Review: Shadowspell by Jenna Black

(summary and cover from goodreads)


On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?


Review: I really liked Glimmerglass so I was happy to to finally read Shadowspell. It was just as good, if not better, than the first.


This one had a lot more action in it. Glimmerglass was mainly just Dana learning about her dad and a lot of faerie political stuff. In Shadowspell Dana seemed a lot more independent and strong willed. I'm still not sure how I feel about Ethan, but by the end of the book I think he found a place on my good side. My favorite father son duo were back! I don't know why but I love Finn and Keane. They are by far my favorite characters in this series. The Earlking was a nice addition to the cast of characters, although I'm not sure how I feel about his bargain with Dana, or how she's going to take care of it for that matter. 


I also love the cover for this one. It has a lot more to do with the actual story, unlike Glimmerglass, and plus it's just really pretty. I'm not really sure about the title though. I didn't see the word "shadowspell" once in the book, so I don't really see how it relates. 


We also get to learn more about Dana's powers in this book, but not much. So I'm really hoping the next (is it the last?) in the series will give some more insight into it.


Overall this was a great continuation of the story and I can't wait for the next to find out more about Dana and her deal with the Earlking, as well as all the other fabulous characters.

Source: My personal library (e-book)

Published: January 4, 2011 by St. Martin's Press 

Review: Remedial Magic by Jenna Black

(summary from goodreads)

Delve deeper into the world of the fae with a Faeriewalker bonus story.

Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.

Review: This is a prequel e-novella to Glimmerglass, and a novella it was. It was actually more of a short story. On my nook it was only about 14 pages long, but I feel the need to review it anyway. 

Even though it was short Remedial Magic really shed some light on what it's like to be Kimber. The reader realizes that even though Kimber's very smart it doesn't compare to her brother's magical ability, and not only does this cause her to lose the attention and affection of her family, but also her friends.

It was actually sad to see into her world and how just because she's gifted in other ways people look at her as having a defect. It really helped me to understand the girl I met in Glimmerglass why she acted the way she did.

I would recommend this this anyone who's read or is planning to read Glimmerglass or the Faeriewalker series. Also, it's a free e-novella so why not? 

Source: My personal library (e-novella)

Published: December 17, 2010 by St. Martin's Griffin

Review: Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

(summary from goodreads)

Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie. 

Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .


Review: It seemed to me that Glimmerglass was a book that was meant to set up a series, not tell a story. It took about half the book to get into and it didn't really go anywhere until the last few chapters. You find out Dana's a faeriewalker, but nothing's ever done about it. It seemed like half the book was just people reiterating the fact that someone wanted Dana dead. 


However, the characters were great, and I believe it was them that kept this book from being bad, because even though I sound negative it was a pretty good book. But on to the characters. Dana was pretty hit-and-miss for me. At times I could totally see where she was coming from, but then at others I'd want to throddle her. I didn't understand her attraction to Ethan at all. Besides being nice to look at he was a complete jerk. But his sister, Kimber, I really liked. I also enjoyed reading about Finn who I found funny even though he barely talks. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of his son in the future.


So even though it was a bit slow moving, Glimmerglass set up the series nicely and the characters made it a very enjoyable read.