Reviews

I wanted to like this so much. It's very slow. I didn't care very much about anyone. I did stick it out to finish, but I regret that decision. I wanted a new great Sapphic fantasy. This wasn't it.

blamphere's review against another edition

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3.0

*3.5! Started off a little slow and then the action was too rushed. Would’ve either loved it to be a longer book with more chapters of Ava and her new powers. There better be plans for a second!!

candragonsread's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC!

Queer retelling of Rapunzel but make them vampires? Absolutely. Reading the synopsis had me excited. It is slow at first and it does pick up. Ava and Kaye are relatable and sweet, the world building is okay. While some of the writing feels magical, other parts feel bland. The slowness and the fluctuation in the writing is what didn't do it for me.

jes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

zombiezami's review against another edition

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dark emotional slow-paced

2.75

It's so frustrating when a book with a fascinating concept ends up being extremely boring. I usually stop reading a book once I start feeling like I have to "get through it" rather than enjoy the process, but I decided to stick through this one for a reading challenge. A lot of the dialogue and internal monologues consist of exposition dumps, and the characters are cardboard. The romance between the two protagonists didn't feel organic. It just felt like they were falling in love because they were the romantic leads. Moreover, the author brings up topics that would be very interesting to explore, such as the existence of an empire and a pantheistic religious system, but those are not discussed in detail.

Content Warnings

bumblebookhoarder's review against another edition

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5.0

The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores is an enchanting and thrilling reimagining of the Rapunzel tale, set in a world brimming with magic, danger, and complex relationships. This story is a refreshing take on the classic fairytale, infused with a queer romance that adds depth and modern relevance.

Ava and Kaye, once best friends, are now on opposite sides of a deadly conflict. Ava, transformed into a vampire and held captive by her own mother, escapes into a cursed forest, seeking refuge and answers. Kaye, a Flame witch sworn to protect her town by eliminating vampires, secretly follows Ava with a mission of her own. As they journey together through a forest filled with monstrous trees, attacking vampires, and ever-present danger, their past friendship and burgeoning romantic feelings complicate their perilous path.

The world-building in this novel is immersive and vivid, drawing readers into a richly detailed setting where every turn of the page reveals new threats and deeper emotional stakes. The representation in the story is spot on, making it a must-read for young adults and teens alike. While the writing style is youthful, it carries a charm that promises even more growth and depth in future works from Francesca Flores.

Overall, The Witch and the Vampire is a captivating adventure that fans of fantasy and fairytale retellings will thoroughly enjoy. It’s a story of love, trust, and survival, where the characters' greatest threats are also their only hope. This book is a delightful addition to any young adult’s bookshelf, and I eagerly anticipate more from this promising author.

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