This book was so different, and yet at the same time is the most interesting pride and prejudice retelling that I’ve read in a while. Being that the book is about Lydia, who most of us generally find to be annoying and very narcissistic. In this book, you see things from what I assumed would be a Lydia sort of way, but there is also the witch aspect of the book. All in all, I found it to be a fascinating and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the writing style. For those who are looking for a different take on pride and prejudice characters. This is the book for you.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is an interesting and imaginative retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Lydia Bennet's perspective.  Taub's writing style and humor are fun and engaging, and I enjoyed Lydia's musings more than I thought I would. The story is a little long-winded at times, but I think readers will enjoy this fresh spin on Pride and Prejudice characters.

Thank you to Melinda Taub, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

"The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch" by Melinda Taub offers a fresh and imaginative twist on a classic literary character. Set in the world of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Taub seamlessly blends Regency-era manners with a touch of magic, creating a truly unique and captivating story. The protagonist, Lydia Bennet, is transformed into a witch, adding an element of enchantment to her already vibrant personality. Taub's writing effortlessly captures the spirit of Austen's original work while infusing it with a delightful supernatural element. The book masterfully explores themes of empowerment, identity, and societal expectations through Lydia's magical journey. Whether you're an Austen enthusiast or a fan of fantasy, "The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch" is a charming and enchanting read that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved character. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite Quote: We have been given immense power, and we must use it. To squander it would be wicked especially if we do not use it to right wrongs.

Story Synopsis: Often overlooked, Lydia Bennet, the youngest sister of the famous Elizabeth, has a secret. She’s a witch. Learning from her aunt, Lydia learns glamour and small magics until she’s whisked away to Brighton as an apprentice by a socialite who is also a witch. As Lydia recounts her scandalous summer in Brighton of magic and mischief, she makes friends, enemies, and discovers how to step into her own power.

Why does this book beguile? Lydia Bennet writes her story to the reader. It’s a winding, sometimes distracting, tale. It’s meant to be scandalous, but you can tell Lydia doesn’t believe her actions cause scandal. The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is a fun, historical fiction take on the era of Pride & Prejudice with magic and witchcraft thrown in. Lydia is young and sassy, and Taub does a great job of capturing that tone in the writing.

I will admit I was skeptical going into this because, despite my love for Jane Austen, Austen adaptations, and witchy books in general, I wasn't sure the combination could be pulled off well. I am pleased to share that this book was delightfully entertaining and well executed. Given how many times I have read the original and its retellings, I didn't think it was possible to like Lydia Bennet as much as I did in this book and it is almost laughable that possessed-by-a-demon-Wickham is more likable and understandable than the human version. I appreciate that the Lydia's retelling of the situation was believable and blended with the original story we know instead of clashing or completely changing it. I also enjoyed the magic system and the sacrifices that powered it. The losses were felt not only by the characters but also by the reader. The heart wrenching sensation I felt while reading about the things that Lydia (and others) sacrificed to help each other was unexpectedly palpable. I would recommend this to any who hold love for Jane Austen and Fantasy and want to see a world where they come together. This intersection is a rather specific niche to find yourself in, but it is a very enjoyable one.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for this ARC!

This was definitely an interesting and unique take on the characters of Pride and Prejudice. And it was really fun to read characters that you really familiar with in a whole different light.

This is essentially a companion tale to the Pride and Prejudice story. It goes on after the events in that book. And it was really kind of fun to read about Lizzie, who is a very enthusiastic character and pride and Prejudice. So getting her own story but giving it a witchy spin was really fun to read.

You definitely get the regency vibes, but it's regency vibes with supernatural elements which is delightful.

There were so many surprises through this book that I really loved and I couldn't predict when any twists or more surprises were going to happen. And that made this book all the more fun to read.

First of all, if you are a Pride and Prejudice loyalist, this may not be the story for you. However, it is an exceptionally fun story if you have your expectations set appropriately. I loved reading about Lydia in this story. Although she’s the annoying younger sister in P&P, in this story you really get a new perspective on Lyida and the choices she made. It’s funny and unserious, which I feel is important to know. Overall, it was a fun read and I recommend to those who love P&P!

A spellbinding reimagining of a beloved Austen classic.

We all know the story of the fall and disgrace of Lydia Bennet, or at least we think we do. Thankfully for us Lydia has taken pen to paper to set the record straight once for all on the events of her childhood, her trip to the seashore, and her elopement with the devilish rake George Wickham.

But the truth of these events is far more fantastical than one might believe: Lydia is a witch, Kitty is in fact a cat, and Wickham isn't really Wickham at all but a devil in Wickham's body. Certainly that is a lot for anyone to take in and that's before mentioning the great power determined to devour Kitty and Lydia, the various magical and witchy connections Lydia makes during her time in Brighton, and the fact that years after her disgrace her magical services are being sought by none other than her own brother in law, Mr. Darcy.

La! What an adventure this telling of her truths will be. But perhaps there is a light at the end of this for Lydia, a way out of her ruin and back into the good graces of those she cares about most.

What a joy this book was to read! Ms. Taub has done an excellent job of portraying and re-imaging the character of Lydia Bennet in her novel. I never once doubted her portrayal of Lydia. Throughout the whole novel I kept imagining Julia Sawalha's Lydia from the 1995 BBC mini series and honestly the two iterations blended together perfectly in my mind. I really don't think her character could have been any more well done.

The nature of the magic in this novel was also a brilliant touch. The focus on sacrifices and spell prices really drove the point home that there is a price for everything and that Lydia's actions would have a cost. Ms. Taub really did a masterful job of illustrating Lydia coming to realize this and growing and maturing throughout the course of the novel. The vast array of different ways the other characters who performed magic handled these sacrifices also served to build this narrative and illustrate what happens when you have a healthy respect for the price and what happens when you don't.

This will truly be a novel I'll read again and again, just like Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't be happier that I had read this book if I tried. Well done.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC.

This was a fun romp of a book told from Lydia's perspective widely covering the events of Pride and Prejudice as well as the time period immediately before/after. Lydia tells her story through letters and personal recollections. She seems to be a rather reliable narrator, though she is quick to blame herself for the events that unfold.

Lydia is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter making her a relatively powerful witch. So powerful that it turns out her sister Kitty is not only her familiar, but secretly a cat in girl form. We start our journey when Lydia is young and is learning from her Aunt all about witchcraft and it's costs. When she's about seven, she accidently gets the attention of a great power and grants him a boon.

The boon turns out to be her fatal error that sends her on a crash course with the dashing rake Wickam. It really was great fun getting Lydia's side of the story, and this retelling made her a much more sympathetic character. You really watch Lydia grow up and change from a self centered character to a well grounded young woman who would do anything for her friends.

However, I did find that the chapters were often too long and I felt like it took forever to get to the main conflict of the story. There also were a lot of little side plots which all wrapped up relatively neatly, but were kind of distracting.

In the end this is a 4 star read for me.

This book sounded so intriguing and definitely delivered a fresh take on the novel we know! Lydia was, as expected, incredibly frustrating but well written enough that I forgave that after a while. I loved the writing style too,

The plot itself lost me a bit - some parts felt unnecessary whilst others I would have liked to focus on more... But overall a good read!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy

In this extraordinary reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, author Taub skillfully presents us with an entirely fresh perspective on the character of Lydia, unlike anything we've seen before. Through the lens of witchcraft and enchantment, Taub infuses the narrative with a boundless energy, weaving together a tapestry of supernatural escapades that reveals Lydia's multidimensional nature, captivating readers and solidifying this novel's rightful place in the expansive Austen universe.

I must admit, when I first picked up this book, my expectations were not particularly high. Having encountered various adaptations of Austen's works that ranged from underwhelming to satisfactory, I was initially seeking a familiar and comforting experience. However, Taub surpassed all my expectations. With each turn of the page, every time I anticipated a tired trope, the author deftly subverted it, leaving me pleasantly surprised and eager to explore the story from new angles.

This novel takes readers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, where they effortlessly sway between moments of exhilaration and graceful waltzes of introspection. It serves as a heartfelt love letter to the powerful women of literature, celebrating their resilience, intellect, and complexity. Taub's masterful storytelling creates an atmosphere of sheer delight, leaving readers enchanted by the richness and depth of Lydia's character.

Through Taub's expertly crafted narrative, we witness Lydia's transformation into a formidable force, unearthing her hidden strengths and unveiling the intricate layers of her personality. No longer confined to the margins of the original story, Lydia emerges as a vibrant protagonist in her own right, with a profound understanding of her emotions and an intelligence that surpasses expectations.

As I journeyed alongside Lydia, I found myself irresistibly drawn into a world where supernatural elements intertwine seamlessly with Austen's familiar backdrop. Taub's imaginative storytelling breathes new life into the narrative, illuminating Lydia's adventures with a touch of magic that adds a captivating twist to the tale. The author's ability to navigate uncharted territories while staying true to the essence of Austen's world is nothing short of remarkable.

Ultimately, this remarkable retelling of Pride and Prejudice is a testament to Taub's unparalleled talent for reinvention and her deep respect for Austen's original work. Through her ingenious exploration of Lydia's character, Taub demonstrates that everyone has their own unique story, and the true magic lies in embracing the unexpected and celebrating the strength and complexity of literature's most compelling women. Simply put, this novel is an absolute delight, leaving readers yearning for more and solidifying Taub's place as a visionary in the realm of Austen adaptations.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Summary
We all know if the scandal that Lydia Bennet brought to her family when she ran off with the sultry and ruined Mr. Wickham. However, Taub touts that what we do not know, is that this is not the story or the fate of Ms. Lydia Bennet. In fact, the youngest Bennet sister is a witch! Oh! Do not forget Ms. Kitty Bennet – she is in fact, a cat! This book is a behind the scenes look at the youngest Bennet sister and how her story does not unfold how the rest of the world, including her family, believes it to.

Big Picture Plot
Lydia is a young witch who is tied to her sister… cat… sister… by magic and soon finds that bond threatened. She must find a precious gem for the lord who wishes to tear her from her sister… or else… What ensues, is Lydia making new friends, and enemies, along the witch-y path of getting her sister back; while also making sure she stays inside the plot that the original Pride and Prejudice storyline demands of her.

Individual Character Musings
Lydia is a selfish and frivolous child. However, she is also kind, forgiving, and powerful beyond her own understanding. Lydia’s character develops throughout the book, yet she still seems 15 by the end of it. I enjoyed the build-up and intertwining of the past and present perspectives of this story. However, I did find that there was so much going on and it was difficult at times to find the thread of connection while reading.

My Take
I enjoyed Taub’s writing style; it was very fun to be taken along on a journey through her words. I also enjoyed the story I am so familiar with, to be told from the youngest sister’s perspective – the one sister I was always so annoyed with.

Content Warnings: Death of animal, mention of brothels, witchcraft, demons, dragons.

Would I Recommend?
I would recommend to those who like retellings of Pride and Prejudice and fantasy stories about witches.


Rating: 3 stars

This is such a niche read and I love it.

So this book was a little more scandalous than I was expecting (I know I know it's literally in the title but apparently I am a naïve optimist when it comes to Lydia Bennet) but anyway I have been waiting for another book from Melinda Taub for years and it did not disappoint!

As ever, Melinda Taub has the writing style down perfectly. This book is witty, wild, and wholly entertaining. As others have said I was justifiably skeptical about a story centered about Lydia but I tempered that with my trust in the author and I was rewarded. Lydia was a relatable, sympathetic, human character (dare I say even likeable?) while not losing the essential vivacity and at times frivolous nature that characterize Austen's original Lydia.

Bonus points for this book having elements of the paranormal and still managing to engage me, as that is usually my least favorite genre. But in this case, it worked. Imagining the world of Pride and Prejudice with the addition of magic, it's delightful to observe Darcy's begrudging acceptance of and distaste for this fact, and did I mention Kitty is actually a cat? and Wickham an actual demon? It's too perfect.

This has been the most rambling review I've ever written but the bottom line is that I really, really enjoyed this book. Also I'm a little bit (a lot) in love with George Wickham which feels wrong and like a fundamental law of the universe has been broken. Oh well. He really is a handsome devil.

I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This witchy reimagining of Pride and Prejudice was such a treat! This was told from the eye of Lydia, often seen as the troublesome Bennet sister. I’ll admit that Lydia (and Mary) are frequently my least favorite sisters so I was hesitant to read a book that placed the spotlight on Lydia. I was I credibly wrong to feel this way about this book, because it was so amazing! I’m hesitant to reveal too much about the plot because I feel the surprise value of finding out as you read this one is best. This was such a brilliant interpretation of Jane Austen’s work.

I liked Lydia's lively narrative voice. Her energy is addictive and her tongue-in-cheek humor breaks whatever counts as the fourth wall equivalent in books. The spell and hex work feel fresh and creative, and there's a lot of charm in the story overall. I don't mind the slow pace, I think it suits this particularly narrative style very well. But I do think the book is too long.

If you know the major plot points and characters of P&P, then you should find the re-spun details in Lydia's entertaining voice enjoyable.

I enjoy retellings and have been reading more and more P&P.

This was a super fun read! I loved the writing style and the author did their due diligence for this story.
I loved the witchy element, which is what grabbed my attention TBH.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

This Pride and Prejudice retelling is literally perfect for fans of Practical Magic. I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and the author was able to make it fun and witchy without being cheesy.

This was a wonderful read and a great take on history. The story flowed nicely and the characters kept you interested throughout the book. I would buy a copy for myself.

This book was fantastic! It takes Lydia Bennet, the most maligned Bennet sister from Pride and Prejudice, and gives her a whole world to explore. It develops her character while staying within the bounds of what happened in the original Austen work, and I love a retelling. Lydia is such a great POV character, because she knows she's done some things wrong, but is determined to write them down anyway. The whole book is written from her perspective, and it bounces back and forth between present-day Lydia, down on her luck, and the Lydia of the past, who is making the mistakes that lead her to the present. The parallel storylines are great, if slightly hard to follow at times. It was a great way to keep me hooked so that I was always eager to find out what was happening in the other story, since she tends to switch off on cliffhangers.
Lydia's voice is very modern, which made the book easier to read, though it was jarring to see lines from P&P in the book since they didn't quite fit. But I'll take easy-to-read over period-accurate! I took off a star because it is slow to start, and it took me a little while to feel really invested and like the story was going somewhere. But it is an immensely enjoyable read and by the end I was very caught up in everything!

I absolutely loved this book! It is one of the best Pride and Prejudice variations that I have read in a long time and I have read many! Darcy, dragons, magic, familiars, Brighton... it is all there. While completely fantastically, it was also deeply rooted in the source material and added flavor to it. What a wonderful literary fusion!