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charli03's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
readme_atmidnight's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know much going into it, so I wasn't expecting much but it ended up being a really fun and enjoyable read.
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
ONCE A WITCH is a fast-paced and engaging story filled with magic, danger, and family secrets. It’s easy to get caught up in this extremely readable novel.
Tamsin is a charming protagonist, simultaneously determined yet vulnerable. She narrates her family’s story with an ease that draws us into her world. Similarly, all of the other characters are subtly introduced and developed, so that we never feel as if the Greene family’s world is contrived, but rather as if they could be living among us.
The plot is a little unsteady but still ultimately satisfactory. It was horrifying to see how some characters changed as a result of contact with the villain—but, like I said earlier, I appreciated its naturalness. Most events in the novel flowed like they had to happen under those circumstances.
That’s not to say, of course, that there aren’t some aspects of ONCE A WITCH that felt overdone or cliché. These include Tamsin’s sidekick and love interest, Gabriel, the time travel scenes, and the way various characters occasionally prophetized to explain backstory. These minor slip-ups are easy to overlook in light of my larger enjoyment of the whole book, though. Those who like a little magic and mystery in their books will love ONCE A WITCH, and even those who don’t normally delve into urban fantasy/paranormal fiction will find Tamsin’s story an easy and delightful read. It seems like there is a good chance of there being a sequel, which I will definitely be looking forward to!
Tamsin is a charming protagonist, simultaneously determined yet vulnerable. She narrates her family’s story with an ease that draws us into her world. Similarly, all of the other characters are subtly introduced and developed, so that we never feel as if the Greene family’s world is contrived, but rather as if they could be living among us.
The plot is a little unsteady but still ultimately satisfactory. It was horrifying to see how some characters changed as a result of contact with the villain—but, like I said earlier, I appreciated its naturalness. Most events in the novel flowed like they had to happen under those circumstances.
That’s not to say, of course, that there aren’t some aspects of ONCE A WITCH that felt overdone or cliché. These include Tamsin’s sidekick and love interest, Gabriel, the time travel scenes, and the way various characters occasionally prophetized to explain backstory. These minor slip-ups are easy to overlook in light of my larger enjoyment of the whole book, though. Those who like a little magic and mystery in their books will love ONCE A WITCH, and even those who don’t normally delve into urban fantasy/paranormal fiction will find Tamsin’s story an easy and delightful read. It seems like there is a good chance of there being a sequel, which I will definitely be looking forward to!
hnbb's review against another edition
2.0
Couldn't finish. An intriguing premise, but didn't reach me.
redentrapy's review against another edition
4.0
I thought the story was very original. It was fun and intriguing. I like how it wasn't completely predictable and though it was a little bit. The ending was very good catching and I couldn't put it down once I the time travelling started. I love the relationship between the characters it is very well rounded and well done in dynamics. Overall not incredible but definitely an interesting and good read.
this_fishy_reads's review against another edition
2.0
Where Tamsin is supposed to be angsty she just comes across as bitter, making her an impossible to like protagonist.
jesslynh's review against another edition
4.0
VERY solid YA Urban Fantasy. In the beginning it reminded me of [b:The Enchantment Emporium|8961945|The Enchantment Emporium|Tanya Huff|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1301885562s/8961945.jpg|5723305], but then developed it's own atmosphere. This is a simple story that I usually characterize as a snack because it was a super fast read--I read it in one sitting while at the park. Despite the fact that it was a fast read, it is also the kind of book that makes you want more and I could have used about 100 more pages.
I love the world and the characters and look forward to more from Carolyn MacCullough.
I love the world and the characters and look forward to more from Carolyn MacCullough.
ashfairie's review against another edition
4.0
I was very worried about this book. After chapter 2 I almost didn't keep reading. Then i read that everyone was loving this book so i stuck with it. Two nights of no sleep later I am completly hooked. I am looking forward to reading book two and finding out what will happen next. All in all a fantastic read.