In the realm of fiction, two popular but distinct themes that readers often find themselves drawn to are witches and vampires. These mystical creatures have captivated our imaginations for centuries, and numerous books have been written to explore their enchanting and supernatural tales. Witch books have long been a staple in literature. These stories often portray powerful women who possess magical abilities and practice witchcraft. From classic novels like Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" to modern works like Deborah Harkness' "A Discovery of Witches," witches have been portrayed as complex characters who navigate their magical powers and face challenges that reflect societal issues and personal growth. Vampire books, on the other hand, take readers into the shadowy world of immortal beings who subsist on human blood.
"This is perfect for fans of vampire novels.. Readers of paranormal romance or fairy-tale retellings will likely enjoy this quick read." - School Library Journal
When she s not writing or reading, Francesca enjoys traveling, dancing ballet and jazz, practicing trapeze and contortion, and visiting parks and trails around San Francisco, where she currently resides. Maybe it s just me, but I felt their personalities and voices often blended together, and the girls lacked the depth needed to truly resonate as fully developed characters.
Vampire books, on the other hand, take readers into the shadowy world of immortal beings who subsist on human blood. Bram Stoker's iconic novel "Dracula" set the standard for vampire lore, but countless authors have since put their own spin on these mesmerizing creatures. From Anne Rice's sensual and brooding vampire chronicles to Stephenie Meyer's wildly popular "Twilight" series, vampire books explore themes of immortality, love, and the dark side of human desires.
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores is a young adult, queer Rapunzel retelling set in a fantasy world where witches and vampires coexist. The novel follows Ava and Kaye, who used to be best friends until the fateful night when Kaye’s mother was murdered and Ava was turned into a vampire against her will. Struggling to overcome their own personal traumas, their relationship is tested when they must put aside their differences to confront a looming threat against their community. With its blend of romance, adventure, and suspense, this novel delves into a supernatural realm of magic made thorny by the prickly complexities of family loyalties.
I can’t accept it as coincidence that Ava disappeared that same day, and I saw her with blood on her chin a few days later.
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
While the premise is compelling, the pacing and worldbuilding is where this novel falls short. The story feels rushed and formulaic at times, with pivotal events unfolding too quickly, and plot twists being entirely too predictable. The combining of vampire and witch lore was initially intriguing, but I was constantly confused as to why only Ava was a vampire who retained her witch powers. Her mother keeps it a secret to use for her own benefit, but it’s never quite clear if Ava’s an anomaly, or if it’s common knowledge that she would have retained her powers due to how she was turned into a vampire.
I often found myself craving more details, especially when it came to why vampires and witches hate each other. I was looking for nuanced conversations or metaphors about the racial and species prejudices in this world, but all I got was a “fantasy” where those prejudices just get to exist without question. For instance, Kaye, who was told her mother was murdered by a vampire but has no other evidence to prove it, sees her best friend Ava in a tower with blood on her face a few days later and somehow decides Ava did it. She…allegedly murdered her best friend’s mother and just didn’t wash her face for days. And that’s all it takes to rewire Kaye’s entire personality. Uh…what? Make it make sense!
And speaking of Ava’s mother — the woman murders her own daughter and turns her into a vampire against her will, keeps her imprisoned, siphons off her power, and emotionally manipulates her. All that sounds incredibly traumatizing, especially since Ava makes the brave decision to run away and rescue herself from this life; however, Flores’ treatment of this storyline is flippant. It’s simply a passing detail, and is yet another aspect of the novel that I really would have liked to see fleshed out. What was her mother’s motive? Were there no warning signs for the first sixteen years of Ava’s life?
Had she stared at the same moon those long nights and wished to be with me too?
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
On a positive note, I enjoyed Flores’ accessible writing, and particularly the beautiful prose as Ava and Kaye pine for one another. Whether it be for their lost friendship or their budding romance, it’s easy for readers to relate to the yearning and inner turmoil each girl experiences. Flores excels at illustrating this sapphic romance, and I especially enjoyed the parts in the first half of the book when the girls travel through the forest and skirt around each other after two years apart. However, I constantly had trouble telling Ava and Kaye apart! Maybe it’s just me, but I felt their personalities and voices often blended together, and the girls lacked the depth needed to truly resonate as fully developed characters.
The Witch and the Vampire is a one-dimensional, predictable sapphic romance, and the worldbuilding and pacing leaves much to be desired. I really wanted to love this book, but it was a letdown in almost every way. So much potential was left on the table, and the Rapunzel foundation of this retelling is almost an afterthought! (Honestly, it seems more like a Tangled retelling, though just barely.) A standalone novel simply doesn’t have the room Flores required to successfully weave the rich tapestry of the world she created. The potential for something truly immersive and captivating is there, but the execution simply is not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While witches and vampires each have their own unique characteristics, they both offer readers an escape into supernatural worlds filled with mystery, romance, and adventure. These books allow us to ponder existential questions, indulge our fascination with the supernatural, and delve into the complexities of human nature. Whether it's joining a coven of witches or falling in love with a centuries-old vampire, readers are drawn to these stories for the rich world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling narratives. These books can transport us to realms where magic and horror coexist, offering an escape from reality while also providing insights into our own humanity. In conclusion, witches and vampires have become the beloved subjects of countless books, each offering readers a unique experience within the realm of fantasy and supernatural fiction. Whether you choose to delve into the world of witchcraft or navigate the dark depths of vampire lore, be prepared to embark on a thrilling and enchanting journey..
Reviews for "Blood Magic and Hexes: The Spells and Enchantments in Witch and Vampire Books"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch and Vampire Book". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The romance between the witch and vampire felt forced and lacked depth. Overall, I found this book to be a cliché and unoriginal in the overcrowded genre of supernatural romance.
2. Mike - 1 star - "Witch and Vampire Book" was a complete waste of time. The writing was mediocre at best, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentences. The story failed to engage me, as it relied on tired tropes and lacked any unique elements. The characters were forgettable, and I couldn't find any reason to care about their fates. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for well-written paranormal fiction.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch and Vampire Book" but ultimately found it to be a disappointment. The pacing was slow, and the story didn't seem to go anywhere interesting. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the romance aspect was underdeveloped, and I didn't feel any spark or chemistry between the witch and vampire. Overall, this book lacked excitement and failed to deliver on its promising premise.
4. David - 1 star - I regret picking up "Witch and Vampire Book" as it was an absolute letdown. The writing style was amateurish, with a lack of attention to detail and inconsistent world-building. The protagonist was unrelatable and made questionable decisions throughout the narrative. The author failed to create a compelling conflict or build tension, resulting in a mundane and forgettable reading experience. I would advise readers to skip this book and look for better options in the genre.