Talia Morris absolutely hates Mystics because they couldn't cure her mother and she died. Little does she know that her boyfriend is a Mystic. He wants her to go to a wedding back on his home island, which is the only place he can actually do any form of magic. His abilities derive from his birth land. Talia also learns that his mother is the most powerful and the head leader. The island speaks to her and she can do more magic than anyone else. Talia finds herself weirdly excited and lies to her dad as to where she is going. She only tells her cousin what she's doing. Upon arrival, she gives the bride a beautiful gift which causes all of bridal party to pass out during the ceremony. They hover between life and death and only live because of Nathaniel's mother. Talia finds herself placed in confinement, which cannot confine her. It's at this point that the novel becomes interesting. Oh, and there's a ghost that only she can see following her around.

I found the novel a fine middle-of-the-road novel. There wasn't anything unique or captivating, but I think teen girls needing a light read with a tad bit of romance will be entertained. ( )

Some will find the beginning might not grab them, but a couple chapters in, they're likely to be hooked. Talia has her hopes dashed, not to mention her savings drained, by a Mystic who she thought would be able to heal her weakened heart. Her mom died from the same affliction and she and her father have been alternating between grief and desperation ever since.
Fast forward a year and she's in an intense relationship with Nathaniel at the private school they attend. When he invites her to his cousin's wedding, her life is turned upside down. He's a Mystic and comes from one of three branches of these magic wielders. His group, the Cores live on an island hidden by magic. When Talia arrives, events are set in motion that are fast-paced, full of deception, and lead to her finding herself questioning almost everything she ever believed. The unfolding is done in a way that one must keep reading, even if other things require your attention. ( )

I felt like I got more than I bargained for out of this great young adult fantasy. It's a really unique, suspenseful, mysterious fantasy story—where the many twists and turns were actually pretty surprising! I won't say anything about the plot here because spoilers would really ruin the experience—it was really good! ( )