Book Review: Old Magic by Marianne Curley

Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing, but Kate Warren doesn't know why.

The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom.

Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey -- one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

What i thought: Marianne Curley definately knows how to write a mesmorizing story. From the moment i picked this up, i could not seem to put it down. Jarrod's stubborness and Katie's odd qualities make it all the more enjoyable. This thrilling novel ultimately proves the one thing many doubt: the good never lose; the bad never win. I was literally chewing my nails as i read to reach the resolution--surprising as it was--as there was only one way for anything to be resolved: death. And boy did it happen.

Curley easily weaves in the peculiar qualities of Medievel Britain with the current-day teens. I personally loved the historical aspect to the novel, especially when it didn't disrupt the story's flow. In many ways, the combination of history and modern lives helped the story, captivating the reader in ways unimaginable. Katie and Jarrod's unsurprisingly intense relationship truly strengthens the plot and becomes the story's back bone in many ways, and even in times when the plot becomes slow, it provides a reason to continue--something i particularly enjoyed about Marianne Curley's writing style: there was always a reason to read more.

Overall, this book is a thoroughly thrilling read that will not disappoint. If you enjoy this novel, i recommend the Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray and Marianne Curley's other novels.

POSTED BY Leah :)

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power by L.J. Smith

Caught in the struggle between good and evil . . .
Cassie has joined the most alluring—and deadly—in-crowd imaginable. But power comes with a price, and it's more dangerous than she knows. Torn between the dueling desires of the two leaders of the Secret Grcle, she must ultimately choose between saving all of New Salem, and her own dangerous love for the bewitching Adam, which threatens to tear the circle apart. In the ultimate battle between good and evil, will Cassie's supernatural powers be strong enough to lead the coven out of danger? Or will she foil prey to the dark forces within?
. . . will she sacrifice her love for the circle to survive?

What i thought: this book is amazing. It is one of those books that you have to read, with all the drama, passion, forbiddon love and everything you just can't get enough of; sort of like Twilight with a twist: they're witches. They draw in attention, and sometimes not JUST because theyre attractive (yes, the guys are sexy--okay, not Sean or the Henderson brothers, just Adam and Nick, but still--and the girls are pretty attractive. . . especially Faye and Diana). They seem odd, and form this clique that basically rules the school; Faye being the one who rules the guys. Usually the taken ones. Nobody questions their authority. The Club is the ULTIMATE clique, but there's a hitch: You have to be from Crow Haven Road to join. Not only that, but you have to be a WITCH.

The only thing that i dislike a bit is that you have to get the other book in order to keep going from where it ended. The books with in the omnibus usually tend to end in the middle of scenes, sometimes even CONVERSATIONS. I wish Smith just kept it to one book, but then again I love the suspense. And, i must say, L.J. Smith is an AMAZING Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy writer. All of her books are filled with suspense and surprises; LJ Smith really delivers. This book will have you hooked untill you turn the last page .

You will hang on to each and every word, and the Secret Circle will be in your mind LONG after you turn the last page; I highly reccomend it.

The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power is the second book in this amazing series, and before you read this one, you must read the first: The Secret Cirlcle: The Initiation and The Captive. If you enjoy these books, i recomend The Vampire Diaries or The Night World also by L.J. Smith, and The House of Night novels by P.C. + Kristen Cast (and vice-versa).



POSTED BY THE TruNerd