Ash’s review of Visions of Magic (The Awakening Series, Book 1) by Regan Hastings
Paranormal Romance published by Signet Eclipse 01 Feb 11
Visions of Magic is everything I usually hate to read. I am not a huge witch fan and I hate reincarnated story lines; however, I found it really hard to put this book down.
In this world, witches are hunted and thrown into prison or burnt at the stake. Regan Hastings has created a scenario that seems completely plausible and extremely terrifying. It’s the Salem witch trials all over again and no woman is really safe. Part of what I enjoyed so much at first is that it feels more realistic than a story where magic is accepted so easily. The book does lose that fresh feeling toward the end, though. Once they get to Europe and Shea’s memories come back, the feel of the book shifts. I have to roll my eyes at the witches’ traditional dress which leaves a boob hanging out in the open. It loses its more realistic touch around then.
Shea is a likable heroine. I appreciate that she is aware that she has the potential to repeat the past and let her power go to her head. She is cautious, and while she might do some stupid things, she knows what she is doing and accepts the consequences. She fears her powers, and with good reason. Now Torin, on the other hand, I find to be lacking. The Torin from the prologue doesn’t really match the character in the rest of the book, and the prologue is what sucked me in. The focus is mostly on Shea, when I wanted to know more about him. I still can’t say what type of person he is, because he doesn’t really have a personality. He only seems to be there to transport Shea around and have sex with her, which, by the way, I think is how every scene between them ends.
There are some things that I feel could have been clearer, like how the Eternals and the witches came to be together, how the whole reincarnation thing works, and just little details that didn’t make total sense. I also didn’t really feel the romance. They are together because it’s destiny for them to be together, there was no buildup. I am hoping that the lack of romance doesn’t continue, because I am excited for what this series can be.
So, yes, it has its flaws, but I’m able to overlook most of them while reading. With Visions of Magic I’m able to just enjoy it without picking it apart every other page.
Grade: B+
Summary:
In the ten years since magic has reemerged in the world, witches have become feared and hunted. For weeks Shea Jameson has been haunted by visions of fire. When she unintentionally performs a spell in public, she becomes one of the hunted. Her only hope is Torin, a dangerously sensual man who claims to be her eternal mate.
Read an excerpt here.
