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The Chronicles of Hawthorn #1
An Average Curse
Her world is in peril. Magick is her only hope. As of this morning, she still can’t cast a single spell.
On an island hidden from the rest of the world, Flynn Hawthorn, the ninth daughter of the ninth daughter, lives under a curse. In a land filled with magick, Flynn is forced to live her life as a Watcher—born into magick, but unable to wield it.
Her birth fulfills an ancient prophecy that’s waited nine generations to be satisfied. Flynn must reunite the separated halves of the Book of Shadow and Light to restore balance to her world.
Dark forces oppose her purpose and as the threat from the Shadow Coven of Southeil touches her shores for the first time in generations, Flynn must pretend—with the help of her best friend Hazel—that she actually has magick. Hazel would do anything for Flynn, but the game they are playing may cost them their lives…
On an island hidden from the rest of the world, Flynn Hawthorn, the ninth daughter of the ninth daughter, lives under a curse. In a land filled with magick, Flynn is forced to live her life as a Watcher—born into magick, but unable to wield it.
Her birth fulfills an ancient prophecy that’s waited nine generations to be satisfied. Flynn must reunite the separated halves of the Book of Shadow and Light to restore balance to her world.
Dark forces oppose her purpose and as the threat from the Shadow Coven of Southeil touches her shores for the first time in generations, Flynn must pretend—with the help of her best friend Hazel—that she actually has magick. Hazel would do anything for Flynn, but the game they are playing may cost them their lives…
190 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2016
90 people are currently reading
2149 people want to read
About the author
Rue
58 books123 followers2015 and 2016 IPPY Award Winner.
2016 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist.
Rue is an award-winning fiction author and in her limited spare time, she reads voraciously. Her love of the written word led to the pursuit of a B.A. in Journalism from Pepperdine University in California and a lifelong passion for writing. Her respect for indigenous cultures, oral traditions, and the seasonal magick of nature inevitably brought her work to the world of fantasy. The story of Flynn Hawthorn has been part of her heart and imagination for nearly a decade.
2016 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist.
Rue is an award-winning fiction author and in her limited spare time, she reads voraciously. Her love of the written word led to the pursuit of a B.A. in Journalism from Pepperdine University in California and a lifelong passion for writing. Her respect for indigenous cultures, oral traditions, and the seasonal magick of nature inevitably brought her work to the world of fantasy. The story of Flynn Hawthorn has been part of her heart and imagination for nearly a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 9, 2016
I received this book on a read to review basis from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Rue, and the publisher, Sittin' On A Goldmine Productions LLC, for this opportunity.
This book is more of a novella, at just 184 pages, yet manages to capture an entire world, a meandering and and intricately woven series of plot and sub-plots and a complex magickal system in its short length. I finished this book eager to read the next installment and feeling like my adoration for Rue's writing style had not been satiated: I need more!
This book is the story of Flynn Hawthorn, daughter of the high priestess and born to fulfill an ancient prophecy to ensure the continuation of the magick that flows through her people. Flynn herself, however, has struggled her entire life to show that she holds any power over these magickal properties. She feels shunned by her family and ridiculed by society as she can not even master the simplest of spells. Yet strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena seem to happen whenever Flynn is around...
There was a simplistic quality to the story telling and an enchanting excellence to the writing that made me view this as more a children's story or fairy tale than a YA novel, but I loved it for that. It was extraordinarily well written and evoked a deep emotional bond between reader and the characters and their numerous strifes.
I did not except such a complexity of plot, given the short length, and was pleasantly surprised to find many twists and turns to the expected course the novel was transgressing on. Each character had a unique voice and a commanding and necessary presence in the book: I felt like no element of this story was superfluous and every single page furthered both the story and my love for it.
I would have liked more focus on building the world as I struggled to properly re-imagine this mystical place. This is normally my personal pet-hate in a book, and yet I found myself forgiving this book and loving it despite myself.
I believe this book would appeal to a variety of ages and the beautiful quality of the writing lends itself well to being read aloud, perhaps as a bedtime story. There is a moralistic edge to the story about care and understanding of Mother Earth that I found well-suited to a younger audience and yet I myself, as an older reader, enjoyed the beauty incorporated in all aspects of this novel and attempting to puzzle out the mysteries of the plot.
This book is more of a novella, at just 184 pages, yet manages to capture an entire world, a meandering and and intricately woven series of plot and sub-plots and a complex magickal system in its short length. I finished this book eager to read the next installment and feeling like my adoration for Rue's writing style had not been satiated: I need more!
This book is the story of Flynn Hawthorn, daughter of the high priestess and born to fulfill an ancient prophecy to ensure the continuation of the magick that flows through her people. Flynn herself, however, has struggled her entire life to show that she holds any power over these magickal properties. She feels shunned by her family and ridiculed by society as she can not even master the simplest of spells. Yet strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena seem to happen whenever Flynn is around...
There was a simplistic quality to the story telling and an enchanting excellence to the writing that made me view this as more a children's story or fairy tale than a YA novel, but I loved it for that. It was extraordinarily well written and evoked a deep emotional bond between reader and the characters and their numerous strifes.
I did not except such a complexity of plot, given the short length, and was pleasantly surprised to find many twists and turns to the expected course the novel was transgressing on. Each character had a unique voice and a commanding and necessary presence in the book: I felt like no element of this story was superfluous and every single page furthered both the story and my love for it.
I would have liked more focus on building the world as I struggled to properly re-imagine this mystical place. This is normally my personal pet-hate in a book, and yet I found myself forgiving this book and loving it despite myself.
I believe this book would appeal to a variety of ages and the beautiful quality of the writing lends itself well to being read aloud, perhaps as a bedtime story. There is a moralistic edge to the story about care and understanding of Mother Earth that I found well-suited to a younger audience and yet I myself, as an older reader, enjoyed the beauty incorporated in all aspects of this novel and attempting to puzzle out the mysteries of the plot.
November 25, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
I really enjoy this book and I thought it was a great 1st book in this series but I just think it was quite a short book and I think that it would be much better if it was longer. It was a super quick and fun read for me and i really got adsorbed into the world of Moa Bend.
I loved the storyline and the world that this book is set in. The world is so magical and unique and that makes it more enjoyable.
Flynn and Hazel are my otp and I hope they become a couple soon, their just so cute.
I really hope that the next book is just as good or even better and I'm super excited to read it.
I really enjoy this book and I thought it was a great 1st book in this series but I just think it was quite a short book and I think that it would be much better if it was longer. It was a super quick and fun read for me and i really got adsorbed into the world of Moa Bend.
I loved the storyline and the world that this book is set in. The world is so magical and unique and that makes it more enjoyable.
Flynn and Hazel are my otp and I hope they become a couple soon, their just so cute.
I really hope that the next book is just as good or even better and I'm super excited to read it.
November 18, 2018
This was a cute, fun, quick read. The author drew a lot of inspiration from Harry Potter and I would have liked to see it ever off more from that. Maybe the next books go in their own direction, if so I could see my rating increase.
The book could have benefitted form more storyline. The characters and magic system could have been more developed with a few more chapters. I enjoyed the friendship and plot over, I just think there is a little something missing overall.
The book could have benefitted form more storyline. The characters and magic system could have been more developed with a few more chapters. I enjoyed the friendship and plot over, I just think there is a little something missing overall.
May 10, 2018
Love the settings, primitive yet contemporary. I instantly fell in love with flynn and hazel. LOVED the last page so much I ordered book two. Well played Rue, well played. :)
November 6, 2016
I have already finished the book a while ago, but I still feel the magic humming in the air. I devoured the whole story in one sit and couldn't let go until the very last sentence.
Flynn is a desired child, conceived with the involvement of Dunedin and unknown sailor. But her lack of magick is the source of continuing disappointment of her mother Kahu, the high priestess. With her friend Hazel's help, Flynn enters the apprenticeship, learns the truth in old tales and discovers the threat coming from Magdelana, the priestess of Shadow coven. The Book of light and shadow was torn in two parts and Magdelana desires to get her grip over the book as much as to get the wand of Temarana in her possession. Facing Magdelana who uses an innocent girl as vessel, Flynn faces a great challenge, but at least she has her friends at her side - Hazel and Po.
During the whole story, I felt similar magical atmosphere to Harry Potter books, only happening outside in the nature and not in some fortress. Only, Flynn is the chosen one but obviously lacks many talents and magical abilities to prove she is worthy to be the prophesized child. She is almost a loner, and occasional envy or jealousy is only natural. However, she has many strengths and virtues. I love her character and the way she develops over time. Nothing is easy for her and seeing her best friend always outshine her is a tough condition. I loved Hazel too, she proved loyal and trustworthy and utterly talented witch.
The whole flow of the story was easygoing, captivating and spellbinding and I cannot wait to read more of this. Awesome job!
Flynn is a desired child, conceived with the involvement of Dunedin and unknown sailor. But her lack of magick is the source of continuing disappointment of her mother Kahu, the high priestess. With her friend Hazel's help, Flynn enters the apprenticeship, learns the truth in old tales and discovers the threat coming from Magdelana, the priestess of Shadow coven. The Book of light and shadow was torn in two parts and Magdelana desires to get her grip over the book as much as to get the wand of Temarana in her possession. Facing Magdelana who uses an innocent girl as vessel, Flynn faces a great challenge, but at least she has her friends at her side - Hazel and Po.
During the whole story, I felt similar magical atmosphere to Harry Potter books, only happening outside in the nature and not in some fortress. Only, Flynn is the chosen one but obviously lacks many talents and magical abilities to prove she is worthy to be the prophesized child. She is almost a loner, and occasional envy or jealousy is only natural. However, she has many strengths and virtues. I love her character and the way she develops over time. Nothing is easy for her and seeing her best friend always outshine her is a tough condition. I loved Hazel too, she proved loyal and trustworthy and utterly talented witch.
The whole flow of the story was easygoing, captivating and spellbinding and I cannot wait to read more of this. Awesome job!
March 8, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the world this story was set in, it was different, well set up and easy to follow. The characters were fun an inviting. I loved the way magic worked in this world I always wanted to know more, no matter how much was revealed.
Flynn was a great main character, she knew of magic but she was still learning, so it had a great mix of learning with the main character and the character thinking about what they knew. The friendships were a main part of plot and there was a mix of good relationships and ones that are not so great.
There was some good plot twists which kept me guessing and I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next in the second book in the series.
There were a few parts that didn't make sense, but it has been updated since I read it, I didn't have time to reread it so maybe they were sorted but not sure.
4 starts out of 5
I really liked the world this story was set in, it was different, well set up and easy to follow. The characters were fun an inviting. I loved the way magic worked in this world I always wanted to know more, no matter how much was revealed.
Flynn was a great main character, she knew of magic but she was still learning, so it had a great mix of learning with the main character and the character thinking about what they knew. The friendships were a main part of plot and there was a mix of good relationships and ones that are not so great.
There was some good plot twists which kept me guessing and I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next in the second book in the series.
There were a few parts that didn't make sense, but it has been updated since I read it, I didn't have time to reread it so maybe they were sorted but not sure.
4 starts out of 5
June 6, 2017
I received this in a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This book turned out to be better than I anticipated. I like the world that was created for this story. It seems like it is pretty full of interesting history. Unfortunately due to this being a short book it skimps on the details. I would have liked it to be longer and have the history better explained.
The characters seems pretty cool so far. I am hoping to learn more about them and see them develop in the rest of the series.
Definitely worth the read, but it came with the same problems that most short books have in my opinion. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast read with the potential to become even better as the series progresses.
This book turned out to be better than I anticipated. I like the world that was created for this story. It seems like it is pretty full of interesting history. Unfortunately due to this being a short book it skimps on the details. I would have liked it to be longer and have the history better explained.
The characters seems pretty cool so far. I am hoping to learn more about them and see them develop in the rest of the series.
Definitely worth the read, but it came with the same problems that most short books have in my opinion. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast read with the potential to become even better as the series progresses.
December 4, 2017
I thought of abandoning this book in the first couple of chapters because it was confusing. So many names were introduced all at once and most were foreign or made up so it was hard to keep everything straight. I promised an honest review so I decided to stick with it. I'm glad I did because as I started recognizing characters and places, I started to really enjoy the story. I took off one star for the rough start that almost lost me. Once I got into the story, I wanted to keep reading and now I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
did-not-finish
November 30, 2019DNF @ 50%. Not one for me I guess.
It's a perfectly good if zippy tale, full of sudden swings in pace and packed full of curious details about the magickal world. It's a mash up of Pacific island folk lore and Westernised fantasy - there are plenty of unfamiliar place names and nature spirits, customs and ceremonies.
I found it a little fast paced and shallow on the actual nitty gritty of how the world worked, but it would make a great read for someone in the younger end of the YA demographic who are looking for a story of friendship and adventure in a magical world.
It's a perfectly good if zippy tale, full of sudden swings in pace and packed full of curious details about the magickal world. It's a mash up of Pacific island folk lore and Westernised fantasy - there are plenty of unfamiliar place names and nature spirits, customs and ceremonies.
I found it a little fast paced and shallow on the actual nitty gritty of how the world worked, but it would make a great read for someone in the younger end of the YA demographic who are looking for a story of friendship and adventure in a magical world.
June 17, 2016
I really enjoyed the story in An Average Curse. Head on over to my blog for my full review:) https://bookwonderlandweb.wordpress.c... --Catherine
May 15, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: An Average Curse
Author: Rue
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 23 readers:
23 would read another book by this author.
20 thought the cover was good or excellent.
23 felt it was easy to follow.
23 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
14 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
22 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
23 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is simply the best fantasy I have ever read. I loved it.’ Girl, aged 15
‘Cool plot, fascinating characters and an easy to follow writing style. The only thing I didn’t like was the title. It’s rather risky to put the word ‘average’ in a book title. I would have called it ‘Lost Magic’.’ Girl, aged 16
‘This is not a very long book but lots happen. I like Flynn the best. This author is very good at helping the reader to get to know the characters. I was really rooting for her by the end. I will now read the next book in the set.’ Boy, aged 14
‘Books that end in cliffhangers usually annoy me, but this didn’t. It was so good, I simply went and found the sequel. If you like Harry Potter, or anything with magic in it, this is for you.’ Boy, aged 15
‘Tightly written, very pacey and wrapped in an excellent cover. It’s good to read a story with a strong female hero. Teenagers will love this.’ Independent Publisher, aged 43
‘This is very much a good vs evil, magical story. But, although it didn’t feel too original, it was still a fantastic read.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘A full-throttle, magical adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: An Average Curse
Author: Rue
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 23
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 23 readers:
23 would read another book by this author.
20 thought the cover was good or excellent.
23 felt it was easy to follow.
23 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
14 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
22 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
23 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is simply the best fantasy I have ever read. I loved it.’ Girl, aged 15
‘Cool plot, fascinating characters and an easy to follow writing style. The only thing I didn’t like was the title. It’s rather risky to put the word ‘average’ in a book title. I would have called it ‘Lost Magic’.’ Girl, aged 16
‘This is not a very long book but lots happen. I like Flynn the best. This author is very good at helping the reader to get to know the characters. I was really rooting for her by the end. I will now read the next book in the set.’ Boy, aged 14
‘Books that end in cliffhangers usually annoy me, but this didn’t. It was so good, I simply went and found the sequel. If you like Harry Potter, or anything with magic in it, this is for you.’ Boy, aged 15
‘Tightly written, very pacey and wrapped in an excellent cover. It’s good to read a story with a strong female hero. Teenagers will love this.’ Independent Publisher, aged 43
‘This is very much a good vs evil, magical story. But, although it didn’t feel too original, it was still a fantastic read.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘A full-throttle, magical adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
September 24, 2017
It started with a prophecy. The ninth daughter of Temarama would repair the book of Shadow and Light, bring back spirit magic, and be the saviour of Aotearoa. That is a lot of pressure for a child, especially when they fail to live up to expectations at every turn. Flynn Hawthorne was expected to be marvellous, possess gifts beyond comprehension, but she had been born a watcher, non-magical, unable to create even the simplest of spells. She was a disappointment, and no one was ashamed to let her know just how deep their disappointment ran. Her only friend, Hazel, had failed her initiation, but given the depth of her power Flynn questioned if this had been intentional so that she may aid her in hers, and so starts the great description. With Hazel's help Flynn pretends to wield a power she had no access to. Magic runs throughout the land, and she had long heard whispers of a poison contaminating the water near the veil of mist, now people of her own town are acting peculiar. The Shadow Coven seems to be making its move, and she must find a way to stop them, for the sake of everything.
Written with charm of a fairy-tale and the depth of high fantasy Hawthorne is an amazing fantasy read. From the first lines of the prologue I was whisked into a magical world where charm and magic run parallel to danger and fear. The setting is wonderful, the training in magic, charming. I loved watching the characters relationships and understandings growth. At the time of writing this I have not only purchased book two, but I have started it. An Average curse is a strong, whimsical, and fantastic first book to what looks to be a very promising series. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Written with charm of a fairy-tale and the depth of high fantasy Hawthorne is an amazing fantasy read. From the first lines of the prologue I was whisked into a magical world where charm and magic run parallel to danger and fear. The setting is wonderful, the training in magic, charming. I loved watching the characters relationships and understandings growth. At the time of writing this I have not only purchased book two, but I have started it. An Average curse is a strong, whimsical, and fantastic first book to what looks to be a very promising series. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
May 30, 2018
I enjoyed it. This book takes place 14 years after the prequel (The Courage of Kahu). Kahu ‘s daughter
Flynn is a major disappointment to her and the people in her village because she has shown no magical abilities. However she has a best friend who overlooks this and together they get ready to be tested to see if they can be initiates and go through 9 levels to become full witches. With the help of a boy as well they embark on that journey and have some exciting adventures that culminate in a battle between the evil Shadow Witch and themselves. Flynns latent powers do finally start to assert themselves during this training much to her surprise.
I recommend you read the prequel first to see that Flynn’s mother had her disappointments as well and should have been kinder to her daughter based on her own past.
This book is the first in a series that I think will only get better. I’m excited to have begun the journey and invite young and old alike to join me in the further adventures of Flynn, Hazel and Po.
Flynn is a major disappointment to her and the people in her village because she has shown no magical abilities. However she has a best friend who overlooks this and together they get ready to be tested to see if they can be initiates and go through 9 levels to become full witches. With the help of a boy as well they embark on that journey and have some exciting adventures that culminate in a battle between the evil Shadow Witch and themselves. Flynns latent powers do finally start to assert themselves during this training much to her surprise.
I recommend you read the prequel first to see that Flynn’s mother had her disappointments as well and should have been kinder to her daughter based on her own past.
This book is the first in a series that I think will only get better. I’m excited to have begun the journey and invite young and old alike to join me in the further adventures of Flynn, Hazel and Po.
August 20, 2018
I felt this book was so interesting and had such a special place for anyone who has a ride or die friend. I loved that this was a fantasy novel that had very relatable relationships and brought about real emotion. My heart broke for Flynn's feeling of inadequacy and disappointment to her mother. I think everyone can relate to the feeling of not being good enough and it is even more disheartening when you feel you have let your parents down, the people who are supposed to love you no matter what. Even though there were feelings of sadness, the bond between Flynn and her best friend Hazel, was something magical. It made the story come together and brought about hope. I look forward to seeing how these kids grow into themselves and find their meaning in life.
July 3, 2019
This fantasy adventure drew me into a great coming of age story about Flynn, the prophesied daughter who is supposed to be the hero of her people and healer of the rift in their land. Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned. With help from her best friend Hazel and some other magical beneficiaries, she is guided along the way to becoming an adolescent version of a kick-ass heroine reminiscent of a Sarah J. Maas character. There is soft teen romantic attractions, tumultuous family relationships that are navigated, self-love and self-respect issues she has to face all while a growing battle between good vs. evil threatens to take her to the dark side of magic as she struggles to hold on to her self and protect the ones she loves. I plan to read the whole series.
April 1, 2018
Enjoyable 1st story of a young new witches battle against evil
The characters were were well fleshed out and fun to get to know. The plot was an interesting look into a brand new world of magic. The fight for good against evil makes me want to read the rest of the stories in the series.
The characters were were well fleshed out and fun to get to know. The plot was an interesting look into a brand new world of magic. The fight for good against evil makes me want to read the rest of the stories in the series.
May 22, 2018
Great story, I was fortunate to get the prequel and it hooked me, I also found books 1 & 7 and read them both. Eventually I will fill in with the others. Good story line, love good vs evil in a book...
September 20, 2018
Clumsy
Some past/present tense issues. An odd insistence on creating new words or using words from different languages while the main character is named “Flynn”.
The narrative feels histrionic and forced, with the characters somehow overacting.
Some past/present tense issues. An odd insistence on creating new words or using words from different languages while the main character is named “Flynn”.
The narrative feels histrionic and forced, with the characters somehow overacting.
April 12, 2021
Set in a world that kind of almost resembles parts of New Zealand, this story had potential but when it finished the story wasn't finished. While this is can be a good thing for a series it is also frustrating as you're left hanging.
July 25, 2017
The story was good and I want to learn more. I think that was my only problem with the book. It was so short I felt like a lot of details were missing.
November 20, 2017
Good and interesting book. I would like the following books as well.
October 21, 2018
What a book, magic and curses. Such a story to keep your interest and wish it was longer. I can’t wait for another one to come out.
November 10, 2019
10/10 ;)
This book is a great book and if you are looking for something to pass the time while you're waiting for something it's even better. 10/10 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is a great book and if you are looking for something to pass the time while you're waiting for something it's even better. 10/10 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 14, 2022
I do want to see what happens next.
April 21, 2016
An Average Curse
Author: Rue
Publication Date: 6/20/16
**Disclaimer: A copy of this book was received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Flynn has lived on an island, magically hidden from the rest of the world, for her entire life. As the ninth daughter of a ninth daughter, she fulfills a prophesy for her people. She is to be the one who restores the Book of Shadow and Light, which has been torn in half by a curse. The two portions of the book need to be reunited to bring balance back to the world. There is only one problem: Flynn lives in a world of Magick, but has yet to manifest any powers. She might be a Watcher, one who is born into the world of Magick but has no powers. She fears she may disappoint her people and be unable to lift the curse. Her friend, Hazel, does have abilities and is willing to do anything to help her friend get through her induction ceremony and fulfill her destiny. But, helping Flynn defeat the evil Shadow Coven might just kill them both.
For me, this book started out slow and confusing. There is little background given for the world and culture. The world-building is just too sparse, in my opinion, for readers to understand and really become immersed in the story-telling. I could understand that the sacred book was important, but I wasn't engaged enough in the world to really know why I should care. The main character, Flynn, seemed very weak and wishy-washy at the beginning of the book. She was more worried about her possible lack of Magick than she was actively working to try and solve the problem. But, as with all young people, they become stronger through experience....so did Flynn! And friends are sometimes the best help, as the book shows with the characters Hazel, and their fellow classmate, Po.
After a few chapters, the plot picked up steam and I found myself liking the major characters more and enjoying the story. The ceremonies and stories of Flynn's people reminded me of Native American lore and traditions. An author's note at the beginning of the book states that the Maori language and mythology was used as a basis for some of the story.
My honest response to this book would be: a bit weak in the beginning with a major rally in the middle, but a rushed ending. Because of the very enjoyable middle section of the book when the plot really got cookin', I'm going to give this book 6.5/10 stars. I definitely enjoyed the book enough to read the second installment in the series. I do think that rather than being directed toward YA/teens, this book might be a better middle-grade book for ages 10-13. Most middle grade kids, especially if they like Harry Potter or other tales that involve Magic, would enjoy this book. I'm a kid at heart -- I liked it too. After a bit of world-confusion at the beginning, I was on Team Flynn-Hazel-Po and cheering them on wholeheartedly.
Rue is also the author of the 3-book series, The Lake Effect.
My rating: 6.5/10
Ages 10+
Author: Rue
Publication Date: 6/20/16
**Disclaimer: A copy of this book was received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Flynn has lived on an island, magically hidden from the rest of the world, for her entire life. As the ninth daughter of a ninth daughter, she fulfills a prophesy for her people. She is to be the one who restores the Book of Shadow and Light, which has been torn in half by a curse. The two portions of the book need to be reunited to bring balance back to the world. There is only one problem: Flynn lives in a world of Magick, but has yet to manifest any powers. She might be a Watcher, one who is born into the world of Magick but has no powers. She fears she may disappoint her people and be unable to lift the curse. Her friend, Hazel, does have abilities and is willing to do anything to help her friend get through her induction ceremony and fulfill her destiny. But, helping Flynn defeat the evil Shadow Coven might just kill them both.
For me, this book started out slow and confusing. There is little background given for the world and culture. The world-building is just too sparse, in my opinion, for readers to understand and really become immersed in the story-telling. I could understand that the sacred book was important, but I wasn't engaged enough in the world to really know why I should care. The main character, Flynn, seemed very weak and wishy-washy at the beginning of the book. She was more worried about her possible lack of Magick than she was actively working to try and solve the problem. But, as with all young people, they become stronger through experience....so did Flynn! And friends are sometimes the best help, as the book shows with the characters Hazel, and their fellow classmate, Po.
After a few chapters, the plot picked up steam and I found myself liking the major characters more and enjoying the story. The ceremonies and stories of Flynn's people reminded me of Native American lore and traditions. An author's note at the beginning of the book states that the Maori language and mythology was used as a basis for some of the story.
My honest response to this book would be: a bit weak in the beginning with a major rally in the middle, but a rushed ending. Because of the very enjoyable middle section of the book when the plot really got cookin', I'm going to give this book 6.5/10 stars. I definitely enjoyed the book enough to read the second installment in the series. I do think that rather than being directed toward YA/teens, this book might be a better middle-grade book for ages 10-13. Most middle grade kids, especially if they like Harry Potter or other tales that involve Magic, would enjoy this book. I'm a kid at heart -- I liked it too. After a bit of world-confusion at the beginning, I was on Team Flynn-Hazel-Po and cheering them on wholeheartedly.
Rue is also the author of the 3-book series, The Lake Effect.
My rating: 6.5/10
Ages 10+
April 25, 2016
A copy of this book was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would give this a 3.5/5. I found An Average Curse to be an easy read with interesting characters (who could've used a bit more development). As an avid YA book reader, I would classify this book to be more middle grade or even an advanced children's book. The language is not difficult and none of the material overly complex that a late elementary/early middle school age child would have issues reading and comprehending the book.
The pros: I found the story to be interesting. I like anything that focuses on the different elements of the earth and the powers they contain. I am also a fan of books that show powerful women and this book has plenty to go around. Flynn has her inner strength and resilience, overcoming obstacles in not magical abilities and living up to the expectations of foretold prophecy. Hazel is a loyal friends with powerful elemental magical abilities. Flynn's mom is a high priestess who rules overs her section of the land, and does not need a man by her side to achieve greatness. Lastly, I love the dynamic between Flynn, Hazel, and Po. I liked how they all felt a bit like outsiders and were able to forge a friendship and work together to overcome the evil looming at their school and beyond.
The cons: I feel there was not enough background of the different powers. Does rarity = more power? Is their a hierarchy of the elements? This was left unclear, and I hope the future books shed more light on this. They also gloss over the importance of prophecies. How important are they really? Do all of the elements and regions hold prophecies in the same regards, or do they hold a stronger importance depending on what part of the land you reside? The relationship between Flynn and her mom felt unresolved. There is clearly tension and strain, yet also love and compassion between them. Knowing more about their background and hoe they have reached this point in their relationship could help readers relate to their own parental dynamics. Lastly, the names did throw me off a bit. Since many were unique in nature, I did find myself needed to go back and remember was this the name of a person, place, or type of plant being discussed.
I was left with a few questions, that hopefully will be addressed in the next installment of the series. Mainly revolving around the role of men. The first being, do men not hold positions of power? The importance and strength of the high priestesses is fully present, but they make no mention of high priests (if that is even a thing), and if they do exist are the at the same level as the priestesses? If men do not have as much power as women in their society, could this be a contributing factor to why Flynn does not know who her father is? Does her mother not find this information important/relevant enough to share with her own daughter?
I would give this a 3.5/5. I found An Average Curse to be an easy read with interesting characters (who could've used a bit more development). As an avid YA book reader, I would classify this book to be more middle grade or even an advanced children's book. The language is not difficult and none of the material overly complex that a late elementary/early middle school age child would have issues reading and comprehending the book.
The pros: I found the story to be interesting. I like anything that focuses on the different elements of the earth and the powers they contain. I am also a fan of books that show powerful women and this book has plenty to go around. Flynn has her inner strength and resilience, overcoming obstacles in not magical abilities and living up to the expectations of foretold prophecy. Hazel is a loyal friends with powerful elemental magical abilities. Flynn's mom is a high priestess who rules overs her section of the land, and does not need a man by her side to achieve greatness. Lastly, I love the dynamic between Flynn, Hazel, and Po. I liked how they all felt a bit like outsiders and were able to forge a friendship and work together to overcome the evil looming at their school and beyond.
The cons: I feel there was not enough background of the different powers. Does rarity = more power? Is their a hierarchy of the elements? This was left unclear, and I hope the future books shed more light on this. They also gloss over the importance of prophecies. How important are they really? Do all of the elements and regions hold prophecies in the same regards, or do they hold a stronger importance depending on what part of the land you reside? The relationship between Flynn and her mom felt unresolved. There is clearly tension and strain, yet also love and compassion between them. Knowing more about their background and hoe they have reached this point in their relationship could help readers relate to their own parental dynamics. Lastly, the names did throw me off a bit. Since many were unique in nature, I did find myself needed to go back and remember was this the name of a person, place, or type of plant being discussed.
I was left with a few questions, that hopefully will be addressed in the next installment of the series. Mainly revolving around the role of men. The first being, do men not hold positions of power? The importance and strength of the high priestesses is fully present, but they make no mention of high priests (if that is even a thing), and if they do exist are the at the same level as the priestesses? If men do not have as much power as women in their society, could this be a contributing factor to why Flynn does not know who her father is? Does her mother not find this information important/relevant enough to share with her own daughter?
August 24, 2017
http://literary-lion.tumblr.com/
Disclaimer: A copy of this novel was received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. PLEASE NOTE, the novel underwent major changes after this review was posted.
Flynn lives in a world full of magic, and all she can manage to do is watch. For some reason she’s never manifested powers, even though she should be the chosen one. Her birth fulfilled an ancient prophecy, but she lacks the magic that is meant to save her people. When Flynn realizes danger is imminent how will she fight when every witch is more powerful than she is?
Although this book classifies itself as YA, I think it’s more of a children’s novel. The characters are very young and it certainly reads as children’s literature - which isn’t a bad thing.
The main problem I had with this novel was the lack of introduction. This is high fantasy, a world entirely different from our own and, after reading the entire novel, it’s a world I can tell you very little about. It felt like being thrown into the middle of a story and the author barely bothers to explain anything. The protagonist has lived in this world her entire life so she rarely questions anything, which leaves the reader stuck only sort of understanding the world in which the story takes place.
The story itself is pretty stock. There’s a chosen one, an elderly mentor, the two best friends, professor Snape - oh I’m sorry Mistress Tamslin, and pretty much every other character fantasy stories generally have. The villain is ugly and very powerful and driven by nothing but the desire to be evil.
Flynn is “powerless” except that she isn’t. It’s very clear she has powers from the first few pages so any interest in that part of the plotline is lost to readers. Everything conveniently falls into place for Flynn, everything just manages to work out. The climax feels rushed and unsatisfying. Even in books where it’s obvious the hero has to win it shouldn’t seem easy.
The book just feels incredibly unfinished. It borrows tropes heavily and doesn’t manage to actually make anything of itself and the writing is far too fast paced for the sparse plot. It was a quick read, and not entirely unenjoyable, but there’s almost nothing here that you couldn’t find done better elsewhere.
Disclaimer: A copy of this novel was received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. PLEASE NOTE, the novel underwent major changes after this review was posted.
Flynn lives in a world full of magic, and all she can manage to do is watch. For some reason she’s never manifested powers, even though she should be the chosen one. Her birth fulfilled an ancient prophecy, but she lacks the magic that is meant to save her people. When Flynn realizes danger is imminent how will she fight when every witch is more powerful than she is?
Although this book classifies itself as YA, I think it’s more of a children’s novel. The characters are very young and it certainly reads as children’s literature - which isn’t a bad thing.
The main problem I had with this novel was the lack of introduction. This is high fantasy, a world entirely different from our own and, after reading the entire novel, it’s a world I can tell you very little about. It felt like being thrown into the middle of a story and the author barely bothers to explain anything. The protagonist has lived in this world her entire life so she rarely questions anything, which leaves the reader stuck only sort of understanding the world in which the story takes place.
The story itself is pretty stock. There’s a chosen one, an elderly mentor, the two best friends, professor Snape - oh I’m sorry Mistress Tamslin, and pretty much every other character fantasy stories generally have. The villain is ugly and very powerful and driven by nothing but the desire to be evil.
Flynn is “powerless” except that she isn’t. It’s very clear she has powers from the first few pages so any interest in that part of the plotline is lost to readers. Everything conveniently falls into place for Flynn, everything just manages to work out. The climax feels rushed and unsatisfying. Even in books where it’s obvious the hero has to win it shouldn’t seem easy.
The book just feels incredibly unfinished. It borrows tropes heavily and doesn’t manage to actually make anything of itself and the writing is far too fast paced for the sparse plot. It was a quick read, and not entirely unenjoyable, but there’s almost nothing here that you couldn’t find done better elsewhere.
November 5, 2016
**I received this book in a giveaway by Sittin' On A Goldmine Productions, L.L.C. & the awesome author Rue!**
Thanks to the authors help, I just ordered the 2nd book in the series today & plan on getting the 3rd/final book soon as well. In other words that's my way of saying I really did enjoy this story and I want to read all of Flynn's story to the end.
In this book you get to know a young girl named Flynn who is supposed to be the 9th daughter of the 9th daughter and basically the girl who saves her people & home from the Shadow Coven. There's a minor problem though.. Flynn doesn't have any magic. For that problem alone Flynn has always felt like a failure to her mother, the High Priestess, Kahu.
Flynn has a loyal best friend though named Hazel who promises to help in any way she can though. One day when Flynn and Hazel go for a walk towards the forest, they end up meeting an old, yet powerful, witch named Pounamu. It turns out Pounamu is a long lost relative to Flynn and plays a big part in this story.
Things become to be suspicious when a girl named Lania from Flynn's village starts appearing out of nowhere at the most strange times with a rope concealing a hidden bag under her shirt around her neck and asking unusual questions or comments that don't seem like the Lania they grew up with. They soon figure out that Magdelana from the shadow coven had found a way to put a hex on Lania to find out what Flynn and everyone from the Grand Coven are up to.
Flynn and Hazel need to think fast in order to protect their people, all the while trying to practice for their Initiation tests and their Level One Training. This is the first book in a 3 part series and I really don't want to spoil anything so I'll end this with when I first received this book I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, but as I started reading it I found myself completely sucked in and wanting to know more about what was going on and what was going to happen. I bought the 2nd book, but haven't had a chance to read yet but I will soon and I can't wait to find out what happens to Flynn and if she can find a way to save not only her people, but find herself as well.
Thanks to the authors help, I just ordered the 2nd book in the series today & plan on getting the 3rd/final book soon as well. In other words that's my way of saying I really did enjoy this story and I want to read all of Flynn's story to the end.
In this book you get to know a young girl named Flynn who is supposed to be the 9th daughter of the 9th daughter and basically the girl who saves her people & home from the Shadow Coven. There's a minor problem though.. Flynn doesn't have any magic. For that problem alone Flynn has always felt like a failure to her mother, the High Priestess, Kahu.
Flynn has a loyal best friend though named Hazel who promises to help in any way she can though. One day when Flynn and Hazel go for a walk towards the forest, they end up meeting an old, yet powerful, witch named Pounamu. It turns out Pounamu is a long lost relative to Flynn and plays a big part in this story.
Things become to be suspicious when a girl named Lania from Flynn's village starts appearing out of nowhere at the most strange times with a rope concealing a hidden bag under her shirt around her neck and asking unusual questions or comments that don't seem like the Lania they grew up with. They soon figure out that Magdelana from the shadow coven had found a way to put a hex on Lania to find out what Flynn and everyone from the Grand Coven are up to.
Flynn and Hazel need to think fast in order to protect their people, all the while trying to practice for their Initiation tests and their Level One Training. This is the first book in a 3 part series and I really don't want to spoil anything so I'll end this with when I first received this book I really wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, but as I started reading it I found myself completely sucked in and wanting to know more about what was going on and what was going to happen. I bought the 2nd book, but haven't had a chance to read yet but I will soon and I can't wait to find out what happens to Flynn and if she can find a way to save not only her people, but find herself as well.
June 7, 2017
DNF @ 42%
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, so I was really trying to read through this one, but I'm confused with it.
This is a very short book (190 pages), so I expected some things to be rushed given that this is a fantasy book AND it is for a younger crowd. Unfortunately, I don't know how anyone can understand what it going on.
Flynn and her friend Hazel seem to go from one event to the next-- from initiation ceremony into joining a class because they were forgotten about?? Some how?? Who just 'forgets' about the High Priestess' daughter right after she and her friend become the first to go into the Spirit Hopa after... i believe 50 years. And the ceremony was hyped only for it to be done in a minute with little fanfare nor segway.
I could probably keep going so, the basic break down of why I didn't like the book: lacking of information of what is going on and the world, no transitions, and characters acting weirdly (laughing at things that aren't funny, ignoring the fact that someone talks to fairies, not curious as to where someone went when they couldn't find them, etc.). Seriously!! Also, explaining what things are is super important. How is the average reader supposed to know what a moa, hopa, etc. are if they aren't at least described like, "Her moa had beautiful black and red feathers and was slightly bigger than the rest, able to carry two little girls in the sky" or something... instead of what did go down.
The rather sad thing is that this book has a lot of potential. The words are there, the magic system is... probably there (i just need it explained), there is some okay world-building going on, and so many cool little details! I just couldn't get past the rest of it :(
So, I'm leaving it off here. I wouldn't not recommend this book to younger kids, but it wouldn't be the first option I present to them either.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, so I was really trying to read through this one, but I'm confused with it.
This is a very short book (190 pages), so I expected some things to be rushed given that this is a fantasy book AND it is for a younger crowd. Unfortunately, I don't know how anyone can understand what it going on.
Flynn and her friend Hazel seem to go from one event to the next-- from initiation ceremony into joining a class because they were forgotten about?? Some how?? Who just 'forgets' about the High Priestess' daughter right after she and her friend become the first to go into the Spirit Hopa after... i believe 50 years. And the ceremony was hyped only for it to be done in a minute with little fanfare nor segway.
I could probably keep going so, the basic break down of why I didn't like the book: lacking of information of what is going on and the world, no transitions, and characters acting weirdly (laughing at things that aren't funny, ignoring the fact that someone talks to fairies, not curious as to where someone went when they couldn't find them, etc.). Seriously!! Also, explaining what things are is super important. How is the average reader supposed to know what a moa, hopa, etc. are if they aren't at least described like, "Her moa had beautiful black and red feathers and was slightly bigger than the rest, able to carry two little girls in the sky" or something... instead of what did go down.
The rather sad thing is that this book has a lot of potential. The words are there, the magic system is... probably there (i just need it explained), there is some okay world-building going on, and so many cool little details! I just couldn't get past the rest of it :(
So, I'm leaving it off here. I wouldn't not recommend this book to younger kids, but it wouldn't be the first option I present to them either.
August 18, 2017
I found this title by chance browsing through Twitter pages, and was intrigued when I clicked the follow link to read the description of the book itself. It sounded right up my alley and it did not disappoint!
Rue has written a delightful, fun adventure in "An Average Curse". We are introduced to our protagonist and can connect with her very quickly, as Flynn struggles with feeling outcast in a society where she ought to be a prodigy. Comfort comes in the form of her best friend Hazel, and later encounters with the "witch of the woods" and a boy the two girls befriend, called Po. Flynn struggles to convince the rest of the island that she does have the vaunted magical gift she is prophesied to have, relying on aid from Hazel and the "witch of the woods" to sell the illusion. Looming on the horizon is the threat of the Shadow Coven, who seek to penetrate the protection of the island where Flynn lives, and the Shadow Witch she has been foretold to save her people from.
I'll stop there for the sake of not giving away too many spoilers. But this is well worth the read, and I'm looking forward to purchasing the rest of the books in the series! My only criticism has to do with the pacing and introduction of story elements; the pacing moves pretty quickly and this first book ends on an abrupt cliffhanger. There also are several concepts, characters, and story elements that tend to enter or are introduced to the story with very little build-up throughout the book. The author usually takes the time to backtrack and explain some of these things after the fact for the most part, but it can be a little disrupting to the read at times. Don't let that deter you from giving this story a shot though; it is still pretty easy to follow and the read is enjoyable!
Rue has written a delightful, fun adventure in "An Average Curse". We are introduced to our protagonist and can connect with her very quickly, as Flynn struggles with feeling outcast in a society where she ought to be a prodigy. Comfort comes in the form of her best friend Hazel, and later encounters with the "witch of the woods" and a boy the two girls befriend, called Po. Flynn struggles to convince the rest of the island that she does have the vaunted magical gift she is prophesied to have, relying on aid from Hazel and the "witch of the woods" to sell the illusion. Looming on the horizon is the threat of the Shadow Coven, who seek to penetrate the protection of the island where Flynn lives, and the Shadow Witch she has been foretold to save her people from.
I'll stop there for the sake of not giving away too many spoilers. But this is well worth the read, and I'm looking forward to purchasing the rest of the books in the series! My only criticism has to do with the pacing and introduction of story elements; the pacing moves pretty quickly and this first book ends on an abrupt cliffhanger. There also are several concepts, characters, and story elements that tend to enter or are introduced to the story with very little build-up throughout the book. The author usually takes the time to backtrack and explain some of these things after the fact for the most part, but it can be a little disrupting to the read at times. Don't let that deter you from giving this story a shot though; it is still pretty easy to follow and the read is enjoyable!
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