I’ve read yet another awesome indie novel. I’m excited to share my thoughts with you on Livingston Girls by Bri Morgan today.
But this just isn’t any old indie novel. I am lucky to snag an early copy of the book because I served as an editor. When Bri talked about her project on Instagram last year, I knew I needed to be a part of the process somehow. I don’t usually do that but I’m glad I went with my gut on this one.
So enough about me and how lucky I am, let’s get to the book review, shall we?
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis
“I see something in you, Miss Abbott, something I recognize. The potential for greatness, for channeling magic. For bending the world to your will.”
After an affair with her teacher, Rose’s parents ship her off to Livingston Academy, a stuffy all-girls’ boarding school. Ashamed of her past and herself, sixteen-year-old Rose just wants to chill, pass her classes, and make friends. The last thing on her mind is becoming a witch…
Until the enigmatic headmistress gives her the chance to join a coven secret from the rest of the school. Desperate to prove herself and looking for a purpose, the headmistress’s offer seems too perfect to pass up.
Rose puts on her metaphorical pointy hat and becomes a Livingston witch. She quickly discovers that the other witches don’t want her in their group—especially because she’s filling their dead friend’s space—but if they can’t band together, the witch-hunting headmaster of the boys’ school will kill them.
Meanwhile, Rose struggles to understand her growing feelings for her roommate, who may or may not hate her guts.
You know, typical boarding school stuff.
What I Enjoyed
Morgan sure knows how to talk about low self-esteem and how real people address it. She was able to present Rose, a totally desperate person, as realistic and remarkable. I think we can all see a part of ourselves in Rose: someone who has tried to play the game by the rules and realized the game is rigged.
This book also champions female relationships—romantic or platonic. Rose finds herself as she asks and offers help. Like the flower she’s named after, you can watch her blossom into someone who is thriving instead of merely surviving. These kinds of lessons are so valuable and enjoyable to see regardless of your sexuality, gender, or age.
Oh yes, this book discusses bisexuality in a way that I predict many readers will find helpful and refreshing.
My Final Thoughts
This book is near and dear to my heart, so I’m probably a bit biased here. But at the end of the day, this book may provide a lot of things that bisexual readers are looking for in a book: real talk, a legendary coming out story, badass mentors, and lots of magic.
The book comes out on March 24th, so preorder a copy if this book sounds like a perfect fit for your TBR.
Hopefully, I shared enough to pique your curiosity. Want to get reading? If so, I highly recommend you look up Briana Morgan on social media:
If you’re interested in seeing all my other book reviews, check out our Book Reviews tab. If you’d like me to review your book, you can contact us.