Day 42 - Dime Store Magic

Dime Store Magic
Kelley Armstrong

Synopsis [from back cover]

Paige Winterbourne was always either too young or too rebellious to succeed her mother as leader of one of the world's most powerful elite organizations- the American Coven of Witches. Now that she is twenty-three and her mother is dead, the Elders can no longer deny her. But even Paige's wildest antics can't hold a candle to those of her new charge- an orphan who is all too willing to use her budding powers for evil...and evil is all to willing to claim her. For this girl is being pursuedby a dark faction of the supernatural underworld. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder-and frame Paige for the crime. It's an initiation into adulthood, womanhood, and the brutal side of magic that Paige will have to do everything within her power to make sure they both survive.

Review

Twenty-three year old Paige Winterbourne has taken leadership over the American Coven of Witches - or so she should. With the Elders refusing to actually relinquish the title to her Paige is continually told she isn't ready. And being in charge of Savannah, the young witch who looks to be more powerful than Paige herself, is becoming too much for Paige to handle. The last thing she needs is for the half-demon Leah to show up again.

Leah somehow tracks down Savannah's father and files for custody of Savannah. Making Paige's life a living hell, the story takes the reader on a roller-coaster style journey as Paige struggles to keep a hold of Savannah without becoming an outcast to the coven and her town. She reluctantly accepts the help of lawyer/sorcerer Lucas Cortez. But can Paige really trust him?

You know, at first I wasn't all that fond of Paige. I suppose its because I liked Elena a lot more in Stolen. However, as I read through Paige's story I sort of became enthralled by her. It might be because so much happened to her in such a short amount of time. I quickly sympathized for her. But she is extremely likeable once you get to know her. Savannah on the other hand is like any thirteen year old...rebellious, smart-ass, know-it-all but she has major potential (= I'm sure Paige was just like her when she was younger.

So as the story goes it was much more jam-packed in my opinion. I mean so many obstacles were thrown at Paige I'm amazed she didn't just give up. She's one tough cookie. The story also delves more into the supernatural world with 'Demonology 101' and with some light being shed on the long time battle between sorcerers and witches. Also the concept of the Cabals (a sort of magical Mafia) is introduced which to me was a bit difficult to grasp but that might just be because I'm a little on the slow side. Old and new characters are thrown into the mix as Kelley Armstrong continues to weave us a nicely written and believable world that anyone can enjoy. A definite read for anyone that loves this series.