Review: Bewitching
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 3, 2012
It is the first words in the introduction was the spark that compelled me to continue to read it. The beginning of chapter one the author have me, I was hooked with the plot and its possibilities.It opens with the main character as a little girl, Alyssa dreaming as her father tells her a supernatural tale of their long ago family history about two young people destined to be together but the male character Donovan has to be recognized and accepted by the council to be able to request for the maiden's hand in marriage.He sets off on a journey to seek the most precious treasure he can find and bring back to the village to prove his worth.  Along the way he trips over another supernatural creature trapped in the roots of a tree.In repayment of being rescued, the stranger gave Donovan what he was looking for and he brings it back to the council. The question after the quest is finished do the young couple lives happily ever after or not?  And how does a missing 8th witch coven have to do with a young teenager life, 800 years later?The plot goes on with the main character as a high school student and living the daily grind and events- of an extraordinary human, for she is a witch and needs to stay cloak in the human realm to not alert the humans to her abilities. Her only release is her two best friends to practice witchcraft with, try not to get into mischief and stay under the radarAs the story continues she describes the life she lives, drag racing, her fear to not become involved with a human as a mate.  She is trying to obey the laws of the coven for they only believe in life matches of witches for life.The way the author writes the plot it is easy to get involved as if you are part of the book.It is written with easy conversational humanistic comments that kept this reader attentive to the details of the story.The witches are divided in to the elements group and depending upon their element, they are given certain powers, the main character's is fire, when she is under stress and cannot contain her emotions she sparks and can burn someone if not careful, like when she is thinking about her first break up with her ex, David or the cute guy Marc who is hitting on her, not accepting no when he asks her for a date;Events arise in the plot and she has to gain control repeating to self  "He is not a witch" and gradually wants to let him down gently yet cannot stop thinking about him, gorgeous Marc.She speaks to her dad when he arrives home from his trip, about her conflicting emotions. Only To discover a dark secret and is given the responsibility of getting closer to the dreamy guy, who will not leave her alone.  She decides to have a relationship with him, and as the story gets more exciting she starts to unravel the clues about the mysterious cute guy and her destiny.Meanwhile she continues on with her secret life as a teen witch, enjoying drag racing with her dad, partying with her friends and guarding her heart from her first love that broke it. He, David wants her back and pulls out all his charms to win her back she is flatter but confused by his attention.The plot continues with hints of intimacy; written as  very delightful descriptive scenes full of romantic  attention which would make any female swoon over his masculine approach to win her back.Yet Marc is also competing for her attention; she is in the midst of a trio, her ex - David and the new guy Marc, it becomes quite intense at times.  This story is a mystery, supernatural and a battle of light and good which are all factors to make it stimulating to the reader at the same time and turning pages to see what will happen next, so many events and conflicts.In the author's words;"We walk to my car after school; Kelly's car is next to his, so that gives her an excuse to be standing by his car.  I was taught that we don't go looking for trouble, the whole do no harm oath.  I will say this, witches don't like confrontations, but we will protect ourselves and the ones we love."I open my car door and say "I will see you tonight.  Just follow those directions and meet me by the office about 7:30.""I will definitely be there."  He says as he walks to his car.I start my car up and think what am I doing?  Bringing a human to "hang out" with witches?  Have I completely lost my mind, I know dad has good intentions.  I just hope this is not a mistake and the night doesn't turn out to be a complete disaster."The author has the creative insight of including witches spells and traditions though out the story, using all the items, the candles, the magic and the chants.It is white magic witches powers, the light of goodness, to not harm another but to protect their loved ones in case of danger.This phase caught this reader's attention:"Element of water, I call on thee, bring forth your energy.  By the powers of three purify the mind, body and spirit within me, element of water, bringer of life; wash away the negative energies and strife.  Seal the purity of only love and light in this blessing.Goddess, hear me, so mote it be."The plot continues with a macho fight between the ex-David and Marc; this reader was rallying for one of them; the question will be will the loser have to have his memories wipe with a erase memory  spell or will he blend into the hidden world of witches and her the royal covens?.You will have to read this YA and adult story about this young witch and her destiny and what mysteries lies ahead for her and her friends. As a reader I have not found a refreshing book about witches, and their secretive lives written so intensely. This enchanting story is entertaining, it is a light and dark story, full, with action and twists as two forces battled each other and the witches struggle through the darkness and explore their destinies and what is meant to be.  "So mote it be."recommend for 18+ for graphic content.This review was given in exchange for a free honest review.