Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 488 Pages

Published: May 1, 2009

Series: Glass

            1. Storm Glass

            2. Sea Glass

            3. Spy Glass

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed… - powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

  

My Review:

Opal Cowen is a glassmaker and a magician in training. She isn't like other magicians who have multiple talents, instead she has only one: she is able to trap magic within a glass. So that's the basic story line of this book. I would give you all more details about the plot, but I don't really know what they are. The story has multiple events taking place at the same time and somehow they all connect together, but I just couldn't see it. For the most part the beginning was engaging and did catch my attention. However, I found it to be boring and too long by the middle of the book and when I actually got to the end I struggled to finish this book.

The characters were not bad, but I just wasn't able to connect with them on any level. This is what made this book boring for me. I like books with characters that I can connect with or ones that fascinate me. However, most of the characters in this story were just okay. Plus the romance was little and I was expecting there to be a lot more than what I got. Overall, this book is alright for those of you who like magic and don't mind a book being long. I was just irritated at the amount of pages and details that I had to read because I wasn't getting any information on the actual plot. Even though I did not enjoy reading this particular book the concept was interesting. So if this is something that fascinates you as a reader, then by all means give this book a shot. 

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 317 Pages

Published: November 8, 2011

Series: Magic Most Foul

1. Darker Still

2. The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie       Stewart

3. The Double Life of Incorporate Things

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

I was obsessed.

It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable...utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.

There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.

I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bound together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. Unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still.

My Review:

            What the heck!? The titles for the second and third book are preposterous!!! I mean its a mouth full: The Twisted Tragedy vyasdskjdslkjf'kdjfwijf... That right there is the first thing that makes me not want to continue reading this series! The first book was bad enough, but the titles just ruined this book for me! I don't even...I just.. WHAT!?

           

            Darker Still was fascinating for the first couple of chapters and then it started to go down hill for me. I liked the idea of a mute girl (an idea you don't see often so props for that!) who can jump into pictures and is able to speak. She meets a guy who has been trapped in a painting for hundreds of years and he finally has a chance to be free with her help. But of course life gets in the way and the bad guys ruin things. Bla...Bla...Bla.. However, I was totally turned off by the fact that the two main characters instantly fall in love. Like WTF!? How is that even possible? "Oh look a very handsome guy. I'm in love with him, yay let me merry him!" Um. No.

           

 (Thank You Elsa! The only Disney princess who actually has brains!)

      I am honestly so tired of this insta-love thing that all these authors are pulling. It is unrealistic and unappealing. I can't believe it has come to a point where I drop a book like its a dang hot potato because the main characters instantly fall in love. I would rather see cute scenes between characters and give them a little time to get to know each other, before they confess their undying love for each other. *Insert eye roll* Overall, this book was an okay read. If you look past the issues I guess you can eventually love this book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. 

Dark Destiny #3 by M.J. Putney

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 320 Pages

Published: July 3, 3012

Series: Dark Mirror

            1. Dark Mirror

            2. Dark Passage

            3. Dark Destiny

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Tory and her friends are celebrating the success of a second mission to aid WWII Britain when an urgent summons calls them back to their own time: Napoleon is on the brink of invading England. Can a handful of young mages stop an army? 

In desperation, Merlin’s Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, an untrained telepath from 1940, to come back to 1804 and change Napoleon’s mind before it’s too late. As Tory and Allarde make a commitment that will cost him his inheritance, Rebecca promises to do what she can to stop Napoleon even though she is unsure of her magical abilities. 

But Tory and her friends saved the Weiss family from Nazi imprisonment, and Rebecca will risk anything, even her life and her budding relationship with Nick Rainford, to repay them. A daring mission takes Tory

and Rebecca and their friends into the heart of the Army of Boulogne, where Napoleon is plotting invasion. 

But while their success may save England, they must still face the bittersweet consequences of their decisions when they return home.

  

My Review:

            Tory and her friends are celebrating the success of their second mission to save the French scientists who were captured by the Nazis. They are urgently called back after saving the scientists to their own time because Napoleon is on the brink of invading England. Can theses young magical kids save the entire world and re-write history?

            Desperate for anything, the gang enlists the help of Rebecca Weiss, an untrained telepath from 1940. She is to come back to 1804 and somehow change Napoleon's mind before too many innocent lives are taken. Will she be able to help the mages or will she fail and change the entire future of the world?

            Overall, it was an okay finish to this series. I did however, like the first two books more because it had more action and less history. This book consisted more of the history about the war and politics which I didn't find all that interesting. Plus a lot of the book was focused on the fighting between mages, which was cool, but I wanted more romantic scenes with Tory and Allared.  

Dark Passage #2 by M. J. Putney

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 320 Pages

Published: September 13, 2011

Series: Dark Mirror

            1. Dark Mirror

            2. Dark Passage

            3. Dark Destiny

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Safely back in 1803 England, Merlin's Irregulars are more confident, proud, and powerful, but class distinctions complicate their relationships until the mages are called upon to rescue a vitally important French scientist and his family from Nazi-occupier.

My Review:

The gang is back home to 1803 England safe and sound. They have been through a rough patch, but have come back with their entire worldview changed. Not only are they heroic after the events at Dunkirk which has given them confidence and pride, but this dangerous mission has also increased their powers.

Tory:

Her powers and her relationship with Allarde has grown since the last book. They now have a deeper connection after finding out Allarde's deepest darkest secret. Tory must decide what the best decision for her future is. Can she be with Allarde without experiencing guilt in the future about her decision? Or will she risk it all to be with Allarde? If Tory really loves him she will have to walk away from him, but how can she do that when he has become more of a family to her than her real family?  

Allarde:

He is in a tough situation. He has to either give up his magic and marry a non-magical human or forfeit all of his inheritance. Will Allarde be able to give up his love for Tory and leave his inheritance? Or will he forget about Tory and respect his parents decision? Honestly, Allarde is in a very tough situation and I feel for the guy, but at some point he has to make a decision. He is keeping his parents and Tory in limbo by not making a decision. This is bound to cause problems in both relationships.  

Cynthia:

I really didn't like her in the beginning, but I'm starting to like her spunk. After being a hero at Dunkirk she has earned much respect from the other Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. She is isolated at the Abbey over Christmas break and reluctantly agrees to join Jack and his family for their celebration. There is definitely something brewing between Jack and Cynthia. It is very unexpected and intriguing!

Overall:
Everything seems to be going well until the gang is pulled back into the mirror to save some French scientists from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together in order to save the scientists or many lives will be at risk. Overall, a good second book. Sure there were some issues with the characters. I was very annoyed with Allarde and his taking a long time to decide, but other than that I say this was a good second book.

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 304 Pages

Published: March 2011

Series: Dark Mirror

            1. Dark Mirror

            2. Dark Passage

            3. Dark Destiny

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

At sixteen, Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life and her choice of mates worthy of her status. Then she makes a terrifying discovery that will ruin her life and disgrace her family forever. Tory's blood is tainted... by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to reveal her despised skill, she is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. Tory's greatest wish is to be cured so she can return home and perhaps recover some of her shattered life.

Instead, curiosity and the lure of magic lead Tory to rebel students who have pledged their talents to protect England. As she joins them in their secret studies, she discovers her full powers - and is drawn to the handsome, enigmatic young Marquis of Allarde. But Allarde'a reserve and haunting secret keep him away, though she can see equal longing in his eyes.

Then Tory's pledge sweeps her and her friends into a perilous world of danger, challenge, and a triumph that saves Britain from conquest. Can danger also bring Tory and Allarde together, despite all that stands between them?

My Review: 

I enjoyed this book very much. Let me count the ways:

1. Tory was an amazing female lead. She is smart, funny, strong, independent and determined. She didn't believe everything her society told her to believe and she didn't become brainwashed about the idea of magic.  

2. The idea of a society considering magic as wrong and disgraceful was a very creative idea. I give props to the author for originality.

3. The time-traveling aspect was amazing! I loved the idea that the mirror wasn't something to be messed with or taken lightly. Instead it was used for important purposes which help the future of all people.  

4. Plus I think the idea of time travel was executed with a well thought out premise. It was fascinating to read how the characters changed their appearances and how they were introduced to new technology as they traveled through time.

5. I loved all the characters because they were mature and likable. It is rare to find more than one character who I don't want to strangle or slap. So it was refreshing to read about characters with well written personalities.

6. This book is a doozy of a novel. It has many different genres--fantasy, historical fiction, romance, science fiction, magic-- that made this story an interesting first book in this series.   

7. Overall, I really liked this book. I would definitely recommend this book to all you magic lovers. Plus it's an original idea that stands out to readers who want something different to sink their teeth in.  

Toxic Heart by Theo Lawrance

Genre: Magic

Hardcover: 351 Pages

Published: April 8, 2014

Series: Mystic City

            1. Mystic City

            2. Toxic Heart

            3. TBA

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A city in flames. A trust betrayed. A perfect love destroyed.

Has Aria lost Hunter, her one true love?

Ever since rebellion broke out in Mystic City, pitting the ruling elite against the magic-wielding mystics, Aria has barely seen her boyfriend. Not surprising, since Hunter is the leader of the mystic uprising, and he'll do whatever it takes to win freedom for his people—even if that means using Aria.

But Aria is no one's pawn. She believes she can bring the two warring sides together, save the city, and win back the Hunter she fell in love with.

Before she can play peacemaker, though, Aria will need to find the missing heart of a dead mystic. The heart gives untold powers to whoever possesses it, but finding it means seeking out a fierce enemy whose deepest desire is for Aria to be gone—forever.

My Review:

            If you have read my review for Mystic City then you know how much I enjoyed reading the first book. Lawrence had created a unique mystic world with strong characters and an engaging plot. The pacing was good, the background was interesting, and the mystery kept me on my toes.

            Toxic Heart was not as exciting and interesting as the first book. I didn't think the plot went anywhere, the characters became annoying and I couldn't help but be annoyed with some of the things that happened.

            First off, Aria was never an annoying helpless wimp in the first book, but man, in Toxic Heart she just got on my nerves. Her character was so helpless, she didn't listen to anything Hunter told her, and on top of that, she just kept getting kidnapped. I mean c'mon!! How many times can you make a mistake before you learn your lesson? Second, the plot honestly didn't go anywhere. Hunter took his mothers place and is continuing where she left off. He won't let Aria leave the compound (for her own safety), he won't tell her the truth and he is hiding things from her. At this point I was rolling my eyes at Hunter. He lied and used Aria/his personal conversations to show the world that Aria hates her parents as much as the Mystics do. This caused a riff in their relationship and by the end of the book there relationship had been put on a hold. (I saw that one coming from a mile away. But I'm kinda excited! I hope Aria and Turk get together!!!)

            Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. I just think the plot could have had more action and the characters could have used a bit more depth. I did not like the fact that Aria was portrayed as a weakling. I would have liked to see her become more bad-ass and some of the other characters could also be improved. HOWEVER, I loved Turk! I couldn't believe he cut his mo-hawk and when he did I was so shocked! Hopefully, the third book is more action packed and I do hope the characters show more realistic characteristics.  

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Genre: Magic

Hardcover: 416 Pages

Published: October 9, 2012

Series: Mystic City

            1. Mystic City

            2. Toxic Heart

            3. TAB

Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud - and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths.

            But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place.

            Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection - and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city - including herself.

My review:

            Mystic City has just about everything. It has a Romeo and Juliet story line, a political background, and magic laced in every page. Plus betrayal, memory loss, and true love. So how can you go wrong? Before I start let me say a few things. First, I have read plenty of books that contain magic and this book by far tops them all. For example, Dark Mirror by Mary Jo Putney is full of magic, but it didn't live up to my expectations. However, Mystic City was beautifully written. Theo Lawrence pens a imaginative and creative world set in futuristic Manhattan. He introduces two groups of people. One are the Mystics who have special powers and forces of energy/magic. They are dangerous to the Non-Mystic people. (Non-Mystic are the other type) Aria Rose is the daughter of an important political family. She is the key to bringing two rival families together through marriage....but only if she doesn't remember who she really loves.

            What I enjoyed most were the characters. Aria is the main girl who has been through a lot. She is suffering from memory loss not caused by natural causes. *gasp* She spends half the book trying to figure out why she has memory loss, which kind of got annoying. I mean hurry up and get to the point already. But overall, her character never gave up and this gave her strength. Aria is obligated to marry her families rival Thomas in order to create political peace between the two families. However, she can't marry Thomas because she loves another. In comes Hunter...oh my. He's charming, sweet, and can knock a girl right off her feet. He protects Aria by staying away from her. He thinks he's doing the right thing, but we all know he's not. The romance wasn't over exaggerated in this book, but it still had it's moments where I couldn't help but swoon. 

            With that said, all in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a fascinating read, the writing was good and the characters were likable. The plot was original in its own way, but it could have used a little bit more of a oomph! Lawrence brought something bright and new into the world of dystopian.   

Flecks of Gold by Alicia Buck

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 256 Pages

Published: May 1, 2010

Series: None

Rating: ★★★

GoodReads:

            Mary Margaret is not the type of girl to fall in love, especially after seeing what a string of bad relationships has done to her mother. That's why it's so weird when Mary finds herself strangely attracted to Kelson, a guy at her new school. It's almost . . . unnatural. What she doesn't know is that she's been put under a spell. And when Kelson kidnaps Mary's mother and takes her to his home world, Mary will have to rescue her by relying on something she never knew existed, magic. Flecks of Gold is an enchanting blend of fantasy, action, and even a little romance. Get lost in this world where magic is commonplace and danger lurks where you least suspect it.

My Short Review:

            I really liked the concept of this book. It uses brain lacking with alternating the reality idea. So it uses a little magic and a whole lot of brain power.  It involves a young girl named Mary who enters into a magical world. She discovers powers she didn't know she had. One day when Mary's mother is kidnapped by a guy named Kelson, Mary attempts to follow after and thus is transported into this magical world. This is where she meets Breeohan, a mysterious guy who wants to help her. Of course Mary's first thought is why is some random guy helping me and she wants to get away. But Mary realizes she's in a unknown world and she needs this guys help. So they are on a journey to find her mother and trouble finds them. Surrounded by plots to seize the throne and attempts on Mary's life, Mary must do what it takes to save her mother even if that means putting herself in danger. Buck's idea that everything has a pattern and can be manipulated through magic was very intriguing. I found this to be a quick read and very fascinating.