Book Blurb Via Goodreads
Samantha Mather moves to Salem, Massachusetts, a place infamous for its witch trials, from her former home in New York City. However, she and her stepmother are not warmly received. Sam is a descendant of Cotton Mather, one of the infamous figures behind the trials, making her an instant target for a group of girls called The Descendants, whose ancestors were involved in the trials too. Adding to the chaos, Sam encounters a ghost—handsome but angry—who wants her to stop touching his belongings. She soon realizes she is entangled in a centuries-old curse affecting those connected to the witch trials. To break this cycle and prevent history from repeating itself, Sam needs to join forces with The Descendants.
How To Hang A Witch Review
From the very start, “How To Hang A Witch” grabbed my attention. It’s a supernatural romance set in modern-day Salem, exploring the infamous witch trials through the eyes of Sam, a character created by Adriana Mather, who herself descends from Cotton Mather. This personal connection adds an authentic touch to the story.
The book stands out as a fabulous YA paranormal romance. Sam moves into her late grandmother’s house in Salem, only to find it’s filled with secrets, including a deadly curse linked to the Salem witch trials. Sam quickly becomes embroiled in this curse and is determined to break it, believing it might be why her father is in a coma. She wants to save him before it’s too late.
And of course, there’s a handsome boy next door eager to help Sam fit in, stirring up the classic YA love triangle. Meanwhile, The Descendants—ancestors of the Salem witches—make Sam’s life difficult. The story evolves beyond a typical YA romance, almost serving as an allegory about how history can repeat itself. Adriana Mather brilliantly depicts how easily people can believe false rumors, reminiscent of the past Salem events. This adds depth to the book, making it not just entertaining but also a haunting story about modern-day teenage bullying.
At home, Sam has a frosty relationship with her stepmother, adding to her troubles. She also starts developing feelings for Elijah, the angry ghost from the 17th century who courts her with old-fashioned charm. Although the modern-day love interest next door feels unnecessary, the scenes with Elijah shine, focusing on tender moments over mere lust.
Overall, “How To Hang A Witch” is a compelling read with twists and turns that keep you hooked. It’s perfect for fans of The Secret Circle, classic romances, and Salem’s history enthusiasts. You won’t be disappointed.
Adaptation Recommendation
I think “How To Hang A Witch” would make a fantastic standalone film. It has all the elements—murder, an ancient curse, flashbacks, and a heartwarming ghost romance. For the cast, I could see British actor Douglas Booth as Elijah, with his knack for period roles. Alycia Debnam-Carey could perfectly capture Sam’s character, given her roles in “Fear the Walking Dead” and “The 100”.
Content Note: The book contains brief, mild profanity at the start but no explicit content.
What do you think of “How To Hang A Witch”? Who would be your picks for Elijah and Sam? Share your thoughts below.
OVERALL RATING
“You had me at hello.”
ROMANCE RATING
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
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