[BookWorm] Review: The Hexed

Just an hour or so ago, I finished 'The Hexed' by Heather Graham.

Why did I choose to read this book? Because... Cover looks cool! Witchcraft! Salem! Powers! Murder! Whoo!!

It took me a while to finish it though. Three days, I think. No, maybe more. For me, it is the kind of book that doesn't really compel you to stay up late and read.

Summary:

Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby. 

Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body—by...a ghost? 

Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin's might be the next body in the woods... (from Goodreads)

Review:

To be honest, I had high hopes for this book.

The reviews I've read were wonderful, and nothing gets me interested more than witchcraft, Salem, paranormal, investigations, and all the other elements in this book.

For the romance part of the story, I felt at first that the attraction was one-sided. Like it was just Rocky who was interested and Devin was a bit aloof. AND THEN... well, I thought she was possessed or it was just a dream. Hey, anything is possible in this book!

With regards to the investigation, I could not understand why the rest of the much experienced Krewe team would just wait for Rocky's call or decisions. And they would not split up to investigate. And why would they just focus on a certain group and not all. Why not check out ALL possible aspects/suspects/scenarios? Just because Rocky said so?

Earlier in the book, I liked the witchcraft and Salem history - which I consider to be well researched. I am a fanatic, I admit. However, tying everything together made me think it was all pointless. Either that, or I snoozed through some parts - because I honestly just found crumbs that refused to lead to a concrete unveiling.

As for the killer, I had that pegged from the start. I don't know. It seemed logical from the start. But Ms. Graham is skilled at making you think if you've got your analysis from the start.

Overall, I felt the book was a bit disappointing - apart from the details, everything felt messy and just... meh. Especially the romance part. No spark at all. They said it was spooky or creepy, but I disagree. Nada.

However, I LOVE AUNTIE MINA! I LIKE POE! And I like the fact that you can read this book standalone.

 I was planning to read the entire Krewe series. But... I guess we shall see.

[BookWorm] Review: The Night Circus Book

A few nights ago, I finally finished the book 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern.

The book caught my attention when I read somewhere that it was as fantastic as the Harry Potter series, and that it was supposedly really good.

It took me a while to finish reading it, but I have my reasons. So let us begin.

Summary:

'The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.' (from Amazon)

The book starts off with a description of the circus, leading to the introduction of Celia and Marco. Other characters are then introduced as the novel progresses, as well as how the circus came to be. Eventually, Celia and Marco (the supposedly dueling magicians) learn of each other, and eventually falling in love. Unfortunately, they are both trapped in the game their teachers have set up, and the only way for either of them to escape is by ending the match. All this and more happen in The Night Circus.

Review:

I give it - **** (4 Stars)

I initially planned on giving this book 3 stars because to be honest, it was quite lengthy.

However, after pondering on my overall review, I decided to give it 4 stars because there are several reasons that I may give it credit after an in depth assessment of sorts.

The book is long, painfully - nay - excruciatingly long. I almost gave up on it, but I was glad that I decided to push on through.

If anything else, this book has fantastic imagery. For me, that alone is reason enough to give it 3 stars. At first I thought it was my imagination that was hyperactive, but I realize that the author simply knows how to paint scenarios that are just exquisite and breathtaking. My complaint, however, is that there seems to be a bit of focus on the dresses, attires, and clocks in the book than what was necessary. Nevertheless, these were written beautifully and elegantly as can be imagined. There are, however, some descriptions that were just confusing and boring. Thankfully, I think I was half asleep during those chapters. So yes, for beauty of the narrations and the magical atmosphere, it felt good.

Mind you, magic in The Night Circus is different from what others may assume. This type does not exactly say its magic - more like enchantment. And unlike Harry and the rest of the Wizarding world who waves wands, or witches who concoct spells, hexes, and such. The type of enchantment in The Night Circus has is more along the lines of Noetic Science. It relies on charms, symbols, knowledge of old, and intense focus. It also shows how such feats take a toll on those creating it. 

So yes, I think the scenery and the magic portion is highly commendable. The plot, on the other hand, is not much. Do not be fooled by other descriptions saying that there is a fierce battle between two magicians. I tell you, there is not. Nope. Nada. There is a bit of a love story, a lot of loose ends, and supporting characters who turned out to be more interesting than the main characters in the end. I wish the author delved more into Poppet and Widget (and their capabilities), but I guess there was just too much of the descriptions going around, that there was no more space for the other characters? There was also a lot of hopping between times. I would have preferred that it was on a linear plane because the years are just messy, IMHO. The end of it all was also quite anticlimactic. Hmph.

While I find The Night Circus to be dragging in certain parts, the first portion and the last were quite worth the agony. Hehe Oh come on, its not like its the worst thing you will come to read. The writing is very well done, but Harry Potter it is not. Thankfully, it is not Twilight as well. It is a mixture of a lot of things that has not quite reached its full potential, but if you happen to like enchantments and stepping into another world, then this should be able to help you color your dreams with black, white, grey, and a touch of red. MY FAVORITE COLORS!

That's all folks!

[BookWorm] Review: The Mark of Athena

So I wrote an entry about Pchum Ben which happened for the past three days, but I forgot to post it, so that's going into the trash bin.

I had a lot of things to do during the long Pchum Ben holiday (not really) but I only managed to finish a few of those goals because half of the time was spent sleeping (curse you Decolgen Forte!). But one thing's for sure, I did finish reading The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. It was my ultimate goal, and I was able to complete it. BooYah!

Quick Summary:

Basically, the story picks up right where we left off at the end of 'The Son of Neptune'. They board the Argo II, and then head off to their new adventures. They have their quests, of course, and one of which is a quest that the offspring of Athena must do alone. By the end of the book, they pretty much complete their quests - as usual. 

(I know, I suck at making summaries, but I don't want to write spoilers, too.)

Review:

I give it - **** (4 Stars)

Personally, I've grown attached to Percy Jackson. This book does not give me so much of that 'Percy-time' that I was waiting for, but at least there are some parts. However, I do get that the series is about 'The Heroes of Olympus' and no longer 'Percy Jackson and the...' so I got over the lack of 'Percy-time'. BUT I STILL WANT IT.

Also, there were too many voices in my head. Hard to follow a certain voice... sort of. LOL

And then there was the grown up part. I get it... characters grow up, too. I wish they did not have to grow up though. But I totally respect that. They deal with love now.. ick. And unfortunately, Riordan just had to remind me constantly that they were kissing and kissing and worrying about their partners. It throws them off focus, yo! But I guess that only makes them more human. 

Based on the cover, I predicted that there would be some kind of tension between Jason and Percy. Although Percy is a reluctant leader of sorts and Jason was trained to lead, I still felt there would be some kind of tension between them. There is tension, but not what I expected. I did feel like Jason was shoved to a corner. I like it! Hahaha

There are so many things going on in this book, and because it is just one book with so many things, I feel that these would have been better if they were explored more. Not just as a few snippets or flashes of what happened. I would have loved to read about the several battles that happened but did were not described. And I would have loved to learn about how several of the demigods escaped certain situations but was directed to the other drama happening on the other end. Also, I would have preferred if they were battling out, like the crazy fight that happened when Percy fought with the Titans. 

But that's just me.

Still, I will be waiting for the next book. Too bad I have to wait for another year.

I also cannot wait to start reading the Norse mythology books!!

Go and read The Mark of Athena and see for yourself.