Tricks

The Conventicle #2

by Scott Rhine

Every time Isa tries to do the right thing, it ends up costing her, whether it’s saving animals or keeping the peace between witch factions in the run-up to the Council elections. The summoners are breaking all the rules on Halloween night, while the White Alliance is steam-rolling people’s rights. Even though Isa has lost her magic, someone has to protect the innocent. But first, she has to shake the six-foot invisible rabbit who’s stalking her.

Audible Audio

Published February 27, 2024

About the author

Scott Rhine wanted to find a job that combined his love of reading with math problem solving, so he studied both short stories and computer languages. As a techno-gypsy, he worked on optimizing some of the fastest and largest supercomputers in the world. A couple of degrees, patents, and children later, at forty-eight, he still didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up. When his third publication "Doors to Eternity" unexpectedly hit #16 on the Amazon epic fantasy list, he decided to retire from engineering in order to become a full-time author. Humor is a part of every story he writes because people are funny, even when they don't think so. In the real world, something always goes wrong and people have flaws. If you can't laugh at yourself, someone is probably doing it for you. Strong female characters also play a major role in his stories because he's married to a beautiful PhD who can edit, break boards, and use a chainsaw.

Leave comments on his wall at http://www.facebook.com/ScottRhineBooks

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isa Morris is not a typical witch; instead of possessing a Book and powers like the other girls at Colony Prep, she has an entirely different set of skills. With strong intuition and a dangerous propensity for others to reveal their deepest secrets in her company, Isa must be carefully protected by her friends and family. About one month ago, a tragedy set off a series of events that placed Isa at their center. A group of angry non-Sensitives is attempting to sabotage the efforts of witches everywhere, and Isa must use her abilities and newfound leadership potential to restore peace.

This second novel in the Conventicle series begins shortly after the first book ends, easily reintroducing readers to the primary characters in the book. Using references to post experiences, readers are reminded of events that led to the current plot without preventing this new story from advancing. Though Isa is only fifteen years old, she undertakes many challenges that adults around her would not consider as she fulfills the obligations her skills have granted her.

Like the first novel, this story unites characters from many different backgrounds around a common goal. Religion and magic are interconnected, blending the two in an atypical and compelling way. Because of her innate abilities, Isa is quick to trust everyone, looking for ways to ease suffering and bring peace to those around her. However, this is not always a smart approach as honesty is not a trait possessed by all.

This story, though well-written, lacks some of the direction that is found in the first book. Isa’s transition to a new role is occasionally awkwardly juxtaposed against her life as a fifteen-year old girl, especially as she is wise beyond her years in some regards. Overall, however, this is an interesting continuation of the first book in the series, and young adult readers who enjoyed Tells will appreciate learning more about Isa as she grows and matures.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Ramona Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricks is the perfect second book in this series written by Scott Rhine. I came across this author and really got hooked on the first book. It was so refreshingly unique so when the second book came out I knew I had to read this one as well. Tricks was just as fantastic as Tells was and I loved every second of it. I found it was over way too soon. The author came up with yet another unique plot that follows a beautiful pace that reads just so nicely. There is always something happening and the pace of it, is just plain perfect. There are a few nice twists that add beautifully to the story. There are some that I didn't see coming and were just so well placed in this story.

Isa is an incredible character who I wish was real. For one her special powers are just so unique and different from anything I have ever read. She is just such an interesting character and so "good" that you can't help but like her. Isa makes some seriously difficult decisions along the way, many times over and yet her true friends stick by her side through thick and thin. Sadly she doesn't win all her battles and that makes her an even more well rounded character.

She has an incredible friend in Luca and she is lucky to have her. Just following the adventures of these two brightens up my day. This is definitely one of those books that is difficult to put down and I read this pretty much in one sitting.

I love this series and can't wait for the next one to come out. This is an incredible book that did not fall short after a fantastic series opener and I am certain the author will follow with yet more to come!

[Carol Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good sequel

I hope this is not Isa’s last book. I look forward to seeing her grow up into a wonderful and beautiful woman.