This is a very interesting read. At first, I found the dialect (several of the main characters have not learned English fully yet) of the characters to be confusing, but as I continued reading the book, I found that I understood and even enjoyed this part of the writing. I feel like it really added to the uniqueness of this title and the authenticity of the characters.
Sometimes I found that I could not put this book down, and other times I found myself struggling to get into the story. But I would say overall I enjoyed this book. The characters were developed well, and I was often conflicted about who I was rooting for. To me, the ending was very sad, and it left a lot unsaid, which I assume will be explained or included in the next book. In the end, I have never read anything quite like this, and I look forward to finding out what the next book in this series has to bring.

DNF @ 20%
Just not for me... so many grammatical errors. It had promise, but I found myself editing the book rather than enjoying it.

This book initially threw me for a loop with the dialect used in its writing. It did get easier the further along into the book I got. Other then that I really enjoyed the storyline. This was a, new to me, orgin story for the vampire. Definitely interested to see where things go from here with the next in the series.

If you’re looking for a book that feels almost like a fever dream and reads like a child who hasn’t quite learned English yet, this is for you. Now, I’m not saying the writing is bad - it isn’t. It was just so incredibly different for me personally. Here are two actual examples: “I watch them figures” and “I just want them screams to stop”.
Not horrible, no. And I can respect writing an entire book in the way a character speaks. It was just incredibly difficult to want to continue on for. However, I do feel like a good amount of people will love it.

Certainly one of the strangest Sci-Fi books I've read in a long time! If you are into witches and spirits, this book is probably for you!
While I appreciate the author staying true to their way of talking throughout the entire book, it also drove the English lover in me crazy.

Ellie presents as a true-to-form eldest sister who simply wants to do what's right and Lillian is the perfect example of a spoiled, self-centered youngest child. I adored their characters as well as the tomboy like Kylie. Ellie's use of potions on her love interest had my laughing throughout because what teenage girl didn't wish she could cast spells on her boyfriend?
Although not my usual cup of tea, I want to read the second book in this series and find out what ends up happening. Excellent cliffhanger ending!

Leather and sage by Taylor Shepeard.
If you see petals gray as thunder, leaves red as the setting sun, you run. Always run.
These words are both a warning and a truth. Stop the Curse of the Bloodbud from coming to fruition, lest the Forsaken bring the downfall of all the Coven.
For Ellie Hallivard, these are but ancient stories within her world of poultice brewing and apple tree tending. As the eldest daughter of the Matron of the Orchard Clan, Ellie must prepare herself for leadership, all while trying to protect her younger sisters, cultivate her love of a town boy, and undermine the spirit intent on devouring her mother’s soul.
Despite Ellie’s best efforts, her sister defies Clan law and touches a Bloodbud; the Forsaken is brought into existence in the body of a Hallivard.
Abandoned by her family and her Clan, the Forsaken struggles to understand why she’s been cast aside. Something is happening. She feels . . . different. Her tooths are sharp and smooth. Everywhere she goes, she can smell iron and daisies. And there’s a spark of something like lightning in her gaze of willow moss and kindling.
The Ancestors warn Ellie of the Forsaken, instill in her the knowledge of what must be done to keep the Orchard safe. If she fails to act, her surviving family, the Orchard Clan, and the entirety of the Coven will succumb to the devastation of the Infected. Ellie can save them all with a single act.
But can she kill her sister?
A good read with likeable characters. I liked Ellie. I did like the cover. 4*.