Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Illinois Author Events: RT Convention and Brandon Mull Author Talk

Hi all! Just a heads up that any readers in the Chicagoland area (Rosemont) who are under 20 will want to check out the RT Booklovers Convention website.  They have a special 'teen' day where, for $25.00, you can have access to over 50 YA authors, including Stacey Kade, Stephanie Perkins, and Ann Aguirre.  Teen Day is April 14th, 2012.

I can't go, because I'm 8 years over the age limit.  I age like a vampire, so I could probably sneak in and fake 20, but it falls on a bad weekend, anyway.  You lucky 20 and unders can attend without worrying about the age police hunting you down and taking back your swag!  The price is fantastic for what you get in the ticket package.  This event seems like a great thing to do with your Saturday!

Also, any fans of 'Fablehaven' in the house?  Brandon Mull is vising Skokie Public Library March 27, 2012.  Registration is required.  Call 847-324-3149 for more information on signing up for this author talk.  I've gone to a ton of author talks at SPL and they've all been awesome.  This is something you'll want to check out if you have read any of Brandon Mull's books!   

Review: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spell Bound
Author:: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance, Action, Adventure, 3rd in series
Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Taken from Goodreads, "Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident. Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?"

'Spell Bound', the third and final book (?*) in the fantastic Hex Hall series, can best be described as a whirlwind.  After the crazy cliffhanger found in 'Demon Glass', should I have expected any less?  As expected, Rachel Hawkins has treated us yet again to another funny, engaging, entertaining romp into Sophie's crazy world.

While it isn't without flaws, I had a great time reading 'Spell Bound' and that to me is one of the most important things that can be said about reading.  Without going into plot details (b/c who am I to spoil it for you!), I can say that you won't be disappointed in terms of entertainment value!

I'm giving this book five stars, but want to point out one thing that 'felt funny' about 'Spell Bound'.  The main issue I had was that this story, 'Spell Bound',  felt more like the third book in a four book series instead of the last novel in a trilogy.  There was a big set up (ie: the last few pages of 'Demon Glass') to what should be a big bang conclusion.  When we finally get to that conclusion, however, it doesn't seem as climatic as it should.  Loose ends are tied up, but not in the big bang sort of way I expected based off the other two books in the series.

The plotting issue nonewithstanding, I enjoyed this book immensely.  I can definitely say that Sophie's story is one that will stick with me and will be a 'go to' series for those looking for good YA reads!  'Spell Bound' gets 5 out of 5 stars.

(On a sidenote, I must petition Rachel Hawkins to continue on with this world she's created.  I'd love more books in this series, even if they don't involve Sophie and her gang!)

*I don't ever really recall this series being toted as a 'trilogy', so I'm not sure if this is the end all/be all of the Hex Hall series.  I know the author mentioned something about 'ending Sophie's story', but there are still so many stories to tell!  For that reason, I have inserted the ?'s, because it just doesn't feel like the end just yet!

What are your thoughts on 'Spell Bound'?  Share them in the comments!  (Spoilers ARE allowed in the comments, so newbies, you have been warned!)