The Prophecy of Shadows, book one of the Elementals Series, was so much fun. This story was easy reading, and the book flew by. I love stories based on Greek Mythology. I felt like I was part of the story, as I was swept away in a world filled with magic, witches, and a place were the history of Mount Olympus and the Gods was factual instead of mythological. This story was such a treat to read. I devoured it, and was excited because I knew that it would be appropriate to share with my middle school and high school nieces and nephews, as well as awesome enough to hold the attention of my adult friends.
When high school sophomore Nicole Cassidy is forced to move from Georgia to Massachusetts, she learns that magic really does exist. She is indoctrinated in to a tight knit group of powerful witches, and learns that she too is part of a blood line descended from the Gods. Soon, Nicole learns that she is at the center of an important prophecy, along with her guy crush, Blake, mean girl, Danielle, and friends Kate and Chris. As the five teens embark on a quest to uncover the prophecy, they run in to danger, mythological creatures that they've only read about, and discover how to use their new abilities directly linked to the elements; Fire, Air, Earth, Water, and Spirit.
I loved the way Michelle Madow weaved a story that I could get lost in. I was enraptured, and hanging on to every word as I learned more about Greek Mythology, and the powers that Nicole, Blake, Kate, Danielle, and Chris possessed. I could easily visualize the way energy worked as these teens used it to accomplish magic. Simultaneously, Ms. Madow expertly and believably executed the teen voice. I enjoyed the themes of family, friendship, teen crushes, and growing up. This is the kind of story that you will want to binge read, and won't get bored or need a break from. I loved it, and can't recommend it enough!
I give The Prophecy of Shadows, by Michelle Madow, 4 Powerful Magic, Perilous Journey, Heal or Kill, Butterfly Inducing, Crush Filled Stars! I wish I had the sequel, The Blood of the Hydra, in my hands right now! It's going to feel like a long three month wait, but I will be diving in to the sequel, as soon as possible!
Well first things first! LOOK AT THAT COVER!!! GAW-JES!!! Then I read the synopsis and boom i'm hooked! I love Greek mythology and the author did a marvelous job of creating a clear line between the norms and the abnorms. love love loved it. I look forward to more from this author about these wonderful characters. Though I have to be honest I'm hoping for more from our main girl but I know she's capable of it!!!! Great pace never a dull moment get ready to zip through this title.
The Story, Nicole is new and thrown completely off axis by those that know more than she does. Apparently she is a witch…who knew? From the beginning the reader is set up to get to know all of the ins and outs of this wonderful new world. Was it perfect? No. There are a few things I would've done differently esp when it came to Nicole's obsession with Blake…gag. Hopefully that all gets worked out soon because Its such a bummer when a main character is pining away for a boy lol. Save the world Nicole! Don't worry about ol whats his face, that will all fall in line later babe. Trust me. I look forward to seeing how they develop. There was a lot that was unanswered like who the heck wrote the prophecy anyway, and I can go on and on. Several questions were answered but some still have me in an arm bar. Seriously. All and all I really enjoyed this read.
The Characters, Okay I've already touched a little bit on how Nicole is like all piney away on Blake. Connection smonnection blah blah…Dude! Ef that guy your like a total bad A$$ but to each is own so I wont take it personally. LOL I really like the relationship Nicole has with her family and I think that shows through in the way she is with her new friends. She is just trying to figure it all out and I look forward to seeing how she does it. Blake…Oh Blakey wakey shakey bakey…What is it about you…HMMMMMMMM Me thinks he's keeping a secret. I wish this was in alternating POV's because I'd love to be in his head, he's just very mysterious. I feel like he's holding back but I want him to stop holding back and explode as a character. There is definitely a strong connection between Blake and Nicole and I think I have a feeling I know why. Regardless this guy is a bit of a mystery and I look forward to finding out all of his secrets!
The End, wa what? Man talk about a not so fun walk in the park or should I say cemetery. I really liked the way the ending was laid out for the reader. Every person played their part nicely. This is where we find out a HUGE missing piece of the puzzle that is like NO WAY! I TOTALLY KNEW IT!!!! Okay not really but when we find out its like *Face Palm* how did I NOT KNOW THAT! Im cereal guys, super cereal. Luckily we are given a sneak peek of the next which was super cool because I can already see some growth in the characters. Eeeeep let the race begin!!! Come on book 2 I cant wait!!!
4.0 First day, Tennis, Knee, Homeroom, Sun, Note, Web, Comet, Aether, Playground, Book, More Danger, Kindling Romance, I Cant wait to see what happens filled stars!!!