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Seventeen-year-old Baltimore Land just wants to be normal, but magic has other plans.
I don’t consider myself a witch, that's my parents' thing. I've never really believed in magic either. Sure, I tried it a few times. Fell for the whole “magic happens” thing. But it didn’t happen to me. No amount of rhyming stopped my parents from moving me halfway across the country. Not one spell stopped me from being labeled the town freak.
And worst of all, no matter how many times I begged the Universe to bring my twin back, I was ignored. Until now.
He’s back all right. And in a magical bind of his own. Not the magic-won’t-work-for-me kind either. In fact, it’s working a little too well. Too dark. Too deep.
It turns out our entire family’s magical roots run just as deep and my brother didn’t end up where he is by accident. So I’m going to help him. But magic isn’t really on my side. Nope. Once I finally get the craft under control, I’m expected to abandon the one person in the world who’s closest to me, just to save myself.
I don’t consider myself a witch, that's my parents' thing. I've never really believed in magic either. Sure, I tried it a few times. Fell for the whole “magic happens” thing. But it didn’t happen to me. No amount of rhyming stopped my parents from moving me halfway across the country. Not one spell stopped me from being labeled the town freak.
And worst of all, no matter how many times I begged the Universe to bring my twin back, I was ignored. Until now.
He’s back all right. And in a magical bind of his own. Not the magic-won’t-work-for-me kind either. In fact, it’s working a little too well. Too dark. Too deep.
It turns out our entire family’s magical roots run just as deep and my brother didn’t end up where he is by accident. So I’m going to help him. But magic isn’t really on my side. Nope. Once I finally get the craft under control, I’m expected to abandon the one person in the world who’s closest to me, just to save myself.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2012
5 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Kelbian Noel
4 books195 followersKelbian is the author of the Witchbound Series and Adam on the Inside. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 7, 2013
Originally posted at DJ's Book Corner
3.5 STARS
Besides Harry Potter, I've never been a fan of witch books. I don't like the idea of casting spells and séances and such, and maybe I'm a bit prejudice because of the stigma that's been attached to the essence of witchcraft. Most of the time witchcraft is seen as evil, and I'm not saying it is or it isn't. All I'm saying is, I try to avoid it as much as possible, especially in my reading material.
My prejudice is probably what really held me up from finishing this book months ago. It took me SO long to read it and it's not even that lengthy! My slow reading has absolutely NOTHING to do with Kelbian's writing because her writing was great! She has a talent for getting right to the point and not being too overly descriptive about things that aren't important. She saved the details for the right stuff.
I thought Baltimore Land (Yes, as in Baltimore, Maryland) had a pretty cool name even though she was annoying sometimes. She was just so hard-headed and stubborn! But if she wasn't nothing would have ever happened in this book. Her grandfather was about as cool as old men get, and I liked Nate and we get an early hint that there could possibly be a romance between him and Baltimore. I won't tell you how that plays out. You wanna know, read the book. Ramón was such a suck up and Brooklyn (Baltimore's twin brother) was kind of weird to me. I know, I know, there was a reason for that. But even still, I could tell he was weird anyway. Kind of cool...but kind of...weird, too *lol*
Like I said, Kelbian put detail in all the right spots. For the spells and the creepy séances and stuff. We got a wonderful first hand account of every one Baltimore did–her thoughts, her feelings, and her physical anguish (there was plenty of that!), but that was because Baltimore was hard-headed! Mind you, Baltimore didn't even believe (and didn't want to) in all of the witchcraft stuff, even though her grandparents and her parents were wiccan. Her deceased grandmother was a for serious witch, so it was kind of strange that Baltimore was so reluctant to believe. But when she finally did, she jumped in head first doing plenty of things she had no business doing to save her twin from his most unfortunate predicament. Still though, I wanted her to chill out sometimes and just THINK. But I understand when people you love are in trouble, it's really hard to be rational. So I get it.
Overall, a decent plot balanced out with good writing that won't take you nearly as long to read as it did for me. Sprung is the next book in the series, but it won't be focused on Baltimore and friends as far as I can tell. It's about another character named Skye. I might give this one a try, and I won't take six months to read it either.
3.5 STARS
Besides Harry Potter, I've never been a fan of witch books. I don't like the idea of casting spells and séances and such, and maybe I'm a bit prejudice because of the stigma that's been attached to the essence of witchcraft. Most of the time witchcraft is seen as evil, and I'm not saying it is or it isn't. All I'm saying is, I try to avoid it as much as possible, especially in my reading material.
My prejudice is probably what really held me up from finishing this book months ago. It took me SO long to read it and it's not even that lengthy! My slow reading has absolutely NOTHING to do with Kelbian's writing because her writing was great! She has a talent for getting right to the point and not being too overly descriptive about things that aren't important. She saved the details for the right stuff.
I thought Baltimore Land (Yes, as in Baltimore, Maryland) had a pretty cool name even though she was annoying sometimes. She was just so hard-headed and stubborn! But if she wasn't nothing would have ever happened in this book. Her grandfather was about as cool as old men get, and I liked Nate and we get an early hint that there could possibly be a romance between him and Baltimore. I won't tell you how that plays out. You wanna know, read the book. Ramón was such a suck up and Brooklyn (Baltimore's twin brother) was kind of weird to me. I know, I know, there was a reason for that. But even still, I could tell he was weird anyway. Kind of cool...but kind of...weird, too *lol*
Like I said, Kelbian put detail in all the right spots. For the spells and the creepy séances and stuff. We got a wonderful first hand account of every one Baltimore did–her thoughts, her feelings, and her physical anguish (there was plenty of that!), but that was because Baltimore was hard-headed! Mind you, Baltimore didn't even believe (and didn't want to) in all of the witchcraft stuff, even though her grandparents and her parents were wiccan. Her deceased grandmother was a for serious witch, so it was kind of strange that Baltimore was so reluctant to believe. But when she finally did, she jumped in head first doing plenty of things she had no business doing to save her twin from his most unfortunate predicament. Still though, I wanted her to chill out sometimes and just THINK. But I understand when people you love are in trouble, it's really hard to be rational. So I get it.
Overall, a decent plot balanced out with good writing that won't take you nearly as long to read as it did for me. Sprung is the next book in the series, but it won't be focused on Baltimore and friends as far as I can tell. It's about another character named Skye. I might give this one a try, and I won't take six months to read it either.
April 2, 2013
This was a fun read. I like that its about a teenager who actually talks like a teenager. A nice girl, not one of those annoying know-it-all teens as so many can be. *wink*
It's about a young girl who comes from a family of witches but never believed in it until she accidentally cast a spell. She feels bad about it and wants to right the situation. In doing so she learns about her family history and involvement in the Wiccan ways. It had action, suspense, romance, humor.
I feel like the story is just getting warmed up and I can't wait for more!
It's about a young girl who comes from a family of witches but never believed in it until she accidentally cast a spell. She feels bad about it and wants to right the situation. In doing so she learns about her family history and involvement in the Wiccan ways. It had action, suspense, romance, humor.
I feel like the story is just getting warmed up and I can't wait for more!
September 1, 2014
In ‘Roots’ we meet Baltimore Land, an 17 year old girl who grew up with parents who believed in Wicca. All her life Baltimore felt like her parents were a little crazy because nothing about witchcraft could be real. Right?! What most people don’t know is that Baltimore has a twin brother called Brooklyn. Brooklyn walked away from home almost two years ago and nobody has heard from him since, except Baltimore. When Baltimore gets the opportunity to visit her brother without her parents finding out she can’t resist. But when Baltimore arrives at her brothers new home, she soon learns that there is a lot Brooklyn didn’t tell her. Soon Baltimore finds out that there really is Magic and that she’s actually a very powerful witch. Unfortunately Brooklyn isn’t the brother she used to know and now Baltimore is in real danger. There is a lot Baltimore doesn’t know about magic but will there be enough time for her to learn more about being a witch or is she too late?
When I started reading ‘Roots’ I didn’t really know what I could expect. I knew this book would be about magic and witches and seeing that I’ve been a huge fan my whole life of all things surrounding witches, this sounded like a book for me. What I liked about this book was the way magic and witch stuff always had been a part of Baltimore’s life. She didn’t believe it to be a real thing but she really crew up learning about protective plants and pentagrams. In most books the main character just stumbles upon magic and has to learn everything from scratch. In this book Baltimore already had a lot of knowledge and I really liked that.
The character I liked the most in this book was Nick. Nick is a witch himself and he saves Baltimore more than ones. What I liked about him is how mature he was. He really liked Baltimore and he wanted to tell her everything about magic but he respected the wishes of his elder and that’s why he didn’t spill anything. I loved that. He was just so damn cute!
Baltimore just really irritated me at times. She was just so stubborn! You would think that you learned your lesson when a spell went terribly wrong the first time, but she just keeps doing stupid spells. I really wanted to yell at her sometimes.
I must say I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. Nothing to complicated but that made this a perfect relaxing read. I loved the magic stuff and it just made me think of the old times where I would read every Wicca and witch book out there.
When I started reading ‘Roots’ I didn’t really know what I could expect. I knew this book would be about magic and witches and seeing that I’ve been a huge fan my whole life of all things surrounding witches, this sounded like a book for me. What I liked about this book was the way magic and witch stuff always had been a part of Baltimore’s life. She didn’t believe it to be a real thing but she really crew up learning about protective plants and pentagrams. In most books the main character just stumbles upon magic and has to learn everything from scratch. In this book Baltimore already had a lot of knowledge and I really liked that.
The character I liked the most in this book was Nick. Nick is a witch himself and he saves Baltimore more than ones. What I liked about him is how mature he was. He really liked Baltimore and he wanted to tell her everything about magic but he respected the wishes of his elder and that’s why he didn’t spill anything. I loved that. He was just so damn cute!
Baltimore just really irritated me at times. She was just so stubborn! You would think that you learned your lesson when a spell went terribly wrong the first time, but she just keeps doing stupid spells. I really wanted to yell at her sometimes.
I must say I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. Nothing to complicated but that made this a perfect relaxing read. I loved the magic stuff and it just made me think of the old times where I would read every Wicca and witch book out there.
January 10, 2013
4.5 Stars
I truly enjoyed this story. Noel is a talented writer and that shines through every word in her story. I couldn't put Elemental down.
I love a great story. But building a story takes time and a few chapters, so what brings me in to any book is the characters and Noel hooked me from the start where they are concerned. They were real to life and I could hear and see them as I read. Funny enough, although the MC is who most people like connecting with, I tend to find other characters to latch onto as I read because for me, the side characters are the ones that enrich the story. But with Elemental, I immediately felt a connection with Baltimore. She's sassy and funny, but down to earth. And she's such a teenager! There were more than a few times that I wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into her, especially where boys are concerned. LOL! But it was because of those moments that she felt so real. Like she could have been my bff in high school and that's saying something about Noel's characters building and writing.
Since I easily fell in love with Baltimore, its not hard to believe that her bestie was easy to like as well. The perfect pair.
The story engages you from the start. I knew right away that any girl who had witch parents but turned up her own nose at magic was bound to find out that she was talented at using it...more than so than she ever expects.
The twists and turns of Elemental kept me reading and wanting for more! I couldn't guess what was coming next and in the YA genre that is a very welcomed change of pace.
Noel delivered an easy 4.5 star read! I can't WAIT to find out what happens next!
I truly enjoyed this story. Noel is a talented writer and that shines through every word in her story. I couldn't put Elemental down.
I love a great story. But building a story takes time and a few chapters, so what brings me in to any book is the characters and Noel hooked me from the start where they are concerned. They were real to life and I could hear and see them as I read. Funny enough, although the MC is who most people like connecting with, I tend to find other characters to latch onto as I read because for me, the side characters are the ones that enrich the story. But with Elemental, I immediately felt a connection with Baltimore. She's sassy and funny, but down to earth. And she's such a teenager! There were more than a few times that I wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into her, especially where boys are concerned. LOL! But it was because of those moments that she felt so real. Like she could have been my bff in high school and that's saying something about Noel's characters building and writing.
Since I easily fell in love with Baltimore, its not hard to believe that her bestie was easy to like as well. The perfect pair.
The story engages you from the start. I knew right away that any girl who had witch parents but turned up her own nose at magic was bound to find out that she was talented at using it...more than so than she ever expects.
The twists and turns of Elemental kept me reading and wanting for more! I couldn't guess what was coming next and in the YA genre that is a very welcomed change of pace.
Noel delivered an easy 4.5 star read! I can't WAIT to find out what happens next!
May 27, 2013
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
While this book wasn't bad, there wasn't much about it that stands out in the long line of paranormal romance books. Roots is the first in the Witchbound Series about a teenage girl who discovers that she and her Wiccan family are actually truly magical witches when her brother falls in love with an evil witch and she tries to rescue him.
First and foremost, I wish every author knew the difference between they're and their- especially authors publishing independently.
Second, the magic described in this book was weird to me. It is indicated many times that the magic is simple, where Baltimore Land, the main character who is a super-powerful "Elemental" witch could basically do anything she wanted with her magic and write spells off the top of her head. Then when things are actually described, the process is very complicated and includes candles, pentagrams, knives, salt circles, chants, sacrifices, and many other things which don't imply simplicity at all. Baltimore is also never really taught anything, the most they do is tell her to sit in a room by herself and write spells from her dreams.
All in all, I found a lot of things just weren't very well explained. The text is very dialogue heavy so the confusing themes don't hinder the pace until you get to paragraphs where something actually happens. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this book. As a romance, the love story is weak and disappointing. This might, however, be a good book for teens who are old enough to handle the violence.
While this book wasn't bad, there wasn't much about it that stands out in the long line of paranormal romance books. Roots is the first in the Witchbound Series about a teenage girl who discovers that she and her Wiccan family are actually truly magical witches when her brother falls in love with an evil witch and she tries to rescue him.
First and foremost, I wish every author knew the difference between they're and their- especially authors publishing independently.
Second, the magic described in this book was weird to me. It is indicated many times that the magic is simple, where Baltimore Land, the main character who is a super-powerful "Elemental" witch could basically do anything she wanted with her magic and write spells off the top of her head. Then when things are actually described, the process is very complicated and includes candles, pentagrams, knives, salt circles, chants, sacrifices, and many other things which don't imply simplicity at all. Baltimore is also never really taught anything, the most they do is tell her to sit in a room by herself and write spells from her dreams.
All in all, I found a lot of things just weren't very well explained. The text is very dialogue heavy so the confusing themes don't hinder the pace until you get to paragraphs where something actually happens. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this book. As a romance, the love story is weak and disappointing. This might, however, be a good book for teens who are old enough to handle the violence.
February 20, 2013
This novel was quite an enjoyable read. It was tactfully written in the first person without repeatedly flipping tenses or person. Noel also combines the world of Wicca with a great many unique ideas in order to create a world that you want to get to know better. The novel contains a fair amount of narrative that builds up this world. It is quite brilliant the way Noel sets this world up. The vibrant descriptions that she employs round this all out to make the whole world shine.
The characters in this novel are fairly well developed. I feel like the author is giving you a taste of who they are, making it so that you have to come back for more in order to really get to know them. I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t throw random facts about the characters at you. You get to know them gradually, like you would a real person that you met at a coffee shop. It adds another element of realism to this intriguing story.
Although this story was very interesting and quite creative, I found a few parts of the story to be a bit slow. That said, it picks up near the end and becomes very enthralling. As a whole, it seems like it’s a setup for something much bigger and I’m dying to see where it goes. I also would love a deeper look into this striking world.
The characters in this novel are fairly well developed. I feel like the author is giving you a taste of who they are, making it so that you have to come back for more in order to really get to know them. I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t throw random facts about the characters at you. You get to know them gradually, like you would a real person that you met at a coffee shop. It adds another element of realism to this intriguing story.
Although this story was very interesting and quite creative, I found a few parts of the story to be a bit slow. That said, it picks up near the end and becomes very enthralling. As a whole, it seems like it’s a setup for something much bigger and I’m dying to see where it goes. I also would love a deeper look into this striking world.
August 21, 2013
I got a copy in exchange for a honest review.
I love this book! at beginning I already interested with the story, magic? witch? bring it on!
Baltimore can't be more surprised when she found what her family's been hiding, turned out she's a witch and they're a magic family, okay, more like a wiccan, not a magic like Harry Potter style.
what I love the most is the way the author tell the story, I totally agree that this is a teenager story, that's the way teens talk, think, and act!
Roots has a wonderful storyline that keep you hooked from the first time. sure, there's not much romance in it, but hey I don't mind. instead it filled with friends and family story.
If you looking for a teens crazy fun story, here's one for you.
I love this book! at beginning I already interested with the story, magic? witch? bring it on!
Baltimore can't be more surprised when she found what her family's been hiding, turned out she's a witch and they're a magic family, okay, more like a wiccan, not a magic like Harry Potter style.
what I love the most is the way the author tell the story, I totally agree that this is a teenager story, that's the way teens talk, think, and act!
Roots has a wonderful storyline that keep you hooked from the first time. sure, there's not much romance in it, but hey I don't mind. instead it filled with friends and family story.
If you looking for a teens crazy fun story, here's one for you.
March 16, 2013
Roots (formerly Elemental) has just been re-released! The second edition is packed with more action, more romance and WAY more magic! It was a blast rewriting this with a brand new direction. I believe fans of the first edition will be satisfied. Old characters remain (some with more face-time) and new ones are introduced, just in time for the release of book two!
Find out more here!
Find out more here!
September 13, 2014
Roots
BLURB
I don’t consider myself a witch, that’s my parents’ thing. I've never really believed in magic either. Sure, I tried it a few times. Fell for the whole ‘magic happens’ thing. But it didn't happen to me. No amount of rhyming stopped my parents from moving me halfway across the country. Not one spell stopped me from being labelled the town freak.
And worst of all, no matter how many times I begged the Universe to bring my twin back, I was ignored. Until now.
He’s back all right. And in a magical bind of his own. Not the magic-won’t-work-for-me kind either. In fact, it’s working a little too well. Too dark. Too deep.
It turns out our entire family’s magical roots run just as deep and my brother didn't end up where he is by accident. So I’m going to help him. But magic isn't really on my side. Nope. Once I finally get the craft under control, I’m expected to abandon the one person in the world who’s closest to me, just to save myself.
EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER THREE
A quick, strong breeze blasts through the room, suffocating me, Eyes squeezed shut, I shield my face with my free arm.
“The company you keep, the shoes on your feet.” My eyes fly open as the familiar voice fills the room.
“Do you recognize the spirit?” Joslin squeezes my hand. “She’s speaking to you. Maybe it’s your grandmother.”
Is she serious? “Let go of my hand, I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“Not yet. Talk to her. Say something.”
“Let go!” I yank my hand away.
Joslin’s fiery eyes fly open. “No!”
I step back, ready to make a run for it, but a loud shriek freezes me I place. My arms fly to my head, as it continues, practically splitting the air in half.
When it finally stops, I’m hesitant to look up, positive the entire room is ready to ring my neck. But every single person, except Joslin and Brooklyn, is in the same terrified stance.
SUMMARY
Baltimore is now seventeen and she has always been surrounded by magic. Her grandmother and her parents were practicing witches and were even a part of a coven. Baltimore, however has never truly believed it ever existed and hates how it has made her somewhat of an outcast within the community.
After her twin brother left years earlier, Baltimore moves to a small town with her parents. People look at her and treat her differently as her family are witches. Only thing is, Baltimore doesn't believe in it at all.
A school trip is planned to visit a University and as far as her parents are aware, Baltimore is heading there with her school and best friend, and as far as her school knows, she didn't get permission to go from her mum and dad while they are attending there coven. Of course, the only one Baltimore trusts with where she is really going is Bridgett, her BFF.
Now that Baltimore has found her twin brother Brooklyn after two years she is secretly going to see him. She can’t tell her parents as they will make Brooklyn return home, but he ran due to him feeling ‘smothered’ by them.
When Baltimore arrives at the meeting place, Brooklyn turns up in a car and surprises her but taking her to a beautiful home which reminds her of her grandmother. [Their grandmother died years earlier and when they were younger she used to tell them stories of the ‘Elementals’ – a powerful group of four witches and how there were evil (‘Tainted’) witches out to gain back the full power they feel they deserve, by destroying the ‘Elementals’. ]
On arriving at Brooklyn’s home, she meets his roommates and his girlfriend Joslin, Margo, Tarik, Stone, Wheeler and the ‘resident hunk’ Nate.
Baltimore soon realises that her twin has changed. He now believes in witchcraft and is actively practicing with his roommates as a coven, led by Brooklyn’s girlfriend, Joslin.
On Baltimore’s arrival, the group rope her in to taking part in a séance, where a sudden scream rings out warning Baltimore to run, but thinking it is her twin playing a joke, she stays, only for things to go wrong very quickly.
Follow Baltimore’s journey into the world of witchcraft. Within a few days her world is turned upside down. How is she going to save the ones she loves? And how does she actually fit in this ‘witch’ world?
MY VIEWS
Overall, I was very pleased with this book. The story was great and gripping although it did take a little while to get into (personally I found the first chapter just kind of started rather abruptly) but once I got further into the book, I found it fairly hard to put down.
Although the beginning was difficult to get in to, it is definitely worth sticking with as you will not be disappointed.
The heroine of the story is Baltimore. Following other YA stories I have read. Baltimore is not the typical heroine that you would normally find in a story, which makes a fantastic change and is probably why I enjoyed this so much.
Kelbian Noel was able to grip readers almost from the onset and the way the story is told; the characters and the plot, I can honestly say this is going to be a must read series in YA Paranormal/Fantasy genre.
The in-depth detail in the subject of Magic was surprisingly fascinating and although it is not a subject I am particularly knowledgeable on, it is clear that Noel did a lot of research to be able to make this series what it is.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, action packed story, then this is the one for you. With various twists and turns and a lot of family secrets, you will be surprised what you will learn along with the main characters in this series.
If you are a paranormal/fantasy fan, then this is a series for you. Fans of Charmed, Willow from Buffy, then you are in for a treat with ‘Witchbound’.
MY RATING
Although I loved this story, I give this book 4.5 out of 5. I would have given ‘Roots’ full marks if it wasn't for the disappointing beginning.
This is available for download now from Amazon.
You can find more of my reviews at my Blog which is
ailsahindhaughabookworm4life.weebly.com/
As well as other websites and blogs such as
BookLoversLife (I am a guest reviewer) http://bookloverslife.blogspot.co.uk/...
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LoveReading UK (I am a book reviewer Member) www.lovereading.co.uk/
BLURB
I don’t consider myself a witch, that’s my parents’ thing. I've never really believed in magic either. Sure, I tried it a few times. Fell for the whole ‘magic happens’ thing. But it didn't happen to me. No amount of rhyming stopped my parents from moving me halfway across the country. Not one spell stopped me from being labelled the town freak.
And worst of all, no matter how many times I begged the Universe to bring my twin back, I was ignored. Until now.
He’s back all right. And in a magical bind of his own. Not the magic-won’t-work-for-me kind either. In fact, it’s working a little too well. Too dark. Too deep.
It turns out our entire family’s magical roots run just as deep and my brother didn't end up where he is by accident. So I’m going to help him. But magic isn't really on my side. Nope. Once I finally get the craft under control, I’m expected to abandon the one person in the world who’s closest to me, just to save myself.
EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER THREE
A quick, strong breeze blasts through the room, suffocating me, Eyes squeezed shut, I shield my face with my free arm.
“The company you keep, the shoes on your feet.” My eyes fly open as the familiar voice fills the room.
“Do you recognize the spirit?” Joslin squeezes my hand. “She’s speaking to you. Maybe it’s your grandmother.”
Is she serious? “Let go of my hand, I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“Not yet. Talk to her. Say something.”
“Let go!” I yank my hand away.
Joslin’s fiery eyes fly open. “No!”
I step back, ready to make a run for it, but a loud shriek freezes me I place. My arms fly to my head, as it continues, practically splitting the air in half.
When it finally stops, I’m hesitant to look up, positive the entire room is ready to ring my neck. But every single person, except Joslin and Brooklyn, is in the same terrified stance.
SUMMARY
Baltimore is now seventeen and she has always been surrounded by magic. Her grandmother and her parents were practicing witches and were even a part of a coven. Baltimore, however has never truly believed it ever existed and hates how it has made her somewhat of an outcast within the community.
After her twin brother left years earlier, Baltimore moves to a small town with her parents. People look at her and treat her differently as her family are witches. Only thing is, Baltimore doesn't believe in it at all.
A school trip is planned to visit a University and as far as her parents are aware, Baltimore is heading there with her school and best friend, and as far as her school knows, she didn't get permission to go from her mum and dad while they are attending there coven. Of course, the only one Baltimore trusts with where she is really going is Bridgett, her BFF.
Now that Baltimore has found her twin brother Brooklyn after two years she is secretly going to see him. She can’t tell her parents as they will make Brooklyn return home, but he ran due to him feeling ‘smothered’ by them.
When Baltimore arrives at the meeting place, Brooklyn turns up in a car and surprises her but taking her to a beautiful home which reminds her of her grandmother. [Their grandmother died years earlier and when they were younger she used to tell them stories of the ‘Elementals’ – a powerful group of four witches and how there were evil (‘Tainted’) witches out to gain back the full power they feel they deserve, by destroying the ‘Elementals’. ]
On arriving at Brooklyn’s home, she meets his roommates and his girlfriend Joslin, Margo, Tarik, Stone, Wheeler and the ‘resident hunk’ Nate.
Baltimore soon realises that her twin has changed. He now believes in witchcraft and is actively practicing with his roommates as a coven, led by Brooklyn’s girlfriend, Joslin.
On Baltimore’s arrival, the group rope her in to taking part in a séance, where a sudden scream rings out warning Baltimore to run, but thinking it is her twin playing a joke, she stays, only for things to go wrong very quickly.
Follow Baltimore’s journey into the world of witchcraft. Within a few days her world is turned upside down. How is she going to save the ones she loves? And how does she actually fit in this ‘witch’ world?
MY VIEWS
Overall, I was very pleased with this book. The story was great and gripping although it did take a little while to get into (personally I found the first chapter just kind of started rather abruptly) but once I got further into the book, I found it fairly hard to put down.
Although the beginning was difficult to get in to, it is definitely worth sticking with as you will not be disappointed.
The heroine of the story is Baltimore. Following other YA stories I have read. Baltimore is not the typical heroine that you would normally find in a story, which makes a fantastic change and is probably why I enjoyed this so much.
Kelbian Noel was able to grip readers almost from the onset and the way the story is told; the characters and the plot, I can honestly say this is going to be a must read series in YA Paranormal/Fantasy genre.
The in-depth detail in the subject of Magic was surprisingly fascinating and although it is not a subject I am particularly knowledgeable on, it is clear that Noel did a lot of research to be able to make this series what it is.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, action packed story, then this is the one for you. With various twists and turns and a lot of family secrets, you will be surprised what you will learn along with the main characters in this series.
If you are a paranormal/fantasy fan, then this is a series for you. Fans of Charmed, Willow from Buffy, then you are in for a treat with ‘Witchbound’.
MY RATING
Although I loved this story, I give this book 4.5 out of 5. I would have given ‘Roots’ full marks if it wasn't for the disappointing beginning.
This is available for download now from Amazon.
You can find more of my reviews at my Blog which is
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July 22, 2020
Riveting witchy story. I found myself getting lost at a few points, but I loved the characters and magic and story!
July 11, 2013
This is the story of seventeen year old twins Baltimore and Brooklyn Land. Their parents are witches and belong to a coven. To Baltimore and her brother, it all seems a bit silly. When she was alive, their grandmother would tell them interesting stories and Baltimore would attempt to perform some magic, but it never worked for her. The twins don’t believe in magic, it’s just the Wiccan religion, and it’s their parents thing not theirs.
A year ago, Brooklyn left the family and set out on his own. Everyone was upset, but now no one even speaks of him. Baltimore misses her twin brother terribly. At the start of the story we learn that she has been secretly communicating with him, and has made arrangements to go and see him without her parents’ knowledge.
When she arrives, she finds him living in his own little “coven”. There are others there as well, including Nate, Stone, Tarik, Wheeler, Margo, and Joslin who is apparently Brooklyn’s girlfriend. On her first night there Joslin decides to hold a séance. Baltimore is uncomfortable with the idea. This is something even her parents would never mess around with. It seems this group, including her brother, is dabbling in magic and working at honing their skills. During the séance, an actual ghost appears and, focusing its attention on Baltimore, it tells her to LEAVE!
Baltimore is shocked and at first thinks it’s some kind of prank her brother is playing. Soon she realizes that things are a lot more serious when she is attacked by Joslin and her own brother. They tie her up in the basement and demand to know the location of her sisters. Baltimore has no idea who she is talking about. Sisters?! And what’s happened to her brother. Why would he ever try to harm her?
Eventually managing to escape thanks to some unexpected help, Baltimore sets out to discover more about her family’s roots in real magic, and to develop her own skills to help save her brother.
I really enjoyed this story. I haven’t read a lot of witch / magic stories, and I found this one really held my interest the whole way through. The story is told from the point of view of Baltimore. She comes to discover some unsettling things about her family and her own abilities with magic. Her brother has also discovered magic, and he seems to have fallen in with the wrong crowd. Baltimore sets out to learn to use her magic skills in an effort to save her brother from Joslin’s clutches. She is a bit impetuous, repetitively attempting spells with little to no practice only to end up with disastrous results that she needs rescuing from. I found this aspect of her character a bit frustrating, but I could understand her concern for her brother’s safety.
Baltimore is staying with her Grandfather during all of this. She learns of his connection with magic, and about how her Grandmother died. Some old friends are also caught up in these events. One is Ramon, a young man who apparently has visions, and Nate who was present at the séance, but was placed there for her protection. There’s a hint of romance developing between Baltimore and Nate, but it’s only just beginning by the end of the book and I look forward to seeing how that evolves.
The plot is full of action, danger, and hidden secrets that are revealed to our main character. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and this world of magic the author has created. Although most of the plot threads are tied up at the end of this installment, the author has left just enough of an opening for the story to continue in book two.
The second book in the Witchbound series, Sprung, is currently available and I’ll definitely be picking up a copy soon.
---- DISCLAIMER! ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use
---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
I received this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway. I was not paid to review the book. Receiving free books does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.
A year ago, Brooklyn left the family and set out on his own. Everyone was upset, but now no one even speaks of him. Baltimore misses her twin brother terribly. At the start of the story we learn that she has been secretly communicating with him, and has made arrangements to go and see him without her parents’ knowledge.
When she arrives, she finds him living in his own little “coven”. There are others there as well, including Nate, Stone, Tarik, Wheeler, Margo, and Joslin who is apparently Brooklyn’s girlfriend. On her first night there Joslin decides to hold a séance. Baltimore is uncomfortable with the idea. This is something even her parents would never mess around with. It seems this group, including her brother, is dabbling in magic and working at honing their skills. During the séance, an actual ghost appears and, focusing its attention on Baltimore, it tells her to LEAVE!
Baltimore is shocked and at first thinks it’s some kind of prank her brother is playing. Soon she realizes that things are a lot more serious when she is attacked by Joslin and her own brother. They tie her up in the basement and demand to know the location of her sisters. Baltimore has no idea who she is talking about. Sisters?! And what’s happened to her brother. Why would he ever try to harm her?
Eventually managing to escape thanks to some unexpected help, Baltimore sets out to discover more about her family’s roots in real magic, and to develop her own skills to help save her brother.
I really enjoyed this story. I haven’t read a lot of witch / magic stories, and I found this one really held my interest the whole way through. The story is told from the point of view of Baltimore. She comes to discover some unsettling things about her family and her own abilities with magic. Her brother has also discovered magic, and he seems to have fallen in with the wrong crowd. Baltimore sets out to learn to use her magic skills in an effort to save her brother from Joslin’s clutches. She is a bit impetuous, repetitively attempting spells with little to no practice only to end up with disastrous results that she needs rescuing from. I found this aspect of her character a bit frustrating, but I could understand her concern for her brother’s safety.
Baltimore is staying with her Grandfather during all of this. She learns of his connection with magic, and about how her Grandmother died. Some old friends are also caught up in these events. One is Ramon, a young man who apparently has visions, and Nate who was present at the séance, but was placed there for her protection. There’s a hint of romance developing between Baltimore and Nate, but it’s only just beginning by the end of the book and I look forward to seeing how that evolves.
The plot is full of action, danger, and hidden secrets that are revealed to our main character. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and this world of magic the author has created. Although most of the plot threads are tied up at the end of this installment, the author has left just enough of an opening for the story to continue in book two.
The second book in the Witchbound series, Sprung, is currently available and I’ll definitely be picking up a copy soon.
---- DISCLAIMER! ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use
---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
I received this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway. I was not paid to review the book. Receiving free books does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.
October 11, 2014
"Earth is solid. Follow the wind. Warmed by the fire, the water will quench thee."
Baltimore Mary Land. That’s her name. Poor thing, right? It gets worse. Her parents are witches. In a small town. Can this girl get any bigger of a target on her back?
"Not asking has earned me a choice. For the first time ever, I’m free to do what I want. I’m no longer the witches’ daughter. I’m just Baltimore."
Baltimore is stuck in a hard spot, made especially harder because her twin brother has run off. It’s been two years and he’s shown no signs of coming back. For me, this was hard to swallow because twins run in my family and choosing to separate from your family and the person you shared the womb with is beyond imaginable.
One day, Baltimore finds Brooklyn. (I know. Cute, right? If only he were a girl…). He wants her to come visit. She figures out how to make it out to him, tricking her parents, friends and school. She uses a class trip as her cover, and hightails it to Brooklyn. Only, he’s not there when she arrives. He’s not there for HOURS.
Not only did Baltimore start getting worried, but I started getting worried, especially after reading Roots right after reading this book. Who wouldn’t be paranoid? Brooklyn finally shows, but things get crazy weird. Supreme weirdest of all? Brooklyn’s girlfriend.
"Nothing about this girl makes sense. Sweet and scary. Petite and monstrous."
Things take a turn for the worse, and one of Brooklyn’s roommates comes to Baltimore’s rescue. Little does she remember that she’s met him before, as a child, and he knows exactly who and what she is. She doesn’t realize this until later, and it leaves an ache in Baltimore’s heart. Right before they fled the seance, they heard Nate’s mother’s voice.
"What’s the best way to determine how far you’ll go? The company you keep and the shoes on your feet."
Baltimore ends up in a safe and familiar place: her grandparents; house. It looks like it hasn’t been lived in in years, judging by the amount of dust that’s settled on the couch, but her grandfather and his operatives are definitely using the house, if for no other reason than the one thing that Baltimore has been running from all her life: witchcraft.
“How do you, of all people, end up hanging out with my seventy year old grandfather? That’s not weird or anything.”
He grins.
“Magic has a way of bringing people together.”
Baltimore also gets in touch with another childhood friend, one she instantly remembers: Ramon. He is the kind of guy any girl would want as a friend by her side, and that’s exactly what he does in this book, even if it goes against his oath and his role and her grandfather’s wishes…and going back for Brooklyn.
Baltimore is tasked with writing her own spell, one only she knows. She’s not buying all this magic jazz, and through several conversations with Ramon, Nate and her grandfather, along with reading her grandfather’s own spell book, she learns the truth about herself: descended from one of the four Pure witch families, tasked with the element earth.
Here’s the thing that really set strongly with me: Noel tied in the storyline of these Elemental witches with the witch hunts and persecutions of Europe. A perfect tie-in.
Baltimore cannot let Brooklyn go without a fight…or two…or three. She will do anything to save her brother from the Tainted witch, but it comes with a cost, and the price is high.
“Hey, everyone makes mistakes. At least you’re doing something about it. It’s only bad if you act like it never happened.���
Baltimore Mary Land. That’s her name. Poor thing, right? It gets worse. Her parents are witches. In a small town. Can this girl get any bigger of a target on her back?
"Not asking has earned me a choice. For the first time ever, I’m free to do what I want. I’m no longer the witches’ daughter. I’m just Baltimore."
Baltimore is stuck in a hard spot, made especially harder because her twin brother has run off. It’s been two years and he’s shown no signs of coming back. For me, this was hard to swallow because twins run in my family and choosing to separate from your family and the person you shared the womb with is beyond imaginable.
One day, Baltimore finds Brooklyn. (I know. Cute, right? If only he were a girl…). He wants her to come visit. She figures out how to make it out to him, tricking her parents, friends and school. She uses a class trip as her cover, and hightails it to Brooklyn. Only, he’s not there when she arrives. He’s not there for HOURS.
Not only did Baltimore start getting worried, but I started getting worried, especially after reading Roots right after reading this book. Who wouldn’t be paranoid? Brooklyn finally shows, but things get crazy weird. Supreme weirdest of all? Brooklyn’s girlfriend.
"Nothing about this girl makes sense. Sweet and scary. Petite and monstrous."
Things take a turn for the worse, and one of Brooklyn’s roommates comes to Baltimore’s rescue. Little does she remember that she’s met him before, as a child, and he knows exactly who and what she is. She doesn’t realize this until later, and it leaves an ache in Baltimore’s heart. Right before they fled the seance, they heard Nate’s mother’s voice.
"What’s the best way to determine how far you’ll go? The company you keep and the shoes on your feet."
Baltimore ends up in a safe and familiar place: her grandparents; house. It looks like it hasn’t been lived in in years, judging by the amount of dust that’s settled on the couch, but her grandfather and his operatives are definitely using the house, if for no other reason than the one thing that Baltimore has been running from all her life: witchcraft.
“How do you, of all people, end up hanging out with my seventy year old grandfather? That’s not weird or anything.”
He grins.
“Magic has a way of bringing people together.”
Baltimore also gets in touch with another childhood friend, one she instantly remembers: Ramon. He is the kind of guy any girl would want as a friend by her side, and that’s exactly what he does in this book, even if it goes against his oath and his role and her grandfather’s wishes…and going back for Brooklyn.
Baltimore is tasked with writing her own spell, one only she knows. She’s not buying all this magic jazz, and through several conversations with Ramon, Nate and her grandfather, along with reading her grandfather’s own spell book, she learns the truth about herself: descended from one of the four Pure witch families, tasked with the element earth.
Here’s the thing that really set strongly with me: Noel tied in the storyline of these Elemental witches with the witch hunts and persecutions of Europe. A perfect tie-in.
Baltimore cannot let Brooklyn go without a fight…or two…or three. She will do anything to save her brother from the Tainted witch, but it comes with a cost, and the price is high.
“Hey, everyone makes mistakes. At least you’re doing something about it. It’s only bad if you act like it never happened.���
September 1, 2014
My Review
Roots, book 1 in the Witchbound Series by Kelbian Noel, is a story about a family of reluctant and not so reluctant family of Wiccan's.
Baltimore Land is seventeen years old. She is stubborn, impulsive, and intent on doing things her own way. Her focus during Roots is on saving her twin brother Brooklyn and she often puts the lives of other people in danger in trying to accomplish this. I spent a lot of the book frustrated, shaking me head at her decisions, and wishing that she would actually listen to some of the advice that her grandfather was giving her.
Two of my favorite characters were Baltimore and Brooklyn's seventy year old Grandfather and a young protector/witch named Nate. There are hints of a building romance between Nate and Brooklyn but nothing that fully develops in book one.
There is a lot of magic, spells, and several unexpected twists and turns as Baltimore learns that she is not only different but a rarity in a magical world that she has tried very hard to ignore. She finds herself in more than one dangerous and life threatening situation that she must be rescued from as she attempts to save the brother that everyone else has written off.
Recommendation: Roots is a great start to the Witchbound series by Kelbian Noel. I would imagine that future books will show Baltimore and the rest of the characters growing into their powers as they try to keep the Elementals safe from Joslin. If you enjoy books with a different spin on the teenage witch story then you might want to give this series a try.
3.5 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon. Thank you!
Witchbound Series Information:
Book One: Roots --Kindle Unlimited Title
Book Two: Sprung --Kindle Unlimited Title
Book Three: Smolder (Releasing Soon)
My Book Source: Publisher
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review was originally posted on Gin's Book Notes
Roots, book 1 in the Witchbound Series by Kelbian Noel, is a story about a family of reluctant and not so reluctant family of Wiccan's.
Baltimore Land is seventeen years old. She is stubborn, impulsive, and intent on doing things her own way. Her focus during Roots is on saving her twin brother Brooklyn and she often puts the lives of other people in danger in trying to accomplish this. I spent a lot of the book frustrated, shaking me head at her decisions, and wishing that she would actually listen to some of the advice that her grandfather was giving her.
Two of my favorite characters were Baltimore and Brooklyn's seventy year old Grandfather and a young protector/witch named Nate. There are hints of a building romance between Nate and Brooklyn but nothing that fully develops in book one.
There is a lot of magic, spells, and several unexpected twists and turns as Baltimore learns that she is not only different but a rarity in a magical world that she has tried very hard to ignore. She finds herself in more than one dangerous and life threatening situation that she must be rescued from as she attempts to save the brother that everyone else has written off.
Recommendation: Roots is a great start to the Witchbound series by Kelbian Noel. I would imagine that future books will show Baltimore and the rest of the characters growing into their powers as they try to keep the Elementals safe from Joslin. If you enjoy books with a different spin on the teenage witch story then you might want to give this series a try.
3.5 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon. Thank you!
Witchbound Series Information:
Book One: Roots --Kindle Unlimited Title
Book Two: Sprung --Kindle Unlimited Title
Book Three: Smolder (Releasing Soon)
My Book Source: Publisher
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 11, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
This was an absolutely fabulous story from page one to the end. Gave this a 4.5 star rating. Kelbian Noel creates such a riveting story of a girl finding out who she is and becoming her true self while trying to wrap her head around magic and save her twin brothers life. An extraordinary tale of family, love and magic. Breathtakingly amazing.
Baltimore seemed like a lost girl to me. She didn't know who she really was only that her parents were witches and she was sort of the town freak. She didn't believe in magic, but when she was thrusted into the realm of magic she quickly tried to dismiss it. I like how when she did begin to understand that magic was very real and who she was and what power she had to began to stick it out and become a very bold young lady. I like how she questioned things without being too annoying.
Brooklyn was just a sad guy. He is Baltimore's twin brother under the spell of an evil witch. What he does to his sister really throws me for a loop. I mean could he really be that angry and jealous to have done that? He was a horrible brother to her and even though Baltimore tried to give him love and save him he always went back to his evil witch. Ruthless in my opinion.
Joslin was just an angry, unloved, pitful old hag. She should have gotten on with her life after 200+ years of living. To harbor that much anger and try to gain power again only brings her own demise so I'm not sure why she did not see that. She was just an idiot. However, I did enjoy her sassy attitude and how well she played the loving girlfriend at the beginning of the story.
Their families background was interesting to learn about. Seeing that their powers are inheritated yet skip a generation is amazing. I love how Baltimore and Brooklyn received their powers. It was absolutely cool to learn about their connection to their grandparents.
I did enjoy Nate, Ramon and Tarik. I loved the "competition" between Nate and Ramon for Baltimore and how Baltimore was sort of oblivious to it all. It was just cute.
That ending tore my heart with the sacrifice, who it had to be and what it all meant. The way the two men in her life disappeared was heartbreaking, but the one who returned was even more interesting. It proves how powerful Baltimore really was an Elemental.
Overall, I'm excited to see what happens next in the companion novel, Sprung.
This was an absolutely fabulous story from page one to the end. Gave this a 4.5 star rating. Kelbian Noel creates such a riveting story of a girl finding out who she is and becoming her true self while trying to wrap her head around magic and save her twin brothers life. An extraordinary tale of family, love and magic. Breathtakingly amazing.
Baltimore seemed like a lost girl to me. She didn't know who she really was only that her parents were witches and she was sort of the town freak. She didn't believe in magic, but when she was thrusted into the realm of magic she quickly tried to dismiss it. I like how when she did begin to understand that magic was very real and who she was and what power she had to began to stick it out and become a very bold young lady. I like how she questioned things without being too annoying.
Brooklyn was just a sad guy. He is Baltimore's twin brother under the spell of an evil witch. What he does to his sister really throws me for a loop. I mean could he really be that angry and jealous to have done that? He was a horrible brother to her and even though Baltimore tried to give him love and save him he always went back to his evil witch. Ruthless in my opinion.
Joslin was just an angry, unloved, pitful old hag. She should have gotten on with her life after 200+ years of living. To harbor that much anger and try to gain power again only brings her own demise so I'm not sure why she did not see that. She was just an idiot. However, I did enjoy her sassy attitude and how well she played the loving girlfriend at the beginning of the story.
Their families background was interesting to learn about. Seeing that their powers are inheritated yet skip a generation is amazing. I love how Baltimore and Brooklyn received their powers. It was absolutely cool to learn about their connection to their grandparents.
I did enjoy Nate, Ramon and Tarik. I loved the "competition" between Nate and Ramon for Baltimore and how Baltimore was sort of oblivious to it all. It was just cute.
That ending tore my heart with the sacrifice, who it had to be and what it all meant. The way the two men in her life disappeared was heartbreaking, but the one who returned was even more interesting. It proves how powerful Baltimore really was an Elemental.
Overall, I'm excited to see what happens next in the companion novel, Sprung.
December 2, 2014
Kelbian Noel did a great job putting this story into a work of magic.
Reading books about witches is never my cup of tea unless they are one of those best seller stories like Harry Potter; however, this story had me up all night, wanting to know more about the world Noel has magically made.
Noel did a great job of writing Baltimore’s, the main character, back story. When you read a fantasy story, the main character is usually just thrown into the world of magic; however, Baltimore’s back story is told and it makes sense, very original.
The story was very enjoyable and very believable. Of course, not the witches part, but the characters. The teenagers talked like teenagers and acted like one. They were all well developed and a great deal of work was put into them which takes time, but Noel did not give up and she did a great job with it.
The title is another thing that hooked me. Roots is simple, but a reader knows what simple means; it means more. There is a hidden meaning somewhere in that story that we need to find! We readers always have to dig deep into the roots of the story to find that meaning!
Reading books about witches is never my cup of tea unless they are one of those best seller stories like Harry Potter; however, this story had me up all night, wanting to know more about the world Noel has magically made.
Noel did a great job of writing Baltimore’s, the main character, back story. When you read a fantasy story, the main character is usually just thrown into the world of magic; however, Baltimore’s back story is told and it makes sense, very original.
The story was very enjoyable and very believable. Of course, not the witches part, but the characters. The teenagers talked like teenagers and acted like one. They were all well developed and a great deal of work was put into them which takes time, but Noel did not give up and she did a great job with it.
The title is another thing that hooked me. Roots is simple, but a reader knows what simple means; it means more. There is a hidden meaning somewhere in that story that we need to find! We readers always have to dig deep into the roots of the story to find that meaning!
August 13, 2013
I received this book via the ARR program on Goodreads.
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I think the editing could have been a bit better, I found several mistakes, but the story is captivating, character-driven and interesting! The book follows a young woman who discovers that she is a witch. She is from a magical family, and though they've kept many things secret from her, she manages to get VERY involved.
As with all paranormal young adult books, this one packs the punch with an evil villain and a bit of romance. Mostly though, it's a coming-of-age story, less focused on the romance, and more focused on the action. Thank Goddess. It's about time all of YA paranormal didn't focus on lusty feelings. This one focuses on the struggle for survival, family, friendships, and growing up.
Well done!
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I think the editing could have been a bit better, I found several mistakes, but the story is captivating, character-driven and interesting! The book follows a young woman who discovers that she is a witch. She is from a magical family, and though they've kept many things secret from her, she manages to get VERY involved.
As with all paranormal young adult books, this one packs the punch with an evil villain and a bit of romance. Mostly though, it's a coming-of-age story, less focused on the romance, and more focused on the action. Thank Goddess. It's about time all of YA paranormal didn't focus on lusty feelings. This one focuses on the struggle for survival, family, friendships, and growing up.
Well done!
June 21, 2014
Baltimore Land has never believed in magic until her twin brother takes up with an evil witch. Baltimore's family has deep magical roots, and she is one of the most powerful magical beings in the world. Not that she wants to be. Now she not only has her brother to worry about, but she must save herself from a dark fate.
A good first book in this YA paranormal series. The magic and history interested me the most, but I didn't sympathize with Baltimore or her brother. While I might have admired her stubbornness and determination to save him, she only managed to annoy me. The evil witch is a villain you'll love to hate and made for a crafty foe. The story has marvelous potential and I hope to see better characterization as the series goes on.
A good first book in this YA paranormal series. The magic and history interested me the most, but I didn't sympathize with Baltimore or her brother. While I might have admired her stubbornness and determination to save him, she only managed to annoy me. The evil witch is a villain you'll love to hate and made for a crafty foe. The story has marvelous potential and I hope to see better characterization as the series goes on.
July 13, 2013
I received this book from a goodreads first reads promotion.
3.5/5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It is a definite page-turner and I kept finishing chapters and saying, "just one more...!" Roots is about a teenager named Baltimore Land trying to figure out her place in magic and rescue her twin brother Brooklyn from the hands of another witch. There are many interesting and well-developed characters throughout the book. I'll put the next book on my to-read list!
One complaint- lots of grammatical errors in this book were noted. There were many "their" and "they're" as well as "your" and "you're" mistakes. They always made me cringe.
3.5/5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It is a definite page-turner and I kept finishing chapters and saying, "just one more...!" Roots is about a teenager named Baltimore Land trying to figure out her place in magic and rescue her twin brother Brooklyn from the hands of another witch. There are many interesting and well-developed characters throughout the book. I'll put the next book on my to-read list!
One complaint- lots of grammatical errors in this book were noted. There were many "their" and "they're" as well as "your" and "you're" mistakes. They always made me cringe.
June 30, 2013
This book didnt sit well for me. Hell I couldnt even finish it. The reading was easy, very verbose, yet hard to understand. Magic shouldnt even be that complicated. Things werent really explained all that well. You didnt get any answers until 50% of the book but the whole time all I could think of is ugh why is the main girl so whiney and why why why must she be stupid? I understand that as a writer its hard to write in first person POV and still have a mystery. The character should be able to come to a conclusion instead of repeating the same thing over and over and sounding extremely stupid. If its one thing I cant do, its stupid characters.
November 28, 2012
ELEMENTAL starts off slow and builds. The easy family camaraderie reminds me of L.A. Bank's SHADOW WALKER but without the intense show of magic from beginning to end. Elemental is primarily the story of a young teen named Baltimore who's a powerful witch that doesn't believe she's a witch. The plot line and the setting are interesting. Set in frozen Utah it certainly brings a unique viewpoint to the table. I enjoyed watching Baltimore build her powers and the initial romance with Toby (before things...well...imploded). Worth a peek inside!
June 1, 2013
Roots (The Witchbound Series, #1) was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.
It was a good book, although I didn't find it gripping. There were a lot of things I liked about the book, for instance, the characters were were fun, interesting, and strong, diverse and mixed heritage, and a great story line.
However, there were enough gramatical errors that I found it annoying, things like than vs. then, and hole vs. whole, etc., along with a few "missing" words that were easy enough to fill in.
It was a good book, although I didn't find it gripping. There were a lot of things I liked about the book, for instance, the characters were were fun, interesting, and strong, diverse and mixed heritage, and a great story line.
However, there were enough gramatical errors that I found it annoying, things like than vs. then, and hole vs. whole, etc., along with a few "missing" words that were easy enough to fill in.
January 9, 2014
Loved it! Can't wait to read more of the series. It is so believable; how Noel blended the ancient with the modern. And the inclusion of so many varies of witches and their culture! That, I hope is expanded in the next few books as well. A few times I was confused about the wording and the action but not enough to shake me from wanting to read on. More! I say...but alas I have to finish up some other reading before I can go on to the next book in the series.
September 11, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author Kelbian Noel for giving me this book for an honest review. I enjoyed this story, the characters felt real and you got to know them slowly. The story-line is very good. The world building is done nicely. The characters are well developed and written. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
June 19, 2014
Wow this book was a very enjoyable read. I started reading it one day just to get a few chapters read and next thing i knew i had half the book devoured. It had a great mystery element to it where the character like you has no idea what is going on and you get to discover all the facts right along with the character. I really looking forward to reviewing the rest of this series.
March 7, 2016
Ok fun story but will hate the girl
The basis of the story is good and true to teens but I hated the self centered idiot girl who time after time put her desires over everyone's lives then whinned when didn't go her way
The basis of the story is good and true to teens but I hated the self centered idiot girl who time after time put her desires over everyone's lives then whinned when didn't go her way
August 12, 2020
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
March 29, 2013
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book and couldn't put it down! Kelbian absolutly has a talent as a writer. Can't wait to get my hands on Sprung!
June 27, 2013
I really liked this book, well written and it kept me on my toes, not knowing what to expect next. I'm excited for the next one. The twists and turns in the plot kept the pages turning.
havent-finished
September 9, 2013Received free from Goodreads First Reads. Review to come.
July 21, 2014
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews