Carolyn MacCulloughReseñas

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.

Okay, its not me, although good, this book was way too short. Also, by the ending, I don't think this will be a series. Seems like it will remain a duology.

Overall this book contained mild action and thrills, Tam has to go in search of an airloom for some guy that isnt who who says he is. upon giving him this airloom things go wrong and now she needs to fix it. A slow read and it lacked my interest, maybe the follow up Always a witch is better? i wont be finding out though.

I liked how the two books really do go together. Everything between the two weaves seamlessly together to create a nice story.

Author thinks "Oh no! My bridesmaid's dress doesn't fit well!" is a source of dramatic tension. What the fuck?½

Once A Witch (Book 1), Always a Witch (Book 2)

Growing up in large family where everyone has a magic "Talent," Tamsin Greene is the only one who doesn't, until in her late teens she does! The onset causes a huge shift in her life along with the realization that she is pivotal to saving her family's very existence if she can only resolve a century-long feud with another powerful magic family.

At its core, this is a YA coming of age story with lots of life choices on the path to maturity. What makes this series work is the way the concepts of the various Talents are thoughtfully and consistently constructed. They are integral to the story, on the hand giving the characters agency while on the other hand providing real restrictions that limit possible action. Even the most novel "work arounds" in the book still stay within the given limits.

The series is light weight but fun.½

I'm a bit surprised at how highly rated the two books in this series are. This is a time when I wish that Goodreads allowed a way for half-ratings, because this would fit that bill perfectly with a 2.5. I didn't dislike it enough to rate it a 2 ("Didn't like it"), but I feel that a 3 ("Liked it") is a little strong. Having said that, I may have enjoyed this book more than the first.

I liked the time travel element well enough, and it was kind of fun to see Tamsin managing her way through the nineteenth century. It was actually pretty interesting to me that the vast majority of this book took place in the past instead of the present. Jessica was an interesting character but it was kind of astounding how little she's actually in the book for having a major role in the success of the heroine.

Some questions:
- Why did the Greene family purchase a home in Washington Square Park? They referred to and visited this home several times in the first book (even though it seemed like no one lived there), and they referred to it briefly in this book. So I'm not sure why this was even part of the books.
- Why was Rowena so friendly and all at the end of the book? Is this supposed to be a sign to us that some things did change in the future, or is it simply that somehow Rowena knew that she'd gone back and changed their future and was a friendlier sister than she'd ever been before? It's kind of weird that Tamsin needed to leave the house because she was so overwhelmed by her family's warm welcome, but then they didn't go into that more. All we get from her mom is a grin from far away?
- How did her grandmother know that she went back and changed anything? Did she read this in the book or something? Because I would have thought making a change like that might alter the future. I guess it didn't in the earlier book... but in this one the grandma was erased from existence....
- Was the Greene family descended from Isobel? Since they lived in the home that Isobel and the others moved to. I guess maybe that means they got over their disdain for ordinary folks? Or some other witch her age moved out there?
- Did the protection spell or whatever that kept them safe in Hedgerow become unnecessary after this?
- I thought calling the epilogue an epilogue was weird. I guess there are probably no written rules about epilogues, but usually they're set somewhere in the future, be it days or years. But this was set immediately after the end of the prior chapter. Why not just call it a chapter? I have expectations of an epilogue and this did not fulfill them.

The books in this series are a solid 2.5; I'm pretty surprised by the high ratings, which is what attracted me to them. The book wasn't so poor that it deserved a 2, "didn't like" rating, nor so good that a 3 "I liked it" would be a good descriptor. It was a very quick read, and I like stories with witches, and I'm not unhappy I read it. But I don't expect I'll ever read it again.

The story is predictable from the start. I figured Alistair was either a villain or someone who had powers and was somehow leading the heroine on her hero's journey, whom she'd fall in love with at some point. I figured out pretty quickly that he was in fact the villain.

Few of the characters really had much personality. Everyone--including Tamsin, really--was pretty flat. Dad was barely in the story; bitchy older sister; wise grandma; worry-wart mother. Oh, and then lovesick, emotionally and mentally and physically abused sister.

Even the love story aspect of this book was disappointing. I didn't need her to write a sex scene, but there was no creation of an attraction between these two characters. We know that Gabriel's got a face (handy, that, but don't ask me what he looks like; I couldn't tell you anything besides he's a dude who I think is supposed to be tall and a couple years older than Tamsin), they used to be friends but haven't spoken in a decade, and Agatha said he's cute so he must be. The way the author wrote these characters, there's no reason for them to be anything but friends--and more like acquaintances at that, because she didn't even really build much of a friendship between the two of them besides they were friends, and now he's moved back so what the hell they should be again because they both happen to go to school in New York City. (And of all schools in and around NYC, Julliard? Maybe more believable if his Talent was something like perfect pitch and virtuosic ability with all instruments or something.

Comments:
- I like that these were called Talents. Not sure why; I just like words and this had a poetic feel.
-How did Alistair know about his family's legacy? Do they all twirl their mustaches and plot to somehow regain their Talents?
- I'm not sure I really understand why Gabriel can travel. So being able to find something means you can travel through time? I know the author tried to convince us of this by saying that he can find anything at any time, but this was a really weak explanation.
- I can't remember if they gave Agatha something so she'd forget what happened, because clearly Rowena remembers. But I'm not curious enough to go back and read more of it to find out.

nice follow-up from the awful cliffhanger that left us hanging t the end of Once a Witch. again, i feel the romance between her and gabriel was anti-climatic and not epic enough, but i've grown to expect super-epicalist romances from these types of books.
the time-travel was thing was iffy. time travel is always dangerous, especially when you interact with family from your past. you could end up being your own great-grandfather (that happened once on Stargate SG-1) or you could end up wiping out your family line entirely which i think happened for a time during this book)
and the "terrible choice" Tamsin had to make wasn't that terrible, if you ask me. Would I have made it? probably not, but then, I'm not a character in a book. if I were a character in a book, and if I were the good character (which I might not be. i always seem to have more character traits in common with the villains of stories) yeah, I'd've made that choice. I mean, what else was she gonna do? leave it and have to end up doing it all over again?
anyway. good book. should read.

good book. interesting (hee hee!). like the whole witch-mythology. also, there's a kind of vampiric take on some of thee witched, which is incredibly awesome.
tamsin is an awesome character as well, but I think her romance could've been more... EPIC. it felt like their romance was kind of a background thing, and it was super anti-climatic.
but that's just me. it was still a good book.

Not a bad story. I love magic and witches and adventures. This was great. Looking forward to finding the sequel.

I really hope there's going to be another book. I just love this series!!

This book finishes the story of Tamsin from Once a Witch. I love that I know what happens to Tamsin and her family. The ending really made the entire book for me.

Tamsin comes from a family of witches. It was prophesized that she would be one of the most powerful, but her talent has never appeared. Others might be able to change the weather, to teleport or to read the mysterious book of the family history. Tamsin is utterly normal.

One day, while helping out in the family bookshop, a customer asks her to find a lost clock. Eager to prove herself, she enlists the help of Gabriel, another outsider of the commune, and travels to the past to retrieve the object. But time travel can have unforeseen side effects.

Magical system: besides the talents, there is ritual magic by invoking the elements and/or blood, usually practiced on Samhain.

Things got a little confusing with the time travel, I thought that could have been better explained. All and all a pretty good book.

Fast fun read. The plot felt like it should be more complicated, but the author managed to tie up most of the loose ends by the end of the story, while still leaving it wide open for a follow up book. I liked almost all the characters and the setting was very vivid. Overall, it was a fun read and I'll gladly read another if another follows.

An enjoyable read, especially if you're interested in time travel. A lot of this book takes place in the late 1800's with Tamsin "undercover". An interesting ending revolving about what price for the greater good.

With this novel, Carolyn MacCullough has written a nearly flawless story. The plot is succinct, and the alternating chapters of past and present keeps the story interesting, as more details are revealed about seventeen-year-old Ginny’s situation. At the beginning we know only that Ginny is grieving over the loss of her boyfriend Aidan, and that the two had shared an intense relationship. The few characters are easy to keep track of and MacCullough’s descriptions of them provided just enough information to allow their portraits to appear in my mind as I read. MacCullough’s writing remains tight throughout the book, offering sharp, stimulating descriptions and clear, realistic dialogue. Her portrayal of the jagged healing process following a tragic loss is compelling. This is a stunning first novel, and I look forward to reading more of MacCullough’s work in the future.

Loved the ending, and although in general I am generous to endings *ahemSookieahem* I loved the way this wrapped up.

I started this series with Once a Witch, and rather enjoyed it. It wasn't your run-of-the-mill witch story and I liked that. Tamsin is the sole Talent-less witch in her family, and it kind of grates on her.

Well, it would, wouldn't it?

I rather relate, being the least talented of my piano-genius sisters.

Anyway, Tamsin finds out later that she is NOT Talent-less, but is quite powerful. It leads to adventures, saving the day, and discovering true love.

Woo!

Then we come to Always a Witch. The title makes a huge amount of sense now that I've finished. I'm not going to give away the ending, have no fear. It's a great ending though, just you wait.

Tamsin faces choices this time that will alter her life forever. She discovers who she really is, instead of who she thought she was. Her choices could change the course of history and the future, which is pretty daunting when you think about it.

I like that we get to see her growth through the two books. I really came to like her as a character. She's strong, and yet vulnerable at the same time.

The plot is great, carrying on where we left off the first time. It flows nicely and has lots of nice twists to keep one entertained.

All in all, a great read. Really enjoyed it, and readers of YA Paranormal will like it too.

It gets a 'drool worthy' rating from me.

RATING: 3.5 stars.

Nice story, although it was kind of predictable. Seemed a little Harry Potter-ish in places, but it also had a lot of original elements and ideas, so overall, I liked reading this. Pity the romance suffered a bit due to the rest of the story, but since it's a series maybe it will get more "book time" in later installments. Plus it was refreshing to read a YA urban fantasy where the focus wasn't a melodramatic teen romance.

Not as good as the first one (Once a Witch).

I stumbled across Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough quite by accident, and have to say I am really quite shocked I hadn’t heard more about this series before this week. I immediately started reading this book and was swept away with the story of Tamsin.

Tamsin is from a family of powerful witches, the downside is Tamsin is talentless and I guess you could say because of this she feels that she is not a witch. Growing up and feeling empty and left out she goes to New York to attend school. There we meet her best friend Agatha and see the close relationship she has with her. In reading this story you feel strongly for Tamsin and can only imagine how it would feel to be so different from everyone in her family.

During a visit home, while she is working in her families store she meets a tall dark stranger who assumes she is her sister and asks for her help.

Tamsin decides she wants to prove to her family she can help this stranger, proving something to herself and her family even though she has no talent. This is where the story has some twist and turns and kept me reading till quite late at night.

This story has some funny moments, quirky aunt, handsome young man, a grandmother who doesn’t seem to answer her questions a sister who drives you crazy. Sound like a typical family LOL.

This is the beginning of a great series and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys reading PNR/UF books.

First have to say I love the cover of this book.

Ok so Always a Witch continues from Book one Once a Witch.

Brilliant sequel, we get to see all the characters from book one and the story continues. We get to see more of Gabrille and Tamsin now a couple makes you happy inside knowing they are together.

In the first book Tasmin discovered her talent and traveled through time to save her family. In this book Tasmin must travel back in time to save her family from the evil Alistar. She works as a maid for a family that uses evil means to enhance their magic.

What more can I say but read the book if you enjoy y/a pnr/uf.

Though started slow this one was better than the first one (Once A Witch).½