, as well as personal rivalries and conflicts within the community. The trials and subsequent executions sent shockwaves throughout the colonies and played a significant role in shaping American attitudes towards witchcraft. The episode was eventually seen as a grave miscarriage of justice, and the **legacy** of the trials has been one of shame and regret. In 1711, the colonial government of Massachusetts passed a "compensation act," which recognized the innocence of the victims and provided their families with financial restitution. In 1957, the state of Massachusetts formally **apologized** for the trials, acknowledging that "mistakes had been made." Today, the history of witchcraft in Massachusetts is remembered as a cautionary tale of hysteria, prejudice, and the dangers of mob mentality. The trials serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing fear and intolerance to dictate our actions, and the need to safeguard our system of justice and protect the rights of the accused..
Reviews for "The Significance of the Salem Witch Trials in Shaping Massachusetts' Identity"
1. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
As someone who has always been interested in the history of witchcraft and Massachusetts, I was incredibly disappointed with this book. The author seemed more focused on providing a monotonous list of dates and events rather than delving into the real stories and experiences of those involved. The lack of personal anecdotes and engaging storytelling made it feel more like a textbook than an engaging historical account. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacking any sort of creativity or passion. Overall, this book failed to capture my attention and left me feeling bored and unfulfilled.
2. James - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "History of Witchcraft in Massachusetts," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book does provide a thorough overview of the history of witchcraft in the region, it lacks depth and fails to bring the subject matter to life. The author's writing style felt detached and academic, making it difficult to fully engage with the material. I was hoping for a more captivating narrative that would transport me to the time and place, but instead, I found myself struggling to maintain interest. Overall, this book felt like a missed opportunity to truly explore and appreciate the intriguing history of witchcraft in Massachusetts.
3. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "History of Witchcraft in Massachusetts" to be incredibly dull and unengaging. The author seemed more interested in presenting a dry recitation of facts and figures rather than providing any real insight or analysis. The lack of a compelling narrative made it difficult to stay focused, and I found myself constantly skimming through pages. Furthermore, the book failed to explore the societal and cultural factors that led to the witch trials, which I believe are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and informative exploration of the history of witchcraft in Massachusetts.
4. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
While "History of Witchcraft in Massachusetts" does provide a comprehensive overview of the witch trials and their historical context, I found the writing style to be dry and lacking in enthusiasm. The author presents the facts in a straightforward manner without offering any fresh perspective or analysis. Additionally, the book lacks any personal stories or anecdotes, which could have added depth and humanized the subject matter. Ultimately, this book feels like a missed opportunity to truly bring the history of witchcraft in Massachusetts to life. It may be suitable as a reference for those seeking a basic understanding of the topic, but for a more engaging and insightful read, I would recommend looking elsewhere.