Monday, March 14, 2011

Books I Love – Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough



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.

I put off reading this book for a while, maybe because I wasn’t all that impressed with the cover (as much as I hate to admit this, I do judge a book by its cover.) I was glad I finally read it though, because I was completely blown away.

You really feel for Tamsin and her lack of “talent.” She lives in her older sister’s shadow…and their relationship is spot on. I’m an older sister and I saw a bit of my sister in Tamsin, just generally how a younger sister acts towards her older sister i.e. bratty. (Sorry Nyssa, you know I love you.) But Tamsin’s feelings are understandable, as her sister is one of the most talented witches in their family, while Tamsin has no talent at all.

I also liked the way the love story progressed, though I spent a bit of time thinking the love interest was her cousin as she calls his mom, aunt. (It is explained that they call any adult witch aunt or uncle.) The romance isn’t a love at first explosion of hormones, but rather a slower, get to know each other through a shared adventure romance.

I won’t give away the plot twist, but it’s very interesting, as are the connections MacCullough makes as her characters travel through time in order to save their family. Definitely a good read. I can’t wait for the sequel, Always a Witch which comes out August 1st.

See you Wednesday when I announce the winner of my Across the Universe giveaway.
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13 comments:

  1. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderMarch 14, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    I kind of like the cover. What is it that you don't like about it?

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  2. Lindsay N. CurrieMarch 14, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Oooh, I like everything about this. I love the synopsis and I find the cover pretty alluring. Adding it to TBR stack. . . yes, it's a stack now!

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  3. DemitriaMarch 14, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    There's really nothing wrong with it, it just isn't super eye-catching. I guess I'm drawn to covers with a simple central image. I also assumed from the cover that the book would be more about Tamsin learning to be a witch...sort of a Harry Potter deal, but that wasn't the case at all.

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  4. Liesl ShurtliffMarch 14, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    This sounds good. Funny but what really intrigued me is that the romance actually develops instead of explodes in hormones. Who knew such things could happen? I always thought the characters were inexplicably drawn to each other. :)

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  5. DemitriaMarch 14, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    There does seem to be a lot of love at first sight in YA...It's nice when a relationship actually develops before undying love is declared. :)

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  6. AnachronistMarch 14, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Interesting, I might be tempted! Thanks for a nice review! BTW I always wanted to have an older sister - no such luck.

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  7. LaurenMarch 14, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I like this book :)

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  8. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Oh I love when a book surprises me! YAY for this one, and thx for sharing your experience with us!

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  9. MelissaMarch 14, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    This book was really good. I loved the focus on family - it's missing in YA these days.

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  10. DemitriaMarch 14, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    It's true, nothing quite compares to the drama of family, especially the relationship between sisters. MacCullogh really did an excellent job with this.

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  11. Alleged AuthorMarch 14, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Unfortunately, I also judge a book by it's cover. Booo on me. Thanks so much for this review, or I never would have thought to look into wish listing this book!

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  12. Colene MurphyMarch 14, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    OOo just picked this up last week! Can't wait to get to it now!! I love slow love interests. Glad I know about the aunt thing up front though...would have creeped me out...;)

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  13. Becky WallaceMarch 15, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Don't worry...I have lots of pretty books with no plot. Alas, those darn coverss (and a good blurb) will draw me in every stinkin' time.

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