Mundie Moms

Friday, October 22, 2010

Book Review - Once A Witch

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Released: September 2009
Source: Purchased
4.5 stars - I really liked this book. Go and pick it up.

Synopsis (from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt): 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.

You know when you start to read a book and you just keep nodding your head because you really want to stop and tell everyone about it but you just can't seem to tear yourself away from the pages? Well, that happened to me when I read Carolyn MacCullough's Once A Witch.

It just had everything I love all wrapped up in one book: a tense sibling relationship, a non-magical person born into a magical family and time travel. If it contained a Hot Boy with a Sword, Carolyn would have hit all my buttons at once and that might have left me too stunned to do a proper review.

We meet Tamsin as she's about to close up her family's shop for the night but a handsome stranger comes in asking her to help him find a lost, family heirloom. Tamsin does what any sensible, non-talented member born into a talented, magical family would do -- she volunteers to help him. I loved this bold move because it is an opportunity for Tamsin to show her family and especially her uber-talented sister, Rowena, that she could be of help even if she didn't possess a magical talent. And the move shows off Tamsin's stubborn, curious and determined personality.

So let's get to the really good parts because I know you're going to ask me if there's romance in the story and I will admit that Tamsin and Gabriel are now amongst my very favorite fictional couples. Yes, yes, they sit right there with Janie and Cabel, Sophie and Archer and dare I say it -- Jace and Clary.

I'll even give you a non-spoilery scene between them (from page 240-241):
"Let's dance. Dancing always makes me think better."
I gave him a dubious look. "It does? And is that really a good idea?"
"Killjoy," Gabriel explains patiently, "I'm wearing a suit. You're wearing the prettiest dress ever. It's 1939, and who knows what's going to happen next. Come on, Tamsin. It's the best idea I can come up with right now." And with that he leads me from the shadow of the tree onto the torch-lit dance floor, where we join the throng of other entwined couples.
"I can't dance," I mutter.
"This is a waltz," Gabriel says in the exact same way you'd say, This is an orange.
"I still can't dance."
" I can," Gabriel says and pulls me toward him.
Did you almost clap hands like I did? Well, if you did, then go pick up Once A Witch. I will tell you that it is one well crafted story. But don't believe me, just read the blurb on the front cover:
"A fantastic urban fantasy with an enchanting romance at its heart." -- Cassandra Clare
I'm looking forward to the sequel, Always A Witch. Its release date is August 1, 2011 but I may have just clicked the Pre-order Button because I cannot wait. I'm going to guess that you will do the same as soon as you finish reading Once A Witch.

18 comments:

  1. I bought this last week and I'm *patiently* waiting for it to arrive. I can't wait to read it. What a great review! Thank you.

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  2. Ooh, it sounds wonderful and just up my alley. Thanks for the review! And I love the cover art!

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  3. I am in the middle of reading this right now :) I am glad you enjoyed it!

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  4. MMs -- You will love it!

    Salarsen -- It's out in paperback and it's worth the purchase. Well, in my opinion!

    Sarah -- I hope you link back to your review. I'd love to know what you think when you're done!

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  5. Thank you for bringing this one to my attention. It sounds really unique and interesting. I'm adding it to my list!

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  6. Heather -- I think you will love it!

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  7. I absolutely adored Once a Witch. I have to get Always a witch :P

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  8. Ming Ming -- I know!! I need to see what happens next!!!

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  9. I completely want this book!! The story is amazing, I really love witches and that stuff. I'll look for the spanish edition in my library :)
    Nice review!! XX

    --Khris--

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  10. Thanks Khris!! You summed up my feelings too! I thunk you will enjoy it A's much as I did. I love when family relationships are at the core of a plot and Once A Witch certainly has those.

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  11. And thunk = think...LOL. Whenever I'm on my phone, typos seem to occur!!!

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  12. I love the book once a witch. I can not wait to read always a witch!

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  13. daydreamerN -- See?? There are so many of us who love it. I'd like to keep spreading the word on this well done story. :D

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  14. Hmm, I'm thinking of picking this one up, awesome review. I'm your newest follower, by the way :D
    Hafsah @ IceyBooks

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  15. Hafsah-- Well, welcome to MMs! I would encourage you to pick up the book and let us know how you like it. Thanks for your kind words re: review.

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  16. i am having a give away of Once witch @ daydreamerN.blogspot.com
    you go to win and you have a chance to win this great book!

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  17. Awesome! Thank you for letting us know daydreamerN.

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  18. daydreamerN -- Thank you for bringing attention to this well told story. It seems to have made it's debut quietly but it deserves more attention!

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