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Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated The Subtle Knife in Books
Jan 18, 2019 (Updated Jan 19, 2019)
Well paced (2 more)
Information is introduced quickly and effectively
Lyra having no idea how to function in our world
Lee scoresby (if you've read it you know why) (1 more)
A lack of Iorek Byrnison
Short so sweet and informative
Contains spoilers, click to show
For a conventional middle filler book this is beautiful, just as good as the first and possibly better?
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Spirited Away (2001) in Movies
Nov 24, 2019
Never Recovered After a Slow Start
When a girl gets separated from her parents during a family outing, she ends up in an abandoned amusement park that is a gateway to the spirit world. After her parents get turned into pigs, she has to figure out a way to save them and get home.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
CarlaM (53 KP) rated Devil's Cry : Shade of Devil Book 2 in Books
Dec 6, 2019
I'd Follow This Devil Anywhere!
What a great Continuation of Sorin's story.
Gosh! I loved every minute of this book. Shayne has a true talent for making us fall In love with his main characters. Sorin Is no different! He is powerful, charismatic and Sexy with a very human side that makes him extremely endearing for a Vamp. You either want to bed him or be his best mate and frankly, when you see who he hangs out with you will be biting at the bit ... or the neck ...to join the gang!
The story continues with Sorin's quest to take Down Dracula, but straight of the bat several new threats make themselves known, the least of them the Witches who complicate matters For Sorin and add some great action scenes to this story.
The emotional and sexual build up in this book creates a lovely tension that sits nicely in between the action and all the story driven sequences and I found that I flitted from emotion to emotion. From feeling sad for his losses, Angry that he was wronged, Affection for his love Interests.... and a couple of spicy scenes that made me sit up a little straighter in my seat.
All In all I really enjoyed this book. It had a feeling of familiarity as it very much reminds me of a classic vampire tale.... but then it surprises you with some lovely new mysteries.
I really can't recommend this book enough!
And Can't wait to see were the next book takes me!
Gosh! I loved every minute of this book. Shayne has a true talent for making us fall In love with his main characters. Sorin Is no different! He is powerful, charismatic and Sexy with a very human side that makes him extremely endearing for a Vamp. You either want to bed him or be his best mate and frankly, when you see who he hangs out with you will be biting at the bit ... or the neck ...to join the gang!
The story continues with Sorin's quest to take Down Dracula, but straight of the bat several new threats make themselves known, the least of them the Witches who complicate matters For Sorin and add some great action scenes to this story.
The emotional and sexual build up in this book creates a lovely tension that sits nicely in between the action and all the story driven sequences and I found that I flitted from emotion to emotion. From feeling sad for his losses, Angry that he was wronged, Affection for his love Interests.... and a couple of spicy scenes that made me sit up a little straighter in my seat.
All In all I really enjoyed this book. It had a feeling of familiarity as it very much reminds me of a classic vampire tale.... but then it surprises you with some lovely new mysteries.
I really can't recommend this book enough!
And Can't wait to see were the next book takes me!
Liberty Boston (93 KP) rated Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel in Books
Mar 15, 2021
It's a very sad thing when the book you were so excited about lets you down. Such is the case with Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel. The book, written by A. W. Jantha is split into two parts.
Then.
Now.
Then is a novelization of the movie which I very much enjoyed. 90 percent of the dialogue is taken directly from the movie while there's just enough added detail to give the characters some new depth and set up for the second half of the book.
Now: the second half of the book, the sequel was...
well, It was disappointing.
How?
First, there's the bizarre jump from third person to first and later second POV.
It just throws you into Poppy's world with minimal backstory on who she is and why we should like her or her friends, Travis and Isabella.
Secondly, the characters are STUPID!
Stupid choices left, right, and, center.
As a writer, I understand there needs to be some way to kickstart the conflict but going to the Sanderson house has danger written all over it.
Oh, let's talk about the Sandersons,
The witches are back in all their evil glory with added sister Elizabeth who turned her back on the family legacy of darkness.
Then there's their mother. Their mother who they could not shut up about. Mother this and Mother that.
All the hype got me excited about Sanderson's sister's flashbacks. Backstory. Entire chapters dedicated to them.
it didn't happen.
I was treated to brief remembrances but no backstory.
Then the Mother who was so hyped up made a one chapter appearance before going kersplat.
WHAT WAS THE POINT??
You don't hype a character that much for them to do NOTHING.
The book gets by on nostalgia alone.
Don't even get me started on the bizarre and unneeded cliffhanger.
Very sad.
Then.
Now.
Then is a novelization of the movie which I very much enjoyed. 90 percent of the dialogue is taken directly from the movie while there's just enough added detail to give the characters some new depth and set up for the second half of the book.
Now: the second half of the book, the sequel was...
well, It was disappointing.
How?
First, there's the bizarre jump from third person to first and later second POV.
It just throws you into Poppy's world with minimal backstory on who she is and why we should like her or her friends, Travis and Isabella.
Secondly, the characters are STUPID!
Stupid choices left, right, and, center.
As a writer, I understand there needs to be some way to kickstart the conflict but going to the Sanderson house has danger written all over it.
Oh, let's talk about the Sandersons,
The witches are back in all their evil glory with added sister Elizabeth who turned her back on the family legacy of darkness.
Then there's their mother. Their mother who they could not shut up about. Mother this and Mother that.
All the hype got me excited about Sanderson's sister's flashbacks. Backstory. Entire chapters dedicated to them.
it didn't happen.
I was treated to brief remembrances but no backstory.
Then the Mother who was so hyped up made a one chapter appearance before going kersplat.
WHAT WAS THE POINT??
You don't hype a character that much for them to do NOTHING.
The book gets by on nostalgia alone.
Don't even get me started on the bizarre and unneeded cliffhanger.
Very sad.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Secret Legacy (The Windhaven Witches #1) in Books
Sep 11, 2020
Secret Legacy is the first book in The Windhaven Witches series and is full of quotes from Buffy, which I loved! Autumn thinks she is a 'normal' person and her mum encourages her to think that way. Her dad is supernatural but she doesn't have much to do with him. So imagine her surprise when she receives a full scholarship to a prestigious school that she never even applied for. She decides to go for it and then is swept away by forgotten memories, unknown abilities, and mysteries.
The one thing I wasn't too keen on is the Wade situation. Not only was it insta-love but there is seriously something off with that dude and Autumn never seems to notice! And please don't tell me about his silver eyes any more! I just can't cope!!
Apart from that, there was plenty here to keep me occupied and turning the pages. I would love to know more about the other main characters and the school Autumn is attending but, maybe, that is something that will follow in later books.
There are some usual tropes in this book - from normal girl with untold powers to slightly dodgy boyfriend - but it is entertaining. The world-building could do with some work as I have questions about how the supernatural fits into everything but, on the whole, it wasn't bad.
A great start to a new series and I can't wait to find out more. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The one thing I wasn't too keen on is the Wade situation. Not only was it insta-love but there is seriously something off with that dude and Autumn never seems to notice! And please don't tell me about his silver eyes any more! I just can't cope!!
Apart from that, there was plenty here to keep me occupied and turning the pages. I would love to know more about the other main characters and the school Autumn is attending but, maybe, that is something that will follow in later books.
There are some usual tropes in this book - from normal girl with untold powers to slightly dodgy boyfriend - but it is entertaining. The world-building could do with some work as I have questions about how the supernatural fits into everything but, on the whole, it wasn't bad.
A great start to a new series and I can't wait to find out more. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Charmed & Dangerous in Books
Apr 15, 2023
First off, I think this is the first anthology I've ever given a 5-star rating for! Normally it's a 4-star as some stories are better than others but going for the average, it's a 4-star. I did the same with this collection - some I liked more than others - but the average rating is still 5 stars. There are new authors here (for me at least) and now I'm very happy as I can go searching for more of their books.
There is a little bit of everything for everyone here - the common thread being MM romance. Some are new relationships, and some are already established, but each story is individual and very well-written. Some (but not all) of my favourites were 'A Queer Trade', 'The Thirteenth Hex' and 'The Soldati Prince'. All different, all brilliant, all thoroughly enjoyable.
I could mention each and every one but you'd become bored so all I will say is that if you know at least one of these authors and like their work, then I can highly recommend this collection. If you don't know any of these authors but like M/M Romance, then I can highly recommend this collection. If you like a variety of M/M stories including shapeshifters, witches, a vaguely steampunk-type story, alternate realities etc, then I can highly recommend this collection. I'm sure you're getting the idea by now so there you go. I highly recommend this collection and loved it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 25, 2015
There is a little bit of everything for everyone here - the common thread being MM romance. Some are new relationships, and some are already established, but each story is individual and very well-written. Some (but not all) of my favourites were 'A Queer Trade', 'The Thirteenth Hex' and 'The Soldati Prince'. All different, all brilliant, all thoroughly enjoyable.
I could mention each and every one but you'd become bored so all I will say is that if you know at least one of these authors and like their work, then I can highly recommend this collection. If you don't know any of these authors but like M/M Romance, then I can highly recommend this collection. If you like a variety of M/M stories including shapeshifters, witches, a vaguely steampunk-type story, alternate realities etc, then I can highly recommend this collection. I'm sure you're getting the idea by now so there you go. I highly recommend this collection and loved it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 25, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blackbird Rising (. The Witch Kings Crown book 1) in Books
Feb 16, 2022
29 of 230
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half - Blood Rising book 1) in Books
Jul 22, 2022
125 of 230
Kindle
The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half-Blood Rising book 1)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a rare halfblood among a race of witches and shifters, Freya has enjoyed living a quiet life away from the royal court of Lindoroth and among those who know little about her. She’s had the freedom to make her own choices, and fighting alongside the local marshals is just an added bonus.
When obligation arrives on her doorstep to remind her of promises made long ago, her quiet life comes to an end. With hardly time to say goodbye, Freya is whisked off to the capital city of Iladel to attend a prestigious royal academy with her peers, where appearances can be deceiving and connections are everything. While there, she’ll be reunited with her childhood friend, Prince Aerelius, and begin to experience life at the royal court in ways she never did as a girl.
As Freya and the prince dive into old routines and explore new feelings, they uncover the secrets and schemes that lurk below the court’s surface. When a secret is unveiled that changes everything, they must do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of their kingdom. If they fail, long-held alliances will shatter and war will come to the shores of their land, threatening all they hold dear.
I adore this author and this didn’t disappoint. I love the world and character builds and the story came to so well. I love the idea of the Valkyries they are fascinating. If I had one thing that maybe stopped it being a 5⭐️ was that it waited till the last 4 chapters before the action kicked in. Although the build up was still enough to make me want more.
Kindle
The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half-Blood Rising book 1)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a rare halfblood among a race of witches and shifters, Freya has enjoyed living a quiet life away from the royal court of Lindoroth and among those who know little about her. She’s had the freedom to make her own choices, and fighting alongside the local marshals is just an added bonus.
When obligation arrives on her doorstep to remind her of promises made long ago, her quiet life comes to an end. With hardly time to say goodbye, Freya is whisked off to the capital city of Iladel to attend a prestigious royal academy with her peers, where appearances can be deceiving and connections are everything. While there, she’ll be reunited with her childhood friend, Prince Aerelius, and begin to experience life at the royal court in ways she never did as a girl.
As Freya and the prince dive into old routines and explore new feelings, they uncover the secrets and schemes that lurk below the court’s surface. When a secret is unveiled that changes everything, they must do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of their kingdom. If they fail, long-held alliances will shatter and war will come to the shores of their land, threatening all they hold dear.
I adore this author and this didn’t disappoint. I love the world and character builds and the story came to so well. I love the idea of the Valkyries they are fascinating. If I had one thing that maybe stopped it being a 5⭐️ was that it waited till the last 4 chapters before the action kicked in. Although the build up was still enough to make me want more.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Amends (Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery #2) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
AMENDS is the second book in the Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery series and we continue where book one left off, so I recommend you read that one first.
Diana doesn't want to be the Oracle of Delphi any longer. After all, she has her own life now. Apollo tries to make her see things his way but she resists him all the way. The interaction between these two was hilarious and I loved every word.
Along with Blake and Ren, we are introduced to Kyros. Think crazy grand-dad who only wants what's best for Diana. Diana and crew help a young boy who manages to bring them all together, including Demetri who is still being off with Diana because of the whole Violet Flame debacle.
It didn't take me long to read this book as I was hooked from the outset. I can't wait to see more of Apollo and Diana. And Ren, well, let me just say I love reading about him, but I think he would drive me crazy if I knew him in real life!
The big bad has now been named and I can't wait to see the impact on future stories. Plus, knowing how Diana and co will sort things out. I may be wrong but it looks like there might be a crossover from Diana Hawthorne to the Windhaven Witches in book three, which is something to look forward to.
For a witty, fast-paced supernatural mystery, I can definitely recommend Amends and I can't wait for Immortals.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Diana doesn't want to be the Oracle of Delphi any longer. After all, she has her own life now. Apollo tries to make her see things his way but she resists him all the way. The interaction between these two was hilarious and I loved every word.
Along with Blake and Ren, we are introduced to Kyros. Think crazy grand-dad who only wants what's best for Diana. Diana and crew help a young boy who manages to bring them all together, including Demetri who is still being off with Diana because of the whole Violet Flame debacle.
It didn't take me long to read this book as I was hooked from the outset. I can't wait to see more of Apollo and Diana. And Ren, well, let me just say I love reading about him, but I think he would drive me crazy if I knew him in real life!
The big bad has now been named and I can't wait to see the impact on future stories. Plus, knowing how Diana and co will sort things out. I may be wrong but it looks like there might be a crossover from Diana Hawthorne to the Windhaven Witches in book three, which is something to look forward to.
For a witty, fast-paced supernatural mystery, I can definitely recommend Amends and I can't wait for Immortals.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Hadley (567 KP) rated Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1) in Books
Sep 3, 2019
Great story (1 more)
Witches and supernatural beings!
A lot of inconsistencies (1 more)
Bad writing
Given the great success of the 'Harry Potter' series, witchcraft has become a prevalent theme in most books written in the last decade. 'Beautiful Creatures' may not have a wizard school, but they do have the old town of Gatlin, South Carolina.
'Beautiful Creatures,' is a witchy novel series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, that brings the family of witches (among other supernatural creatures) to life: focusing on the niece, Lena, who just came to town to live with her shut-in uncle, Macon. Readers soon find out that Lena belongs to one of the oldest families in the Southern town of Gatlin.
Yet, the main character of this book isn't Lena, but a young man named Ethan Wate; a long time resident of Gatlin who attends the local high school. When we meet Ethan, we find out that he has been having dreams of a girl and a song for some time before Lena showed up, but when he overhears Lena playing the exact same song from his dream, he's sure it's her he's dreaming of.
Suddenly, the two, are able to communicate telepathically. This part is written in a way that is not believable for the reader because Ethan has been feeling that he is going crazy up until this point: hearing the song being played by Lena caused him to flee the school, as with some other things (not to give away too much), but when he can suddenly speak to Lena telepathically, it's as if this is completely normal to him. A more believable part would have had Ethan freaking out as he did before, maybe even more so.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Ethan finds an old locket out in a garden beside Macon's house. He and Lena are quickly transported to visions of a past event that happened nearby involving that very locket. For most of the book, the two are trying to find out more about this locket and who it belonged to. Each time Ethan and Lena touch the locket together, they are transported to another event in the same vision. They soon find out that the locket belonged to the loved one of a distant relative belonging to Lena's family from 1865. And as the reader continues, this locket and it's visions hold a very important key to the story.
Throughout the story, it's hinted at that Ethan may not just be a human, but may have some supernatural powers of his own, but unfortunately, this never comes to fruition. Being that this is the first of four books, and I have only read this one, the other books may bring light to this subject. Lena, on the other hand, is about to turn sixteen, and turning sixteen in her family means you will be 'claimed.' Lena explains: " 'In my family, when you turn sixteen, you're Claimed. Your fate is chosen for you, and you become Light, like Aunt Del and Reece, or you become Dark, like Ridley. Dark or Light, Black or White. There's no grey in my family. We can't choose, and we can't undo it once we're Claimed. ' " In summary, Lena's family either become good witches (or whatever supernatural being they are) or bad witches (and such). Lena, by family, is considered a Natural at this point, where she can control the weather, write on walls without her hands or a pen,and break glass at will, so they believe she is most likely to be a Light witch, and they try to reinforce this thought into her throughout the entire book.
'Beautiful Creatures' is a great story, but it has quite a few flaws. The flow of the story is good, but when you come across so many inconsistencies, it can break the connection between story and reader, such as Lena suddenly revealing that her family had a word for what they called the telepathic communication between her and Ethan:
" 'Who knew Kelting would save my life.'
I had missed something, as usual. 'What's Kelting?'
'That's what it's called, the way we're able to communicate with each other no matter where we are. Some Casters can Kelt, some can't. Ridley and I used to be able to talk to each other at school that way, but---' ." Up until this scene, the reader is left to believe that this has never happened to Lena before, so to just bring this out so suddenly leaves us to think that this was a quick add-on to give Lena and her sister, Ridley, more of a connection,. Another time is when the popular girls at the local high school have it out for Lena, Lena lets on that she can't face them, but the very next page she's telling Ethan that she has to:
" I tried to pull her up, but she pulled me back down. She shrunk back next to the tire. 'I just need a minute.'
'Are you okay?'
'Look at them. They think I'm a monster. They formed a club.'
'They can't stand outsiders, and you're the new girl. A window broke. They need someone to blame. This is just a ---'
'Witch hunt.'
I wasn't going to say that.
But you were thinking it.
I squeezed her hand and my hair stood on end.
You don't have to do this.
Yes I do. I let people like them run me out of my last school. I'm not going to let it happen again. "
The story continues with Lena fearing that she is going to go Dark, so her and Ethan come across a locket vision of a witchcraft book that may be of help called 'the Book of Moons.' This is, personally, one of my favorite parts of 'Beautiful Creatures' because, in order for them to get the book, they have to go to a specific grave and dig it up! In this very chapter, we get to see a ghost - and this is the only chapter we see a ghost - and it is done wonderfully:
" She was only partially materialized, a mix of cloudy haze and light, fading in and out as the air moved through her ghostly form, but there was no mistaking it. It was Genevieve, the woman in the painting. She had the same golden eyes and long, wavy red hair. Her hair blew gently in the wind, as if she was just a woman sitting on a bench at the bus stop, instead of an apparition sitting on a headstone in a graveyard. She was beautiful, even in her present state, and terrifying at the same time. "
The majority of the story involves Lena's family and Ethan trying everything they can to keep her from being claimed Dark. This seems to be a nod to reality, where all of us have a choice to be a good person or a bad person, but in 'Beautiful Creatures,' the authors play off of the fear that many people have: that they are just like their family, and have no control over who they are or will be. Overall, I believe readers of the 'Harry Potter' series would like this book, but would I read this again, although I gave it a very low rating? Yes, the story is that intriguing, but the writing could use quite a bit of work.
'Beautiful Creatures,' is a witchy novel series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, that brings the family of witches (among other supernatural creatures) to life: focusing on the niece, Lena, who just came to town to live with her shut-in uncle, Macon. Readers soon find out that Lena belongs to one of the oldest families in the Southern town of Gatlin.
Yet, the main character of this book isn't Lena, but a young man named Ethan Wate; a long time resident of Gatlin who attends the local high school. When we meet Ethan, we find out that he has been having dreams of a girl and a song for some time before Lena showed up, but when he overhears Lena playing the exact same song from his dream, he's sure it's her he's dreaming of.
Suddenly, the two, are able to communicate telepathically. This part is written in a way that is not believable for the reader because Ethan has been feeling that he is going crazy up until this point: hearing the song being played by Lena caused him to flee the school, as with some other things (not to give away too much), but when he can suddenly speak to Lena telepathically, it's as if this is completely normal to him. A more believable part would have had Ethan freaking out as he did before, maybe even more so.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Ethan finds an old locket out in a garden beside Macon's house. He and Lena are quickly transported to visions of a past event that happened nearby involving that very locket. For most of the book, the two are trying to find out more about this locket and who it belonged to. Each time Ethan and Lena touch the locket together, they are transported to another event in the same vision. They soon find out that the locket belonged to the loved one of a distant relative belonging to Lena's family from 1865. And as the reader continues, this locket and it's visions hold a very important key to the story.
Throughout the story, it's hinted at that Ethan may not just be a human, but may have some supernatural powers of his own, but unfortunately, this never comes to fruition. Being that this is the first of four books, and I have only read this one, the other books may bring light to this subject. Lena, on the other hand, is about to turn sixteen, and turning sixteen in her family means you will be 'claimed.' Lena explains: " 'In my family, when you turn sixteen, you're Claimed. Your fate is chosen for you, and you become Light, like Aunt Del and Reece, or you become Dark, like Ridley. Dark or Light, Black or White. There's no grey in my family. We can't choose, and we can't undo it once we're Claimed. ' " In summary, Lena's family either become good witches (or whatever supernatural being they are) or bad witches (and such). Lena, by family, is considered a Natural at this point, where she can control the weather, write on walls without her hands or a pen,and break glass at will, so they believe she is most likely to be a Light witch, and they try to reinforce this thought into her throughout the entire book.
'Beautiful Creatures' is a great story, but it has quite a few flaws. The flow of the story is good, but when you come across so many inconsistencies, it can break the connection between story and reader, such as Lena suddenly revealing that her family had a word for what they called the telepathic communication between her and Ethan:
" 'Who knew Kelting would save my life.'
I had missed something, as usual. 'What's Kelting?'
'That's what it's called, the way we're able to communicate with each other no matter where we are. Some Casters can Kelt, some can't. Ridley and I used to be able to talk to each other at school that way, but---' ." Up until this scene, the reader is left to believe that this has never happened to Lena before, so to just bring this out so suddenly leaves us to think that this was a quick add-on to give Lena and her sister, Ridley, more of a connection,. Another time is when the popular girls at the local high school have it out for Lena, Lena lets on that she can't face them, but the very next page she's telling Ethan that she has to:
" I tried to pull her up, but she pulled me back down. She shrunk back next to the tire. 'I just need a minute.'
'Are you okay?'
'Look at them. They think I'm a monster. They formed a club.'
'They can't stand outsiders, and you're the new girl. A window broke. They need someone to blame. This is just a ---'
'Witch hunt.'
I wasn't going to say that.
But you were thinking it.
I squeezed her hand and my hair stood on end.
You don't have to do this.
Yes I do. I let people like them run me out of my last school. I'm not going to let it happen again. "
The story continues with Lena fearing that she is going to go Dark, so her and Ethan come across a locket vision of a witchcraft book that may be of help called 'the Book of Moons.' This is, personally, one of my favorite parts of 'Beautiful Creatures' because, in order for them to get the book, they have to go to a specific grave and dig it up! In this very chapter, we get to see a ghost - and this is the only chapter we see a ghost - and it is done wonderfully:
" She was only partially materialized, a mix of cloudy haze and light, fading in and out as the air moved through her ghostly form, but there was no mistaking it. It was Genevieve, the woman in the painting. She had the same golden eyes and long, wavy red hair. Her hair blew gently in the wind, as if she was just a woman sitting on a bench at the bus stop, instead of an apparition sitting on a headstone in a graveyard. She was beautiful, even in her present state, and terrifying at the same time. "
The majority of the story involves Lena's family and Ethan trying everything they can to keep her from being claimed Dark. This seems to be a nod to reality, where all of us have a choice to be a good person or a bad person, but in 'Beautiful Creatures,' the authors play off of the fear that many people have: that they are just like their family, and have no control over who they are or will be. Overall, I believe readers of the 'Harry Potter' series would like this book, but would I read this again, although I gave it a very low rating? Yes, the story is that intriguing, but the writing could use quite a bit of work.