These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling (Review #205)

“Hannah's a witch, but not the kind you're thinking of. She's the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she's ever caught using it in front of a Reg (read: non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans. 

But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah's concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah's sure it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica. 

While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she's going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem's witches become deadlier by the day.”

Review:

Gay witch realness here we come!!!!!! Did you think we were done with sapphic work???? Honestly, never. 

Now, let me start by saying, this book almost scared me off. When I started the first few pages, I was getting a lot of gaslight/gatekeep/girlboss vibes. I pushed through however and I was glad to see the story got better. Once you get past the high school angst of it all, this story has heart and that was what touched me the most. 

Not only do we see multiple gay characters, but we also see trans characters and it was a refreshing change of pace from cis/het fantasies. These girls are human beings who love just as fiercely and get hurt just as bad as any other. We see the struggles of a breakup, and we see the highs of new lives bloom.  

All the while, there’s someone out to kill the witches of Salem, and apparently none of the adults are smart enough to realize it, let alone solve it; that’s the job of a few bratty teenagers. 

Overall, a good wholesome read, I recommend! As always let me know your own thoughts and feels down below in the comments!