Title: Once A Witch (Witch #1)
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Release date: September 14, 2009
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 292
Source: Won in contest
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin’s magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all.
Once A Witch is a fabulous urban fantasy novel and I am now dying to read more books like it. The sequel, Always A Witch, is very high on my wishlist now. =)
Tamsin Greene is the misfit of her family because she is the only witch without a Talent. Without a Talent she isn’t really a witch but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to be one. She is very easy to relate to because she just wants to fit in and belong. It probably would have helped if she wasn’t so snarky and sarcastic though the book would not have been nearly as enjoyable. The rest of the characters are pretty fun but they definitely have their flaws. I loved Gabriel and Agatha. I absolutely hated Tamsin’s sister, Rowena. If I was in Tamsin’s place I would have slapped her multiple times.
The plot is very fast-paced. There is very little backstory before you are thrown into the story. I actually really liked that in this case because the backstory was interspersed throughout the book. There were also a few romantic scenes thrown in which I loved. They lightened the mood a bit.
Overall, Once AWitch is an awesome book that I definitely recommend. I will be reading the sequel very soon.
First line: I was born on the night of Samhain, when the barriers between the worlds is whisper thin and when magic, old magic, sings its heady and sweet song to anyone who cares to hear it.
Rating: A
Cover: A
I loved this book, too! I want to read it again before diving into book two! Glad you enjoyed it!
For whatever reason I didn’t think I would enjoy this book that much, but I did! a lot! I’m, too, dying for the sequel.
And I totally agree about Rowena.
Fantastic review, Katie. I’ve seen this one around but haven’t gotten the chance to read it. Hopefully I’ll pick it up soon. I love this cover. Thanks for your review! =]
It was a bit of a shock…how good it was! So witty and fun! Glad you liked it 🙂
I hadn’t heard of this one before, but I’m in love with it just from the blurb. Lovely review, and I think I’ll have to purchase it on my Kindle to read!
Awesome review, I really loved this book!!
I was very close to buying this book a few months back, but decided not to. Now I’m regretting it a little. Thanks for the review!
Ooo, I love that first line! I just read a review for Always a Witch, and it seems like I’ll have to dive into both books ASAP! Thanks for the awesome review Katie 🙂
I too prefer it when backstory is slowly included. I totally love Witch books too, and this one sounds like it’s perfect for my taste.
I prefer flawed characters, they’re more realistic, so it’s awesome the characters worked!
Lovely review 🙂