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Strega #1
Strega
When high school senior Alainn Jay Bonifacio finds her grandmother brutally murdered in their small-town home, the scar left by the death of her parents years earlier is ripped open. She is devastated, but she is not nearly as terrified as she should be.
Jay is a Strega. Like her mother and grandmother, she is a descendant of the original Strega of ancient Etruria-gifted women of the woods bestowed with godly power, and the world's first witches. With the truth withheld from her all her life, Jay is blindsided when her power is unbound. Demons are coming for her. They killed the people she loved most to get to her, and they won't rest until she is dead.
Forced to embrace her identity if only to survive, Jay uncovers a past life when her ruthless enemy's hatred for her was born, and she rediscovers an eternal love that has burned throughout lifetimes. Fighting for her life, she is drawn back into an ancient battle between the virtuous and the wicked that threatens to destroy her and all of humankind.
Jay is a Strega. Like her mother and grandmother, she is a descendant of the original Strega of ancient Etruria-gifted women of the woods bestowed with godly power, and the world's first witches. With the truth withheld from her all her life, Jay is blindsided when her power is unbound. Demons are coming for her. They killed the people she loved most to get to her, and they won't rest until she is dead.
Forced to embrace her identity if only to survive, Jay uncovers a past life when her ruthless enemy's hatred for her was born, and she rediscovers an eternal love that has burned throughout lifetimes. Fighting for her life, she is drawn back into an ancient battle between the virtuous and the wicked that threatens to destroy her and all of humankind.
Unknown Binding
First published December 5, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 1, 2015
Jay Bonifacio finds her past unraveling and life spiraling out as the uncanny creeps upon her. Besieged by mysteries as well as monstrous adversaries, Jay must fend for and discover her true self before conspiring forces consume her potential as well as birthright.
Strega is the debut novel and first in a series by Karen Monahan Fernandes that not only reflects, but radiates, her several years of research into the history of occultism. The substance and sincerity applied to every page stands apart from functional storytelling and instills an almost cinematic quality to a conventional tale of self-discovery with fantastical consequences.
Part of Strega’s charm lies in Fernandes’ approach to storytelling that combines Jay’s past with her present. By incorporating memories to accompany the developing action, readers are gradually introduced to novel’s mythos with clues hidden throughout Jay’s back story. Every fiber of Jay’s personal history is woven throughout Strega’s tapestry to establish the foundation of her dire circumstances while maintaining suspense.
One of the most absorbing and stand-out elements of Strega is found within the prose. Fernandes provides extensive fodder for vivid imaginations and never leaves her readers wanting for detail. Nearly every passage of narration is imbibed with a level of passion and poetry that pushes her storytelling into the literary realm that crafts picturesque scenes resonating with emphatic emotion.
Truly, Strega is a rarity in YA and a testament that self-published authors bring something vital and unique to writing. Fernandes doesn’t pander or posture but offers readers an experience that has the potential to mystify and ensnare. The depth of Strega’s beginning makes one optimistic about the strength of the series that may follow.
Strega is the debut novel and first in a series by Karen Monahan Fernandes that not only reflects, but radiates, her several years of research into the history of occultism. The substance and sincerity applied to every page stands apart from functional storytelling and instills an almost cinematic quality to a conventional tale of self-discovery with fantastical consequences.
Part of Strega’s charm lies in Fernandes’ approach to storytelling that combines Jay’s past with her present. By incorporating memories to accompany the developing action, readers are gradually introduced to novel’s mythos with clues hidden throughout Jay’s back story. Every fiber of Jay’s personal history is woven throughout Strega’s tapestry to establish the foundation of her dire circumstances while maintaining suspense.
One of the most absorbing and stand-out elements of Strega is found within the prose. Fernandes provides extensive fodder for vivid imaginations and never leaves her readers wanting for detail. Nearly every passage of narration is imbibed with a level of passion and poetry that pushes her storytelling into the literary realm that crafts picturesque scenes resonating with emphatic emotion.
Truly, Strega is a rarity in YA and a testament that self-published authors bring something vital and unique to writing. Fernandes doesn’t pander or posture but offers readers an experience that has the potential to mystify and ensnare. The depth of Strega’s beginning makes one optimistic about the strength of the series that may follow.
January 25, 2014
I won a free copy of Strega from a GoodReads First Reads giveaway. I originally entered the giveaway because the cover and title caught my eye. I read the summary and decided to take a chance because it's not the type of book I usually read. I'm certainly glad I did.
I was hooked from the first page. Karen Monahan Fernandes utilizes the words in a way that one is able to visualize even the smallest details of a setting. She is profoundly effective at guiding one through Jay's often, at first, unstable feelings and powers. As the narrative continues, there are many twists and turns, with all Fernandes' supporting characters both thrilling and engaging. Jay, in particular, is an excellent, complex heroine that thrives not only on the love of her soulmate and love of the family around her, but also on her own self, especially once she has come to fully understand her powers.
This is one of the few books in my life that I haven't been able to put down. If I've had to stop, I've rushed through whatever I had to do to get back to reading. I found myself gasping at several points throughout Jay's journey. For me, it was the perfect blend and balance of supernatural, historical, family and romantic love. And being of Italian descent, I'm now intrigued to research the Etruscan roots that permeate the novel. Suffice to say, I am eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next novel in the series.
I was hooked from the first page. Karen Monahan Fernandes utilizes the words in a way that one is able to visualize even the smallest details of a setting. She is profoundly effective at guiding one through Jay's often, at first, unstable feelings and powers. As the narrative continues, there are many twists and turns, with all Fernandes' supporting characters both thrilling and engaging. Jay, in particular, is an excellent, complex heroine that thrives not only on the love of her soulmate and love of the family around her, but also on her own self, especially once she has come to fully understand her powers.
This is one of the few books in my life that I haven't been able to put down. If I've had to stop, I've rushed through whatever I had to do to get back to reading. I found myself gasping at several points throughout Jay's journey. For me, it was the perfect blend and balance of supernatural, historical, family and romantic love. And being of Italian descent, I'm now intrigued to research the Etruscan roots that permeate the novel. Suffice to say, I am eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next novel in the series.
April 17, 2014
Karen Monahan Fernandes's début novel and the first book of the Strega series is a must read for fans of paranormal, YA, and fantasy genres. The author has a beautiful writing style that completely immerses the reader in a world of witches and demons. The story is fast paced with never a dull moment till the end, and will leave you waiting impatiently for the second book in the series.
Jay Bonifacio is starting senior year at high school in just over a week. She is just 17 but, she has suffered more loss than most people of her age. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse her entire world is turned upside down. Her nightmares are back and she is on the run for her life with no idea who is after her or why.
The ending seemed a bit hurried. But I think the author may deliberately have been vague so as to reveal more of Jay's powers and abilities in the second book.
I give this book 4.5 stars.
Jay Bonifacio is starting senior year at high school in just over a week. She is just 17 but, she has suffered more loss than most people of her age. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse her entire world is turned upside down. Her nightmares are back and she is on the run for her life with no idea who is after her or why.
The ending seemed a bit hurried. But I think the author may deliberately have been vague so as to reveal more of Jay's powers and abilities in the second book.
I give this book 4.5 stars.
December 26, 2013
Loved it! Strega is perfect for readers interested in the supernatural. The author uses descriptive and vivid language to relay the story of Jay and secrets she possesses, but does not know. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait for book number 2!
January 20, 2014
I liked the story and the historical references, but I really wasn't a fan of how the book was written. To the point that the writing style took away from my enjoyment of the book.
January 12, 2014
Gah! Need to read the sequel asap.
I accidentally skipped breakfast and lunch today while glued to my reading chair, reading Strega cover to cover. Finally a YA fiction book that has a female lead with strong relationships with other women (it seems most young adult books these days feature girls who exist only in relation to their love interest). Definitely recommend.
I accidentally skipped breakfast and lunch today while glued to my reading chair, reading Strega cover to cover. Finally a YA fiction book that has a female lead with strong relationships with other women (it seems most young adult books these days feature girls who exist only in relation to their love interest). Definitely recommend.
March 19, 2015
***I received the ebook free as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review***
You know those “feedback sandwiches” where you give a positive point followed by criticism and concluded with another positive? That’s how I’m going to be doing my review of Strega because (and it might be that fact I’m writing this so late at night) there seems to be no other way of writing it after struggling to express my opinion coherently – even a week later.
Now, the best thing about this book was the writing: hands down. Beautifully thought out yet still so effortless (much unlike this review) it captured my attention and carried me along the journey. Everything from feelings to atmosphere to setting was described well and proved an absolute joy to read. The flashbacks so intricately included also provided some much needed insight to characters backgrounds, as well as adding something interesting.
The only parts it fell flat for me were points of revelation, which I had already worked out long before, so it missed the element of surprise which after a lot of suspense, I would have wanted. All the major twists were evident to the reader from the get-go and when the main character was taking so long to get their head around it; frustration grew and led to a couple disappointments I’ll admit.
Nevertheless, Strega was an incredibly enjoyable book that opened my eyes to a whole new side of witchcraft. I can’t wait for the next instalment… particularly after that ending! I can’t believe I didn’t mention it earlier because *deep breath* that was a shock to the system. I know I already mentioned predictability so while the ending was expected, there’s one decision the main character Ray made which has me on the edge of my seat waiting for a sequel, and I can only imagine what will happen next…
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
You know those “feedback sandwiches” where you give a positive point followed by criticism and concluded with another positive? That’s how I’m going to be doing my review of Strega because (and it might be that fact I’m writing this so late at night) there seems to be no other way of writing it after struggling to express my opinion coherently – even a week later.
Now, the best thing about this book was the writing: hands down. Beautifully thought out yet still so effortless (much unlike this review) it captured my attention and carried me along the journey. Everything from feelings to atmosphere to setting was described well and proved an absolute joy to read. The flashbacks so intricately included also provided some much needed insight to characters backgrounds, as well as adding something interesting.
The only parts it fell flat for me were points of revelation, which I had already worked out long before, so it missed the element of surprise which after a lot of suspense, I would have wanted. All the major twists were evident to the reader from the get-go and when the main character was taking so long to get their head around it; frustration grew and led to a couple disappointments I’ll admit.
Nevertheless, Strega was an incredibly enjoyable book that opened my eyes to a whole new side of witchcraft. I can’t wait for the next instalment… particularly after that ending! I can’t believe I didn’t mention it earlier because *deep breath* that was a shock to the system. I know I already mentioned predictability so while the ending was expected, there’s one decision the main character Ray made which has me on the edge of my seat waiting for a sequel, and I can only imagine what will happen next…
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
June 16, 2014
Strega takes place the summer leading into Jay Bonifacio’s senior year of high school. Her story starts on a day like any other, but things get intense in a flash when she finds herself walking home, alone, in the dark. The description of that walk home had me thinking that I never want to find myself walking the streets of Newburyport alone at night. This sets the action packed tone of the book and sets things in motion that Jay never saw coming.
The author did a great job keeping the pace of the book moving along, while slowing down here and there just long enough for us to catch our breath. Those short breaks came in the form of small chapters that gave us some insight to Jay’s backstory and the events leading up to current events. I really enjoyed these little flash backs because it allowed us to learn more while not being overly written. Often I find that authors get caught up in the details of a flashback, not so with Strega. There was just enough to let us know an important event or detail in Jay’s life while getting us back to the intense action of present day. The flow worked beautifully.
Towards the end of the book I felt like things were wrapped up too quickly. Once Jay had an understanding of who she was, it was like the flood gates opened and just then the book came to a finish. I would have liked to see her start to learn more about her strength and abilities. I know that feeling is a combination of me wanting more and the author planning a few more books to finish out the series.
Want to know more about what a Strega is? Want to know what that symbol on the cover of the book stands for? I feel that all those questions were answered and more. I like where things are going and will be patiently waiting for the second book of The Strega Series.
The author did a great job keeping the pace of the book moving along, while slowing down here and there just long enough for us to catch our breath. Those short breaks came in the form of small chapters that gave us some insight to Jay’s backstory and the events leading up to current events. I really enjoyed these little flash backs because it allowed us to learn more while not being overly written. Often I find that authors get caught up in the details of a flashback, not so with Strega. There was just enough to let us know an important event or detail in Jay’s life while getting us back to the intense action of present day. The flow worked beautifully.
Towards the end of the book I felt like things were wrapped up too quickly. Once Jay had an understanding of who she was, it was like the flood gates opened and just then the book came to a finish. I would have liked to see her start to learn more about her strength and abilities. I know that feeling is a combination of me wanting more and the author planning a few more books to finish out the series.
Want to know more about what a Strega is? Want to know what that symbol on the cover of the book stands for? I feel that all those questions were answered and more. I like where things are going and will be patiently waiting for the second book of The Strega Series.
February 10, 2014
I must start saying I absolutely loved this book! It was a very pleasant surprise, from the moment I saw the cover, following the plot involving an ancient culture, the Etruscan, and elements of magic with a spark of romance. Karen Fernandes is a phenomenal writer who engage the readers in each line! I read this book withing 24hrs, unable to put it down! I found my heart beat racing with the events involving the protagonist, Jay, and ...at times,....looking over my book to make sure I was still in my couch (not in a scary way, just a very capturing feeling of emerging in the world of a book).
It was a thrill of emotion, opening to what I'm sure it will become a great series! I'm looking forwards to reading more! This is a MUST for all people who enjoy some history, elements of magic, and great writing!!
It was a thrill of emotion, opening to what I'm sure it will become a great series! I'm looking forwards to reading more! This is a MUST for all people who enjoy some history, elements of magic, and great writing!!
January 4, 2014
Really enjoyed reading this book it is well written and it really held my attention as I found it difficult to put down. I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out.
July 20, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. i literally couldn't put it down. It is greatly written and easy to read.
I can't wait for book 2.
I can't wait for book 2.
October 9, 2014
I admit to being a serial book cheat. Frequently unfaithful, I flit from book to book in search of ‘the one’.
I couldn’t put Strega down.
While the main character’s age places it firmly into the Young Adult/New Adult category, the writing itself is both complex and mature in its nature. Narrated in the first person, Strega’s magic draws the reader under its spell from the first word to the last.
Seventeen year old Jay is struggling to repair both her life and her heart following her Grandmother’s recent (and still unsolved) murder, made all the more painful by the fact that her Grams was all she had left after the loss of her parents ten years earlier.
Jay’s childhood nightmares return to plague her - always running away from an unseen, malevolent pursuer, she frequently finds herself waking up terrified and screaming.
Walking home from work one night, the deserted streets of Newburyport take on a decidedly sinister air as Jay realises that she’s being followed like she is in her dreams. It’s at this point that the Author’s flair for description and suspense really comes into its own as the story leaps from the pages.
The lines between dreaming and wakefulness begin to blur until it’s not entirely clear what’s real and what isn’t, especially when elements of said dreams inexplicably transfer from one plane to the other, manifesting without warning.
Someone, or something wants the object that followed Jay out of her dreams, and will stop at nothing to get it. As the body count begins to rise, it’s when Jay’s dreams begin to invade her waking moments that she comes to the frightening conclusion that they may not simply be the product of her imagination.
Desperate for answers, she returns to her Gram’s house to find that the truth, along with the danger she faces are both bigger than she could ever have imagined…
Strega caught my attention from the get-go. The writing is descriptive without being overwhelmingly wordy, and the author has done a fantastic job of getting inside the head of a seventeen year old who has been through more than a girl her age should have to.
Unlike many books in its genre, Strega doesn’t rely on romance to keep the reader’s interest or carry the storyline -although Jay has a boyfriend, their relationship isn’t a focal point. Her journey is one of discovery and personal growth; I always harp on about ‘Spunky Female Heroines’ (something I find to be lacking in YA works following the Twilightocalypse), but Jay has all the makings of a true SFH. I hope book two proves me right.
Karen Monahan Fernandes skillfully weaves a web of dreams, wakefulness and flashbacks to create a story full of suspense, fluid in its execution, and evenly paced throughout, along with an epilogue full of promises that Jay’s life is about to get very, very dangerous… I can’t wait to read it.
Top marks!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
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I couldn’t put Strega down.
While the main character’s age places it firmly into the Young Adult/New Adult category, the writing itself is both complex and mature in its nature. Narrated in the first person, Strega’s magic draws the reader under its spell from the first word to the last.
Seventeen year old Jay is struggling to repair both her life and her heart following her Grandmother’s recent (and still unsolved) murder, made all the more painful by the fact that her Grams was all she had left after the loss of her parents ten years earlier.
Jay’s childhood nightmares return to plague her - always running away from an unseen, malevolent pursuer, she frequently finds herself waking up terrified and screaming.
Walking home from work one night, the deserted streets of Newburyport take on a decidedly sinister air as Jay realises that she’s being followed like she is in her dreams. It’s at this point that the Author’s flair for description and suspense really comes into its own as the story leaps from the pages.
The lines between dreaming and wakefulness begin to blur until it’s not entirely clear what’s real and what isn’t, especially when elements of said dreams inexplicably transfer from one plane to the other, manifesting without warning.
Someone, or something wants the object that followed Jay out of her dreams, and will stop at nothing to get it. As the body count begins to rise, it’s when Jay’s dreams begin to invade her waking moments that she comes to the frightening conclusion that they may not simply be the product of her imagination.
Desperate for answers, she returns to her Gram’s house to find that the truth, along with the danger she faces are both bigger than she could ever have imagined…
Strega caught my attention from the get-go. The writing is descriptive without being overwhelmingly wordy, and the author has done a fantastic job of getting inside the head of a seventeen year old who has been through more than a girl her age should have to.
Unlike many books in its genre, Strega doesn’t rely on romance to keep the reader’s interest or carry the storyline -although Jay has a boyfriend, their relationship isn’t a focal point. Her journey is one of discovery and personal growth; I always harp on about ‘Spunky Female Heroines’ (something I find to be lacking in YA works following the Twilightocalypse), but Jay has all the makings of a true SFH. I hope book two proves me right.
Karen Monahan Fernandes skillfully weaves a web of dreams, wakefulness and flashbacks to create a story full of suspense, fluid in its execution, and evenly paced throughout, along with an epilogue full of promises that Jay’s life is about to get very, very dangerous… I can’t wait to read it.
Top marks!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters
web | facebook | twitter | book tours
January 21, 2016
Strega es un libro que habla de Jay, una chica de dieciséis años cuyo pasado esta lleno de muertes y que un buen día se da cuenta que todas están ligadas a un mismo tema: existen unos demonios que intentarán acabar con ella por ser descendiente de una bruja.
La verdad es que me costó muchísimo trabajo terminar de leer este libro. Está dividido en demasiados capítulos y no sucede nada demasiado interesante hasta el último cuarto del libro. Recuerdo que al principio del libro, Jay, la protagonista, se la pasa corriendo y recordando cosas y hace eso varios capítulos uno tras otro hasta casi la mitad del libro. Algo que también me molestó es que al final de cada capítulo pareciera que leías la sinopsis del libro. Puras medias frases para hacer "emocionante" el inicio del siguiente capítulo.
Los personajes me parecieron muy sueltos y sin algo que los caracterizara o los definiera de los demás. La historia tiene un buen argumento pero la manera en que se desarrolla no logra hacer que el lector se interese en seguir leyendo, no hay ni una chispa de intriga o misterio auténticos (el final a medias de cada capítulo no cuentan).
Para mí, lo único rescatable del libro y el motivo por el cual le doy dos estrellas, es por las referencias históricas y la mención del título del libro dentro de la historia. Siempre leer de brujas es muy interesante y más cuando se menciona a las brujas de Italia y sus historias.
Strega es el primer libro de una saga de la cual, tristemente, no pienso continuar. http://www.geekmarloz.com/
La verdad es que me costó muchísimo trabajo terminar de leer este libro. Está dividido en demasiados capítulos y no sucede nada demasiado interesante hasta el último cuarto del libro. Recuerdo que al principio del libro, Jay, la protagonista, se la pasa corriendo y recordando cosas y hace eso varios capítulos uno tras otro hasta casi la mitad del libro. Algo que también me molestó es que al final de cada capítulo pareciera que leías la sinopsis del libro. Puras medias frases para hacer "emocionante" el inicio del siguiente capítulo.
Los personajes me parecieron muy sueltos y sin algo que los caracterizara o los definiera de los demás. La historia tiene un buen argumento pero la manera en que se desarrolla no logra hacer que el lector se interese en seguir leyendo, no hay ni una chispa de intriga o misterio auténticos (el final a medias de cada capítulo no cuentan).
Para mí, lo único rescatable del libro y el motivo por el cual le doy dos estrellas, es por las referencias históricas y la mención del título del libro dentro de la historia. Siempre leer de brujas es muy interesante y más cuando se menciona a las brujas de Italia y sus historias.
Strega es el primer libro de una saga de la cual, tristemente, no pienso continuar. http://www.geekmarloz.com/
January 14, 2014
Enjoyed this book, recommended read... Only wish I could have seen Jay use her powers more, but the book ended with a sequel in mind.
January 20, 2014
I loved it! Very eager for book two.
April 8, 2014
Page turner. Could not stop reading!
June 19, 2014
Karen grabs you right from the first chapter and doesn't let you go. I could not put this book down and I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds.
June 7, 2015
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
Basic Plot: Jay discovers that she is the chosen one of the Strega, destined to defeat an ancient evil.
I don't even know where to start with this one, so I guess that I'll just run with whatever commes to my brain first and hope it ends up coherent. There were so many fantasy tropes in this book that I'm pretty sure cliche overrode any originality that might have been there. Girl doesn't know she's magical, things are hunting her, she discovers she is magical, inducted into magic by old women who Know All, boyfriend secretly trying to kill her, insta-love with a guy she's destined to be with, and the list goes on.
Infodump after painful infodump. It's like the author read a book an the ancient Etruscans and decided that she had to use every detail and reveal it. Of course, it was revealed by a teacher she'd never met before and who was conveniently killed by bad guys as soon as he'd done his infodumping job. Of course, this teacher was Special and had Visions. These high school teachers also were treated like college professors: the specialized in different areas of history, like ancient Etruscans? Shenanigans. They had OFFICES? SHENANIGANS. They actually had time to go research things for a random student? SHENANIGNANS!!! No bloody way.
The action also jumped around a lot. There were strange skips in the action where it was hard to figure out what happened in the gaps. This happened a LOT. The structure of the book didn't help with this, either. The book is ostensibly 263 pages long. 36 of those pages are totally blank because of the chapter formatting. A couple other pages barely have any text on them, but I'm going to ignore that for the moment. There were 73 chapters in this book, plus an epilogue. So with 227 pages that actually contained text, there were 74 sections of this book, averaging just 3 pages per chapter. 3. No wonder it seemed so ridiculously jumpy. And yes, there were in fact at least 2 "chapters" that were only a single page of text. ARGH.
The main character, Jay, acted too old for a high schooler. Say what you want about old souls and the fact that she described herself as more mature than her peers, there are still boneheaded things that teens say and do even if they ARE more mature than others their age. I'm a high school teacher, I know this from experience.
This book had some potential in it, and I'm sure there are others out there who would absolutely love it based on that, but I just got increasingly more frustrated by the book. I know it's the first of at least a planned trilogy of books. I will NOT be seeking out the others.
Basic Plot: Jay discovers that she is the chosen one of the Strega, destined to defeat an ancient evil.
I don't even know where to start with this one, so I guess that I'll just run with whatever commes to my brain first and hope it ends up coherent. There were so many fantasy tropes in this book that I'm pretty sure cliche overrode any originality that might have been there. Girl doesn't know she's magical, things are hunting her, she discovers she is magical, inducted into magic by old women who Know All, boyfriend secretly trying to kill her, insta-love with a guy she's destined to be with, and the list goes on.
Infodump after painful infodump. It's like the author read a book an the ancient Etruscans and decided that she had to use every detail and reveal it. Of course, it was revealed by a teacher she'd never met before and who was conveniently killed by bad guys as soon as he'd done his infodumping job. Of course, this teacher was Special and had Visions. These high school teachers also were treated like college professors: the specialized in different areas of history, like ancient Etruscans? Shenanigans. They had OFFICES? SHENANIGANS. They actually had time to go research things for a random student? SHENANIGNANS!!! No bloody way.
The action also jumped around a lot. There were strange skips in the action where it was hard to figure out what happened in the gaps. This happened a LOT. The structure of the book didn't help with this, either. The book is ostensibly 263 pages long. 36 of those pages are totally blank because of the chapter formatting. A couple other pages barely have any text on them, but I'm going to ignore that for the moment. There were 73 chapters in this book, plus an epilogue. So with 227 pages that actually contained text, there were 74 sections of this book, averaging just 3 pages per chapter. 3. No wonder it seemed so ridiculously jumpy. And yes, there were in fact at least 2 "chapters" that were only a single page of text. ARGH.
The main character, Jay, acted too old for a high schooler. Say what you want about old souls and the fact that she described herself as more mature than her peers, there are still boneheaded things that teens say and do even if they ARE more mature than others their age. I'm a high school teacher, I know this from experience.
This book had some potential in it, and I'm sure there are others out there who would absolutely love it based on that, but I just got increasingly more frustrated by the book. I know it's the first of at least a planned trilogy of books. I will NOT be seeking out the others.
September 5, 2014
Jay is alone. Her parents were taken from her when she was just a child, and now the only family she had left, her Gram, is gone in a violent flash. She’s taken in by her Gram’s best friends; she has only them, her boyfriend Shaun, and her best friend Rena, who is there for her every moment. As the vivid dreams that once plagued her as a child resurface and start to bleed into her real life, and a strange knife with ancient runic symbols on it mysteriously falls into her possession, Jay’s past, and true identity, are slowly revealed to her in a bloody and perilous string of encounters.
The writing and storytelling in Strega are gorgeous, though at some moments it misses the mark of a realistic teen voice. Fluid and descriptive phrasing gives the whole story a lyrical, ethereal feel and makes its imaginative spin on ancient Etruscan mythology and witchcraft come alive. Each chapter is short and tightly written. It alternates between giving the reader tidbits about Jay’s past and unfolding the increasingly terrifying events of the present, making each chapter feel like a quick burst of excitement and moving the story along at a lightning-quick pace. This format also nudges the reader on, making it easy to talk yourself into reading just one more chapter. Thanks to this, I found myself reading the book well into the night, being drawn back to devour another chapter in my every free moment.
As Jay uncovers the truth, each intense scene tingles the spine as you feel the danger creeping closer to her. She is a smart, resourceful character; sometimes she makes a foolish decision or two, but it just makes her more real. Despite a few pacing hiccups toward the end, as a huge amount of backstory comes to light, Strega is an outstanding start to a clever fantasy trilogy and one that I plan to continue reading; the story comes to a thrilling head at the end, and I definitely need to know what happens to these characters next!
The writing and storytelling in Strega are gorgeous, though at some moments it misses the mark of a realistic teen voice. Fluid and descriptive phrasing gives the whole story a lyrical, ethereal feel and makes its imaginative spin on ancient Etruscan mythology and witchcraft come alive. Each chapter is short and tightly written. It alternates between giving the reader tidbits about Jay’s past and unfolding the increasingly terrifying events of the present, making each chapter feel like a quick burst of excitement and moving the story along at a lightning-quick pace. This format also nudges the reader on, making it easy to talk yourself into reading just one more chapter. Thanks to this, I found myself reading the book well into the night, being drawn back to devour another chapter in my every free moment.
As Jay uncovers the truth, each intense scene tingles the spine as you feel the danger creeping closer to her. She is a smart, resourceful character; sometimes she makes a foolish decision or two, but it just makes her more real. Despite a few pacing hiccups toward the end, as a huge amount of backstory comes to light, Strega is an outstanding start to a clever fantasy trilogy and one that I plan to continue reading; the story comes to a thrilling head at the end, and I definitely need to know what happens to these characters next!
April 2, 2014
http://desirablereads.blogspot.com/
Review:
"You have been reborn to us. To end this war. Jay, mia cara......
You are the Triune."
Strega is beautifully written tale of a girl on a journey to find the truth behind every bizarre thing disrupting her life. Karen Fernandes has done a very good job of setting the mood. I felt like I was watching a horror movie at times, especially during the part when Jay goes into the basement when the fuse blows out. I actually started saying " Don't go into the basement, haven't you seen movies to know it never ends nicely???', that earned me worried looks from my family :P Anyways I enjoyed the part where Jay is researching her origins ( which I do not her envy) and realizes her powers of precognition, acceleration and invisibility at will (which I do envy). The author has given a good roman mythology spin to the story.The way Jay researched her family kind of reminded me of Da Vinci code and Angels and Demons. It was going really well until the author decided to add a bit of Romeo Juliet story line in to it. I did not like Vince. He was heroic, protective and all things nice but with no personality of his own. I like it when authors add funny quirky habits to the characters makes them more real, more human. The author paced the climax to fast while some parts I felt were being dragged like a dead body.
Karen's debut is actually really good but now that she has experienced writing her first book I hope the next one is bit more polished.
What do you think?
P.S: I decided not to write a synopsis for this one because I would have spoiled a lot of fun for you guys.
Review:
"You have been reborn to us. To end this war. Jay, mia cara......
You are the Triune."
Strega is beautifully written tale of a girl on a journey to find the truth behind every bizarre thing disrupting her life. Karen Fernandes has done a very good job of setting the mood. I felt like I was watching a horror movie at times, especially during the part when Jay goes into the basement when the fuse blows out. I actually started saying " Don't go into the basement, haven't you seen movies to know it never ends nicely???', that earned me worried looks from my family :P Anyways I enjoyed the part where Jay is researching her origins ( which I do not her envy) and realizes her powers of precognition, acceleration and invisibility at will (which I do envy). The author has given a good roman mythology spin to the story.The way Jay researched her family kind of reminded me of Da Vinci code and Angels and Demons. It was going really well until the author decided to add a bit of Romeo Juliet story line in to it. I did not like Vince. He was heroic, protective and all things nice but with no personality of his own. I like it when authors add funny quirky habits to the characters makes them more real, more human. The author paced the climax to fast while some parts I felt were being dragged like a dead body.
Karen's debut is actually really good but now that she has experienced writing her first book I hope the next one is bit more polished.
What do you think?
P.S: I decided not to write a synopsis for this one because I would have spoiled a lot of fun for you guys.
January 31, 2015
Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Book.
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Strega is a fantasy young adult book about a young high school girl, who uncovers ancient secrets about her family following the murder of her grandmother. She is a descendant of the Etruria, the world’s first witches.
I had a difficult time at the start trying to figure out what was going on in the book. After the slow start, the pace picked up and was becoming enjoyable. However, the book ended abruptly, leaving many things left unresolved. Yet, the book was well written and provided good descriptions of the events.
This was the first book for Karen Monahan Fernandes, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in English. Her previous writing experience includes working as a newspaper journalist, and as a publishing editor.
Strega is a book that immerses the reader into a fantasy world of witches, demons, and other things that go bump in the dark.
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Strega is a fantasy young adult book about a young high school girl, who uncovers ancient secrets about her family following the murder of her grandmother. She is a descendant of the Etruria, the world’s first witches.
I had a difficult time at the start trying to figure out what was going on in the book. After the slow start, the pace picked up and was becoming enjoyable. However, the book ended abruptly, leaving many things left unresolved. Yet, the book was well written and provided good descriptions of the events.
This was the first book for Karen Monahan Fernandes, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in English. Her previous writing experience includes working as a newspaper journalist, and as a publishing editor.
Strega is a book that immerses the reader into a fantasy world of witches, demons, and other things that go bump in the dark.
March 13, 2014
Strega by Karen Monahan Fernandes is one of those books I picked up to read and could not set it down until I was done. The story is about Jay who at the beginning of the book did not know she was a Strega until her grandmother was killed. The story is about basically of one of discovering who she is and good against evil. There is a bit of love story in there too. Throw some deceit, lies, undercoverness, and true love to help complete the picture. The story takes place in New England but does it? There is a paralleled universe or alternative universe setting too. Without giving too much away, this book was "spell binding". It is a the first book of 3 in the Strega series. Strega is sort of witch from the Etruscan (an Italian witch). Jay finds her origins, how powerful she is and who she Really is. Without telling too much after Jay "find" the dagger the ball starts rolling so to speak. At the end of story, the book is set up for the second book in this series.
January 5, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book, however the writing style is a bit rough (clearly the author's first novel). The beginning of the book is a little slow, but the pace picks up. I am looking forward to reading the second novel.
This first book in the Strega series is chock full of character development, if you are into that (which I am). Although the main character makes some iffy decisions (probably based on her exhaustion since she goes a very long time without sleep), I enjoyed getting to know her and to follow her narrative. The story and back story are obviously well thought out, and the author wraps up just enough of the mystery to not disappoint while leaving enough to keep you coming back for the next book.
I received this book as a First Reads gift. Thank you, I enjoyed it!
This first book in the Strega series is chock full of character development, if you are into that (which I am). Although the main character makes some iffy decisions (probably based on her exhaustion since she goes a very long time without sleep), I enjoyed getting to know her and to follow her narrative. The story and back story are obviously well thought out, and the author wraps up just enough of the mystery to not disappoint while leaving enough to keep you coming back for the next book.
I received this book as a First Reads gift. Thank you, I enjoyed it!
July 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book thru a Goodreads giveaway. Overall I thought this was a great book. Good story line with lots of potential. And of course like most good stories this one just really starts to get interesting when all of a sudden it just ends leaving you wishing the sequel was out already. My only complaint is that it seems a little unorganized as far as the flow of the story went. And I really didn't like not knowing her name for the first few pages and then not knowing her full name until what seemed like forever into the story. That might just be me but I like to know the main character's name more in the beginning of the book. Overall though this was thoroughly enjoyable to read.
October 25, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm not sure if I want to give this book 2,5 or 3 stars. I'm a fan of novels concernig history and/or witches, so I really liked the concept. The writing style needed some work, the tone was clipped and dry in many parts. The heroine had problems sorting out her feelings and she was very annoying at times. There were many flashbacks that made it hard to keep up with the story. I think that the most intriguing character was Vince and I'm looking forward to learning more about him.
All in all, the plot is very promising and I hope that the next book will meet my expectations.
I'm not sure if I want to give this book 2,5 or 3 stars. I'm a fan of novels concernig history and/or witches, so I really liked the concept. The writing style needed some work, the tone was clipped and dry in many parts. The heroine had problems sorting out her feelings and she was very annoying at times. There were many flashbacks that made it hard to keep up with the story. I think that the most intriguing character was Vince and I'm looking forward to learning more about him.
All in all, the plot is very promising and I hope that the next book will meet my expectations.
August 17, 2016
I found this book a bit hard going at first and maybe a little long winded to get to the point. It was however a very good story premise and I liked a lot of the characters however Vince was a little annoying to me and I did not really understand why. This is a very interesting book with history and magical lore woven in and plotted out well. I would recommend reading it and I you are struggling like I did t first just persevere. I did and I did enjoy it.
December 29, 2014
I received this book as a give-away on Goodreads A good, quick read. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not as it started out as a bit more of a mystery book. However, by the end it was much more of the YA fantasy story I was expecting, but it ended very quickly. It was a quick read, and a good story. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy YA. I will likely pick up book 2 when it comes out.
February 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Strega is the beginning of Jay's story. Her parents have been murdered, her grandmother has been murdered and now strange and terrible things are happening all around her. I honestly thought this book was a dystopian but I was wrong. It started off a bit slow but picked up quickly. I ended up really enjoying this book. I will definitely continue reading the series when the remaining books are out. 4 stars.
March 2, 2015
It took me awhile to get into this book. I'm a get right to the action kind of guy and the exposition in the beginning seemed excessive to me. Then I finally got into the heart of the matter. I was finally sucked into this world of witches and mayhem. I really felt like Jay was in danger and the demons were real.
Fernandes is an awesome storyteller. I love this book!!
Fernandes is an awesome storyteller. I love this book!!
January 20, 2015
Thanks to goodreads for sending me this book. I enjoyed the plot, thought Jay was a bit too dim-witted at times though. The writing style is still in jr. high, that definitely needs to be improved in the second book. Terrific cover.
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