I sadly had to DNF this one, I just couldn't get into it, the writing style just wasn't for me and I just couldn't push myself to keep reading past chapter five, was looking forwards to this but turns out it's not for me which is such a shame.

2.5 stars

When Annie's estranged father dies, she finds herself travelling to the notorious Crow Island to sort through his things.
On the mainland, magic is prohibited after the events of the First World War. However, on Crow Island, the use of magic is less controlled and Annie soon discovers that her new neighbour is a witch.
As Annie spends time on the island, she is reunited with her best friend from home, Bea, who now lives there. Annie also discovers more about her father, and is drawn to her bewitching neighbour Emmeline.
As Annie is sucked into the world of magic, she discovers that it can be as dangerous as it is seductive.

The pitch for this book intrigued me - The Great Gatsby with witches - but, unfortunately, it didn't live up to my hopes.
Annie was an OK protagonist. I liked her, and I felt sorry for her at times, but didn't feel that I fully connected with her.
Bea and Emmeline were mixed characters for me - there were times when I liked them and times when I didn't.
My favourite characters were probably Nathan and Isobel, whose relationship I liked.
The setting of the island and being just after World War I was interesting. As Crow Island was a separate entity from the mainland, there didn't seem to be any after-effects from the war, such as rationing, and I wasn't sure how realistic that was - surely there would have been some foods they couldn't get? - but given that this book has magic and witches, it's not exactly realistic.
There was some world-building, which was interesting, but it did seem a little vague and was a little confusing.
The plot was mixed - while it did go in a direction that I wasn't expecting, I was never gripped, and didn't feel immersed or invested in what was happening.
I am disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was a mixed read.

Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May is full of dark witchy magic with a slow burn romance.

After World War I, Annie Mason has arrived on Crow Island to settle her late father’s estate. She ends up falling into a world of dark magic and feels a strong connection to her neighbor.

This tale mainly alternates between Annie and Emmeline’s perspective with a few others characters included. The author's writing style is very atmospheric and captures the era well.

Although the writing is beautiful, it was hard not to feel a tad distant from the characters. Not many of them were particularly likeable, even knowing their origin stories. Usually, I don’t mind reading from unlikeable characters pov’s if they are interesting, but with this one, they felt one-dimensional.

The pacing was quite slow in areas, finding it only to speed up and get exciting nearer the end of the book.

Overall I would recommend this book to those looking for a sapphic historical fantasy read.

I had such a hard time getting into this book. I have no idea why because the premise sounded exactly like something up my alley: dark, mysterious, WITCHES! But somehow this book just didn't click with me. The characters were very interesting- their background very enticing and all their worries and joys reasonable.
3,5 stars

This is one of those books that I spent a really long time trying to read and just could absolutely not get into it.

A sapphic retelling of The Great Gatsby, what’s not to love! Full of glitz, and glamour with magic, suspense, and sexual tension!

Francesca has created the most perfect witchy/gothic atmosphere with a crow element used to enhance the spooky vibe throughout. The world building was spellbinding, I would recommend the book on this alone.

The character relationships brought another dimension although I felt that some of the multiple POV’s were unnecessary.

This is very much a plot-led book but the execution of some parts felt fragmented and at times a little confusing.

Overall a fantastic read book that I’ll recommend to many.

I was SO excited to read this book - from the witchy, 1920s, Gatsby-inspired setting to the sapphic rep to the stunning cover, it sounded perfect for me! And it didn't let me down - with lush, poetic prose and richly-drawn characters, I could definitely see the Gatsby influence coming through. Ideally I would have liked to see a little more worldbuilding around the uses of magic and different types of witches, but overall this was still an engaging, atmospheric read and definitely satisfied my desire for more 1920s-era fantasy novels.

I can see why so many have loved this book - it is one that has stayed in my mind for a while. Rich descriptions, clear setting, and interesting characters. Unfortunately not quite my cup of tea but I know plenty of people for whom this would be a 5 star read.

Really wanted to like this one, I found the concept so interesting but I just really couldn't engage with the story or feel any sort of attachment to the narrators.

The story was quite nice to read but unfortunately couldn't catch me that much. I did not really emphazise with the characters which made the ready sometimes really hard because I did not want to keep reading, also because the two third of the book went quite slow because bot really much was happening.

An atmospheric and compelling story that earns its comparison to THE GREAT GATSBY. There was also a slow-burn sapphic romance combined with witchcraft. Highly recommended if you're looking for something a little different.

It's been a long time since I received this book on netgallley so I will not be reviewing this, I am a mood reader and I have really struggled to pick this book up- when I do eventually read I will make sure to leave an honest and thorough review

Couldn't really get into the book because the writing kept throwing me off. I expected it to be alot more witchy but it wasn’t

I loved the sound of this one but sadly ended up dnf-ing it.

I found myself really struggling with this one and just could not get into it. At this point I've tried to pick this one up twice and just had to put it down. I've also seen some of the trigger warnings for this one that unfortunately would not be good for me.

So sorry!

The Great Gatsby but with witches. Now I’m not a fan of the Great Gatsby but I am a fan of witches and magic and this combination worked. So well written, very descriptive. Set just after the first world war where magic exists but is illegal to use. I wouldn’t say it’s the most original idea but the way it’s written makes up for that. I would say it is worth a read for any fans of witches and magic fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC to review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm not usually a big period fantasy fan, but I adored this. Brilliant!

It was thick, luscious and dark. The feeling of a well-aged wine and as thick as the blood used in the magic present in the blood.

Taking a spin on the prohibition era of the 20’s, where magic is banned instead of booze this gave a well written and explored time a new life and light. The characters were intricated and deeply explored. Gritty and angry at the world and what it has created.

With a mystery at its heart, it was a fast paced and dark creating a feeling that the surrounded and encompassed the book and the reader throughout the experience.
The crows of Crow Island were feathered allies to the telling and the setting of the scene.

The writing was fast paced, revelatory but still secretive enough to keep me on my toes. Discovering the world alongside one of our main characters was as wonderful way to get sucked into this alternative version of history. I would have liked the mystery behind the mysterious death of Annie’s father, the reason for her travel to Crow Island, to be fleshed out a little more and for her to have shown more interest in him as a person. This would have added a much needed motivator to many of her actions and decisions, but as it is it was still well done.

The dark whispers surrounding her neighbours was a fantastic portrayal of how the real world treats the other and those they can get something from but refuse to accept into their midst. A mirror for times present and past that I loved seeing on the page.

The world of magic and witches, the different kinds, methods and factions could also have been explored more, but I do think this is just a personal wish as I am curious and would love to know more about everything in general. For the majority of readers the dive into the magic system would be just perfect, I am just too curious and love a good world building situation.

The ending also felt a little rushed, with characters appearing and meddling with no apparent introduction of prior commitment. I feel that I was less engaged and stressed about the entrance and interactions surrounding these characters, just because the lack of focus and fore shadowing given to them.

This is just me nit- picking though. It was all over a fun and enticing read that went down like a glass of Pino noir. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a witchy, atmospheric read, with a female love interest. Filled with clashing passions and ominous crows and blood magic seeped into the pages.

A slow burning read that builds to an exciting crescendo and explosive ending. The novel is set against the dazzling 1920s, where extravagant parties abound that would make Gatsby's seem tame. Annie returns to Crow Island to tie up her father's estate and reconnect with an old friend: Bea. However, the island is steeped in witchcraft, something Annie turned away from, especially as magic is banned, but she meets Emmeline, who is shrouded in mysterious magic and darkness. When Annie witnesses a terse exchange between Emmeline and Bea, things take a darker turn and we are launched into the backstory. The story gets more interesting in this second half. It is a haunting and at times dark read, steeped in history and dark magic. These three complex women all hide darker pasts. On addition to the main story, is the secondary story including sapphic romance. Dazzling. Immersive. Seductive. Sensuous. Decadent and enchanting. If you love romance, witchcraft and murder and a slow building tale, this entrancing book is for you. Great Autumnal read. #wildandwickedthings #francescamay #netgalley #witchcraft #darkmagic #haunting #1920s #magic #glitteringparties #crowisland #entrancing #enchanting #decadent #seductive #sapphicromance #sensuous #women

I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and held my attention. I will be reading more from this author :)

Following World War I, Annie Mason travels to Crow Island to sort through her late father’s estate. She’s never travelled alone before, but the island allows her to catch up with her estranged best friend, Beatrice. There’s also Annie’s magnetic neighbour, Emmeline, shrouded with rumours of witchcraft and the host of extravagant parties. Annie stumbles into their world and discovers the terrible cost of magic after witnessing a confrontation between Bea and Emmeline. She can’t help but interfere when these two women are involved.

Slow-paced, rich, and magical this book crafts a shining 1920s full of mystery and extravagance. The writing is gorgeous and evocative enough that the slow-pace works brilliantly. Annie, Bea, and Emmeline are dislikeable yet compelling, frustrating yet multi-faceted. There’s also a delightful amount of sapphic yearning. It’s a brilliant book that fans of The Great Gatsby will adore. As someone who didn’t enjoy The Great Gatsy, Wild and Wicked Things didn’t totally work for me. Despite this, I still found it captivating, which demonstrates the strength of Francesca May’s writing. If you love complex characters, sapphic witchiness, and an intense amount of longing, you should pick this book up.