mzlawren's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rrickman33's review
3.0
I loved the House of Night series so I was really looking forward to this. I'm so sad but it wasn't anything close to their last books. But even comparing it on its own, it still sadly fell flat. It was written for someone so young I could barely stay concentrated on it, I felt like I was reading a middle school book.
It would be fabulous for that age (minus the sex scene) but for an audience of young adults comparable to their last books, I would say to skip it. I'll probably read the next book and hope that the writing changes because the bones of the story is solid and could be so so good.
It would be fabulous for that age (minus the sex scene) but for an audience of young adults comparable to their last books, I would say to skip it. I'll probably read the next book and hope that the writing changes because the bones of the story is solid and could be so so good.
bethiclaus's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
blairchristine's review
4.0
This was really more like a 3 1/2 stars for me. While I like the concept and their writing is great. I just don’t have an invested interest in the characters as much as I did in the House of night series. I will be reading the next book to see how this continues to play out as i do not like to DNF series of authors I like but I do feel that this fell flat for me. It was also weird to have 16 year olds in a YA book have some time of sexual interaction. I wasn’t really ready for that. I was kind of grossed out and a little put off. Normally in YA series if there is some time of sexual interaction it is fade to black or further on in the series as it is being written and the characters age up.
antidietleah's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, Murder, Death, Homophobia, and Death of parent
kaiouelios's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
raebooknerd's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lovelymisanthrope's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have had this on my bookshelf for years, and finally decided to make time to read it.
"Spells Trouble" follows twin sisters: Hunter and Mercy. Hunter and Mercy are direct descendants of the founders of their town: Goodeville. As their ancestors before them, the twins must learn how to be proper Gatekeepers so they can protect their town from nightmarish entities that may try to come through ancient portals. Tragically, their mother is brutally murdered by one such entity and Hunter and Mercy must figure out how to protect their town and how to best use their witchy powers.
This was a really sweet, fast-paced read about witchy twins. The book is pretty atmospheric, and this is the perfect book to read in September to begin spooky season.
My favorite part about this book was reading about the dynamic between Hunter and Mercy. They are twins, and the love each other unconditionally. They often do not even have to speak to one another to express what is on their mind. But there is still tension and they still feel unseen by the other. They both are working through some challenging things, and reading both perspectives gives a really robust picture of what is going on.
This book does read a little younger than I typically gravitate towards these days. Mercy especially reads immature and despite constantly seeing her boyfriend's true colors, she continues to give him more of herself. The moments between her and Kirk were awful, and I really did not enjoy reading them, however, I think their story arch has a good message for this book's intended audience.
I am definitely intrigued, and I will probably pick up the next book eventually.
"Spells Trouble" follows twin sisters: Hunter and Mercy. Hunter and Mercy are direct descendants of the founders of their town: Goodeville. As their ancestors before them, the twins must learn how to be proper Gatekeepers so they can protect their town from nightmarish entities that may try to come through ancient portals. Tragically, their mother is brutally murdered by one such entity and Hunter and Mercy must figure out how to protect their town and how to best use their witchy powers.
This was a really sweet, fast-paced read about witchy twins. The book is pretty atmospheric, and this is the perfect book to read in September to begin spooky season.
My favorite part about this book was reading about the dynamic between Hunter and Mercy. They are twins, and the love each other unconditionally. They often do not even have to speak to one another to express what is on their mind. But there is still tension and they still feel unseen by the other. They both are working through some challenging things, and reading both perspectives gives a really robust picture of what is going on.
This book does read a little younger than I typically gravitate towards these days. Mercy especially reads immature and despite constantly seeing her boyfriend's true colors, she continues to give him more of herself. The moments between her and Kirk were awful, and I really did not enjoy reading them, however, I think their story arch has a good message for this book's intended audience.
I am definitely intrigued, and I will probably pick up the next book eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic friendship, Body horror, Blood, Death of parent, Sexual content, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Sexism
cherryredsreads's review
4.0
Awesome fast paced gripping story. I loved the characters and i liked the storyline. Ending was a nice twisted surprise.