Our Crooked Hearts

3.5 starsThis is the story about a 17 yr old girl Ivy who encounters a nude young woman standing in the middle of the road at night. Soon she starts encountering other weird incidents as well such as a dead rabbit in the driveway, a bizarre concoction buried by her mother in the backyard, and a box of childhood keepsakes hidden in her parents’ closet safe.Told in alternating POV, this book is narrated by Ivy in the present time and by her mother, Dana, in the past time period. I enjoyed this book for the most part. I liked the eerie, supernatural, witchy vibes of the story. I also liked Ivy and Dana’s complicated mother-daughter relationship. Also I found her and Bill were cute.However, I felt that this book did not stand up to what it could have been. Marion was not that compelling as an antagonist and the stakes did not feel all that high. And I wanted more of all the witchy stuff. I wish their powers were more explained and used more often. I thought the author downplayed their witchy powers. More emphasis should have been given on their power, in my opinion.Overall, this was an engaging and gripping story which I enjoyed for the most part. Though it was quite predictable at times, I’d still definitely recommend this book if you like to read stories with supernatural or witchy vibes.

Our crooked hearts is exactly as mentioned in the blurb of the book, except for the style of narration adopted by the author. Consider you are a supernatural stories buff, and very much aware of how events unfold later in the story line, what could be the possible past story connections with the present. But the author choose to narrate the story from two point of view, which is current and the past which unfolds events simultaneously and keeps you in a loop. This makes the reading more enjoyable as dark as it gets. Also, there is little uncertainty of some of the characters, which could be taken care of much better way. There is an underlying air of darkness, unfolding all over the story line. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, in fact I finished it in one sitting.reasons to pick it:1) This is a mid-pace and engaging thriller read, although it is little big.2) It will introduce you to spells, rituals and the other unknown side.reasons not to pick it:1) If spells and magic doesn't fascinate you..

Our Crooked Hearts centers around Ivy, whose life takes a strange turn after a mysterious encounter with a girl one fateful night. As Ivy grapples to make sense of the eerie happenings around her, she finds herself haunted by the girl's presence in her mind. Things take a complicated turn when Ivy discovers that the girl and her mother share a past relationship, leaving her to question everything she once believed in. With secrets unraveling and time running out, Ivy sets out to uncover the truth behind the girl's intentions before it's too late.This book's writing is hauntingly beautiful, creating vivid imagery that transports the reader into a cinematic experience. The story unfolds through a dual timeline, which adds depth and complexity to the plot. While it can be challenging to follow at times, the unexpected twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly waiting for the next reveal.The book's characters are beautifully crafted, with a particular emphasis on the anti-heroine, whose journey is truly intriguing and complicated. The storyline explores themes of obsession and the cycle of beginnings and endings in a sophisticated and nuanced way. The book's use of magic, spells, and witchcraft is intriguing, and will surely captivate readers who are fascinated by these concepts. The ups and downs of the magical plot create a thrilling ride, filled with complicated and unconventional spells that add to the book's unique charm.

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert, my first book by the author and I am impressed with her writing style. I was looking forward to reading her Hazel Wood series but nonetheless, got my hands on this one so had to read it. This is a Young Adult fantasy novel with paranormal and witchy elements to it and of course the main elements of thriller suspense.On the way home from a party, seventeen-year-old Ivy and her soon-to-be ex nearly run over a nude young woman standing in the middle of a tree-lined road. This first line is what caught my attention to pick this one up in the front place. The book starts slow, the first 100 pages basically is like a set-up and building of the entire story.But once the story picks up there is no going back and also has me chills here and there. So those levels it is very moderate and not much horror elements to it. We get to read about Ivy's story and how she figures out the mysteries of her mother and family.Overall, it was an average read for me but if you are someone who is reading this genre for the first time, definitely pick it up.

Bought it for me 12-year-old and she loved it.

A story split across two time lines, this is the story of Ivy, her mother Dana's teenage years, and how hard it is to see our parents as flawed people.I did enjoy Our Crooked Hearts, but found the pacing around the middle lagged a bit.The writing itself was a mixed bag for me: on occasion it was achingly poetic and rang so true ; other times, the metaphors creeked with effort to be fresh.All in all, enjoyable, with a satisfying end.

A strong story of witchcraft that was reminiscent of The Craft in its theme of teenage girls of different generations pushing the boundaries of magic and getting themselves in trouble. Indeed, one character does mention the film.I very much enjoy Melissa Albert’s writings and found this an engaging tale that also addresses the mother/daughter relationship.

Absolutely wonderful

I didn’t want the story to end. I was right there along with the covenant of witches, brewing a cauldron full of rabbits, blood, and craft. It was excellent!!!!. I did have an initial issue with the author's voice at first. The writing was gritty, and at times I was like, ‘what do you mean by that? is this English’? - The references were very urbanly specific. I didn't get the lingo. But I soon forgot about it and was swept along the spine-chilling plot. The characters too were beautiful and rich, the sweet little romance and the family dynamics were fresh and realistic. I loved the book so much I had to re-read the Hazel Wood, just to get another fix!!! I think Melissa Albert is exceptionally gifted at creating plot, atmosphere and captivating gritty characters - they were all gritty by the way…all had dirty hair and ate with their fingers and cursed…But hey...It was fine. I went along. 4.5 stars for this! And can’t wait for the next book