Saturday, August 6, 2011

Review of Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Published by: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 405
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ... Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood. The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

I am completely infatuated with witches.  I think being able to have special powers and cast spells has to be the coolest thing ever.  That being said, I was really excited to read this novel even though I'm a little squeamish about blood. 

Blood Magic starts off with the uncovering of a secret life Silla's dad led; a life of deception and one of magic.  Soon Silla, her brother, and Nick all fall under the allure of magic.  There is something in their blood that makes them magical and that blood is the same reason they are now being hunted.

While the actual story captivated me, it also scared the hell out of me.  Once Josephine entered the picture, my nice story where a little blood could turn dead grass into a field of flowers turned dark and dangerous.  For me the magic was no longer mysterious and captivating, instead it was hurtful and insidious.

I like the plot line behind this novel, but I'm afraid it was a little dark for my taste and I don't do well with harming innocent animals.  But if you like your magic and mystery a little darker this novel is sure to please.     

3 comments:

  1. The book is one I really wanted to read, but I too have a tender heart and don't like to read about cruel treatment to innocent animals. Was it just one scene or throughout the entire book?

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  2. I can't wait to read this book. But yeah, I'm not much into blood either. ;) Hopefully I won't get sick (nauseous) while reading this book. ;)

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  3. Gina,
    It only happened twice and it didn't ruin the book or anything but those type of things always stand out to me.

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