Cover Image: Enchant

Enchant

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At first I was underwhelmed with the plot, as it seemed like a typical magical girl meets magical boy, world is threatened scenario. I think the charm of the narrative, the push/pull relationship of the main leads, and the darkness of the world helped win me over. I liked that the protagonist Mara seemed brighter than some of her peers, but still within the realm of a normal young adult. She genuinely cares for the friends and father that she must leave behind, and tries to get in touch with her non-magical friend even after being swept up into a magical plot. Theo's sister also won me over with her frank discussions of sexuality, and her own needs that she defends to her protective brother. There is a brief love triangle, but fortunately, it doesn't last long or end in melodrama.
The school scenes could use some more detail, as a class's length seems to last 3 sentences, and maybe 5 minutes. We enter the classroom, say 3 sentences and then move to the next one. Also how is a witch kicked out of class because her protector disrupts it? Shouldn't he just wait outside? Is her education and ability to go to class determined by one outburst?
This book ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the plot of the next book nicely. I will definitely continue the series, but hope for more detail in the world building, and a continued sense of her mourning the ordinary humans she left behind in the next one.

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Simply enchanting. For all you magical being lovers this is a book for you. It truly is a magical book. Micalea Smeltzer blew me away with this one. I'm a big fan of the world of magic and Enchant is now on the top of my list of favorite witchcraft books. Mara seemed to just blossom once she met Theo. Oh Theo the protector to Mara can be my protector anytime. I love the chemistry between the Mara and Theo. The whole forbidden adds to the appeal too. This one has a bit of a cliffy and I really really can't wait for the next book. Falling in love with the world of magic with this read. I want/need to know what happens next. So yes I'll be waiting to hit the one click as soon as I see the next one available. Micalea Smeltzer just wow.

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This was a quick and satisfying book that focuses on the romance more than anything, however we do get to see some fun magic. I liked that we got to see Mara actually training and working hard. Too often in “chosen one” stories, the lead character barely lifts a finger and they’re just naturally gifted, but Mara, while still having a natural affinity, still puts effort in. I’m hoping she keeps growing and becomes a badass magical witch. And I hope we get to see some more world-building as well!

I also liked that the characters were on the older side of YA. I prefer reading stories about actual young adults and not 15 year olds.

My main complaint with the book is that the character dialogues and interactions sometimes seemed inauthentic and unrealistic. Characters reacted or responded in ways that didn’t always make sense to me, and it could also be a bit overdramatic at times.

I also heard about Theodore’s lip ring too many times.

Overall, though, this was a fun and quick read, and perfect for fans of dramatic romance in magical settings.

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Enchant is magically beautiful and will cast a spell on any reader. Mara and Theo’s story is complicated, but yet enchanting. I love the world that Author Micalea Smeltzer had created. She really shot an arrow through my heart, by creating this beautiful fantasy story that I love so much.

Mara lived a normal life as human for many years, until her almost 18th birthday gotten in the way. Her beautiful savior Theo found her and saved her from death. Their friendship started out fast and strong. Theo is cocky, smart Alec and a quiet a talker, while Mara is simple and just wanted a simple life. Her innocence and her wanting to do the right thing made me love her character. Her love for Theo kept me glued to the story and Theo’s declaration of love is what kept me oh so happy.

I am so heartbroken by the way this book has ended, wow what a cliffhanger it is. I cannot wait for book 2, hoping the way isn’t too long.

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One part Cassandra Clare, one part J.K. Rowling. Three stars, but you know you want to read it anyway. It has the perfect brooding, yet totally steaming up the place, leading man. A capable female protagonist who might not have it all figured out, but she is dedicated to learning more. And these two collide in a show of sparks that cause little fires to pop up all over the setting of a gigantic, mysterious safe house that's just like the Institute in the Mortal Instruments series, but only if you bring in Hogwarts catering service and a totally stocked closet. It's good. You'll want more.

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Digital ARC was provided by netgally for a review of the book. I found this book to be no different than the rest of the paranormal books. Girl meets dark different boy. Boy turns out to be paranormal creature than girl loves him anyway. I would not spend the money on this for my library as it is no different than any of the many already written.

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This was a cheesy mix of Harry Potter and Hex Hall. But it was a good cheesy. Mostly because the relationships developed a little too quickly and unrealistically.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed this one!

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I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

Enchant is a YA paranormal romance about Mara Pryce. She's just an ordinary seventeen-year-old who's just graduated high school. At her graduation, a mysterious, grey-eyed guy shows and suddenly disappears. Mara is convinced he's just a figment of her imagination. Then one day he returns and she discovers she's an Enchanter, a witch. Theodore, the grey-eyed guy, takes her to a safehouse, where she'll remain hidden and learn about her powers.

When I first read the synopsis, this book seemed right up my alley. I mean, a girl who's just graduated high school who learns she's a witch? Yes, please! I LOVE these kinds of books, especially when they're NOT set in High School. Looking back at the synopsis after reading it, though... I didn't like it as much and felt like it's almost a synopsis for a different book. Apparently Enchanters are part of an ancient Wiccan like, but.... There's nothing about that in the book? There's also something about a war, and yes, there's a little bit about said war in the book, but by far not enough, for my taste. Plus, the "real threat is closer to home than they want to believe"? I must've missed that part.

I also felt like the book has too many similarities to City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. First of all "All the stories are true"?! Erm, yeah, heard that before. I'm not saying it's 100% exclusive to The Mortal Instrument, but the book also has a garden scene. Which is about 99% the same as in COB. I think there's even more, but I also think I've made my point.

There are things I <b>did</b> like, though! I kinda liked Mara and Theodore, although not all the time, especially when Theorode kept calling Mara 'doll face'. Was that really necessary? I loved Winston and his British accent, and Theo's sister Adelaide. I loved their (realistic!) sibling relationship. Overal I liked their friend group in the safe house. Also, that cliffhanger, though! That was really cleverly done because although I had no interest in the sequel, I kind of really want to read it just to see how it'll continue, omg!

I really wish I had liked this more! The storyline/plot definitely has potential, and I can see why other people might love, it just didn't.

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Unfortunately I did not finish this book, I stopped at 14%. I was not fond of the writing, it was mediocre at best. The pace was fast but the chracaters and story had no emotions attached to it. At that point in the book I was not interested in finding out more.

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‘Enchant’ is a beautifully written YA paranormal romance. Though author Micalea Smeltzer makes use of some familiar YA tropes (teenage girl unknowingly about to come into her powers on her nearing birthday and is thrown into the hidden supernatural world she never knew she was born into) this book holds its own within the genre.

I love the witty banter and teasing between main character Mara and her protector, Theodore. His younger sister, Adelaide, adds to the realistic and sarcasm-laced dialog.

Theo is part charming and suave, part brooding silent type, and at all times sarcastic. His protectiveness of his sister and his charge is heartwarming, even when it leads him to be ridiculous. His serious side is intriguing, but his playful side is book-boyfriend worthy.

Mara, for her part, holds her own with witty comebacks and dedication to learning all she can about magic, supernatural beings, and preparing for the impending battle with the group that killed her parents. I found both her moral compass and willingness to do what must be done without whining to be refreshing. She was a fun character to root for!

This book ends on a cliffhanger, cannot wait to find out what happens next!

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I came, I saw, I read it, and I came to the conclusion that this book has about as much emotional range as a rock.

That said I am giving it extra stars for a somewhat unique plot line.

The whole problem stems from my inability to get invested in the characters. And it's not like they are doing anything to make it so I will. The text moves quickly without making appropriate cues and observations about feelings. It is all about feelings. And detailing why the character feels the way they do -- not just constantly repeating the same phrases such as "it will never happen" and "how does something so wrong, feel so right?". I want details! I want to know specifics and WHY it can't happen, why this makes them feel the way they do. When someone dies, make it so that I am mourning their passing instead of feeling like, 'Well, I didn't know them that well anyway.' Give me a reason to care!!!!!

So that is how I feel about this book. It's missing some key details and emotional depth. Bug time. Fix these things, and I'd recommend it to everyone.

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I did not get very far into this one; the narrative style and pacing did not work for me personally. I could see fans of Karen Marie Moning's Darkfever series enjoying this very much. It is quick-paced (things start happening almost immediately) and a protagonist with a clear, mildly casual narrative tone.

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4.5 STARS!!!
This was such a great paranormal read of good v's evil. The story follows Mara and her protector Theodore as they prepare for a battle of Enchanted v's Iniquitous and what a story it is. This story is filled with suspense from the very beginning and ends the same way. There were laughs, bickering, friendships and enemies between these characters and it was both amusing and frustrating at times. There were times I wanted them to act more mature than their age, but I loved the chemistry between Mara and Theo, they were so right for each other it was irritating. I felt bad for Winston but the heart wants what the heart wants. Adelaide was another character in this story that will have you smiling, she was too much but I loved her. I really enjoyed most of the characters in this story and this one ends with a huge cliffhanger that left me wanting and anticipating the next read. I also look forward to the growth of the characters in the next book because once they come into their full powers they will be unstoppable.

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