Margaret Stohl

Okay so this book was REALLY long. I do agree with other reviewers on that. 500 pages for what probably could have passed as like 300 or less. I did like the story and idea, as well as the authors' version of magic through their eyes. I enjoyed the different types of "Casters," the mythology, etc. But like I said, it was really long and way too drawn out. There were some parts where I was literally thinking, "Okay so, when's something going to happen?? Where's the climax?" The writers are excellent at foreshadowing for one hundred or so pages before actually having the action happen. Hell, it takes nearly seventy pages for Ethan to even start talking to Lena. And also, for some reason, the romance just seemed really... I don't know... "hollow," to me. I felt more excited reading about freakin' Bella and Edward's romantic tension when I read Twilight, which, as you all know was pretty lukewarm at best. But Ethan and Lena, I just wasn't into it. I wasn't cheering them on to get together. But, the book isn't *totally* a flop. Like I said before, the ideas of magic they wrote about were pretty interesting, and somewhat original. (At least to me, someone who hasn't read a lot of Young Adult novels such as this.) I also think that a lot of the side characters were very interesting as well, such as Macon, Amma and Ridley. Their sass pretty much kept me going through the novel.
Anyways, I think if you're looking for a good, simple, young adult read, with some creative magic, then do it! Just expect to kinda start tapping your fingers and yawning at certain points.… (more)

I really enjoyed Jo and Laurie, a retelling of Little Women. I went into this book having no bias about what should happen since I have not read or seen Little Women. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
The writing took a bit to get used to since it seemed a little clunky and I eventually got used to it.
Oh, Jo. She was so stubborn. At times I just wanted to knock some sense into her and tell her to quit letting fears control her. Yet at the same time, I really enjoyed seeing her toss them aside and take control.
So overall, I would recommend this book to the dreamers who hoped for Jo & Laurie and those, like me, who just want a taste of Little Women.

Rating: 4.5/5
Language: d*** used frequently throughout
Romance: a non-detailed kiss
Spiritual: N/A
Violence: N/A

*I received a copy of this novel for review purposes. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Quotes:

"You know, Miss March, that's the second time a beautiful woman with your name has hit me with a fan tonight," Laurie said lightly. "So I suppose I am either doing something very right or something very wrong."

"Happiness is a trait not much desired in one's ancestors, I've found." With a nearly imperceptible sigh, he leaned forward to scratch a fingernail lightly against the portrait of a pale-skinned burgher in an enormous white ruff. "The more miserable the better, in fact. Something about money not being able to buy happiness, and all that." "The Marches must tbe the happiest family you've ever met, then," Meg said wryly. He laughed, his melancholy entirely forgotten. "Positively giddy."… (more)

Ethan Wate has lived in Gatlin his whole life...and nothing ever happens in Gatlin. But all that is about to change as Lena Duchannes "storms" into town. Literally. Ethan immediately feels drawn to Lena - and I still say all this YA cliché insta-love, electricity flowing, melting-into-one-another almost immediately is extremely annoying. And ridiculous. However, this novel redeems itself by explaining all that in the end. And the main story itself is truly a page turner. Lena is the niece of the town recluse and has powers she is trying to hide. Trying, but not always succeeding. She and Ethan have a connection that allows them to communicate without speaking - often without even being near each other. Lena has a secret having to do with something that will take place on her 16th birthday, which is only a few months away at the beginning of the novel. In addition, there is another mystery that the pair are trying to unravel throughout the course of the novel having to do with an old locket, a family curse, and some extremely vivid visions - visions Ethan and Lena share. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll stop at that. I do want to add, though, that I really liked the story and have already purchased the next two books in the series :)… (more)