Review: Enchanted to Meet You

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jessica started casting spells when she was a teenager and many went sideways.  It has been fifteen years since she was told she could never join the World Council of Witches, yet Derrick has come to her small town to tell her she is the Chosen One.  She must help the Light defeat the darkness that is about to arrive.  Who is Derrick?  Does Jessica have what it takes to save her town?  

Enchanted to Meet You is the first book in the Witches of West Harbor series.  This supernatural rom-com is light and funny, but it does have one very descriptive intimate scene … but only one.  I almost felt as if the story went too quickly and I finished wanting more.  This story is complete (not a cliffhanger), but the story arch has been created for an entire series for Jessica and some other characters.  A fun witchy story in a world full of dark novels.

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Review: Champion of Fate

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reed may be an orphan, but she is not without family.  She has been preparing to be an Aristene and has finally become an initiate.  She has one large task … make sure her first hero finds glory.  If successful, she will be an Aristene and stand tall beside her sisters.  If her first hero fails, she will be forced to leave the only family she has left.  Reed has grand plans, but her hero, Hestion, is not what she bargained for.  What secrets about becoming an Aristene will be uncovered?  Will Hestion be the hero Reed needs him to be?

Champion of Fate is the first book in the Heromaker series.  This fantasy adventure has the making of a grand storyline and although there is some worldbuilding at the beginning of the book, it was artfully included and didn’t feel like drudgery.  Blake has created characters that are easy to relate to, even though I have never gone through the ordeals experienced throughout this tale.  A great start for what will be a fun series.

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Review: Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enola is enjoying her life.  She is living independently (and not hiding from her brothers), attending classes, and (still) helping people find lost things.  When Rudyard Kipling’s friend disappears, he goes to Enola’s office asking for help … but won’t hire her because she is female.  Enola takes this as a personal challenge and decides to look for Balestier herself, even though Kipling has hired her brother, Sherlock.  What happened to Balestier?  Who will find out first?

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose is the ninth book in the Enola Holmes series.  The great thing about this series is you can read any of the books independently and still have a wonderful experience, yet those who read the books in order are rewarded with extra insight and background information.  Springer has crafted a character that is easy to relate to and even though this is written for the younger reader, readers of all ages will enjoy this work.

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Review: Reign

Reign by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The American royal family is falling apart.  Queen Beatrice is in a coma and her brother is regent in her place.  Princess Samantha has run away, and no one knows where she is.  Many in America liked this arrangement, they wanted a king on the throne anyway.  Others are hoping this is just temporary … they believe that Beatrice will wake up and retake her place on the throne.  What will happen to the royal family now? 

Reign is the fourth and final book in the American Royals series.  The story is told in alternating voices so readers will have a very wide view of things that are going on.  Most of the issues are presented in the first few chapters and the the story steamrolls its way without much effort.  I know I had my pick for who would end up on the throne, yet readers will need to make their own choice, and either be happy or disappointed with the results.  A strong conclusion to a fun series.

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Review: The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel by Michael Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sophie and Josh are working their summer jobs when they are plunged into a battle that has been happening for centuries … literally.  It turns out that Nicholas Flamel is Josh’s employer, and he is over 600 years old.  Nicholas discovered the Book of Abraham the Mage (better known as the Codex) and has been brewing the elixir of life every month for centuries.  Dr. John Dee is a former student of Nicholas and has been hunting him in order to take the Codex for himself.  Who else will join this adventure?  What hidden truths will the twins uncover? 

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel is a reimagining of the original tale.  Readers who have enjoyed the Alchemyst series will find this adventure just as appealing.  Those who are new to the story will be clamoring for more.  The graphics are wonderful, and the story is great, but readers should know that this is almost all character development and leaves everyone without a lot of answers.  A good adaptation and I can’t wait for the next installment.

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Review: The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade by Claudia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Audrey has moved to a new town and must attend a new school.  Lucky for Audrey, she makes friends right away; unlucky for Audrey, she discovers a haunted mansion near her house.  These three teens decide they want to figure out why Audrey has waking dreams and sees ghosts.  While all of this is going on, Audrey is trying to deal with her boyfriend being a distance away and the fears/anxieties she is constantly overwhelmed with.  What is with this haunted mansion?  Why does Audrey go into fugue states and finish with a key?

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade is a stand-alone novel based on the Disney Ride.  I will be honest and say that I have not been to Disney in over 15 years, so I don’t know this ride, yet I still enjoyed this book.  The characters were fun to get to know and the storyline was easy to follow.  I’m sure there are hidden gems for those who have experienced the ride, though.  This adventure is quick, and the topics are light yet also important.  A fun read for all ages. 

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Review: Mister Magic

Mister Magic by Kiersten White
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mister Magic was a long-running TV show with a strong fan base.  Even after the show is mysteriously canceled after an accident, fans can’t seem to forget the lessons they learned.  No one can find copies of the videos or knows who the host was.  There were five cast members who were known as the Circle of Friends who didn’t stay in touch but felt something was missing.  It has been thirty years and the Circle of Friends are getting together for a podcast about the show.  What secrets will they discover about the show?  What is waiting for them at the remote desert compound where the show was filmed?

 

Mister Magic is a standalone thriller that was a little confusing as the characters were introduced but smoothed out as the story progressed.  There is a lot to take in and digest about the topics presented. This is defiantly not a light read. I found myself rereading some pages at the end to make sure I understood what was going on. Fans of thrillers will enjoy this book but don’t rush it to the top of your TBR pile. 

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