Once a Witch (Review)

Title: Once a Witch

Author(s): Carolyn MacCullough

Edition: Paperback, 292 pages

Publisher: Graphia
Publication Date: September 14, 2009

Source: Bought from Barnes & N0ble

Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

The Summary

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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. 

This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

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This book was grab-the-seat-of-your-pants-we’re-going-on-a-ride fast! I loved it, and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. There was action, romance, and witchcraft! Personally, I’ve missed straightforward witch stories (there always seems to be another supernatural creature thrown in), so Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough was a breath of fresh air.

Tamsin is the only non-Talented person in her family of very Talented people.  And if that wasn’t the worst part, she was predicted at birth to be the strongest of them all.  Now, she spends her time trying to distance herself from the constant ache of not being Talented by going to boarding school in New York City. Unfortunately, she has to spend summers at the old homestead, and this summer she gets herself in a little bit of a situation.

One of my favorite things about this book is the writing; it is excellent! It flows well, makes great use of dialogue, and paints a perfect picture of the setting. Even during the small downtime between action scenes I wasn’t bored because MacCullough would use that opportunity to give explanation or backstory. It was a nice balance, one which didn’t exhaust the reader or let them wander. MacCullough also made the deliberate choice of setting up the “problem” of the story right away. This made the pace of the book even without it all crammed in at the end.

Of course it wasn’t all go-go-go, there was a little romance and a little drama going on. Tamsin and Gabriel were such great characters and interacted so well together, offering snark back & forth mixed with genuine affection. It obvious that they care for each other in a very real way, and I can’t wait to find out how their relationship develops. Tamsin’s family was also very normal (well as normal as a family of witches can be). There was the sibling arguments, the overprotective parents and the annoying cousins. All together is created a traditional family and a safe haven for Tamsin in the midst of her battle.

I loved reading this book; it was so good! Luckily, I don’t have to wait to read what happens next, as the sequel, Always a Witch, is already out! If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed magical adventure, then you really need to read Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough!

Extras
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Book Trailer

Final Rating

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Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 47/50: A

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