How to Succeed in Witchcraft

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Trigger Warnings: Racism, blood, bullying, coming out, grooming, manipulation, teacher-student relationships, homophobia

Representation: Black, Lesbian, Cuban, Filipino, Adoptee, Afro-Cuban, Bisexual

How to Succeed in Witchcraft is a fantasy novel about Shay, a high school junior who is hoping to win the Brockton scholarship to get into a licensing college and change her parents’ lives. In order to win, Shay hopes to impress Mr. B, the award’s namesake and school drama teacher. To do so, she auditions for the spring musical and is named the lead along with Ana, her enemy. After some weird interactions, Shay has to decide what’s more important, winning or revealing the truth.

This finished copy was provided by Bookishfirst in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book! I have to admit that I thought it was going to be something different but I was pleasantly pleased with what it is. I do wish Shay liked musicals more but the rest of her cast had such realistic mt student personalities that it was okay. Readers should definitely check the content warnings before starting it though.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Shay has such a big heart and I loved learning about this magical world. The author did a great job with world building. I also really loved Lex. She was funny and the best best friend! Ana was so smart and her personality was very beautiful. I also loved how the girls each had their own flaws and difficulties but you still rooted for them the entire time.

I thought the author did a great job with Mr. B. He was creepy the entire book and I just knew there was going to be something weird with him. Brittany’s experience with Mr. B was so believable and I loved how much strength Shay showed.