I DNFed at 20%. The writing style was just not for me. I was also confused as to where the story was going and what the purpose of it was. Skipping to the last chapter, I was still confused and had no resolve.

The Coven Tendency definitely has a unique premise, with witches being put on display at a museum—a dark, Gothic concept that leans heavily into horror. While I appreciated the originality, the writing style just didn’t work for me. It felt more like chaotic stream-of-consciousness than a coherent plot with well-developed characters. While some of the characters are likable and their longing for connection is relatable, they don’t feel fleshed out enough to be truly engaging.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for this digital e-arc.*

I tried, but could not get into this book. I found the storytelling disjointed and was frustrated because I felt it went nowhere other than different characters' thoughts jumping back and forth with no real progression. I DNF's after about 30%. This just wasn't my book.

A reader who relishes dark, twisted tales of forbidden magic and complex sisterhoods set against opulent, macabre backdrops will find The Coven Tendency irresistibly intoxicating.

“The Coven Tendency” definitely has a unique premise, with witches being put on display at a museum—a dark, Gothic concept that leans heavily into horror. While I appreciated the originality, the writing style just didn’t work for me. It felt more like chaotic stream-of-consciousness than a coherent plot with well-developed characters. While some of the characters are likable and their longing for connection is relatable, they don’t feel fleshed out enough to be truly engaging.

Readers who enjoy dark fantasy and morbid themes might enjoy this book more than I did. Unfortunately, the writing style and lack of structure made it hard for me to connect with the story.

18-year-old Vanity Adams lives in the Museum. This curated showcase is meant to showcase the power of witches to the public and function as a prison. One day she will become one of the necromancers who raise the dead for paying customers, but for now she and the other witches are kept separated and sedated to keep their powers locked away. When Vanity’s obsession with two other inhabitants, Clove and Ellis, comes to a head, Ellis is killed and subsequently resurrected. Soon, Vanity finds mental clarity as well as access to her powers. As her powers and reality become more unstable, can Vanity learn to control her powers?

The plot is unique, but at times hard to follow. Readers will relate to the main characters longing for connection and love. Most characters are likable but aren’t well developed. Readers who like morbid, dark fantasy will likely enjoy reading this book. Recommended for general purchase only for library collections where such books are popular. 3 stars, Gr 7 and up.

This book was not for me. I liked the premise, witches being put on display at a museum. It was definitely dark and Gothic, leaning into horror elements. But man, the writing lost me. There are time shifts and character shifts. The voice of the characters leans into a stream of consciousness type telling. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, which is surprising after reading the acknowledgments and how breaking free of people pleasing is the basis of this novel. I felt like there was no end goal, just a cycle of the same things over and over again. I finished reading it only to see if there was a point to the story.

The Coven Tendency
3/5 rating
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review—Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley.
This is a dark, atmospheric fever dream. Zoe Hana Mikuta's writing on obsession and madness is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and Ava Reid's “Juniper & Thorn.”

I was shocked to find out this was YA, as it is not only filled with death and gore—not that that is necessarily new in the YA genre, but it did take me by surprise—but the writing felt more fluid in terms of plot compared to other YA novels I have read.
I gave this novel a three-star rating instead of a five-star rating solely because I do not think I was entirely in the right headspace for this kind of novel.

After only having read a retelling from Zoe Hana Mikuta, this completely original concept was so interesting! The depth of the plot and the world sucked me in completely and kept me guessing. The concept of the Sanitorium is horrifying but also fascinating. The way she balanced the darkness of the novel with hope was truly masterful.

Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 20% of the way through.

Wow, I was NOT vibing with this at all. The writing style was just not doing it for me--it's like a stream of consciousness and chaos rather than an actual plot with character development. It also felt very...edgy, for lack of a better term. It reminds me of the edgy 2000s scene era with how hardcore people were trying to be but weren't actually hardcore. Lots of mentions of blood, gore, guts, animal murder, etc.

The protagonist...from what I could gather...is a necromantic witch, so many of her thoughts lead to murder, death, and just general weirdness. Her twin sister is the same.

I'd like to explain what the plot was but I have absolutely no idea. The protagonist witch is stuck in a museum prison on display for rich people which sounds horrifying but she doesn't seem to care and just lives in the moment. I really like the concept and it would have been cool but I did not like the train of thought writing style.

Brilliantly dark and haunting. I can't say enough positive things about this book. I am just in awe. I honestly can't think about it.