Our Wicked Gifts

I don't know why, but this going into this book, I thought it had the vibes of Knives Out meets Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. But boy, was I wrong (in the best way)

Our Wicked Gifts by Kathryn Foxfield is a YA fantasy (almost murder mystery) novel that follows a family more dysfunctional than The Inheritance Game's Hawthorn. How much would you sacrifice for love? What would you trade for power? How far would you go for family? The Winter family are worth billions. But only they know their success is built upon a sinister deal with the devil – each Winter possesses a unique supernatural gift to ensure their power and influence, but in exchange for their souls... Nineteen-year-old black sheep of the family Cicely's gift is for uncovering secrets, which doesn't make her very popular. But, when her family are threatened, and her uncle is found dead, they need her for the first time. When the clues point to Soren, a boy the family banished years ago, Cecily must choose between loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for the person who is trying to destroy them. A dark and twisty romantasy thriller, perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games , Succession and One Of Us is Lying from the bestselling author of Good Girls Die First .

First things first, I LOVED this book, and I'm not one that usually reads books of this nature. I.e. mystery, as I ALWAYS end up figuring out the big twist in the first 50 pages of the book. But Our Wicked Gifts proves to be one that leave me wondering until the rug was ripped from beneath my feet. Another thing I absolutely loved about this book, are the characters strewn about. Yes, the Winters are quite inconceivable to fully understand with the many ties and knots of their motives, but I still found their complexity quite confounding. Though, of course my favorite is Soren (because why not!).

Regardless, the only thing I found to be quite odd about this novel is it's pacing. Foxfield kept her narrative tight and fast, which didn't allow any room for the reader to take a breath between reveals and twists. Which is fine for most, though I wish there was a bit more leisure to our sprint to the finish.

Nonetheless, Our Wicked Gifts by Kathryn Foxfield is a perfect novel for anyone looking to fill the hole in their heart while they wait for eventual release of The Gilded Blade by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Or anyone wanting something a little more deadly than Maggie Steifvater's The Raven Cycle.