A review by claragweny
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"What Mariel wanted was to feel like less of a failure. She wanted flowers and muffins and the contentment of being exactly enough for someone."

"Trust literal demons to be kinder to their children than the American education system."

This book didn't draw my attention on its own. It was a book club read, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It was really funny but also quite heartfelt at times. Mariel is plagued with self-doubt after being essentially gaslit (i.e., abused) by her family for her magical abilities for years. Her only desires are to be allowed to flourish among her plants and find peace in acceptance. Mariel is an incredibly relatable character despite being non-human, existing in a fictional universe, and "fake dating" a demon.

Now the critiques, I'm not sure I'd even call this a fake dating trope. You're hardly into the book before it seemed to be that their "fake dating" moved into declarations of love. Quick for a book with the title "A Witches Guide to Fake Dating a Demon" in my mind.

My only other critique is that despite this being adult fiction it reads very YA to me. Mariel could very well be a mature 18/19 and not headed to grad school. 

Overall, this was a really fun start to the year! I laughed a lot and enjoyed Mariel's blossoming story (and showing her family who's the boss!!).
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