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Mystic #1
Descension
A Magical Journey of Epic Romance
Layla
After three years caring for her dying mother, Layla Callaway learns she was adopted under unusual circumstances. Following a cryptic message to seek her birth family in Oregon, Layla uproots her life to find out the truth about her past. And herself.
Quin
Quin's natural charisma is attractive to plenty of women, but he longs for the one he's been dreaming of his entire life. When that day arrives, not only is he breathless, he's confronted with the challenge of a lifetime - an innate need to keep her safe and forever by his side.
The Enemy
Through manipulation and dark magic, Agro uses the powers of others to elevate his supremacy and wealth. When he discovers Layla didn't die at birth, he sets out to find and possess her.
Stretching from coast to coast and teeming with loathed villains and beloved heroes, The Mystic Series is rich with emotion, magic and intrigue. Whether the reader is laughing, crying or falling in love, they'll find themselves invested in Layla's fate through the rich dialogue and emotionally driven characters that weave the web of this fiery tale.
Layla
After three years caring for her dying mother, Layla Callaway learns she was adopted under unusual circumstances. Following a cryptic message to seek her birth family in Oregon, Layla uproots her life to find out the truth about her past. And herself.
Quin
Quin's natural charisma is attractive to plenty of women, but he longs for the one he's been dreaming of his entire life. When that day arrives, not only is he breathless, he's confronted with the challenge of a lifetime - an innate need to keep her safe and forever by his side.
The Enemy
Through manipulation and dark magic, Agro uses the powers of others to elevate his supremacy and wealth. When he discovers Layla didn't die at birth, he sets out to find and possess her.
Stretching from coast to coast and teeming with loathed villains and beloved heroes, The Mystic Series is rich with emotion, magic and intrigue. Whether the reader is laughing, crying or falling in love, they'll find themselves invested in Layla's fate through the rich dialogue and emotionally driven characters that weave the web of this fiery tale.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2012
313 people are currently reading
4841 people want to read
About the author
B.C. Burgess
57 books428 followersB.C. Burgess was born and raised in a small town in Oklahoma, fishing from muddy lakes and running barefoot down hot tar roads to climb trees with her friends. Though her roots run deep in the blue-collar neighborhoods of the Midwest, her head stays in the clouds, dreaming of her next adventure. She’s on a mission to travel the world, but when she’s home, she’s an emotional support human to her rescue dog Junebug. She loves her son, her family and her friends, but coffee is her soulmate. B.C. spent nearly two decades submerged in the world of fantasy, creating the magical tapestry of the Mystic Series, and she now looks forward to sharing the journey with you.
Connect with B.C.
JOIN THE MYSTIC COVEN on Facebook.
Hang out with me on Instagram @bcburgessbooks
Connect with B.C.
JOIN THE MYSTIC COVEN on Facebook.
Hang out with me on Instagram @bcburgessbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
June 1, 2012
How do I even describe this book? If it was a recipe, I'd throw in some Harry Potter, a dash of Twilight, and a big container of romance and mix it all together and get something delectable. I did not have time to read this book. I put it on my TBR list and figured maybe I'd get to it this summer sometime, but then I had a few minutes and started reading it on my phone. I didn't want to put it down. I stayed up way too late last night trying to finish it, but my eyes kept closing and I didn't want to miss anything. I finished it today while I was getting a pedicure and had to force back the tears. OMG y'all, it was THE sweetest story! I wanted to BAWL!
Basically, it's the story of a young girl who doesn't know she has special powers. And there is a bad guy, who wants her and her special powers, and there is this DREAMY warlock that has got to be her true love. And the story of her parents and how she found out about them was so special and amazing. And then the book just ENDED! I was not ready for it to end! I WANT THE NEXT BOOK! I even stalked the author on twitter and said....I need the next book. (I can happily report that the next book is coming soon!) Read this book, and come back here and talk to me, so we can like swoon together.
Basically, it's the story of a young girl who doesn't know she has special powers. And there is a bad guy, who wants her and her special powers, and there is this DREAMY warlock that has got to be her true love. And the story of her parents and how she found out about them was so special and amazing. And then the book just ENDED! I was not ready for it to end! I WANT THE NEXT BOOK! I even stalked the author on twitter and said....I need the next book. (I can happily report that the next book is coming soon!) Read this book, and come back here and talk to me, so we can like swoon together.
August 18, 2012
With a 4.25 rating (as of 15 August) - which is extremely high, if you don't know, - I certainly was not expecting a simple story filled with cheesy love-at-first-sight romance, a predictable plot and members of the Sue family. And of course fate would have it that I was wrong - what I got was worse.
I had some very serious issues with Descension. I'll list them one by one.
1. The goddamn romance!
I absolutely, utterly, without a doubt, in knee-jerk reaction kind of way abhor books where the girl has no admirers for her entire first, say eighteen or twenty-one years (books with this plot always have the girls be eighteen or twenty-one - it is like some sacred tradition, albeit excessively rehashed), then the moment she comes of age, any person with a Y chromosome (and even some with double X ones, for all I can glean and extrapolate from the book) who lays his eyes on her falls desperately in lurrrve.
2. The over-use of "blah!"
Why this gets to me I have no idea. Layla often uses this teem at the end of her thought processes (when she tries to eenie-meenie-minie-moe about Quin's feelings for her -what were you expecting, Layla trying to find a way to cure cancer? I demonstrate: blah!) It seems that Layla never really finishes her chain of thoughts (although what she was thinking was never enigmatic or utilitarianly beneficial to mankind in the first place) and gives up way to early when her simpleton thoughts start to overload her synaptic receptors and overwhelm her double-digit IQ.
3. The guy - Quin.
Quin aka lovesick puppy has not much to his character. And he really, really goes all out to please Layla that it borders on creepy. In many of the instances of the "sweet" gestures Quin shows Layla, I would have immediately balled up my fist and launched it at Quin's nose. Sure, he is trying to be gentlemanly and all, but there is a subtle difference between a true dashing debonairness and outright stalker obsession. How Mr Darcy of Pride and Prejudice (forgive me that I refer to the epitome of romance in all of literature once again) manages to redefine the definition of the gentlemen and send female hearts all across the world aflutter is apparently not that easily replicated in the modern world. At least, it is not as simple as being irrationally obsequious and servile to women.
4. The book is about wizards and witches. So one of the characters in the book was talking to his admirer and said,"...You are a lovely witch, but I can't return your feelings..." Observe that he is paying this witch a compliment. And pay attention to the phrase lovely witch. Doesn't this term seem like an oxymoron gone utterly wrong? The term witch, on one hand can be used to describe a beguiling, teasing and promiscuous woman, and on the other hand can be meant as an insult, as in an evil scheming female as wicked as the witches in fairytales. Hardly anyone takes the meaning of witch literally. So the phrase "lovely witch" seems really, really awkward here in the book, but that is just a personal adversion.
5. Honestly, Layla's parentage and background bears a striking resemblance to Harry Potter's. In fact, the entire book of Descension wouls actually be about how James Potter and Lily met and tried to escape Voldemort in vain, and how Harry Potter met Ginny Weasly in the first day of school and fell in love immediately. You can more or less guess the story of the book now. Present in the book are a Voldemort, the Death Eaters, Hogwarts, and heck, the entire wizardry discipline. The only thing that Descension has but Harry Potter does not is a sappy love triangle.
But alas, those books which try to retell the story of Harry Potter themselves are doomed. With Harry Potter as the benchmark, other books such as Descension fail to do themselves justice and instantly seem pale by comparison. While I was reading Descension, I could not help but constantly compare these two books and lament the shortfall of Decension to the literary masterpiece.
I did kind of enjoy the small twist in the plot that came at around 90% of the book, but still that failed to bend my tastes towards the favour of the book. Despite what I dislike about Descension, I do still believe that it will be and continue to be well-received in the market as it has all the elements of a popular story: romance, romance and cheesy romance. Books like the Tiger Saga, Taking Shots, the Breathing Series and the unforgivable Twilight have seen similar best-seller success. No doubt Descension will continue in their footsteps. But, god, is this the direction literature is taking?
Pride and Prejudice, you remain as my beacon of hope that modern literature and mankind can be salvaged.
I had some very serious issues with Descension. I'll list them one by one.
1. The goddamn romance!
I absolutely, utterly, without a doubt, in knee-jerk reaction kind of way abhor books where the girl has no admirers for her entire first, say eighteen or twenty-one years (books with this plot always have the girls be eighteen or twenty-one - it is like some sacred tradition, albeit excessively rehashed), then the moment she comes of age, any person with a Y chromosome (and even some with double X ones, for all I can glean and extrapolate from the book) who lays his eyes on her falls desperately in lurrrve.
2. The over-use of "blah!"
Why this gets to me I have no idea. Layla often uses this teem at the end of her thought processes (when she tries to eenie-meenie-minie-moe about Quin's feelings for her -what were you expecting, Layla trying to find a way to cure cancer? I demonstrate: blah!) It seems that Layla never really finishes her chain of thoughts (although what she was thinking was never enigmatic or utilitarianly beneficial to mankind in the first place) and gives up way to early when her simpleton thoughts start to overload her synaptic receptors and overwhelm her double-digit IQ.
3. The guy - Quin.
Quin aka lovesick puppy has not much to his character. And he really, really goes all out to please Layla that it borders on creepy. In many of the instances of the "sweet" gestures Quin shows Layla, I would have immediately balled up my fist and launched it at Quin's nose. Sure, he is trying to be gentlemanly and all, but there is a subtle difference between a true dashing debonairness and outright stalker obsession. How Mr Darcy of Pride and Prejudice (forgive me that I refer to the epitome of romance in all of literature once again) manages to redefine the definition of the gentlemen and send female hearts all across the world aflutter is apparently not that easily replicated in the modern world. At least, it is not as simple as being irrationally obsequious and servile to women.
4. The book is about wizards and witches. So one of the characters in the book was talking to his admirer and said,"...You are a lovely witch, but I can't return your feelings..." Observe that he is paying this witch a compliment. And pay attention to the phrase lovely witch. Doesn't this term seem like an oxymoron gone utterly wrong? The term witch, on one hand can be used to describe a beguiling, teasing and promiscuous woman, and on the other hand can be meant as an insult, as in an evil scheming female as wicked as the witches in fairytales. Hardly anyone takes the meaning of witch literally. So the phrase "lovely witch" seems really, really awkward here in the book, but that is just a personal adversion.
5. Honestly, Layla's parentage and background bears a striking resemblance to Harry Potter's. In fact, the entire book of Descension wouls actually be about how James Potter and Lily met and tried to escape Voldemort in vain, and how Harry Potter met Ginny Weasly in the first day of school and fell in love immediately. You can more or less guess the story of the book now. Present in the book are a Voldemort, the Death Eaters, Hogwarts, and heck, the entire wizardry discipline. The only thing that Descension has but Harry Potter does not is a sappy love triangle.
But alas, those books which try to retell the story of Harry Potter themselves are doomed. With Harry Potter as the benchmark, other books such as Descension fail to do themselves justice and instantly seem pale by comparison. While I was reading Descension, I could not help but constantly compare these two books and lament the shortfall of Decension to the literary masterpiece.
I did kind of enjoy the small twist in the plot that came at around 90% of the book, but still that failed to bend my tastes towards the favour of the book. Despite what I dislike about Descension, I do still believe that it will be and continue to be well-received in the market as it has all the elements of a popular story: romance, romance and cheesy romance. Books like the Tiger Saga, Taking Shots, the Breathing Series and the unforgivable Twilight have seen similar best-seller success. No doubt Descension will continue in their footsteps. But, god, is this the direction literature is taking?
Pride and Prejudice, you remain as my beacon of hope that modern literature and mankind can be salvaged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2020
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Since I started reading books written by Indie authors, this novel has been the greatest disappointment. I am a very fast reader, but this book took me forever. I had to force myself to go on reading, because I really felt like stopping reading it for good. I really don't like writing bad reviews, but in this case I cannot do another thing but do it. The book is full of details that reminded me of details in other books. In fact, I could recognise details, situations, and even similar names to the ones you can read in Harry Potter and Twilight. Clearly, the author is too influenced by her previous readings. Since this happens all over the book, I have to say that it lacks originality.
Plot: Layla is a girl who doesn't know what to do with her life after her mother's death. Then she is given a letter that reveals her everything about her past and why her life seemed to be kept in secret. She starts a trip to find her family in a different state and there she knows that she is a witch. She meets a boy, and he reveals secrets to Layla. When she finds her family, she puts on a magic ring and the ring tells her the story of her real parents and why she was kept hidden. And that's it. That's all you find in the book.
Characters: they are very flat, too perfect to be true, boring, and inexpressive. You don't get any emotion from them. Layla and Quin at the beginning of the book behave and act in the same way as Aedan and Rose in the rest of the book. Both couples of characters are described the same and they behave the same, and even say the same things.
This book is very descriptive, so the pace is very slow. Besides, the descriptions are dull and repetitive. You can find very similar descriptions all over the book, so you feel the action takes place always in the same place. The dramatic situations don't raise any feeling in the reader, and there is no suspense, since you know what is going to happen since at the beginning of the book you are given lots of hints.
This is the first book in a series. It doesn't contain any element to make you feel hooked, to make you look forward to reading more. I am not interested in knowing more about this series. I am sorry, but I cannot recommend this book.
Since I started reading books written by Indie authors, this novel has been the greatest disappointment. I am a very fast reader, but this book took me forever. I had to force myself to go on reading, because I really felt like stopping reading it for good. I really don't like writing bad reviews, but in this case I cannot do another thing but do it. The book is full of details that reminded me of details in other books. In fact, I could recognise details, situations, and even similar names to the ones you can read in Harry Potter and Twilight. Clearly, the author is too influenced by her previous readings. Since this happens all over the book, I have to say that it lacks originality.
Plot: Layla is a girl who doesn't know what to do with her life after her mother's death. Then she is given a letter that reveals her everything about her past and why her life seemed to be kept in secret. She starts a trip to find her family in a different state and there she knows that she is a witch. She meets a boy, and he reveals secrets to Layla. When she finds her family, she puts on a magic ring and the ring tells her the story of her real parents and why she was kept hidden. And that's it. That's all you find in the book.
Characters: they are very flat, too perfect to be true, boring, and inexpressive. You don't get any emotion from them. Layla and Quin at the beginning of the book behave and act in the same way as Aedan and Rose in the rest of the book. Both couples of characters are described the same and they behave the same, and even say the same things.
This book is very descriptive, so the pace is very slow. Besides, the descriptions are dull and repetitive. You can find very similar descriptions all over the book, so you feel the action takes place always in the same place. The dramatic situations don't raise any feeling in the reader, and there is no suspense, since you know what is going to happen since at the beginning of the book you are given lots of hints.
This is the first book in a series. It doesn't contain any element to make you feel hooked, to make you look forward to reading more. I am not interested in knowing more about this series. I am sorry, but I cannot recommend this book.
June 18, 2012
This one barely made a 3. I was tempted to throw the stars up and say nothing about this book because I’m more of a “if you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all” but I’ll try.
The prologue is about Argo a bad powerful wizard who gets a message that someone is alive.(we assume it is Layla) It pretty much sucked me right into the story and I was excited. Then it was Chapter 1 and it was the story of Layla.
After the death of her presumed mother Layla gets a bomb dropped on her that she was adopted and with a cryptic message in hand, sets off to Oregon to find her remaining family. She falls in insta love with Quinn and is set up in his aunts hotel after spending the afternoon with him. He doesn’t come by her by chance and his job is to get her to trust him. We get about 10 chapters of Quinn wooing Layla and Layla swooning over Quinn. Then we get the story of her parents and how Layla ended up being left with her adoptive mom and it is good. It was almost really good.
I’ll start with the good. I started this book that I thought was going to be a cool maybe a little dark (going by the cover) fantasy book about magic. It starts off great. I was excited because the author had a descriptive style that had me immersed in her world immediately. There is a real cool story in there and the characters are likable. Aeden and Rose’s story was good but it took till Chapter 17 to get there.
The bad. Look at that mean ass cover!! Well 70% of this book is puppies and rainbows. There was pages of descriptive writing with the purpose it seemed to be to fill up pages. I could rant right now but I’m going to hold back. There was a lot of you’re the best, no you’re the best and you’re beautiful, no you’re beautiful and I can’t forget about “What are we going to do?” What do you want to do? The book ends wanting more of the story. It is too bad that we didn’t get more of it in this book.
I guess I had to write this review more to vent. I believe the author clearly has some talent and I am intrigued by the story but I don’t think I will continue on with the series. The next book could be really cool but I don’t think I trust that I won’t be drug through the most wonderful relationship of all time to get there.
The prologue is about Argo a bad powerful wizard who gets a message that someone is alive.(we assume it is Layla) It pretty much sucked me right into the story and I was excited. Then it was Chapter 1 and it was the story of Layla.
After the death of her presumed mother Layla gets a bomb dropped on her that she was adopted and with a cryptic message in hand, sets off to Oregon to find her remaining family. She falls in insta love with Quinn and is set up in his aunts hotel after spending the afternoon with him. He doesn’t come by her by chance and his job is to get her to trust him. We get about 10 chapters of Quinn wooing Layla and Layla swooning over Quinn. Then we get the story of her parents and how Layla ended up being left with her adoptive mom and it is good. It was almost really good.
I’ll start with the good. I started this book that I thought was going to be a cool maybe a little dark (going by the cover) fantasy book about magic. It starts off great. I was excited because the author had a descriptive style that had me immersed in her world immediately. There is a real cool story in there and the characters are likable. Aeden and Rose’s story was good but it took till Chapter 17 to get there.
The bad. Look at that mean ass cover!! Well 70% of this book is puppies and rainbows. There was pages of descriptive writing with the purpose it seemed to be to fill up pages. I could rant right now but I’m going to hold back. There was a lot of you’re the best, no you’re the best and you’re beautiful, no you’re beautiful and I can’t forget about “What are we going to do?” What do you want to do? The book ends wanting more of the story. It is too bad that we didn’t get more of it in this book.
I guess I had to write this review more to vent. I believe the author clearly has some talent and I am intrigued by the story but I don’t think I will continue on with the series. The next book could be really cool but I don’t think I trust that I won’t be drug through the most wonderful relationship of all time to get there.
Want to read
December 17, 2014FREE TODAY 12-17-14 on Amazon
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U.S. Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00BZE8PNY
May 17, 2013
Review to come and will be available at Busy Moms Book Reviews.
Sometimes I really need a good magic book. Something that makes you suspend all logical and realistic thoughts and just read and enjoy with a childlike fascination.
Magic, witches and wizards, oh my!!
"He shot into the air on wings of magic"
Seriously, I had a little jolt of pleasure that ran through my system when I read that line. It was the first magic I had seen in the book and I thought to myself, this is going to be good.
This is going to be something different.
And it was.
Layla, our heroine, has had a difficult time, her mother and only family passes away, leaving her alone.
Through a letter her mother wrote,Layla gets told a crazy story of love, desperation and protection. She finds out that she is not alone and goes searching for the family that gave her up.
All is not as she thought.
What she finds is herself, as in her real self, a handsome protector, an evil enemy after her power and the beautiful and tragic love story of her parents.
The magic in this book was my favorite, the witches and wizards, good and bad, their coven lifestyles, their powers and general day to day existence, I could have had a book about that and been happy. The bonding and family structures were fascinating and I hope to read more of them in the next book.
The blossoming relationship between Quinlan and Layla, him teaching her about her life, how gentle and sweet he was with her was really lovely . Although it sort of was overshadowed in the end by the tragic but beautiful relationship of her parents, this part of the book was heart wrenching, I definitely shed a tear or two.
Do I sense that history may be about to repeat itself?
My only complaint would be that we got all this information and everything seemed to be at a peak, with the bad guys on the hunt again.... and then it was over and we were left with a cliff hanger ending.
Besides that, Descension was well written, I wasn't bogged down with too much information and it has laid an excellent foundation for what is sure to be a great follow up book/books. I am intrigued and definitely want to know what happens next. I have my own theories, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.... :)
Sometimes I really need a good magic book. Something that makes you suspend all logical and realistic thoughts and just read and enjoy with a childlike fascination.
Magic, witches and wizards, oh my!!
"He shot into the air on wings of magic"
Seriously, I had a little jolt of pleasure that ran through my system when I read that line. It was the first magic I had seen in the book and I thought to myself, this is going to be good.
This is going to be something different.
And it was.
Layla, our heroine, has had a difficult time, her mother and only family passes away, leaving her alone.
Through a letter her mother wrote,Layla gets told a crazy story of love, desperation and protection. She finds out that she is not alone and goes searching for the family that gave her up.
All is not as she thought.
What she finds is herself, as in her real self, a handsome protector, an evil enemy after her power and the beautiful and tragic love story of her parents.
The magic in this book was my favorite, the witches and wizards, good and bad, their coven lifestyles, their powers and general day to day existence, I could have had a book about that and been happy. The bonding and family structures were fascinating and I hope to read more of them in the next book.
The blossoming relationship between Quinlan and Layla, him teaching her about her life, how gentle and sweet he was with her was really lovely . Although it sort of was overshadowed in the end by the tragic but beautiful relationship of her parents, this part of the book was heart wrenching, I definitely shed a tear or two.
Do I sense that history may be about to repeat itself?
My only complaint would be that we got all this information and everything seemed to be at a peak, with the bad guys on the hunt again.... and then it was over and we were left with a cliff hanger ending.
Besides that, Descension was well written, I wasn't bogged down with too much information and it has laid an excellent foundation for what is sure to be a great follow up book/books. I am intrigued and definitely want to know what happens next. I have my own theories, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.... :)
February 19, 2013
Descension where to start on this review? First I have to say that this book is EPIC! Holy Cow did I fall in love with this story from the first pages. It drew me in and kept me reading and waiting and wanting more to the point where I stayed up all night till 3am in the morning so I could finish the book. I have been known to do that with books I love and I have to tell you I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS BOOK!
Layla Callaway has taken care of her sick mother for three years. Never leaving her side until she passes away. It is when Layla meets with her mothers attorney that she finds out she was adopted and has family some where else. The lawyer tells her she has family in Oregon. So with nothing to lose she packs up what she has and moves to Oregon to locate her long lost family. Only when she gets to Oregon she finds out there is way more to her family than she would have imagined.
Layla finds out she comes from a long line of witches and wizards and that she herself is a strong witch. Her real parents left her a ring with their memories in it and she is able to see what she has lost. Along the way she meets a family friend Quin who has been waiting forever to meet her. He has always known he wanted to meet her and that eventually he would but when he finally lays eyes on her he is flooded with emotions he has never felt before.
Quin is rendered speechless and breathless when he meets Layla. He knows he is destined to be with her and to love her and protect her at all costs. Quin knows he has a long road ahead of him because there is someone else who wants Layla but he does not have her best interest at heart. Agro wants Layla and what Agro wants he gets. He is a hunter and he is used to getting his way. he hunts other wizards and witches and sucks the magic right out of them. He is evil and Quin will stop at nothing to keep him away from Layla. Agro wants to take Layla's powers and destroy her.
Will Quin be able to save Layla? Will Agro get her powers? What will happen when evil tries to take away goodness? This is a must read story!
Layla Callaway has taken care of her sick mother for three years. Never leaving her side until she passes away. It is when Layla meets with her mothers attorney that she finds out she was adopted and has family some where else. The lawyer tells her she has family in Oregon. So with nothing to lose she packs up what she has and moves to Oregon to locate her long lost family. Only when she gets to Oregon she finds out there is way more to her family than she would have imagined.
Layla finds out she comes from a long line of witches and wizards and that she herself is a strong witch. Her real parents left her a ring with their memories in it and she is able to see what she has lost. Along the way she meets a family friend Quin who has been waiting forever to meet her. He has always known he wanted to meet her and that eventually he would but when he finally lays eyes on her he is flooded with emotions he has never felt before.
Quin is rendered speechless and breathless when he meets Layla. He knows he is destined to be with her and to love her and protect her at all costs. Quin knows he has a long road ahead of him because there is someone else who wants Layla but he does not have her best interest at heart. Agro wants Layla and what Agro wants he gets. He is a hunter and he is used to getting his way. he hunts other wizards and witches and sucks the magic right out of them. He is evil and Quin will stop at nothing to keep him away from Layla. Agro wants to take Layla's powers and destroy her.
Will Quin be able to save Layla? Will Agro get her powers? What will happen when evil tries to take away goodness? This is a must read story!
September 26, 2012
10/5 stars *********
Oh.My.GOSH. I know I sound like a twelve year old girl who just met the JonasBrothers/JustinBieber/OneDirection, I know. But that's how crazy I am over this book. It was absolutely amazing. I've been looking for a good magic book to read & I found it in this one. I love the Layla/Quin dynamic & the magic aspect of the book is mysterious and fantastical in all the right ways. & the intercalated story of Layla's parents was great.
It starts off with Layla in Oklahoma, after her mother dies, Layla is lost; with only two friends to depend on. Until she meets with her mother's lawyer & she learns so she sets off to discover who she is and everything she 's missing.
She meets a mysterious stranger, who divulges that he knows more about her than she lets on & helps her discover everything else she doesn't know, and who she really is... a witch.
I can't wait for the next one. seriously. I need to know SOMETHING. the title, a teaser. the date. ANYTHING!!!
full review at: http://toliveamongbooks.blogspot.com/
Oh.My.GOSH. I know I sound like a twelve year old girl who just met the JonasBrothers/JustinBieber/OneDirection, I know. But that's how crazy I am over this book. It was absolutely amazing. I've been looking for a good magic book to read & I found it in this one. I love the Layla/Quin dynamic & the magic aspect of the book is mysterious and fantastical in all the right ways. & the intercalated story of Layla's parents was great.
It starts off with Layla in Oklahoma, after her mother dies, Layla is lost; with only two friends to depend on. Until she meets with her mother's lawyer & she learns so she sets off to discover who she is and everything she 's missing.
She meets a mysterious stranger, who divulges that he knows more about her than she lets on & helps her discover everything else she doesn't know, and who she really is... a witch.
I can't wait for the next one. seriously. I need to know SOMETHING. the title, a teaser. the date. ANYTHING!!!
full review at: http://toliveamongbooks.blogspot.com/
May 9, 2013
I was very lucky to be gifted this book and I am so ecstatic that it was! They say don’t judge a book by its cover but I have to say with this book you can! I believe this author has the most beautiful covers out there and the story matches it perfectly! The book starts out with a great prologue with the evil Argo learning some valuable information that draws in you. You know there is something that will go down but you’re not sure when, where, or what! The story then starts with the beautiful Layla Callaway turning 21 and celebrating not like most 21 year olds but quietly with her 2 best friends. Without them, she has no one as she lost her mother to a massive stroke just 2 months before and she did not know who here father was. She receives a letter from her mother’s attorney to discuss her affairs. At this meeting, her she is given a packet that will turn her life upside down. Who she thought was her mother her entire life was actually a family friend of her real parents and that she has family that is waiting to meet her when she is ready. They felt that Layla needed to be older and mature to be able to deal with this information. She is just given a couple of clues to help her find her way. She needs to go to Oregon and a small town coffee shop. She decides to follow her heart and search out the family she didn’t have any knowledge of. When she arrives in Oregon, she meets the handsome Quinn who is immediately taken with her. Quinn shows her a new a magical life she knows nothing about. She quickly falls for Quinn as well and feels that they are soul mates and has an instant connection to him. She learns that her true family has been waiting for her but unfortunately her parents have both past and that they are witches and wizards that lived life peacefully with the rest of the world. Before her parents passing, her Father spelled a ring that could only be unlocked by her to show her how much they loved her and cared for her. I seriously loved the story of her parents, Aedan and Rhosewen. Their love for one another just melted my heart and their tragic story brought tears to my eyes! For Aeden and Rhosewen it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, another also had eyes for Aedan, Medea. She becomes bitter and jealous when Aaden falls in love with Rhosewen and decides to go with the evil Argo to get her revenge. When Rhosewen discovers she is pregnant, Medea casts a spell on her that makes her own body sick for loving her child. My heart just breaks from Aaden and Rhosewen at this part because just when they find love and happiness, the evil wench has to show up and seek her revenge. Aeden and Rhosewen decide the only way they can save themselves and their family is to go into hiding and have everyone believe she lost the baby. The more Rhosewen loves her unborn child, the more pain she is in and the more she suffers. I won’t go anymore into the story because I feel I would be giving too much away. This story is so touching and heartbreaking it’s beautiful. It’s so well written and takes my imagination right where the writer wants me to go. I am normally not a big fan of PNR but his story is purely magical. It’s a wonderful story of true love and loss and I felt every emotion and heartbreak along with the characters. This is the first book of three of the Mystic Series and I cannot wait to see what happens with Layla and Quinn as he introduces her to a life she had no idea that existed and she is a part of. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good love story where it is a PNR or not because it’s just so damn beautiful! I give this book 5 out of 5 huge stars. Well done B.C. Burgess!!!
February 23, 2013
Descension is a heart-wrenching story of love and sacrifice that will take your every emotion by storm!
A brief warning: Be prepared to bawl your eyes out, long for passionate true love, and be stunned by unbelievable beauty.
I was fully enthralled with the writing style of this novel. So vividly detailed, I found myself lost in the magical world created by B.C. Burgess. Even the tiniest details make a difference. Without a doubt, you can notice the great care taken to lace together this beautiful story. The book is divided into two sections; Layla’s current life and the past she never had the chance to experience. I loved how the past and present were linked; they truly gave the novel a realistic feel. The world building and character development were phenomenal.
I wasn’t expecting to like Descension much but it proved me wrong. The magic the witches and wizards have in this novel intrigued beyond belief, the nature elements stood out so visually to me. If any book deserves to be made into a movie I would nominate this one! It would be amazing!
Viewing life from Layla’s perspective has altered my outlook on things. Her determination to thrive is unlike any I’ve ever experienced. Anyone who can recover from the death of a love one, just to be faced with more agony, while still being able to push forward...deserves respect. The sacrifice her family endures to keep her safe only proves their love for her. Love is a powerful emotion that can cause people to do some extremely courageous feats.
If you’re willing to abuse your every emotion and experience an unforgettable story of love, magic, and sacrifice, GO PICK UP Descension today! I know I will be reading book two in this series ASAP!
*This is a shortened version of my review to see my full review please head over to my blog: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/2...
A brief warning: Be prepared to bawl your eyes out, long for passionate true love, and be stunned by unbelievable beauty.
I was fully enthralled with the writing style of this novel. So vividly detailed, I found myself lost in the magical world created by B.C. Burgess. Even the tiniest details make a difference. Without a doubt, you can notice the great care taken to lace together this beautiful story. The book is divided into two sections; Layla’s current life and the past she never had the chance to experience. I loved how the past and present were linked; they truly gave the novel a realistic feel. The world building and character development were phenomenal.
I wasn’t expecting to like Descension much but it proved me wrong. The magic the witches and wizards have in this novel intrigued beyond belief, the nature elements stood out so visually to me. If any book deserves to be made into a movie I would nominate this one! It would be amazing!
Viewing life from Layla’s perspective has altered my outlook on things. Her determination to thrive is unlike any I’ve ever experienced. Anyone who can recover from the death of a love one, just to be faced with more agony, while still being able to push forward...deserves respect. The sacrifice her family endures to keep her safe only proves their love for her. Love is a powerful emotion that can cause people to do some extremely courageous feats.
If you’re willing to abuse your every emotion and experience an unforgettable story of love, magic, and sacrifice, GO PICK UP Descension today! I know I will be reading book two in this series ASAP!
*This is a shortened version of my review to see my full review please head over to my blog: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/2...
November 23, 2013
The storyline was ok. Layla discovers she was adopted as a baby and sets out to find her family. What she discovers is she comes from a strong line of witches - a bonded child of bonded mates.
What I disliked was the way this was written. The first half is an introduction to Layla. The plot moves very slowly and there wasn't much of a hook that made me want to continue reading but I persevered. About midway, Layla gets the opportunity to find out about her birth parents. You would normally expect this to be a chapter or so long but it basically takes up the rest of the book. It just winds up feeling disjointed - like someone slapped 2 novellas together and called it a full novel.
What you get is a lot of backstory and introduction to the characters without a whole lot of plot line to give you a sense of where the series will take you or a good reason to continue to the next book. Layla isn't an unlikeable character by any means. But the reader at this point, isn't really given much to embrace about her either. It appears Quinn will be her love interest in this series. Again, I found nothing outstanding about his character that made me want to cheer him on. Oh yes? Cheer him on to what, exactly?
And that, my friends, is where this book falls short.
What I disliked was the way this was written. The first half is an introduction to Layla. The plot moves very slowly and there wasn't much of a hook that made me want to continue reading but I persevered. About midway, Layla gets the opportunity to find out about her birth parents. You would normally expect this to be a chapter or so long but it basically takes up the rest of the book. It just winds up feeling disjointed - like someone slapped 2 novellas together and called it a full novel.
What you get is a lot of backstory and introduction to the characters without a whole lot of plot line to give you a sense of where the series will take you or a good reason to continue to the next book. Layla isn't an unlikeable character by any means. But the reader at this point, isn't really given much to embrace about her either. It appears Quinn will be her love interest in this series. Again, I found nothing outstanding about his character that made me want to cheer him on. Oh yes? Cheer him on to what, exactly?
And that, my friends, is where this book falls short.
July 23, 2012
This was one of the best books I've read this year! I cannot wait for the next book. *Note*: Have tissues. I read the last 40 pages or so bawling. hehe So good.
February 19, 2013
Read other book reviews at Book Junkie Joint.
Trust me when I say that reading this book will leave you wanting for more. And that's not always a good thing.
Everything starts out with the typical girl mourning over the death of her mother while working as a waitress in a diner. The beginning of the book presents Layla's non-magical background and two of her closest friends and co-workers.
To be honest, the beginning of the book started out too slow. Sure, I understand it was necessary to portray how her life was before she discovered her true identity, but I also think that this could have been done faster. I mean, the PDF file of the book had 300+ pages and with no clear ending in sight. The first half of the book was solely dedicated to Layla's non-magical life, and I wasn't really too keen on knowing about that in detail.
The first half of the book bored me to death, but I stuck it out because of the presentation of good-looking wizards and witches later on, which were a lot different than HP wizards and witches, and way different than the ugly ones in children's books. And the idea of witches and wizards living in close-knit covens kind of gave the homely vibe going on for them, which I think is a good thing.
Characterization-wise, Layla was presented as the kind of girl that was guarded and stuck to what was familiar to her rather than being a risk-taker. Taking that long trip to Oregon was already a huge step for her. Then, all of a sudden, she meets this strange guy who volunteers to show her around and she simply obliges? While I do understand that they have that instant attraction/soul mates thing going on, it would have been more believable if Layla had been more cautious of handsome strangers rather than being too trusting. This is where I find the contradictions lie.
The problem by using a "soul-mate" or "bond mate" tool into the storyline is that the romance becomes hard to sell to the readers. Sure, it's understandable because the genre is fantasy, but that doesn't translate to believability or even relatability. In this particular book, the attraction between the main pair seemed like Insta-Love, which is not believable at all.
And what about Quin? I think he's too perfect. That is all I have to say about that.
Also, I don't know if I'm the only one bothered by the portrayal of too much selfless love and noble idiocy in this book. Sure, romance and love added into the mix makes everything interesting, but not too much because it makes everything predictable.
I also didn't appreciate how the book left everything hanging. I was left with more questions and wanting more answers. And I felt cheated somehow because this book started with Layla and Quin but gave the whole story about Layla's parents instead. While I understand that this is only the first book in a series, it would have been great if it gave even a tiny closure for what happens to Layla and Quin next.
Trust me when I say that reading this book will leave you wanting for more. And that's not always a good thing.
Everything starts out with the typical girl mourning over the death of her mother while working as a waitress in a diner. The beginning of the book presents Layla's non-magical background and two of her closest friends and co-workers.
To be honest, the beginning of the book started out too slow. Sure, I understand it was necessary to portray how her life was before she discovered her true identity, but I also think that this could have been done faster. I mean, the PDF file of the book had 300+ pages and with no clear ending in sight. The first half of the book was solely dedicated to Layla's non-magical life, and I wasn't really too keen on knowing about that in detail.
The first half of the book bored me to death, but I stuck it out because of the presentation of good-looking wizards and witches later on, which were a lot different than HP wizards and witches, and way different than the ugly ones in children's books. And the idea of witches and wizards living in close-knit covens kind of gave the homely vibe going on for them, which I think is a good thing.
Characterization-wise, Layla was presented as the kind of girl that was guarded and stuck to what was familiar to her rather than being a risk-taker. Taking that long trip to Oregon was already a huge step for her. Then, all of a sudden, she meets this strange guy who volunteers to show her around and she simply obliges? While I do understand that they have that instant attraction/soul mates thing going on, it would have been more believable if Layla had been more cautious of handsome strangers rather than being too trusting. This is where I find the contradictions lie.
The problem by using a "soul-mate" or "bond mate" tool into the storyline is that the romance becomes hard to sell to the readers. Sure, it's understandable because the genre is fantasy, but that doesn't translate to believability or even relatability. In this particular book, the attraction between the main pair seemed like Insta-Love, which is not believable at all.
And what about Quin? I think he's too perfect. That is all I have to say about that.
Also, I don't know if I'm the only one bothered by the portrayal of too much selfless love and noble idiocy in this book. Sure, romance and love added into the mix makes everything interesting, but not too much because it makes everything predictable.
I also didn't appreciate how the book left everything hanging. I was left with more questions and wanting more answers. And I felt cheated somehow because this book started with Layla and Quin but gave the whole story about Layla's parents instead. While I understand that this is only the first book in a series, it would have been great if it gave even a tiny closure for what happens to Layla and Quin next.
February 19, 2013
I discovered this book a little while back when I read author Jillian Dodd's review on Goodreads. Jillian said she would describe Descension by saying it is a "little bit of Harry Potter with a dash of Twilight and a big container of romance." Intrigued and curious by her review, I read the synopsis and my interest grew. I will always be happy I happened to read her review because this is a book I loved to lose myself in and will not soon forget.
I find it difficult to describe exactly how I feel about Descension without sounding like a raving lunatic because I have mad love for this book and I think everyone should read it. First and foremost everyone wants to love the characters in the book right? If you don't connect with the characters then the likelihood of enjoying the book is slim. You don't have to worry about that here. The character of Layla will pull at your heart strings but at the same time you will have a difficult time not admiring her courage and determination. I wanted to befriend her while at the same time hug her and tell her it will be okay. Quin is guaranteed to make you swoon. A real ladies man that doesn't lack in experience becomes downright vulnerable when it comes to Layla and his feelings for her. He made my heart beat faster and my tummy tingle. Putting the two of them together is downright explosive and makes for chemistry that is so hot I'm surprised the pages didn't burst into flames at times.
Every ingredient of this book is perfection. The emotions that B.C. Burgess pulled from me when reading this novel were vast. Happy, sad, steamy, teary... I had them all. The amount of times I was brought to tears were many because her words have a way of grabbing onto you and not letting go. When Layla finds out the true story behind her adoption and the true meaning of self sacrifice, her world is forever changed and in a way, mine was too because at that point, Descension went from a novel I was really enjoying, to one I will not soon forget.
B.C. Burgess is an amazing storyteller that has created a world that is truly captivating, unique, original and addicting. The second book in the series is just as amazing and I can't wait to see where the author will take me next!
I find it difficult to describe exactly how I feel about Descension without sounding like a raving lunatic because I have mad love for this book and I think everyone should read it. First and foremost everyone wants to love the characters in the book right? If you don't connect with the characters then the likelihood of enjoying the book is slim. You don't have to worry about that here. The character of Layla will pull at your heart strings but at the same time you will have a difficult time not admiring her courage and determination. I wanted to befriend her while at the same time hug her and tell her it will be okay. Quin is guaranteed to make you swoon. A real ladies man that doesn't lack in experience becomes downright vulnerable when it comes to Layla and his feelings for her. He made my heart beat faster and my tummy tingle. Putting the two of them together is downright explosive and makes for chemistry that is so hot I'm surprised the pages didn't burst into flames at times.
Every ingredient of this book is perfection. The emotions that B.C. Burgess pulled from me when reading this novel were vast. Happy, sad, steamy, teary... I had them all. The amount of times I was brought to tears were many because her words have a way of grabbing onto you and not letting go. When Layla finds out the true story behind her adoption and the true meaning of self sacrifice, her world is forever changed and in a way, mine was too because at that point, Descension went from a novel I was really enjoying, to one I will not soon forget.
B.C. Burgess is an amazing storyteller that has created a world that is truly captivating, unique, original and addicting. The second book in the series is just as amazing and I can't wait to see where the author will take me next!
April 11, 2013
I came across this book in an email newsletter that I receive from an author. The cover caught my attention so I read the synopsis and from there, the sample. I knew before I finished the sample that I was going to buy the book. It immediately sucked me into the story. I connected with the characters so easily that I sometimes forgot I was reading a book and not watching a movie.
It's been a few days since I've finished and my thoughts are still a bit jumbled. I would have never guessed when I began that it would completely shatter my heart before I finished! I cried for about 25-30% of the book. Now I'm not saying that everyone will experience this the same way I did but that's how connected I am to these characters. I will say that by the end of the book, while my emotions were all over the place, I did feel my heart mending back together. I'm currently reading the second installment and my heart still breaks when certain things are mentioned. I strongly urge everyone looking for deep and connecting read filled with magic to read this book! The author does an amazing job at pulling not only sad but happy emotions out of you as well! This is one of my top books of the year and have no doubt it will stay there!
It's been a few days since I've finished and my thoughts are still a bit jumbled. I would have never guessed when I began that it would completely shatter my heart before I finished! I cried for about 25-30% of the book. Now I'm not saying that everyone will experience this the same way I did but that's how connected I am to these characters. I will say that by the end of the book, while my emotions were all over the place, I did feel my heart mending back together. I'm currently reading the second installment and my heart still breaks when certain things are mentioned. I strongly urge everyone looking for deep and connecting read filled with magic to read this book! The author does an amazing job at pulling not only sad but happy emotions out of you as well! This is one of my top books of the year and have no doubt it will stay there!
December 1, 2015
My late review...
Two Sugary Sweet Romances, Two Genuine Tragedies, and Some Interesting World Building and Magic.
Likes
+Cool ideas like "bonding", the magic system, and the setup of covens.
+Sympathetic characters.
+Descriptive writing style.
+Beautiful locales.
+When there is action it’s pretty good.
+The coven feels like a real family of naturally kind people.
+Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Dislikes
-Feels drawn out.
-The romance and dialogue starts to feel repetitive halfway through.
-Both romances are too sugary sweet for my tastes.
-Too many uses of the word perfect: perfect this, perfect that, perfect wife, perfect life, perfect baby, perfect coffee, perfect etc.
-The backstory seemed to drag on a bit. I was more interested in Layla by the time they got to the backstory characters.
-The Madea plotline felt flat to me, a little forced, and very cliche.
Two Sugary Sweet Romances, Two Genuine Tragedies, and Some Interesting World Building and Magic.
Likes
+Cool ideas like "bonding", the magic system, and the setup of covens.
+Sympathetic characters.
+Descriptive writing style.
+Beautiful locales.
+When there is action it’s pretty good.
+The coven feels like a real family of naturally kind people.
+Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Dislikes
-Feels drawn out.
-The romance and dialogue starts to feel repetitive halfway through.
-Both romances are too sugary sweet for my tastes.
-Too many uses of the word perfect: perfect this, perfect that, perfect wife, perfect life, perfect baby, perfect coffee, perfect etc.
-The backstory seemed to drag on a bit. I was more interested in Layla by the time they got to the backstory characters.
-The Madea plotline felt flat to me, a little forced, and very cliche.
November 1, 2012
I really enjoyed Descension. It had a different and interesting twist that kept me turning the pages to the end. I liked Layla and admired her and even though at times she appears weak, she is loyal, and there is strength of character that shines through. There is plenty of action and suspense as opposing forces clash and Layla learns to use the powers of her birthright. The world building is well done and I enjoyed the author's writing style. This is a great beginning for a new series with a surprise twist at the end that has me eager to read the next installment.
I originally bought this this book and later received a request from the author for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
I originally bought this this book and later received a request from the author for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
July 15, 2012
Awesome Story!
Layla is still in grief of her mother's death..but when she meets her mother's lawyer and receives a letter from him..the life she thought was upturned.
She was not who thought she was and now her life ahead is a choice and she has to make it if she ever wants to know more about her.
In the journey to know more she meets Quin..a handsome young guy who helps her..but he knows more than she thinks and he plays a very important part of her life and its just the start as the evil is hunting her and reaching her soon.
Descension is a very interesting plot and with Magic and Layla-Quin it makes a perfect story to read.
Waiting for the sequel!
Sri.
Layla is still in grief of her mother's death..but when she meets her mother's lawyer and receives a letter from him..the life she thought was upturned.
She was not who thought she was and now her life ahead is a choice and she has to make it if she ever wants to know more about her.
In the journey to know more she meets Quin..a handsome young guy who helps her..but he knows more than she thinks and he plays a very important part of her life and its just the start as the evil is hunting her and reaching her soon.
Descension is a very interesting plot and with Magic and Layla-Quin it makes a perfect story to read.
Waiting for the sequel!
Sri.
September 23, 2012
Do you hate when characters don't say how they feel? Well finally Mrs. Burgess has written the book where the guy will actually tell you how he feels. REFRESHING! Layla is a refreshingly strong character. Quinn, is a stong, sexy guide to help Layla understand her past. Layla's story and family are written with such a loving hand you will want to know more. The twist at the end will definitely make you long for the next book. It's a must read in my book shelf. If you like wizards and romance,I know you will enjoy it.
June 30, 2014
Mrs B.C.Burgess you've cast a spell on me! I love the fact that you took your time introducing Layla and her background. I didn't expect such turn of the events :) I must say that never in my life I've cried like a baby while reading a book, maybe it's also because I'm a new mom of three month old son and I can only imagine what would it feel like leaving your baby for its own good.
B.C. Burgess you have gained a devoted fan ;)
B.C. Burgess you have gained a devoted fan ;)
September 13, 2013
Words cannot even describe... I'm just in awe. BC Burgess has a unique way with words. The storyline is intricate, detailed, and captivating. My heart broke with the story of Layla's parents. I'm so excited for Quin and Layla's relationship to develop. I know I'm already addicted to this series. On to book 2 tonight.
August 23, 2013
Omg.... This book was AH--mazing!!!!! This is like the best kept secret. I think I even got book one free from amazon. I can't recommend enough. The characters were so likable!!!! I love Layla and Quin. And the whole section on Aedan and Rhosewhen, lets just say---total freaking tearfest. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Want to read
June 14, 2012Free on Kindle 6/14/12 and 6/15/12.
Recommended by Julian Dodd, author of That Boy & That Wedding.
Recommended by Julian Dodd, author of That Boy & That Wedding.
July 5, 2012
Loved this book. It did drag on a bit, and could've even been split into two separate books. I enjoyed learning about layla. Can't wait for the next book, hopefully there is one.
June 26, 2014
Layla and Quin's journey was epic. What a wonderful love story. Fantasy, futuristic and Ghost. Oh my gosh what a fantastic book. I read straight through. Love this book....
September 9, 2022
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒓.
I admit that I had high expectations for this book because the premise is quite intriguing, and I was eager to learn more about it after discovering it on Valentines Pr.
Honestly, the writing had potential; it wasn't bad, but I could see great storytelling potential; however, this book disappointed me.
The writing was easy to get into, I won't lie, but it did get monotonous, or should I say the execution wasn't just it. It was superficial and underwhelming.
Aside from that, the characters lack depth and personality, rendering them uninteresting. I should also mention that they are far too unrealistic for me, particularly Layla's behavior and reaction to meeting someone new and easily going with it.
Furthermore, her reaction to the part where Quin shows her that was completely unrealistic; if some other people were that, I'm sure they'd be terrified at first, shocked, and so on.
I thought the second half was much more interesting because the storyline jumped back in time and we got to see the plot develop there, but what disappointed me the most was the execution, which was once again underwhelming, with no build-up, was abrupt, and the characters felt flat.
Overall, it was a disaster for me. The potential was there, but it was squandered. I was honestly conflicted because the premise sounded intriguing but the overall experience just wasn't it. I'm not sure if I'll continue, or I will, but for the time being, I'd say no. 2⭐
I admit that I had high expectations for this book because the premise is quite intriguing, and I was eager to learn more about it after discovering it on Valentines Pr.
Honestly, the writing had potential; it wasn't bad, but I could see great storytelling potential; however, this book disappointed me.
The writing was easy to get into, I won't lie, but it did get monotonous, or should I say the execution wasn't just it. It was superficial and underwhelming.
Aside from that, the characters lack depth and personality, rendering them uninteresting. I should also mention that they are far too unrealistic for me, particularly Layla's behavior and reaction to meeting someone new and easily going with it.
Furthermore, her reaction to the part where Quin shows her that was completely unrealistic; if some other people were that, I'm sure they'd be terrified at first, shocked, and so on.
I thought the second half was much more interesting because the storyline jumped back in time and we got to see the plot develop there, but what disappointed me the most was the execution, which was once again underwhelming, with no build-up, was abrupt, and the characters felt flat.
Overall, it was a disaster for me. The potential was there, but it was squandered. I was honestly conflicted because the premise sounded intriguing but the overall experience just wasn't it. I'm not sure if I'll continue, or I will, but for the time being, I'd say no. 2⭐
May 16, 2023
Pretty good fantasy
. Fantasy, about a young woman who learns that she is more than she thought she was. Although Layla knew she was adopted, she doesn't learn the particulars until the death of her mom. A trip to her mom's lawyer will set her on a journey that changes everything
. Fantasy, about a young woman who learns that she is more than she thought she was. Although Layla knew she was adopted, she doesn't learn the particulars until the death of her mom. A trip to her mom's lawyer will set her on a journey that changes everything
September 2, 2022
This book was a bit slower then I would have liked and I bit to wordy for me and I would have enjoyed it more if it was just a bit less but I did like Layla (which is why this is 4 stars instead of 3) and for some odd reason felt a bit of connection to her but not really anyone else but I want to read the next one to see if I feel a bit for more the story
July 16, 2014
“You’re stunning, Layla,” he noted, like it was something people said everyday. “And the longer I look at you, the more beautiful you become.”
I was half disappointed with this book because it lacked a few emotional connections, in my opinion. Mostly the book was about love, romance, fate, soul mates and I don’t have a problem with that, the problem is that there was never anything intriguing because it was tiresome how they always complement each other with their good looks. Okay, I get it you’re gorgeous, he’s handsome. Stop there just stop.
Main problem:
-2 insta loves! Unfortunately one wasn’t enough for the author so she added another one.
-Magic really lacked in the book. It’s suppose to be supernatural yet it focused more on the development of the romance.
-They kept on complementing how the other is so beautiful or handsome. Very tiresome.
-No action. The blurb shouldn’t have revealed “The enemy.” because it took no significant role in the first book of the series.
-To many freaking names to remember. Whose cousin is who? The names didn’t help at all since they’re like freakin’ long and weird.
He reached out and took her chin, raising her gaze back to his. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, Layla. I don’t know you very well, but so far you’re friendly, witty and wonderfully stubborn. Now you’re blessing me with a chance to…” (Too long)
After thinking about this book more, my rating seems to be getting lower. It just proves that this isn’t a memorable book. I’ve read better paranormal books if you can compare it to this novel. I was a bit uncomfortable with the modern-ness of the story, they seemed so upgraded with everything like cars and machines. Ideally, I’ve imagined it to be similar to Game of Thrones. Which was a stupid mistake of mine.
The romance between Quin and Layla was adorable, I tried to cope with the speed of how their relationship developed and also how Layla handled the secrets of her ancestors. Layla seemed to be calm when everything was revealed to her. (Whhhut?)
They laid together for a long time that night, not talking, not sleeping, just a feeling, just being together, both brokenhearted, both in pain, both deeply in love.
Half of the book was about Layla and Quin. ONLY HALF! That wasn’t enough for me, the next half was how the other insta-love developed. It was between Layla’s parents. It was romantic and cliche, totally predictable. Some of the scenes were irksome but I cannot reveal them to you (Controls self). The whole complementing each other doesn’t stop in the first half. GOSH! The next half was worse! In every chapter there’s always a line “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
I just can’t appreciate love when all of it comes together because of the belief that beauty centers it all. It doesn’t freakin’ last, lady. You will become ugly soon!
March 26, 2013
Descension by B.C. Burgess was a very different book that centered around a very unique type of witches and wizards, but also dealt with power hungry forces and true love. I can definitely say that Descension was original in many aspects in which I found to be truly interesting and in parts to be very heart-warming.
I commend Burgess for creating a story that does not lack in magic and imagination. What I found in the world of Descension was something super cool and completely wondrous. This magic that the witches and wizards have in Decension can basically do anything you put your mind and imagination to. I love the dynamics of the coven and how close-knitted they were and the fact that they were all family oriented. I was especially fascinated with the aspect of soul mates through bonding. I liked the way that Burgess twisted into something different. I really loved learning about auras and how a witch is able to read one’s emotions and of course the use of elemental magic and spells. This world was really open to many things and I can see there is still so much to know and discover.
The main character, Layla, was great. I really liked her. She was a very independent and responsible girl. I admired Layla for stopping her life to take care of her sick mother. She really kept it together even when she was really down. It was very sad to see how she came to be after her mother was gone. It wasn’t until she moved to Oregon when she finally came to life. Discovering who she really was gave Layla a reason to live. By the end of the novel, I could see the growth in Layla; the set determination and the hidden strength coming off of her. I can’t wait to see where this journey of hers will take her next.
My favorite part of this book was diving into the past and how Layla came to be in the beginning of the book. It was wonderful to read all about Layla’s whirlwind romance and their fight to stay together. Layla’s family was filled with so much love, joy, and devotion that I felt it go straight through me. Her parents were brave and sacrificed so much. They were extraordinary characters I came to love wholeheartedly.
Burgess writing took some time to get used to, but once I did, I was flying through the book. Descension had a good pace that kept moving along nicely with each new revelation. The descriptions and vivid imagery used to describe the Oregon scenery was breath-taking and had me wishing I could actually see the area for myself. I really loved how she combined two different stories, weaving them together into a one big one. She really made it complex and alluring all at once. I didn’t expect to feel all kinds of emotions but I did and by the end of the book, I was in tears from the heartbreak and unwavering devotion of Layla’s parents. I was left awestruck by such an intense admiration for them.
Overall, I enjoyed Decension immensely. It was well written, had amazing characters and an awesome storyline.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
I commend Burgess for creating a story that does not lack in magic and imagination. What I found in the world of Descension was something super cool and completely wondrous. This magic that the witches and wizards have in Decension can basically do anything you put your mind and imagination to. I love the dynamics of the coven and how close-knitted they were and the fact that they were all family oriented. I was especially fascinated with the aspect of soul mates through bonding. I liked the way that Burgess twisted into something different. I really loved learning about auras and how a witch is able to read one’s emotions and of course the use of elemental magic and spells. This world was really open to many things and I can see there is still so much to know and discover.
The main character, Layla, was great. I really liked her. She was a very independent and responsible girl. I admired Layla for stopping her life to take care of her sick mother. She really kept it together even when she was really down. It was very sad to see how she came to be after her mother was gone. It wasn’t until she moved to Oregon when she finally came to life. Discovering who she really was gave Layla a reason to live. By the end of the novel, I could see the growth in Layla; the set determination and the hidden strength coming off of her. I can’t wait to see where this journey of hers will take her next.
My favorite part of this book was diving into the past and how Layla came to be in the beginning of the book. It was wonderful to read all about Layla’s whirlwind romance and their fight to stay together. Layla’s family was filled with so much love, joy, and devotion that I felt it go straight through me. Her parents were brave and sacrificed so much. They were extraordinary characters I came to love wholeheartedly.
Burgess writing took some time to get used to, but once I did, I was flying through the book. Descension had a good pace that kept moving along nicely with each new revelation. The descriptions and vivid imagery used to describe the Oregon scenery was breath-taking and had me wishing I could actually see the area for myself. I really loved how she combined two different stories, weaving them together into a one big one. She really made it complex and alluring all at once. I didn’t expect to feel all kinds of emotions but I did and by the end of the book, I was in tears from the heartbreak and unwavering devotion of Layla’s parents. I was left awestruck by such an intense admiration for them.
Overall, I enjoyed Decension immensely. It was well written, had amazing characters and an awesome storyline.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
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