Book Review: Toil & Trouble
Toil & Trouble
Edited By: Jessica Spotswood & Tess Sharpe
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Page Count: 304
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley
Young Adult - Paranormal, Anthology
I have come to expect an anthology edited by Jessica Spotswood will feature strong female characters, diversity, and fascinating stories. Toil & Trouble does not disappoint. This was a fabulous read and one I could see returning to from time to time when I am in the mood for a little witchy reading. This collection would make the perfect addition to your fall reading list. I've given you a short and sweet review for each story in the collection and included one of my favorite quotations.
Story #1: "Starsong" by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Rating = 3.5
Luna is a bruja whose magic lives in the stars. After making some poor choices and watching her Aunt crash and burn, Luna has retreated to her bedroom and an online world that allows her to use her mystical gift. People from all over the world pay for her to read their fortunes in the stars. Luna knows that not everyone believes in her magic and usually she can turn a blind eye to the haters, but she meets a skeptic who fills her heart with hope. Can magic and science co-exist?
Mami says love and magic get mixed up, that they make it harder to trust your instincts, easier to get lost.
~ Kindle Location 172
Story #2: "Afterbirth" by Andrea Cremer
Rating = 5
Deliverance is a midwife's apprentice during the colonial times in a Puritan colony. She has been called to be a witness in a witchcraft trial after a young servant dies after giving birth. Complications during the delivery cast suspicion on the midwife and secrets are buried. Deliverance is entrusted with keeping the midwife's secrets safe. This story was one of my favorites in the collection and is reminiscent of The Salem Witch Trials.
When I first came to live with Midwife Ley, I would take a book from the shelf and sit on my straw-stuffed mattress with the book open in my lap. My fingers walked across the pages, tracing the lines, swoops, and squiggles. It mattered not that the writing held no meaning for me; whenever I opened a book, any book, I became mesmerized.
~ Kindle Location 327
Story #3: "The Heart in Her Hands" by Tess Sharpe
Rating = 5
This story focuses on Bette, a witch who is torn between the expectations placed on her by her coven and her own desires. The idea of fate vs. choice permeates this story. I loved every moment.
Bette is not sweetness and goodness, all bright calm and white light, willing to sacrifice her life for the good of the Circle. She is prickly and defiant, and willing to use blood and tears and the dirt of the dead to break free.
~ Kindle Location 511
Story #4: "Death in the Sawtooths" by Lindsay Smith
Rating = 5
Mattie has the ability to pull souls from bodies after death. This ability allows her to help the dead rest in peace by letting her know of any unfinished business. Mattie takes care of those items and keeps the souls safe from being taken over by evil necromancers. I loved this universe and the abilities of the witches - particularly Mattie. I would love to see Mattie get her own novel.
A person can tell you anything, but bones - those tell the truth.
~ Kindle Location 773
Story #5: "The Truth About Queenie" by Brandy Colbert
Rating = 4
Queenie has been harboring feelings for best friend, Webb, for ages. He has been off pursuing a professional skateboarding career. In addition, Queenie has always struggled with her magical abilities; she even doubts that they exist from time to time. The one time she tried to use them a tragedy struck and since then she hasn't wanted to experiment with spells, but another tragedy forces her hand and she will have to decide once and for all if she believes in her powers. This story also touches on the issue of race.
I can't deny that my aunt, Big Queenie, has a gift, but I know better than anyone that having a gift doesn't mean you're infallible.
~ Kindle Location 1123
Story #6: "The Moonapple Menagerie" by Shveta Thakrar
Rating = 4
This one felt more mystical than some of the other stories in this collection. It involved shapeshifters, a coven's theatrical performance, magical apples, and Indian folklore. How could you not want to read this one? My only complaint was that the structure was confusing at times, but there is so much rich material here. I loved learning about the churel which was a totally new creature and lore for me.
When she wrote, Shalini reached deep into the fertile field of her imagination, digging until she found the roots of her story, then grafting branches grown from many different seeds on to the plant - and sometimes undoing the grafts - and finally pruning until she reached the desired shape.
~ Kindle Location 1495
Story #7: "The Legend of Stone Mary" by Robin Talley
Rating = 5
Urban legends have long fascinated me, so I was thrilled to see this story combined an urban legend with witches. The 1970's setting and the intriguing lore made this another favorite in the collection.
A lot of folks seemed to think I was like one of the rare flowers we grew in our greenhouse. Exciting and dangerous all at once.
~ Kindle Location 1764
Story #8: "The One Who Stayed" by Nova Ten Suma
Rating = 3.5
This was one of the more complex narrative styles in this collection which made it both fascinating and confusing at times. The witches in this one reminded me of the furies as they focused on extracting revenge for past wrongs. Commentary on current gender issues also is a major focus in this one. This one is not light hearted and was one of the more difficult ones for me to read due to the subject matter, but it is well written and thought provoking.
Before we knew what we could accomplish together. Before we yelled into the night and demanded it remember our names.
~ Kindle Location 2023
Story #9: "Divine Are the Stars" by Zoraida Cordova
Rating = 4
This story has Latin folklore weaved throughout and uses gorgeous sensory details. Marimar and her cousin, Chuy, have left the city to venture into the country to the estate of their family where their aging grandmother has long held the power. Their summons home makes it clear that their grandmother is not in good health and that a new era will begin.
She'd been away from the city for sixteen hours and already green things - no matter how near death they were - found their way to her. As always, her power was stronger the closer she was to Rancho Divino and away from the smoke and iron of the city.
~ Kindle Location 2148
Story #10: "Daughters of Baba Yaga" by Brenna Yovanoff
Rating = 5
One of the strengths of this anthology is the diversity it contains. This is not limited to the characters, but also the subject matter. This story adds to that strength by giving a Russian flair to the idea of witches. Revenge is a factor that motivates many of us, but is it ever justified?
Because if I'm any kind of with at all, this is the kind I'll be. Tough but fair, monstrous but just. No enchanted spindles or poison apples, only names and blood.
~ Kindle Location 2487
Story #11: "The Well Witch" by Kate Hart
Rating = 5
I wasn't expecting to love this story because the wild west has never been a setting that I have gravitated towards, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It takes place in 1875 and focuses on Elsa, a water witch in a land that often lacks water. She lives in an oasis that was started by her mother and carried on by her own magic. It has become her one solace in a harsh landscape and unforgiving climate. The summers are blistering and the winters bring massive snow drifts. I can't imagine living in such a terrain and climate, but Elsa is happy with her life, but she does find that life can be lonesome. When the three men show up, Elsa knows this could be a negative turn of events for her, but she is convinced that she can get them moving sooner rather than later, but sometimes the heart interferes with the mind.
But men were the most unpredictable animals...
~ Kindle Location 2528
Story #12: "Beware of Girls with Crooked Mouths" by Jessica Spotswood
Rating = 5
The Campbell Witches are destined to murder their sisters in order to gain power. This has been true for as long as anyone can remember. Jo, Elle, and Georgie have been taught not to trust one another since they were younger, but the girls refuse to believe their mother's warnings. The sisters believe that they can be the ones to break the cycle and live happily ever after. Jo, the oldest, has visions and one that she believes will come to fruition has her hatching a plan to make sure her sisters are safe. Is love and devotion behind Jo's motivation or is something more sinister and selfish at work?
In every generation, one Campbell witch goes mad and murders the others. It has always been so. Will always be so.
~ Kindle Location 2925
Story #13: "Love Spell" by Anna-Marie McLemore
Rating = 5
In true McLemore fashion, this story has beautiful language and creates a sense of wonder. McLemore is truly one of those YA writers that never ceases to amaze me with the way she chooses to craft her stories. I love losing myself amongst the lush prose. In this story, another bruja is delivering the tale, but this time a forbidden love is at the center.
"If you let fear be your voice, you will never have sure hands."
~ Kindle Location 3216
Story #14: "The Gherin Girls" by Emery Lord
Rating = 5
A sisterhood of three seems to be a trend in this collection and in the larger works of witches. Nova, Rosie, and Willa are a group of sisters that I loved. They care about one another deeply and their loyalty is admirable. This story turned out to be a bit more serious than I was initially expecting when I learned that their magical abilities revolved around cooking, botany, and touch. This is a heartwarming read that also touches on serious issues such as emotional abuse.
Tea doesn't fix anything. It's just comfort you can hold.
~ Kindle Location 3613
Story #15: "The Only Way Back" by Tristina Wright
Rating = 4
This story felt a little more high fantasy than most of the others. There is an intriguing setting and magic system in this one. The plot largely revolves around a quest to find a missing royal and two magical sisters.
"Alchemy?" No one had ever asked her to teach them.
"My sister's science tricks?" Mika laughed. "Oh, darling, you don't want to mess with that. You have to do so much reading and writing and memorization. It's rigid and complicated."
~ Kindle Location 3910
Story #16: "Why They Watch Us Burn" by Elizabeth May
Rating = 4
This is another story told through an intriguing narrative style. I liked the way the story unfolded, but this is another one that was difficult for me to read because of the subject material. The setting is a work camp where women are sent because they have been deemed "sinful" by society. They are stripped of their names and identities upon arrival and forced to work in harsh conditions to harvest lumber for their society. Men control the camp and also force specific religious beliefs upon the women in the camp. Those not deemed fit for work often disappear with no explanation. This story was a powerful way to close the collection and made included echoes of current social commentary on gender issues.
"You understand the truth, though, don't you? The most terrifying thing in the world is a girl with power. That's why they watch us burn."
~ Kindle Location 4167
Deliverance is a midwife's apprentice during the colonial times in a Puritan colony. She has been called to be a witness in a witchcraft trial after a young servant dies after giving birth. Complications during the delivery cast suspicion on the midwife and secrets are buried. Deliverance is entrusted with keeping the midwife's secrets safe. This story was one of my favorites in the collection and is reminiscent of The Salem Witch Trials.
When I first came to live with Midwife Ley, I would take a book from the shelf and sit on my straw-stuffed mattress with the book open in my lap. My fingers walked across the pages, tracing the lines, swoops, and squiggles. It mattered not that the writing held no meaning for me; whenever I opened a book, any book, I became mesmerized.
~ Kindle Location 327
Story #3: "The Heart in Her Hands" by Tess Sharpe
Rating = 5
This story focuses on Bette, a witch who is torn between the expectations placed on her by her coven and her own desires. The idea of fate vs. choice permeates this story. I loved every moment.
Bette is not sweetness and goodness, all bright calm and white light, willing to sacrifice her life for the good of the Circle. She is prickly and defiant, and willing to use blood and tears and the dirt of the dead to break free.
~ Kindle Location 511
Story #4: "Death in the Sawtooths" by Lindsay Smith
Rating = 5
Mattie has the ability to pull souls from bodies after death. This ability allows her to help the dead rest in peace by letting her know of any unfinished business. Mattie takes care of those items and keeps the souls safe from being taken over by evil necromancers. I loved this universe and the abilities of the witches - particularly Mattie. I would love to see Mattie get her own novel.
A person can tell you anything, but bones - those tell the truth.
~ Kindle Location 773
Story #5: "The Truth About Queenie" by Brandy Colbert
Rating = 4
Queenie has been harboring feelings for best friend, Webb, for ages. He has been off pursuing a professional skateboarding career. In addition, Queenie has always struggled with her magical abilities; she even doubts that they exist from time to time. The one time she tried to use them a tragedy struck and since then she hasn't wanted to experiment with spells, but another tragedy forces her hand and she will have to decide once and for all if she believes in her powers. This story also touches on the issue of race.
I can't deny that my aunt, Big Queenie, has a gift, but I know better than anyone that having a gift doesn't mean you're infallible.
~ Kindle Location 1123
Story #6: "The Moonapple Menagerie" by Shveta Thakrar
Rating = 4
This one felt more mystical than some of the other stories in this collection. It involved shapeshifters, a coven's theatrical performance, magical apples, and Indian folklore. How could you not want to read this one? My only complaint was that the structure was confusing at times, but there is so much rich material here. I loved learning about the churel which was a totally new creature and lore for me.
When she wrote, Shalini reached deep into the fertile field of her imagination, digging until she found the roots of her story, then grafting branches grown from many different seeds on to the plant - and sometimes undoing the grafts - and finally pruning until she reached the desired shape.
~ Kindle Location 1495
Story #7: "The Legend of Stone Mary" by Robin Talley
Rating = 5
Urban legends have long fascinated me, so I was thrilled to see this story combined an urban legend with witches. The 1970's setting and the intriguing lore made this another favorite in the collection.
A lot of folks seemed to think I was like one of the rare flowers we grew in our greenhouse. Exciting and dangerous all at once.
~ Kindle Location 1764
Story #8: "The One Who Stayed" by Nova Ten Suma
Rating = 3.5
This was one of the more complex narrative styles in this collection which made it both fascinating and confusing at times. The witches in this one reminded me of the furies as they focused on extracting revenge for past wrongs. Commentary on current gender issues also is a major focus in this one. This one is not light hearted and was one of the more difficult ones for me to read due to the subject matter, but it is well written and thought provoking.
Before we knew what we could accomplish together. Before we yelled into the night and demanded it remember our names.
~ Kindle Location 2023
Story #9: "Divine Are the Stars" by Zoraida Cordova
Rating = 4
This story has Latin folklore weaved throughout and uses gorgeous sensory details. Marimar and her cousin, Chuy, have left the city to venture into the country to the estate of their family where their aging grandmother has long held the power. Their summons home makes it clear that their grandmother is not in good health and that a new era will begin.
She'd been away from the city for sixteen hours and already green things - no matter how near death they were - found their way to her. As always, her power was stronger the closer she was to Rancho Divino and away from the smoke and iron of the city.
~ Kindle Location 2148
Story #10: "Daughters of Baba Yaga" by Brenna Yovanoff
Rating = 5
One of the strengths of this anthology is the diversity it contains. This is not limited to the characters, but also the subject matter. This story adds to that strength by giving a Russian flair to the idea of witches. Revenge is a factor that motivates many of us, but is it ever justified?
Because if I'm any kind of with at all, this is the kind I'll be. Tough but fair, monstrous but just. No enchanted spindles or poison apples, only names and blood.
~ Kindle Location 2487
Story #11: "The Well Witch" by Kate Hart
Rating = 5
I wasn't expecting to love this story because the wild west has never been a setting that I have gravitated towards, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It takes place in 1875 and focuses on Elsa, a water witch in a land that often lacks water. She lives in an oasis that was started by her mother and carried on by her own magic. It has become her one solace in a harsh landscape and unforgiving climate. The summers are blistering and the winters bring massive snow drifts. I can't imagine living in such a terrain and climate, but Elsa is happy with her life, but she does find that life can be lonesome. When the three men show up, Elsa knows this could be a negative turn of events for her, but she is convinced that she can get them moving sooner rather than later, but sometimes the heart interferes with the mind.
But men were the most unpredictable animals...
~ Kindle Location 2528
Story #12: "Beware of Girls with Crooked Mouths" by Jessica Spotswood
Rating = 5
The Campbell Witches are destined to murder their sisters in order to gain power. This has been true for as long as anyone can remember. Jo, Elle, and Georgie have been taught not to trust one another since they were younger, but the girls refuse to believe their mother's warnings. The sisters believe that they can be the ones to break the cycle and live happily ever after. Jo, the oldest, has visions and one that she believes will come to fruition has her hatching a plan to make sure her sisters are safe. Is love and devotion behind Jo's motivation or is something more sinister and selfish at work?
In every generation, one Campbell witch goes mad and murders the others. It has always been so. Will always be so.
~ Kindle Location 2925
Story #13: "Love Spell" by Anna-Marie McLemore
Rating = 5
In true McLemore fashion, this story has beautiful language and creates a sense of wonder. McLemore is truly one of those YA writers that never ceases to amaze me with the way she chooses to craft her stories. I love losing myself amongst the lush prose. In this story, another bruja is delivering the tale, but this time a forbidden love is at the center.
"If you let fear be your voice, you will never have sure hands."
~ Kindle Location 3216
Story #14: "The Gherin Girls" by Emery Lord
Rating = 5
A sisterhood of three seems to be a trend in this collection and in the larger works of witches. Nova, Rosie, and Willa are a group of sisters that I loved. They care about one another deeply and their loyalty is admirable. This story turned out to be a bit more serious than I was initially expecting when I learned that their magical abilities revolved around cooking, botany, and touch. This is a heartwarming read that also touches on serious issues such as emotional abuse.
Tea doesn't fix anything. It's just comfort you can hold.
~ Kindle Location 3613
Story #15: "The Only Way Back" by Tristina Wright
Rating = 4
This story felt a little more high fantasy than most of the others. There is an intriguing setting and magic system in this one. The plot largely revolves around a quest to find a missing royal and two magical sisters.
"Alchemy?" No one had ever asked her to teach them.
"My sister's science tricks?" Mika laughed. "Oh, darling, you don't want to mess with that. You have to do so much reading and writing and memorization. It's rigid and complicated."
~ Kindle Location 3910
Story #16: "Why They Watch Us Burn" by Elizabeth May
Rating = 4
This is another story told through an intriguing narrative style. I liked the way the story unfolded, but this is another one that was difficult for me to read because of the subject material. The setting is a work camp where women are sent because they have been deemed "sinful" by society. They are stripped of their names and identities upon arrival and forced to work in harsh conditions to harvest lumber for their society. Men control the camp and also force specific religious beliefs upon the women in the camp. Those not deemed fit for work often disappear with no explanation. This story was a powerful way to close the collection and made included echoes of current social commentary on gender issues.
"You understand the truth, though, don't you? The most terrifying thing in the world is a girl with power. That's why they watch us burn."
~ Kindle Location 4167
One Last Gripe: I don't have one other than I wish many of these would be turned into longer works.
Favorite Thing About This Book: The new intriguing folklore
Favorite Character: Mattie from "Death in the Sawtooths" by Lindsay Smith
Least Favorite Character: Luna from "Starsong" by Tehlor Kay Mejia
A young adult fiction anthology of 15 stories featuring contemporary, historical, and futuristic stories featuring witchy heroines who are diverse in race, class, sexuality, religion, geography, and era.
Are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Glinda the Good Witch. Elphaba the Wicked Witch. Willow. Sabrina. Gemma Doyle. The Mayfair Witches. Ursula the Sea Witch. Morgan le Fey. The three weird sisters from Macbeth.
History tells us women accused of witchcraft were often outsiders: educated, independent, unmarried, unwilling to fall in line with traditional societal expectations.
Bold. Powerful. Rebellious.
A bruja’s traditional love spell has unexpected results. A witch’s healing hands begin to take life instead of giving it when she ignores her attraction to a fellow witch. In a terrifying future, women are captured by a cabal of men crying witchcraft and the one true witch among them must fight to free them all. In a desolate past, three orphaned sisters prophesize for a murderous king. Somewhere in the present, a teen girl just wants to kiss a boy without causing a hurricane.
From good witches to bad witches, to witches who are a bit of both, this is an anthology of diverse witchy tales from a collection of diverse, feminist authors. The collective strength of women working together—magically or mundanely--has long frightened society, to the point that women’s rights are challenged, legislated against, and denied all over the world. Toil & Trouble delves deep into the truly diverse mythology of witchcraft from many cultures and feminist points of view, to create modern and unique tales of witchery that have yet to be explored.
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