Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication date: February 7th, 2012
Pages: 330

Cate Cahill and her sisters are witches. They live in a time in which it is dangerous and deadly to be one, and they have begun to bring attention to themselves. After her mother died, Cate has taken up the head of the household, keeping a promise to protect her sisters. But that may not be for long, the day is coming up in which she must announce if she wishes to join  the reclusive Sisterhood or marry. But that's not the only thing she has to worry about, when she finds her mother's diary, she discovers a secret that threatens to tear her family apart and will change everything.

    The original idea for this book was brilliant. I adore historical fiction and magic! Jessica Spotswood crafts those elements of the book with great skill. Although, the events throughout the story are not actually very exciting. There are a few scenes which you'll hold your breath, but overall it was a bit dull. But if you stick with it, you can see it has a lot of potential!
 
   Throughout the book, Cate is faced with an immeasurable amount of choices. It was interesting to see what she would choose! If she starts to lean one way or the other, something comes up that blows her plans out of the water. Even if she has wishes of her own, people want so much from her! Even though almost all the choices in the book will be hers, she has no choice in them. (Haha, way to confuse you, huh?)

    One thing that surprised me was the relationship of the sisters. They aren't very loving. I figured that the sisters out have to stick together, but they have a complicated relationship. Cate quarrels with Maura way too much, and Tess is barely featured. Then later on I thought, hold on, this is what sibling relationships are really like! Jessica Spotswood has captured it perfecly! Maura is stubborn, Cate is over protective, and I can't say much about Tess at all. Taken all that into consideration, I still think I would have enjoyed the story more if it centered around loving sisters, but it was revolving only around Cate and her debacles.
 
   Cate's relationship with Finn was fantastic! The author builds their story up slowly, and it really progresses at a steady pace. I loved it! They got to actually get to know each other and their faults before they realized they were in love. The love interest, Finn Belastra, was really sweet. Not only that, but he reads, and has a brain! (Three cheers for the unsuspecting, lovable nerd with glasses!) Their love just teared me apart. Just when you think everything will work out for them, the book take such a turn that you won't believe it happened.
 
   Born Wicked is the first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles. I really think this series has a lot of potential! I am really excited to read what happens to Cate and her sisters later on in the series! Oh, and the ending? IT WILL TEAR YOU UP. I couldn't believe it! This book was a quick read and I highly recommend this to any YA fan!

-Palak
Plot: 4 stars
Cover: 5 stars (OMG isn't it GORGEOUS?! I have fallen in love with this cover!)