Sugar

When I tell you I'm going to make this book my entire personality, you're going to be so sick of me recommending it. This was one of my favorite unhinged female rage books I've read yet. Not only did Mia knock it out of this world with the cover, but by page three, I think I had highlighted almost 80% of the sentences. This book is equal parts lethal lust, a woman scorned, and take-no-shit, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

An enthralling and gripping tale of a woman’s empowerment, Sugar weaves together themes of love, despair, female empowerment, murder, betrayal, and witchcraft. Set in the 1970s—a time when systemic sexism was rampant and women faced significant challenges—this story unfolds in a world where men were often seen as superior, both professionally and in day-to-day life. This is where Satara, the protagonist, steps in. She rises with fierce feminine energy, defying societal norms to demonstrate her power and autonomy. The book is an exotic and enticing page-turner, as we journey with Satara through the hardships of her teenage years, presented as memories scattered throughout the chapters, to her current life as a 35-year-old woman. We are invited inside her mind, exploring her darkest thoughts and her passionate search for belonging—a deep yearning for a relationship and family, for someone who values her not just for her beauty but for the real connection she seeks.

The experience of reading this book was compelling, immersing me in its twisted, captivating world. I especially enjoyed the setting in the 70s, one of my favorite eras for its music and fashion, though not for the difficulties women endured—an issue the book thoughtfully addresses. Sensitive readers should note the trigger warnings, as some scenes are described with a rawness that grips your heart and mind. Overall, this was a blast to read, especially as I was looking for something to kickstart the spooky season. Mia Ballard’s use of dark, compelling prose, along with her skillful use of figures of speech, kept me glued to my seat, constantly craving more as the story unfolded.

This is definitely a 5-star read for me. I devoured it in just a few hours and can’t wait to dive into more of Mia Ballard’s works, which I’ll be following religiously from now on!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for trusting me with the ARC for an honest review, I really do appreciate it! Looking forward to more of Mia Ballard’s works, that, as I said, I will be religiously paying attention to, from now on!

Oh My Gosh what a ride this book is! I want this made into a movie or limited series! I will be buying this book because I want to re-read it and display it!

If you’ve seen the movie “The Love Witch”, you can expect similar impeccable vibes here, just make it a 70’s acid trip.

The FMC, Satara is a good old fashioned femme fatale, who is somehow both, incredibly insane, and absolutely iconic. I wouldn’t say this book would really count as a ’good for her’, type of story…but I did find myself thinking it surprisingly often. As you sink your teeth (*chuckle) further into the book, it does have you rooting for her even as she’s well on her way to being a total psycho.

It’s twisty and a fast paced read, and on multiple occasions had me pausing to process, having to reread a section to check that I did, in fact read, what I thought I read. It’s even more impressive when you realise it’s actually a debut book – what!?

If you’re into spooky reads with a side of unhinged feminist rage, this is for you. It’s messy, dark, and deliciously extra. I can't wait to introduce this to my book club and literally anyone who will listen to me.

I would give this 6 stars if I could and am really thankful to be have been able to read it early