Book Release! DARKSPELL by Elizabeth Mueller

Today in honor of blogger buddy Elizabeth Mueller’s release of her debut novel DARKSPELL- I’m supposed to finish the phrase ‘If I had all the magic in the world, I’d…’

However,

I don’t want to finish that phrase- for the simple reason that I feel I should use all the magic in the world to create world peace and harmony- enlighten all human, animal, vegetable and mineral suffering on this planet.  Stop the exploitation of natural resources.  Promote peaceful interaction with extraterrestrials. 

But the truth is…

I’d probably use telekinesis to start coffee in the morning.  And then make it float to my bed so I won’t have to get up. 

I’d fly places. Especially when grocery shopping.  Who needs to walk all the way to the other side of the store when you forget something?  I’ll just fly.  And when I only have two items to scan- I’d totally fly over people’s heads to get to the check-out counter before the dude with the over-flowing shopping cart. 

Or maybe I’d make food replenish itself.  Especially Japanese food.  All you can eat sushi.  And lobster.  Every night. Then maybe I wouldn’t have to go grocery shopping at all.

I’d make my children’s voices mute (only on occasion).  With a wiggle of my nose their brain-popping cries of ‘That’s MINE!!!  She HIT me!!!’ will disappear in a flash and be replaced with…silence….aaahJ

Yes.  It is the ugly truth.  Which is probably why I have yet to be bestowed with magic powers.  Though it isn’t through lack of trying mind you.  I was one of those creepy kids who would try to bend forks with their minds and stare at unlit candles for hours.  My attempts at flying never really worked out to my benefit either, as you can imagine.

But I’m sure Mueller’s magic users of the Stormhold coven will put their powers to better use than I would!  Be sure to check it out!

Review:

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary…until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.  As seer of the Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her.  Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Darkspell doesn’t fit into a typical YA genre box.  As a matter of fact, it’s one of the most original books I’ve read this year.  A richly woven drama unfolds as young Winter Sky meets two handsome and mysterious neighbors, both fighting for affection. 

But one boy, the boy of her dreams—literally—has already won her heart.  But in short order her life is turned upside down as she enters the Stormhold world, a coven of magic users (I’m hesitant to use the world witch/wizard here.  This is really something very different) where she is being hunted by the Shadoweaer.  Suddenly everything is in jeopardy as she searches for her gift and fights to keep the boy she loves.

Elizabeth Mueller gives a great story, full of normal teen angst without tipping the scales to be annoying, she keeps us guessing, dropping nuggets for us throughout the story, but never tipping her hand.  Combine that with the fantastic use of illustrations that give it almost a graphic novel feel as we read, and this is easily a five star read.  I can’t wait to pick this up in paperback and you should too!  Mueller is a great addition to the YA world and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented writer!- YA Book Babes