Unfortunately this is gonna have to be a DNF for me, I'm sure it will be perfectly enjoyable to people more in the target age range but between the time I requested this book and the time I tried to read it I have almost entirely lost my patience with YA as a genre and can already tell there are just going to be so many tropes that annoy me in this.

I had a really hard time getting through this book. While I loved the friendships, especially the complicated minefield of teenaged girls, the pacing was, well, horrid. There were long periods of inaction followed by a spurt of too much. And the plot itself was flimsy. Despite that I would read the next book by this author.

This was a fantastic book. I really loved seeing the relationships the main character cultivated with her new group of friends. I had a few preconceived ideas of what might happen when I started reading and this book completely turned all of that on its head. It was refreshing to see this book play out so differently. I loved every character, each had such a dynamic and interesting personality that meshed so well with the rest of the group dynamic. I couldn't put the book down and am extremely excited to find out what happens next.

Why I requested this: outcast. teenage. lesbian. witch. I figured this is probably an easy enough explanation as to why I requested this.

Pros:
The found family elements are a real positive for me.
The motives for the coven are honestly something I never tire of reading about in books.

Cons:
The pacing is really off. Sometimes there would be a lot of action then slow portions. It just was off-balance.
The writing style just wasn’t for me at times especially with how characters talked.

Could Go Either Way (due to being the first book):
The magic system is still vague, but in a “we are still learning” kind of way.
The romance feels underdeveloped, but as it is the beginning of the series. This can be improved upon still.

Overall: Outside of some writing and first book issues, this is an interesting beginning to a witchy series.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was SO. MUCH. FUN. It really did have classic The Craft vibes, with all the queer girl-gang goodness that I absolutely adore. The voice throughout the book was consistent and phenomenal, and I was absolutely in love with the characterization of everyone. It was incredibly fast-paced and was a really enjoyably spooky read! I especially loved the character of Jing, and reading about her learning to love her queerness, it just made me smile. I also love how the identities in this book are represented and treated, I think that it was really well-written and a delightful thing to experience. The only thing I had trouble with (and the reason it’s 4/5 stars) was that I sometimes had trouble understanding when time had passed/it shifted over to a new location, because the writing was a little bit confusing.
Over all, I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to buy a physical copy and also to read the second one when it comes out!

"This book is about a lesbian witch" is all I needed to hear know this would be a must-read of mine. So, I felt very lucky when I received this ARC: it’s the first one I’ve ever gotten!

The story follows Sideways, a teenage lesbian who is traditionally a high school outcast in many ways: a once-orphan, drama kid, edgy, loner, troublemaker, and a witch. She finds herself stuck in the middle of a group with three hot, popular, witchy high school sapphic girls after they hire her to cast a spell at an early Halloween party. The girls realize they all have a connection and a kind of power that’s strengthened when they’re together, and the trio— comprised of one Chinese bisexual girl, one Black queer girl, and one white straight girl— adopt Sideways into their now-quartet. Then things start to quickly go sideways... in the best and worst ways.

Clarke’s descriptive writing really allows you to feel exactly how Sideways is feeling and experiencing the world around her. However, at times the descriptions were overly detailed to the point where it was hard to get through. It seemed like descriptions took up more of the pages than actual events, which made some chapters dull.

There are many explicitly gay, bisexual, trans, nonbinary and queer characters throughout the book. What I really loved about this was that their gender and sexualities are not a focal plot point, but rather are simply a part of who the characters are. I also appreciate how the author really knows how to capture the perspective of a lesbian, made evident through Sideways’ internal monologue and interactions with the other girls. And I especially love Clarke's frequent use of the word lesbian- he really knows the importance of saying the word lesbian loud and clear.

Sideways is an interesting protagonist and I love how she doesn't fit into many conventional categories. There were some aspects of Sideways that were pretty unlikeable: mostly the way she treated her Dads (who were so sweet and caring) and some of the minor characters, like the server. But overall, I enjoyed reading from her perspective. As much as she’s alt and different than her newfound friend group, she doesn’t have that “I’m-not-like-other-girls” attitude that a lot of protagonists like herself might have. She is also unapologetic about who she is, which I admire.

I had my hopes pretty high going into this book, and in some ways was disappointed, but as there’s going to be a sequel I have my fingers crossed that it’ll have some more action. I do love the building of Sideways' relationship(s) with her new friends, and my heart was holding out hope for Yates and Sideways to get together. Let's see what the sequel will bring! Overall, if you like the idea of “teenage witchy sapphics” as much as I do, then I think the book is worth a read!

CW: kidnapping, blood, death, witchcraft, Christianity, lesbophobic phrases, train accident, police

*Also, my preferred rating would be a 3.5 rather than a 3!

4.5 stars

I requested this book on NetGalley solely for its cover (Which is gorgeous!), and also the fact that its about a badass lesbian witch forming a coven and doing some magic. Honestly, that was all I needed to be sold on this book! My hopes were high for this one, like sky high, and I have to say that The Scapegracers turned out to be so much more than what I had initially thought it would be.

The book starts with our MC, Sideways Pike, at a party with three other girls that payed her to cast a spell there. After the spell worked, and the guests of the party were left in awe, the four girls bond to form a ferocious and powerful coven. They plan on showing off their magic at parties they host, have fun along the way, and learn new spells. But witch hunters that want to steal their magic away from them are in their way.

The Scapegracers was a fun ride from start to end. And I can't wait for the sequel to come out, so I can read what happens next. Overall, this was a wonderful debut novel.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An ode to female friendship, witchcraft and the LGBTQIA community. It was dark, captivating and hauntingly beautiful and I enjoyed every second of it. A refreshing read with great representation, that I would recommend to anyone. A unique and well thought out concept that took classical ideas and turned them on their heads.
Its plotting and pacing was perfect in my opinion.
The narrative itself did sometimes feel too much and was almost trying too hard but only in places.
I did guess the big ultimatum pretty early on however that didn't affect my enjoyment of it.
I am super excited for the next book.
Rated: 4 stars

Actual rating: 3.5/5 rounded up to 4.

What happens when a teenage disaster lesbian accepts a payment of $40 bucks to do some cool magic at a Mean Girls-esque party? The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke is the novel length answer to that question. Much like the characters themselves, my opinion on this book is complicated. Overall, there’s a lot to love.

Clarke’s figurative language game stands out as one of my favourite things about the writing; I’ve read poetry less beautiful and impactful than many of the lines in this book. Sideways herself as a main character is fabulous and at times a little too relatable—magic comes easily to her, but friendship? That’s a little harder. All the characters show major development and coupled with the humor in their interactions, they are a selling point. Plus, there is LOTS of queer teen angst and cool witchy vibes with a side of ‘screw boys, do magic’, and I’m all about that life. LGBT rep in this book abounds with lesbian, bi, and unspecified queer MCs along with gay and trans side characters.

The elements that kept me from giving this a full four stars were pacing and plot. When a book takes until 45% to get to the action of the book, there’s a chance many readers will abandon it prior to that point. It felt sort of like someone shuffled the notecards this novel was outlined on and then put them back any which way and THEN started writing. A fairly major plot point happens early on in the novel, one that in my mind demanded to be addressed, but the thread was brushed aside in favour of teen drama and not picked up until the very end of the book.

However, I’m optimistic that some of my concerns will be addressed in the follow up, since the novel ends on a note that makes a sequel setup apparent. I love one (1) lesbian named Sideways Pike, her magic, her journey with friendship and relationships, and all her bristly complexity. If you like beautifully written books, queer witchy vibes, lovable but not likable characters, and a plot that hooks you once it finally gets going, The Scapegracers is worth a read and quite enjoyable despite some flaws.

Scapegracers was decent. It all starts with Sideways ( real name eloise) who is hired by the popular girls to preform magic at a Halloween party. They all seem to dismiss it when nothing happens and then it happens. Lol . This best describes at the craft meets the plastics. The girls do show positive feelings towards Sideways but they are such a clique I would have avoided them school. Sideways is a interesting character and I liked her from the start, she's strong willed, loves her magic and the fully fleshed out character. The others were more caricatures and no way three dimensional characters. Go into the story for the snarky , mood lesbian witch Sideways, the chilling and moody new England atmosphere and the sweet sapphic scenes. Dont expect much from the plot cause it's flimsy. I cant wait for people that'll fully enjoy scapegracers in the spooky and autumnal period

Stellar romance, passionate writing. Loved it, I highly recommend this! What a refreshing take on the coming-of-age tale.

After Sideways Pike, an outcast lesbian witch, is invited to perform a spell at the popular girls' Halloween party, she finds herself swept into their friendship. The girls throw killer Halloween parties, curse boys and try to find Sideways a girlfriend, all while exploring their powers, learning about the dangers of being a witch and forming their own coven.

This book is an ode to teenage girls, to weirdos, to friendship. It’s feral and raw and everything I wanted it to be and more. This book has quickly become a new favourite of mine and I really want this review to do it justice. So, I’m going to do this a little differently. Below you will find an incomplete list of reasons to read The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clark. But first, let me introduce you to my witchy girls, the Scapegracers.

‘Fucking Christ, I was supposed to be Sideways the spooky lesbian weirdo. I had a fucking reputation to maintain, and it would not withstand a nickname like Lamby. Lamby. Goddamn it.’

Let’s start with Sideways Pike, our main character. I feel like this quote pretty accurately sums her up: a scary grump on the outside and softie on the inside. I absolutely adore Sideways and really enjoyed reading from her perspective. I found myself relating to her a lot, particularly her struggles with feeling like ‘enough’ and navigating friendships.

‘God, she must be made of silk. Lila Yates, the velveteen witch, who I desperately wanted to belong to, who I was ever so slightly afraid of.’

I fucking love Yates. She’s so soft, the baby of the group, she’s scared of horror films and takes any chance to cuddle or hold one of the girls’ hands and you just can’t help but love her. She is also fierce and clever and powerful because, news flash, these traits can and should coexist.

‘“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 it. I can ruin people like you wouldn’t believe. And I wanna wreck their sorry lives.”’

Daisy Brink. Daisy motherfucking Brink. This girl is so fucking fierce and reckless and will do anything for her girls. She wears friendship bracelets all the way up her arm, dots her i’s with hearts and will fuck you up with a smile on her face.

‘In that moment, illuminated by the neon lights, Jing looked like what a witch should look like. Menacing and lovely. She was pure and raw and radioactive. She was more vivid than anything else in the room.’

Jing is just incredible. She’s definitely the mum friend and cares about her friends so much. She’s also just overall fantastic and I am clearly running out of adjectives. She’s your typical beautiful popular girl who’s loved by everyone and gets away with everything (her and Daisy are street racers and I think that’s very sexy of them) but with nuance and development and feelings.

‘“Can girls not be soft and still be powerful?”’

This book celebrates female friendship, particularly that of teenage girls. These girls are all in, they’re so close and genuine and ‘mercilessly supportive’ of each other and it breaks my heart. It’s truly something special and something I want to see more of in fiction. These girls, they’re soft and pretty, fierce and powerful. They’re caring, sensitive, protective; determined, ruthless, feral. They are strong female characters who embrace and celebrate their femininity or, in Sideways case, refuse to denounce it.

I really enjoyed the writing of this book. Sideways’ distinct voice and humour bring to life an elaborate narration saturated in darkness and occult references. And as you can see from some of the previous quotes, girls are described beautifully and with such reverence. This book is sapphic to its core. I also loved the spooky atmosphere and gorgeously gothic descriptions. This line from describing Sideways’ dads’ antiques store struck me as particularly beautiful: ‘If ball gowns had skeletons, the skeletons would look like our chandeliers’. Additionally, the way spellcasting scenes were written was enchanting and so immersive, and I especially loved the emphasis on the connection between the girls while casting. And now, it’s time for an incomplete list of some of the other things I loved:

THAT GORGEOUS COVER
To start this list off I want to encourage you to take a moment to simply admire the beauty of the cover. Isn’t it lovely?

lET’S GO LESBIANS!
Unless you’re a lesbian or quite aware of our issues, you may not realise how little the word lesbian is used, especially in YA books. So seeing the word ‘lesbian’ appear not only in the book itself but on the cover is amazing! It’s incredibly affirming seeing the word ‘lesbian’ used positively and having a lesbian main character who is proud of her sexuality. I also loved how Sideways’ sexuality wasn’t a huge deal, sexuality is not used to create conflict in this book, it simply is.

‘RICH WITH THE URGENCY OF FERAL YOUTH’
This. I couldn’t write this better myself.

‘SUBVERTS THE TROPE OF COMPETITIVE MEAN GIRLS’
The Scapegracers does this so fucking well. I really hate the competitive mean girls trope or when popular girls are vapid, vain and vindictive by default and I have been waiting for a book like this, that takes that trope and turns it on its head, for the unpoopular loner main character to say ‘fuck that, these girls are gorgeous, they’re fierce and I love them’.

FUN CHAPTER TITLES
I know, this might seem odd but sometimes I miss having fun Percy Jackson-esque chapter titles in my books as a little click bait teaser of what’s to come and this book delivered, albeit with its typical sarcasm and a touch of the occult (so, maybe not quite Percy Jackson-esque). My personal favourite being ‘If teens don’t have spirit, then what’s that smell?’

THE SCRATCH DAUGHTERS
Do you want to know why just the title of the sequel made me cry? (In my defense, I had just finished and was feeling a little raw). You should probably pick up The Scapegracers.

*eARC received in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. All quotes taken from an ARC and may not reflect the final edition*

This was a fun and deliciously dark take on witches. I adored the POC and LGBTQ representation. And anything with witches is a win in my book. I liked the world building and the characters. I enjoyed how the author explores the stereotypical high school hierarchies and flips them on their heads. My only complaint is I wish the magic system was more fleshed out. A book about witches you would expect a better explanation on why and gets the privilege of being a magic wielder. Overall, The Scapegracers is a good young adult urban paranormal featuring witches which makes you reminisce such classics as The Craft.

3.5 stars

What I liked:
-how unapolagetically sapphic this book was, we have both lesbian and bi rep as well as the descriptions and general vibes just all feeling very sapphic (idk if that makes sense but if you've read the book i think you will know what talking about)
-how the popular characters weren't just portayed as 'bitchy' and actually had (at somewhat) personalities and how in this book it wasn't bad to be sexy/feminine
-this book kind of felt like mean girls but much gayer and much more witchy
-i liked the idea of the sisterhood in this book, i'm not sure the execution was totally there but i believe it is the authors debut book so i'm willing to forgive that!! i liked how sideways was slowly making more friends and having a support system.
-i liked the slice of life elements in this book, especially sideways relationship with her dads, i thought that was really sweet!!!
-mr scratch!!!!! i always a sucker for talking spirits/animals/inanimate objects and honestly i'm excited to pick up the sequel despite not totally loving this one just for him haha

What I didn't like:
-the writing, this was my main issue with the book that kept me from giving it a higher rating, i can't put my finger on exactly what i didn't like about it but it just felt like things didn't quite flow and sometimes it would seem like things would suddenly jump around (not in terms of plot but just in terms of focus) and sometimes the story would just get lost
-i liked the characters generally but sometimes they just felt a bit too disjointed (i think this might have been the fault of the writing)
-the main (?) relationship, i feel bad critising this because i alwasy want more wlw rep in books but i was shipping sideways way more with literally any of her 3 friends than with madeline, they literally had 2 interactions and it just felt a little off to me, i guess it could have done with a bit more development in order to SPOILER feel the impact of the betrayal at the end.

Witches finding magic and each other. It’s a good plot, whilst I did see the end before it happened I’m still looking forward to the next book. It gave me “the craft” vibes. The writing style was a tad too descriptive in places which I found myself not drawn in to, which is why this is a four star for me. I think I’m in love with the dads, tho they seem too trusting on one occasion that, as a parent, I would not have let slide past as unchecked as they did. However overall this is an enjoyable read that is worth the effort. Reviewed after receiving an I corrected proof. Many thanks!!

Sadly this ended up being a DNF only because it ended up being not a book for me. It was a little complicated and confusing to read but I feel like that the way it was suppose to be. Sometimes me and books don't mesh that well and this just happens to be one of those this time.

I love a good teen witch. But a sapphic teen witch as cool as Sideways? I am swooning. I loved this book about female bonds and a lesbian lead character that was so freaking cool. I was absorbed by her personality almost immediately. The first chapter of this book seemed a bit strange at first and then I fell head first into the world.

"𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮, 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙣. 𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙."
⠀
I finally finished reading THE SCAPEGRACERS by Hannah Abigail Clarke and LOVED it.⠀
I've been wanting to read a novel with witches for a while now and I wasn't disappointed by this one. ⠀
Our Scapegracers are discovering their predisposition for witchcraft after an evening that will change their lives forever: stalked by witchfinders who are after their magic, they will have to assume their powers and help each other despite their difference. ⠀
The perfect novel to put me in the spirit of autumn and Halloween. ⠀
I particularly liked the fact that the feminine/lesbian characters are portrayed here as powerful and feared beings and that magic has a conscience of its own. ⠀
The sequel promises to be full of surprises and twists. ⠀
⠀
Thank you Netgalley and Erewhon books for sending me this enchanting and mesmerizing arcbook.⠀

Thank you Netgalley and Erewhon Books for an E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

First off let me say, had this book came out when I was around the age group of the girls, or even near the intended audience, I would have been obsessed with this book. Magic, queer girls, small bits of scary, it is by far a perfect blend for what I wanted years ago.

This book probably has one of my favorite girl group relationships. Something I wish we got in The Craft. Seeing girls come together to and adore one another, protect each other, laugh and joke without making them end up jealous of one another? Seeing friendships like the girls in The Scapegracers just made me ache for a feeling like that. Add in the delicate moments where the girls have a heart to heart. Or the scenes where they're just comfortably leaning into another and helping support? My heart swelled so hard.

I absolutely loved how magic was described. The words used and phrases to describe the way magic flowed sent small thrills over my spine, and each time they were going to cast, I found myself excited. This said, I do wish we could have seen how Yates, Jing and Daisy's own magic worked. We see one instance of magic with the other girls happen, yet it left it so open ended on such a small thing, I really hope we see what results of it in the sequel.

My only grip was that I felt there was only the plot danger in two scenes. Which could totally be my own fault, I did go in expecting more threats than just what we got. I just wanted to see more danger in a book where teen girls are learning magic and the promise of witch hunters is involved. Then was bummed when we only got the scenes we were given. Hoping this becomes more dangerous as the series continues.

Thank you Netgalley and Erewhon Books for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you love witchy vibes and LGBT angst, You'll enjoy The Scapegracers. It is also full of girl power and showing teenage girls working together instead of tearing each other apart. There are those lingering stereotypes of the pretty, popular girls though and the characters could use more complexity. The writing is a little metaphor heavy and can be slow, but if you stick with it you won't be disappointed. All in all, a decent read with much-needed representation and girl power.