Review: Dark but Thrilling!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 5, 2014
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*I had this book on my review list for sometimes now and looking back now I should have read this one sooner! It's dark but thrilling for a young adult novel.First of all, I really wanted to give this book 5 stars but I thought some of the characters lacked development. I wanted to learn a little bit more about the bullies and a few of Tex's friends. I felt that Tex's character was very well-rounded but his friends, I wanted to know how they became so close. Was it because of the bullying? Were they childhood friends? You can tell they are close but I didn't know why. I know this is a trilogy and maybe it's explained later in the series but I felt like a few of the characters needed more development in this story.The plot itself was fantastic!!! The story itself is a little dark because it does deal with the issue of bullying and it's consequences.  It definitely brings to life what some kids face in their everyday and sometimes it's hard to believe that things like this happen every day in schools across the nation.  We follow Tex, Olivia, Ian, and Josh through their journey of bullying. Some places I cringed and questioned how do these type of things go on in schools but they just sit back and do nothing? This book definitely makes you think on that level.Once the murders start happening, it adds another layer. Suddenly Tex and his friends find themselves as suspects in the murders until some of them get caught in the crosshairs. I don't want to give any spoilers but the one responsible for the murders was not who I thought it was. It took me completely by surprise! I would have never guessed that person to be the murderer!Then throughout the story, Tex finds out he is a witch! So add a little magic, spells and potions to the story and it creates a lighter side to it that balances it out perfectly. I loved Mickey's character as well. She is Tex's mentor so to speak and she brings some comic relief to the story.Overall the book was great! It's definitely worth the read!