Name: Witch's Brew
Author: Heidi R. Kling
Publisher: Coliloquy, LLC
Release Date: January 11, 2012 (US)
Pages: 342, ebook
Source: From publisher for review
Rating: 4.5 Teacups
The Spellspinners of Melas County is a fantasy YA romance series about a witch, a warlock, and their fight for their forbidden but prophesied love.
Once soulmates, the witch and warlock covens of the California coast have been estranged for a century. Raised to hate each other, their teenagers meet in the Solstice Stones, a magical battleground where they draw energy from each other to maintain their balance. 16 year olds Logan and Lily have spent years training for their first Stones…only to discover just days before that the enemy may not be what either of them had thought.
In Witch’s Brew, Lily is torn between her feelings for Logan and her coven’s need to know who—or what—he is. The young lovers race against time, their distrust for each other, and the powerful influence of their elders to unravel the mystery of their pasts before their future is destroyed.
Jen's Review
Heidi R. Kling's Witch's Brew is one of those novels that
completely takes you by surprise. From the synopsis, it sounds like your
typical witch story with a hot guy in it, but Heidi is able to make it her own,
and therefore unique. (And the hot guy isn't
just a hot guy, he's a smokin' hot
guy). With the completely different style of reading the novel, an exciting and
well explained world, and relatable characters, Witch's
Brew has enchanted itself onto my favorite witch-books list.
In case you didn't
already know, the format for Witch's Brew
is unlike any other book I've read before; the story gives you options as to
where the story should go--kind of like alternate stories within one story. I
myself have only read one option, but I'll definitely be reading the other
option in the near future. For me, the fact that this novel is formatted this
way, just stands out to me. It's different, unique, and totally memorable. I
definitely recommend that all readers try it out.
Another factor that
I absolutely loved about Witch's Brew is
the world-building, and explanations. Kling brings the reader into the world of
witches and warlocks very smoothly, and leaves the reader far from confused.
I'm that type of person who needs a clear explanation on how a world works, or
I won't be satisfied. To me, if I still have questions about an author's world,
it means that they didn't do their job very well. I can happily say that Kling
certainly exceeded my expectations with her description of the Spellspinner
world and the Gleaning. Not only does the description carry out well, it also
keeps the reader interested and wanting to know more. This also ties in with
the plot. It's mysterious, alluring, and just plain engaging. I usually don't
like it when a problem addressed in the beginning isn't resolved until the end,
but it works in Witch's Brew. It works
very well indeed (there's a clifffhanger!).
Last but not least,
are the oh-so-amazing characters! Lily, the main character, was totally spunky,
curious, and really smart. She's modest and hesitant at first about being
chosen as the Leader of the Daughters of Light, but it's clear that she is
meant to be the leader after the events that progress in the novel. Her
relationship with Logan, the love interest (and also a warlock) is totally
swoon-worthy and hot. Logan is caring, protective, and clever as well (have I
mentioned smexy?). I have to admit, their love is kind of a love-at-first sight
type of deal, but not exactly, which is why I like it. I'll leave it for you to
find out how exactly they fall in love. ;)
That said, I
definitely recommend Witch's Brew,
whether you like witches or not. The format itself of the novel is just plain
awesome and I think everyone should give it a try. I fell under Witch's Brew's spell with the captivating
world and perfect characters. Heidi R. Kling's novel certainly did not
disappoint and I can't wait to read more of her work.
4.5 Teacups for Witch's Brew!
*Much thanks goes to
the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Posts
Amazing review Jen! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book has a really intriguing premise and I thnk the way it's formatted is awesome - it's so cool that an author came up with that! You could re-read and re-read and possibly it be a different ending every time! xD And Logan sounds really sweet! ^.^
- Rachel xx
Ahhh, this sounds SO GOOD! I swear I've heard Kling's name before, but I can't remember where... I definitely need to pick this up, though, so thanks for sharing, Jen! Merry Christmas! :D
ReplyDeleteOh wow, we aren't on the same page when it comes to this book :P For one, I thought that the active title was unique, but I didn't like it. I read both stories and they are so similar, that it was no fun for me. Second, while I thought that there was enough explanation, I didn't find the world-building spectacular. Third, I didn't like the cliff-hanger at all and last, I never connected with the characters.. So, I'm very happy that you liked this book so much more than I did! :)
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there's insta-love makes me kind of hesitant to pick this one up, just because I really, really don't like insta-love. But Logan does seem like a totally swoon worthy guy, so I may be able to overlook that. ;)
ReplyDeleteI also LOVE the idea of having a choose your own adventure type thing! That's so neat that the author was able to do that in the book, I definitely haven't seen that in any modern books. So cool! And the worldbuilding sounds fantastic as well. I'm just like you, if I have too many questions at the end of a book regarding the world, then I believe that the author didn't explain things well enough. So it's great to see that the author managed to answer all of your questions and create such an intricate and easy to understand world. That's always a huge plus in dystopian books for me, so I don't have to sit there after reading a book and try to figure everything out, which happens WAY too often these days. =P
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Jen! I will definitely have to keep an eye out for this book. Fantabulous review! <3
Oh this book sounds brilliant Jen, when I read the blurb I thought it would be the same old same, but I'm glad it provides so much more than that. I think Logan is definitely a character I would love to meet soon! Brilliant review Jen! :)
ReplyDeleteIf the only thing wrong with the book is a teeny case of insta-love then that is pretty good, especially for a paranormal YA book!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at the pick-your-own-adventure style of writing and would love to read this and see how it works! Plus the fact that the world AND characters impressed you makes this really appeal to me!
Great review, Jen!
I heard of these books and the publisher a few months back at a book festival and the format sounded awesome! The story also sounds great, thanks for recommending it. I look forward to reading it :)
ReplyDeleteI heard this book was a weir format the other day but I'm not sure how much I would like that. It sounds a little weird, but I'm also uber curious because I've never read a book like this. Plus, you make it sounds really good and this cover is awesome!
ReplyDeleteSo. You had me at smokin' hot guy. Is that completely shallow of me? Yes, yes it is. And I don't care ;-) I love a book that takes me by surprise and has me shocked by how much I love it when I went into it with no expectations at all. I'm definitely adding this one to my list Jen!
ReplyDeleteWait wait wait!! There's an alternative story? O_O NOW THAT CAN'T BE MISSED :DDD I love these option games (though I do cheat a bit here and there to get to both endings... Heh) and I think Lily's world is one I'll love to know! Especially if Logan is part of the deal :D
ReplyDelete-Alicia
http://bookaworld.wordpress.com
Wow, this sounds so different with being able to chose alternate options to the story. Never heard of that before. And you know love at first sight doesn't always bother me, because who of us hasn't fallen hard for someone right away? It does happen. Wonderful review Jen. :)
ReplyDeleteOoohhh Jen this looks FAB! And a SMOKIN' hot guy? I'M IN *dives into book* If you like it, it's on MY wishlist! Fantastic reviews as always Jennnyyyy! (can I call you that?) :O
ReplyDelete-Willaxx
FINALLY getting the chance to comment on this. How long has it been since I said I would? TOO LONG.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jen. A SMOKIN' hot guy? Sold. I kid, really I kid. Glad you loved the different perspectives. It's really neat how the book is formated. Really awesome review, Jen!