As someone who loves everything Salem witchcraft trials - I've seen every documentary, movie, mini-series and probably read every book out there on it, I just could NOT get into this one. I tried my hardest, I really did. I think I went back to this maybe 3 or 4 times and I just could not get into it.

The synopsis made it seem like this book was going to be amazing, so kudos to whoever wrote that, but this book did not live up to the hype. The little girl, Abigail I think her name was, was so annoying. Thomas' POV wasn't half bad, but Prudence, it was breathtaking how boring some of her dialogue was.

This is actually the second book I've 'read' by this author. The first one, The Secret of Laurel Oaks was alright. It is another YA book, I basically read it because it is about the Myrtle Plantation and ghosts, both of which I love, and I had difficulties reading that one as well, but not nearly as bad as this one. Maybe the author's writing style and I just don't mix. I read a ton of YA and NA, so I don't think it has anything to do with the genre. ( )

This was a great story, set during the Salem witch trials. I loved Thomas and Patience, and I like the twist of Thomas being a Quaker, as usually you here about the Puritans when reading about the trials. My only real complaint is I’m not crazy about the use of present tense. It didn’t flow very naturally, and I think first person narrating with the use of past tense would’ve worked better. That said, the story is compelling, and Ruby does an excellent job of bringing characters and setting to life. If you have a teen/YA reader who has an interest in the Salem witch trials, this is a great fictional read to gift them! ( )