Review: Of Witches and Warlocks: The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford

Synopsis: From Goodreads
Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

Review:
WARNING: The following review will contain lots of gushing. Read on if you dare : D

From the start I should tell you that this series is right up there with the Twilight Saga for me. Are you shocked? In fact the female protagonist, Portia, makes a far better role model than Bella. Imagine if you will a 16 year old Buffy mixed with Willow's magical power. I can even go so far as to say I wanted to be Portia even more than I wanted to be Buffy *Gasp*. Portia kicks some series butt, both magically and literally. At 16, she has more inner strength, loyalty and devotion than most double her age.

From her 16th birthday her abilities manifest, phenomenal in their power and Portia's ability to use them. The background and imagery of the witchcraft was astounding, showing an amazing amount of research on Lacey's part.

If you saw my trailer post yesterday you will know that the male protagonist is based on Matt Lanter. At 18 Vance has the whole brooding bad boy thing going on; throw in a leather jacket and motorcycle and you have a protagonist so hot you can feel the steam coming off the pages ;) As you probably know by now I kinda have a thing for the bad boy trying to be good. So Vance hit all the right buttons for me. Bad through his upbringing (his dysfunctional family made mine look relatively normal, lol) battling his destiny with his soul-mate at his side. The intensity of the emotion emanating from the pages was heart wrenching (in a good way).

The incorporation of different religions, showing their compatibility was fantastic. Making the point that why are there so many different factions all battling each other when they could work together. Why does there have to be a divide.

For me this is one book that I could read time and time again. Something I only normally do with Twilight. It has everything; powerful central characters you will fall in love with; action; adventure; romance with a mix of paranormal/supernatural.. It is addictive and compelling. Definitely rate it as one of my favourite books.

Check out the Of Witches and Warlocks website

So all you UK publishers take note - Lacey doesn't have a UK publisher - someone really needs to snap her up now!!!!!!

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