A witch's broom, also known as a flying broomstick, is a common symbol associated with witches and witchcraft. It is believed to be a mode of transportation used by witches to travel quickly and efficiently. The origins of this association can be traced back to medieval Europe, where witch trials and superstitions were prevalent. It was believed that witches possessed the ability to fly on broomsticks, often accompanied by their familiars or spirits. These broomsticks were not ordinary brooms used for cleaning, but rather magical objects that enabled witches to take to the skies. The concept of witches flying on broomsticks is deeply rooted in folklore and mythology.
Erin Sterling’s witchy new rom-com, The Kiss Curse, is the much anticipated sequel to last year’s equally charming The Ex Hex.
Wells and Gwyn are opposites in culture and personality Wells puts duty above all else, whereas Gwyn thinks of rules as suggestions for other people so when they share a surprising kiss early on in the novel, they insist it must have something to do with the town s fluctuating magic. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town.
The concept of witches flying on broomsticks is deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. It is said that witches would use a specific ointment or potion made from hallucinogenic herbs, applied to a wooden staff or broom handle. The witch would then straddle the broomstick, rubbing the ointment on her body or even ingesting it.
The Kiss Curse
I adore all kinds of witchy series, especially when they’re fun romances. So it was pretty natural that I loved The Ex Hex last year and was stoked to find out it was going to be the first in a series. All of that to say The Kiss Curse was on of my Most Anticipated releases for Fall 2022.
The Ex hex review
The Kiss Curse follows firecracker Gwyn, who is Vivi’s cousin. Now that Vivi and Rhys have solved the accidental curse put on Rhys and the Jones women’s magic now runs the town, Vivi and Rhys are off on a long overdue honeymoon. This leave Gwyn to care for the town, the store, and to deal with Rhys’ brother Wells, who has decided to make Graves Glen his new home. When he decides to open a shop up across the street from Something Wicked, a competition between the two begins. As Wells and Gwyn work to outdo each other, they’re attraction to each other becomes harder and harder to ignore, leaving both of them wondering if this relationship could be long term. At the same time Gwyn’s old college friend arrives in town, and Gwyn’s power goes on the frits. Is something or someone trying to take control of the Graves Glen again?
As I mentioned, I really enjoyed The Ex Hex. I thought it was a run light read and while the romance was more of a focus than the actual plot, I still though it had plenty of legs to stand on. The Kiss Curse was purely just a romance story, with little to no plot. All of a sudden I realized I was more than 3/4th of the way through the story, and the actual ‘mystery plot’ had been referenced twice. In total Gwyn mentions her missing powers 3 times by the time we get to 90%, maybe even 95% of the way through the story. It was a total side story. I mean there was zero development there and even when it did appear I was like ‘that’s it? what were they even trying to accomplish?’.
Shocking to no one, Wells and Gwyn to get together but even that just seemed to happen. The buildup and chemistry was low and while I really like both characters, they felt almost thrown together and there romance while cute is one I’ll probably forget fairly quickly. At least with Viv and Rhys, there was tension before they become a couple.
In terms of atmosphere this one fell flat for me as well. I thought the first one did a good job of providing the fall witchy vibes, and was really hoping for that in this book. Unfortunately this one lacks any sort of atmosphere and the Graves Glen fall events that should have been more central to the story, were barely skimmed.
I really wanted to like this book but I’m super disappointed to say the least, especially since I really liked Gwyns character in the first book. I might read a third book, but I’ll have much lower expectations for it if one does come out. If you want something to get you in the mood for spooky season, I’d recommend finding something different.
The Kiss Curse comes out September 20, 2022! Huge thank you to Avon Boosk for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.
“Diabolical. Absolutely fiendish. And when her eyes briefly met his, her cheek dimpling with a Go fuck yourself smile, Wells realized he had never been attracted to any woman more in his life. Well, that was bloody inconvenient.“ The Kiss Curse (From ARC, quotes may have changed in publication copy)
This would result in a sensation of flying, hallucinations, and an altered state of consciousness. The name "witch's broom" comes from the fact that these magical objects were predominantly associated with witches. The broomstick itself is typically made of sturdy wood, such as birch or ash, and the bristles were traditionally made from natural materials, such as twigs or straw. In modern times, the witch's broom has become a prominent symbol of witches and witchcraft, often depicted in popular culture and media. It is commonly associated with the image of a witch flying across the night sky, silhouetted against the moon. This iconic symbolism has been perpetuated in literature, movies, and Halloween decorations. Although the concept of witches using broomsticks as a means of transportation is often portrayed as fictional and exaggerated, the association between witches and broomsticks remains firmly ingrained in our collective imagination. The witch's broom has become an enduring symbol of the supernatural and the mystical, representing the magical powers and abilities attributed to witches throughout history..
Reviews for "The Witch's Broomstick: A Poetic Symbol in Art and Literature"
1. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "What is a witches broom called" to be quite disappointing. The author's writing style was confusing and lacked creativity. The story had potential, but it felt rushed and poorly developed. Additionally, the characters were flat and uninteresting, making it hard for me to connect with them. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "What is a witches broom called" as I am a fan of supernatural and mystical stories. Unfortunately, this book didn't meet my expectations. The plot was shallow and predictable, lacking any real suspense or surprises. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I was also disappointed by the lack of world-building and descriptive language. Overall, I would say this book fell short and wasn't worth the time.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
"What is a witches broom called" was confusing and difficult to follow. The narrative jumped around without any clear structure, making it hard for me to keep track of what was happening. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions didn't always make sense. There were also several plot holes and inconsistencies throughout the book. I was left feeling unsatisfied and confused by the end. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this read for fans of witchcraft or fantasy.