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Bookanista Book Review
Majix by Douglas Rees
What is it about?
Kestrel (don't call her Susan) Murphy is angry. Forced to leave her posh San Francisco Bay Area home by her father's illness, she's living in Jurupa (sounds like vomiting), Southern California. It's too hot. The people are stupid. And you have to chew the air to get the oxygen out of it. On the plus side, Kestrel is a witch. Well, a witch-in-training. And she's going acquire the magic she needs to get her life back to normal. At first, she barely notices the people around her-Aunt Ariel, who's taken her in and is herself a well-known white witch; Jose Iturrigaray, the quiet, talented young artist; Blake Cump, troublemaker extraordinaire; Laura Greenwood, who wants to be Kestrel's friend. But life has its own magic, and gradually Kestrel finds that much of one's success as a witch lies in being open to it.
What's a teen witch to do when she's stuck in the most unmagical high school in the universe? Create her own "majix." Take notes. And above all, avoid nasty classmates, heartless grown-ups and boys who may prove a little too distracting for a serious teen witch to handle….
Why I love this book?
It's nice to see a lighthearted paranormal - especially for younger teens/tweens- after all the dark books coming out. I love the snarky sense of humor and found myself rooting for Kestrel. I felt like I was reading a diary more than a book because she writes down her thoughts in what she calls a "grim-oire". :) Don't be fooled. Majix isn't just about magic. It touches on some real issues: a sick dad, a new school oddity, and the everyday teen struggles.
Cover Love
I love the pink and brown tones. I think the silhouette is a nice touch considering all the faces on most covers. It adds to the mystery a bit.
Here's a snippet (or read an excerpt)My name is Kestrel Murphy.
Never call me Susan.
I mean, who ever heard of a witch named Susan?
Which is what I am. WITCH is what I am. I do magic, which is what a witch does. A year ago, I was on the white side.
Lately, I've been leaning toward the black...I blame the universe. What's the point in being a nice little white witch in the universe I've got? If I could choose my own universe, I'd be a white witch in it. But black makes a lot more sense in this universe.
Not that I'm complaining. A witch never complains. But if I did, I'd have a lot to complain about. For instance: Richard Milhous Nixon High.
Harlequin Teen is getting out some great books in their first couple of years. Here are a few other HQ books you may want to check out:The Oracle of Dating
The Iron King
Inside and Out
Intertwined
Soul to Keep (series)
Also, if you missed it, you can also read a past interview with editor Natashya Wilson.
Other Bookanista Reviews!
- Christine Fonseca is coveting the cover of A TOUCH MORTAL
Bethany Wiggins is totally team Jay with THE BODY FINDER Beth Revis recommends THE REPLACEMENT Carolina Valdez Miller talks up NIGHTSHADE Shannon Messenger raves about The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter Lisa and Laura Roecker and Kirsten Hubbard are coveting 2011 covers
