Our Crooked Hearts

The lives of two teenage girls intertwine across time in this dark contemporary fantasy. Ivy lives in present-day Chicago suburbs, while her mother Dana's story takes place in the 1990s when she first discovered magic with her friends. Dana's teenage experimentation with witchcraft sets events in motion that echo through decades to impact her daughter. As strange occurrences mount in Ivy's life, she begins uncovering long-buried secrets about her mother's past and her own inheritance. The narrative alternates between mother and daughter, exploring how their choices and relationships mirror and diverge from each other. Magic permeates both timelines as the women grapple with power, friendship, and the price of getting what they want. This tale examines the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, and how the past shapes the present. Through its exploration of magic both metaphorical and literal, the story reveals truths about growing up female and the sometimes destructive nature of desire.

Readers describe this as a dark, witchy tale that alternates between mother and daughter storylines. Many note the atmospheric writing and complex female relationships, with several comparing it to The Craft and Practical Magic. Likes: - Strong character development - Unpredictable plot twists - Creepy, unsettling mood - Mother-daughter dynamic - Magic system grounded in real consequences Dislikes: - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Some found the dual timelines confusing - A few readers wanted more closure at ending - Dark content may be too intense for younger YA readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (16,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (500+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) "The perfect blend of witchcraft and complicated family dynamics" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong start but lost momentum" - Amazon reviewer "Not your typical YA fantasy - darker and more complex" - StoryGraph review

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland Three sisters confront dark magic and family secrets while investigating strange disappearances in modern-day London.

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert A teenage girl tracks her missing mother through New York City into a supernatural realm connected to her grandmother's book of dark fairy tales.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon A clairvoyant woman navigates a hidden world of magic and conspiracy in a dystopian London while uncovering the truth about her powers.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson A family moves into a haunted house in a decaying Midwestern city where folk magic and generational curses merge with modern horrors.

All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue A girl's discovery of a mysterious deck of tarot cards leads to dangerous magic and the disappearance of her former best friend.

🌙 Melissa Albert's previous bestselling series, The Hazel Wood, was translated into over 20 languages and earned her a devoted following in the young adult fantasy genre. 🔮 The book weaves together two timelines—present day and the 1990s—exploring the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter who are both drawn to dangerous magic. 📚 The author drew inspiration from her teenage experiences in the Chicago suburbs, which serves as the setting for much of the novel's present-day storyline. ⭐ The novel received starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, with particular praise for its portrayal of complex female relationships and atmospheric writing. 🌿 The story incorporates elements of traditional folk magic and hedge witchcraft, reflecting Albert's extensive research into historical witchcraft practices and modern pagan traditions.