An Imperfect Witch

 

 An Imperfect Witch (Witch Central, #1)
by Debora Geary

250 Pages
Published September 18, 2013

The tattoos on your heart matter more than the ones on your skin.

Two years ago, Lizard Monroe was Berkeley's newest delinquent on parole. Now she's a hot young realtor with a great life, an awesome guy, and enough friends to chase away the ghosts of her past.

Almost.

The crystal ball has spoken - life isn't done messing with her yet. And neither is the need brewing in the eyes of the man she loves.

The eve of Halloween approaches. And whatever the sexy poet realtor wants to believe, moving beyond your past isn't the same as facing the future.

This is the first book in my new Witch Central series, featuring my well-loved clan of modern witches and those who love them. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

* * *

Ah, Lizard. I'm beyond excited that Ms. Geary's newest book revolves around Lizard. (I know I keep saying things about "one of my favorite characters" - and you're probably thinking that every one of these characters is a favorite. Well, not every one, but I will admit there are a lot of them.)

I love the way Lizard finds a teen who's almost living on the streets and tries to help this girl the way Witch Central has helped her. And this teen will throw all sorts of wrenches into Lizard's life. As will a number of other things, by the way.

As with all the other books my Ms. Geary, I was unable to put this down until I was done - and was left wishing for more.

5/5 stars

Witches in Flight

 

Witches in Flight (WitchLight Trilogy, #3)
by Debora Geary

413 Pages
Published March 26, 2012

Ghosts from Lizard's past--and the man who wants to be her future.

The empty places in Elsie's soul--and the temptations of raspberry-laced courage.

Walk once more with Jennie's students as they come to the end of their WitchLight journeys.

 * * *

I need more!  I just can't leave these characters!  I'm so happy that the new series addresses this issue!  Seeing how Lizard and Elsie have made their journey and uncovered potential has been wonderful!  It's so fun to see what might be in store for each of them.  It's a good reminder that change and opportunity can come in many shapes and sizes.   Even when it seems scary, we can help each other through.  I love Jennie's insight and the people she chooses to assist her.  Wonderful writing!

5/5 stars

Witches Under Way

 

Witches Under Way (WitchLight Trilogy, #2)
by Debora Geary

419 Pages
Published January 26, 2012

Lizard and Elsie are under way, but the WitchLight journey isn't an easy one.

There are bumps and obstacles inside their own hearts.

There are meddling witches, helpful knitters, and a fearsome duo with water pistols.

And there is the greatest challenge of all... the one they will pick for each other.

* * *

I love this portion of Lizard and Elsie's stories.  Both are struggling and trying to work things out.  What they don't expect is the way their stories weave together.  They find ways to help each other and by so doing, learn more about themselves.  We should all be doing that!  The sense of community and people rallied to help these women find their way is wonderful!  I want to move in too!

5/5 stars

Witches on Parole

 

Witches on Parole (WitchLight Trilogy, #1)
by Debora Geary

421 Pages
Published September 13, 2011

World-famous (and now retired) photographer Jenvieve Adams has a debt to repay—and a soft spot for witches who have lost their way. Or so she thinks, until they actually show up.

Join some of the cast of characters from the very successful A Modern Witch series as they take on a new kind of journey as guides for WitchLight. What happens when an obsessive psychologist and a wordsmithing delinquent get dropped into Witch Central?

Note: Witches on Parole is a spin-off trilogy, set in the world of the A Modern Witch series. This trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, but if you haven’t yet read A Modern Witch, you might consider doing so—many of the characters featured in Witches on Parole get their start in the main series. For those who are already fans of the main series, this book falls between book 2 and 3, but can easily be read anytime after book 1.

* * *

Oh, dear. I wish I lived in these books. While that about sums it up, I'll go on. Just because I can. :)

We first meet Aunt Jennie - an amazing-beyond-imagining photographer. Then, rather quickly, Lizard and Elsie arrive on-scene. And what an impression they make!

Lizard loves words, has impressive tattoos, and a love for cooking (make your biscuits by shredding frozen butter - Lizard swears by it!). Oh, and she's on parole.

Elsie is a tight-laced psychologist looking for an opportunity for service - she certainly doesn't expect the experience she's in for!

5/5 stars

A Lost Witch

A Lost Witch (A Modern Witch, #7)
by Debora Geary

269 Pages
Published June 19, 2013

Hannah Kendrick has spent the last twelve years fighting for her sanity. And the doctor who has stood by her side has run out of options.

A small computer tracking spell will find Hannah—but can Witch Central save her?

This is the seventh and final book in the bestselling A Modern Witch series, but have no fear – your favorite characters will be back in September with the launch of the Witch Central series. Lots of witchy love, laughter, and tears yet to come :).

* * *

When I started this book, I was intrigued to see how it would all tie together.  It's unusual and heartbreaking while still being full of hope.  I love how Witch Central rallies to rescue Hannah while trying to stay aware of her needs.  Hannah really touched me.  I've seen people who've lost pieces of themselves- both for the better and for the worse.  Hannah is different without knowing why but manages to hold herself together in hopes of change.  She found her place to belong and was able to begin healing.  

I think many people can relate in some way to Hannah.  While most people's examples aren't as dramatic, many people struggle to find where they belong.  Many lose pieces of themselves along the way.  I love Hannah's story and how she holds on through her challenges.

5/5

Swordfights & Lullabies

 

Swordfights & Lullabies (A Modern Witch, #6.5)
by Debora Geary

Published April 19, 2013

A bachelor curmudgeon, a Celtic witch, and an adorable wee girl with lavender eyes. Join them in the last days of the Swordfights & Lullabies tour - and see what love has wrought.

This is a short read, about the length of two chapters in the Modern Witch series books. Not a short story, really - more like a snapshot. The chance to share a few special moments with some of your favorite witches.

It should be read after A Celtic Witch. Enjoy!

* * *

That sweet girl on the cover could tell you just about everything you need to know about this story. We catch glimpses into a relationship I desperately wanted more of, and couldn't be more thrilled. Unless it was longer, of course.  :)  I'll always take more!

A Celtic Witch

A Celtic Witch (A Modern Witch, #6)
by Deobra Geary

Published March 16, 2013

Cassidy Farrell is a world-class Celtic fiddler. And if she has her way, that's exactly who she'll stay.

Except that's not what the rocks have in mind. Or a certain fetching spell. Or the truth working its way free in her own heart.

Can the music, and perhaps a certain grumpy curmudgeon and his baby girl, help Cass find her life's new song?

A Celtic Witch is book six of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

* * *

Choosing between these books is like choosing between children - but this one might just be my very favorite of them all.

I adore Cassidy, and the way she interacts with another of my favorite characters, Marcus - and his girl child. Could I love Cassidy because she's a musician? Well, duh. As a musician, I'm able to really relate to her. But that's not the only reason, there are tons of others!

This book reinforces my desire to dive into these books and live amongst the phenomenal characters.

5/5 stars

A Different Witch

 

A Different Witch (A Modern Witch, #5)
by Debora Geary

Published December 2012

Witch Central welcomes everyone. Or does it?

Twenty months ago, Jamie and Lauren crashed a coven meeting in Chicago - a visit they barely remember. For Beth Landler, it was the moment that fractured her circle and awakened her need for an entirely different kind of magic.

The kind only found in Witch Central. If she can dig up the courage to go.

A Different Witch is book five of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

* * *

I'm not quite sure where to start with this one. At first, I'll admit, I was a bit stand-off-ish. Why? Because it hit just a little too close to home for me. But it grew on me quickly, and I read it as quickly as the others. (Which means I was done in a day.)

Beth has Asperger's, which is part of what makes her so different from the witches in the heart of Witch Central. When Beth goes there to learn things she feels a need - and desire - to know, it's hard for some of the members of Witch Central to accept her. Especially Nell, who is kind of the heartbeat of the community. She doesn't want to be unaccepting, but finds certain things very hard to rise above.

As the mother of an autistic child, this book hit on many struggles and judgments/prejudices that are a daily part of life for us. Which is probably why so many tears were shed in the reading of it.

A Nomadic Witch

 

A Nomadic Witch (A Modern Witch, #4)
by Debora Geary

263 Pages
Published June 21, 2012

Spring brings a traveler to Nova Scotia - a tiny babe who will turn Marcus's life upside down and reincarnate the horrifying events of his past.

Can Marcus find his way through the pain to love and healing? And can the witching community finally learn to keep their astral travelers safe?

A Nomadic Witch is book four of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

* * *

Oh, Marcus. The quintessential tortured soul. This book centers around our sad, grouchy witch. (Shh! don't tell - he's one of my very favorite characters!)

In this book, Marcus becomes responsible for a heart-stealing little munchkin. And then has to keep her safe, because she's what's called an astral traveler. Marcus takes it upon himself to protect her - and in the process, protect all astral travelers.

I have to pipe in here with something that doesn't just apply to this book: I LOVE the way Ms. Geary utilizes terms such as "girl child" and "brother/sister of mine," etc. These books are so rich, on so many levels!

5/5 stars

A Witch Central Wedding

 

A Witch Central Wedding (A Modern Witch, #3.5)
by Debora Geary

32 Pages
Published July 30, 2012

It's a Witch Central wedding - and you're invited :).

This is a short read, about the length of two chapters in my series books. Not a short story, really - more like a snapshot. The chance to share in an important moment in the lives of your favorite witches.

This should be read between A Reckless Witch and A Nomadic Witch. Enjoy the wedding!

* * *

I was so glad to find this book!  When A Reckless Witch ended I just needed more!  This book feels like a hug to me- so full of love, joy, and the people we want to share it with.  Lauren's wedding day is depicted so well- I feel like I was there!  This is a must-read for anyone who'd addicted to Witch Central!

5/5 stars

A Reckless Witch

 

A Reckless Witch (A Modern Witch, #3)
by Debora Geary

304 Pages
Published 2011

As a child, Sierra Brighton traveled the world. She swam with the baby whales, danced in storm funnels, and lived in complete magical freedom. And then Momma died and Sierra ended up in foster care, an unhappy and very secret witch.

Fetched by Nell's spell, she'll no longer need to do magic on lonely beaches - but can Sierra learn to use her power safely? Or will her reckless blood put Witch Central at risk?

* * *

I love Sierra's story!  She has such a strong spirit and has stood alone for so long.  I love how she's pulled into the heart of Witch Central and doesn't quite know how to react.  It's hard for anyone to see their faults and learn to change so she's easy to relate to.  I really enjoyed this book!

5/5

A Hidden Witch

 

A Hidden Witch (A Modern Witch, #2)
by Debora Geary

300 pages
Published 2011

Elorie Shaw, steeped in the traditions of the Nova Scotia witching community, but not a witch. The fetching spell must have goofed this time... or did it? Travel to Fisher's Cove, Nova Scotia, where Moira is matriarch and the old ways are nurtured and passed to the next generation. Where a crotchety old witch makes small children cry and builds walls around the silent pain in his heart. And where Elorie - sea-glass artist, inn owner, and Moira's granddaughter - makes her home. The old magics are strong here. Which is all fine and good until the fetching spell pulls Elorie into Witches' Chat. Because she's not a witch. Or at least not any kind of witch the old ways recognize...

* * *

In this book, my heart immediately went out to Elorie. Always wishing and hoping to be a witch, and never coming into her powers - only to be told by a computer that she really was a witch.

I love that despite her secret desires, Elorie found herself a place in the witching community of Fisher's Cove, Nova Scotia where she was helpful, and needed.

Fisher's Cove is an absolutely amazing place. Yes, I'm speaking as if I've been there! Don't tell me I haven't.  :)  I've spent so much time there in my dreams.

And we meet another of my favorite characters in this book - Marcus, the "crotchety old witch [who] makes small children cry."

There are great things in store in this book!

5/5 stars

A Modern Witch

 

A Modern Witch
by Debora Geary

304 Pages
Published 2011

Can you live 28 years without discovering you're a witch? — Lauren is downtown Chicago's youngest elite realtor. She's also a witch. She must be - the fetching spell for Witches' Chat isn't supposed to make mistakes. So says the woman who coded the spell, at least. — The tall, dark, and handsome guy sent to assess her is a witch too (and no, that doesn't end the way you might think). What he finds in Lauren will change lives, mess with a perfectly good career, and require lots of ice cream therapy.

* * *

A Modern Witch is the fun, magical adventure of a young realtor/newbie witch, her best friend and the witching community seeking to help her discover her talents.  They are such wonderful characters- I want them to be real so I can be their friend too!  I love that the setting is now, with the witches blending modern life and the traditions fitting a magical heritage.  I will definitely be reading the next book... and the next... and the next...

5/5 stars

Matilda

by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Paperback, 240 pages

Published June 1st 1998 by Puffin (first published 1988)

Matilda is a little girl who is far too good to be true. At age five-and-a-half she's knocking off double-digit multiplication problems and blitz-reading Dickens. Even more remarkably, her classmates love her even though she's a super-nerd and the teacher's pet. But everything is not perfect in Matilda's world. For starters she has two of the most idiotic, self-centered parents who ever lived. Then there's the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Mrs. ("The") Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer. Fortunately for Matilda, she has the inner resources to deal with such annoyances: astonishing intelligence, saintly patience, and an innate predilection for revenge.

She warms up with some practical jokes aimed at her hapless parents, but the true test comes when she rallies in defense of her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, against the diabolical Trunchbull. There is never any doubt that Matilda will carry the day. Even so, this wonderful story is far from predictable. Roald Dahl, while keeping the plot moving imaginatively, also has an unerring ear for emotional truth. The reader cares about Matilda because in addition to all her other gifts, she has real feelings.

***

This is such a fun story with colorful characters and a great plot!  The writing is descriptive and brings the story alive.  It's a kid's dream- to suddenly have the magic to take on the evil adults in their lives.  I love it!

5/5 stars

To Have and To Code

 

To Have and To Code (A Modern Witch, #0.5)
by Debora Geary

364 Pages
Published September 12, 2012

Nell Sullivan is fiery, easily distracted by cookies, and doomed to wear the peach monstrosity at her best friend’s wedding.

And she’s a witch.

Daniel Walker is a former baseball player turned bored hacker looking for a challenge. Hacking Nell's online gaming world is going to get him a lot more than he bargained for.

A prophecy says they will make babies together – but when it comes to the love life of a modern witch and a hacker, prophecy might not get a vote.

* * *

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book.  These characters have been my friends and I didn't want to be disappointed by their younger days.  I shouldn't have been worried- I completely loved this book!  The story was fun and made me love the characters even more.  The prophecy added another aspect that made the story addicting!  I definitely recommend this one!

5/5 stars

Always a Witch (revisited)

Always a Witch (Witch #2)

by Carolyn MacCullough

Hardcover, 288pages

Published August 1st 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The adventures of Tam and Gabriel continue with more time travel, Talents, spy work, and of course, the evil Knights.

Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

***

I didn't realize this book was part of a series so I hadn't read the first book. That having been said, Always a Witch can totally stand alone. I never felt like I was missing background information or details that would've changed my experience with this book. The plot is really fun and creative with lots of unique lines. While I was reading, I was asked a few times what was so funny because I was laughing out loud! It was fun to see the variety and different natures of the Talents held by the characters. I love how the prophecy given by Tamsin's grandmother drives the story, answers long-held questions and ultimately ties together Tamsin's past, present and future. Even though I know how the story ends, I am definitely reading the first book, Once a Witch, as soon as I can!

4/5 stars

Once a Witch (revisited)

Once a Witch (Witch #1)

by Carolyn MacCullough

Hardcover, 292 pages

Published September 14th 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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.

***

Overall, I really enjoyed Once a Witch. The first chapters set the stage for the plot but seemed a little slow to me. To be fair, that could be because I read the sequel, Always a Witch first so I was ready to jump in with the fun style which develops later in the first book and continues in the second. You can find my review of Always a Witch here. The plot is fun and the characters are personable. I think many people can relate to Tamsin, the main character. She doesn't quite fit in the world she's born into and is searching for a way to find her own life while looking for a way to be accepted by her family. I liked the plot development and by the end I was hooked!

4/5 stars

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

First published 1958

Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!

***

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a classic that I throughly enjoy every time I read it!  It's one of those timeless books about a girl struggling to find her place in the world she finds herself in.  I love how the friendships develop and shape her life- so true for all of us.  

5/5 stars 

The Witches (Revisited)

The Witches

by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Paperback, 208 pages

Published 1985 by Puffin Books (first published January 1st 1983)

This Roald Dahl classic tells the scary, funny and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real-life witches! "In fairy tales witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks and they ride on broomsticks. But this is not a fairy tale. This is about REAL WITCHES. REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ordinary jobs. That is why they are so hard to catch." Witches, as our hero learns, hate children. With the help of a friend and his somewhat-magical grandmother, our hero tries to expose the witches before they dispose of him.

***

This is a fun book for all ages with a creative plot and fun characters.  Luke's adventures to save the children are very entertaining.  I also like the overall thought that people are not always what they seem- both good and bad qualities- so you need to dig deeper to find out who they really are.  (besides, what if there really are witches?)

5/5 stars

Penumbras (Revisited)

We originally posted this review in August 2013. However, with our Witch Watch going on this month, we're going to revisit some of our favorite witchy reviews, as well as introducing you to some new witch books. Enjoy!

Penumbras
by Braden Bell

Conner, Lexa, and Melanie are back! Just when they think life is normal again, a dangerous shadow creature begins to hunt them. The trio must develop their powers in order to conquer this new peril and protect their school. Filled with action and even more magic, this book continues the exciting adventure in the Middle School Magic series.

Conner Dell didn't meant to blow up the school bus.

Or the bathrooms. In fact, he only wanted to go to sleep and possibly dream about Melanie Stephens. But explosions had a funny way of happening when Conner and his friends were around.

***

Conner Dell wants to be good--he really does. But he is terrified that he might be turning into a Darkhand, especially when new powers start to surface. What's worse, the Stalker is following Conner, but no one else seems to be able to see him. The Magi think he might be hallucinating, the guilt of what happened in the Shadowbox keeps weighing on him, and his relationship with Melanie Stephens is complicating things. Even for a Magi, Conner knows his life is anything but normal. 

* * *

This is a great addition to the first book, The Kindling. We get to delve deeper into the characters, they have more internal struggles as well.

A big part of this book deals with Conner, and his fight with the darkness he senses within himself. However, parents don't need to worry - everything is age appropriate -- including the start of a romance.

The first book got me attached to the characters (one of the teachers in particular), and you really do care about what happens to them. There's a place near the end where -- yes, I'll admit it -- there were tears running down my face. Yes, I saw it coming, but that didn't make it any less real.

If you haven't started this series yet, you really should.

5/5 stars

The Kindling (Rivisited)

We originally posted this review in July 2012. However, with our Witch Watch going on this month, we're going to revisit some of our favorite witchy reviews, as well as introducing you to some new witch books. Enjoy!


The Kindling
by Braden Bell

304 pages
Published July 10, 2012

This book was provided by the publisher, Cedar Fort, in exchange for an honest review.

All thirteen-year-old Conner Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Conner’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

This fast-paced novel is non-stop fun for kids and parents alike. With characters you can’t help but root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of humor, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride from cover to cover!

* * *

This is one of the better middle grade books out there. Full of mystery, adventure, and (dare I say it?) magic, this book is full of excitement.

The characters are jump-off-the-page real, and they're great! I'd love to have them living next door. Well, maybe not . . . I don't really want the Darkhands to show up in my neighborhood.

Parents will like the way the story includes good morals (honoring decisions made by the parents, looking out for siblings/friends, not getting bogged down by self pity, teachers who aren't evil, etc.). Kids will enjoy the age-old fight of good vs. evil, and probably won't even notice on a conscious level those things the parents will appreciate.

This is great writing, and a wonderful story

4.5/5 stars

Alchemystic

 

Alchemystic (The Spellmason Chronicles, #1)
by Anton Strout

292 pages
Published September 25, 2012

AN OLD FRIEND OF THE FAMILY…
Alexandra Belarus is a struggling artist living in New York City, even though her family is rich in real estate, including a towering Gothic Gramercy Park building built by her great-great-grandfather. But the truth of her bloodline is revealed when she is attacked on the street and saved by an inhumanly powerful winged figure. A figure who knows the Belarus name…

Lexi’s great-great-grandfather was a Spellmason—an artisan who could work magic on stone. But in his day, dark forces conspired against him and his, so he left a spell of protection on his family. Now that Lexi is in danger, the spell has awoken her ancestor’s most trusted and fearsome creation: a gargoyle named Stanis.

Lexi and Stanis are equally surprised to find themselves bound to each other. But as they learn to work together, they realize that only united can they save the city they both love…

* * *

This is a fantastic book, cute and fun with a great story.

I love Alexandra - and Stanis is a  character I'd like to meet, even if he IS a grotesque. Alexandra's friends are the best kind of friends - the kind who stick by you no matter what. And all those geeky references? I was in heaven!

This should be on everyone's shelf!

5/5 stars

Poltergeeks (Revisited)

We originally posted this review in September 2012. However, with our Witch Watch going on this month, we're going to revisit some of our favorite witchy reviews, as well as introducing you to some new witch books. Enjoy!


Poltergeeks
by Sean Cummings

288 pages
Published October 2012

This is a pre-release review. Thanks to the publisher, Strange Chemistry, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book early!

15-year-old Julie Richardson is about to learn that being the daughter of a witch isn't all it's cracked up to be. When she and her best friend, Marcus, witness an elderly lady jettisoned out the front door of her home, it's pretty obvious to Julie there's a supernatural connection.

In fact, there's a whisper of menace behind increasing levels of poltergeist activity all over town. After a large-scale paranormal assault on Julie's high school, her mother falls victim to the spell Endless Night. Now it's a race against time to find out who is responsible or Julie won't just lose her mother's soul, she'll lose her mother's life.

* * *

This is my first experience reading a book by Mr. Cummings, and I'm beyond thrilled by it.

A fantastic opening, I have to say. It drew me right in. (After all, a poltergeist kicking a person out of their home doesn't happen every day!) I absolutely had to find out what happened next. What happened was that I held onto the book a little tighter and refused to put it down. This book has a place on my small list of single-sitting reads.

I'm in love with the characters. Julie is phenomenal, and you seriously care what happens to her. And Marcus? Well, let me just say that it's clear from the start that he's interested in Julie, and that he'll be there for her even if she has no clue (or doesn't feel the same). Julie's mother, while a key element of the book, is a background character for much of the story, but that didn't stop Cummings from making her a great character.

The conflict could have been made melodramatic, but it was handled so well that I never got that "overdone" feeling.

An absolute MUST read! Mr. Cummings, once on your reader radar, should never be removed. I can't wait for the next installment.

5/5 stars