June 3, 2013

Review: The Witch Collector Part I

The Witch Collector Part I by Loretta Nyhan

The Witch Collector Part I

Genre: Paranormal YA
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Witch Collector Part I

The Witch Collector is a digital original novel that's a suspenseful brew of magic, dark strangers, and witchcraft—perfect for fans of the Beautiful Creatures and Mortal Instruments series.

The day after her best friend's funeral, Breeda's parents pack her up, usher her into the car, and then drive out of Oregon without looking back. Breeda doesn't know why they left so urgently or why they're headed to Chicago—but she does know that it's against the rules to leave without consulting your Coven Leader. . . . It's a crime punishable by banishment.

All her family has is each other now, in a city that feels strange, unfamiliar, and dark. But when Breeda comes home on her first night in Chicago to find their apartment ransacked and only a bloody handprint left behind, she realizes that you can't outrun the craft.

HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.


Review:

****Review copy received for an honest review.****

Witches are my top favorite paranormal "creatures"—next to shifters of course. They tantalize me whether they be dark and disturbing, or sparkling good. One of the sad parts about witch themed books is that many times they come a crossed too juvenile and undeveloped. The Witch Collector thankfully is one that I can tell everyone the good news about! This is solid craft people!

With that said, this review has taken me so long to put into words. I enjoyed the read and the story was fun. However, I kept trying to remember why I liked the book when there was very little meat to the story. I was nibbling on scraps and by the time I finished reading it I felt . . . hungrier. Then it hit me, I had only read the first half of a book. Don't confuse it with a cliffhanger. All of it was "setup" storylines that make me grumble and moan until I get to the good stuff.

The concept of the witches here are promising and I love what the book is hinting at. Everyone knows how picky I am about my witches, I don't just want happy chanting and pretty rhymes. There's also hints of other magic such as alchemy, demons . . .

The main character's parents haven't given her enough info and they of course vanish and she's left with this whole mystery to solve about her special witch magic. For someone who grew up in a community of witches she's almost as ignorant as the reader. The characters are something that definitely stood out to me, they helped to add depth to the story. The love interest is building up nicely and is hinting at a love triangle . . . and that's where I have to stop.

I know this is something new publishers are trying, but it doesn't work for me. I want to read the whole book, not one half at a time. It feels like I can't accurately review this book. Because at this point it's just an average read, who knows what the other half is going to contribute. Normally I'd give it a 2/5, but the author’s world and writing is strong enough that I feel confidante enough as to where this series is going. Yes, it cuts of right in the middle of where things are finally building up in the story line and we're going to see some action. Despite the standard plot tropes this book is worth a read, and I am looking forward to the next installment!

Sexual Content: Clean, there is some mild sexual content.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

The Witch Collector Part I
The Witch Collector Part II



The Witch Collector Part I
The Witch Collector Part II

The Witch Collector Part I
The Witch Collector Part II

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