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Winterbringers #2
Dark Spell
Fifteen-year-year-old Callie Hall has just found out that she is a witch...and things keep going wrong. Sometimes her mind seems to make things happen, things she cannot control. She can set fire to things without a match, and when shes angry people can get hurt. Her friend Josh understands that shes a bit strange, but it is only on a dark and dangerous visit to the tunnels beneath the ruins of St Andrews' castle that he realizes just how strange she really is. Something comes back with Callie--in Callie--something she cannot escape. Can Callie control her power long enough to send back the darkness before it takes over her life? Will Josh ever understand her secret? A brilliant, engrossing young peoples fantasy from the author of Winterbringers and The Keepers Daughter. (Ages 11-13)
216 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2013
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Gill Arbuthnott
51 books33 followersI was born and brought up in Edinburgh, where I went to James Gillespie’s High School, famous as the school where the author Muriel Spark was educated, and on which she based her most famous book The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Almost all the teachers when I was there seemed to be wildly eccentric spinsters. There was one maths teacher who would climb into a cupboard at one end of the room, and reappear out from a cupboard door at the other end! Then there was Miss Dalgliesh. She was my teacher in Primary 5. She always wore a black teaching gown, and used to swoop round the room like a large, friendly rook. She had a stuffed tawny owl in her room, and if you were particularly good, you might be allowed to take it home for the night! She used to invite some of us (we were all girls in Gillespie’s back then) to the flat she shared with her sister, to eat cream cakes and listen to her sister play the piano… I don’t think they don’t make teachers like that any more, sadly.
When I finished school I went off to St Andrew’s University to study Zoology, then did teacher training (just so I could have another year lolling around as a student really). At that point, I thought I wanted to be a proper Scientist, so I went off to Southampton University to start a PhD. Unfortunately, I was rubbish at research. I wasn’t nearly clever enough. So I became a Biology teacher instead!
All the time though, what I really wanted to do was write. I wrote in secret (I know, how sad is that?) so that not even my family knew my Dark Secret. I tried a couple of books for adults, but just amassed a splendid collection of rejection slips. Then I saw the Millennium Clock in the museum in Edinburgh, and suddenly I was writing the Chaos Clock, and suddenly it had turned into a childrens’ book. I still don’t quite know how that happened. It seemed to just decide it was a childrens’ book, and I didn’t feel I was in a position to argue with it.
Now, I can’t imagine why I ever wanted to write for adults. This has got to be the best job in the world…
Almost all the teachers when I was there seemed to be wildly eccentric spinsters. There was one maths teacher who would climb into a cupboard at one end of the room, and reappear out from a cupboard door at the other end! Then there was Miss Dalgliesh. She was my teacher in Primary 5. She always wore a black teaching gown, and used to swoop round the room like a large, friendly rook. She had a stuffed tawny owl in her room, and if you were particularly good, you might be allowed to take it home for the night! She used to invite some of us (we were all girls in Gillespie’s back then) to the flat she shared with her sister, to eat cream cakes and listen to her sister play the piano… I don’t think they don’t make teachers like that any more, sadly.
When I finished school I went off to St Andrew’s University to study Zoology, then did teacher training (just so I could have another year lolling around as a student really). At that point, I thought I wanted to be a proper Scientist, so I went off to Southampton University to start a PhD. Unfortunately, I was rubbish at research. I wasn’t nearly clever enough. So I became a Biology teacher instead!
All the time though, what I really wanted to do was write. I wrote in secret (I know, how sad is that?) so that not even my family knew my Dark Secret. I tried a couple of books for adults, but just amassed a splendid collection of rejection slips. Then I saw the Millennium Clock in the museum in Edinburgh, and suddenly I was writing the Chaos Clock, and suddenly it had turned into a childrens’ book. I still don’t quite know how that happened. It seemed to just decide it was a childrens’ book, and I didn’t feel I was in a position to argue with it.
Now, I can’t imagine why I ever wanted to write for adults. This has got to be the best job in the world…
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 29, 2025
Feeling strange and not fitting in always seemed to be an issue for Callie Hall but suddenly even stranger abilities start manifesting. It seems with extreme emotions Callie thinks she is making things happen. When her grandmother and another older woman, in her small Scotland home town, tell her she's a witch its the last thing she wants to hear.
Callie and her friend Josh take a trip to an ancient castle and somehow awaken a dark spirit, a spirit bent on evil.
Now Callie not only has to learn to control her power but she must do it in time to send the dark spirit back where it belongs.
This was a clean, young tween friendly story. The characters relationship is purely platonic and supportive of each other.
Plot wise, I found the story intriguing and slightly suspenseful but not in a horror sort of way. Ultimately, Dark Spell is a story about a young girl coming to terms with her new abilities, abilities that make her unique and different from those around her...Making Dark Spell a coming of age story with a paranormal/witchy twist.
This ARC copy of Dark Spell was given to me by Floris Books - Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on August 1, 2013.
Callie and her friend Josh take a trip to an ancient castle and somehow awaken a dark spirit, a spirit bent on evil.
Now Callie not only has to learn to control her power but she must do it in time to send the dark spirit back where it belongs.
This was a clean, young tween friendly story. The characters relationship is purely platonic and supportive of each other.
Plot wise, I found the story intriguing and slightly suspenseful but not in a horror sort of way. Ultimately, Dark Spell is a story about a young girl coming to terms with her new abilities, abilities that make her unique and different from those around her...Making Dark Spell a coming of age story with a paranormal/witchy twist.
This ARC copy of Dark Spell was given to me by Floris Books - Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on August 1, 2013.
September 13, 2022
"15-year-old Callie Hall has just found out she's a witch, and things keep going wrong." What an understatement! Callie's friend, Josh, comes to visit her for 2 weeks on break from school, and while she's taking him sightseeing at the ruins of an old castle, she releases something dark and evil from the tunnels under the castle, and that something latches on to her and follows her home, unbeknownst to her or Josh. From there, all hell breaks loose.
I enjoyed this book very much, and I especially liked that it was a children/teen's horror story that didn't talk down to them, and was honestly scary. The kids were likeable, the pacing was great, and the plot was well written. All in all, a great book!
Highly recommend - 5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book very much, and I especially liked that it was a children/teen's horror story that didn't talk down to them, and was honestly scary. The kids were likeable, the pacing was great, and the plot was well written. All in all, a great book!
Highly recommend - 5 out of 5 stars.
November 15, 2023
While, from the blurb, you might think this is another “teen witch finds her powers” story, the small town setting and historical backdrop for the evil spirit she must battle adds interest and depth to the story. Main character Callie is an introverted, quirky girl who’s excited to see her summer friend Josh when he comes for his regular holiday. The connection between them is awkward and realistic, and the way they take down the angry ghost that’s after Callie and her house is endearing. Four stars and excited to find out it’s the second book in a series.
July 11, 2022
this is a great book if you’re looking for a quick read or a break from really long books. it has magic/witches which is always cool and it was both lighthearted and intense. the main characters were lovable and the friendship between callie and josh was cute.
definitely recommend!
definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
I thought that Dark Spell was a gripping story and I found it an amazing thriller that wont let you put the book down. I recommend this book.
June 28, 2018
Weirdly, better than the first one. Very cute, and chock full of those St Andrews references that give me life.
February 23, 2023
A lovely read very well written more of a YA but still a brilliant read
July 29, 2013
Review originally posted on Studio Reads
This will be a short review, as I neither enjoyed or hated Dark Spell, it was just...there.
Fifteen year old Callie thinks her life is boring. She isn't popular, and she really doesn't have any friends, (well, not in her town) her only solace being Josh, whose from Edinburgh and keeps in contact via facebook. Me, being in Wales , knows this method very well as I have a really good friend in Canada.
(If you're reading this, hi Britt!) Though, our conversations aren't as vague as Josh and Callies'. Finding out she's a witch is both a curse and a blessing to Callie, since hello, she's interesting now. Apparently. She quickly dislikes it when things start happening around her that she can't control.
Right okay, I'll start with plot.
I liked it, kind of. I love Scotland, and I loved the parts with St Andrews Castle, but that was pretty much all I loved. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on this book, trust me you'd know if I was hating on it. I just felt like it went too fast, one minute it was one day, the next a month went by, a week, etc, and without much actually happening. The story's told from multiple P.O.V's, all which are a little bland, and some of them switched between characters within a few sentences and without warning, which you can easily get lost trying to keep up. I guess that's what mainly irked me about it. Generally, I'm not opposed to multiple P.O.V's, when they're done right (Chapter by chapter, or at least the character's names before hand) and sadly Dark Spells didn't have any of that. It also had a more "tell" than "show" feel to it, too.
When I think of magic, I either think Merlin. Who doesn't like Merlin? Or Charmed, and Charmed doesn't need explaining. I've read a lot of books to do with magic, because I love the different interpretations of power and how it can be used or made. Callie's magic wasn't anything big or special, the only incline to her having any power is the "tingling" in her fingertips, there wasn't any big reveal or slow build up, just a "Oops" moment with a certain bitchy character, and then "oh, I'm a witch."
Onto the Characters, we have:
Callie- Who the book is supposed to be about but kind of get's left behind a little. She was quite boring, there wasn't any "voice" to her character, and she was a little whiny.
Josh- The friend. He was okay, I mean he wasn't a well-rounded character, we didn't know that much about it, and even he pretty much admitted he was pretty fake back home. Which made him come off as shallow.
Rose & Bessie- Do "Old" people really come across like that? Pretty stereotypical, my nan talks nothing like that and she's almost 70. (She'd kill me if she knew I just said that.) Rose, she was nice. I guess. Bessie had some great one-liners. I liked them better than Callie anyway.
Callie's parents- Are kind of like robots. Eh.
Overall, like I said, I didn't like the book or hate it, but it definitely wasn't for me and it really didn't impress, and though I finished Dark Spell, mainly because it was short. It didn't hold my attention.
Rating: 2/5
July 28, 2013
Originally posted at Novel Reveries
“‘You’re a witch, Callie,’” (loc. 131)
This interesting tale is a coming-of-age story of Callie Hall and how her first real witching encounter displays her unique powerful skills. With her family threatened, and her best friend, Josh, in the mix, how can Callie ready herself for the dark force of nightmares?
I liked the premise of this book, and I found the plot build-up interesting. I really feel that, although the age of the characters are 15, that this book fits really well with the Children’s and Middle Grade genre it’s in. It’s a nice little paranormal fantasy, and I was beyond pleased that romance did not play a factor in Dark Spell, but the situation, wording, dialogues and actions felt a bit stiff. Callie’s constant insecurities and self-esteem issues struck a bad chord with me, but other than that the characters are pleasant. I must say that I did not like how Callie’s familial relations are not displayed as simple pronouns like “mom,” “dad,” or her “grandparents” because using the adults first name’s got really confusing and I had to constantly remind myself of how they are related to one another, and Callie. Even if I saw the names separately right at this very moment, I still wouldn’t be sure on who is who. I love how the story is told in third person, so as the reader can get a better experience in the adventure’s outlook, but I think that better transitions could have been used between character point of views to avoid confusion. Better transitioning probably would have been better at the beginning when the time spans kept spreading in a matter of paragraphs.
In all, I believe that this is a delightful tale for those of the younger generation. I could easily have seen myself reading a tale like this in elementary or middle school. I love the plot and the frightening supernatural twist it takes and how much more interesting and different it makes the story. The ghost of a witch? Great stuff! I would recommend this book for the younger crowd who love to dabble in paranormal fantasies and witchcraft, and who are as tired of reading about romance in everything, as I am.
-------------------
First Line: “I am living in a nightmare.” (loc. 9)
Last Line: “Callie smiled as she watched him walk away.” (loc. 1948)
------
Galley provided by NetGalley via Floris Books
*Quotes are from uncorrected advanced galleys and may change before going to press. Please refer to the final printed book for official quotes.
“‘You’re a witch, Callie,’” (loc. 131)
This interesting tale is a coming-of-age story of Callie Hall and how her first real witching encounter displays her unique powerful skills. With her family threatened, and her best friend, Josh, in the mix, how can Callie ready herself for the dark force of nightmares?
“They were right. She was a freak. And there was no one she could tell.” (loc. 51)
I liked the premise of this book, and I found the plot build-up interesting. I really feel that, although the age of the characters are 15, that this book fits really well with the Children’s and Middle Grade genre it’s in. It’s a nice little paranormal fantasy, and I was beyond pleased that romance did not play a factor in Dark Spell, but the situation, wording, dialogues and actions felt a bit stiff. Callie’s constant insecurities and self-esteem issues struck a bad chord with me, but other than that the characters are pleasant. I must say that I did not like how Callie’s familial relations are not displayed as simple pronouns like “mom,” “dad,” or her “grandparents” because using the adults first name’s got really confusing and I had to constantly remind myself of how they are related to one another, and Callie. Even if I saw the names separately right at this very moment, I still wouldn’t be sure on who is who. I love how the story is told in third person, so as the reader can get a better experience in the adventure’s outlook, but I think that better transitions could have been used between character point of views to avoid confusion. Better transitioning probably would have been better at the beginning when the time spans kept spreading in a matter of paragraphs.
“There was something special about Callie – nothing to do with her being a witch – that meant he didn’t want to let her down. He cared about her; he didn’t want her facing this alone.” (loc. 1607)
In all, I believe that this is a delightful tale for those of the younger generation. I could easily have seen myself reading a tale like this in elementary or middle school. I love the plot and the frightening supernatural twist it takes and how much more interesting and different it makes the story. The ghost of a witch? Great stuff! I would recommend this book for the younger crowd who love to dabble in paranormal fantasies and witchcraft, and who are as tired of reading about romance in everything, as I am.
-------------------
First Line: “I am living in a nightmare.” (loc. 9)
Last Line: “Callie smiled as she watched him walk away.” (loc. 1948)
------
Galley provided by NetGalley via Floris Books
*Quotes are from uncorrected advanced galleys and may change before going to press. Please refer to the final printed book for official quotes.
January 15, 2014
My copy was provided to me by Netgalley.
The plot of this story was pretty interesting. Callie doesn't have many friends at school and she has always known she was different. But when she's told that she's a witch, her whole life changes. Callie must learn how to control her powers as well as try to get her mother to accept her. But that's not all. Josh, Callie's friend, has come to visit and he's unknowingly sucked into the witch world. A ghost of a powerful witch has attached itself to Callie and it's determined to take over Callie and her whole family. She must control her powers and send the ghost back to where it came from before everything she knows is lost.
The plot kept me interested most of the time, but it seemed rushed. There are books that span over a week and there are books that take a whole year. This book is a mixture of the two. Sometimes, a day has passed and other times, a month has passed. There were also some slow moments that bored me.
Also, some of the multiple POVs were strange. I remember Callie's cat had a POV part in the book and that was kinda weird, especially since it only happened once for about a page.
If you're looking for a book with romance, there's nada here. You would think Callie and Josh would be a couple, but they're just friends. Callie refuses to get help with the ghost even though she knows she's in danger. Josh told her multiple times to get help from the older witches and she's always putting it off. It got annoying. I mean, your life is in danger and you don't do anything about it!
Josh seemed shallow to me. He hides his true self, the side of him that Callie enjoys, at school and acts like every shallow, annoying guy. He just wanted to belong even though he wasn't actually himself while "belonging".
The beginning was slow, but during the middle, it picks up to the point that I could hardly put it down. What I really enjoyed with this book was the detail in the ending, how Callie worked together with everyone to solve the problem, and the friendship between Callie and Josh. No matter what, they stuck together like peanut butter and jelly. Instead of calling her a freak for being a witch, Josh supported Callie. They help each other no matter what.
Overall, this book was okay. It was interesting in the end, but it didn't stick with me after I finished it. The book is a quick, short book filled with witches galore and undying friendship.
The plot of this story was pretty interesting. Callie doesn't have many friends at school and she has always known she was different. But when she's told that she's a witch, her whole life changes. Callie must learn how to control her powers as well as try to get her mother to accept her. But that's not all. Josh, Callie's friend, has come to visit and he's unknowingly sucked into the witch world. A ghost of a powerful witch has attached itself to Callie and it's determined to take over Callie and her whole family. She must control her powers and send the ghost back to where it came from before everything she knows is lost.
The plot kept me interested most of the time, but it seemed rushed. There are books that span over a week and there are books that take a whole year. This book is a mixture of the two. Sometimes, a day has passed and other times, a month has passed. There were also some slow moments that bored me.
Also, some of the multiple POVs were strange. I remember Callie's cat had a POV part in the book and that was kinda weird, especially since it only happened once for about a page.
If you're looking for a book with romance, there's nada here. You would think Callie and Josh would be a couple, but they're just friends. Callie refuses to get help with the ghost even though she knows she's in danger. Josh told her multiple times to get help from the older witches and she's always putting it off. It got annoying. I mean, your life is in danger and you don't do anything about it!
Josh seemed shallow to me. He hides his true self, the side of him that Callie enjoys, at school and acts like every shallow, annoying guy. He just wanted to belong even though he wasn't actually himself while "belonging".
The beginning was slow, but during the middle, it picks up to the point that I could hardly put it down. What I really enjoyed with this book was the detail in the ending, how Callie worked together with everyone to solve the problem, and the friendship between Callie and Josh. No matter what, they stuck together like peanut butter and jelly. Instead of calling her a freak for being a witch, Josh supported Callie. They help each other no matter what.
Overall, this book was okay. It was interesting in the end, but it didn't stick with me after I finished it. The book is a quick, short book filled with witches galore and undying friendship.
July 23, 2016
www.2thepointbooks.blogspot.com
Although this is yet another coming-of-age paranormal/magic/witch story, something about the way it is written makes this admittedly abused subject entirely readable. The lack of romance and love story between Callie and Josh is refreshing in a genre rife with hormones. This absence allows the reader to focus completely on the plot. No swearing, either, which can detract from and undermine the story.
Pacing was quick and well done and full of tension. A little more back-story on Callie and/or Josh would have been helpful.
One of the only gripes I have is the lack of character development. Callie was a bit too flat for my liking. All the reader really learns is that she didn't want all that magic at first, and then - mostly because Josh - she decided magic was cool. I wish that she could have arrived at that conclusion on her own.
I loved her grandmother and her friends/coven. I wish they were used more in the book. And one big question: Why didn't the grandmother use them to help Callie and Josh get Duncan to where he needed to go? That was strange and a lot less risky for Josh.
Usually I don't get excited about setting, but this book was set in Scotland near St. Andrews, an unusual place for a YA novel. It was refreshing to read about a locale I've never really heard of besides the golf.
All told, a solid 4 stars. If it so happens that a second book comes out, I'd probably read it. But this is a stand-alone book.
Thank you Floris Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Although this is yet another coming-of-age paranormal/magic/witch story, something about the way it is written makes this admittedly abused subject entirely readable. The lack of romance and love story between Callie and Josh is refreshing in a genre rife with hormones. This absence allows the reader to focus completely on the plot. No swearing, either, which can detract from and undermine the story.
Pacing was quick and well done and full of tension. A little more back-story on Callie and/or Josh would have been helpful.
One of the only gripes I have is the lack of character development. Callie was a bit too flat for my liking. All the reader really learns is that she didn't want all that magic at first, and then - mostly because Josh - she decided magic was cool. I wish that she could have arrived at that conclusion on her own.
I loved her grandmother and her friends/coven. I wish they were used more in the book. And one big question: Why didn't the grandmother use them to help Callie and Josh get Duncan to where he needed to go? That was strange and a lot less risky for Josh.
Usually I don't get excited about setting, but this book was set in Scotland near St. Andrews, an unusual place for a YA novel. It was refreshing to read about a locale I've never really heard of besides the golf.
All told, a solid 4 stars. If it so happens that a second book comes out, I'd probably read it. But this is a stand-alone book.
Thank you Floris Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
May 10, 2013
This book is categorized as young adult, but it is better suited for middle grade and lower YA readers. It has nice pacing and a lot of exciting magic happening. It involves ghosts and ancient legends, but it is not overly frightening. The content is clean and free of innuendo, language, and violence. There is some action and suspense, but it's appropriate for children ages 10 and up.
Callie is a sweet yet headstrong character that is trying to figure out who she is and why she doesn't fit in with other kids her age. Her long distance friend, Josh, comes to visit for a couple of weeks during the summer and quickly gets wrapped up in Callie's witchy problems. I really like their friendship and I am glad it didn't turn romantic. It is refreshing to read about a boy and a girl that are good friends without any sort of tension.
I have a few complaints with the book. The first is that some of the situations and the characters' reactions didn't feel realistic. The second is that much of the story was very formulaic and predictable. Lastly, I didn't see the point of including the characters of Evie and her posse at the beginning. They were irrelevant to the plot and felt out of place once I got further into the book.
On a different but not unrelated note, I absolutely love this cover! It's gorgeous. I love the colors and the texture. The cover is what made me pick up the book. Love it.
My blog: Books for Kids
Callie is a sweet yet headstrong character that is trying to figure out who she is and why she doesn't fit in with other kids her age. Her long distance friend, Josh, comes to visit for a couple of weeks during the summer and quickly gets wrapped up in Callie's witchy problems. I really like their friendship and I am glad it didn't turn romantic. It is refreshing to read about a boy and a girl that are good friends without any sort of tension.
I have a few complaints with the book. The first is that some of the situations and the characters' reactions didn't feel realistic. The second is that much of the story was very formulaic and predictable. Lastly, I didn't see the point of including the characters of Evie and her posse at the beginning. They were irrelevant to the plot and felt out of place once I got further into the book.
On a different but not unrelated note, I absolutely love this cover! It's gorgeous. I love the colors and the texture. The cover is what made me pick up the book. Love it.
My blog: Books for Kids
January 3, 2014
Kat's Review
Dark Spell is a novel about a young witch coming into her powers with the help of her grandmother and her grandmother's friends. When her friend Josh comes to visit for the summer and strange things begin to happen, Callie's grandmother decides it's time to let her in on the secret of her heritage. Only Callie doesn't have much time to get used to her powers before everyone is thrust into danger.
There were parts of this books I really enjoyed, particularly when they're stuck underground in the tunnels, and later when the secrets finally begin to be revealed. Although the story involves a teen boy and girl, it's not a teen romance in the typical sense. The book itself is quite tame and I would say would probably be appropriate even for younger teens.
It was a fairly quick and easy read to get through. I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow me away. It took a while to get to the action, and I found that my attention wandered in some parts.
Kat's Rating: Worth a Look
This book would be great for younger teens or those looking for a witch story that is a little on the tamer side than many in the genre tend to be. Pretty clean in terms of language and sexuality.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
- See more at: http://www.katsbookbuzz.net/2014/01/r...
Dark Spell is a novel about a young witch coming into her powers with the help of her grandmother and her grandmother's friends. When her friend Josh comes to visit for the summer and strange things begin to happen, Callie's grandmother decides it's time to let her in on the secret of her heritage. Only Callie doesn't have much time to get used to her powers before everyone is thrust into danger.
There were parts of this books I really enjoyed, particularly when they're stuck underground in the tunnels, and later when the secrets finally begin to be revealed. Although the story involves a teen boy and girl, it's not a teen romance in the typical sense. The book itself is quite tame and I would say would probably be appropriate even for younger teens.
It was a fairly quick and easy read to get through. I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow me away. It took a while to get to the action, and I found that my attention wandered in some parts.
Kat's Rating: Worth a Look
This book would be great for younger teens or those looking for a witch story that is a little on the tamer side than many in the genre tend to be. Pretty clean in terms of language and sexuality.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
- See more at: http://www.katsbookbuzz.net/2014/01/r...
August 31, 2016
When Callie found out that she is a witch and things could not be worse—or so she thought. When Callie and her friend Josh go down into the tunnels below the ruins of St. Andrew’s castle, something goes very wrong and a very dark power is unleashed. Callie begins having terrible dreams and to make matters worse her parents are fighting. The only way to stop the chaos is for Callie to embrace her new found power, but will she do it?
Dark Spell overall was an okay story; it was neither terrible nor super riveting. I feel that the initial set up of the plot was a bit slow and dragged out. There were, however, some cute scenes between Callie and Josh. I was a bit disappointed with way the end of the story was handled—it was slow and very anticlimactic. Part of me wishes that there was a bit more action, danger, and that the plot would progress at a faster pace. I also feel that if someone is going to write about witches, a topic popular in current culture and media, they would need to add a twist or something new and refreshing to it in order to keep the reader interested. Sadly Dark Spell seems to lack that needed twist to keep it fresh.
July 10, 2013
I found this book to be an ok read, mostly because at the beginning it was hard to get the hang of it, because it had too many time jumps, better yet, it had too many breaks between events. I can understand why the author was doing it, he was trying to give us a better perspective of who Callie was and her circumstances and what not, but I don't really find it appealing when it comes to enhancing my reading experience.
This being said, Dark Spell has a quite interesting story, and since it's for ages 11 - 13 I think this is a very good book. After the main events started happening and I got more into the story, I started liking it a bit better and I didn't want to put it down, but I still found there was something missing in this book. I can't really exactly explain what, but there was.
I think I was expecting this book to have a different perspective on magic and witches then what the author presented me with but we have to remember that this book is for young kids, so because of that, I will not take this very seriously. Also I did not like the ending very much, even though it leaves plenty space for a second book.
Overall this book was ok but it could definitely be better.
Head over to http://liisadventuresinbookland.blogs... to read this review.
This being said, Dark Spell has a quite interesting story, and since it's for ages 11 - 13 I think this is a very good book. After the main events started happening and I got more into the story, I started liking it a bit better and I didn't want to put it down, but I still found there was something missing in this book. I can't really exactly explain what, but there was.
I think I was expecting this book to have a different perspective on magic and witches then what the author presented me with but we have to remember that this book is for young kids, so because of that, I will not take this very seriously. Also I did not like the ending very much, even though it leaves plenty space for a second book.
Overall this book was ok but it could definitely be better.
Head over to http://liisadventuresinbookland.blogs... to read this review.
February 6, 2016
Dark Spell
By Gill Arbuthnott
Summery courtesy of goodreads.com
Fifteen-year-year-old Callie Hall has just found out that she is a witch...and things keep going wrong. Sometimes her mind seems to make things happen, things she cannot control. She can set fire to things without a match, and when shes angry people can get hurt. Her friend Josh understands that shes a bit strange, but it is only on a dark and dangerous visit to the tunnels beneath the ruins of St Andrews' castle that he realizes just how strange she really is. Something comes back with Callie--in Callie--something she cannot escape. Can Callie control her power long enough to send back the darkness before it takes over her life? Will Josh ever understand her secret? A brilliant, engrossing young peoples fantasy from the author of Winterbringers and The Keepers Daughter.
Review
Once again I have been taken in by a flashy cover and a great blurb, unfortunately this book did not live up to my preconceived expectations. The book flowed very poorly and I felt I'd read similar books before, moreover I also found the characters boring, which is a great shame as Callie and Josh had such promise. Very disappointing.
By Gill Arbuthnott
Summery courtesy of goodreads.com
Fifteen-year-year-old Callie Hall has just found out that she is a witch...and things keep going wrong. Sometimes her mind seems to make things happen, things she cannot control. She can set fire to things without a match, and when shes angry people can get hurt. Her friend Josh understands that shes a bit strange, but it is only on a dark and dangerous visit to the tunnels beneath the ruins of St Andrews' castle that he realizes just how strange she really is. Something comes back with Callie--in Callie--something she cannot escape. Can Callie control her power long enough to send back the darkness before it takes over her life? Will Josh ever understand her secret? A brilliant, engrossing young peoples fantasy from the author of Winterbringers and The Keepers Daughter.
Review
Once again I have been taken in by a flashy cover and a great blurb, unfortunately this book did not live up to my preconceived expectations. The book flowed very poorly and I felt I'd read similar books before, moreover I also found the characters boring, which is a great shame as Callie and Josh had such promise. Very disappointing.
May 27, 2013
Engrossing story set in Scotland about a girl who not only discovers, to her dismay, that she is a witch but also that she must find a way to deal with an unhappy spirit.
This is not particularly scary, but very entertaining. Callie does not have a y friends at school but she does manage to maintain a great friendship with Josh, a boy who visits in the summer. I like that they are friends...not romantic but purely platonic. What a great model for middle grade kids who might feel that all relationships between opposite genders have to be romantic ones.
The characters feel very believable, even though some are witches. The older witches are just old women who are good friends. They do not wear flowing robes or have herb shops. In fact, one bemoans that Hogwarts does not exist (although she calls it Hogwash). One of her friends says that much untrained witchcraft would be absolutely chaotic....and they laugh.
I can happily recommend this book to any of my students. No profanity, no sex, no horror. It's just a good story about a girl coming to terms with the powers she only has just developed.
And in the end, isn't that a great metaphor for adolescence?
This is not particularly scary, but very entertaining. Callie does not have a y friends at school but she does manage to maintain a great friendship with Josh, a boy who visits in the summer. I like that they are friends...not romantic but purely platonic. What a great model for middle grade kids who might feel that all relationships between opposite genders have to be romantic ones.
The characters feel very believable, even though some are witches. The older witches are just old women who are good friends. They do not wear flowing robes or have herb shops. In fact, one bemoans that Hogwarts does not exist (although she calls it Hogwash). One of her friends says that much untrained witchcraft would be absolutely chaotic....and they laugh.
I can happily recommend this book to any of my students. No profanity, no sex, no horror. It's just a good story about a girl coming to terms with the powers she only has just developed.
And in the end, isn't that a great metaphor for adolescence?
June 28, 2013
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Rating: 3/5
One thing that I really like about this book, was the overall theme of friendship that is present between the characters Callie and Josh. Even through the ups and downs, the two stick together and continue to help each other out - no matter what the cost. Another part I liked about this book was how the problem was solved. Here the author puts in lots of detail, emphasis and emotion which helps the reader connect with the narrator. This elevates the intensity and danger that is felt by the readers.
To read the rest of the review, click here.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Rating: 3/5
One thing that I really like about this book, was the overall theme of friendship that is present between the characters Callie and Josh. Even through the ups and downs, the two stick together and continue to help each other out - no matter what the cost. Another part I liked about this book was how the problem was solved. Here the author puts in lots of detail, emphasis and emotion which helps the reader connect with the narrator. This elevates the intensity and danger that is felt by the readers.
To read the rest of the review, click here.
November 2, 2013
Oh how I wish I had seen the age brackets when I requested this from NetGalley. As I was reading though, I realised this was definitely not a young adult book and was instead a novel for young teens. That said though, I still found it to be a rather enjoyable easy read, so much so that i read this in one sitting.
This is a coming of age story, friendships, adventure and self acceptance. This book shows that not all stories have to be filled with love interests to be interesting and doesn't have to be filled with gory details to have scary parts.
My daughter is always asking for good books to read and I sometimes struggle with finding books for her so I am thankful that i happened across this one. I will definitely be recommending she reads this one.
This is a coming of age story, friendships, adventure and self acceptance. This book shows that not all stories have to be filled with love interests to be interesting and doesn't have to be filled with gory details to have scary parts.
My daughter is always asking for good books to read and I sometimes struggle with finding books for her so I am thankful that i happened across this one. I will definitely be recommending she reads this one.
January 13, 2014
2 stars - it was ok
I really don't like giving books a rating under three stars. But in this case I pretty much have to, due to this being a review book.
Most of my issues we Callie (the main character) related. She wasn't particularly smart and her challenges were typically brought on by herself. Then there was her relationship with Josh. It was very unrealistic and I didn't believe in it. The way she and him spoke was basic and once again, unrealistic.
One thing I did like, was that it was a quick and easy read.
Dark Spell is definitely meant for a younger audience. There were some scenes a nine year old might enjoy and find spookier, so maybe I'd recommend it for 8-10 year olds (mature 8 year olds). I like the cover and think they would quite like it too.
I really don't like giving books a rating under three stars. But in this case I pretty much have to, due to this being a review book.
Most of my issues we Callie (the main character) related. She wasn't particularly smart and her challenges were typically brought on by herself. Then there was her relationship with Josh. It was very unrealistic and I didn't believe in it. The way she and him spoke was basic and once again, unrealistic.
One thing I did like, was that it was a quick and easy read.
Dark Spell is definitely meant for a younger audience. There were some scenes a nine year old might enjoy and find spookier, so maybe I'd recommend it for 8-10 year olds (mature 8 year olds). I like the cover and think they would quite like it too.
January 6, 2014
A full review is available on my blog: http://destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/...
Excerpt:
"So, it’s kind of a wash. It has all of the elements for a great novel, but the pacing and atrocious formatting prevented it from attaining that status. If you’re the kind of person who is into the creepy YA paranormal genre, it could be worth checking out (particularly if formatting issues don’t bother you as much as they do me). I’ll give it 3 stars since I cared about what was going to happen in the end. But that might be a little bit generous."
Excerpt:
"So, it’s kind of a wash. It has all of the elements for a great novel, but the pacing and atrocious formatting prevented it from attaining that status. If you’re the kind of person who is into the creepy YA paranormal genre, it could be worth checking out (particularly if formatting issues don’t bother you as much as they do me). I’ll give it 3 stars since I cared about what was going to happen in the end. But that might be a little bit generous."
May 20, 2013
ARC received via NetGalley.
The cover was very deceiving. I was expecting something quite good, but this book was just a complete flop for me. I hate to speak badly of it, but it just was not the book for me.
The writing style felt very simplified and choppy. The POV kept switching, there were moments where there were three POVs within 8 lines. Not good, man, not good.
One positive note: NO romance whatsoever in the book. Callie and Josh are friends ONLY throughout the whole thing.
The cover was very deceiving. I was expecting something quite good, but this book was just a complete flop for me. I hate to speak badly of it, but it just was not the book for me.
The writing style felt very simplified and choppy. The POV kept switching, there were moments where there were three POVs within 8 lines. Not good, man, not good.
One positive note: NO romance whatsoever in the book. Callie and Josh are friends ONLY throughout the whole thing.
February 9, 2015
3.5 stars
This is a fun read if you're looking for a ghost story. The writing is a bit clunky, especially in the dialogue, but the plot is fun. It feels like the book is aimed at the younger end of YA, particularly with the refreshing lack of romance, so I'd recommend this for middle schoolers or people just getting into the young adult reading age.
This is a fun read if you're looking for a ghost story. The writing is a bit clunky, especially in the dialogue, but the plot is fun. It feels like the book is aimed at the younger end of YA, particularly with the refreshing lack of romance, so I'd recommend this for middle schoolers or people just getting into the young adult reading age.
April 21, 2015
Set in and around St. Andrews in Scotland, it was fun to read to read about a place I knew well! Callie is just a normal teen who is not in the popular group and lacks friends (except for Josh from Edinburgh) and then discovers she is a witch. I won't spoil the story however I found it was a page turner and I enjoyed the characters. The ending hopefully has been left open for a sequel!
September 16, 2014
Read for the Scottish Children's Book Awards 2014
February 18, 2018
Author: Gill Arbuthnott
Publisher: Floris Books
Rating: 9
Copyright: August 2013
ISBN/ASIN: 9780863159565
Review:
In spite of growing up with a high school English teacher with a passion for Poe, let me say first of all that although I am not a horror fan, I do have a few movies that I like on the basis of an affinity for a particular actor or two, (Michael J Fox in The Frighteners, the entire cast of Practical Magic.) I am not predisposed to enjoy horror fantasy, but for some reason, magical families and witchcraft stories are the exception. Blame it on the chemistry between Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York. I felt the same g-rated sweet chemistry between young protagonist Callie Hall and her good friend Josh in Dark Spell by Gill Arbuthnott.
Callie Hall is a young witch. It's not so much that she's coming out of the closet, as it is that she had no clue she was in a closet. Unaware of her growing magical powers, she has a Carrie moment in response to some school bullying. She soon discovers from her grandmother and her cute little coven of old lady witches that like her grandmother, she is indeed a witch. The witch gene apparently is a recessive one, and skipped her mother, a fact which leads to some issues. Callie's long distance friendship with Joshua (from Edinburgh) has some issues, and the tunnel under the ruins of St Andrews' Castle really has some issues.
I was drawn in by many things in this book. The familial relationships, the problems between Callie and her mother, and the closeness between Callie and her grandmother. The sweet tolerance of Callie's oblivious father and not-so-oblivious grandfather. The chemistry of the family rings so true that it brings extra credence to the magic. I enjoyed this book so much that after I listened to it play aloud on my rickety old keyboard Kindle, I had to take it aside and read it in person with my own eyes to see if it was as engrossing as I thought. (It is.) The story is well engineered, and works not only on the superficial level, but on more than one level. I am not surprised that it has won awards.
I found myself enchanted by Dark Spell. I enjoyed not only the characters, but also the sense of place the author delivers of the mix of old and new in contemporary Scotland. Gill Arbuthnott conjures a stunning mix of teen angst and magic mixed with just enough danger to scoot you to the edge of your seat. Big thumbs up on this one!
Publisher: Floris Books
Rating: 9
Copyright: August 2013
ISBN/ASIN: 9780863159565
Review:
In spite of growing up with a high school English teacher with a passion for Poe, let me say first of all that although I am not a horror fan, I do have a few movies that I like on the basis of an affinity for a particular actor or two, (Michael J Fox in The Frighteners, the entire cast of Practical Magic.) I am not predisposed to enjoy horror fantasy, but for some reason, magical families and witchcraft stories are the exception. Blame it on the chemistry between Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York. I felt the same g-rated sweet chemistry between young protagonist Callie Hall and her good friend Josh in Dark Spell by Gill Arbuthnott.
Callie Hall is a young witch. It's not so much that she's coming out of the closet, as it is that she had no clue she was in a closet. Unaware of her growing magical powers, she has a Carrie moment in response to some school bullying. She soon discovers from her grandmother and her cute little coven of old lady witches that like her grandmother, she is indeed a witch. The witch gene apparently is a recessive one, and skipped her mother, a fact which leads to some issues. Callie's long distance friendship with Joshua (from Edinburgh) has some issues, and the tunnel under the ruins of St Andrews' Castle really has some issues.
I was drawn in by many things in this book. The familial relationships, the problems between Callie and her mother, and the closeness between Callie and her grandmother. The sweet tolerance of Callie's oblivious father and not-so-oblivious grandfather. The chemistry of the family rings so true that it brings extra credence to the magic. I enjoyed this book so much that after I listened to it play aloud on my rickety old keyboard Kindle, I had to take it aside and read it in person with my own eyes to see if it was as engrossing as I thought. (It is.) The story is well engineered, and works not only on the superficial level, but on more than one level. I am not surprised that it has won awards.
I found myself enchanted by Dark Spell. I enjoyed not only the characters, but also the sense of place the author delivers of the mix of old and new in contemporary Scotland. Gill Arbuthnott conjures a stunning mix of teen angst and magic mixed with just enough danger to scoot you to the edge of your seat. Big thumbs up on this one!
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