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Norma Jean's School of Witchery #1
Norma Jean's School of Witchery: Book One: Jewel
Jewel has a problem. She's in a witch school and can't get the most basic spells to work. Her true magical talents must remain hidden. That might be hard to do with a killer on the loose. Murder, mayhem, and magic with a little romance along the way.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
26 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Rose Montague
9 books377 followersMy Goal: To have fun writing fun books to read.
My Writing Style: Not much pretty prose or flowery fluffiness, pretty much non-stop action and fun.
My Dream: To be able to write full time.
Reading Order: The chronological order is Jade, Jane, & Jill followed by the Norma Jean’s School of Witchery series, Jewel and Ghost School. Jill bridges the gap between the Three J’Amigos and Norma Jean’s School of Witchery. The way I have written these books you can however, start with Jewel & Ghost School and then read the Three J’amigos series to get the back story on Jewel’s adoptive parents, Jade & Jane as well as her Godmother, Jill.
Urban Fantasy/YA featuring strong heroines, non-stop action, over-the-top humor and FUN ♥
My Writing Style: Not much pretty prose or flowery fluffiness, pretty much non-stop action and fun.
My Dream: To be able to write full time.
Reading Order: The chronological order is Jade, Jane, & Jill followed by the Norma Jean’s School of Witchery series, Jewel and Ghost School. Jill bridges the gap between the Three J’Amigos and Norma Jean’s School of Witchery. The way I have written these books you can however, start with Jewel & Ghost School and then read the Three J’amigos series to get the back story on Jewel’s adoptive parents, Jade & Jane as well as her Godmother, Jill.
Urban Fantasy/YA featuring strong heroines, non-stop action, over-the-top humor and FUN ♥
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 28, 2016
After losing her parents, and a summer spent training with a witch, a vampire and a shifter; Jewel is about to start a new school, to learn more about her magic and witchcraft. How far can she trust her new friends with her secrets? What secrets will she discover?
I've been wanting to read this for ages, and with it being the Indie Book Club's book of the month. I mean, that cover is pretty fantastic; plus it's about witches.
I really enjoyed this. It follows Jewel as she gets used to life at a new school. After spending her time with her foster family (who all happen to be awesome and powerful), Jewel she gets to discover her strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the rest of the witch high school community.
Jewel was a fun main character. She is very self-sufficient and capable no matter what is going on; but she is also friendly and loyal to those around her. I found it refreshing that she is popular in her new school, that she attends and brings these groups of people together that hadn't been that close before, and they all get on fantastically. She's a magnet for those around her, regardless of what clique they should be in.
Jewel is amazing at martial arts and doesn't waste her time boasting or being overly-humble. She gets on with her training and enjoys learning everything she can.
Her friends are all interesting, and a love interest in Elgon, who is supposed to be a Chris Hemsworth look-a-like (I approve).
If I'm being picky, I sometimes felt like the friends and background characters were all interminable, and it was hard to recall which name belonged to which person.
The plot rolls out, with the first half establishing the school and dynamics in a fun way. In the latter half, this naturally builds to an explosive fight to protect their friends and their own lives against some rather shady people that will go to drastic lengths to get what they want. It was very creative and had plenty of action.
There aren't any great surprises in this story, you know how it's going to play out fairly early on, but it was enjoyable to read all the same.
((This has no bearing on my rating of the story)) I bought my copy from Amazon at the beginning of April, and I found it had a lot of formatting errors regarding paragraphs and speechmarks. Too often different character's speech would follow on with no spacing to show it was someone new. A lot of speechmarks were missing, so you didn't realise this was dialogue and have to go re-read it when you get to the end of the section. These are simple problems that shouldn't take long to rectify.
So, overall I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be looking into this series, and the Three J'Amigos!
I've been wanting to read this for ages, and with it being the Indie Book Club's book of the month. I mean, that cover is pretty fantastic; plus it's about witches.
I really enjoyed this. It follows Jewel as she gets used to life at a new school. After spending her time with her foster family (who all happen to be awesome and powerful), Jewel she gets to discover her strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the rest of the witch high school community.
Jewel was a fun main character. She is very self-sufficient and capable no matter what is going on; but she is also friendly and loyal to those around her. I found it refreshing that she is popular in her new school, that she attends and brings these groups of people together that hadn't been that close before, and they all get on fantastically. She's a magnet for those around her, regardless of what clique they should be in.
Jewel is amazing at martial arts and doesn't waste her time boasting or being overly-humble. She gets on with her training and enjoys learning everything she can.
Her friends are all interesting, and a love interest in Elgon, who is supposed to be a Chris Hemsworth look-a-like (I approve).
If I'm being picky, I sometimes felt like the friends and background characters were all interminable, and it was hard to recall which name belonged to which person.
The plot rolls out, with the first half establishing the school and dynamics in a fun way. In the latter half, this naturally builds to an explosive fight to protect their friends and their own lives against some rather shady people that will go to drastic lengths to get what they want. It was very creative and had plenty of action.
There aren't any great surprises in this story, you know how it's going to play out fairly early on, but it was enjoyable to read all the same.
((This has no bearing on my rating of the story)) I bought my copy from Amazon at the beginning of April, and I found it had a lot of formatting errors regarding paragraphs and speechmarks. Too often different character's speech would follow on with no spacing to show it was someone new. A lot of speechmarks were missing, so you didn't realise this was dialogue and have to go re-read it when you get to the end of the section. These are simple problems that shouldn't take long to rectify.
So, overall I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be looking into this series, and the Three J'Amigos!
June 6, 2016
This was amazing! This is one of those books that keeps you up all night. It is almost 6 am. I could not put the book down.
Rose takes you to a world of magic, and action. You won't want to put this one down. This book is easily a 5 star book. You won't be disappointed.
I loved this book completely through. I found the characters very easy to connect with, and at the same time felt like I was in their shoes. The characters also made me feel like I had a best friend. It is not often that I can find a book that I can actually come to the point of sadness of feeling like I am loosing a friend just by putting the book down. Hence the reason I could not put the book down.
That being said I would recommend this book to ages 15 and up, and to anyone looking for an action packed no nonsense amazing paranormal read.
Rose takes you to a world of magic, and action. You won't want to put this one down. This book is easily a 5 star book. You won't be disappointed.
I loved this book completely through. I found the characters very easy to connect with, and at the same time felt like I was in their shoes. The characters also made me feel like I had a best friend. It is not often that I can find a book that I can actually come to the point of sadness of feeling like I am loosing a friend just by putting the book down. Hence the reason I could not put the book down.
That being said I would recommend this book to ages 15 and up, and to anyone looking for an action packed no nonsense amazing paranormal read.
June 15, 2017
I'm sorry to say this didn't work for me. I hate reviewing books I didn't enjoy, so I'll keep this brief and, hopefully, helpful.
This book had so much potential and the idea behind it was great, but unfortunately the execution didn't work for me. What this book needed was an editor to help with the missing punctuation, run-on sentences, and lacking character development. By the end of the book Jewel was the same person she was at the beginning, and the way she punished her boyfriend passive-aggressively for the smallest things made her difficult to like.
I had an issue with the stereotypes, too. The cheerleaders are portrayed as dumb, superficial, and jealous monsters, Jewel kisses a guy once and decides he's the love of her life, and all her friends are perfect without flaws. There's more to people, you know?
Jewel herself was hard to relate to. She's super talented at everything, has the perfect parents - biological and adoptive -, is good at everything (and the one thing she's not immediately good at doesn't hinder her in any way), and instantly finds wonderful friends on her first day in a new school - even the popular guy likes her right away!
What this book had was great potential. What it needed was an editor to help develop the plot and the characters, and fix the grammar and punctuation.
This book had so much potential and the idea behind it was great, but unfortunately the execution didn't work for me. What this book needed was an editor to help with the missing punctuation, run-on sentences, and lacking character development. By the end of the book Jewel was the same person she was at the beginning, and the way she punished her boyfriend passive-aggressively for the smallest things made her difficult to like.
I had an issue with the stereotypes, too. The cheerleaders are portrayed as dumb, superficial, and jealous monsters, Jewel kisses a guy once and decides he's the love of her life, and all her friends are perfect without flaws. There's more to people, you know?
Jewel herself was hard to relate to. She's super talented at everything, has the perfect parents - biological and adoptive -, is good at everything (and the one thing she's not immediately good at doesn't hinder her in any way), and instantly finds wonderful friends on her first day in a new school - even the popular guy likes her right away!
What this book had was great potential. What it needed was an editor to help develop the plot and the characters, and fix the grammar and punctuation.
October 3, 2015
Jewel's training, worked hard by her guardians to ensure that she is able to protect herself. That the trainers are Vampires, possessed with great strength and blinding speed, should terrify her but Jewel is no shrinking flower.
Jewel is a witch.
It is her magic or more appropriately one of her gifts that allow her to stand tall against their attacks. Jewel should be at magic school but a recent tragedy changed her plans, plans that included a certain young man in her life at the time but as happens, all best laid plans can scatter in the blink of the eye and Jewel finds that school will have to wait, the young man decided that he couldn’t and ending thing in a very twenty-first century way much to her disgust.
Time and training has made her ready to start her education. A new school has been found. A school for Magic and with a student population of the rich and famous, security is a primary focus. The very reason the school was picked.
Jewel's been warned about her gift. A gift best not shared. That shouldn't be an issue as she can barely manage even the most basic of spells.
Of course that was before a killer emerges. Magically manipulated weapons, exploding sprinklers, melting tables, deadly car wrecks, hellspawn dogs, and giant killer spiders from hell are just a few of the things that await Jewel as she starts her magical education.
Norma Jean's school of Witchery makes Hogwarts seem like a play school.
Jewel is a witch.
It is her magic or more appropriately one of her gifts that allow her to stand tall against their attacks. Jewel should be at magic school but a recent tragedy changed her plans, plans that included a certain young man in her life at the time but as happens, all best laid plans can scatter in the blink of the eye and Jewel finds that school will have to wait, the young man decided that he couldn’t and ending thing in a very twenty-first century way much to her disgust.
Time and training has made her ready to start her education. A new school has been found. A school for Magic and with a student population of the rich and famous, security is a primary focus. The very reason the school was picked.
Jewel's been warned about her gift. A gift best not shared. That shouldn't be an issue as she can barely manage even the most basic of spells.
Of course that was before a killer emerges. Magically manipulated weapons, exploding sprinklers, melting tables, deadly car wrecks, hellspawn dogs, and giant killer spiders from hell are just a few of the things that await Jewel as she starts her magical education.
Norma Jean's school of Witchery makes Hogwarts seem like a play school.
November 2, 2015
A suspenseful, action packed tale!
This book follows the young witch Jewel and her exciting adventures as she enters a new school, makes new friends, and deals with assassination attempts, a budding romance, and loss. Finding out you have rare witch powers is hard enough but having to learn to utilize them to save your friend's lives is a hell of a way to spend your school year!
Fast paced and fun, this book was a great YA read I would recommend to any lover of fantasy.
Having read this wonderful book, I now have to read Jade, Jane and the next installment of this series!
This book follows the young witch Jewel and her exciting adventures as she enters a new school, makes new friends, and deals with assassination attempts, a budding romance, and loss. Finding out you have rare witch powers is hard enough but having to learn to utilize them to save your friend's lives is a hell of a way to spend your school year!
Fast paced and fun, this book was a great YA read I would recommend to any lover of fantasy.
Having read this wonderful book, I now have to read Jade, Jane and the next installment of this series!
January 28, 2016
The title and the cover complement this book very well. This is a fantastic start to the series with Jewel attending her new school of witchcraft, whilst getting an understanding of her own very unique magic. This is indeed a treat for fantasy loving young adults complete with great characters, magic, action, romance, bravery and shocks. This engrossing first novel in the series leaves the reader desperate to find out what comes next for all at the Norma Jeans School Of Witchery .
April 28, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It encompassed the fantastical with the real world. While The School of Witchery reminded me of Hogwarts it remained original and the world was well built in my opinion.
Fast paced and never dull I would recommend this book to Teens, young and older adults. The rest of Rose's books that relate to this one are surely going into my to be read list.
Well written Rose Montague.
Fast paced and never dull I would recommend this book to Teens, young and older adults. The rest of Rose's books that relate to this one are surely going into my to be read list.
Well written Rose Montague.
June 30, 2019
Rating 3.0 stars
This is definitely a YA story geared for teen girls. It wasn't really bad but I was absolutely not the target audience for this book. The world building was kind of crap. There are werewolves, vampires, shifters, fairies and of course witches in this story but there isn't really an explanation of how they fit into this world. After I finished this book I found out that the author had a different series with one of the characters in this book, so maybe all that world building stuff was explained in that book and the author didn't want to go over it again? I just don't know. The story was very simple and it touched on a lot of clichés and stereotypes without getting to involved.
The main character is Jewel and she is about to go off to witch school. Her parents died in a car accident not too long ago and she is now being raised by a vampire and her witch lover. The names were pretty hard to keep straight since they were all similar. Jade was the vampire, Jane was the witch, her name was Jewel, and oh... don't forget about her godmother, the winter queen of the fairy whose name was Jill. That is way to many "J" names to keep track of. Her foster parents have been teaching her how to fight for the last 4 months but it was never really explained why they thought she needed it. She had a unique gift of precognition of a few seconds into the future, though her other magic was thought to be kind of weak. She arrives at school and is roommates with a VIP daughter who has secret service protection. Witches are usually women but there are some male students so all the male students were highly sought after by the female students. This is were the clichés started. Jewel immediately hated the group she dubbed the "cheerleader squad". There was a joke that you could tell the clicks of each group by the size of their bra size with the largest breasted girls always being around the guys. The cheerleader girls never did anything to Jewel but it seemed the author felt it was okay for Jewel to dislike cheerleader types? I guess cheerleaders were not part of the authors target demographics either? This stuff might be obvious for a teenage girl, but since I am neither a teenager nor a girl, I was looking for more of a practical reason. This happened a couple of times where I think a teenage girl might think what she said or did was okay and I think it was kind of wrong.
While Jewel is in school she finds out she has a lot more magic than she thought but it is the type of magic that can be dangerous. Even though she is in school, she makes her friends keep her secret and doesn't tell any of her teachers (the ones that could actually help her control it). The reason she gave was very poor. Jewel ended up completely OP character but also was sort of a brat (she rubbed her new boyfriend in her old boyfriends face to be petty.) Jewel helps to protect her roommate from danger throughout the story. The bad guys were completely obvious and their plans were stupid (especially if they expected to get away without getting caught). . Another thing that I thought was annoying was that the author introduced characters or ideas and then didn't explain them until much later. She introduced a female character (I think her name was Louise) and talked about how they had to arrange to get her onto the bus and secured. She was written into the story like she had already been introduced but it wasn't until a couple of chapters later that we get the story that she was in a wheelchair and was in her other class and the rest of the back story. This also happened with the school. Jewel went to high school and now she is in witch school. Since she already went to high school, I was thinking the whole time she was 18. Nope turns out Witch school starts at 16. Of course that wasn't explained until almost hallway through the book.
Overall, not a bad story but again way to simplistic for me.
This is definitely a YA story geared for teen girls. It wasn't really bad but I was absolutely not the target audience for this book. The world building was kind of crap. There are werewolves, vampires, shifters, fairies and of course witches in this story but there isn't really an explanation of how they fit into this world. After I finished this book I found out that the author had a different series with one of the characters in this book, so maybe all that world building stuff was explained in that book and the author didn't want to go over it again? I just don't know. The story was very simple and it touched on a lot of clichés and stereotypes without getting to involved.
The main character is Jewel and she is about to go off to witch school. Her parents died in a car accident not too long ago and she is now being raised by a vampire and her witch lover. The names were pretty hard to keep straight since they were all similar. Jade was the vampire, Jane was the witch, her name was Jewel, and oh... don't forget about her godmother, the winter queen of the fairy whose name was Jill. That is way to many "J" names to keep track of. Her foster parents have been teaching her how to fight for the last 4 months but it was never really explained why they thought she needed it. She had a unique gift of precognition of a few seconds into the future, though her other magic was thought to be kind of weak. She arrives at school and is roommates with a VIP daughter who has secret service protection. Witches are usually women but there are some male students so all the male students were highly sought after by the female students. This is were the clichés started. Jewel immediately hated the group she dubbed the "cheerleader squad". There was a joke that you could tell the clicks of each group by the size of their bra size with the largest breasted girls always being around the guys. The cheerleader girls never did anything to Jewel but it seemed the author felt it was okay for Jewel to dislike cheerleader types? I guess cheerleaders were not part of the authors target demographics either? This stuff might be obvious for a teenage girl, but since I am neither a teenager nor a girl, I was looking for more of a practical reason. This happened a couple of times where I think a teenage girl might think what she said or did was okay and I think it was kind of wrong.
While Jewel is in school she finds out she has a lot more magic than she thought but it is the type of magic that can be dangerous. Even though she is in school, she makes her friends keep her secret and doesn't tell any of her teachers (the ones that could actually help her control it). The reason she gave was very poor. Jewel ended up completely OP character but also was sort of a brat (she rubbed her new boyfriend in her old boyfriends face to be petty.) Jewel helps to protect her roommate from danger throughout the story. The bad guys were completely obvious and their plans were stupid (especially if they expected to get away without getting caught). . Another thing that I thought was annoying was that the author introduced characters or ideas and then didn't explain them until much later. She introduced a female character (I think her name was Louise) and talked about how they had to arrange to get her onto the bus and secured. She was written into the story like she had already been introduced but it wasn't until a couple of chapters later that we get the story that she was in a wheelchair and was in her other class and the rest of the back story. This also happened with the school. Jewel went to high school and now she is in witch school. Since she already went to high school, I was thinking the whole time she was 18. Nope turns out Witch school starts at 16. Of course that wasn't explained until almost hallway through the book.
Overall, not a bad story but again way to simplistic for me.
April 3, 2017
Great Witch story
Jewel in enrolled in a new school where she doesn't know a soul. Norma Jean's the legacy of a famous American starlet who died too young. Anything related to the training of witches is taught at the facility. Jewel shares a room with the daughter of an up and coming politician. While he is busy on the campaign trail, Jewel thwarts an assassination attempt on her roommate even though she has two bodyguards.
Jewel soon makes friends with a few classmates while trying to hide her full potential and her more unique gift of seeing actions before they occur. It has been many years since I have read a witch story but this one was filled with mystery and has plenty of action. Highly recommended.
Jewel in enrolled in a new school where she doesn't know a soul. Norma Jean's the legacy of a famous American starlet who died too young. Anything related to the training of witches is taught at the facility. Jewel shares a room with the daughter of an up and coming politician. While he is busy on the campaign trail, Jewel thwarts an assassination attempt on her roommate even though she has two bodyguards.
Jewel soon makes friends with a few classmates while trying to hide her full potential and her more unique gift of seeing actions before they occur. It has been many years since I have read a witch story but this one was filled with mystery and has plenty of action. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2019
Great read
I loved this book. It was a refreshing read with no excessive teenager drama. I am now onto the second book of the series.
I loved this book. It was a refreshing read with no excessive teenager drama. I am now onto the second book of the series.
April 30, 2017
I loved this book more than words can say. Jewel is a spirited and fiery young woman, who only learns of the true power she holds when it has already done its damage. Her passion and determination make her a female protagonist worth reading about.
Next, we turn to the other characters. What can I say? All were sincere, humorous, and felt easy to relate to. They each had their quirks that made them even more endearing. My favourite reference is the Thor joke that gets passed around the school.
I may be new to this author but her style is easy to follow and has a fascinating plot line. I can't wait to read more of her books and hope she continues writing until the end of time.
A real page turner. Rated 5 stars.
Next, we turn to the other characters. What can I say? All were sincere, humorous, and felt easy to relate to. They each had their quirks that made them even more endearing. My favourite reference is the Thor joke that gets passed around the school.
I may be new to this author but her style is easy to follow and has a fascinating plot line. I can't wait to read more of her books and hope she continues writing until the end of time.
A real page turner. Rated 5 stars.
December 24, 2017
Rose Montague is back on full form with the beginning of this new series of YA stories. We have cameos from characters from the Three J'amigos series, which fans will recognise with glee, but I don't think you need to have read the previous series to get stuck into this one. The skill this writer has is to draw you in from the beginning and weave action into even the most mundane encounter. I read this in two sittings, because I just didn't want to put it down, it was so packed full of action, adventure and excitement. Of course, this is set in a school, with school children, so we have to suffer a bit of teenage angst along the way to help appeal to the YA readership, but honestly I felt it was handled well, and didn't detract from the story or irritate me too much! (I am a grumpy old badger). I feel it would have benefited from a final edit, to catch some typos and sort out some formatting errors, but honestly, the story was so good I forgave most of it.
March 26, 2016
I've read a few witch type stories and I admit this has to be one of my favourites. We totally feel like our MC and get inside her head as her journey unfolds.
The necklace with charms is a gift from her god mother, which I had no doubts would be a piece of equipment that would do some real good through the novel, and it did.
What I expected and got were two different things, Jewell feels a bit lost at the school at first, but she soon meets some other interesting students and fast makes some friends, Wyatt and Riley. However she's still very guarded over her abilities and that comes off as a little weird at first, but then reasons to the why do unfold in a really natural way, we learn more and more about her and the whys. Being late to the school because of her parents, still pretty much a grieving young woman, but not a snotty or bratty teen like I've read in most other books. Jewell is literally a gem amongst other kids, she was deep and giving.
Some of her classes are interesting, especially the self defence. Both written extremely well and with a light sense of humour, you can seriously get into these characters just from how well they're developed. All of them are interesting and whole. Really enjoyed the banter and the fight, even if it got her in trouble.
Despite the trouble and not wanting to out her abilities she does a pretty good job of letting everything slip. Each chapter is a great follow on, leading Jewell on a fab adventure. I won't post anymore spoilers, but to say it's a wild ride and a book you just won't want to put down.
I am very interested in seeing what happens with Jewell and her friends in the next book. You've got a fan. Thank you very much.
I have to admit, I kinda struggled with all the J's Jade, Jane and Jewell, Jess fab names but I think there was some room for differences, unless of course there was a totally specific reason for it that I missed, I'm kinda goofy like that. I was thinking that Jade and Jane were sisters looking after Jewell then sending her off to the school.
The necklace with charms is a gift from her god mother, which I had no doubts would be a piece of equipment that would do some real good through the novel, and it did.
What I expected and got were two different things, Jewell feels a bit lost at the school at first, but she soon meets some other interesting students and fast makes some friends, Wyatt and Riley. However she's still very guarded over her abilities and that comes off as a little weird at first, but then reasons to the why do unfold in a really natural way, we learn more and more about her and the whys. Being late to the school because of her parents, still pretty much a grieving young woman, but not a snotty or bratty teen like I've read in most other books. Jewell is literally a gem amongst other kids, she was deep and giving.
Some of her classes are interesting, especially the self defence. Both written extremely well and with a light sense of humour, you can seriously get into these characters just from how well they're developed. All of them are interesting and whole. Really enjoyed the banter and the fight, even if it got her in trouble.
Despite the trouble and not wanting to out her abilities she does a pretty good job of letting everything slip. Each chapter is a great follow on, leading Jewell on a fab adventure. I won't post anymore spoilers, but to say it's a wild ride and a book you just won't want to put down.
I am very interested in seeing what happens with Jewell and her friends in the next book. You've got a fan. Thank you very much.
I have to admit, I kinda struggled with all the J's Jade, Jane and Jewell, Jess fab names but I think there was some room for differences, unless of course there was a totally specific reason for it that I missed, I'm kinda goofy like that. I was thinking that Jade and Jane were sisters looking after Jewell then sending her off to the school.
April 1, 2018
I got the first book during the author's Christmas event. I enjoyed it and loved the characters. So, I got the second book and loved it even more than the first. The books are well-written, with great character development. They're fast-paced and action packed. Highly recommend!
December 26, 2016
My first time reading a book from Rose and I loved the story from the beginning. I didn't realize that I had to read Jane, Jade, and Jill before this one. I loved the way the story flowed, and the characters were real to me. I could feel their emotions, imagine what they were wearing and how they looked. I have recently purchased the other titles mentioned and look forward to getting lost in Roses stories once more. I eagerly await the next in the series of Jewels story.
March 9, 2016
Loved this
Good fun read. Loved reading this book, was entertaining and fun. Jewel has to learn how to use her unusual powers while keeping them a secret due to the nature of her abilities. She has to figure things out as one of her friends has a murderer stalking her. No huge surprises but it's quick witted and fun.
Good fun read. Loved reading this book, was entertaining and fun. Jewel has to learn how to use her unusual powers while keeping them a secret due to the nature of her abilities. She has to figure things out as one of her friends has a murderer stalking her. No huge surprises but it's quick witted and fun.
January 18, 2016
Rose Motague has begun this series in style with Jewel as a gifted and very likeable character and family and friends to die for!
This 'School of Witchery' series is an exciting, action-packed must read. I would highly recommend for paranormal romance and fantasy lovers of all ages.
This 'School of Witchery' series is an exciting, action-packed must read. I would highly recommend for paranormal romance and fantasy lovers of all ages.
February 19, 2016
Hard to put down
Love the storyline. Magic, mystery, and romance. I was pulled from one page to the next just to see what happens next. Hard to put down.
Love the storyline. Magic, mystery, and romance. I was pulled from one page to the next just to see what happens next. Hard to put down.
September 9, 2018
Jewel is about to start a new school and she has the usual worries. Fitting in, making up the time she’s missed, getting over being dumped by her boyfriend. And she’s worried because her adoptive guardians are concerned that she still hasn’t discovered her main magical abilities yet.
Written in the first person, Jewel is an easy and enjoyable read although it does have one or two darker edges which might put it at the older end of the YA audience. Jewel herself is easy to relate to since we can all understand some of the things she goes through early on; making friends, failing in class, gaining attention. These earlier sections do go at a slower pace but they never drag. As she begins to learn what her powers are and as a plot against one of her classmates becomes increasingly dangerous, the pace picks up considerably, culminating in an all-out attack on Jewel and her friends.
The Norma Jean (yes, that Norma Jean) School of Witchery is a young adult off-shot of some of Ms. Montague’s other work. I will admit I have not read any of those other books as of yet and since some of the characters do overlap (Jewel’s guardians are the main characters of the Three J’Amigo’s series) I did feel like I was missing a little bit of back story during the first chapter. But for the most part, this faded as the narrative focuses on Jewel and her new school.
There is enough given about the history and some of the supporting characters to hint about the larger world beyond the school but it doesn’t feel forced and or excessive. There is a sequel available although, this book is perfectly capable of standing on its own. I would say it also serves as a gateway into the larger, more adult, series. I know it has for me, since I'm already eyeing the author's other books.
Written in the first person, Jewel is an easy and enjoyable read although it does have one or two darker edges which might put it at the older end of the YA audience. Jewel herself is easy to relate to since we can all understand some of the things she goes through early on; making friends, failing in class, gaining attention. These earlier sections do go at a slower pace but they never drag. As she begins to learn what her powers are and as a plot against one of her classmates becomes increasingly dangerous, the pace picks up considerably, culminating in an all-out attack on Jewel and her friends.
The Norma Jean (yes, that Norma Jean) School of Witchery is a young adult off-shot of some of Ms. Montague’s other work. I will admit I have not read any of those other books as of yet and since some of the characters do overlap (Jewel’s guardians are the main characters of the Three J’Amigo’s series) I did feel like I was missing a little bit of back story during the first chapter. But for the most part, this faded as the narrative focuses on Jewel and her new school.
There is enough given about the history and some of the supporting characters to hint about the larger world beyond the school but it doesn’t feel forced and or excessive. There is a sequel available although, this book is perfectly capable of standing on its own. I would say it also serves as a gateway into the larger, more adult, series. I know it has for me, since I'm already eyeing the author's other books.
October 25, 2017
Jewel's in a school for witches, she's a kickass, take-no-prisoners kind of person, versatile in martial arts...and she can't cast a spell worth a damn. But that doesn't stop her from trying. And--sort of a spoiler ahead--she does...maybe.
What I liked about this novel was her character. I'm no stranger to writing strong female heroines, and Ms. Montague is no different, although she takes it to the nth level. Even though Jewel is more than capable of TCOB (taking care of business), you still side with her.
The supporting cast is good enough, somewhat generic, but decently portrayed. If I had one little carp about this novel, they seemed to be somewhat interchangeable, but they were nicely portrayed, and they didn't detract from the novel at all.
Another plus was the pace. It was fast, no info dumps, good dialogue, and even a little romance was tossed in for good measure. Jewel is my kind of heroine, and it's to Ms. Montague's credit that she makes her character so likeable that you WANT her to triumph. And she does, and THAT'S a good thing.
Recommended, and check out Ms. Montague's other novels. I'm pretty sure you'll find something to read and to re-read.
What I liked about this novel was her character. I'm no stranger to writing strong female heroines, and Ms. Montague is no different, although she takes it to the nth level. Even though Jewel is more than capable of TCOB (taking care of business), you still side with her.
The supporting cast is good enough, somewhat generic, but decently portrayed. If I had one little carp about this novel, they seemed to be somewhat interchangeable, but they were nicely portrayed, and they didn't detract from the novel at all.
Another plus was the pace. It was fast, no info dumps, good dialogue, and even a little romance was tossed in for good measure. Jewel is my kind of heroine, and it's to Ms. Montague's credit that she makes her character so likeable that you WANT her to triumph. And she does, and THAT'S a good thing.
Recommended, and check out Ms. Montague's other novels. I'm pretty sure you'll find something to read and to re-read.
April 1, 2019
A strong female leading role and very interesting characters
Reading the first pages I was thinking, oeps I made a mistake, I didn’t want to buy a book on fighting. But very soon I found out that it wasn’t a mistake, on the contrary. I loved this book and the story of Jewel going to the witch school. As I normally am a slow reader, who only can read one, two or three chapters at a time, this was impossible with this book. I read it in two blocks, couldn’t stop.
Not coming from a rich family and after her parents died, Jewel’s adoptive family Jade & Jane, and Jill the Fae Winter Queen, find a brilliant way for Jewel to enter the most prestigious private witches school. There Jewel discovers more and more of her gift, the powers she has, though this is not always an easy thing as she can’t speak about it openly.
A touching moment was when Jewel invited Elisabeth to their group. And how they all supported Riley when danger became so big.
A book with a strong female leading role and very interesting characters. I surely want to read more books from this author, I enjoyed it a lot!
Reading the first pages I was thinking, oeps I made a mistake, I didn’t want to buy a book on fighting. But very soon I found out that it wasn’t a mistake, on the contrary. I loved this book and the story of Jewel going to the witch school. As I normally am a slow reader, who only can read one, two or three chapters at a time, this was impossible with this book. I read it in two blocks, couldn’t stop.
Not coming from a rich family and after her parents died, Jewel’s adoptive family Jade & Jane, and Jill the Fae Winter Queen, find a brilliant way for Jewel to enter the most prestigious private witches school. There Jewel discovers more and more of her gift, the powers she has, though this is not always an easy thing as she can’t speak about it openly.
A touching moment was when Jewel invited Elisabeth to their group. And how they all supported Riley when danger became so big.
A book with a strong female leading role and very interesting characters. I surely want to read more books from this author, I enjoyed it a lot!
March 21, 2018
There are parts of this book that are great fun and I really enjoyed reading, but there are times when the story doesn’t quite ‘hold together’. I also wish the author hadn’t decided to throw in the ‘high school’ romance. Jewel is only fifteen, has just lost both her parents, is starting a new school and is struggling to control her magic, this should have been enough to keep her occupied.
As an offshoot from the Three J’Amigos series I shouldn’t be surprised that you really have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy this book. The author likes to cram in lots of action, although I would have liked to have seen a bit more character development, however it was still a entertaining read.
As an offshoot from the Three J’Amigos series I shouldn’t be surprised that you really have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy this book. The author likes to cram in lots of action, although I would have liked to have seen a bit more character development, however it was still a entertaining read.
August 19, 2017
Jewel's a witch and after her parents die, She goes to live with Jade and Jane. Soon she starts school at Norma Jean's school of Witchery. She soon realizes that she's more powerful than she ever knew. I really love a good YA book. And this is a fantastic one! I've gone and bought all the books I didn't have by this author. I am super excited to read book 2.
February 2, 2018
A wonderful exciting book
Jewel is a young witch who is going to witch school for the first time. She doesn't know all her power and has problems with basic spells, but is strong in other ways. With the help of new friends she stops a murder plan and gets a job offer from the NSA.
Jewel is a young witch who is going to witch school for the first time. She doesn't know all her power and has problems with basic spells, but is strong in other ways. With the help of new friends she stops a murder plan and gets a job offer from the NSA.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 28, 2016
I have to admit that I had my reservations about this series as I read the first few pages, but I ended up reading book one and two in one night, it was just that good of a storyline. While the ebook version I had of this book was riddled with typos, missing words, and doubled phrases it did not keep me from turning the page. It is fair to say that this was just a poorly edited version because the second book in this series was finely edited. What’s the big deal and why am I saying anything about editing? Well, I hate being pulled out of a story by poor editing, but thankfully Montague's cool characterization and amazing story telling skills helped me to look and read past any mistakes.
Jewel was a reflective and sensitive young woman, which did not take away from her ability to kick butt. Of course, when your current family unit consists of Jade Smith, London Jane, and Jill, the Winter Queen of Faerie, (from Jade - book 1 and Jane - book 2 of the Three J'amigos book series), kicking butt is to be expected and so is being true to yourself. Jewel has lost a lot, but her new family knows something great lies within their new charge, even though none of them seem to know exactly how that will evolve or impact her future. Jewel starts school at Norma Jean's School of Witchery a place to hone her skills and her magic, although the magic part doesn't seem to come as easily as kicking butt. Jade, Jane, and Jill want everyone at school to know the family from which Jewel hails and they make a showing of it on her first day. One would think that this would make her life easier, but with her magic abilities sputtering, her first day is full of ridicule. Jewel shows her heart, though, as the friends she makes are amazing, accepting, talented and not the most popular.
The secrets that Jewel begins to learn about herself, along with those things about her abilities that her family believes she should keep quiet begin to grow in numbers. Now she is keeping things from the family she has trusted, as well as the new group of friends that may have inadvertently helped her unlock something dangerous, but I digress. I don’t want to give anything too juicy away.
Jewel is a strong and worthy female lead. This is the kind of character young readers should be reading about. I love to see a female character that is so able to take care of herself both physically and mentally. Beyond that, what Montague has created is a story that is enthralling, it sucks you in and doesn’t let go until you turn the last page and even then it leaves you hungry for more.
Jewel was a reflective and sensitive young woman, which did not take away from her ability to kick butt. Of course, when your current family unit consists of Jade Smith, London Jane, and Jill, the Winter Queen of Faerie, (from Jade - book 1 and Jane - book 2 of the Three J'amigos book series), kicking butt is to be expected and so is being true to yourself. Jewel has lost a lot, but her new family knows something great lies within their new charge, even though none of them seem to know exactly how that will evolve or impact her future. Jewel starts school at Norma Jean's School of Witchery a place to hone her skills and her magic, although the magic part doesn't seem to come as easily as kicking butt. Jade, Jane, and Jill want everyone at school to know the family from which Jewel hails and they make a showing of it on her first day. One would think that this would make her life easier, but with her magic abilities sputtering, her first day is full of ridicule. Jewel shows her heart, though, as the friends she makes are amazing, accepting, talented and not the most popular.
The secrets that Jewel begins to learn about herself, along with those things about her abilities that her family believes she should keep quiet begin to grow in numbers. Now she is keeping things from the family she has trusted, as well as the new group of friends that may have inadvertently helped her unlock something dangerous, but I digress. I don’t want to give anything too juicy away.
Jewel is a strong and worthy female lead. This is the kind of character young readers should be reading about. I love to see a female character that is so able to take care of herself both physically and mentally. Beyond that, what Montague has created is a story that is enthralling, it sucks you in and doesn’t let go until you turn the last page and even then it leaves you hungry for more.
February 24, 2016
Jewel, a young witch, is sent off to Norma Jean's School of Witchery, the modern magic-wielder's answer to secondary education. Her new roommate is a presidential candidate's daughter, and someone has a sinister eye on her and the entire school. Jewel, who seems unable to do the simplest spells, thwarts an attempt on her roommate's life and must face the fact that her powers are both different and dangerous. She must navigate new romance, strange classes, and her abilities, all while politics and magic collide both outside the school's walls and within.
The world of the book was clever and fresh, and I'm looking forward to seeing more. This book is aimed at YA audiences, but I think some aspects would have been clearer had I read the Three J'amigos series, which is apparently written for adults. There was plenty of adventure and fun, as well as a good balance of darkness and levity. The friendships and interactions between the students felt authentic.
I did have some deep issues with Jewel, however. The adult interactions -- particularly the "sure go ahead and have sex" / hinting at babies and marriage -- seemed a bit unrealistic. Even if witches mature at a younger age, I still feel the parental figures should be more concerned, or at least have a "be safe and true to yourself" conversation. Jewel falls prey to the unfortunate Mary Sue trope. She is better than everyone at almost everything. The only exception is her struggle to use actual magic, which ends up being because she's more powerful than most people anyways, so it's not really a drawback. It's hard to relate to someone who excels at everything. Lastly, Jewel just lost both her parents. Apart from a brief introspective scene at the very beginning she doesn't grieve or even process any aspect of their death. There was also a small issue with all the cheerleaders being shallow and busty, though as the book is written in first person, perhaps it is the character's stereotyping and not the author's.
The plot itself was well thought out and had a fun political twist that I really enjoyed. Many of the supporting characters were diverse and I'd like to get to know them, and their differing powers, better. I'll be giving the second book in this series a try, and plan to check out the Three J'amigos series as well.
May 21, 2016
This was a super fun read. The author definitely likes female characters to have names with "J." The author mentions that her third book in the Three J'amigos trilogy is going to be called Jill. I wonder if that is the same character in this book named Jill.
I started reading this on my Kindle when I went out to eat at a buffet. I often have a novel as my dinner companion. I got so caught up reading, I hadn't gone back for more peel n' eat shrimp! The story line starts quickly. Jewel is learning combat and we get to see her interaction with Jane and Jade before she goes off to school.
There are some things in this story that any young person can relate to: fitting in, new school, students and teachers. While your niece or nephew may not be deciding between spells, combat, or healing classes, they are trying to find areas they think they should pursue or focus on (math, music, or science, for example).
The pacing of this book was excellent. I like the strategizing and planning ahead of how Jewel was introduced to the school. I also liked that everything didn't come easily to her right off the bat. I believe any young person that liked some of the recent movies that had magic in them would enjoy this series.
I was provided this book free of charge in order to read it and write an honest review.
I started reading this on my Kindle when I went out to eat at a buffet. I often have a novel as my dinner companion. I got so caught up reading, I hadn't gone back for more peel n' eat shrimp! The story line starts quickly. Jewel is learning combat and we get to see her interaction with Jane and Jade before she goes off to school.
There are some things in this story that any young person can relate to: fitting in, new school, students and teachers. While your niece or nephew may not be deciding between spells, combat, or healing classes, they are trying to find areas they think they should pursue or focus on (math, music, or science, for example).
The pacing of this book was excellent. I like the strategizing and planning ahead of how Jewel was introduced to the school. I also liked that everything didn't come easily to her right off the bat. I believe any young person that liked some of the recent movies that had magic in them would enjoy this series.
I was provided this book free of charge in order to read it and write an honest review.
November 28, 2015
I saw this book being shared on another site and I liked the look of the cover and the title. I had not read any of Rose's other books.
You will not want to put this book down...
The book is about exactly what it says on the cover, Norma Jean's school of Witchery. It helps young witches expand their knowledge of the craft and the history surrounding it. I want to go to this school.
To be able to write with a teenager as the main character and not have any of the drama that goes hand in hand with teenagers is no mean feat, I applaud that.
I was automatically drawn in from page one and the action was non stop and I so desperately wanted to get to the end.
Jewel is one badass young witch who possesses rare magical powers. She has to deal with a new school, new powers, making friends and the assassination attempts on one of those friends. She is already behind as she started the school year late due to the death of her parents. Jewel also finds romance in the shape of Elgon.
You will not want to put this book down...
The book is about exactly what it says on the cover, Norma Jean's school of Witchery. It helps young witches expand their knowledge of the craft and the history surrounding it. I want to go to this school.
To be able to write with a teenager as the main character and not have any of the drama that goes hand in hand with teenagers is no mean feat, I applaud that.
I was automatically drawn in from page one and the action was non stop and I so desperately wanted to get to the end.
Jewel is one badass young witch who possesses rare magical powers. She has to deal with a new school, new powers, making friends and the assassination attempts on one of those friends. She is already behind as she started the school year late due to the death of her parents. Jewel also finds romance in the shape of Elgon.
March 13, 2015
The book begin with Jewel training at Jade and Jane's house, she lost her parents due to a car accident. There she learn that she is a special kind of witch. That's not the only thing she can kick asses and take names thanks to a long period of training. But it is time for the baby bird to learn how to fly so Jade and Jane send her to Norma Jean's School of Witchery where she make friends and enemies. I liked how everything was fluid and didn't bore me. Rose Montague has the uncanny art to make me interested in her story. Jewel grow up in a good way in the story even though she can be a brat like the story of how she get back at her ex boyfriend who clearly didn't see the jewel he had (laugh), his loss.
I hope we will have more of this series, I'll just re-read Jade and Jane while waiting for Jill who I hope is awesomer. Yeah Continue Rose ! xD
I hope we will have more of this series, I'll just re-read Jade and Jane while waiting for Jill who I hope is awesomer. Yeah Continue Rose ! xD
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