Boring. Unrealistic teenagers. Skeleton of a plot. ( )

3.5 stars

Teen twins, Kirby and Nancy, and their younger brother Brendan, move to Florida with their mom, and learn that their parents are getting a divorce. Nancy seems to have a harder time of it then either of her siblings. At school, she discovers that she has a bit of “magic” in her in the form of ESP. Her sister has a talent for dancing and brother a talent for music. They all try to come to terms with their parents’ divorce while Nancy tries to figure out how best to deal with her “gift”.

I listened to the audio. It was a quick YA read, and things moved quickly, but likely due to being YA. I enjoyed it. I’m not sure any of the kids were particularly likeable, but they’re teenagers (at least the girls are), so... ( )

A really sweet story about a family of two girls and a boy with gifts of different things. Kirby is a ballerina, Nancy has magic/ESP, and Brendon is a musician. ( )

This is an older book, but I can't tell you how excited I was to read it once found. The back cover blurb simply intrigued me - I was into the magic thing as I just came off some other Urban Fantasy, and the thought of the different gifts of dance, music, and magic allured. I also was intriguing by the ending line, was there a creepy part of it or not? I was in the mood for more young adult and again, this is an older edition people likely won't hunt down, but if you run into it, it's highly recommended.

The writing style is formal and almost gothic, distant in style. Not dramatic at all like some of the other gothic stuff, but to fit the atmosphere.

It was like a childlike fairytale and ethereal, yet not childish in any way, either though dealing with younger audiences. Beautifully written, this magical tale was impossible to put down. Literally. I had to put it down after the first few pages this morning to go to work, but finished it in one sitting once picking it up again.

I do wish there was more and it was longer, and the epilogue WAS a bit cheesy. However, there was a clever mishmash of various personalities erupting with marvelous talents, and I dug the mother and all the children. At times I was wondering how dark it would go based on the main characters actions and internal dialogue, but it wasn't as dark and suspenseful as I imagined from the back blurb. More of a drama than anything, but still seeps into the brain all the same. I loved this book and am now curious about more Lois Duncan.

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