What I’m Reading
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey (YA, paranormal, witches, contemporary fantasy, lgbt, weird magic, Romeo & Juliet) ★★★★☆
After being raised by his uncle, Braden returns to his hometown where he finds himself drawn into a feud between the two warring witch clans that control the town.
Braden is a great character. He is quirky, funny, and real. The author gives him enough backstory and depth to be sympathetic, believable, and intriguing. And he’s a butt-kicking witch with rare, special magic. Naturally.
Speaking of magic, the magic in this book is weird. Braden has ‘witch’ eyes — when he takes off his glasses, he has overwhelming visions of the present and past. He can see and unravel other’s magic and copy it based on seeing it’s structure. The descriptions of Braden’s magic are strange — full of color, snippets of visuals, and light. I am going to assume that the disorienting descriptions are deliberate since using his magic wears out Braden and gives him migraines that confine him to bed. I’m not sure if the descriptions worked for me.
I love Braden and Trey’s Romeo-and-Juliet-esque relationship. YA characters falling in love at first sight and immediately becoming bonded soulmates is a pet peeve of mine so I really liked that Braden and Trey’s feelings for each other are given time to grow. Their connection believable and I have my fingers crossed that things will work out for them.
I gave the book 4★ for pulling me in, but it’s a weak 4 teetering on 3. The pacing is a little slow at times and some of the reveals could have been handled more organically… but it’s a debut novel so I’m hoping this author’s writing will get stronger as the series progresses. The next book (Demon Eyes) comes out in October. I’m waiting.
Gearbox and I are still working our way through Origami X (MG, how-to, origami, spies, ARC) by Nick Robinson. He’s a good origami folder, so he is testing the instructions for me!
What’s on my TBR Pile:
Dodger by Terry Pratchett (a new YA novel by Terry Pratchett — I am SO excited!)
Geo*Gami by Katherine Gleason
Keshiki Bonzai by Kenji Kobayashi
1Q84 Haruki Murakami (I know. This one has been on the TBR pile for a while.)
For more It’s Monday, What Are You Reading, visit Kellee and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Sheila at Book Journey.
But don’t YA kids become soul mates immediately? Sorry, had to reply, & am glad that the author takes a little time. I’m sure there are older students that will love this book, Katya. Thanks also for the Origami X title. Looks like a good one for the younger boys.
Ha, ha, ha. That’s so funny. You know… I vaguely remember that from being a teen, now that you mention it!
Hmm… I do like unique and well developed magic systems. And I agree on the “Seriously, they are in love already” peeve. Maybe I’ll wait to see what you think about the second book :)
I know what you mean… I hate starting unfinished series because I end up disappointed when the series takes a turn for the worse. Fingers crossed that the second book will be good when it comes out!
I’ve been wanting to read this, mainly for the LGBT relationship, so I’m happy to hear it isn’t instalove! I know when I was a teen, I never had instant feelings for anyone, or relationships for that matter, so it’s nice to see that not ALL relationships are portrayed that way. It’s why it’s such a huge peeve of mine, too.
What I liked about the LGBT aspect of this book was that this wasn’t an ‘issue’ book — it was just a natural part of the story. Definitely read it.
Origami X looks like fun! I love origami but I like this spin!
It’s a really clever spin, isn’t it.
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