Being a Witch and Other Things I Didn’t Ask For by Sara Pascoe

382 Pages
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles
Release Date: February 28, 2017

Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Teens, Young Adult, Time Travel

Raya is 14 years old but uses a fake I.D. showing she is almost 17. She was living in a group home since her mother’s hospitalization for schizophrenia. When she begins hearing voices, she fears she is suffering from the same mental illness. She decides to run away leaving 12-year-old Jake at the home. On the train, she is robbed and forced to find a job and place to stay.

As her magical abilities grow, she accidently time travels to 1645 during the English Witch trials. With only a magical cat, Oscar, for company she must find a way to stay alive long enough for help to arrive.

The story has a fast pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. If you like teen and young adult fantasy or time travel books, you will enjoy reading this one.

Being a witch and other things I didn't ask for by Sara Pascoe.
So, you’ve got these weird powers you never had before – you can read minds, even animals’, see auras and oh, yeah, time travel. But then you land in 1645 England in the middle of some of the worst Witch Trials ever. Along with a smart-aleck cat who thinks he sounds like De Niro. And you know your mouth is going to get you in trouble. Just too bad it had to be with none other than Matthew Hopkins, the Witch Finder General. Now, how to avoid the noose with your name on it? I know, I think I’ll transport outta here. Istanbul, anyone?
A really good read. Likeable characters. I liked the story. Different. 4*.

I know it is wrong to say but I got so many Sabrina the teenage witch vibes from this novel and the humor and sarcasm coupled with this made this an immensely enjoyable experience that I recommended you check out.

Rachel, or Raya, is a teenage girl who has been bounced around the foster system and for whom her life so far has not been easy. She seems feisty, bitchy and a rebel at the start of the book, but also just a typical teen with a Goth streak (hair and makeup) in her case.

She really wants to leave the foster home she's at. She has a hard time making friends and relating to people, but she does have a good friend called Jake who is also at the foster home, and who stays there when she leaves. She wants to be independent and live her own life.

She seems very determined in her quest for that, and ends up meeting some interesting characters. I wasn't sure about Bryony at first. Bryony is Raya's social worker and becomes more like her tutor as the story goes on. I liked Emma and wasn't sure about Ian. I liked what I saw of Jake's character and how Raya was able to contact him even after having left the foster home where they lived together.

Raya has the power to associate people and experiences with colors and sounds. She worries she may be going crazy or that she has scizophrenia like her mother. In fact, she's a witch.

She and a talking cat called Oscar time travel to various places, including 1645 Instambul, and Oscar is a real character. I liked him.

The plot had good parts and sad parts too. It was a little slow in places, and some of the language was very young sounding and not really what I could imagine a 15 year old saying. Overall, quite a fast-moving plot but I would have liked to have the other characters (Bryony, Pavel Jake and Emma) fleshed out more.

Thank you to Sara Pascoe and her publisher for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
I can see this appealing to 12-15 year olds. The title and cover are very fun!

The plot is really interesting and I had such high hopes that it will deliver a captivating story. But as exciting as the blurb sounds, I was left a little disappointed. I had trouble connecting to Raya. I get that she’s a young teen with a lot of issues but it’s hard to sympathize with her when she keeps blaming other people. She learned her lessons and had a good character development, though, so I guess that’s fine in the end. The world building of the story is also confusing and the ending seemed rushed that it left some loose ends.

It started really slow and only picks up once the time travel happened. Which is definitely one of the things to look forward in this book. Especially the one on the Essex Witch Trial period, as well as the bits in Istanbul. It is really fascinating with its historical and cultural components. The excitement on both events certainly made up for the slow start. I like Oscar the cat, too. He is amusing and sarcastic and made the adventure more fun. I’d say overall, it is an okay read despite some issues I have with it. If I’m a young teen, though, I’d probably connect to Raya and enjoy her story more.

I started reading this back in May...again in June and even July. I just can't make it through. I feel there are great characters in it, but it just doesn't connect for me.

"Being a Witch and Other Things I Didn't Ask For' is definitely a novel for younger readers, especially Harry Potter fans. I must admit that it seemed really long for me to read it, that might be caused by the action that wasn't to fast or by the fact that the concept of talking animals was just too much for me. I guess middle grade readers will definitely have more fun than me reading it.

I give this story 3.5/5 black cats.

I have to admit, I like stories about witches. In fact, my favorite TV show is Charmed. I remember hurrying home from school so I could watch it every Monday night. I just love those Halliwell sisters. 'Til this day, I still watch it on the web if I have a chance, because unfortunately, I did not get to finish the whole show. So, it's not a surprise that I chose to read this book.

Do you remember bumbling your way through something new? Like a new hobby, or a new craze or your first time to wear high heels? Channel that experience and picture it. That is exactly how the main character--Rachel or Raya, felt in this story. She has to clumsily learn and work through her new abilities as a witch. Sometimes, she had to learn the hard way. This is a coming-of-age story of Raya as a witch.

The story started slow. It started to get really interesting when the powers of Raya manifested. What sets it apart from the other witch stories is that the story takes you to some places and times in history. It was for me a learning experience about another culture. Being transported to an exotic place set in an earlier era is always exciting for me.

When Raya's powers started to fully unfold, the story also started to peak. I think the highlight of the story is when Raya embraced her gifts. When she accepted who she is, it's when the story flew it's heights. I especially liked that part. I also liked Oscar's witty comments and replies to conversations. Oscar added more life and character to the story.

I give this story 3.5/5 black cats. I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the next location of Raya, Oscar and Bryony's adventures. I am looking forward to meeting new and exciting characters just like in this story.


Why does it seem like my life is always interrupted for other people and their problems?

- Sara Pascoe, Being a Witch and Other Things I Didn't Ask For -


Thanks again Netgalley for the copy.

Nothing that really makes this book stand out. Interesting premise, mediocre execution.

This was so much fun - all the time traveling and crazy things that happened. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a lighthearted read that takes you all over the world!

Unfortunately, this book did not hold my attention enough to warrant a complete read. While this book has a very interesting premise and a captivating blurb (which prompted me to request the book in the first place), there were several glaring issues.
First, too much happened too fast. I couldn't keep up with the characters, the plot, or even the setting, as everything changed so quickly. With a situation such as this, with witches living among regular people, some explanation and information would have been nice. Sadly, I just felt lost and confused.
Also, the main character did not really endear herself to be likable at all. I wanted to feel for her, but on top of my confusion, I just couldn't feel anything but irritation for her.
Great summary and premise, but book did not deliver.

I'll have to try re-reading when I have more time, but I did struggle with the the first three or so chapters. A beginning like this - throwing the reader straight into the world - can either encourage or alienate the reader. I'm sure that when I have less things on my mind, I would be able to dive in this book with much more ease.

Thank you to Netgalley, Sara Pascoe and the Independent Book Publishers Association for allowing me to read and review this book. I enjoyed following Raya’s journey of self-discovery.

This is a wonderful story about a young girl, who has had a difficult life and is struggling to come to terms with her past. Raya finds it difficult to let anyone get close to her and vice-versa. She is in foster care but wants to run away and be free to make her own choices. In her quest to find herself and establish her independence, Raya quickly discovers that she is an integrator (witch), which is a relief to her as it explains some of the weird things happening to her.

She is quickly immersed in a new world of adventures, which relies on her mastering her new skills to save herself and her companions.

Characters

Oscar, her talking cat companion, is a fun yet wise character. Who wouldn’t want a talking cat?
Raya is a troubled teen, who is initially irresponsible and selfish, but later realises the value of her friends and lets them into her life.

Bryony is her tutor and attempts to help Raya practise her new time travel skills. She even tries to save her when things go awry.

I liked most of the secondary characters as well.

Conclusion

I enjoyed the contemporary setting of the story as well as the historical period featured during the time travel.
I thought that the time travel, which wholly depended on Raya’s wishing to be elsewhere, was believable and added significantly to the storyline.
Raya’s past and her perceptions of her life were explained in an authentic and easy to understand way. I think that it helps the reader understand her character better and allows them to relate more easily to her.
There was a well thought out moral underpinning the story.

I think that teens aged 13–15 would especially enjoy this story.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read giving a troubled teen a voice and letting her find and embrace acceptance and love.

First off, I love the title of this book. It's hilarious & kind of gives you an idea of the protagonist's voice right from the start. The book itself was cute, but definitely has some pacing problems. We delve right into Raya's world, one where she hears voices, her mother is a schizophrenic, she's stuck in foster care, etc. In reality, she's a witch. From a readership standpoint, it isn't exactly easy to figure out when she knows this, and when she doesn't. There is no world-building, and it's all a bit of a whirlwind. Some parts move faster than others.

You can read the plot from other reviews (time travel, talking cats, etc.), so let's talk about the audience and voice.

Raya's voice is quirky & juvenile. As a twenty-something adult, I didn't really connect with her on any level, but could imagine someone who was still in their rebel phase in middle school might. She's mouthy, irresponsible, but the novel follows her as she matures (a little) into her potential. She's definitely full of personality & life, I just didn't appreciate her in her full glory. (But I totally own up to that.) So voice, great. Audience, definitely younger.

Overall, super hard to finish. I think there's definitely a lot of potential in here, but the ride to get there could've gone smoother.

The main character wasn't likable enough for me and i didn't finish the story.

Review: Being A Witch, And Other Things I Didn’t Ask For

On June 18, 2017 by Dawn
Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask for
Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn’t Ask for by Sara Pascoe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Where to start with this one?

This is definitely one for the younger end of the YA pool, tweens and up. It’s a basic coming of age fantasy, that starts off with Our Young Lady booking it from a foster group home. Which I actually praise Ms Pascoe for doing, as Raya is initially drawn realistically as more than a bit of a self-centered jerk. I recognize this girl, i went to school with her. She’s bitchy and brash and doesn’t think anything through.

Amusingly enough for us old hands at fantasy fiction, is that when reality strikes, it strikes in the form of magic. Raya once again runs away… to find herself stuck in the past as her magic acts instinctively on her desires. Interestingly, Pascoe’s teacher-adult is almost passive, while she teaches what Raya needs to know, in the end, it’s Raya alone who can figure out how to undo what her magic has done.

The pacing is more than a bit uneven, but it’s a decent read nonetheless. Encourage early readers to work past the first parts and they’ll be rewarded with lush historical settings and genuine growth on the part of Our Heroine. Adult readers of YA titles may decide to give this one a miss, as the plot is fairly simplistic despite being reasonably enjoyable.

View all my reviews

This was a pretty good book but it did suffer from some pacing and world building problems. I felt like the beginning part in modern day London dragged on a little bit too long, but their time spent in England in the past was pretty good. after that they go to Istanbul in the same time period and it felt like thing kind of stagnated there for awhile before picking up at the very end and rushing through the ending a little bit. Also, for other people who are going to be reading this and worrying about the cat the entire time, don't worry, he comes out of everything just fine! The world building was a bit confusing because it seems like magic and witches are something that people know about and accept as being real but it's never actually discussed and some things don't fit - for example shouldn't Rachael know that cats can talk to witches if it's such a common thing? It also did that thing where people change something big in the past and get home and everything is exactly the same, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

However it was a very interesting concept. I loved Oscar the cat and I liked that Rachael learned about a different culture from her own and became a more tolerant and understanding person by the end of the story. I think an actual teen or pre-teen would enjoy this a bit more than I did because it's definitely written for that age group. It translates okay to an adult readership but I did finds parts be a bit juvenile.

I had high hopes for this middle-grade witchy read, but was left sadly disappointed.

The story follows 14 year old Raya, an orphan in a foster home, as she runs away from home and discovers that she has unexpected powers. Accompanied by a very sarcastic cat called Oscar she finds herself thrown into a dangerous adventure as she accidentally travels to 1645 Istanbul/Constantinople

The story seemed to like jumping from plot-point to plot-point with no reason or explanation. It took me a good while to even realise that witches are apparently normal and quite commonplace in this world?
I think?
I felt like I wanted MUCH more explanation for things and less rushing through the story.

And I found the main character Raya to be annoying and whiney; often doing stupid things which would make me sigh in frustration.

Overall, I disappointing read.

I really wanted to like this book, I love witches from The worst witch to Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters but the whole book just fell a little flat.

It's whole premise with Raya being a tough foster kid who'd had a hard life was a little cliched and frankly I didn't find the character that likeable.

I also feel there were too many 'supporting' characters who were there for window dressing and could have been cut out with no real impact on the story.

The redeeming feature of the book was Raya's relationship with Oscar the cat, a familiar with whom she could speak with in her mind. I really could have read a book with those two in it.

This was my first book gotten through NetGalley, so plenty of thanks to that wonderful site!

Being a Witch was a bit of an up-and-down book for me. It's a rather charming book in some ways, and might go over better with the younger range of YA readers, but I felt like I was on an rough wagon ride drawn by a horse who wasn't quite sure where it was going. First we're thrown into a fairly normal situation, with Raya being a rebel-type kid who's sick of foster homes and wants to run away to London — except that there are also witches. Are witches very common? Are they accepted in society? Does everyone believe in them? We don't know. It's just not explained. That was this book's first mistake. Before you start jumping from one time to another, make sure we know what's going on in this time period.

So then there’s time traveling. I was intrigued by the idea of where a witch time travels to being triggered by subconscious emotions such as guilt, but time traveling in general is kind of a question mark. We don’t know why Raya can’t do it on purpose until she suddenly can, we don’t know why there’s a time limit for her to return to her rightful time period, and there are many other questions that aren’t answered.

I also wasn’t a fan of the pacing. I felt like the parts I was interested in, the action parts, went by in a flash, while the setting up parts dragged on and on. I didn’t mind that in Istanbul, where learning about that time period was interesting, but I needed more time spent on the exciting plot twists.

I did enjoy Raya as a character, though. She was a realistic teenager, even when that made her slightly unlikeable: scrappy, a little whiny, and sort of reckless. Seeing her character development is a delight. I did think the ending of the book muddled up that development though. When Raya ignored the kids who were making fun of the Chakma's it surprised me, because it made her unlikeable again. I thought the Raya we were watching develop would stand up for everyone, not just turn her back on the rude kids.

Unfortunately, the heartwarming story with a side of time travel that we could have had was bogged down by a confusing lack of explanation about a basic premise of the book and too little time spent on the action. I would recommend it to younger readers who are interested in history and don't feel the need for as much background information on the magical elements, but it was not the book for me.