Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Review of The Coven's Daughter by Lucy Jago

Title: The Coven's Daughter
Author: Lucy Jago
Published by: Hyperion Book CH
Pages: 256
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: On her thirteenth birthday, Cess finds a precious locket in one of her chicken coops, a strange discovery that’s quickly overshadowed by her best friend William's disappearance two days later.  The parson has already started planting rumors that the missing boys were bewitched, and the villagers think Cecily may be the culprit.  The only way Cess can prove her innocence is by finding William, but she’s soon embroiled in a plot that threatens her world and forces her to draw upon powers she never knew she possessed. Witchcraft, politics and religious ambition combine in this gripping and wonderfully realized novel set in the Somerset of the 1500s.

When I started reading this novel I really felt for Cess.  She was poor, fatherless, and almost friendless, except for William the other town outcast.  Throughout the story she develops into a strong and fierce young women.  I am proud of her defiance against the ignorance of others.  She stood up for her beliefs in a time when that was not done and for that is a hero in my book.   

During her quest to find William, she meets Jasper.  I really like Jasper and Cess's relationship.  It is cute and natural.  There was no instant love connection, more of a friendship turned into a crush kind of relationship. 

The Coven's Daughter had an intriguing storyline, but that actual story feel a little flat for me.  I think one of the things I didn't enjoy was knowing who the bad guy was right away.  I would have liked a little more mystery and some more guessing games. 

What about you?  Do you like knowing 'who did it' at the beginning or would you rather have the mystery slowly unfold throughout the story?

5 comments:

  1. This looks like an interesting story. Like you I like more of a mystery to unfold throughout the book and I really enjoy a twist or surprise I didn't see coming at the end.

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  2. This one lookes super cool - though I definitely an not a fan of knowing who did it right off the bat, I love playing the guessing game throughout the entire book only to be surprised at the end.

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  3. But if you know right away, why keep reading?

    Too bad it fell a little flat because I gotta say I'm loving the cover.

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  4. I don't like knowing who the bad guy is right away. It kind of takes away from it all.

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  5. Okay I take it back. I don't mind knowing who the bad guy is in the beginning if everyone knows and it is a chase or something like that.

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I love love love hearing your wonderful thoughts! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.