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Night’s Child by Cate Tiernan

Night’s Child by Cate Tiernan

Sep 29

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In the final Sweep book, we get to meet a Morgan quite a few years later—just as her world is crashing down around her again. Spoilers ahead though folks, be warned.

Nights ChildTitle: Night’s Child
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 15
Publish Date:  August 25, 2003
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description: Twenty years ago, Morgan Rowlands was the most powerful young bloodwitch to come around in generations – making magickal discoveries, facing and conquering unimaginable evil, and surviving a devastating betrayal. Her daughter, fifteen-year-old Moira, knows there’s more to her mother’s past than she’s been told. And the secrets that lie in Morgan’s heart could destroy Moira’s entire world. When Moira learns two painful truths about her family, she begins to put the puzzle together – and realizes that someone close to her is in grave danger.

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

Kat_Mandu_100Kat Mandu says…

This book is smooth and easy to get through, with lots of different reasons to keep reading in a hungry fashion. It ties everything together nicely and is written in a way that, when people who haven’t read the first fourteen books read it, they can easily catch up and still understand what’s going on. It’s definitely an incentive to read the prequels as well though.

Told by both Morgan and her young daughter, Moira, it’s a very different world than the one Morgan once knew. They live in a new town, Morgan’s become quite the powerful healer, and Moira is raised a witch and has some cool powers too.

I found myself flying through the book simply so that I would know if Hunter was really alive after that prologue. I didn’t realize how much I loved his character until he wasn’t there. That frustration pretty much drove me through the whole book.

And Killian – how ironic of him to show up out of nowhere and drop a bombshell on the family. I adore his tactics. I wish he would have been in the storyline a lot more than he actually was, but he was the catalyst to the important aspects of the rest of the plot.

So much drama. I liked that when it is Moira’s point of view, she isn’t such a baby like Alisa was. She is emotional, but it is more of a focused angst, intense like Hunter’s brooding moods. And poor Morgan. Been through hell and back, but still badass and drinking Diet Coke. I love it.

badge4v4A good end to a wonderfully magickal series. So if you like your magic with a bit of contemporary situations, cool action scenes, and lots of drama, you’ll love this series. I know I’ve liked it since I was a teenager in high school and still enjoy it now.

Books in this series…

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Full Circle by Cate Tiernan

Full Circle by Cate Tiernan

Sep 22

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This is the original finale of the Sweep series, with Night’s Child being a twenty-years-later kind of thing and the final finale. But the present battle Morgan has to face just may change her future forever.

Full CircleTitle: Full Circle
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 14
Publish Date:  September 30, 2002
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description: Hunter, Morgan, and Alisa. All three are witches, and each is in turmoil. Hunter feels stifled by the small town world of Widow’s Vale. Morgan is terrified of the possibility of life without him. And Alisa is still coping with the knowledge that she is a witch–by blood. Together, the three worked together to defeat the most unspeakable evil known to witches. Now, the danger they face is just as deadly. But to vanquish their new foe, they must first defeat the weaknesses within themselves.

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

Kat_Mandu_100Kat Mandu says…

Only one of the summaries on the back page of this book matches the story—Morgan’s does, but Hunter’s does not. So I was a little thrown by the back page, even though I’ve read it before (a very long time ago). However, I was much more impressed by this book than I have the last couple books in the series.

And yes, it’s probably because Morgan and Hunter are back to co-narrating the story. I have always enjoyed Hunter’s smart, comical view of things and I highly enjoy his little spy game. How he high-vaults up to the roof and then uses a periscope to check out Patrice and her coven. I like the chase and the new-found speed and skill that Hunter retains, even after quitting the council.

I would have liked to know more about the “scourge” that Morgan is destined to become and why she is chosen. It is mentioned, but only briefly and not in very good detail. It is brought up at one point, talked about for a few seconds, and then dropped, so I expected there to be another conversation about it, but there isn’t. So I’m confused about the whole scourge thing and the prophetic meaning behind it. I do know that Morgan accepts being the scourge before she shapeshifts. But I don’t really understand what it means besides “destroyer,” which could mean a multitude of things.

I also would have liked it if Hunter and Morgan would have done the deed. The whole series has pretty much been leading up to it since Morgan and Hunter first engaged with each other, fighting and then arguing. But I do like that they have the kind of relationship where they are supportive of each other one moment and then the next, they can be bickering like an old married couple.

And oh, Hunter, your rage drives me wild! I love how he continues to hate Cal, even after his death. His jealousy shows how much he truly cares about Morgan and how much he just can’t stand that someone else had her first. I like it when he admits how much he cares without even meaning to.

The dreams get a little predictable after Morgan mentions she was seeing Cal. I figured it was Selene, because you never actually knew if she was dead. You just heard that Morgan touched Cal’s face before he died, but nothing was ever mentioned about his mother. So her reappearance wasn’t really that surprising. I almost wished that Cal would come back so that he and Hunter could fight again. Because that would be awesome.

badge4v4One last book before the ending, but this is a good end to Morgan’s teenage years. I like the openness of the ending and how limitless the possibilities are of what could happen for the future for the both of them. Guess we’ll find out what happens in the next and final one.

Books in this series…

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Reckoning by Cate Tiernan

Reckoning by Cate Tiernan

Sep 8

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This is another one in the Sweep series narrated by Alisa as she ventures to her deceased mother’s homeland to discover the truth about her mother’s family, death, and powers.

ReckoningTitle: Reckoning
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 13
Publish Date:  August 26, 2002
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description: Somewhere, there is a place for me. There are people who understand me and can explain the mysteries of my past.

I have traveled far in search of this place.

But instead of knowledge or understanding, I have found only danger, hostility, and fear….

Alisa is still coming to terms with being a blood witch. Longing for a sense of belonging, or understanding, Alisa seeks out her mother-s family. While there she finds comfort in some of the mysteries of her past, but she also uncovers danger, hostility, and fear-and she must make a choice that could change her future.

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

Kat_Mandu_100Kat Mandu says…

I sincerely do not want to give this book three stars *just* because I can’t stand the character who narrates it, but she is too much. I don’t know a single fourteen-year old with the rationality (or lack thereof) that Alisa has. Runaway? Sure, I guess that’s normal for kids who are going through rough times. But explaining to your dad why you ran away like Alisa does? I’m sorry, but my parents would have said, “I’m coming to get you no matter what and telling me you’re a silly little girl who can’t fess up to her problems is not an excuse.” Seriously, I know nine-year-olds who are more mature than this girl.

I was hoping Evelyn would freak out after discovering that Alisa and Charlie were down in her private library. Because they freaking BROKE IN WITHOUT PERMISSION! I don’t know about you, but if I were the strange woman whose house, study, and life (so to speak) were broken into, I think I’d be a little ticked off.

Golly, I do not remember being so angsty when I was fourteen. Everything is so dramatic with Alisa. She cries eighty billion times. We get it, you’re overwhelmed. But damn, do you have to moan and groan about EVERYTHING? I thought Alisa and Hilary were getting along in the last book, but that totally changes in this one. And then there’s the Charlie thing and before that, “oh, I’m lonely, single Alisa.” I feel like the romance is forced in this one, just so Alisa has one less thing to bitch about. I just can’t relate to her like I did with Morgan.

The story itself isn’t bad – I love the Book of Shadow entries especially. I would have liked to have seen some more magic, but there is a lot to take in as the story unfolds. The descriptions are nice and vivid; everything is very easy to visualize.

Poor Morgan and Hunter in the beginning, having to deal with Alisa in a way that makes them seem like parents. I like how Morgan can accept and understand Alisa’s longing to discover more about her past and that she relates to Alisa’s innocent mind when it comes to the discovery of her powers.

I did like the mermaid idea and how it led to Alisa’s discovery of her mother’s athame and other witch tools. The idea that everything in life has its own destiny and path is expressed continuously in this series and it’s fascinating to watch it unfold.

badge3v4Still, I can only manage to give this a three rating.

Books in this series…

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Eclipse by Cate Tiernan

Eclipse by Cate Tiernan

Sep 1

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An evil wave of dark magick capable of destroying entire cities and all life within it is hunting Morgan. She has to team up with Hunter, his recently discovered father, and half-witch Alisa to stop it from claiming anyone else she loves.

EclipseTitle: Eclipse
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 12
Publish Date:  June 10, 2002
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description: Everything around me seems strange and dark.
I am not who I thought I was.

Danger is coming; I know this now.
Everything I believed about my family is a lie.

I can stop this. But I can’t do it alone.
How can I live with this knowledge?

I need help….
I need help….

Morgan knows that a dark wave of destruction is on its way. Everyone she loves is in jeopardy. So Morgan, Hunter, and a surprising new ally join together to fight a battle that will test their powers more than any of them can imagine. In this struggle of good versus evil, bright magick versus dark, who will survive to tell the tale?

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

Kat_Mandu_100Kat Mandu says…

The spellcrafting is so much more complicated in this book compared to the others. It’s kind of like reading about someone going up against their greatest enemy—knowing the territory inside out, which weaknesses to exploit, how to catch your opponent off guard. It’s a great battle of good versus evil. The action of the scene is nice, but after it’s all over, the happy ending is a bit too… anticlimactic? I didn’t like the abrupt feeling of, “Holy shit, it’s over.” It just seemed too bleh after all that.

This book is the first in the series narrated by two characters at once. Morgan, I can handle. Alisa I cannot. The fourteen-year-old just drives me batty. There’s a scene where she walks into Morgan’s room while Morgan is “resting” to ask a question. She calls out for Morgan and then wonders how Morgan knew she was there without opening her eyes to see her. Alisa angrily blames it on Morgan’s “scary witch powers.” No, dumb ass. You walked into the room and said her name. Of course she knew it was you because she recognized your voice! Oi vey.

And Alisa’s turn-around is ridiculous. She goes from being freaked out enough to send a letter to the government about witchcraft to, “oh, okay, sure I’ll do a spell even though I might die.” Really? Finding out you are half-witch made you realize you weren’t very competent and that witchcraft isn’t so bad? Ugh, I’ve always disliked hearing from Alisa.

I like the magick. I love how the characters are feeling the effects of the dark wave; it shows blood witches tend to have more vulnerabilities than I originally thought. I like that Daniel Niall gets to punch Ciaran and that Morgan turns out to be stronger than her biological father. I do wish Killian stayed longer, he is one of my favorite characters. *le sigh*

badge3v4Over all, a pretty good book. But be warned, Alisa is the big turn off here.

Books in this series…

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Origins by Cate Tiernan

Origins by Cate Tiernan

Aug 25

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I totally loved this one!

OriginsTitle: Origins
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 11
Publish Date:  May 13, 2002
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description:My name is Rose MacEwan. The year is 1682. It is a hard time to be a witch. And an even harder time to be Wodebayne.

Now that I’ve found my soul mate, I feel almost safe. I will do anything to keep him.

Pity the witch who comes between me and my true love.

The chronicle of the deadly Woodbane conspiracy-as told by one of Morgan-s own ancestors-has fallen into Hunter-s and Morgan-s hands. Hunter and Morgan explore the world of these powerful witches, to find a way to vanquish them at last.

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

Kat_Mandu_100Kat Mandu says…

In Origins, we travel back in time to the days when magic was just starting to be feared by cities across America and England. Although I’m not a huge historical fiction fan, I do enjoy “magically” interpreted stories that take place in history. And since this does just that, I really loved it.

The speech seemed accurate and so romantic. Rose is one of Morgan’s ancestors and the creator of the dark wave. She starts out as an innocent girl in love and becomes a heartbroken woman bent on revenge. And the paranoia of all the witch trials, so accurate and fiercely scary. I loved the continuous tension.

Oh, and the beauty of Rose’s magic – especially her love spells. Fascinating magick as always, especially when she’s imprisoned and purposely creates the dark wave to escape. Rose was a magnificently written character. I liked her power and her ability to use it. You could truly feel her love, her emotions – sometimes more than you can relate to Morgan’s actually.

And the beginning! I adore that Hunter was man enough to tell Morgan he kissed Justine. I like that Morgan didn’t automatically succumb to forgiveness, that her stubbornness stayed true to her character. That even though she’s in love, she still holds onto that sensibility that things aren’t right and they need to be fixed.

badge4v4With the ending, however, it alludes to a wave of darkness…that threatens to swallow up everything Morgan’s built – her family, friends, and lover. This series is about to get real folks, stay tuned.

Until then, I give this a four!

Books in this series…

Links will become active as reviews are posted.

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