Since this is a sequel, I won't talk much about the plot. Just know that this is a brilliant continuation of the first book! The story is just as engaging, if not more so! The characters are beautifully developed and interact with each other on an intimate level you don't often see in books. I adored everything about this book. The writing especially! Duey is brilliant in everything she does. I can't get enough of it!

 

Which brings me to my one complaint: The third book has yet to be written and Sacred Scars has been out since 2009. I don't mind waiting for a long time for the conclusion to a trilogy. If the author wants to take their time on their book to make it as perfect as they want it to be, I am all for it. I just want an indication that it will be written at some point and so far... that has not happened. So a word of advice to those interested in reading this series: It is a fantastic, action-packed story with complex characters and beautiful writing. However, seeing as how the series has not been completed yet, you will not get a proper ending from this book. In fact, it ends on a cliffhanger. If that is not your thing, you might not want to venture on... but... I really do love this series and it will mean a lot to me, and Kathleen Duey I'm sure, if you went out and purchased these books. Show her that you are interested in finding what happens next and that you enjoyed her books.

 

I will be supporting her in whatever she decides to write next because she is just a brilliant author and deserves all the support she can get! I highly recommend this series. It's incredible!

I first heard of this book through my best friend. She said that it was a really creepy, but fantastic book and since I love reading things that make my skin crawl, I thought this would be a perfect book to read! And I am so glad I did!

 

The story is so interesting with its magic and how horrible it truly is. The writing style is brilliant! It's told from dual perspectives; one story being told in the past in third person and one being told in the present in first person. I really love how clever it was of Duey to tell the story in such a manner. Really helped the readers keep the time difference separated.

 

I love the characters. All of them! You can tell they each have multiple layers to who they are and what they want to accomplish. And some characters just really tore at my heartstrings! (Hahp and Gerrard being those who gave me all the feels! ;w;) There were characters that I didn't like as people but that I like as characters (if that makes any sense). Duey did an amazing job at creating so many different and interesting characters.

 

I really liked this book and if you like books that's slightly horrifying with a unique magic system and interesting characters, you should give this a try. However, know going into this that this might contain some triggers to people with eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. Also, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger so if you don't like those kinds of endings, make sure you have the sequel on hand.

 

I really did like this book and I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the story!

I loved everything about this book except the (lack of an) ending. Terrific dark fantasy with a fascinating story structure--alternating chapters skip back and forth between two storylines that take place decades apart. Sounds strange, but Duey makes it work. The book just ends--there's not really a cliffhanger, nor any kind of resolution in any of the storylines, otherwise, it'd be a five-star read.

Disclaimer: This is an adaptation of a movie.  This is for middle level readers – chapters and no pictures.  I saw part of the movie and didn’t like it.  The book was a gift.  My comments about the plot are not reflective of the author who doesn’t even get listed in my edition.  She had to work with the plot from the movie.

                Spirit is the story of a stallion in the Old West and his adventures as he gets captured by white men.  First, let me say, in terms of mechanics of writing the book is good.  It is more than competent, and there is some humor.

Written in alternative chapters this story of a girl who lives in a world where magic is frowned on, ridiculed and punished and a boy where magic is rampant but to become a magician you have to survive the school. A place where you starve until you work out how to create your own food, a place where your other classmates disappear and where you're told only one of you will go on to become a magician. Hahp is one of these students, a disappointment to his parents this is his last recourse. He learns but can he learn quickly enough. Sadima is from the earlier time, her mother died giving birth to her and only for her dedicated brother she wouldn't have survived much longer. She can hear animals speak to her. When opportunity brings her to the big city she finds herself with Franklin and Somiss and their obsession to discover the truth about magic. The cost may be too high. The story ends on a cliffhanger and I really do want to know what happens next.