Sunday, April 4, 2010

Book 23 - Dime Store Magic

As far as supernaturals go, witches aren't my favourite. My adoration for them kind of ended after Practical Magic and reading Nora Roberts' Three Sisters trilogy.

But in Dime Store Magic, author Kelley Armstrong creates sympathetic characters in Paige and her young charge Savannah. Which is a good thing since I was a bit hesitant to read this book once I learned it didn't focus on Elena the werewolf (Bitten) but rather I character I hadn't fallen in love with in Stolen.

As with all of her books, Armstrong has a way of making you feel as though you've living the story rather than reading it (tight psychic distance as Steve Berry would point out) and in Dime Store Magic there was much for me to relate to - like the dynamics between Paige and Savannah.

Savannah reminded me of my stepdaughter, and Paige's struggle to walk that fine line between "guardian" and "friend" is reminiscent of my life. I may have even picked up a few tricks (grin).

Paige is a normal young woman - despite being a witch and the Coven leader. She worries about her weight and whether she'll ever find a boyfriend. She takes Savannah to school, tries to fit in with the PTA, volunteers, and keeps pre-made dough in her freezer for emergency feel-good cookies.

So when the locals start petitioning for her to leave town and strange black magic surrounds her house, Paige isn't entirely equipped to deal with the drama. Her "dime store magic" isn't strong enough - yet - to protect everything she holds close to her heart, and her Coven sisters have left her to fend for herself. Eventually she gives in and enlists the help of (gasp) a sorcerer names Lucas Cortez.

While Lucas - the eventual love interest - is a great sorcerer and friend to Paige and Savannah, especially during a custody battle caught in a whirlwind of magic and controversy, I didn't fall in love with him. Even at the end. He comes off as a bit wimpy and the description felt a bit lack-luster. But I suppose not all of Armstrong's heroes can have the raw sexuality of Clayton, Elena's phenomenal mate.

I'm taking a break from the paranormal for a book (or two) but when I return, I suspect it will be with another of Armstrong's novels. She's a brilliant writer and Dime Store Magic was well worth the time invested in reading it. I'm just sorry it's taken me so long to discover her!

10 comments:

  1. Ahhh another Armstrong addict!! LOL!! I'm not the only one anymore! You should seriously pick up her YA series, the first one is The Summoning, it is amazing!!

    Glad you enjoyed it! I know Lucas comes across kind of geeky, but he grows on you in up coming books I swear!

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  2. I'm AFRAID to pick up the YA series - I have more than enough distractions :-) Have to wait for handsome hubby to be "inspired" to shop for me at the book store.

    Yeah, Lucas...not my kind of guy. But I'll take your word for it. You never steer me wrong.

    I'm reading Altar of Eden by James Rollins now. One of the best prologues I have ever read.

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  3. Hey, I've read this!

    Been meaning to get more of her stuff. Thanks for reminding me :)

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  4. Donna - I have Bitten and Stolen. Would you like me to lend them to you? I LOVED Bitten.

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  5. Really?! You don't know what your mising with The Summoning!! Thats a series I am totally addicted to!!! The last one (at least that is the rumor) is out on Tuesday!!

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  6. Hmmmm.....Looks like a have a bunch of reading to do.

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  7. I didn't mean that I didn't WANT to read them. I just mean that I need to wait until Jeff decides to buy them for me (apparently only handsome husband can buy me Kelley Armstrong?) - and I know, based on your recommendation and praise that once I start, I won't be able to stop until I've read them all...

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