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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Cute story with engaging characters (especially Iggy the Flame). I felt the romance (flirting) was a little too prominent for my tastes. Overall, an entertaining story full of magic and action. I will post my complete review soon.
sleepgoblin's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this, though I often find the much of the plot predictable from a mile away and I don't feel that the writing does a good job of giving the main character a reason for not noticing things. It makes her seem kind of dumb, and takes a lot of the suspense out of things. Though I admit, the very last reveal was a surprise to me.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
5.0
This series really caught my attention with the first book - Seashells, Spells & Caramels. The series is a cross between our world and a magical world.
Imogen is a fascinating character because I try and imagine myself in her shoes - never knowing that I had magical powers and how to learn how to harness those powers and use them properly. Plus being in a land that has normal human tourists but is filled with various magical people and beings. But Imogen takes it all in stride.
With this book, not everyone/everything is as it seems. There were some things that I figured out but how they were revealed was intriguing. I can't spill too much otherwise it will give away some of the ending!
I do wonder if Imogen and Hank (Prince Harry) might get together at some point. Yes he is engaged to someone else BUT there is such a connection. Is it because they are both swallows or is there more to the chemistry they have together?
This is a fun series - it might be because I don't read a lot of magical/paranormal type books, but I think it is also the light feel to the story and it is not intense like some books might come across.
Imogen is a fascinating character because I try and imagine myself in her shoes - never knowing that I had magical powers and how to learn how to harness those powers and use them properly. Plus being in a land that has normal human tourists but is filled with various magical people and beings. But Imogen takes it all in stride.
With this book, not everyone/everything is as it seems. There were some things that I figured out but how they were revealed was intriguing. I can't spill too much otherwise it will give away some of the ending!
I do wonder if Imogen and Hank (Prince Harry) might get together at some point. Yes he is engaged to someone else BUT there is such a connection. Is it because they are both swallows or is there more to the chemistry they have together?
This is a fun series - it might be because I don't read a lot of magical/paranormal type books, but I think it is also the light feel to the story and it is not intense like some books might come across.
socorrobaptista's review
4.0
Muita confusão em um mundo mágico que se esconde em plena vista, cheio de criaturas fantásticas, histórias escabrosas, relacionamentos amorosos inesperados, e muito doce de sobremesa.
ssejig's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The carnival is in town! Imogen is startled to find out there is another witch who is a swallow. It is Edward, the strongman, who she meets when a pole falls on the tent and he saves them from certain death. He also offers to take on training Imogen as the only other swallow they know is Prince Henry and their relationship is... complicated.
While at the carnival, Imogen overhears the necromancer/seer get in a fight with Rhonda. When Rhonda is later found holding a saw and the necromancer has been cut in half, she seems like the obvious suspect, at least to Inspector Bon. Imogen is determined to prove her innocence.
While at the carnival, Imogen overhears the necromancer/seer get in a fight with Rhonda. When Rhonda is later found holding a saw and the necromancer has been cut in half, she seems like the obvious suspect, at least to Inspector Bon. Imogen is determined to prove her innocence.
mrose21's review
4.0
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Imogen
Rhonda
Hank
----------------------------------
What happens?
Imogen is the pastry chef for the palace. New to magic when the carnival comes to town she starts to train with the 'strong' man that travels with the carnival. All to stop herself from being alone with the engaged prince Hank.
However when she walks in on a murder with the accused holding the saw she must help solve who killed the seer instead of her friend being accused of the crime.
Final thoughts
This was a quick mystery and I really enjoyed reading it.
The strong man was fishy from the get go. I figured he wasn't who he said. I like Hank and I'm curious to see what happens with that romance. Hopefully something good!!
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Imogen
Rhonda
Hank
----------------------------------
What happens?
Imogen is the pastry chef for the palace. New to magic when the carnival comes to town she starts to train with the 'strong' man that travels with the carnival. All to stop herself from being alone with the engaged prince Hank.
However when she walks in on a murder with the accused holding the saw she must help solve who killed the seer instead of her friend being accused of the crime.
Final thoughts
This was a quick mystery and I really enjoyed reading it.
The strong man was fishy from the get go. I figured he wasn't who he said. I like Hank and I'm curious to see what happens with that romance. Hopefully something good!!
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
tigermomnc's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
Imogen has started working at the royal bakery with her friend Maple and her fire Iggy, but it will not take long before they will be involved again in a threatening mystery. Of course, one of her friends will be the first suspect and Imogen will have to run to discover the truth before it's too late.
This book has brought our loved characters from the first book series to an interesting new adventure; Maple, Sam, Iggy, Hank... and with more humour, magic and delightful pastries we will be transported to a world where everything is possible, even murder.
I have to say I enjoyed more this book than the previous one, the book is more centred in the investigation (that it's a quite original case) and we already know the characters, so the relation between them grows and gets more complex, of course. Let me say that spending a day with Imogen will never be boring, but be prepared to see murder always!
I am still not sure what the Badlands Army wants or what they really do, apart from killing and abducting people, of course. And I can't wait to know what they really moves them.
Of course we can not forget Hank, the engaged future king that makes Imogen feel butterflies every time she sees him... will they start a fire with the sparks between them?
Be prepared to talk to ghosts, zombies and mouthwatering cakes, ready?
This book has brought our loved characters from the first book series to an interesting new adventure; Maple, Sam, Iggy, Hank... and with more humour, magic and delightful pastries we will be transported to a world where everything is possible, even murder.
I have to say I enjoyed more this book than the previous one, the book is more centred in the investigation (that it's a quite original case) and we already know the characters, so the relation between them grows and gets more complex, of course. Let me say that spending a day with Imogen will never be boring, but be prepared to see murder always!
I am still not sure what the Badlands Army wants or what they really do, apart from killing and abducting people, of course. And I can't wait to know what they really moves them.
Of course we can not forget Hank, the engaged future king that makes Imogen feel butterflies every time she sees him... will they start a fire with the sparks between them?
Be prepared to talk to ghosts, zombies and mouthwatering cakes, ready?