Review: Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Title: Once a Witch
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 09/15/09
Summary:

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

Plot: 3 Stars
The title leads you to believe this book is going to be all about magic, or "talents". But you only get to see a couple different talents that some characters have. With the time travel aspect, the book feels a little too close to science fiction. Although there wasn't anything I specifically didn't like about the story, there also wasn't really anything that blew me away.

Pace: 3 Stars
The majority of the book moved at an adequate pace, but the end was rushed and jumbled. I needed to re-read multiple parts of the last chapter (before the epilogue) to try to wrap my head around what was happening. It seemed like the author was trying to shove too much action into only a couple of pages and some of the descriptions got muddled along the way.

Characters: 3 Stars
I liked the main characters, and most of the lesser characters, but I felt like I didn't learn much about them. You got a little bit of background about Tamsin and Gabriel, but not much else. Although I'm glad the story wasn't bogged down in little details that weren't relevant, I wish there could've been a little more exploration and depth in many of the characters.

Cover: 3.5 Stars
The cover is eye catching, but when I look back on the book, it really doesn't tell you enough about the book. I like that the cover model is blurred so that you can make your own mental picture of Tamsin. I just wish there could've been a couple little details added in that tied in to the story.

Overall: 3 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Friday Finds (4)

Friday finds was started by Misb at Should be Reading.

"The idea is to share, every Friday, about books that you’ve recently discovered (never heard of before) that sound really good!"

Title: Ghosts & Echoes
Author: Lyn Benedict
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 04/27/10
Summary: none available







Title: Spider's Bite
Author: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 01/26/10
Summary:

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South—when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way—good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction . . . especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Title: Spellbent
Author: Lucy A. Snyder
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 12/29/09
Summary:

In the heart of Ohio, Jessie Shimmer is caught up in hot, magic-drenched passion with her roguish lover, Cooper Marron, who is teaching her how to tap her supernatural powers. When they try to break a drought by calling down a rainstorm, a hellish portal opens and Cooper is ripped from this world, leaving Jessie fighting for her life against a vicious demon that's been unleashed.

In the aftermath, Jessie, who knows so little about her own true nature, is branded an outlaw. She must survive by her wits and with the help of her familiar, a ferret named Palimpsest. Stalked by malevolent enemies, Jessie is determined to find out what happened to Cooper. But when she moves heaven and earth to find her man, she'll be shocked by what she discovers—and by what she must ultimately do to save them all.

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 10/13/09
Summary:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
This story had many twists and turns and kept me guessing. It's not every week I get fooled by more than one book in a week, but Hush, Hush did just that. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was turned on my head. My only criticism is that I felt there needed to be a bit more backstory, but I'm hoping that will be expanded on in the sequel.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
If I hadn't had to work or sleep, I wouldn't have put this book down. The end of every chapter was like a mini-cliffhanger. The novel pulls you in and doesn't let go. The only slight blip is that the ending seemed to go by just a smidge too fast, but it's forgivable.

Characters: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved Nora and Patch, both separately and together. They each had such depth, although it took a bit to see anything besides the mysterious bad boy in Patch. But it was so worth the wait. I wish we could've seen a little more of Vee because she was a spunky BFF to counter Nora's calmer personality perfectly.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
This cover has intrigued me for months. The lone image on the cover is very thought provoking. I love the grayscale. I couldn't imagine it with anymore color than the slight hints of red, it just wouldn't have the same effect. I also like the simplicity. There's nothing in the background to take your eye away from the main image. I only wish the US edition was shiny like the UK edition (that I bought on accident).

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 12/22/09
Summary:

A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . .

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant... I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me... I mean... why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret... and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Teaser Tuesday (6)

This weekly book blog meme is hosted by Misb at Should be Reading.

Here are the rules:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
- Share the title & author too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 10/13/09

My hands found nothing, and I tumbled over the edge, plunging straight down through the black air. The ground rushed up at me, and I opened my mouth to scream. -- pg. 113