Thursday, February 20, 2014

"Old Magic" An Oldie but a Goodie



Old Magic, by Marianne Curley is not super well-known among avid YA readers. I think one of the largest reasons for that is it's age. The book was originally published in 2009, back before YA become a genre to be rivaled in popular culture. I read it several years back and was absolutely in love; this book is really what sparked a deep love of the YA genre. Recently, I decided to reread to see if it held up to my 24 year old sensibilities the same way it did to the 12 year old version of myself. I'm glad to announce that a 10th (this is an estimate but not an exaggeration) read really cemented this as my favorite book.

Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing,
but Kate Warren doesn't know why.
 
The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom. 
Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey -- one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against imrmense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

The book follows, Kate Warren and Jarrod Thornton as they attempt to break a curse wrought upon Jarrod's family. Old Magic, contains everything I absolutely adore in my YA--magic, romance, and history. Kate and Jarrod's attempts to break the curse on his family lead the two back in time to a confrontation with Jarrod's noble relatives--obviously there are some issues. Curley's writing is incredible and the way she gradually builds the romance between Jarrod and Kate is what creates the timeless quality that keeps me coming back year after year. Old Magic, truly stands the test of time and the only part I don't like is that Curley has not brought more of her magic to the shelves.

9/10

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Amanda! I came across your blog through goodreads, so I figured to stop by and say hello! I am now following your blog :)

You brought back old memories with this post! I have this book sitting on my book shelf and it's been sitting there for quite some time. I just never got around to reading it. There was something about the book blurb that caught my attention and I am so glad to hear that the book has a lot of charm. I'll definitely have to give it a shot. Perfect summer reading!

Anyway, feel free to stop by my blog sometime! Always looking for new blogger buddies to chat with :)

Mia @ The Muses Circle

Unknown said...

Mia, thanks so much! I will definitely be checking out your blog! I read a lot of YA but love a good romance novel and am always looking for suggestions. If you get the chance make sure you crack open Old Magic, it really is a fantastically well-written story--and if you don't like it you can come back and blame me lol.

I'm glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for following :)

 

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