This was a wholly unique, fantastic debut. I’ve never read anything like it and thought the world building was great. I also love how morally grey the characters are, it made things exciting. I did feel a bit lost at times and found the pacing to be off, likely due to the rapid alternating chapters.

DNF at 35% of the way through

Thanks so much to Harper Collins for the chance to read this ARC before it came out -- it was one of my anticipated releases of the year. However, It deeply disappointed me.

I found it incredibly hard to grasp onto any characters, and the writing felt as though it was trying to pull me out of the story, especially with Jasmyne's POV. Ira's was easier to follow, but since we switch every chapter, I kept getting pulled right out just as I was about to sink in. I found the writing clinical and dense, which it did not need to be. It wasn't the inclusion of Patwah that bothered me -- in fact, I liked that part and found it easy to understand and follow. Something about the rest of it was just unbearable to me.

My biggest complaint is probably the continuity errors in the story -- or, if they were meant to be there, WHY ON EARTH THESE CHARACTERS KEEP GOING BACK ON CHOICES MADE FOR NO REASON AT ALL! I think Jasmyne changed her mind 4 times about killing her mother within the first 20% of the book, and for what? NO reason at all. I think this book would have been so much stronger if all of this waffling had been ripped out, and a clear decisive motive was laid out at the beginning.

So sad I had to put this book down, but I couldn't handle it any more.

I liked this book! I thought that the characters were very interesting and there were very cool plot points. I will say though, the writing was confusing for me. It wasn’t easy to understand at times and I think it could have been elaborated so it’ll be much easier to understand. I also thought that at times, the plot was very fast and also slow. It was very weird sometimes for me to to understand everything that’s going on and the pacing. Still, I think this book was done well! I think if your a very big fantasy reader and you love books with high stakes, and vengeance, you’ll fall in love with it. I thought that some things in the book made me feel that it wasn’t the book for me but I know that many people will love this book a lot!

Many people had recommended this book to me, and I’d found its dark, morally-grey nature to be its biggest draw along with it being a Crossover book. This is a Young Adult book, but I think adult readers in the SFF genre would also enjoy this book.

Witches Steeped in Gold is a Jamaican-inspired fantasy, deeply steeped in political intrigues and blood-soaked history that bursts to life through its pages. I would not speak to how much Jamaican influence this book had since I am not from a Jamaican background and thus it would not be my place to assess it; but from the magic system to conversations between characters, the worldbuilding felt thoroughly complete and realised. The magic system itself, is a truly unique and amazing one influenced by the novel’s background history and instrumental to its narrative. I also loved how it helped setting up the divide between the Alumbrar and the Obeah, the two factions at odds with each other and it just really adds a thrall to the conflict in a way I could not quite put to words.

Most of all, however, Witches Steeped in Gold is a book about shifting loyalties, betrayal, and a perpetual state of paranoia, not knowing who to trust. Even I as a reader could not find anything trustworthy about the two main characters. I was on edge the entire time I was reading it, always expecting a betrayal round the corner.

Speaking of untrustworthy protagonists, it was such a breath of fresh air to read morally grey, (definitely) chaotic neutral characters whose alignment shift according to the means they need to take for their own ends. From the Alumbrar’s side, there’s Jazmyne with such an intriguing character arc that I kind of saw coming but not quite the way it did in this novel. Iraya, from the Obeah, is a distrustful and reckless warrior who would at times score top of the class for terrible, terrible choices somehow both selfish and selfless. United by a mutual endgame—revenge—they come together in an alliance so precarious they couldn’t help but scheme against each other as well in true Killing Eve fashion. Juggling their fragile alliance, the strong draw they have for each other, and their own fears of what they’d become in their pursuit for their own brand of justice, the two walk a thin, fine line—a razor edge, if you will—between hero and villain.

Even the side characters exuded an air full of mystery and intrigue. Kirdan, especially, was an enigma no one could quite figure out most of the time and he bides his time in the mystery until it was time for him to make his move. When he finally did, my breath legit escaped my lips the way it did Jazmyne and Ira’s. I hope we’ll get to see more of his story in the sequel.

This book takes off at such rapid speed from beginning to end, even as it establishes its foundations. Smart is incredibly generous with her twists and turns at a breakneck pace, the adventure within Witches Steeped in Gold‘s pages becomes truly addictive one would develop a rabid need to find out what would happen next.

I came in with high expectations for Witches Steeped in Gold, and it delivered! I must be on a lucky streak, the books I’ve read so far struck me right and it’s starting to scare me. This book is simply amazing! Right from its first page, its claws dug deep in me and did not let go for even a second. Smart’s characters are complex, beautifully layered navigating through a dangerous game of betray or be betrayed, forced to flip their morality back and forth as means to their respective ends. While the two primary witches in the book are fundamentally at odds with each other, it is practically impossible to pick a side.

Witches Steeped in Gold is a brilliant, dark, and evocative debut that breathes a world where blind trust and loyalty mean certain death, and betrayal is the only currency of worth. Conflicting motivations come to a head, and Smart’s characters walk a razor edge between hero and villain as they juggle between their fraught loyalties, their goals, and their strong draw to each other.

Morally grey, tense, full of dread and dark imagery; this book checks all the right boxes for me in such a fascinating fashion. I have little doubt that fans of the TV show Killing Eve and Rena Barron’s equally twisty thriller fantasy epic Kingdom of Souls would find themselves enamoured by Ciannon Smart’s breathtaking Witches Steeped in Gold.

My many thanks to Frenzy without whom I would not have been able to review Witches Steeped in Gold! I received a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic Jamaican-inspired Fantasy with intriguing characters that draw readers in from the very first page. Well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to Jamaican witchcraft and obeah. The magic and the story were complex & mesmerizing. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Look, I'm not saying I'm an idiot for picking up a dense complicated fantasy while trying to pull myself out of a slump but.. if the shoe fits, right?

While a good portion of my struggle with this book is, as above, my own damn fault, I also think the first half of this book is just too thick. There is so much to wade through as far as history and worldbuilding and terminology, which is kind of understandable with a series-starter, but it just didn't sink in. And while the second half of the story was full of action and betrayals and reveals, oh my, I'm still left wondering if I understand anything about this world.

I'm also kind of confused as to where we ended up with one of the main characters. But that's a whole other thing.

Easily my favourite thing about this was the writing; even when I was struggling with a character, or two, or the plot, I enjoyed how it was all written. But overall, beyond the representation, I'm not entirely sure this is memorable and I know I will absolutely to remember anything about this by the time the sequel is out. Which is a bummer.

I definitely suggest you still give this is a try if you're interested, though; I'm writing this just two weeks shy of its release and the early buzz is poppin'. This is connecting with, and entertaining, so many readers. So don't let this slumpy party pooper put you off.

A fascinating story with gorgeously crafted morally grey characters, the betrayals and witchcraft had me racing through the pages!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This book was one of my most anticipated releases of 2021 and I'm sad to say it was not aa great as I wanted it to be. The synopsis sounded amazing and I was excited to get a Jamaican based fantasy because it's something that I've never read before.

Let me actually say before anything else the world building and the rich folklore that was put into this story was fantastic. I loved learning about Jamaican folklore and the magic system was very unique.

My problems with this book though was mainly the pacing. I had to start this book over four different times because I couldn't keep track of the different points of views and I felt like I was missing something. I just wasn't understanding what was happening for the first third of the book. maybe it's because I had such high expectations that I was disappointed I don't know. This book was still a three star for me because there were so many unique elements to it that made it special. So I hope the negative side of my review does not deter you from picking up this book because I think everyone should read it.

I definitely DNF (Did Not Finish) at about 30%. I couldn’t get into this read as much as I would like to. I found myself having to read the same pages over and over to get a grasp of what’s going on. The synopsis was written beautifully to catch my attention but honestly I don’t think Witches Steeped in Gold is for me at the moment. I might pick it back up on a later note.

Thank you HarperTeens and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A stunning debut that draws you in page after page.

Smart creates a world so vivid and real, you think you're the one slinking through the jungle wielding magic through gold. It's such a fresh take on magic, and readers of fantasy will appreciate such a new and fantastic concept.

The characters are rich and deeply woven into the story, I couldn't decide who I was rooting for or against by the end of it! I love that it kept me guessing and eager to find out what happens next. I loved the concept of two rival witches having to come together, but even that doesn't give you half of what transpires in these pages!

A Jamaican-inspired fantasy that will have you itching to turn the page. I can't wait for book two!

I had very high expectations for this fantasy novel, and the description and cover hyped it up even more--both are exquisite. Unfortunately, the writing style just didn't gel for my reading tastes, which is, as usual, a 'me' issue and not necessarily an issue with the novel. I'm sure it will be a favorite for many, I just couldn't get into the more intricate/elaborate prose. This also kept me a bit at a remove from connecting with the characters.

DNF ~40%

I really and truly wanted to enjoy this book. It had been on my TBR for a bit when I finally decided to read it. The cover is gorgeous, the concept is beautiful, and I was so excited to experience this author's culture. However, 'Witches Steeped in Gold' legitimately put me to sleep...while I was at work...drinking a cup of coffee. I felt that I was less reading, and more like I was prepping for the ACT I took almost 10 years ago.

The story was slow and I felt that the characters were a little dry, with no real meat to them. I understand that Smart was developing this world, and truly trying to let the reader experience what it would be like to live on these islands and experience this beautiful culture. However, I believe that the story suffered for it. It felt bogged down and too slow, like trying to move through honey.

Maybe this just wasn't the book for me at the time, but I would really like to pick it up again at a later date.

***Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an eARC.

"Divided by their order. United by their vengeance."

When I read "Children of Blood and Bone" when it was released, I was amazed at the book due to the plot, the non-European world-building, and the well-crafted characters. This was the case for Ciannon Smart's "Witches Steeped in Gold", a Jamaican-inspired YA fantasy, which follows two witches of two separate enemy clans who are forced to work together towards a common goal and they are NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT EITHER.

The characters were well-thought-out, the world-building was fine, and the magic was fantastic as well as engaging as the unraveling of the story. I had no issues with the book, which is a surprise for me since I usually have a problem or two with YA yet that isn't the case with some books.

Overall, well done Ciannon Smart!

Got this one from the publisher as it was on my radar and I was excited to read about a Jamaican inspired fantasy but this on just wasn't it. The first half or so was really slow and with the different POV's it was hard to remember who was who. The characters felt a little flat to me, I didn't really feel anything for the characters which is not something that I normally have trouble with. Some of the word choices were a bit over my head as well. Overall, an ok book/debut but I don't think I'll be buying a copy for my shelves

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

Witches Steeped in Gold is an incredible example of world building. The magic is unlike anything I’ve read!
Jazmyne is the daughter of the Doyenne of Aiyca (inspired by Jamaica). She works as an emissary for her mother, but they have far from a loving relationship. In fact, she’s been actively working against her rule ever since her daughter was sacrificed to maintain the doyenne’s power. Iraya is the long lost heir to the Aiycan throne, and has been hidden in prison for the past 10 years. Now, though, she’s found a way to escape and begin to enact her plan for vengeance. While they don’t trust each other (and at times are actively working against each other), the two form an alliance to accomplish a common goal.

I give this book four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author Ciannon Smart does an incredible job with the description of the island and the magic system in place. That’s what kept me going through the first 2/3 of the book. It was just really hard for me to get invested in the characters for the longest time. There was so much scheming, it was hard to get a good read on personalities until both Jazmyne and Iraya started working together. By the end, though, I was thoroughly into the book, and am excited for the sequel.

This was a highly anticipated read for me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I was hoping it would. I really wanted to love this and thought it would be hit, but I found myself struggling with the first 4 chapters. At first, I thought I knew what was going on, but somehow I was actually left confused as to what was really happening, and who was narrating. I loved that there was an explanation between the two tribes, but there was so much information to take in, that I became overwhelmed.

I really loved the premise. It’s new territory for me, in terms of culture and storytelling, and perhaps that may have been my own personal downfall.

I would still encourage others to read it and think there will be many who will absolutely love this one.

DNF at 13%

I am in such a fickle mood and putting this down because I have not wanted to read it, and am feeling slumpy. I might pick this one back up as an audiobook, because the story intrigues me, but I was put off by the writing style and the constant thought that this would have been a phenomenal book if the characters were aged up and it was adult fantasy instead of YA.

Things I loved, and which might tempt me to return: the world-building and complex setting and relationships between characters and cultures. So well done, and I loved the world and was intrigued to read more. The magic system was also intriguing, particularly how the different groups tapped into their magic, and gained their magic.

Things that turned me off: the overly complicated writing style, complete with purple prose and SAT-level word choices speckling each page. This is a me preference! Smart writes beautifully, but my brain was not connecting and I had to read each sentence at least two-three times to catch the correct emphasis, and when each sentence has at least four parts to it, my Twitter-addicted brain was growing bored.

I also was turned off by the main characters, who I felt should have been older. Ira talks about training as a warrior and her cadre of strong relationships with *checks notes* women she trained with from 5-8ish years old and then she's been in prison for ten years. Jazmyne is upset her mother won't give her the keys to the kingdom or treat her as an adult when she she *checks notes, again* about to turn eighteen and is a literal child. Okay yes I'm an old, I'll freely admit it.

Again, all me things.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review

I’m bummed to report that this debut didn’t quite meet the high expectations I had for it. Smart’s concept for this series is creative, intriguing, and impressive. I loved the Jamaican-inspired elements of the world and the narration alternating between two young women from rival witch political orders--the Obeah and the Alumbrar. Smart serves up plenty of juicy vengeance, deception, and magical political maneuvering. My first impression was that there would be no hand-holding in this book; from the first page, the reader has to work for it if they want to understand how this magical world works. At first, I enjoyed this challenge, but ultimately I ended up feeling like the story didn’t hold up its part of the bargain.

First, the book started slow and most of the action was packed into the final third.

Second, I felt as if I was being told that the characters were complex and asked to believe it rather than being shown and convinced of that complexity through their thoughts and actions. Perhaps I was let down in this regard because of the comparisons to Killing Eve in the marketing blurbs. Similarly, the reader is reminded so frequently of every character’s intention to betray other characters that by the time the betrayals are revealed, they’ve lost their excitement and the details of the plot twists feel somewhat inconsequential. I also felt at points that I had to suspend disbelief that some of the plotting would go unnoticed by other calculating and powerful characters (e.g. Ira leaving the guarded Cuartel for long periods of time without being noticed by guards or her friends who are otherwise always around; Xanthippe soldiers escorting Jazmyne to resistance meetings and following her orders to escort Ira out of Cuartel without alerting her mother, the doyenne).

Third, there were occasional breaks in continuity between chapters. It often took me a page or two to gauge where the narrative was picking up and what time or events must have elapsed since the end of the previous chapter.

My final question is regarding whether this novel should have been conceived for a young adult audience. At points, the prose was overwritten. With 92nd percentile verbal reasoning GRE scores, I’m no stranger to big words, but I found the advanced word choice used to be distracting at times, likely even more so for YA readers. I was relieved to be reading on a kindle so that I could quickly check the meaning of “coruscating” without losing my mental connection to the story too much. Additionally, the romantic elements of the story, which tend to be very well done in the YA genre, felt pretty surface-level and extraneous. I probably would have enjoyed the book more if they were jettisoned altogether in favor of greater depth added to the focal relationship between Ira and Jazmyne.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for giving me advance access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Witches Steeped in Gold is the fantasy novel YA has been searching for but hasn't quite found a perfect match for, something just RIGHT to fill the void YA barely knew it had. Combining beautifully Jamaican folklore and unique magic systems into a world split into a conflict we just don't see in YA today, Ciannon Smart's witch filled debut is a book to become enamored with. The minute you finish Jazmyne and Ira's introduction chapters (and even before then at the first lines of the novel), the reader is enchanted by the world which has thrust these two characters against each other. Ira (formerly Iraya, the daughter of the previous ruling family) recalls with grief and anger her time spent with her family, back when they were all still alive and her mother ruled. Now, she's been awaiting her fate in the same place, but in a prison, counting down the days until she can receive her magic and seek revenge for all she has lost. The only thing standing in her way is Jazmyne, who despite being next for the throne, doesn't want to help the rebellion assassinate her mother. She knows her mother has done wrong, including murdering her best friend and the rest of the previous royal family to put her own order on the throne. Regardless, she loves her mother and would do anything for her, even defend her after she brings back a dangerous sacrifice the rebellion thought had been banned.

Jazmyne has everything and wishes she didn't, while Ira has nothing and wishes she did. Both want a life of peace, one that restores the world back to its natural order, for both their orders. Witches Steeped in Gold is a hefty gal, but she's every bit worth it. You'll be begging the main characters to get together, but know that's not the intent. They're more like enemies to enemies but also kind of friends, maybe but only if they want to be. It's an enjoyable fantasy novel and a lovely debut that hopefully you'll be just as engaged with as I was.

I knew that this book was going to be a winner before I started reading BUT MAN. Ciannon Smart's debut is incredible and will leave you thinking for days afterward. I LOVED these characters and this world. Add this to your must read list.