Monday, April 14, 2014

House of Ivy and Sorrow by Natalie Whipple

Standalone
352p.
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: April 15, 14
Source: Edelweiss and publisher for review
Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

My thoughts:
This was a cute witching story that I would consider for younger YA crowds would enjoy. The interactions between the characters were a bit younger than I would feel at the older YA level would enjoy. The storyline is an interesting one. Not as dark as you would have expected, but yet still mysterious enough to keep me reading.

I had ideas about parts of the mystery and I did like the way the ending happened, but most of it was predictable. I didn't mind since I got my complete HEA. There is a hint of a love triangle, but it doesn't come to fruition and Jo, our heroine, choses wisely and confidently. It's at least the conclusion to an almost triangle we often want in a book like this.

In the end, I give this book 3 stars. It isn't as dark as I thought it would be, but it is an enjoyable young witch coming into her powers kind of book. It also has some great friendships that endure separation and some heartache.

32 comments:

  1. Cute and not too dark I can get away with, its the predictable that concerns me which is a shame as everything else about this book appeals to me.

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    1. You might enjoy it much more than I did. I still did enjoy it. :)

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  2. Gah! I cannot make up my mind about this book. Initially, I was all for it. I mean, come on--the blurb sounds fantastic. But then the reviews started trickling in . . . some good, most bad, but when a book sounds as good as this one, it takes a LOT for me to 86 it. And I thought that I finally had, but now you've got me wondering if maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. Sigh. Maybe I'll just decide to get it if/when my library gets it. That's a good comprise, right? ;)

    Jessica @ Rabid Reads

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    1. I know what you mean. I've done that before as well. Those are the ones I usually library book too. :D

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  3. Now you know exactly what I meant. This is perfect for MG going into YA. The characters did not feel 17 to me at all and yet I liked it..LOL

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  4. This sounds like something I can share with my nieces.

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  5. I have been seeing the same ratings (3) for this book. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I've read in a couple of places that it's good for the younger YA crowd, especially since the MC acts rather immature (as she should -- she's young). I'll have to read it and see!

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    1. It is also the language and how all of them act. To me it was just a bit younger than the target audience.

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  7. I have not read a glowing review for this one. Everyone seems to think it is a bit young and so I am skipping it.

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  8. We're so on the same page with this one Melissa! I expected a darker story for sure and wished the characters read a little older, but it was a fun read nonetheless:) And that cover is just stunning. I love it:)

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  9. Well hey if the triangle didn't come about then that is groovy in my opinion! Too bad it sounds like its at the younger end of YA cause usually I like mine at the older end.

    Feed the fishies are next to me...must go feed.

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  10. Ok I had way too much fun with that fish feeding frenzy!

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  11. I just read Jenny's review and I'd swear you two conferred with each other before writing your reviews! You totally say the same thing. As I said on her blog, I was expecting something dark and haunting and gothic with romance. Not lighthearted. Thank you for being specific about the age and what it's about.

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  12. I'll be honest, I'm glad I didn't get this book. I would've been disappointing, because I thought this would be darker. Plus, I don't care much for the younger feel of the characters, ya know?

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  13. it sounds nice even if not awesome. I read quite a lot of mixed reviews about it so I think I'll pass for this one...

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  14. I'm glad to hear the love triangle gets resolved before it really even starts, and that there's a HEA, that is always something to look forward to. It sounds like this might read younger than I'd like, but I'm still curious to check it out. Lovely review!

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  15. Sounds nice Melissa, thanks for the review. Perhaps nice to relax with after a heavier book.

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  16. Hmm... it sounds very good on paper, but I'm gathering from the reviews I've been reading that it's a bit underwhelming. Oh well :)

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  17. I'm pretty much getting the same thing about this one. That it's a bit juvenile and maybe misses on the WOW factor. It still sounds decent and I do read MG, so since this is kind of between MG and YA I might enjoy it more than some.

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  18. Srry to hear it was predictable in parts and not as dark as you'd like, but that you still found things you liked and enjoyed

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  19. When this book first hit my radar I wanted it immedaitly but then i saw some not so great reviews for it and other's that were solid three star ratings where bloggers said it was at keast enjoyable and i just didn't know anymore. Part of me just wants to read it too see what it's like but i'm not a fan of things being predictable AT ALL. So i have a feeling that would nag me big time with this read!
    Oh well!
    Great review!
    Lily @ Lilysbookblog

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  20. Sounds like a good summer read, and stand alone. I like that idea. :) Thank you!

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  21. I haven't read one review for this book that was over 3 stars. Not a good sign. At least there were some enjoyable elements to it.

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  22. I have been on a fence with this one as well, it does sound a bit younger as far as the interaction goes. I will probably read it anyway

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