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Born of Fire #1
A Minor Magic
Over the course of a single night, mystical fires tore through the sky and reduced most of Earth to ash. Ten years later magical fire burns again, but this time it's in the hands of a young girl named Skylar. Exiled from her adoptive home, Skylar must now struggle through ruined lands and religious zealots who believe she's an agent of the Devil. An even greater threat exists in the form of shadowy sorcerers from another world who covet her blood.
Along her journey, she meets a motley band of outcasts who not only know the secret of what happened to Earth, but also of Skylar's true origin. Will Skylar be able to accept this fantastical truth? But more importantly, can her powers and raging heart be tamed in time to stop those who once burned the world and now seek total domination?
Along her journey, she meets a motley band of outcasts who not only know the secret of what happened to Earth, but also of Skylar's true origin. Will Skylar be able to accept this fantastical truth? But more importantly, can her powers and raging heart be tamed in time to stop those who once burned the world and now seek total domination?
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2012
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 9, 2013
I love a good post apocalyptic story, particularly when you bring the fantasy element into it. One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Thundarr the Barbarian. This is a little like that with fewer sunswords and Moks and more female sorcerers.
What we have here is a solid YA fantasy novel. There’s a bit of “coming of age” and a little “fish out of water”. There’s also an endearing bit of romance. With all of that, as someone who’s in no way the target audience for this book, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
What did I like? First and foremost there’s Skylar. The world has taken a big old dump on her and it continues to do so throughout the story. How does she react? She gets crabby, downright angry, scared, and sad. That’s how real people would react and it’s nice to see. She falls in love and at first I thought it was a little too quick and easy, but the love interest is a life boat to her. They’ve had some common experiences and they’re young, the only young people on this road they travel, so it makes sense. Perhaps the only thing about it that didn’t ring entirely true was there was little conflict in their relationship. Considering how little time they had to explore the relationship though in the midst of all of the other conflict going on, perhaps that makes sense.
That’s one of the other things I like about this novel, it moves quickly. There’s a fair amount of action and about the time the characters have time to breathe, something else happens. There’s no shortage of tension.
Finally, this is a post apocalyptic novel, so it is pretty dark. It’s nicely balanced though. We’re not talking The Road level of darkness. There are enclaves of people dealing with things badly. There are monsters lurking in pockets of wyld magic. There’s a feeling of disconnect from the world as it used to be from the younger characters and some reminiscing for the way things used to be from the adults. Justin paints a good picture of the destruction that has been wreaked. In spite of all of that, he keeps a small spark of hope burning. These people are on the way to save the world, as best they can, and you get the sense that they just might be able to pull it off.
Any down sides to this book? Not very many. If you’re looking for some kind of fully fledged magic system (and I know there are fantasy fans that want that) it’s not here. Magic is new to the world and its hard to do. In that sense, this would probably be considered “low fantasy”. The ending felt a little bit rushed to me. The characters meet the “big bad” and it gets resolved in a satisfying way, but I would have liked it to be a little harder/more complicated. In a way it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The story is more about the journey than about the destination. Again, not a big deal, but another chapter or two about what takes place in the other world and perhaps an epic battle scene and I would have been happier.
The most telling things is what I did when I closed the book after the final page. I handed it to my thirteen year old daughter to read. She’s a voracious reader and I know she’ll enjoy it. Finding a book that can please a crusty old man and a teenage girl is sort of the Holy Grail of YA. There are a few crusty old man words, but nothing you wouldn’t hear in a PG movie. You can’t expect a post-apocalypse, fantasy world to be all Disney-fied, and I wouldn’t want it to be.
I give this book four and a half Demon Dogs out of five!
What we have here is a solid YA fantasy novel. There’s a bit of “coming of age” and a little “fish out of water”. There’s also an endearing bit of romance. With all of that, as someone who’s in no way the target audience for this book, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
What did I like? First and foremost there’s Skylar. The world has taken a big old dump on her and it continues to do so throughout the story. How does she react? She gets crabby, downright angry, scared, and sad. That’s how real people would react and it’s nice to see. She falls in love and at first I thought it was a little too quick and easy, but the love interest is a life boat to her. They’ve had some common experiences and they’re young, the only young people on this road they travel, so it makes sense. Perhaps the only thing about it that didn’t ring entirely true was there was little conflict in their relationship. Considering how little time they had to explore the relationship though in the midst of all of the other conflict going on, perhaps that makes sense.
That’s one of the other things I like about this novel, it moves quickly. There’s a fair amount of action and about the time the characters have time to breathe, something else happens. There’s no shortage of tension.
Finally, this is a post apocalyptic novel, so it is pretty dark. It’s nicely balanced though. We’re not talking The Road level of darkness. There are enclaves of people dealing with things badly. There are monsters lurking in pockets of wyld magic. There’s a feeling of disconnect from the world as it used to be from the younger characters and some reminiscing for the way things used to be from the adults. Justin paints a good picture of the destruction that has been wreaked. In spite of all of that, he keeps a small spark of hope burning. These people are on the way to save the world, as best they can, and you get the sense that they just might be able to pull it off.
Any down sides to this book? Not very many. If you’re looking for some kind of fully fledged magic system (and I know there are fantasy fans that want that) it’s not here. Magic is new to the world and its hard to do. In that sense, this would probably be considered “low fantasy”. The ending felt a little bit rushed to me. The characters meet the “big bad” and it gets resolved in a satisfying way, but I would have liked it to be a little harder/more complicated. In a way it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The story is more about the journey than about the destination. Again, not a big deal, but another chapter or two about what takes place in the other world and perhaps an epic battle scene and I would have been happier.
The most telling things is what I did when I closed the book after the final page. I handed it to my thirteen year old daughter to read. She’s a voracious reader and I know she’ll enjoy it. Finding a book that can please a crusty old man and a teenage girl is sort of the Holy Grail of YA. There are a few crusty old man words, but nothing you wouldn’t hear in a PG movie. You can’t expect a post-apocalypse, fantasy world to be all Disney-fied, and I wouldn’t want it to be.
I give this book four and a half Demon Dogs out of five!
January 18, 2015
This author knows how to write in a way that you can visibly see this world. They are very good at describing everything. The story line is quite interesting. Sometimes I did find myself going back and re-reading, or skipping forward. There was some long winded parts. But all in all, I feel this is a great YA book. I see it being very successful with the fantasy crowd. I would absolutely recommend it.
April 4, 2013
More like 3,5 stars :-)
The Burning changed Earth many years ago. Millions of people died that day and Earth changed. Not only did society die that day, but strange things appeared too. Golden spheres with strange animals and plants, new small societies, ruthlessness, survival and ash is normal now.
Ten years after the Burning, Skylar, a young girl, finds herself in trouble when she out of nowhere can conjure blue fire with her hands. The Lamott’s she’s stayed with every since her mom died, turn their backs on her and call her spawn of the devil. With nowhere to go, Skylar takes the few things she has and walks out into the world.
Little does she knows that this is only the first steps of a long journey where she will meet danger, evil in all kind of shapes, but also kindness, understanding, friendship and love. Along the way Skylar will learn more about what really happened to Earth and what role she can play in the recovery.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The blurb and the cover caught my eye, but the book is so much more than what meets the eye.
You might think this is just another Y/A, or a romance, but you would be wrong. It’s a strong and wonderful tale about a young woman. A story about learning to do what’s right, to be true to yourself, stand on your own two legs and find courage when it’s hard to. True, there is some romance in the book, but it is a minor part, a good contribution to the arc of the story. :-)
Following Skylar through her story was wonderful, I loved to see her grown from a timid, scared “little” girl, to a young woman who knows a little more about herself and what she can do – and is more than willing to learn the rest.
Her companions on her journey are just as wonderful to read about; Nathan, the Preacher’s son, good-hearted guy, who want to stand on his own, to make his own decisions. Jack, who survived the Burning as an adult, loves “old” tales and isn’t afraid of sharing his knowledge of “how it used to be, back then”. Lyara, a warrior from another world, a fierce and loyal woman, who comes to cherish Skylar and respect her and tutor her in different ways. Bill, the more silent type, but not afraid to do what must be done.
Each and everyone have a vital part in Skylar’s journey, and I for one truly enjoyed every page. I wasn’t so sure in the beginning, the start was a bit rough on me, but the more I read, the more I got into the story and stumbled so far into the book, I was disappointed when it ended. My mind is still churning on all the possibilities a sequel could lead to!
The Burning changed Earth many years ago. Millions of people died that day and Earth changed. Not only did society die that day, but strange things appeared too. Golden spheres with strange animals and plants, new small societies, ruthlessness, survival and ash is normal now.
Ten years after the Burning, Skylar, a young girl, finds herself in trouble when she out of nowhere can conjure blue fire with her hands. The Lamott’s she’s stayed with every since her mom died, turn their backs on her and call her spawn of the devil. With nowhere to go, Skylar takes the few things she has and walks out into the world.
Little does she knows that this is only the first steps of a long journey where she will meet danger, evil in all kind of shapes, but also kindness, understanding, friendship and love. Along the way Skylar will learn more about what really happened to Earth and what role she can play in the recovery.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The blurb and the cover caught my eye, but the book is so much more than what meets the eye.
You might think this is just another Y/A, or a romance, but you would be wrong. It’s a strong and wonderful tale about a young woman. A story about learning to do what’s right, to be true to yourself, stand on your own two legs and find courage when it’s hard to. True, there is some romance in the book, but it is a minor part, a good contribution to the arc of the story. :-)
Following Skylar through her story was wonderful, I loved to see her grown from a timid, scared “little” girl, to a young woman who knows a little more about herself and what she can do – and is more than willing to learn the rest.
Her companions on her journey are just as wonderful to read about; Nathan, the Preacher’s son, good-hearted guy, who want to stand on his own, to make his own decisions. Jack, who survived the Burning as an adult, loves “old” tales and isn’t afraid of sharing his knowledge of “how it used to be, back then”. Lyara, a warrior from another world, a fierce and loyal woman, who comes to cherish Skylar and respect her and tutor her in different ways. Bill, the more silent type, but not afraid to do what must be done.
Each and everyone have a vital part in Skylar’s journey, and I for one truly enjoyed every page. I wasn’t so sure in the beginning, the start was a bit rough on me, but the more I read, the more I got into the story and stumbled so far into the book, I was disappointed when it ended. My mind is still churning on all the possibilities a sequel could lead to!
June 18, 2013
This novel took me on a brilliant adventure with lots of amazing surprises along the way. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I knew it would be good because I recently read Justin Macumber's other novel Haywire, which blew me away, but that book is Science Fiction which is a genre I love. I'm not usually a reader who looks for stories with a young female protagonist learning about her new magical powers in a post apocalyptic world, but this book delivered in so many ways. I loved it and I can't wait for the next one.
The story was fantastic. We get to see a young lady come into her own as she discovers her awesome magical powers. Once it gets going, it doesn't stop. The moments where the story did slow down for a little while were welcome and did a great job of expanding the characters and weaving in some really interesting backstory. I was never even close to being bored reading this story.
So, lots of crazy and really exciting stuff happens in this story, but the characters are a big reason I loved it. We start with action right away and then get to see how the character's life changes forever in a huge way. She grows as we get to meet new characters with her. They all proved to be really important to the story and complemented each other in awesome ways. Annoying each other, saving each other, confusing each other, all making for some pretty amazing action, laughs, and even a bit of horror. The characters were vivid in my mind, living and breathing as they explored a world which captured my imagination more and more the farther they traveled through it. There's also a magical realm I won't get into, but lets just say this story world is really intriguing and it will be awesome to see it again in the next book.
If you get into this book, I doubt you'll be able to put it down. I think I'll probably reread it again when the next book in the series comes out just to enjoy it again. I had a lot of fun with this book. I was amazed by the story world, people, and creatures in it. I think Justin has room to have a lot more fun in this universe, and I can't wait to be there for the next set of adventures. Justin did a great job crafting the story, and the way it ended was very satisfying to me while also making me salivate a bit for the next one. The possibilities for the next novel are pretty exciting, and I can't wait to visit this universe again.
The story was fantastic. We get to see a young lady come into her own as she discovers her awesome magical powers. Once it gets going, it doesn't stop. The moments where the story did slow down for a little while were welcome and did a great job of expanding the characters and weaving in some really interesting backstory. I was never even close to being bored reading this story.
So, lots of crazy and really exciting stuff happens in this story, but the characters are a big reason I loved it. We start with action right away and then get to see how the character's life changes forever in a huge way. She grows as we get to meet new characters with her. They all proved to be really important to the story and complemented each other in awesome ways. Annoying each other, saving each other, confusing each other, all making for some pretty amazing action, laughs, and even a bit of horror. The characters were vivid in my mind, living and breathing as they explored a world which captured my imagination more and more the farther they traveled through it. There's also a magical realm I won't get into, but lets just say this story world is really intriguing and it will be awesome to see it again in the next book.
If you get into this book, I doubt you'll be able to put it down. I think I'll probably reread it again when the next book in the series comes out just to enjoy it again. I had a lot of fun with this book. I was amazed by the story world, people, and creatures in it. I think Justin has room to have a lot more fun in this universe, and I can't wait to be there for the next set of adventures. Justin did a great job crafting the story, and the way it ended was very satisfying to me while also making me salivate a bit for the next one. The possibilities for the next novel are pretty exciting, and I can't wait to visit this universe again.
March 25, 2014
I've been listening to Justin Macumber on Dead Robot's Society for at least 18 months and feel a little guilty for taking so long to read one of his books. But I'm glad I made the time.
SYNOPSIS: 15 years after the Burning washed across the Earth and destroyed most of humanity, mankind clings to life by its collective fingernails. Young Skylar discovers she is "different" from those around her and is banished from home for her magical abilities. Unable to either explain nor control her new found abilities, she wanders the wasteland. During the perilous journey she taps further abilities of her magic and ends up on the wrong side of a witch hunt. She gains allies including a stranger from another plane who holds the secret to her gift. A rebellion spans multiple worlds and Skylar finds herself in the middle; torn between her legacy, romantic interest and self-preservation. Hard choices and danger await, no matter what decisions she makes.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced, with a surprising amount of humor injected throughout, Macumber creates a very detailed yet free-flowing world with remarkably consistent "rules". Lives are lost, enemies are vanquished and every decision has an external as well as internal conundrum which I enjoyed and appreciated.
The action was strong as was the pace. There were a few times where the narrative bordered on exposition, but the author seemed to "pull up" at the last minute before it degraded into an "As You Know, Bob" moment.
What impressed me most about the work is the exceedingly fine details of world-building the author has engaged in, without succumbing to the temptation of showing "his full hand" to the reader. I strongly suspect that there a great many more secrets of the setting which Macumber wisely keeps up his sleeve, waiting for the right opportunity to play them.
Very fun book to read.
SYNOPSIS: 15 years after the Burning washed across the Earth and destroyed most of humanity, mankind clings to life by its collective fingernails. Young Skylar discovers she is "different" from those around her and is banished from home for her magical abilities. Unable to either explain nor control her new found abilities, she wanders the wasteland. During the perilous journey she taps further abilities of her magic and ends up on the wrong side of a witch hunt. She gains allies including a stranger from another plane who holds the secret to her gift. A rebellion spans multiple worlds and Skylar finds herself in the middle; torn between her legacy, romantic interest and self-preservation. Hard choices and danger await, no matter what decisions she makes.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced, with a surprising amount of humor injected throughout, Macumber creates a very detailed yet free-flowing world with remarkably consistent "rules". Lives are lost, enemies are vanquished and every decision has an external as well as internal conundrum which I enjoyed and appreciated.
The action was strong as was the pace. There were a few times where the narrative bordered on exposition, but the author seemed to "pull up" at the last minute before it degraded into an "As You Know, Bob" moment.
What impressed me most about the work is the exceedingly fine details of world-building the author has engaged in, without succumbing to the temptation of showing "his full hand" to the reader. I strongly suspect that there a great many more secrets of the setting which Macumber wisely keeps up his sleeve, waiting for the right opportunity to play them.
Very fun book to read.
March 25, 2013
This is such a unique twist on Magic! It begins with Skylar suddenly killing her much loved dog, purely by accident, he burst into flames when she put her hands up to defend herself from him. From this simple beginning we have an entire story of magic and mayhem and adventure.
I loved that this YA book has a female as the main character. She gets to learn about how strong she really is, and this is such an important thing for young girls to learn. I also loved how there was a little romantic interest in the form of Nathan, but that it wasn't the main goal of Skylar's life. Something I think that many young girls need to realize.
The characters themselves are interesting. Skylar is a young girl who lives in a world that has been torn apart. As she travels from the home she has known since her mother's death, she meets some very interesting characters. Nathan, Bill, Lyara and Jack. And the one who caused all of this destruction... well I won't go into their name but suffice it to say this is one heck of a world.
The world that Justin R. Macumber created is one I personally do not ever want to see. A world full of dust and destruction where fire burned the Earth. A world where violence is an every day occurrence, and life is moving from place to place trying to stay alive. A world where there are Wylds growing where you dare not enter and blossoming Magic.
I can say I recommend this book to anyone interested in a YA book with good values and good morals for young girls and boys alike. I give this book 4.5 stars.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
I loved that this YA book has a female as the main character. She gets to learn about how strong she really is, and this is such an important thing for young girls to learn. I also loved how there was a little romantic interest in the form of Nathan, but that it wasn't the main goal of Skylar's life. Something I think that many young girls need to realize.
The characters themselves are interesting. Skylar is a young girl who lives in a world that has been torn apart. As she travels from the home she has known since her mother's death, she meets some very interesting characters. Nathan, Bill, Lyara and Jack. And the one who caused all of this destruction... well I won't go into their name but suffice it to say this is one heck of a world.
The world that Justin R. Macumber created is one I personally do not ever want to see. A world full of dust and destruction where fire burned the Earth. A world where violence is an every day occurrence, and life is moving from place to place trying to stay alive. A world where there are Wylds growing where you dare not enter and blossoming Magic.
I can say I recommend this book to anyone interested in a YA book with good values and good morals for young girls and boys alike. I give this book 4.5 stars.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
December 28, 2014
A Minor Magic is a post-apocalyptic story written by Justin Macumber that follows the story of a fifteen year old girl.
The earth is in ruins. A battle in another dimension has torn through the veils that separate the dimensions. Now there are parts of the other world encroaching on earth. The start of the encroachment killed billions and caused ecological disasters.
Fifteen year old Skyler is living on a farm with an older couple when she suddenly discovers she has inherent magical abilities. The couple she is living with believes it is from the devil and forces her to leave. Having never been on her own, she stumbles around getting into major trouble within hours of leaving the farm. There are people looking for her because she has the ability to heal both worlds. She is fortunate to run into some of these people and they help her. She starts practicing with her magic, slowly getting better at controlling it. Soon she meets a sorceress from the other world and then takes a trip to the other world. Because of time differences on the two worlds, she meets her many times great-grandfather and helps him regain control of his kingdom.
A fascinating story that cleverly blends two worlds. Well written with characters are interesting. The story is engrossing, especially if you like fantasy with magic. Justin Macumber is an imaginative, talented story teller.
The earth is in ruins. A battle in another dimension has torn through the veils that separate the dimensions. Now there are parts of the other world encroaching on earth. The start of the encroachment killed billions and caused ecological disasters.
Fifteen year old Skyler is living on a farm with an older couple when she suddenly discovers she has inherent magical abilities. The couple she is living with believes it is from the devil and forces her to leave. Having never been on her own, she stumbles around getting into major trouble within hours of leaving the farm. There are people looking for her because she has the ability to heal both worlds. She is fortunate to run into some of these people and they help her. She starts practicing with her magic, slowly getting better at controlling it. Soon she meets a sorceress from the other world and then takes a trip to the other world. Because of time differences on the two worlds, she meets her many times great-grandfather and helps him regain control of his kingdom.
A fascinating story that cleverly blends two worlds. Well written with characters are interesting. The story is engrossing, especially if you like fantasy with magic. Justin Macumber is an imaginative, talented story teller.
March 18, 2013
In Minor Magic we get introduce to a girl name Skylar that discovers that she has magic one day and the couple she has been staying with for the pass 10 years doesn't like it one bit so they make her leave. She will go on a journey and meet some people along the way and one of them is a boy name Nathan. Nathan don't like the way his dad runs things so he runs away but once his dad catches up with him Skylar decides to stick with him. She tries to save Nathan and her self just to get kidnapped by his father. Now he thinks that she is working for the devil and wants to kill her. Right when she thinks things are about to come to an end. Next thing she knows a few people show up and save her and Nathan follows with her. Along the rest of her journey she will find out where she comes from and her magic. She will see things she never did before and there is a betrayal she didn't expect to happen. The way the author describes everything is great and you can picture it in your mind which is awesome. I really like this book and hope everyone else enjoys it like I did.
September 12, 2013
"A Minor Magic", by Justin R. Macumber is a fun, fast paced, engaging story about a girl coming to terms with a power the world around her does not understand. She doesn't understand it herself.
Skylar is one of the best things about this story. She is a believable, and likable character trying to find her way in a world that either wants to use her, or kill her. Sometimes both. The story is about betrayal, and fanaticism. The fact that both of these themes cross over into two worlds, with Skylar as the catalyst, is storytelling at it's best.
There are a few pop culture references to the world only a few remember, and while they are appropriate to the type of story, they felt a little forced to me. However, it was only a couple of moments in a story worth telling, and thus definitely worth reading.
I find a lot of YA books these days a little shallow, and predictable. This story gives us an empowering teen character, while still susceptible to young love, is not defined by it.
Definitely give this one a read.
Skylar is one of the best things about this story. She is a believable, and likable character trying to find her way in a world that either wants to use her, or kill her. Sometimes both. The story is about betrayal, and fanaticism. The fact that both of these themes cross over into two worlds, with Skylar as the catalyst, is storytelling at it's best.
There are a few pop culture references to the world only a few remember, and while they are appropriate to the type of story, they felt a little forced to me. However, it was only a couple of moments in a story worth telling, and thus definitely worth reading.
I find a lot of YA books these days a little shallow, and predictable. This story gives us an empowering teen character, while still susceptible to young love, is not defined by it.
Definitely give this one a read.
March 30, 2013
A MINOR MAGIC, by Justin Macumber, is a coming of age fantasy story for a young teen, Skylar, who lives in a much changed Earth after mysterious fires raged across the surface about a decade earlier. Skylar, after abruptly learning she has magic, is forcibly made to leave from the only real home she has ever known since her mother died years before. Skylar is forced to deal with the landscape and the brutish world that it has become on her own for the first time in her life.
As the story unfolds, we watch as Skylar is forced to face guilt, shame, mistrust, and her strange new ability. A MINOR MAGIC is a wonderful story with interesting characters that are both believable and fun to learn about. Justin Macumber has done a great job weaving a tale that gives the audience a young, strong, female lead that doesn’t need to be dressed for the beach to impress. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a strong fantasy tale, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases, A BROKEN MAGIC.
As the story unfolds, we watch as Skylar is forced to face guilt, shame, mistrust, and her strange new ability. A MINOR MAGIC is a wonderful story with interesting characters that are both believable and fun to learn about. Justin Macumber has done a great job weaving a tale that gives the audience a young, strong, female lead that doesn’t need to be dressed for the beach to impress. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a strong fantasy tale, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases, A BROKEN MAGIC.
April 1, 2013
Full disclosure: I'm a Justin Macumber fan. Been reading his stories for several years now and I just recently realized, I've got a "Macumber section" on my bookshelf. LOL.
As for "A Minor Magic," it's a fun and satisfying read on several levels. I'm not a huge fan of post-apocalyptic stories, but Justin won me over early in using it as a backdrop for a wonderful coming-of-age story for his heroine, Skylar. She has to figure out her place in the world and her maturing emotions as a girl on the cusp of womanhood. A similar struggle for many young people since the dawn of teenagers. LOL. But, in this case, her survival and the survival of the world is also at stake. Can she survive long enough to figure out her magical gifts and bring them to bear in a meaningful way? Read the book and find out. :)
As for "A Minor Magic," it's a fun and satisfying read on several levels. I'm not a huge fan of post-apocalyptic stories, but Justin won me over early in using it as a backdrop for a wonderful coming-of-age story for his heroine, Skylar. She has to figure out her place in the world and her maturing emotions as a girl on the cusp of womanhood. A similar struggle for many young people since the dawn of teenagers. LOL. But, in this case, her survival and the survival of the world is also at stake. Can she survive long enough to figure out her magical gifts and bring them to bear in a meaningful way? Read the book and find out. :)
May 9, 2013
Skylar a young teenager who's life changes from one day to another deals what people think is from the devil, magic. The world isn't what a used to be after The Burning. After Skylar gets kicked out of the house cause of her magic she meets people who are destined to take her to where she has to go. Little does she know that it's not only one but two worlds she needs to deal with. She meets Nathan whom with time starts to fall in love with and with him by her side gives her the strength for no weakness. She's one tough girl with a lot on her hands to deal with. A Minor Magic is a must read!! Justin really knows how to capture the reader straight from the start and grab a hold on you for a ride full of adventures and magic. Thank you Justin for a great read!
July 31, 2017
Macumber paints a fascinating picture of a post apocalyptic world where magic is just beginning to return. The action is exciting and engaging and the world building is captivating. The characters are heavily romanticized which will appeal to teens but which I found off putting. The resolution seems rushed, with Skylar coming into her own far too quickly. I found the boyfriend wholly unsympathetic. There is a heavy emphasis in the early portion on an extreme religious group which is (apparently) a stand-in for the Westboro Baptists. With no moderate religious groups to balance them, the use of this antagonist comes off as hostile to all religion. I found it distracting from Skylar's story. Overall a good read for teens but limited in adult appeal. I will of course be reading the sequel.
March 29, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. Skylar is a teenage girl who lost both parents and then was exiled from her adoptive home. And this is not like most books I’ve read. Skylar is strong and doesn’t rely on a man to save the day. (which I loved)
I couldn’t stop reading this book at all. The Synopsis sums it all up better than I ever could. So I’m going to just say that y’all need to go download this book
I couldn’t stop reading this book at all. The Synopsis sums it all up better than I ever could. So I’m going to just say that y’all need to go download this book
June 18, 2015
This book starts off right as the protagonist, Skylar, has her life turned upside down and from there on the novel proceeds at a strong pace that never quite lets up, but without going over the top as Skylar discovers who she is and just why the world that she has grown up in is how it is.
There's a few twists and turns throughout the story, one of which really blindsided me, and when it's needed the tension is incredibly gripping.
Definitely one I'll be returning to soon.
There's a few twists and turns throughout the story, one of which really blindsided me, and when it's needed the tension is incredibly gripping.
Definitely one I'll be returning to soon.
June 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Set in a post-apocalyptic world with fantasy and alien elements, I was pleasantly surprised how well the author combined them with a coming of age story of a young girl. Action, romance, and adventure abound as the author has us fall in love with these characters. This could be considered young adult, but I feel all ages would really enjoy this. Looking forward to reading the next one.
January 11, 2015
I did not read the blurb closely enough. I am not fond of apocalypse stories. I do not mind worlds that are post-apocalyptic and functional, such as Andrews's Kate Daniels series, but books set in Mad Max type worlds creep me out. That said, A Minor Magic is enthralling with relatable characters in a believable, albeit unkind, world. I will read the second book, A Broken Magic.
May 19, 2018
This fell flat for me and I couldn't get into it.
I was a little bored and confused. It seemed to have a really weird flow. Not for me.
I was a little bored and confused. It seemed to have a really weird flow. Not for me.
March 21, 2013
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. First off, I FREAKING LOVE this cover! It's so beautiful and draws the eye in. I liked the beginning of this book a lot, but as I got further along I kind of lost interest. The first few chapters were so amazing. They were a post- apocalyptic but with a different twist. I liked seeing how the characters survived. It went down hill for me when all the magic was happening. I just thought it would be different and I felt like there was too much information to remember it all. I kept finding myself slightly lost.
Skylar was a great main character. She was so strong and had been through so much. It was refreshing that she didn't fall madly in love with the first person she saw, or anyone. I think Skylar is a good role model for readers because of that. Nathan was okay. He had a few bold moves, but then faded into the background. That's also how I felt about other characters. They had their moment, then that's it.
Overall, this book started off great but left a lot to be desired for me. But I want to congratulate Justin Macumber because he did very well writing form a teen girl's POV. I would still recommend this book to post apocalyptic lovers and fans of paranormal. I will probably continue with the series to see what happens.
Skylar was a great main character. She was so strong and had been through so much. It was refreshing that she didn't fall madly in love with the first person she saw, or anyone. I think Skylar is a good role model for readers because of that. Nathan was okay. He had a few bold moves, but then faded into the background. That's also how I felt about other characters. They had their moment, then that's it.
Overall, this book started off great but left a lot to be desired for me. But I want to congratulate Justin Macumber because he did very well writing form a teen girl's POV. I would still recommend this book to post apocalyptic lovers and fans of paranormal. I will probably continue with the series to see what happens.
August 14, 2016
A Minor Magic is set in a vivid destroyed world ("vivid" definitely not meaning "colorful" in this situation, since the world's covered with dirt and ash). The characters are true to life and intriguing in what their stories were before the events of this novel, and there are plenty of surprises in the plot and world that will grab your attention.
That said, the book surprisingly wasn't for me. I can appreciate how well it's written, the love and effort Macumber put into it, but there was never really a chord struck with me in this book. That's not to say the book is bad. Far from it. I just never really got sucked into it or had my interest plucked in any significant way. This is a personal opinion and does not have anything to do with the quality of the book itself, which is actually a first for me. Normally, if I don't like a book, it's because it's poorly written or just plain bad all around. It was odd to me to have this sort of relationship with a book.
That said, the book surprisingly wasn't for me. I can appreciate how well it's written, the love and effort Macumber put into it, but there was never really a chord struck with me in this book. That's not to say the book is bad. Far from it. I just never really got sucked into it or had my interest plucked in any significant way. This is a personal opinion and does not have anything to do with the quality of the book itself, which is actually a first for me. Normally, if I don't like a book, it's because it's poorly written or just plain bad all around. It was odd to me to have this sort of relationship with a book.
April 11, 2017
I listened to this book. The narration was poor for the main character and for the regular narration but quite good for the other characters. The main character drove me nuts and this may have been a case of a male author not knowing how females think, etc. She, who I suppose we are supposed to root for is not a strong female but is a weak frightened girl relying on mostly the help of men to get things done. I didn't like the magic, or the premise of the story and will not be continuing with the series.
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