I picked up this book from my favorite local book store because it was written by a local writer. I don’t read a lot of YA these days so this wasn’t my favorite title and it took me a while to really get into it, but by the end I did really enjoy it. I would recommend it if you enjoy the YA fantasy genre. Even though it wasn’t my favorite it does have a lot going for it. I really enjoyed the different kinds of magic and the different kind of “witches” the story centered around. They were not what I would normally think of as witches at all, but something else entirely that share the name. It is a great concept that I think really added some points to the story.
As I already mentioned it did take a while for this book to find its legs for me, but by the end I really enjoyed what I was reading and found it harder to put down than in the beginning. I think that was because the relationships took a while to take form and give the reader something to really root for. I love some good romantic tension, and The Ones We Burn has a lot of it. Both positive and some toxic relationships that the main character has to work through.
Overall I would say, pick this book up only if you already enjoy reading YA fantasy. I think it has a lot going for it, but seemed to land more on the young side of young adult, and I’m a cranky old man that likes to sip wine and listen to quiet jazz while I read. If you do pick it up then please support your favorite local bookstore and if you live near me drop into Sidetrack Books in downtown Royal Oak.
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