Reading Reflection: Born Wicked

Born Wicked
by Jessica Spotswood
Published February 7th 2012
P. 330
Rating: 4/5

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other

I really enjoyed this book.  It wasn't anything overly amazing or awe inspiring, but it was a really well written and interesting read.  Furthermore, I was able to devour the entire novel in one sitting, which I love to do.

The story is based on Cate Cahill, a witch and her two sisters: Tess and Maura.  After their mother died Cate has taken her role as the oldest very seriously.  She is devoted to protecting her two younger sisters, something she takes to extremes at times.  She prevents them from practicing magic, but the two younger girls are rebellious and don't take the matter seriously.  They should, the Brotherhood persecutes and condemns all suspected of being witches. 

Cate finds a note form her mother which warns her about a prophecy, but doesn't offer any real solutions.  So now she has to worry about her sisters, the prophecy, and decide who or if she'll marry in the next several months. 

Her marriage predicament seems to be the easiest to fix since her only suitor is her lifelong friend Paul.  He came back into the area and has declared his intention on marrying Cate, which seems better than her other options: joining the Sisterhood or having the Brotherhood find her a husband.   Paul seems like the perfect solution.  He's handsome, funny, and has known Cate all his life. 

But, Finn gets in the way.  Finn is Cate's gardener and they share some chemistry.  Though he isn't wealthy, like Cate, they can't fight their attraction for one another.  So Cate makes her decision by the end of this book, but its based on her need to protect her sisters.

Like I said earlier this book is very well written, the characters were interesting, and there were enough little twists in the story line that kept me from falling asleep until I knew how it ended.  I will definitely be looking for book two.