Title: Be Careful What You Witch For
Author: Thomas Hoobler
Magic is a tricky thing. Especially when it comes from an ancient book of spells that jumps off a shelf into Olivia’s hands. Bad news for the popular girls in her new school who don’t like Olivia. But hey–now she can get the attention of her crush who’s more interested in comic book superheroes. And when she finds out her aunt is a witch, she imagines all her problems are solved. Unfortunately, not quite–what she conjures up is trouble. And the only one who can help her is an 800-year-old woman.
Thomas Hoobler has written nearly 100 books with his wife Dorothy, and some more by himself. The Hooblers are the co-authors of the Samurai Detective Series, which tells the adventures of a boy in 18th century Japan who helps his samurai father solve mysteries. The third book in the series, IN DARKNESS, DEATH, won an Edgar as the Best YA mystery of 2004. The Washington Post also chose the book as one of the Best Children's books of that year. Tom won $500,000 on the quiz show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, making it easier for the Hooblers to follow their career. They have written history for children, young adults, and adults.
Facebook: Twitter: @tw_hoobler
UNITED INDIE BOOK BLOG REVIEW
Be Careful What You Witch For by Thomas HooblerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received this book for an honest review. I perked right up when it came across that there was a YA paranormal to be reviewed. I hadn’t read one in a while and wanted another. Well I definitely got it. This is a really good story. I want to tell you about it, but, I’m not about to ruin it… This is definitely one for the lover of books dealing with witchcraft. I loved the character of Olivia, a strong young lady who doesn’t want to ride on the coattails of her famous A-List actor parents. She doesn’t want anyone to know who her parents are and actually uses her mother’s maiden name when signing up for school, so no one would recognize the name. Even when it comes down to her being treated better because of it.
I was impressed with the knowledge and research that went into this book because of the reference to some of my favorite things. The poem “I’m Nobody” By Emily Dickinson, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller are both mentioned and the class reads/studies them. The witches of Salem are mentioned and discussed as well. I love the history teacher, Mr. Feldstein. He is the amazing teacher who dressed in period costumes to teach and make history come alive. I wish I would’ve had a teacher like him.
Now when it comes down to it, Olivia acts like a regular teenager, she uses a spellbook to cast spells on other students, and mistakes are made. She not only tries to cast for good things, but also casts for harm, going against the basic tenet of Wicca that her Aunt taught her, “An harm none, do what you will.” Her mistakes though cause all sorts of chaos at the school and others have to help get everything back to normal.
If you want a really well written, YA Paranormal that deals with witches, I would definitely recommend Be Careful What You Witch For! I definitely give this book 5 pentagrams!!
Reviewed by Cryssy
View all my reviews
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