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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
DNF @ 38%.
The first third of the book is very promising and interesting. Once Harley starts meeting other "Magicals" it really goes down hill from there. There is a chapter where the author takes the opportunity to introduce no less than 10 characters by first and last name, full body description and background story. In. A. Row. It's at least 5 pages long, if not more. Even if they all play a significant role where ALL of this information is useful to the reader, it would mean that the author spent too much time character building and not enough time on the plot. That being said, plot doesn't appear to be much of a strong suit for this author, as she clearly plucked it out of Chamber of Secrets and made minor changes to fit her world (monsters mysteriously escaping a heavily guarded magical bestiary?).
Additionally, all the characters who are supposed to be early 20s are acting like 12 year-olds, taunting each other like they're on opposing dodge ball teams. Come on. This was touted as HP for adults.... and yet, the "adult" characters are written like children.
I'm over a third of the way through the book, and there is nothing of substance for me to care about, it's a C&P of CoS's plot, the characters are poorly written, and the author would rather tell you something than show you something. Save time and don't buy.
The first third of the book is very promising and interesting. Once Harley starts meeting other "Magicals" it really goes down hill from there. There is a chapter where the author takes the opportunity to introduce no less than 10 characters by first and last name, full body description and background story. In. A. Row. It's at least 5 pages long, if not more. Even if they all play a significant role where ALL of this information is useful to the reader, it would mean that the author spent too much time character building and not enough time on the plot. That being said, plot doesn't appear to be much of a strong suit for this author, as she clearly plucked it out of Chamber of Secrets and made minor changes to fit her world (monsters mysteriously escaping a heavily guarded magical bestiary?).
Additionally, all the characters who are supposed to be early 20s are acting like 12 year-olds, taunting each other like they're on opposing dodge ball teams. Come on. This was touted as HP for adults.... and yet, the "adult" characters are written like children.
I'm over a third of the way through the book, and there is nothing of substance for me to care about, it's a C&P of CoS's plot, the characters are poorly written, and the author would rather tell you something than show you something. Save time and don't buy.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. This was an entertaining story, but it moved slowly. Who is Harley? She’s an orphan with no idea. This book has some good basis, but the story line needs some work. I will probably read the second book, but if it’s as slow as this one, I’ll be done!
This book follows Harley Smith (Merlin later with a reveal
Maybe more like 2.5. Weak but shows lots of promise. I'm interested to see how the next one is
Loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series! Giving it 5 stars due to how engaging it was and how quickly I flew through the book - the characters are quirky and have more depth to them than you realize when you first meet them. However, the writing style I'd put more at 3 stars. It's very informal and definitely a YA book. At times the writing is a little immature. I initially started this book because it's been marketed as a series for Harry Potter lovers. If you like fantasy series that are set in modern times, you won't be disappointed as long as you are okay with a less sophisticated style of writing! Super easy and fun pleasure read.
This book took me a year and a half to read. I was super optimistic because it was dubbed ‘the next Harry Potter’. However, I basically forced myself to finish reading this book. The only interesting part of the book took place within the last few chapters, the beginning was slow and I although I tried to be intrigued. It just didn’t do it for me.
4.5 stars - there were times it slowed way down for me and dragged on, but most was really good. Good and interesting characters and a good story. Quite enjoyable, looking forward to reading more.
Slow Slow burn I do not like not finishing books but for the better first half of this book I really wanted to just give up on it but I am glad I did not the second half of the book was very good and got me very interested in continuing the series as a whole. I definitely recommend this book. It gets a bad rep and I think from the first half that is understandable but if you stick with it it is definitely a good book.
While I mostly enjoyed this book, I was a little annoyed at the quip at Harry Potter and it marred the feeling of the book for me. Own the inspiration. However, overall it was an enjoyable story.
Wow
Finally one to really get me excited. Wasn't crazy hard to understand, romance starting to bud but wasn't a sponge in the story and no where near the main plot. Fell in love with the characters. Easy continue for me and will continue reading a lot more from this author. Read a dozen books this past month, this was the best by far
Finally one to really get me excited. Wasn't crazy hard to understand, romance starting to bud but wasn't a sponge in the story and no where near the main plot. Fell in love with the characters. Easy continue for me and will continue reading a lot more from this author. Read a dozen books this past month, this was the best by far