Aviva Godfrey's Reviews > Witch Is When It All Began

Another DNF that I gave an honest try. Read a few chapters, saw the mystery being set up, got past "LE GASP, YOU'RE A WITCH" and then put it down. I borrowed this on Kindle Unlimited, so yay for not paying for it? But let's be honest.

If you're going to write in first person, please learn how to write in first person.

I understand that even Tolkien had his issues with telling instead of showing through the story, but when writing first person it becomes even tricker. Somehow, despite the perspective of the book, we are even further distanced from the character than usual. I feel no sympathy for her. I don't feel the weight of her. I don't connect with her struggles. I'm a little irked by her fourth-wall-breaking rants about OCD, etc. that need to be evidenced, not told as if making asides. I could go on. For as little as I read, I could definitely go on.

I wanted to like this book. A grumpy female PI who discovers she's a witch? With witch puns? Sign me up! But instead of the Molly Harper-esque humor and entertainment I was expecting, I got a high schooler's first attempt at a novel. Maybe it gets better. Maybe the author learns in future books how to really pull off FP perspective, but I won't be there to enjoy it.