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.

Day 38 - Stolen

Stolen

Kelley Armstrong

Synopsis [from kelleyarmstrong.com]

When a young witch tells Elena that a group of humans are kidnapping supernaturals, Elena ignores the warning. After all, everyone knows there's no such thing as witches. As for the thought of other 'supernaturals', well, she'd just rather not dwell on the possibility. Soon, however, she's confronted with the truth about her world, when she's kidnapped and thrown into a cell-block with witches, sorcerers,
half-demons and other werewolves. As Elena soon discovers, dealing with her fellow captives is the least of her worries. In this prison, the real monsters carry the keys.

Review

The second installment of The Otherworld, Stolen takes readers further into Elena Michael's world, which encompasses more than she could ever imagine. Witches, shamans, half-demons, and vampires are things Elena never knew existed even if she is otherworldly herself. She has finally come to terms with being the only female werewolf and she has found her place as a journalist scouting the internet looking for misbehaving mutts that could put her race in jeopardy.

When she comes across a post on believe.com where someone is selling information for a possible werewolf killing she immediately contacts the one who posted it. And her life drastically changes after meeting Paige and Ruth Winterbourne. Witches that tell her there is a group of humans that are kidnapping supernaturals for unknown reasons. A group that is possibly run by Tyrone Winsloe, self-centered computer-geek extroidanaire and billionaire. The witches convince Elena to come to a meeting where she meets "leaders" of the the races she never knew were out there.

The Pack, containing Elena, the enigmatic and lovable Jeremy, and her strong-willed mate Clay, [along with two others that are "on vacation"] come to terms that they will help this band of supernaturals if they can, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate the threat to themselves. But when Elena herself gets captured, her world is turned upside down as she finds out Winsloe wants to have a hunt- a reality "videogame" hunt where the supernaturals will be the hunted. Elena is thrown into a roller coaster ride of a time as she fights to understand who exactly is an ally and who is a foe.

I just love the writing style and how easy it is to move through the book. And Elena continues to be a great character to read about. Funny, fast-paced, and full of supernatural goodness this is a definite read for Kelley Armstrong fans.