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Member Reviews

I actually read this one, even bought the hardback of books 1 & 2 and still have them, I just didn't write a review and I don't remember too much about the book other than liking it.

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This book is nearly six years old and I still have not read it. While I hope that it was good, I do not have time to go back to it.

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The Babysitters Coven by Kate M. Williams is a fun and quirky. The story follows Esme, a high schooler who stumbles upon the secret world of babysitters with magical abilities. At first, it feels like a typical "squad" story, but the twists quickly set it apart. Esme is sarcastic and relatable, and her journey from confused teen to powerful witch is both entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt.

What I really enjoyed was how Williams takes familiar elements, like witches, friendship, and high school drama, and gives them a fresh, humorous spin. The dynamic between Esme and her friends is so fun to read, and the banter between them never feels forced. Plus, there’s enough mystery and danger to keep things interesting without it being too heavy.

Overall, The Babysitters Coven is lighthearted but still manages to deal with themes like identity, trust, and personal growth. It’s perfect for fans of quirky YA with a little bit of magic and a lot of heart. I had a blast reading it and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something fun with a dash of the supernatural.

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When I finished this I needed the sequel right away! I loved this mystery. I loved the humor in this, and the 80s references. A new favorite series for me!

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If Adventures in Babysitting, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch had a baby it would be this book. Also, in The Babysitters Club, The Craft, and The Disney Channel. Yup. That’s this book. Sounds crazy and it is. Unfortunately, it didn’t live all that up to the hype. It was fun and entertaining but I felt a little too disconnected from the characters. The book relies heavily on the nostalgia it seems which is fine but I feel like instead of recycling these plots they should have spent more time on creating well rounded characters

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When I saw this book described as “Adventures in Babysitting” meets “Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I knew I had to read it. I grew up watching both and was so excited to be granted the opportunity to review this book. Our main character Esme has a baby sitters club (yes, yes, like the books from the late 80s early 90s). She’s surprised when new It Girl, Cassandra joins her club Esme is shocked. Esme learns that she and Cassandra both have powers (where the Buffy comes in) and they have to safe the kids their babysitting, the mall, their town and the world from demons. It was a fun read and I’m looking forward to reading books 2 and 3.

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What an enchanting story.

The Babysitters Coven finds Esme, seventeen years old heading a babysitter's club. It's a fun adventure with well-crafted characters. A great addition to any teen's book list.

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This was such a fun read! It felt much like an ode to the 90s, and it was so nice to live through some of it again through this book. The idea of a babysitter’s hotline was honestly genius and I’m kicking myself for not being half as clever as Esme when I was babysitting.

I loved this group of girls. They find each other in quirky ways, but they come together in the end. Esme as a character grows so much throughout the novel, and her inner snark had me laughing out loud on the bus as I read the book.

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I love book like this and I knew that this was going to be one that I enjoyed as well. I loved the twists on being a witch side of this story and I know the sequel will keep me just as entertained. I havent read anything by this author before so I will def be looking for more of her works. I would say it had a slightly slower start than I usually like but overall I enjoyed this read and am thankful for the arc to read.

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I honestly picked up this book because I thought it would be like the baby-sitter's club, but with a dark, fun twist. I also a major fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was included in the premise. I really loved Esme and could relate to her a lot, funnily enough. It was a fun read and one I would definitely recommend.
This is a book I would read every October to get into the Halloween spirit.

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This premise seemed perfectly tailored to appeal to the 80s and 90s kids who grew up on Baby-Sitters Club and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was a fun, fast read but not sure its target YA audience will enjoy it as much as their parents.

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I had so much fun with this book! Witchy goodness and cleverness win the day for me!

I'll definitely tell my YA friends to check it out.
Now. I have to get book 2.

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This book had a very strong beginning. I love the concept a literal babysitter super hero! Also this cover is beautiful! I would recommend this be in all school libraries.

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Overall, this was a fun, light read. It started out strong enough, but the whole exposition dump about the "Sitter" mythos felt strangely awkward and unnecessary. I found the "Sitters" version of Buffy's "watchers" irritating and superfluous. Get rid.

Otherwise, it's a humorous adventure with a protagonists you can really root for. A fine way to have spent my weekend.

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This book started an interesting setup for a series, but felt incomplete. The characters were fun, but we didn't get to know them so well that it was entirely engaging.

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*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

DNF @ 13%

For the most part I was kind of bored while reading this one, but I was trying to get through -- I mean it is an arc and I feel bad at how long it is taking me to read this one. But, then... a few problematic things happened at once. I couldn't even finish chapter 5. So, start of some snide remarks towards other girls who used to be friends and I’m also not a fan of referencing the material you are basing your book on— that’s a personal thing though. Continuing on with horrible mental health rep and losing your job for being too woke but not being at fault. Like.... no thanks, there are other books out there that are worth my time.

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What I loved about The Babysitters Coven:

1. The camp- If you love a campy witch movie (as it's pitched, Buffy the Vampire Slayer x The Babysitter's Club), this is absolutely for you. You have two teen girls: Esme, who started the club and has a passion for protecting kids, and Cassandra, the new girl who is weirdly anxious to join the club. Together, they find they have powers and possibly a sacred duty.

2. The complicated friendship- Esme and Cassandra aren't exactly like peanut butter and jelly. They are both a little stubborn and have different ideas for how to use magic.

What left me wanting more:

1. The plot- Around halfway through the book, it veered in a completely different direction than the plot seemed to be setting up (and not just a twist, but a 180 type situation). Without giving away spoilers, I started losing interest pretty quickly and had to push myself to keep reading.

Overall, this was more or less a fun read. Not my favorite, not my least favorite. I didn't enjoy it enough to continue the series, but I can definitely see this series being super fun and engaging for the right reader.

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DNF. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy! I decided to not keep reading this one, it was not for me. Thanks!

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Good story, couldn't wait to keep reading all what was going to happen. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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What an unexpected, fun read! I love everything about witches, so I didn't hesitate to request for this one. I enjoy the mystery as well as the unlikely friendship that bloomed in this one. I didn't see the twists and turns coming. Fast paced and intriguing plot. Hoping to read the sequel soon.

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