Playing the Witch Card by K.J. Dell'Antonia

Playing the Witch Card by K.J. Dell'Antonia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Playing the Witch Card" by K.J. Dell'Antonia had the potential to be a captivating tale, blending elements of romance, magic, and family drama. However, it fell short of expectations due to several key issues.

The book's first chapter left me feeling disoriented and disconnected from the story. It was filled with emo foreshadowing and references to unexplained elements, making it a challenging start for readers. Additionally, the protagonist's conflicting desires regarding her hometown felt implausible. Wanting to return but rejecting the day-to-day aspects of her hometown life seemed inconsistent and made it difficult to relate to her character.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the book was the main character's stubborn refusal to acknowledge the importance of magic despite clear evidence that it played a significant role in her life. Her flimsy reasons for rejecting it added to the frustration. Furthermore, her decision to move back to her hometown under the ultimatum of "learn magic or leave forever" felt contrived and questionable.

The character of Flair is unlikable and comes across as a know-it-all who is willing to disregard the well-being of others to achieve her goals. Rooting for her or becoming emotionally invested in her journey was challenging. Ultimately, unlikable characters, a rushed plot, and unlikely and bizarre character choices hindered the story's potential.

While the publisher's description promised a blend of "Gilmore Girls" and "Practical Magic," the execution fell short of delivering on this enticing premise. Overall, "Playing the Witch Card" had potential but failed to live up to it due to these issues.

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