This was really weird. It definitely wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting. ( )

This was really weird. It definitely wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting. ( )

Danny moves to CA with her mom and discovers Redwood trees, magic, and love. She discovers she was called there be a group of witches who need her help to unravel the mystery of a missing member of their group. Lyrically written.‬ ( )

Have you ever picked up a book thinking that it was going to invoke a certain feeling based on its cover? Honestly, we probably all have, since coverart is a pretty unavoidable marketing method and if done well gives us an idea of what the book will contain. I picked up this novel from the library thinking that it would be a lighthearted read with summery overtones, evoking a west coast vibe that hinted at the magic that the cover notes described. While the novel definitely evokes the west coast perfectly, it is far from the lighthearted read that I expected. Instead of surfers, frolicking in the waves, and summertime sunrises I instantly felt like I was back in high school with my own coven, discovering our own magic amongst the lakeside forests during the twilight hours. Obviously our experience did not include rogue sisters, murders, or actually bringing ghosts into the future, but that feeling of finding ourselves through our friendship, exploring the world and creating our own, and feeling the power of nature and our burgeoning womanhood felt absolutely familiar to what the Greys go through as the story progresses. It echoes a truth that I had almost forgotten, as our group drifted away (though not always apart) over the years, since that feeling of youthful exploration and finding magic never really fades away. For all that it reads as a murder mystery, the important themes are far more intuitive and I am glad that this book doesn’t seem to be marketed as simply another teen beach read once you get into the actual story - even if its cover seems to imply as such. Considering that this isn’t the first book by author Amy Rose Capetta, I’m a bit surprised that I’ve never heard of her - but I guess it’s great to find a new author with some back publishing to catch up on. Here’s hoping her previous novels are as magical as this one!

"Most magic doesn't change the world. It's about being in the world. Appreciating its gifts." (page 132). ( )

I honestly don't have the slightest clue what to make of this book

it was gorgeous

it was one of the weirdest books I've ever read

I think I need some time to process this one

but I liked it. I liked it a lot. ( )