One for My Enemy, Olivie Blake, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781035011582

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide

THE book takes a magical spin on William Shakespeare’s tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. The ongoing feud between two powerful witch families escalates after the Antonova sisters discover that the Fedorov brothers have been stealing and reselling their illegal magical drug at a higher price.

The eldest brother, Dima, is nearly killed by the eldest sister, Marya, in retribution. We slowly learn that the two were lovers but were driven apart by their families. Feeling weak and vulnerable, Dima’s brothers start plotting revenge, which involves targeting the youngest of the sisters. However, love instantly sparks between her and the youngest brother. As things continue to escalate, family loyalty will be tested and bonds will be broken.

I am torn over this book. I enjoyed Olivie Blake’s writing. She fashioned wonderfully endearing yet flawed characters in an interesting storyline rimmed with magic. And, while we got glimpses of the magic, there was no world-building. An explanation surrounding the magic – how it works, how it fits into the non-magical world, where witches come from – all that was not existent. Which left one a little confused at times.

I was also skeptical of the ‘insta-love’ trope, but the chemistry between the youngest siblings was sweet and swoon-worthy.

The female rage was, in my opinion, the jewel of this book. It was palpable and relatable.

However, in addition to a few plot holes, my biggest gripe was that the book romanticised suicide. The deaths were so unnecessary – fueled by misunderstandings and poor communication, making the storyline often feel contrived. The amount of times I screamed at my book is immeasurable. The book had potential, but it sadly missed the mark on a few points. Mariclair Smit 3/5 stars