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Jinx #2
Jinx's Magic
Jinx knows he can do magic. But he doesn't know why he's being stalked by a werewolf with a notebook, why the trees are starting to take back the only safe paths through the Urwald, or why the elves think Jinx and the evil Bonemaster are somehow connected.
Jinx's perilous search for answers takes him to the desert land of Samara, where, according to the wizard Simon, he just might find the ancient magic he needs to defeat the Bonemaster and unite the Urwald. But Jinx finds himself in a centuries-old conspiracy that places the Urwald in even greater danger.
In this second installment of the Jinx trilogy, Sage Blackwood's daring hero is called upon to save the Urwald. The more he learns, however, the clearer it becomes that this quest will require more than the magic of a solitary wizard's apprentice, and soon he'll have to call upon all of the Urwald-witches, werewolves, wizards, and trees-for help.
Jinx's perilous search for answers takes him to the desert land of Samara, where, according to the wizard Simon, he just might find the ancient magic he needs to defeat the Bonemaster and unite the Urwald. But Jinx finds himself in a centuries-old conspiracy that places the Urwald in even greater danger.
In this second installment of the Jinx trilogy, Sage Blackwood's daring hero is called upon to save the Urwald. The more he learns, however, the clearer it becomes that this quest will require more than the magic of a solitary wizard's apprentice, and soon he'll have to call upon all of the Urwald-witches, werewolves, wizards, and trees-for help.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2014
91 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Sage Blackwood
6 books238 followersSage Blackwood is the pseudonym of Karen Schwabach
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
November 17, 2015
Loved the first in the series, loved this one just as much. Everything that had me turning pages in the first book continued just as strongly in this one--the characterization, the rich story world, the cool magic system. Only this time, Jinx spends some time outside the Urwald. I was afraid that would disappoint me, but it did not at all. The story has gotten bigger, more complex, but the pacing has continued just right.
Seriously, this has become a new favorite series for me. I cannot wait for the next one!
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My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
Seriously, this has become a new favorite series for me. I cannot wait for the next one!
My Website
Find me on Facebook
My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
February 14, 2016
There are no words that can define how good this book is and how much I love this series
December 28, 2015
"Knowing is having confidence in the infinity of possibility."
-Jinx's Magic
The next installment in the Jinx saga, "Jinx's Magic," is even better than the first book. It picked up immediately with the the young, colorful Jinx who continues his journey of discovering himself and the entirety of his magic. Being a listener appears harder than it seems to be because now, not only does Jinx have to struggle to relieve the forest of the "Terror," he also has to contend with the impending doom that hovers over the Urwald if the distant deforestation at its edge does not stop.
There are many interesting twists and turns in this current installment that you must read for yourself. There's more intriguing issues with the Bonemaster, Simon's own journey, and KnIP (Knowledge is Power). We gladly get to learn more about the strange land of Samara that is so different from the magical Urwald. Characters are further developed and new ones are introduced. I was extremely happy to read more about Simon's wife, Sophie, who happens to be one of my favorite characters. I adored this book. Sage Blackwood is truly a fantastic author who I definitely look forward to hearing more from.
"Anything that starts with 'If I had' is always a waste of time. The question is, what are you going to do now?"
-Simon
-Jinx's Magic
The next installment in the Jinx saga, "Jinx's Magic," is even better than the first book. It picked up immediately with the the young, colorful Jinx who continues his journey of discovering himself and the entirety of his magic. Being a listener appears harder than it seems to be because now, not only does Jinx have to struggle to relieve the forest of the "Terror," he also has to contend with the impending doom that hovers over the Urwald if the distant deforestation at its edge does not stop.
There are many interesting twists and turns in this current installment that you must read for yourself. There's more intriguing issues with the Bonemaster, Simon's own journey, and KnIP (Knowledge is Power). We gladly get to learn more about the strange land of Samara that is so different from the magical Urwald. Characters are further developed and new ones are introduced. I was extremely happy to read more about Simon's wife, Sophie, who happens to be one of my favorite characters. I adored this book. Sage Blackwood is truly a fantastic author who I definitely look forward to hearing more from.
"Anything that starts with 'If I had' is always a waste of time. The question is, what are you going to do now?"
-Simon
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June 15, 2019super good
July 26, 2021
Wonderful story. Jinx's ventures was growing cruelty and by the way what will happen to simon? I'm still wondered about that. Should go to the final series to reveal the truth 😍
December 31, 2013
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Jinx was one of my favorite reads of 2013. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabited. It is always a bit scary when you go back to characters and a world you love so much in a sequel. Exciting too though. And lovers of Jinx, Simon, and the Urwald have nothing to fear from Jinx's Magic. Sage Blackwood outdid herself in this one.
If you haven't read Jinx yet, go and do that NOW. Then come back and read this.
In book one Jinx went from being a child to an adolescent. His independent streak is growing, he rolls his eyes a lot at the adults in his life, and he is questioning many things. He is still a boy who is confused by many things in life and needs help. He wants to know the people who care for him are still around. He is exactly everything a thirteen year old boy should be. I enjoyed watching his character grow more and how he interacted with the people around him. The first part of the story involves Jinx getting Reven out of the Urwald as he promised he would. Reven continues to be conniving, manipulative, and obnoxious and I loved when Jinx finally had enough. Elfwyn plays a role in this story as well. I really enjoy what is happening with her character and am eager to see where it will lead.
I continue to adore Simon oh so much, particularly in his relationship with Jinx. Jinx looks up to him so much, but is also annoyed with him. He wants Simon to allow him to do what he needs. Simon has other ideas about what is needed. The push and pull between these two is so utterly genuine that any one who has ever grown up and had to deal with the changing dynamic with their parents will get it completely. Simon is often telling Jinx in various ways to "drop his attitude". Jinx's attitude's not going anywhere. And every conversation between these two is funny and yet filled with emotion too. Sophie also returns in this book and is still lovely and wonderful. I hope we see even more of her in the next book.
Two new characters are introduced as well. Jinx meets both Wendell and Satya in Samara. They are his friends when he desperately needs them even though he doesn't completely trust Satya. Wendell is my favorite of the secondary character in the book now. I enjoyed his outlook on life, his loyalty, and his courage.
The story continues from where the first book left off. The Bonemaster breaks free of his bonds, Reven and his "kingdom" are a threat to the Urwald, and the trees keep telling Jinx things he doesn't understand. Also some troublesome elves make a mysterious appearance that does not bode well for our hero. Half of the story takes place in the Urwald where Jinx is contending with the demands on the Listener, Simon, and the Bonemaster breaking through his wards. The other half takes place in Samara where Jinx is contending with learning as much as he can while also navigating the political intrigue and secretive workings of the Temple. The Urwald and Samara are very different and both are described so well. The imagery Blackwood uses and how well thought out the world-building is makes me feel like I'm actually there. I could not put the book down. Every page had some piece of information, some wonderful piece of dialogue, or some adventure to keep reading on until I was finished far too fast. It was one of those experiences where I turned the last page, sighed because there was no more to read, and then hugged the book.
To say that I'm excited for the third book would be an understatement. Of immense proportions.
I read an ARC won in a giveaway from the author. I also received an e-galley from the publisher, Harper Children's, on Edelweiss. Jinx's Magic comes out on January 7.
Jinx was one of my favorite reads of 2013. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabited. It is always a bit scary when you go back to characters and a world you love so much in a sequel. Exciting too though. And lovers of Jinx, Simon, and the Urwald have nothing to fear from Jinx's Magic. Sage Blackwood outdid herself in this one.
If you haven't read Jinx yet, go and do that NOW. Then come back and read this.
In book one Jinx went from being a child to an adolescent. His independent streak is growing, he rolls his eyes a lot at the adults in his life, and he is questioning many things. He is still a boy who is confused by many things in life and needs help. He wants to know the people who care for him are still around. He is exactly everything a thirteen year old boy should be. I enjoyed watching his character grow more and how he interacted with the people around him. The first part of the story involves Jinx getting Reven out of the Urwald as he promised he would. Reven continues to be conniving, manipulative, and obnoxious and I loved when Jinx finally had enough. Elfwyn plays a role in this story as well. I really enjoy what is happening with her character and am eager to see where it will lead.
I continue to adore Simon oh so much, particularly in his relationship with Jinx. Jinx looks up to him so much, but is also annoyed with him. He wants Simon to allow him to do what he needs. Simon has other ideas about what is needed. The push and pull between these two is so utterly genuine that any one who has ever grown up and had to deal with the changing dynamic with their parents will get it completely. Simon is often telling Jinx in various ways to "drop his attitude". Jinx's attitude's not going anywhere. And every conversation between these two is funny and yet filled with emotion too. Sophie also returns in this book and is still lovely and wonderful. I hope we see even more of her in the next book.
Two new characters are introduced as well. Jinx meets both Wendell and Satya in Samara. They are his friends when he desperately needs them even though he doesn't completely trust Satya. Wendell is my favorite of the secondary character in the book now. I enjoyed his outlook on life, his loyalty, and his courage.
The story continues from where the first book left off. The Bonemaster breaks free of his bonds, Reven and his "kingdom" are a threat to the Urwald, and the trees keep telling Jinx things he doesn't understand. Also some troublesome elves make a mysterious appearance that does not bode well for our hero. Half of the story takes place in the Urwald where Jinx is contending with the demands on the Listener, Simon, and the Bonemaster breaking through his wards. The other half takes place in Samara where Jinx is contending with learning as much as he can while also navigating the political intrigue and secretive workings of the Temple. The Urwald and Samara are very different and both are described so well. The imagery Blackwood uses and how well thought out the world-building is makes me feel like I'm actually there. I could not put the book down. Every page had some piece of information, some wonderful piece of dialogue, or some adventure to keep reading on until I was finished far too fast. It was one of those experiences where I turned the last page, sighed because there was no more to read, and then hugged the book.
To say that I'm excited for the third book would be an understatement. Of immense proportions.
I read an ARC won in a giveaway from the author. I also received an e-galley from the publisher, Harper Children's, on Edelweiss. Jinx's Magic comes out on January 7.
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Jinx's Magic is a solid, well written, intelligent sequel, smoothly continuing the story from the eponymous first book. Sage Blackwood's strength as a storyteller is her ability to weave very realistic and complex character studies but put them in a wholly realized magical world.
In this volume 2 of Jinx's story, the boy is now 13 and helping Reven and Elfywyn (the prince in hiding and the girl who cannot lie) out of the Urwald and back to Reven's country to regain his throne. But the trees are unhappy, civilization is consistently removing the forest, and Simon's spell on the Bonemaster may not hold. Simon and Jinx must separate to different goals as Jinx must learn more about ancient languages, Listeners, and how to control the power of the Urwald as a scholar in Samara. Along the way, he will deal with talking werewolves, magicians, puppy love, confusing messages, and new friends.
Through the course of the book, you really start to feel for Jinx. His loneliness, desire to make sense of his world, and deal with so many personalities (each with their own motivations) are palpable and well written. From the confusing talk of the trees to the frustrating condescension from the adults. He's not perfect, isn't really a hero character, but just tries to do the best he can with the cards he's dealt and his current sensibilities. That grounded nature is what keeps it interesting.
For me, the best part of book really has to be the pithy commentary and snappy dialogue. This is an extremely well written story, with subtleties and clues really rewarding the aware reader. Jinx is never too smart for his age but also his practical nature grounds him into being so much smarter than many of the adults around him.
In all, I'm very much enjoying this series. Received as an ARC from the publisher.
February 13, 2014
4.5 really
Full review posted at Redeemed Reader
The sequel to Jinx, Jinx’s Magic is definitely a “second” book. Picking up immediately where Jinx left off, the book races to a cliffhanger end! Blackwood’s world building, character development, and plotting are very well done. Jinx is revealed to be the Listener: he can hear the trees talk, see people’s thoughts, and can summon power from the trees of his home country (the Urwald) as well as through others’ knowledge. What this means for the future is unclear, but Jinx is a true hero, sacrificing himself for the good of his adopted father, Simon, and the Urwald. Jinx’s magic turns out to be unique to him, related closely to his identity as the Listener. Jinx is also growing up, and the tension between him and Simon adds emotional heft to the story even while the fantasy elements capture our imagination.
Another tension is at work, too, that is harder to nail down. Essentially, there are those who seek to use people (and trees) to further their own power, showing complete disregard for life. Simon and Jinx are trying to thwart them, and both value life. As is often the case in high fantasy, even the trees and other inhuman characters possess power and lives worth saving. In this complex world, Jinx is only just beginning to figure out how he can do magic and at what level. As the Listener, Jinx is supposedly going to be bring balance—between fire and ice. Between good and evil? I’m not sure. Jinx is poised to unite the Urwald, defeat the sinister Bonemaster, and restore Simon. But at what cost? Series can be hard to predict; how will the ideas of “lifeforce,” power from the trees, and Knowledge is Power (KnIP) mature in the next book?
I wanted a bit more closure at the end. I liked the open ending of the first, but this second feels too much like an in-between book (frustration!). Still, I think the writing is stronger than in the first and I couldn't put it down.
Full review posted at Redeemed Reader
The sequel to Jinx, Jinx’s Magic is definitely a “second” book. Picking up immediately where Jinx left off, the book races to a cliffhanger end! Blackwood’s world building, character development, and plotting are very well done. Jinx is revealed to be the Listener: he can hear the trees talk, see people’s thoughts, and can summon power from the trees of his home country (the Urwald) as well as through others’ knowledge. What this means for the future is unclear, but Jinx is a true hero, sacrificing himself for the good of his adopted father, Simon, and the Urwald. Jinx’s magic turns out to be unique to him, related closely to his identity as the Listener. Jinx is also growing up, and the tension between him and Simon adds emotional heft to the story even while the fantasy elements capture our imagination.
Another tension is at work, too, that is harder to nail down. Essentially, there are those who seek to use people (and trees) to further their own power, showing complete disregard for life. Simon and Jinx are trying to thwart them, and both value life. As is often the case in high fantasy, even the trees and other inhuman characters possess power and lives worth saving. In this complex world, Jinx is only just beginning to figure out how he can do magic and at what level. As the Listener, Jinx is supposedly going to be bring balance—between fire and ice. Between good and evil? I’m not sure. Jinx is poised to unite the Urwald, defeat the sinister Bonemaster, and restore Simon. But at what cost? Series can be hard to predict; how will the ideas of “lifeforce,” power from the trees, and Knowledge is Power (KnIP) mature in the next book?
I wanted a bit more closure at the end. I liked the open ending of the first, but this second feels too much like an in-between book (frustration!). Still, I think the writing is stronger than in the first and I couldn't put it down.
August 7, 2016
Reader thoughts: Every time I think I have it figured out, there's a new twist in the story. The characters react when they know it'll cause trouble, and then the reader gets to read characters smart enough to know better AND all the trouble they cause.
Too bad Jinx is a dog person. That was the only bit that could have been better.
So many kinds of prison! And so many exceptions to the rules (well, they all have to do with Jinx, actually), and then a handful of exceptions to those exceptions (Dame Glammer and Bonemaster).
So many trees!
I love that the Terror is greed.
Elfwyn shouldn't be able to get away with so much around her curse. Jinx shouldn't be able to use other people's golden wire blobs.
There was a lot of traveling and time lapse in this book. It never got boring, however. Every time I thought it was headed that direction, something new showed up (starving, scholar, Sophie, dancing language, and bottles). Well timed. The characters are all their own, too, even the trees. And Malthus.
Writer thoughts: Jinx is a character I want to know more. I'm extremely interested in him and what he's thinking. The reader in me wants endless books about him to read. The writer in me wants to know how SB did it. Some book characters fall flat despite heroism. Is it the close pov? The weird backstory? The way Jinx deals with conflict?
For some reason, I feel like these books are on an edge, close to tipping. If I was in just the wrong mood the day I read Jinx, I don't think I would have liked it at all. How does Blackwood do that?
Too bad Jinx is a dog person. That was the only bit that could have been better.
So many kinds of prison! And so many exceptions to the rules (well, they all have to do with Jinx, actually), and then a handful of exceptions to those exceptions (Dame Glammer and Bonemaster).
So many trees!
I love that the Terror is greed.
Elfwyn shouldn't be able to get away with so much around her curse. Jinx shouldn't be able to use other people's golden wire blobs.
There was a lot of traveling and time lapse in this book. It never got boring, however. Every time I thought it was headed that direction, something new showed up (starving, scholar, Sophie, dancing language, and bottles). Well timed. The characters are all their own, too, even the trees. And Malthus.
Writer thoughts: Jinx is a character I want to know more. I'm extremely interested in him and what he's thinking. The reader in me wants endless books about him to read. The writer in me wants to know how SB did it. Some book characters fall flat despite heroism. Is it the close pov? The weird backstory? The way Jinx deals with conflict?
For some reason, I feel like these books are on an edge, close to tipping. If I was in just the wrong mood the day I read Jinx, I don't think I would have liked it at all. How does Blackwood do that?
December 9, 2024
Not quite as good as the first book, but I still adore this. The plot's weirdly structured again, but not in a way I'd consider bad. It's very quick to start, and ends the events in the Edgeland just where there's been enough information to make the events that happen without Jinx make sense. Then, after a little more time with Simon, again just enough to leave the plot where we need it, Jinx goes to Samara. That whole sequence is great, but really, so is the whole book.
This book introduces a lot of new side characters and worldbuilding to the universe. There are new magicians (Witch Seymour, who's very fun) and new Samarans, as well as great development for all the others. The weird thing about this book, though, is there isn't truly a villain (The Preceptress is more the idea of the problem than the actual antagonist), and there aren't really any 'main' side characters, just well-developed people (especially Wendell, he's my favorite from this book) who interact with the focus of this book, Jinx. He's incredible in this book. He learns his own boundaries, pushes himself, and fully learns that he isn't always right, and needs help. Sadly, that means there's a pretty disappointing lack of Simon in this book, but he doesn't really fit in the plot anywhere.
Overall, my favorite parts are probably those in the Urwald, but everything's great. It's a little scattered, and the Samara sequence doesn't effect too much in the last book (aside from the use of KnIP). Still, this is great. A high 4.5 stars.
This book introduces a lot of new side characters and worldbuilding to the universe. There are new magicians (Witch Seymour, who's very fun) and new Samarans, as well as great development for all the others. The weird thing about this book, though, is there isn't truly a villain (The Preceptress is more the idea of the problem than the actual antagonist), and there aren't really any 'main' side characters, just well-developed people (especially Wendell, he's my favorite from this book) who interact with the focus of this book, Jinx. He's incredible in this book. He learns his own boundaries, pushes himself, and fully learns that he isn't always right, and needs help. Sadly, that means there's a pretty disappointing lack of Simon in this book, but he doesn't really fit in the plot anywhere.
Overall, my favorite parts are probably those in the Urwald, but everything's great. It's a little scattered, and the Samara sequence doesn't effect too much in the last book (aside from the use of KnIP). Still, this is great. A high 4.5 stars.
May 9, 2015
A three and a half star book rather than four by my personal reckoning, but I'm rounding up because it seems to deserve better than a bland "I liked it". I find the prose in these books somewhat flat and simplistic, which decreases my enjoyment a little, but it's well suited to the MC's youth and direct manner. The multiple systems of magic in this book and the way they conflict and intertwine is fascinating; I'm also a bit in awe of the author's ability to telescope large stretches of time and action in a very efficient way (if I were writing this book it would have to be about 800 pages long to cover the same ground, and probably the worse for it). There are also plenty of tantalizing hints of a bigger socio-political and historical picture which Jinx is only beginning to comprehend. I wish I felt a deeper connection to the characters, because so many of them are prickly and curt, or weirdly lacking in compassion (which I suspect will be explained more fully in Book Three) -- but their behaviour certainly keeps the book from feeling predictable, and there are a few hints of deeper emotions and loyalties that give me hope of a satisfying outcome.
February 12, 2016
JINX was one of my happy-happy reads of 2013. I didn't write a particularly brilliant review of the book --it deserved better-- but I did go all fan-girl on it and actually wrote "** I wish every book written for Middle-graders was this good**".
I wrote this because JINX had fabulous characters and delightful tongue-in-cheek humor. It's a smart book, just as JINX'S MAGIC is a smart book. In fact, JINX'S MAGIC is almost as brilliant --filled with humor, smarts, and great characters -- and the only complaint I can muster is that I thought it needed to go on a diet.
JINX'S MAGIC introduces some fun new characters, along with some new troubles for our old friends. And in that way it's the typical middle book. It's just a bit sluggish in parts, with events rolling out too slowly.
Still a good read.
I wrote this because JINX had fabulous characters and delightful tongue-in-cheek humor. It's a smart book, just as JINX'S MAGIC is a smart book. In fact, JINX'S MAGIC is almost as brilliant --filled with humor, smarts, and great characters -- and the only complaint I can muster is that I thought it needed to go on a diet.
JINX'S MAGIC introduces some fun new characters, along with some new troubles for our old friends. And in that way it's the typical middle book. It's just a bit sluggish in parts, with events rolling out too slowly.
Still a good read.
November 2, 2016
There is an increasing number of loose threads in the second book of Jinx, Jinx Magic by Sage Blackwood – the werewolf Malthus (entertaining name for a werewolf). Those spooky elves and whatever they’re up to. that part reads as a cliffhanger – a rather slow-motion cliffhanger, granted. jinx is an interesting character. He is a wizard that was given an unusual amount of power without his knowledge. I thought that the book was okay. It wasn't great but i didn't think it was horrible. The writing was rich but the entire thing, was hard to follow, random and, like i said, had many lose ends. the setting was Urworld and the main battle was jinx trying to understand his power. Over all, my thoughts were that it was fun but don't do this for a book report, its confusing.
December 20, 2017
4/5 because I was really enjoying this and then wham bam its the end and its a cliffhanger and I didn't even realise until I turned the next page and saw the authors note (darned ebooks and me not checking my progress bar) AND NOW I HAVE TO READ THE NEXT
ONE ASAP. AKA RIGHT NOW.
Slightly fuming right now. Im too lazy to rage properly under the covers especially when Ive had 4 hours of sleep.
Ok. So this book is a continuation of Jinxs adventures (though it explains things here and there you really do need to read the first to understand a lot) and now he's back to Samara. And he has to save many people. And he meets new people. And its all very engrossing and worth reading and I am not going to review this anymore (hah) because I'n off to finish this damn trilogy..
ONE ASAP. AKA RIGHT NOW.
Slightly fuming right now. Im too lazy to rage properly under the covers especially when Ive had 4 hours of sleep.
Ok. So this book is a continuation of Jinxs adventures (though it explains things here and there you really do need to read the first to understand a lot) and now he's back to Samara. And he has to save many people. And he meets new people. And its all very engrossing and worth reading and I am not going to review this anymore (hah) because I'n off to finish this damn trilogy..
March 30, 2014
Jinx's Magic was definitely an entertaining read, but I thought it suffered from the opposite of middle-book syndrome: it had too much plot. It careened from place to place. I'd have welcomed a little more direction, a little more character development, and a non-cliffhanger ending.
I'm definitely reading the sequel, though.
I'm definitely reading the sequel, though.
January 25, 2014
Just as good as the first!
March 17, 2014
Now I can hardly wait for the third book. Yay!
November 21, 2017
I loved the world created in these books. Jinx is a young boy and yet he overcomes great challenges! Definitely recommend.
February 15, 2020
My relationship with Jinx's Magic, the sequel to the really delightful and fun Jinx, was akin to meeting someone you thought was really charming and charismatic in high school only to find that they only gave off that illusion through clever turns of phrase when in actuality they're irritating.
Because man. Jinx sure lost his charisma between books.
Oh, the charm in the dialogue and the writing is still there. Simon - the best character in these two books - is still a cranky old fart, and there is some very snappy humor spread throughout the book just from the way other characters react to each other, but I find my interest waning a lot while I was reading through this book and almost gave up in several parts.
Jinx's Magic, like many sequels to fun standalone books, suffers from a massive "second book in a trilogy" curse. While the first book was self-contained, the second book contains a ton of references to the first book and events in this book are mostly unresolved to make way for the third book. The plot doesn't so much follow a set path so much as meanders into different events with no rhyme or reason to it, trying to cram everything applicable into place like a bad game of Tetris. We just randomly have a subplot where Jinx goes to a university in Samara and stays there for weeks smack-dab in the middle of the book while time-sensitive plot threads are happening. Elves show up once in the very beginning of the novel just to do an annoying "guess we're see you later, readers!" type of scene. It's all very haphazard.
The main problem I had with this sequel is, oddly enough, Jinx himself. Book 1 ended with a trio of characters that could've worked as an adventuring band. Sure, Reven's a jerk with a weird verbal tic, but he also had room to grow, and both Reven and Elfwyn have unique curses that they're struggling to deal with. But instead we mostly deal with just Jinx himself as the other two are disposed of for most of the novel.
And boy, Jinx a piece of work. Something happened to this character that changed him from whimsical to annoying and it got to the point where I dearly wishing we were reading about the adventures Elfwyn or even Reven was having.
Most of it is the whole thing with the trees. Not content with just having a decent fantasy, Jinx decided to go all Ferngully on the readers and preach about deforestation, complete with a scene where he squares off against some lumberjacks. This sort of plot only happens in novels set in modern times, and we quickly learn why when we also see in this book that Jinx really hates the poor and those starving people in Urwald should both band together under his mission to save the trees and just suck it up and deal.
You heard it straight from Jinx's mouth. Urwalders don't care if they're poor. He sure didn't ask them himself, just take his word for it. Shut up, non-magical peasant. You enjoy your leaky roof while the magical protagonist talks over you.
Maybe I'd be more on Jinx's side if it wasn't established multiple times that most of the people living in this universe are just barely hanging on by the skin of their teeth. And the Urwalders DO care that they're poor, Jinx; they're getting killed by monsters if they don't step out of their little clearing of about 30-some people. The plot of Jinx was kicked off because his family literally could not feed more than one child. You read about Jinx enjoying these really delicious three-course breakfasts prepared by a witch and getting a higher education at what is basically a college...and then he ends up in a clearing where the best food they have is inedible tack. The tack is meant to be a joke because debilitating poverty sure is hee-larious!
I sure hope book 3 finds a way to fix this, because these passages made me want to pull out a knife and carve expletives in the nearest tree I could find.
But hey, maybe if they called out the rich, literate kid with the seemingly infinite magic powers and the massive strokes of good luck on this, it'd be alright, but this attitude is presented as a good thing. The closest we get to any sort of callout is from Elfwyn and she's quickly shot down by an argument that's basically "No, because you're an IDIOT. You're from Urwald! How could you!".
And yes, I understand that Jinx can feel the trees' pain and is magically connected to the trees as one of his powers as The Listener. This is just the oddest of directions to take a plot after the first book just started out with a magical kid getting kidnapped by wizards. The level of finesse used is akin to an 80's cartoon doesn't help either. Lumberjacks BAD! Stealing our land!
Oh, what I wouldn't give for this book series to follow Elfwyn instead. She has a unique curse she's trying to work around, she apprenticed herself to the Bonemaster and somehow didn't get killed, there was the whole thing between her, Reven, and Lady Hilda that we just do not see because we need to watch Jinx sit through some lectures...
And, even though the book clocks in at a pretty beefy 390 pages, I will be honest in that the descriptions of, well, anything are on the light side. This type of writing worked with the first book, because the quest was very self-contained. Here, we have to deal with politics of at least three separate countries and it just doesn't work.
The only way I could picture Samara in my head was from the actual cover and the implications that it's basically a magical version of Egypt. Which is a terrible way to describe any fantastical setting in a book; Pyramids this is not. I don't even know how big Urwald even is and whether the conflict going on between Urwald and Keyland has to be resolved because Urwald is the only forest or because of something else entirely. The only thing I knew about a lot of characters was name and gender.
There are still good things to be had in this novel, mostly in the writing and in a lot of the characters that aren't Jinx (I neglected to mention the glass-wearing werewolf; he was cool, even if he also illustrated the whole "people in Urwald are getting eaten by monsters, why is Jinx so eager to defend this" problem), but man, what a disappointment this was after I loved the first book.
I'll probably still read the third book, but the excitement I had coming into this series is gone now and, like Jinx, I blame deforestation for everything while sitting in my cozy house and judge poor people for not sharing my sentiments.
Because man. Jinx sure lost his charisma between books.
Oh, the charm in the dialogue and the writing is still there. Simon - the best character in these two books - is still a cranky old fart, and there is some very snappy humor spread throughout the book just from the way other characters react to each other, but I find my interest waning a lot while I was reading through this book and almost gave up in several parts.
Jinx's Magic, like many sequels to fun standalone books, suffers from a massive "second book in a trilogy" curse. While the first book was self-contained, the second book contains a ton of references to the first book and events in this book are mostly unresolved to make way for the third book. The plot doesn't so much follow a set path so much as meanders into different events with no rhyme or reason to it, trying to cram everything applicable into place like a bad game of Tetris. We just randomly have a subplot where Jinx goes to a university in Samara and stays there for weeks smack-dab in the middle of the book while time-sensitive plot threads are happening. Elves show up once in the very beginning of the novel just to do an annoying "guess we're see you later, readers!" type of scene. It's all very haphazard.
The main problem I had with this sequel is, oddly enough, Jinx himself. Book 1 ended with a trio of characters that could've worked as an adventuring band. Sure, Reven's a jerk with a weird verbal tic, but he also had room to grow, and both Reven and Elfwyn have unique curses that they're struggling to deal with. But instead we mostly deal with just Jinx himself as the other two are disposed of for most of the novel.
And boy, Jinx a piece of work. Something happened to this character that changed him from whimsical to annoying and it got to the point where I dearly wishing we were reading about the adventures Elfwyn or even Reven was having.
Most of it is the whole thing with the trees. Not content with just having a decent fantasy, Jinx decided to go all Ferngully on the readers and preach about deforestation, complete with a scene where he squares off against some lumberjacks. This sort of plot only happens in novels set in modern times, and we quickly learn why when we also see in this book that Jinx really hates the poor and those starving people in Urwald should both band together under his mission to save the trees and just suck it up and deal.
"Why should Urwald people be poor when they're surrounded by valuable timber?"
"Maybe we don't care if we're poor."
"Half the Urwalders are shivering in leaky huts. At least half. Don't you think they'd prefer-"
"If they sold the trees there wouldn't be an Urwald anymore. Nobody has the right."
----
"This Reven, your friend-"
"Enemy."
"Some people would say Reven has a point," said Sophie. "About the monsters, and the poverty-"
"He doesn't."
You heard it straight from Jinx's mouth. Urwalders don't care if they're poor. He sure didn't ask them himself, just take his word for it. Shut up, non-magical peasant. You enjoy your leaky roof while the magical protagonist talks over you.
Maybe I'd be more on Jinx's side if it wasn't established multiple times that most of the people living in this universe are just barely hanging on by the skin of their teeth. And the Urwalders DO care that they're poor, Jinx; they're getting killed by monsters if they don't step out of their little clearing of about 30-some people. The plot of Jinx was kicked off because his family literally could not feed more than one child. You read about Jinx enjoying these really delicious three-course breakfasts prepared by a witch and getting a higher education at what is basically a college...and then he ends up in a clearing where the best food they have is inedible tack. The tack is meant to be a joke because debilitating poverty sure is hee-larious!
I sure hope book 3 finds a way to fix this, because these passages made me want to pull out a knife and carve expletives in the nearest tree I could find.
But hey, maybe if they called out the rich, literate kid with the seemingly infinite magic powers and the massive strokes of good luck on this, it'd be alright, but this attitude is presented as a good thing. The closest we get to any sort of callout is from Elfwyn and she's quickly shot down by an argument that's basically "No, because you're an IDIOT. You're from Urwald! How could you!".
And yes, I understand that Jinx can feel the trees' pain and is magically connected to the trees as one of his powers as The Listener. This is just the oddest of directions to take a plot after the first book just started out with a magical kid getting kidnapped by wizards. The level of finesse used is akin to an 80's cartoon doesn't help either. Lumberjacks BAD! Stealing our land!
Oh, what I wouldn't give for this book series to follow Elfwyn instead. She has a unique curse she's trying to work around, she apprenticed herself to the Bonemaster and somehow didn't get killed, there was the whole thing between her, Reven, and Lady Hilda that we just do not see because we need to watch Jinx sit through some lectures...
And, even though the book clocks in at a pretty beefy 390 pages, I will be honest in that the descriptions of, well, anything are on the light side. This type of writing worked with the first book, because the quest was very self-contained. Here, we have to deal with politics of at least three separate countries and it just doesn't work.
The only way I could picture Samara in my head was from the actual cover and the implications that it's basically a magical version of Egypt. Which is a terrible way to describe any fantastical setting in a book; Pyramids this is not. I don't even know how big Urwald even is and whether the conflict going on between Urwald and Keyland has to be resolved because Urwald is the only forest or because of something else entirely. The only thing I knew about a lot of characters was name and gender.
There are still good things to be had in this novel, mostly in the writing and in a lot of the characters that aren't Jinx (I neglected to mention the glass-wearing werewolf; he was cool, even if he also illustrated the whole "people in Urwald are getting eaten by monsters, why is Jinx so eager to defend this" problem), but man, what a disappointment this was after I loved the first book.
I'll probably still read the third book, but the excitement I had coming into this series is gone now and, like Jinx, I blame deforestation for everything while sitting in my cozy house and judge poor people for not sharing my sentiments.
June 29, 2018
No sooner has Jinx gotten Reven "the Terror" out of the Urwald that he is sent back to Samara by Simon while the wizard searches for a way to lock up the Bonemaster once and for all, leading the duo to face dangers like never before - ones that will have Jinx revealing even greater powers of his own! Blackwood continues this entertaining trilogy with plenty of gusto and magic that will have fans eagerly awaiting more. As the trees call to him, Jinx must learn to master more magic than he ever thought capable.
February 26, 2018
A great sequel that barrels on through and you just can’t not start reading the third book right away! Characters and dialogue and world-building are all tops and the main character is really coming into his own—but not quite yet! There is so much direness and mystery and Jinx is so salty!
March 3, 2014
Jinx is still trying to get Reven out of the Urwald to pacify the trees as the story opens. And this is taking far, far too long because someone (whose name starts with R) refuses to get out in any hurry. When Jinx finally does have Reven set up to defy his uncle and take back his kingdom, he leaves him in the hands of some maybe possibly trustworthy men and Elfwyn decides to stay and help him. Jinx is also really upset that no one seems very upset about the men cutting down great swaths of the Urwald. So after parting ways with his two companions and scaring the woodcutters (and himself), Jinx is now free to go back and help fight the Bonemaster who is going to bust free of his bonds at any minute, if he hasn't already done so. On the way home, Jinx stumbles across a destroyed clearing and runs into Simon. They quickly figure out the Bonemaster is loose again. Simon sets off to go deal with him, gives Jinx an assigned reading pile that should make any kid on summer break feel like they lucked out, and orders Jinx to go to Samara and get himself into the Temple as a scholar. Jinx would much rather go duke it out with the Bonemaster, but he takes his assigned reading and goes to Samara. There he has to find a secret book on magic to help Simon (which is illegal there), learn about KnIP (which is also illegal), and he'd also like to see Sophie again and figure out what it means to be a Listener and how to unite the Urwalders. Of course, learning about magic in a land where magic is illegal isn't exactly easy and Jinx is in store for quite a few adventures on his way to finding the book and figuring out where Sophie has disappeared to. Then of course, there's Simon off battling the Bonemaster to worry about too.
I was actually rather relieved when Jinx parted ways with Reven and Elfwyn. They were starting to do nothing but bicker. It was interesting to watch Jinx learn more about his magic as the story went along, and spending more time in Samara was fun. I have no idea how Jinx will get everything sorted out (since little was actually resolved in this book) and the bits with the elves and the werewolf just helped to make things curiouser and curiouser, so I'll be looking forward to the next Jinx adventure.
Notes on content: No swearing on page per se. Jinx and Simon sometimes use the word "flippin'" which I know some circles don't like. No sexual content. Most battles with creatures are fantasy/magical violence so it is rarely gory. Several people are killed, but those all happen off page. There is one mangled arm thanks to a troll, and one man gets turned into a tree.
I was actually rather relieved when Jinx parted ways with Reven and Elfwyn. They were starting to do nothing but bicker. It was interesting to watch Jinx learn more about his magic as the story went along, and spending more time in Samara was fun. I have no idea how Jinx will get everything sorted out (since little was actually resolved in this book) and the bits with the elves and the werewolf just helped to make things curiouser and curiouser, so I'll be looking forward to the next Jinx adventure.
Notes on content: No swearing on page per se. Jinx and Simon sometimes use the word "flippin'" which I know some circles don't like. No sexual content. Most battles with creatures are fantasy/magical violence so it is rarely gory. Several people are killed, but those all happen off page. There is one mangled arm thanks to a troll, and one man gets turned into a tree.
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December 15, 2016Summary- so first jinx was away from the group and he saw a civilized werewolf and elves told him that the bonemaster was getting power then they erased his memory of that happening. Then elfwyn came and got him and while walking with her simon and reven the trees told him to run so they did and they came to a clearing and rested then jinx helped them get trees off their houses. Then they visited elfwyn home clearing and then her intimidating mother tells them to go to seymour the witch who is actually a guy who told them the story of what happened to who they think was revens royal family. Then they went to the edge of the urwald and reven found out he really was supposed to be a king from a witch that seymour told them about and she tells some guards about them them and they run away but then they go to where trees were getting cut down and somehow jinx thought the urwald was casting a spell with its magic through him. And the spell turned a man into a seedling. Then jinx's friends were afraid of him so he went into a forest and the civilized werewolf showed up and talked to him. Then he was starting to starve so he layed down and some wanderers picked him up and helped him. Then he had to leave so he went to witch seymour’s home to get some food. Then he finds simon and nearly kills him then simon makes him go to samara. Then comes back even though he is not supposed to and takes a book about magic. Then he is promoted and he finds out sophie is in prison. So he starts planning to bust her out. Then he goes but he just talks to her. Then he goes to the portal home and finds the door locked so he uses KNiP to open it. Then he goes home and bargains with the bonemaster to get simon back and finds out elfwyn is the bonemaster’s apprentice so he finds out she is just using him to learn magic. Then jinx goes back to samara and gets himself mugged by the preceptors. Then jinx gets help from his samaran friends who help him get into the prison. But the preceptors attack them so he uses their knowledge to rip a hole to the urwald but he quickly drives them out with the restless but he is attacked by his former stepfather who is a troll now. So he goes to simon's house and he finds the people from his clearing need a home so he lets them stay with him.
Theme- The theme is people are not always what they seem. Like how sophie was in the mistletoe alliance. And how elfwyn pretended to be evil. And how wendell seemed stupid when jinx first met him.
What I liked- I liked that jinx can draw on other people's knowledge. And how jinx has special magic that no one else living has. And I like how wendell was so supportive even with jinx’s illegal magic.
Theme- The theme is people are not always what they seem. Like how sophie was in the mistletoe alliance. And how elfwyn pretended to be evil. And how wendell seemed stupid when jinx first met him.
What I liked- I liked that jinx can draw on other people's knowledge. And how jinx has special magic that no one else living has. And I like how wendell was so supportive even with jinx’s illegal magic.
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February 21, 2017The Mission
Wendy G.
What would you do if you had the power of magic? When you were young, you might have imagined that you had magic and could be the most powerful one. This book is called “Jinx Magic.” It is great novel for middle school children. It is the second book of Jinx fantasy trilogy by Sage Blackwood. “Jinx Magic” is a magical book full of imagination and dangers. A group of audacious and inquisitive magicians will lead you into a fantastic new world.
Jinx is a brainy and curious magician, who has the ability to see people’s thoughts. While is power is pretty neat, Jinx doesn’t really know where he came from. He grew up in the house of a wizard named Simon who found him in the forest. Trees and werewolves are part of Jinx’s fantasy life. In the second installment of the Jinx trilogy, Sage Blackwood bestows a mission on Jinx: find the ancient magic and defeat the Bonemaster. The Bonemaster, our antagonist, is an EVIL man. Using his magic powers, he puts people to death. He kills so often, it becomes a habit. Jinx knows,“the magicians need to do something about the Bonemaster.”
Reven and Elfwyn, magicians and friends of Jinx, accompany Jinx on his adventure. But somehow, the trees don’t like Reven and called him “The Terror.” Reven is the real king of the Keyland, but he doesn’t live there and only Jinx and Elfwyn know that he is the real king. The trees just have a horrible feeling about Reven and want him to leave the Urwald. And Jinx promised the trees that he will take Reven out of the Urwald.
Simon, a good wizard who was once the Bonemaster’s apprentice, travels to Bonesocket to see what Bonemaster is up to and to give Jinx information. After being gone a longtime, Jinx is worried about Simon, so he journeys to Bonesocket to find Simon. The Bonemaster leads him into a room. The room was in darkness, and in that room there is a big slab of ice. Jinx can’t really see what’s in there, but soon he sees the transparent figure of a man, life-sized. It is Simon!
Our author, Sage Blackwood, uses unique characterization; we actually hear the trees and werewolves talk. Along the way, to the edge of the Urwald, each chapter has a different setting, and it helps to keep the adventure’s novelty.
The Bonemaster wants to become the supreme leader. Jinx has to stop him and save Simon, so he continues his risky adventure. Of course, unpredictable events keep you intrigued throughout the entire novel.. As you turn the pages, you will feel as if a spell is cast on you. It keeps you reading until the very end.
Wendy G.
What would you do if you had the power of magic? When you were young, you might have imagined that you had magic and could be the most powerful one. This book is called “Jinx Magic.” It is great novel for middle school children. It is the second book of Jinx fantasy trilogy by Sage Blackwood. “Jinx Magic” is a magical book full of imagination and dangers. A group of audacious and inquisitive magicians will lead you into a fantastic new world.
Jinx is a brainy and curious magician, who has the ability to see people’s thoughts. While is power is pretty neat, Jinx doesn’t really know where he came from. He grew up in the house of a wizard named Simon who found him in the forest. Trees and werewolves are part of Jinx’s fantasy life. In the second installment of the Jinx trilogy, Sage Blackwood bestows a mission on Jinx: find the ancient magic and defeat the Bonemaster. The Bonemaster, our antagonist, is an EVIL man. Using his magic powers, he puts people to death. He kills so often, it becomes a habit. Jinx knows,“the magicians need to do something about the Bonemaster.”
Reven and Elfwyn, magicians and friends of Jinx, accompany Jinx on his adventure. But somehow, the trees don’t like Reven and called him “The Terror.” Reven is the real king of the Keyland, but he doesn’t live there and only Jinx and Elfwyn know that he is the real king. The trees just have a horrible feeling about Reven and want him to leave the Urwald. And Jinx promised the trees that he will take Reven out of the Urwald.
Simon, a good wizard who was once the Bonemaster’s apprentice, travels to Bonesocket to see what Bonemaster is up to and to give Jinx information. After being gone a longtime, Jinx is worried about Simon, so he journeys to Bonesocket to find Simon. The Bonemaster leads him into a room. The room was in darkness, and in that room there is a big slab of ice. Jinx can’t really see what’s in there, but soon he sees the transparent figure of a man, life-sized. It is Simon!
Our author, Sage Blackwood, uses unique characterization; we actually hear the trees and werewolves talk. Along the way, to the edge of the Urwald, each chapter has a different setting, and it helps to keep the adventure’s novelty.
The Bonemaster wants to become the supreme leader. Jinx has to stop him and save Simon, so he continues his risky adventure. Of course, unpredictable events keep you intrigued throughout the entire novel.. As you turn the pages, you will feel as if a spell is cast on you. It keeps you reading until the very end.
December 27, 2013
I got a copy of this book to review through Edelweiss. This was even better than the first book in this series. It’s a well done middle grade fantasy novel and I enjoyed it. There will be a third book in this series.
Jinx knows he can do magic but he doesn’t know why. Jinx is being followed by a werewolf with a notebook and the trees keep telling him that he is a Listener and needs to learn how to be a Listener to save the Urwald. When Simon goes to confront the Bonemaster and doesn’t come back Jinx is forced to journey into Samara to find the answers he seeks. Jinx wants to save the Urwald, he just doesn't know how and he can’t figure out what the Bonemaster and the mysterious elves have to do with everything.
I enjoyed Jinx a lot more as a character in this book than the first. In the beginning he is given the responsibility of getting Reven and Elfywyn (the prince in hiding and the girl who cannot lie) out of the Urwald. On this journey Jinx is also trying to deal with the angry trees that want Reven gone. Jinx is trying to take on all of this responsibility and understand what the trees, Simon, Reven, and Elfywyn are all asking of him. I really felt for him at times...he has a lot to deal with and no one is being very helpful. Jinx isn’t a hero, but he’s practical and fairly smart and I enjoyed that.
Jinx ends up spending some time at a school in Samara (where magic is forbidden and he is supposed to learn KnIP). KnIP means “knowledge is power” and if you know something is there it is...it’s a kind of magic all it’s own. I enjoyed it, there is a lot of humor here and it’s fun to watch Jinx master KnIP as well as the power of the Urwald. I also enjoyed the new characters added in from the school in Samara; they were well done and entertaining.
There is a lot of adventure, a bit of intrigue, and some humor in here. It all amounts to a well done story. The story is complex enough to make you think, but not confusing. It’s just a perfect level for middle grade readers (and I think older readers and adults who love fantasy will enjoy it too).
Overall I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the third and final book. This book is fast-paced, has some fun characters, adventure and magic. It’s a fun fantasy read that I think adults and kids both will enjoy. Recommended to fans of fantasy and magic.
Jinx knows he can do magic but he doesn’t know why. Jinx is being followed by a werewolf with a notebook and the trees keep telling him that he is a Listener and needs to learn how to be a Listener to save the Urwald. When Simon goes to confront the Bonemaster and doesn’t come back Jinx is forced to journey into Samara to find the answers he seeks. Jinx wants to save the Urwald, he just doesn't know how and he can’t figure out what the Bonemaster and the mysterious elves have to do with everything.
I enjoyed Jinx a lot more as a character in this book than the first. In the beginning he is given the responsibility of getting Reven and Elfywyn (the prince in hiding and the girl who cannot lie) out of the Urwald. On this journey Jinx is also trying to deal with the angry trees that want Reven gone. Jinx is trying to take on all of this responsibility and understand what the trees, Simon, Reven, and Elfywyn are all asking of him. I really felt for him at times...he has a lot to deal with and no one is being very helpful. Jinx isn’t a hero, but he’s practical and fairly smart and I enjoyed that.
Jinx ends up spending some time at a school in Samara (where magic is forbidden and he is supposed to learn KnIP). KnIP means “knowledge is power” and if you know something is there it is...it’s a kind of magic all it’s own. I enjoyed it, there is a lot of humor here and it’s fun to watch Jinx master KnIP as well as the power of the Urwald. I also enjoyed the new characters added in from the school in Samara; they were well done and entertaining.
There is a lot of adventure, a bit of intrigue, and some humor in here. It all amounts to a well done story. The story is complex enough to make you think, but not confusing. It’s just a perfect level for middle grade readers (and I think older readers and adults who love fantasy will enjoy it too).
Overall I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the third and final book. This book is fast-paced, has some fun characters, adventure and magic. It’s a fun fantasy read that I think adults and kids both will enjoy. Recommended to fans of fantasy and magic.
September 28, 2016
Update: Finished for a second time reading this 9/2016 and loved it even more; going to dive into the third book
Why?! To end like that was just cruel and quite horrid. Now I will have to wait. For a year. A whole year or maybe longer for the next book! Cruelty!!!
Ok, moving onto the book itself, which was excellent but bumpy as all get out. The pacing was very uneven--one minute you are plodding along wondering WHEN anything will ever happen and then bang! you are picked up and thrown headlong at the next plot point. Catch your breath if you can because it keeps on happening. The abruptness of the ending is a real slap. What happened? Too many pages in the signature? Book split in half for the sequel? Editor unhappy? Bad day at the keyboard? So many things are left hanging, not just at the end though.
The characters suffer a bit from 2nd book curse; they are growing and changing and suffering and we must grow (and groan) and SUFFER with them (hopefully our affection for them will not change or suffer too much). Simon continues to be rude; Dame Glammer continues to cackle (and we are reminded CONSTANTLY not to trust her); the Urwald continues to murmur and disagree with itself; Jinx continues to be a short boy who lies poorly; Elfwynn continues to be a very clever girl who is managing her curse...blah blah blah. Yes, there is QUITE a bit more to all of them than all of this, of course. Yes, I just overly simplified them QUITE a bit, and yet, these were the things that kept jabbing at me as I was reading the book--the things that made me slow down in my mad loving gallop of pleasure of reading. Just a niggling of discontent here and there that distracted. Loved the elves and the writing werewolf, though. Hooray for something different!
Setting was good; I found the description of the castle a bit distracting. How did Jinx know what the proper names were for all those bits and pieces if he had never been in a big city before, let alone a castle? Had he read about them in one of Simon's books? Yet, here he was looking at "arches and towers, merlons and machicolations." (pages 78 & 79)
Jinx's magic grows in leaps, bounds, fits, sputters, and while he realizes he knows so little he time and again produces miraculous results. Jinx ex machina. Not good enough to stop the Bonemaster but good enough to save the plot at several key moments.
Why?! To end like that was just cruel and quite horrid. Now I will have to wait. For a year. A whole year or maybe longer for the next book! Cruelty!!!
Ok, moving onto the book itself, which was excellent but bumpy as all get out. The pacing was very uneven--one minute you are plodding along wondering WHEN anything will ever happen and then bang! you are picked up and thrown headlong at the next plot point. Catch your breath if you can because it keeps on happening. The abruptness of the ending is a real slap. What happened? Too many pages in the signature? Book split in half for the sequel? Editor unhappy? Bad day at the keyboard? So many things are left hanging, not just at the end though.
The characters suffer a bit from 2nd book curse; they are growing and changing and suffering and we must grow (and groan) and SUFFER with them (hopefully our affection for them will not change or suffer too much). Simon continues to be rude; Dame Glammer continues to cackle (and we are reminded CONSTANTLY not to trust her); the Urwald continues to murmur and disagree with itself; Jinx continues to be a short boy who lies poorly; Elfwynn continues to be a very clever girl who is managing her curse...blah blah blah. Yes, there is QUITE a bit more to all of them than all of this, of course. Yes, I just overly simplified them QUITE a bit, and yet, these were the things that kept jabbing at me as I was reading the book--the things that made me slow down in my mad loving gallop of pleasure of reading. Just a niggling of discontent here and there that distracted. Loved the elves and the writing werewolf, though. Hooray for something different!
Setting was good; I found the description of the castle a bit distracting. How did Jinx know what the proper names were for all those bits and pieces if he had never been in a big city before, let alone a castle? Had he read about them in one of Simon's books? Yet, here he was looking at "arches and towers, merlons and machicolations." (pages 78 & 79)
Jinx's magic grows in leaps, bounds, fits, sputters, and while he realizes he knows so little he time and again produces miraculous results. Jinx ex machina. Not good enough to stop the Bonemaster but good enough to save the plot at several key moments.
October 31, 2014
Jinx is trying to keep his promise to the Urwald to escort Reven out of it. Only Reven isn't taking to the eviction as well as either of them hoped. Reven is happy to see the Urwald as an opportunity---for a safe place to hide, and especially for its land and timber. To Jinx, who talks to trees, any talk of cutting them down is like proposing murder. But before he and Reven can get into a proper fight about it, Jinx is off to Samara on Simon's instruction, sent to look for Sophie, some books, and an education. It's power he needs to face the Bonemaster. But the Bonemaster is much older than he is, and has plied his deathforce magic far longer . . .
Jinx remains a supremely engaging character. His power is an odd hodgepodge no one really understands, least of all himself, but he's starting to learn more about what he can do, and branch out. It amuses me he can do so much when he technically only knows four spells (six, by the end of the book). He's got a vast amount of power at his disposal, but quite a lot that limits his use of that power, such as most of it only working when he's in the Urwald.
And this is the book that dares beyond the Urwald's depths to some of the kingdoms beyond. Samara gets most of the focus. The desert kingdom's credo "Knowledge Is Power" is something Jinx struggles to figure out, along with the challenges of adapting to a wholly different kind of environment. No trees! And, oddly enough, people he might actually call friends.
I liked, too, that the Urwald continues to reveal more of itself. Werewolves and elves both show up and are fascinating. Although the werewolf Jinx meets seems to be outside the norm for its species, which is a mystery Jinx hasn't solved yet, but does allow for some tidbits about werewolf life and culture. I am so happy these elves very much fit with the general nature of Urwald, which is to say they are nasty and deadly (which the first book said, but now that we have a visual it's much more believable that Jinx lost a parent to elves).
The humor from the first book is still present here, and just as sharp. I love when Jinx's honesty mixes with Simon's sarcasm, or the way absurd things work themselves out, or the matter of fact way Urwald-dwellers treat death.
Overall this is a great followup to the first book. There's none of the middle-series drag that can hit sequels, and the ending promises a great deal of fun to come. I rate this book Recommended.
Jinx remains a supremely engaging character. His power is an odd hodgepodge no one really understands, least of all himself, but he's starting to learn more about what he can do, and branch out. It amuses me he can do so much when he technically only knows four spells (six, by the end of the book). He's got a vast amount of power at his disposal, but quite a lot that limits his use of that power, such as most of it only working when he's in the Urwald.
And this is the book that dares beyond the Urwald's depths to some of the kingdoms beyond. Samara gets most of the focus. The desert kingdom's credo "Knowledge Is Power" is something Jinx struggles to figure out, along with the challenges of adapting to a wholly different kind of environment. No trees! And, oddly enough, people he might actually call friends.
I liked, too, that the Urwald continues to reveal more of itself. Werewolves and elves both show up and are fascinating. Although the werewolf Jinx meets seems to be outside the norm for its species, which is a mystery Jinx hasn't solved yet, but does allow for some tidbits about werewolf life and culture. I am so happy these elves very much fit with the general nature of Urwald, which is to say they are nasty and deadly (which the first book said, but now that we have a visual it's much more believable that Jinx lost a parent to elves).
The humor from the first book is still present here, and just as sharp. I love when Jinx's honesty mixes with Simon's sarcasm, or the way absurd things work themselves out, or the matter of fact way Urwald-dwellers treat death.
Overall this is a great followup to the first book. There's none of the middle-series drag that can hit sequels, and the ending promises a great deal of fun to come. I rate this book Recommended.
February 19, 2018
An enchanting continuation of Jinx's story, growing both the character and his world, with plenty left yet to be revealed. It loses a star for being a little too much the middle book of a trilogy, but sets up the last book so nicely I'm anxious to keep reading. The series is a wonderful story told wonderfully, with broad appeal. Recommended.
January 6, 2014
In this second book in a trilogy, Jinx’s entire life has changed since his death. He can now listen to the voices of the trees in the huge Urwald forest and they tell him things. But his life is also in danger still. The Bonemaster has been defeated but Jinx’s master, Simon believes he is stronger than the bindings that surround him. Yet none of the other magic wielders of the Urwald will help Simon keep the Bonemaster restrained. Jinx is sent to Samara, a land reached via a portal in Simon’s house and also the place where Simon’s wife lives. Jinx must find a way to enroll in the school in order to discover the magic he needs to save their own world. But magic is forbidden in Samara and Jinx may put the Urwald at risk as he desperately tries to save it.
Blackwood takes her already impressive world and adds onto it with Samara, a desert land where knowledge and magic intertwine. She also deepens the readers’ understanding of the Urwald and its own sort of magic. This interplay between different types of magic and societies makes for a book that is rich and layered.
Blackwood also takes time to develop Jinx’s own character further, pushing him to reach the extent of his power and yet also allowing readers to see that there is more there as well. Jinx is a hesitant hero and never quite believes he is doing the right thing along the way. Even as his power grows, he remains fully the same character and yet changes and grows in a real way throughout.
A web of magic and mystery, this book is a fitting follow up to one of my favorite reads of 2013. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
Blackwood takes her already impressive world and adds onto it with Samara, a desert land where knowledge and magic intertwine. She also deepens the readers’ understanding of the Urwald and its own sort of magic. This interplay between different types of magic and societies makes for a book that is rich and layered.
Blackwood also takes time to develop Jinx’s own character further, pushing him to reach the extent of his power and yet also allowing readers to see that there is more there as well. Jinx is a hesitant hero and never quite believes he is doing the right thing along the way. Even as his power grows, he remains fully the same character and yet changes and grows in a real way throughout.
A web of magic and mystery, this book is a fitting follow up to one of my favorite reads of 2013. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
April 21, 2015
I had a big fat grin on my face the entire time I was reading this book. It has such charm to it and Jinx is so endearing that I never wanted the book to end. It’s also funny, and I love the magic system, especially KnIP. Blackwood writes compellingly and immediately sucked me into the world.
While the first quarter of the book was incredibly frustrating due to Revin, I was still engaged with it from the very beginning (hence the frustration). I found myself getting anxious for Jinx’s sake and hoping that the Urwald unites to fend off the inevitable danger from four sides: Keyland, Bragwood, Samara, and the Bonemaster. I loved the growth Jinx showed throughout the book, actually listening to those around him instead of either thinking he knew better or getting frustrated, and the confrontation Blackwood is building up promises to be a good one, both in terms of plot engagement and character development.
Also, Jinx versus the preceptors in the Urwald was so awesome, even though you know that rift and the preceptors themselves will come back to haunt him.
Overall, Jinx’s Magic sucked me in right from the beginning and made me eager for the next book. It’s deliciously funny and light-hearted, yet still has its serious and tense moments, dealt with superbly by Blackwood. This book is mostly set-up for the next one, but there’s still enough conflict and growth to make the characters endearing and memorable. I’ll repeat what I said about Jinx: this book gave me all the feels.
While the first quarter of the book was incredibly frustrating due to Revin, I was still engaged with it from the very beginning (hence the frustration). I found myself getting anxious for Jinx’s sake and hoping that the Urwald unites to fend off the inevitable danger from four sides: Keyland, Bragwood, Samara, and the Bonemaster. I loved the growth Jinx showed throughout the book, actually listening to those around him instead of either thinking he knew better or getting frustrated, and the confrontation Blackwood is building up promises to be a good one, both in terms of plot engagement and character development.
Also, Jinx versus the preceptors in the Urwald was so awesome, even though you know that rift and the preceptors themselves will come back to haunt him.
Overall, Jinx’s Magic sucked me in right from the beginning and made me eager for the next book. It’s deliciously funny and light-hearted, yet still has its serious and tense moments, dealt with superbly by Blackwood. This book is mostly set-up for the next one, but there’s still enough conflict and growth to make the characters endearing and memorable. I’ll repeat what I said about Jinx: this book gave me all the feels.
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