The start of this book i felt like i really was jumping into the middle of the story and was missing out on some information. The author does help to fill in those holes as you go along and their is a Novella that fills in those missing gaps so i recommend picking it up as well and reading it either after or before. I was swept up in the story as all the pieces are filled in and the anguish of pain that Maren is trapped in through out the story. I tweeted some quotes that were my favorites to the author you can check those out at #BorrowedMagic.
YA Fantasy is my favorite genre to read. I was so excited to read this book. The cover alone pulls you in before you ever read one word in the book. It's beautiful and very intriguing, the same goes for the novella.
I first read the FREE novella which is a prequel to Borrowed Magic. It was a great beginning and I recommend that you also read it first. It sets everything up so nicely that you already have met the main characters and understand them and their motivations by the time Borrowed Magic get's underway.
I really liked the plot in this book. I must warn you though there is a lot of angst! Oh, how I felt for main character Maren. It seemed that so many things fell on her shoulders and many times she was helpless to defend herself and those she loved, but she never gave up. I was very anxious as I read this book. The dark character/villain, Kern, is VERY dark and menacing. He reminds me of Lord Voldemort and Darth Vader levels of evil. I kept thinking every time something bad happened, "This can't be happening!" I'd stop reading, go away, breath and then quickly come back to keep reading.
There is a lot in this book: adventure, mystery, magic and lost love. This kind of "edge of your seat" novel usually doesn't happen with a first time author, but that's what we have here. Author Shari Lambert has created a novel that is captivating, and it also has a very sweet love story. Phillip is Maren's love interest and wears the Knight in Shining Armor mantle well. You will love the ending.
This book is recommended to teens and adults that want to be taken away into a magical world where good battles evil.
***There is some mild violence and some kissing.***