**Review copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.**
The Prophecy of Shadows (Elementals, book 1) by Michelle Madow
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Prophecy of Shadows (1)
When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.
Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.
When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.
Review:
Hmmmmm. Honestly the only reason I went back and finished this book was because I was so excited about it and requested the ARC. Nothing bums me out more than when a book I requested doesn't work out for me. About 17% of the way in I had to take a break. The reasons were that it was generic and boring. So upon picking it up after quite a bit of time has passed and I'm in a different frame of mind. Enough of a new frame of mind that I did finish the whole book, so that now I can elaborate as to why I found it generic and boring.
First off after you've read a certain amount of books you pick up on things. Plots and stories ideas, so on. At some point you just can't stand reading the same story again featuring (hopefully at least) new character names and a slight spin. Or no spin. The world of paranormal YA has been explored and The Prophecy of Shadows had nothing new to bring to it. Especially as everyone has done Greek mythology. When another YA PR book decides to “borrow” it either falls flat or at least makes its character stand out.
However, even the characters were borrowed. They were never developed enough to not be hallow shells. I feel like this book was a check list of things a title like this needs. The most exciting parts about it where some of the jokes made about Harry Potter.
Don't even get me started on the mysterious boy/love interest. I guess "Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt." from the synopsis. Not to mention this winner: "His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic."
I'm not sure if I really paid attention to the synopsis.
What is with YA titles where the girls land the hottest guy who happens to have a horrible girlfriend that she steals him from. First off, why are they dating that horrible girl. (Yeah there's always some lame excuse. Why can't they admit it's probably not for hand holding?) Secondly, don't covet and date him. Coveting another's man is bad, secondly um he's dating a horrible person. Whom you stole him from.
World building, plot, and characters weren't even really attempted. If anything this was just a lazy attempt to try and cash out on the genre. You know if you write it the fans will come. Yeah, there are plenty of readers who probably won't recognize or mind that isn't trying. Which works fine. I however have no interest in seeing where this uninspired series is going to go.
Content Warning: Wow, I can't remember. I think there may have been mild sexual humor. Pretty sure this is a safe read all around.
1/5- I couldn't finish it or wish I hadn't.
| Previous book(s) in series: | ||
| Reviewed on BW: | Amazon: | Goodreads: |
| The Prophecy of Shadows (1) The Blood of Hydra (2) The Head of Medusa (3) The Portal to Kerberos (4) The Hands of Time (5) | The Prophecy of Shadows (1) | The Prophecy of Shadows (1) The Blood of Hydra (2) The Head of Medusa (3) The Portal to Kerberos (4) The Hands of Time (5) |
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