Book Review: The Bell Witches
November 20, 2025
A slow, gothic, witchy Young Adult novel about mysterious magic, the American South, dark family secrets and insta-love romance.
A slow, gothic, witchy Young Adult novel about mysterious magic, the American South, dark family secrets and insta-love romance.
Stroud strikes a compelling (and rare) balance between rollicking action & personal quest as his antiheroes’ journey through the wastelands.
Holly Jackson’s characters are all people you would know in your daily life, they are so realistic and perfectly endearing.
Crumbling ruins, hidden gods & sinister wisps of sorcery serve the compelling narrative of a young woman fighting to keep her kingdom safe.
The writing is lyrical and immersive, pulling readers into a world where love transcends time and identity, yet is constantly tested by fate.
A truly fun, heartwarming romp with some low-key body horror thrown in for flavor. Perfect for anybody feeling a little lost in life.
This story that can be interpreted differently for each person depending on your background. I finished it in 24 hours; it’s just that good.
Delving deeper into the redemption arc of characters left behind, this novel offers a compelling tale of sacrifice and redemption.
While relying on its predecessor’s world-building, it offers a fresh perspective, expanding on familiar settings.
The story’s climax is breathtaking, filled with intensity and emotion, and the ending is simultaneously satisfying and bittersweet.
The slow build, the beautiful gut-wrenching ending, and the profound exploration of love and sacrifice make this novel an absolute must-read.
A second-chance romance between the teenage leaders of two rival gangs, plus an interesting cast of side characters you’ll fall in love with.
Pullman’s propulsive storytelling works on so many levels and his nuanced, unforgettable characters burst off the page.
A charming, gory sapphic Young Adult book about 2 girls falling in love during a horrifying road trip which starts after a monster attack.
The Gentlest of Wild Things is perfect for readers of all ages and serves as a captivating introduction to mythology retellings.
A unique mix of slice of life and fantasy that isn’t a difficult read. Good for fans of Artemis Fowl-esque fantasy-realism.
A mix of climate horror, colonization, sci-fi and realism. It’s hard to describe and a very unique concept.
These completely-over-it teenagers deal with nightmarish creatures, a corporate military state and rude customers – all in a day’s work.
A must-read for fans of dark, angry, violent Young Adult books about a MC slowly and graphically turning into a monster.
A fantastic example of dark academia done well, Àbíké-Íyímídé’s writing lent this book the perfect amount of atmospheric pull and suspense.