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These Witches Don't Burn

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These Witches Don't Burn

By: Isabel Sterling
Narrated by: Kristen DiMercurio
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About this listen

"Infused with page-turning suspense, bittersweet romance, shocking twists, and tragic turns, Sterling has written a standout debut." --Dana Mele, author of People Like Us

Hannah's a witch, but not the kind you're thinking of. She's the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she's ever caught using it in front of a Reg (read: non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans.

But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah's concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah's sure it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica.

While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she's going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem's witches become deadlier by the day.

Isabel Sterling's delightful, suspenseful debut is equal parts sweet romance and thrilling mystery. With everything she loves on the line, Hannah must confront this murderous villain before her coven--and any chance she has with the new girl--is destroyed.
Fantasy Fiction LGBT LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Magic Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Paranormal Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Thrillers & Suspense Magic Users Witchcraft Exciting

Critic Reviews

Praise for These Witches Don't Burn

“Though this is not a coming-out story, Hannah’s proud lesbianism is prominent in this thoroughly entertaining mystery. With the presence of a fluffy romance and the promise of an action-packed sequel, readers will drink this one up.BCCB

"A quick, fun read with magic and light romance." VOYA

“Propelled by suspenseful paranormal drama, Sterling’s debut also touches on deeper subject matter in its thoughtful depiction of the manipulative, potentially abusive relationship between Hannah and Veronica.” Publishers Weekly

“Sterling’s rich, magical world dazzles readers with its fantastic intricacies. Suspense, romance, and wit go hand in hand, and the thrills run right up to the last page.” —Richelle Mead, #1 international bestselling author of The Glittering Court and Vampire Academy series

"An enchanting mystery, simmering with intrigue. Once you start These Witches Don't Burn, you'll be utterly spellbound." —Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

"These Witches Don’t Burn is an original, thrillingly romantic spin on the classic teen witch tale. Infused with page-turning suspense, bittersweet romance, shocking twists, and tragic turns, Sterling has written a standout debut. Never sentimental, often sweet, but unafraid to break your heart, the writing is as lovely, vibrant, and ruthless as its characters." —Dana Mele, author of People Like Us

"An enchanting debut from Isabel Sterling. I'd be in for the note-perfect f/f romance alone, but These Witches Don't Burn perfectly blends a fun teenage relationship story with a delightfully dark and twisty supernatural thriller. A lovely witchy book full of complicated girls and a world rich with queer characters. It'll leave you wanting a coven of your own." —Britta Lundin, author of Ship It and writer on Riverdale

"Sterling's debut meshes high magical stakes with the raw, real human emotions of broken hearts and new love, creating a book that's utterly bewitching in every way." —Dahlia Adler, author of Under the Lights

“A fun, fresh contemporary fantasy with one of the most endearing and authentic casts I've read. Complicated friendships, deeply relatable romantic entanglements, and Salem's long history make this book an unforgettable read.” —Katherine Locke, author of The Girl with the Red Balloon
All stars
Most relevant
‘These Witches Don't Burn’ is a brilliant contemporary YA novel filled with seamless queer representation, whimsical magic, and an intense mystery.

The narrative is engaging. The setting of current day Salem Massachusetts, with the context of insight in to the towns sordid history, is perfect. The inclusion of queer characters feels natural, far from the token ‘bury your queers’ kind of thing we usually get.

The narrator for the audiobook does a fantastic job bringing the story to life.

Can't wait to read #2.

Everything I want from a magical queer YA novel

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Great story. I loved the queer representation. Read well. Easy to read and get into.

really good, I enjoyed it

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This book was amazing. It was so sweet and adorable with lots of mystery. I love the LGBT+ representation in here; it’s so heartwarming and natural.

INCREDIBLE

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Teen fic set in modern day, protagonist an out lesbian. Light read, believable teenage voice- slightly annoying for adult readers. Plot made sense, had a few twists, fairly predictable magic universe. 14 year old me would have liked it a lot.

Teen dream

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