Teenage girl gang, witches, lesbians and queer girls, what more can you ask for?

It took me some time to get used to the first person POV and the writing, but once I got to know Sideways a little better I fell in love with her and her crowd. I loved reading about the girls growing friendship, how they were all ride or die, how they all had one another's back no matter what. Friends groups in books are one of my favourite thing, romantic relationships are nice of course, but friendships are what really make my heart melts. And Clarke writes friendships so beautifully.

All these girls feel like such clichés and I love them for it. They're so unapologetic, ruthless, and merciless, and I've adopted all of them as my daughters.
I also loved how Clarke talked about finding out your sexuality, about finding out who you are, and coming to terms with it.

At some points I had some trouble keeping up with the plot or where it was going, which is why I didn't rate the book 5 stars. It's quite a fast paced book, all the action happens over just a week, and a Lot happens, which can make you feel a bit lost sometimes. But overall the whole witchcraft plot is really interesting and makes you want to know more about witches and covens and magic.

I'm really excited for the next book, I can't wait to see my babies Scapegracers growing and becoming amazing and powerful witches.

First and foremost, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? The colors? The design? Incredible.

Besides that, this book didn't really hit the mark for me. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't like it, I just felt kind of meh about it. I liked the mix of teens and occult-y stuff, but at times I felt lost. The writing was good and the story was fine, but I can't say this story is one of my favorites.

The friendships in this book are so wholesome! I loved the magic and the relationships and I really liked Sideways' dads. It took me a little while to really get into this story but I did like it in the end. There was a few unexpected twists that made the story more interesting. Due to the ending I kind of expect there to be a sequel, because there were a few loose ends that need tying up.

I had such high hopes for this book. I really liked the synopsis and the cover. I was rooting for it, and still am, I think there are many people who will find this book enjoyable.
The first few chapters were ok, I was never really drawn in but I was finding it enjoyable enough. I managed to get to the halfway point and I had just really lost interest. The story didn’t grip me enough, I felt as though there wasn’t any character development going on. The plot at this point felt a bit stagnant and I found that I wasn’t too bothered about finding out how the story ended.
I really wanted to enjoy it and I’m so sad that I didn’t!

Overall, I enjoyed The Scapegracers, but it was as a struggle in the beginning. I wasn't fond of th characters, and in the end, I still didn't love them, but the story held me in there. I will definitely continue the series though, just because I think it has the potential to grow into something great.

DNF

Whilst the file was easily downloadable, I transferred it to a few devices to see how it would affect formatting and it wasn't very good.
I would not have minded this, however in the actual file (and I tried it in many applications to check), there are lots of random words missing with blank spaces. These aren't swear words or something that could be part of the text, but either single words or chunks of text are blank and it is not always possible to discern the context of what is missing. Was getting increasingly more frustrating over time as it really disconnects you from the story. Unfortunately I've decided to stop reading this book as it became too difficult to read.

Scapegracers is a messy book about Sideways, a teen lesbian witch who, when asked to preform magic for the school popular girls, ends up making friends and building her own coven. This book is gritty and beautiful in the way the writing sets the tone for a messy group of girls breaking from the status quo.

In many ways, this book feels hard to describe because it feels like a lot happens, even though the timeline only takes place over a week or two. I thought it was interesting how quickly Sideways is included in the group with Jing, Daisy, and Yates, but at the same time that kind of quick kinship feels fitting for teen years. I love the anger and messiness of all four girls, and how they’re different but so deeply bonded. Daisy, Yates, and Jing have such a deep friendship, and I love how Sideways is able to become friends with them - her first true friends because Sideways is an out lesbian who is known to get into fights and comes across very intimidating.

Some aspects of the plot were predictable, but I still really enjoyed the magic and the world building. Everything feels rich with possibility and magic seems real while reading (though who’s to say magic isn’t real!). I’m looking forward to reading more in this world and seeing the friendship between the Scapegracers deepen. This took me a little bit to get into, but once I was invested this book ended up being so intriguing and I hope others read it and enjoy it!

2.5/5 stars

It pains me to do this, as I had really high hopes for loving this book! The synopsis gave me everything I never thought I needed, and I was all on board. Unfortunately, the characters, pacing, and the writing style fell flat for me. The flow of the story was odd to me, and I never truly got into it. There were moments that it piqued my interest, but they were few and far between. The writing style wasn't my cup of tea either. There were pages of little dialogue, especially in the beginning, and it made the characters seem distant from the reader. It didn't give the characters enough room to prove themselves, even if they did have some interesting moments or characteristics. I also think this book should've been written in 3rd person. I'm not one to lean towards a certain POV, but this book should've definitely been written in 3rd. 1st person doesn't give you enough, and it left me feeling like so much was missing.

An Advanced Reader’s copy has been provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: May 12th, 2020

Please keep in mind that just because this book wasn’t for me, does not mean that it’s not for you. Someone out there is going to adore this book.


Overview: The one good thing I will say about this book is I did love the chapter titles. Specifically 2 and 13

The writing was…a no for me. I’m not huge on first person fan anyway, but this felt like it should have been in third the entire time. There was a odd feeling about the writing and so many jumps it was hard to tell what was going on. There were some amazing moments that were lyrical and quotable however they were highly overshadowed by the fact the entire thing tried to read like a prose. And it was not working for me. The teenage slang and other ways of describing current events and trends felt like the author went on twitter and just followed a bunch of teens and copied what they said to each other. It wasn’t emotional, it didn’t feel authentic and it fell flat.

I felt like the plot was there however the magic system fell…apart. I understand we were in the perspective of a character still learning, but even what she was learning…didn’t make sense.

Which leaves me lastly to the characters. I found them indistinguishable and boring. I could not connect to a single one, which is the main reason this book was not for me. I cannot get into a book if I can’t get into it’s characters.

SPOILERS BELOW

Kinda spoilers? It starts with the first chapter. Don’t be lured by the beautiful cover. Those are dead deer and I do not handle the death of animals well.

END OF SPOILERS

The Scapegracers has a very gripping synopsis and I wish this had been everything it promised.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read The Scapegracers. Even though I received this through Netgalley all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys some spooky reads. The entire plot development is amazing. I love the movement throughout the novel. Character development is great. I enjoyed the twists. At times I was unable to put it down. I had to know what was next. I cannot wait to read more by Hannah Abigail Clarke.

The synopsis gave me everything I ever wanted... but unfortunately, the story did not do the same. The dialogue, the plot, the characters all felt very unrealistic or somehow a pantomime of real life. That normally doesn't bother me but I found myself cringing at the super cheesy, super cringy conversations between the characters. None of it felt authentic. I'm so glad others found this book interesting... I just wish it would have worked for me, too!

Queer and diverse characters, witches and magical creatures—The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke sounds like an answer to my 'I need more books like this!' after I read Rory Power's Wilder Girls last year. Unfortunately, my expectations were perhaps too high and this book fell short of those expectations.

The Scapegracers starts with a bang that quickly softens to a whimper which lasts for a very, very, very long time, only to explode again near the end. Because of this, the pacing felt off even though the plot was progressing steadily. Moreover, despite the fact that this book is the first of the series, I think that there are way too many loose ends. This book felt more like a prequel instead of a proper start. I understand that Sideways isn't all that knowledgeable about the things around her and that we are limited to what she knows because the story is told in her point of view, but there is such a thing as too many secrets and too little answers. Parts that appeared to be important quickly lost their significance because of Sideways' lack of knowing and the detours taken by her as well.

The magic system is a little poorly established here. I'm not saying that no efforts were made when it came to it, but as mentioned earlier, we're limited to what Sideways knows and she isn't the most knowledgeable character around. I'm certain that this would improve as the series progresses, though it's still a little disappointing, especially considering that she's a confirmed witch who gets involved with three other girls and will form a coven together with them. On the other hand, I appreciate that Sideways is as green as she is when it comes to magic, and of her flaws. It makes her more realistic and relatable, though she and the other characters are still pretty flat.

Other than that, give me a moment to gush over the author's writing style. I admit that it sounded too try-hard initially but once I got used to it, it became easy to admire the diction. There are certainly more than a handful of the most beautiful metaphors and imagery I've read in some time.

All in all, The Scapegracers is an average read for me. It reminds me of Scream Queens (that 2015 TV series) which I'd only watched a few episodes of before dropping it from lack of interest, but I'd definitely pick up the next book in this series just to find out where the story goes.

This book was quite a surprise. I absolutely love the character and their new friendship. The magic was really interesting. I loved the amount of queer characters, yes! I'm all for books with more queer than straight main characters. I loved Mr. Scratch, I really hope he stays on the girls' side. I suspected something was up about Madeleine, but damn that was cold. I can't wait to see where this series goes in the next book.

There’s nothing like attempting to find the words to review a book you loved because you don’t actually know how to explain just how much you did love it. So if this review ends up in rambling territory, please look away.

The Scapegracers is about Sideways Pike, a lesbian witch, who finds herself the new member of a friendship group with a popular clique of girls after she does magic with them at a Halloween party. Then things start to get weird, involving a curse on a boy, a cute girl, and a creepy family of witch hunters.

The number one best thing about this book hands down was how it centered on a group of girls. And a group of girls who would do anything for one another, at that. Which, I think we can all agree, is the best of tropes. Much of the focus on the book is on their friendship which meant, even when I felt the plot maybe drifted, I still loved it because of them. I just loved that these characters are supposedly “mean girls” but the book completely subverts that by giving them this intense and fierce love for one another which they extend so easily to the main character as well. In fact, there is not one instance of a girl hating another girl in the whole book (at least, not for the usual spurious reasons). It’s so refreshing.

That’s basically the selling point of this book for me, but there’s also witchcraft (and it’s interesting how it’s a world where this is normalised, I liked that take on it), and getting revenge on skeevy boys (always excellent), and my favourite character of all, Mr. Scratch (you’ll see why). It’s one of those books that I just have nothing bad to say about. I loved it and I already want to reread it. Oh, and of course, Daisy is the token straight main character. I went in expecting just a lesbian main character, I came out with two more sapphic characters, and some gay parents. Just how I like it.

Finally, it’s a grower of a book, in a good way. The first chapter may seem a little weird, but you get into it, and you become absorbed by the characters, so much so that you don’t even notice the book going by.

Which, really, just makes it the best kind of book.

Thanks for giving me the chance to read this advanced copy of the Scapegracers !

Well, I've been attracted at first by its beautiful cover, and then by its intriguing summary. I was excited to read this from the synopsis, and after finishing this book it was not a disappointment : it was a lovely surprise since I like it really much ! It starts off hooking you in and doesn’t want to let go, nor do you want it to. I love when characters are not all nice but kind of mean, and the story of this group of girls was great. There were some slower moments but all around it was a wonderful story alongside Sideways and her friends.
I cannot wait to get the sequel !

“We’re friends now. Blood is truly thicker than water, is it not? We spilled some blood between us with that glass. If Yates is your sister, I’m your sister, too. And now I have to fucking kill those assholes. Boys don’t touch my girls. I swear to god. I can be a fucking monster when I wanna be. I’m not good at a whole lot, but I’m spectacular at terrorizing people until they’ve literally lost. I can ruin people like you wouldn’t believe. And I wanna wreck their sorry lives.”

Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This book is THE definition of badass. I saw, “a lesbian witch...” in the the first sentence, I knew I had to apply and you cannot believe the excitement I had when I was approved.

Books like these...we need more of them. We need more queer characters who are unapologetically as fuck and the supernatural aspect made the book even MORE better. It took the book to a new, higher level.

After finishing The Scapegracers, I felt proud to be queer and will continue to hope that I’ll someday gain witchy powers too and that is all I can ask for in a book.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Very minor spoilers within.

This book is everything I would have killed to read when I was a teenager. It’s very girl power, very witchy and very queer and I loved every second of it. I can’t wait for the second book in all honesty, I think it’s gonna be killer… perhaps quite literally.

I love books with mean girl type characters who genuinely care for each other and look out for other girls. I love it even more when they’re Witches. The Craft film was my jam, although admittedly that didn’t quite end as fairytale found family as I would have liked. This book gave such craft vibes I devoured it, and to make it even better the found family/girl friendships were solid and supportive at the end.

Our main character actually reads as a teenager, which I think we miss out on sometimes in YA fantasy books. Sideways is a lesbian witch who loves her power, who wants to be seen as powerful and show off to her peers. She wants friends. She wants a place to belong, she goes to parties, she charges for spells. The other main characters, our three other coven members and the love interest Madeline, were all equally real and fleshed out. Yates, Daisy and Jing were a beautiful diverse collision of different personalities. We don't really know a whole lot about Madeline, other than that she's a bit mysterious which... ok ok you got my attention. I'm weak for a mysterious girl. I also loved Mr Scratch. Hands down one of the most fun and interesting takes on witch mythology I’ve seen.

The plot was slightly predictable, but not necessarily in a bad way, and one part of the ending did manage to surprise me which was nice. More than anything though, this book is FUN. Between the Halloween parties and the spell casting and the intrigue of the Witchfinders and the spell books, it all wraps into a very enjoyable book.

The only thing I wasn’t really a fan of was how inconsistent some parts where. I don’t know if it’s just me or not but quite often there wasn’t really a separation between scenes, and some things that happened (such as Sideways showing up bloody and upset to her parents) weren’t really appropriately handled. I think the reaction from her dads should have been more worried and intense than it was, rather than just letting her not tell them anything about what happened and run off again with the same people she was with when she got hurt in the first place. Especially when her dads seem to care so much about her and her well being, it just didn’t sit quite right in the flow of the story.

Overall though, a strong read. AND there's a beautiful piece of cover art, as the cherry on top of the cake of characters you care about and a plot that's intriguing. I can't wait to see where this goes, how the Madeline/Sideways angle pans out, and how the Witchfinders are handled. I want to see more different covens, I want to know more about the spell books, more about the wider background of the witch community. I want to see Chett get destroyed. That last one is perhaps the most important.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"We're inviting the liquid night, the molten magic. We're inviting the star-spiked darkness inside and calling it to this circle. Our hands entwined are a chalice, flow through us and spill. All this dancing is in triumph and our booze is all libations. We've brought you beats, lights, and glamour; we brought fresh meat, new blood, and booze. In return, we want some chaos, we want havoc; bring us hell"

Sideways Pike has a magical pull within her. She is able to create incantations and draw sigils to bend magic to her will. When asked by the three most popular girls in school Jing, Yates, and Daisy to create some magic at their Halloween party Sideways gets more than she bargains for. This leads her on an adventure of magical tomes, witchfinders, friendships, and smoking hott mystery girls.

There is so much to love about this book so I'll do my best to break it down piece by piece without turning this review into a snorefest. First, the thing I love most about this story is the friendship that develops within this baby coven. These girls are so supportive of each other throughout the entire story. It is so rare to find a story where jealousy doesn't play a part or some secret tears friends apart. These girls are the real deal and I strive for a tribe like this.

Second, the magic is so interestingly woven throughout the story. I devoured every second of it. My only want would be delving into each individuals affinity/spectre to find out what makes the colors assign to each of the girls. But, knowing this is the beginning of a trilogy I have alot of hope that the author is just leaving us things to discover in later books to keep the story moving at a natural pace without bogging us down in book 1 with nothing but world building.

Third, the twists and turns keep you on your feet. You don't know which way is up and who you should trust this entire novel. There are so many great obstacles for our girls to go thorough and they don't always make the right choices. This is great and keeps the pacing of the novel at a wonderful speed that leaves you hungry for the next chapter.

If I had to give a critique I would say that the draft I received didn't seem super polished, but these are things that will be ironed out in the last few months before release. However, I highly recommend The Scapegoats to anyone looking for a magical new series. I look forward to book 2 and can't wait to see what's in store for our girls.

Sideways is a lesbian, a witch, and an outcast. When Jing, Yates, and Daisy, the most popular girls in school, invite her to do some magic at their Halloween party, it’s her chance to show off and be cool. But something goes wrong that brings the girls together.
The way the girls take Sideways into her group is one of the sweetest examples of friendship between girls I’ve ever seen in fiction. All four girls have interesting and distinct personalities that made me wish I had friends like that in school. I loved seeing them together.
In their quest to learn more about magic, the girls learn about other covens and sentient magic books. The world of magic is much bigger than they thought. It feels like we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg and we’ll have a lot to unveil in the sequels.
The characters and the worldbuilding are the best things about this novel, while the plot is a bit of mess with a slow pace. Witchfinders learn about the girls and are now after them. They show up early on and they’re super scary, but then they become this vague threat looming in the background. Getting Sideways a girlfriend and planning a party become more important than the guys trying to kill them. It’s like they forgot their lives are in danger, and doing spells at a party is a really stupid way of getting the witchfinders’ attention. The girls need to sort out their priorities.

The queer rep here is amazing: besides Sideways, Jing is bi, Yates is questioning, Sideways has two dads, and there’s a nonbinary background character that uses they/them pronouns.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this book to review. I k ew I had to read this after reading the synopsis and seeing it on Twitter.

This was an entertaining and atmospheric read that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed that the chapters were titles as well as number because I love chapter titles. It is written in first person and out POV is the main character Sideways who I will talk about later. There are plenty of fun moments in this book but there's also a lot of swear words and other bad language. I'd say this was a strange paced book as it felt like a fast pace and then it would slow down to explain the magic or a movie the friends watched which was a little weird.

I did like the world-building that was done in the book. I enjoyed how it is set in a town that loved Halloween and has a number of parties surrounding Halloween. I enjoyed the little parts with Sideways dads auction house which I found really interesting and it was the same with Delacroix House which is also neutral ground for witches. The magic system was okay, in this book magic mainly uses sigils and there are rules to it which I liked. I enjoyed the information given about covens, book Devils and how you learn about magic alongside the characters. I felt there was more that could have built upon and other parts that could have been shortened.

"Feeling witch is a large part of successfully being witchy, and nothing makes you feel powerful like surrounding yourself with gigantic dripping candles."

The characters
Honestly I found the characters hard to connect with and at points they all seemed to blur together as one. However I loved how it showed female friendships in this book!

Sideways Pike - real name is Eloise. She is a lesbian witch who is a little bit of a disaster when she likes girls or girls like her. Lives with her dads which is her uncle and his partner as her mother died. Makes friends with the powerful triumvirate of girls.

The triumvirate - we have Jing who's bisexual but not out. Yates who is a sweet black girl who everyone cares about. Then Daisy who is brutal to those who hurt her friends. These three also find out they have specters (magic) and they befriend sideways and start a coven.

Another key character is Madeline who is interested in Sideways and wants her to do magic.
There's a lot more characters in the book but I won't go through them all. I loved the dads Julian and Boris and their relationship. I also enjoyed the relationship they had with Sideways. There is also the mysterious Mr Scratch who is a book devil Sideways releases and a family of witch hunters in the area that want to stop magic which added another element to the book. I didn't really think much about the Romance as there wasn't much to it. I did however enjoy the diversity of the characaters.

A little note on the ending, it does leave a lot of things open and it sets up what will be book 2. I would say it ends with a cliff hanger tyke situation which was annoying as I sort of want to know what happened next but now I'll have to wait and hopefully not forget.

Overall I enjoyed this book and it was a quick entertaining read for me. I would recommend this book if you like YA fantasy with queer characters and magic. There were parts that could have been better and the pacing was strange but it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book.