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Reckless Magic (Star-Crossed #1)

by Rachel Higginson (Goodreads Author)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 3,768 ratings · 389 reviews

16 year old Eden Matthews has been in and out of private schools for the last two years. Kingsley is her last chance to finish high school and she is determined to simply do that. But when she meets Kiran Kendrick and her world opens to something she thought only existed in fairy tales, she's unsure what her future will hold. Suddenly she is captivated by a boy who seems t...more

Kindle Edition, 327 pages

Published March 14th 2011

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Jul 28, 2012 Caitlin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would really love to be able to give this book four stars, because it definitely kept me entertained and engrossed in the story and characters. But, (and I don't know if this is just the edition I got - it was free after all) there were so many instances of grammar errors/typos and flow/writing style issues that I feel like I just can't go higher than three.

The story found within Reckless Magic is filled with adventure, romance, and of course, magic. The beginning is a bit slow and there are...more I would really love to be able to give this book four stars, because it definitely kept me entertained and engrossed in the story and characters. But, (and I don't know if this is just the edition I got - it was free after all) there were so many instances of grammar errors/typos and flow/writing style issues that I feel like I just can't go higher than three.

The story found within Reckless Magic is filled with adventure, romance, and of course, magic. The beginning is a bit slow and there are several instances throughout the book that felt a bit like info dumping as necessary information about the magical world of the 'Immortals' is relayed to the main character Eden, who is at first ignorant about her powers and many other aspects of the Immortals' society. Except for the prologue, the story is told from Eden's first person point of view (who, I might add, is a bit dense when it comes to noticing magic and whatnot) and I honestly found her a rather entertaining narrator and character. She has some spunk to her and likes to utlize sarcasm to her advantage. However, I had some issues with the writing style itself. Eden is sixteen, so this book is obviously aimed at a younger, teen audience, but there were several instances of awkward sentence structure and poor word choice that, frankly, got a little bit on my nerves (until I reminded myself that I got it for free). The action scenes were particularly long and tedious.

After saying all that it probably sounds like I didn't like the book at all; however, I actually quite enjoyed it. Looking past the definite need for editing, I loved the story and characters. I'd say it's a rather classic plot with a magical society dying out, a tyrant king, and resistence building against the current monarchy, but it also has several unique little twists to it that I loved. The romance was pretty typical of a YA novel with that 'forbidden romance' twist. The characters are really what sold it for me; they all have very distinct personalities and voices and I came to really care for them.

Overall, it was a fun read. I just don't know if I'm willing to pay money for the next book in the series if the editing issues are still there.(less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Lissa & Alexa The Novel Lasses rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: age 10- 15

Recommended to Lissa & Alexa by: B4R Club

Shelves: 4stars_i_was_crazy_about_it, 6our_2013_reads, 6our_kindle_books, rachel_higginson

I'm a big enough woman (no pun intended) to admit the cover of Reckless Magic will never make top 10 covers but it's pretty. With not much detail etched in it Reckless Magic scrawled out boldly in a heft of clouds...it can only lead to one thought, "What type of storm in brewing inside the pages using magic recklessly?"

I truly expected more from the story not to say I didn't enjoy, I did. It's just this authors take on how naive the youth can be was utterly ridicules. I found Eden's cluelessness...more I'm a big enough woman (no pun intended) to admit the cover of Reckless Magic will never make top 10 covers but it's pretty. With not much detail etched in it Reckless Magic scrawled out boldly in a heft of clouds...it can only lead to one thought, "What type of storm in brewing inside the pages using magic recklessly?"

I truly expected more from the story not to say I didn't enjoy, I did. It's just this authors take on how naive the youth can be was utterly ridicules. I found Eden's cluelessness a bit over-the-top and the reveling secrets could be seen coming from a mile away. However, it did keep me interested enough to see how things played out in the end.

After Eden (I guess naming her Eve would have been a over kill after all its the garden that stays hid, right?) kicked out of yet another school because of her issues that can't be proven. (It amazes me that she is still clueless at this point.) She has a chance meeting with two of Kingsley (hello, if that is not a knock upside the head to get a clue with) hottest new male transfers, Kieran and Talbot. As much as Eden irks me I can't blame her for assuming that Talbot was no more than an a** kissing fan of Kieran's. What Kingdom would place a teenage boy as body guard to the crowned Prince. While I'm on crowned Prince, logic must prevail.. one is not crowned Prince... it is a privilege you are born into, last time I checked.

Now while I'm on my soap box rant... Talbot... dude is a Titan. I understand the whole blood oath to protect be he seems a servant to Kieran more than anything else. Why doesn't he grow a set and speak up... "You want your ass wiped call a nanny. I'm your protector nor your servant." Now that would have been sweet!

I suppose that's one reason I didn't trust or care for Kieran, he is such a spoiled little snot ball and he keeps to many secrets from Eden. I have this foreboding feeling, like Alexandria he doesn't truly love Eden. I think he loves what Eden's magic can do for him. The fact that he helped Lily doesn't change my mind either. What is his motive? Hump... to gain Eden good graces?? But for what?? Possibly what her magic can do for him, maybe? Surely I jest.

Then there is Amory. Most of the messes Eden found herself in could have been avoided if he had only spoken up sooner... say when her magic started manifesting? Instead of waiting until she destroyed two schools and found herself in a tangled mess while dropping hints strange hints such as, "I'm here, if you need someone to talk to."

Hello, she is a teenage girl what is she supposed to do, run to some old man and discuss her menstruation issues. It just screams possible pedophile... And wait?? Isn't he a clairvoyant? He should have known Eden would never come to him that she just thought she was batshit crazy. I guess the author slipped on that one.

Now let visit Avalon...different as night and day. Who wouldn't follow this guy through hell and back? Oh, right Eden. He is your long lost twin and fighting not only for you and himself he is fighting for your people a whole. He is fiercely protective, strong and loves his sister and people. You can't get more perfect than that can you??

Sorry soap box rant over... My recommendation over look the grammar errors... it's not as if anyone is perfect. Side step the ridiculous cluelessness of Eden and read. I look forward to reading book two, just to see the bond between the twin grow. Also to see if my suspensions about Kieran are founded.
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Apr 09, 2013 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, fantasy-romance, magic

My Rating 2.0

Reckless Magic… In the first parts of this book, I honestly liked it, though as the story went on, it became a little boring. It’s an average book for me.
It was intriguing from the start up to about ¼ of the whole book. The readers were on the dark when it comes to their nature. It kept the excitement going on for a while.
Then on about ½ to ¾ of the story when I’d realized what they are it started to get boring, then I’d just skipped some parts just to get to the exciting part. And...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Deanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, free-ebook, books-id-read-again, t-m-i-or-mushy, mild-language

It was really hard to rate this book because my feelings are so conflicted. For the first half of the book I was really bored and constantly frustrated with everything that was happening. Our main character, Eden, is left in the dark about everything going on around her. She is full of magic but it keeps exploding out of her and she doesn't know how to control it and no one is informing her about her magic, her family, or the danger she is in. I just wanted her to get her act together and try an...more It was really hard to rate this book because my feelings are so conflicted. For the first half of the book I was really bored and constantly frustrated with everything that was happening. Our main character, Eden, is left in the dark about everything going on around her. She is full of magic but it keeps exploding out of her and she doesn't know how to control it and no one is informing her about her magic, her family, or the danger she is in. I just wanted her to get her act together and try and figure out what was going on, but instead I had to read about all these different characters yelling at her and blaming her for various incidents that weren't really her fault. But once we finally started to get some real answers to what was going on, the book started to get a lot more interesting and then I couldn't out the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. After finishing the book I wanted to give it four stars because I absolutely loved the second half of the book, but the first half of the book was just so frustrating and boring that I couldn't justify giving it such a high rating.

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So about a month after I wrote the review above, I ended up buying the other books in this series on Amazon because I didn't know what else to read. I read all the books and I ended up absolutely loving the entire Star-Crossed Series and it is now one of my favorite book series of all time (it is right up there with my love for the Harry Potter series and Millenium series). When I found out that I could buy my own paperback copy of Reckless Magic I was stoked and ordered it the day it became available. I meant to hold off on reading it right away because I have a zillion other books that I plan to read this summer, but one of the books I was reading was so boring that after reading half of it I decided to hit the pause button on it and I picked up Reckless Magic again to read for a second time, this time holding the actual book instead of just reading it on my ipod. The second time around I love love LOVED this book the whole way through. I think that the first time I read Reckless Magic I was just too impatient with the plot because I wanted to know what was going on right away and my impatience and frustration and confusion messed with my judgement of the book.

I had originally given this book three stars, but I now am giving it the 5 stars that it totally deserves!!!!!!!!!! (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2011 Shelly Crane rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone Who Enjoys Love

Recommended to Shelly by: Amazon

Shelves: best-books

This book is quite possibly my favorite book of 2011. I am SO glad the next two books are already out as I plan to devour them asap. Gosh, where to start.

Ok, first, Eden. She's so normal! I loved her. If she was a real gal, we'd be best friends. She was shy yet outspoken when it mattered. She was effectively suspicious but loyal. She was loving, with whole heart and body and soul and really, in my opinion there should be no other kind of love. She was sweet, caring, feisty, funny and also seemed...more

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Apr 13, 2012 diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorite

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Really, this book is a must read.

At first, Reckless Magic wasn't at all appealing to me. I mean, come on, what's up with the cover? So it stayed on my to-read list for about a week until my curiosity got the better of me. And wasn't I fortunate when I found out that this book is just great!!

First, we go to the characters - Eden Matthews, our heroine, enters a new school which turns out to be her last resort since she either got her last school burned down or flooded. But what she doesn't know is...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Joie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Rather frustrating heroine. Yes, she is only 16 and is pretty naive, but very little growth/maturity by the end of the book, if at all. Hard to keep cheering her on, especially with all the teenage angst-riddled narration from her point of view. The plot development is rather weak. The characters seem to accept sudden changes and revelations like they are not that big of a deal. Sometimes their viewpoints/attitudes are conflicting, (view spoiler)...more

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May 18, 2013 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was told by several of my friends what a great book "Reckless Magic" was. It was freaking fantastic!!! Just when I thought I had this book figured out, Rachel threw in a curve ball I never saw coming! From the first page to the last word, I was gripping my iPad unable to tear myself away from the heart pounding excitement of "Reckless Magic".

Rachel hits the ground running when she introduces the reader to Eden Matthews. Due to her special "abilities" Eden has been kicked out of several school...more

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May 10, 2013 Julie Ramsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: done

Reckless Magic is an epic story about a young immortal raised by humans who is thrown into the complicated immortal world of monarchy and magic. Eden Matthews is sent to Kingsley Academy where she meets an odd and arrogant boy named Kiran, who seems to enjoy playing games with her. She finds out a terrifying secret that sends her life into a frenzy of magic and mayhem. As Eden is about to give up, an enticing character shows up with a shocking truth in his little bag of tricks. Eden and Kiran ar...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Warning Minor Spoilers ...
So my heart is in peices, there is so much up and down that your left kind of confused and unsure whether to hate the characters or love them. Main character Eden perfect example:
Hate her here: "Magic? Impossible you're all crazy, omg I am going crazy, no you all are crazy ... but oh wait I have a twin brother to? Oh yeah I can see the resemblance, but wait I am MAGIC?!" ... What is wrong with that statement, it is the fact that she can't comprehend that setting fire t...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

I finished this book sometime last week and have put off writing the review. This was mainly due to a procrastination of epic proportions and I just "couldn't find the time". Between being sick (true story), watching Star Trek Voyager like it was going out of syle (well, I guess it did... like 10 years ago, but whatever, you get my point...), work and a couple of gym visits the blog got shuffled down on my list of priorities. But I did manage to get the contest wrapped up (congrats to our grand...more I finished this book sometime last week and have put off writing the review. This was mainly due to a procrastination of epic proportions and I just "couldn't find the time". Between being sick (true story), watching Star Trek Voyager like it was going out of syle (well, I guess it did... like 10 years ago, but whatever, you get my point...), work and a couple of gym visits the blog got shuffled down on my list of priorities. But I did manage to get the contest wrapped up (congrats to our grand prize winner and all the runner-up winners - enjoy your titles!!) so it's not like I abandoned you guys entirely.

But I have to say, it was good to get some distance before I jumped head first into the review for 'Reckless Magic' by Rachel Higginson. If I had reviewed it the night I actually finished then what I might have written would be something like:

"Total waste of time - cookie cutter and unoriginal garbage!"

Having the chance to give my original thoughts some time to breathe has softened them up a bit, however, and before I go any further let me tell you that I've downloaded book two, 'Hopeless Magic', because I'm holding out hope (regardless of the title) that this series will improve.

I can see your faces now, all scrunched up, confused, wanting to know why I'd go from a trash bin review to buying the second book. Well, if you've been around these parts long enough you know that I'll continue reading about any series just because I can. I hate not knowing the ending of a story - even if it's a poorly written pile of steaming sh - heh, well you get the point. The good news for the Star-Crossed series is that it isn't so much a cow pattie as it is a stale cookie: A stale cookie made from the crumbs of every other cookie that lives on the same shelf in the same super market.

So I'm going to trek on into this series, even though Higginson's use of the word Immortal is so wrong she felt the need to explain how the aging thing works for this group of people like five times - instead of using a word like Epoch or Aeon that at least has a sense of aging... but you know.... over a long stretch of time. Whatever - I'm over it*. I'm going to continue reading even though book one was uninspiring unoriginal. But more importantly, I'm going to read on because I honestly feel like now that Higginson's scene has been set it will get better and more unique as the series continues.

The Bottom Line: It can only go up from here! Higginson draws on elements popular to every single other YA romance/paranormal/fantasy book in creating book one of the Star Crossed series. I can't help but feel that if you've read any other YA novel than this one isn't going to bring anything new to the table. That said, if you're looking for a new series because you're currently out of other options - well... don't say I didn't warn you. And who knows? Maybe book two will be amazing.

*Not really... but I'll pretend.

Love what you see here? Come visit me on To the Point! and you won't miss the weekly book reviews, monthly reading suggestions and free book title giveaways by subscribing here or by following me on Twitter @TheJessle(less)

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Jan 17, 2013 Gwyn Whieldon rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for shitty, nonsense fantasy fluff, so another bildungsroman-style magical universe sounded right up my alley. And... No. I read both this and the next (charitably designated) novel in the series, as I'm largely immune to over-the-top romance drama appearing in an otherwise seemingly well-constructed fantasy world. The disappointment factor has been the lack of any judicious editing, specifically in reference to her grammar. The author seems to be unable to distinguish between "ther...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Tania Summers rated it 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book and really didn't think much of it at first, but needless to say that I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of those rare books that I just couldn't put down. There is no testing of waters as you are plunged in head first into a riveting world of romance, magic and adventure.
One of the best things about the novel is the complexity of the characters - you come to love them while watching them struggle to find their selves. You laugh when they laugh. You cry when they cry....more

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Sep 06, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I got this book free from the Kindle shop and delayed reading for it a while. Eden Matthews is 16 and has changed school yet again after various incidents at her previous schools ensured that she had to leave. She makes a fool of herself on the first day in front of two new pupils, Kiran and Talbot and things start to go from bad to worse after that as Eden seems to have excessive energy to burn off which creates havoc around herself. On a school camping trip, after drenching her fellow pupils i...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Lucie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed myself. I laughed, I traveled and I was in love with the characters!

This story is full of surprises and charm. The author plunged me into a world where I took a lot of fun wandering around.
I liked the start with the love story between Justice and Delia. A couple who would look like "Romeo and Juliet" had they survived and gave birth to twins.

The dynamism of Eden boosted me and her "black cat" attitude amused me. She attracts trouble like a magnet! As for Kiran, I wanted to shake...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Reckless Magic was a fabulous read. It had a great plot with interesting characters, and yeah some really annoying ones too. But hey what good is a book if you "love" all the characters. I loved Eden and her crazy abilities, Kiran and his persistence and Talbott and Lilly's forbidden love. This has some definite action pack scenes filled with all sorts of amazing abilities and strength.

Eden is a girl trouble seems to follow. She has moved from private school to private school because she keeps...more Reckless Magic was a fabulous read. It had a great plot with interesting characters, and yeah some really annoying ones too. But hey what good is a book if you "love" all the characters. I loved Eden and her crazy abilities, Kiran and his persistence and Talbott and Lilly's forbidden love. This has some definite action pack scenes filled with all sorts of amazing abilities and strength.

Eden is a girl trouble seems to follow. She has moved from private school to private school because she keeps getting kicked out, due to strange happenings which seem to be linked to her. Her first school gets filled with bugs, second school has a flood and third school catches on fire. Eden has no idea what is happening to her, but she does know that she is responsible for the accidents.

She starts a new school where her powers seem to be going out of control. A strange arrogant boy named Kiran keeps following her and touching her, which causes her ability to overload and she passes out. Kiran's friend Talbott tells her to stay away from Kiran, which she sure has no problem with, too bad Kiran won't stay away from her. As much as Eden tries to avoid Kiran, she starts to fall for him, but she finds out he is involved with another girl. (Yeah the girl we all love to hate, Miss Popular) Eden is confused by his hot one minute and cold the next, she figures he is just playing with her and starts to try harder to avoid him.

The Principal is acting strange, for that matter the whole school seems to be weird. On a school trip she learns some interesting stuff about Kiran, Talbott and Lilly. The students at her school are far from normal, Kiran most especially. The Principal is now telling Eden to stay away from Kiran for her own safety.

Another new boy starts school, Avalon shows interest in Eden and they become friends, much to Kiran's annoyance. Avalon starts to teach Eden how to use her abilities and leash it so she is not a danger to anyone. Though she likes Avalon they are just friends. Kiran and Avalon seem to have it in for each other and poor Eden is caught between them.

Through the book there are attacks on Kiran and they seem to happen every time Eden is near him. Eden in thrown into a world where she doesn't know what is going on or the rules. She must learn fast before its too late and her friend pays the price. Can she stay away from Kiran, or will her feelings get her killed?

I enjoyed reading Reckless Magic, it was something different. It had a good plot and well built characters, though I did get annoyed with Kiran and Avalon at times. Heck even Eden was annoyed with them! Over all it was a good read, I will be grabbing the next part soon.

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Mar 17, 2012 Val Dewing rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is encompassing all four books in the series which include Hopeless Magic, Fearless Magic and Endless Magic. Overall the series was a very good read. The author did a great job creating a fantasy world and in developing her characters. The main characters, with the exception of the villain of course, all had nice character growth. The story really drew me in and I had to immediately start on the next in the series as soon as I finished the current one.

There is a downside to the series, and...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay so before I start getting the hate mail because I only gave this book 4 stars let me explain. Lets start with Eden. Oh Eden, Eden, Eden always asking the wrong questions. Why is it you never want to know any of the important things? I might be able to over look this flaw as her just being young but what really bothers me is that she lets everyone keep things from her and then treat her like she is the gum on the bottom of their shoe. Eden needs to learn a few things about what a backbone is...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Ciara rated it 5 of 5 stars

So I absolutely went for Higginson's series when I saw it was free and decided why the hell not!! Glad I did because I could not put this book down!! We are introduced to Eden as she enrolls in yet another prep school after she caused freak accidents at her prior schools causing her to be kicked out of all of them. There she meets crowned prince Kiran and she is done!!! Their wicked attraction and gravitational pull to one another does not stop the fact that he is betrothed to Seraphina, their b...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, amazing-epic-and-awesome

Awesome in a totally unexpected way!
I downloaded this book on my nook because it was free and it sounded cool. I was expecting maybe 100 pages and a easy decent plot...nothing spectacular, just a cool free book.
Boy was I wrong!
This book is a whirlwind of all that makes reading awesome! The characters were amazing, especially Eden, the main character. She was so relatable and awesome! She had me laughing out loud quite a bit! Her best friend Lily was so sweet, I really liked the way she was descr...more Awesome in a totally unexpected way!
I downloaded this book on my nook because it was free and it sounded cool. I was expecting maybe 100 pages and a easy decent plot...nothing spectacular, just a cool free book.
Boy was I wrong!
This book is a whirlwind of all that makes reading awesome! The characters were amazing, especially Eden, the main character. She was so relatable and awesome! She had me laughing out loud quite a bit! Her best friend Lily was so sweet, I really liked the way she was described, she wasn't a main character but she didn't feel as two dimensional as most more minor characters do. We were seeing her as Eden saw her. Not as the author described her but as how Eden actually saw her which was different and just really neat.
Avalon was one of my favorite characters, I have to admit that I guessed who he was but it was still neat to read the coming out of it!
And I really loved Eden's commentary about Talbot! So funny!
Actually Eden's voice in general was fantastic. She wasn't one oft owe characters you felt like screaming at for her idiocy because she acknowledged her faults and well, they're just part of her character.
She says she's not the most observant and scares easily and she does. I liked that about the way she was portrayed, she was so brutally honest with herself, sometimes in a misguided way but she never sugar-coated things just to make herself feel better. She was determined and strong and easily one of my favorite lead characters I have read lately!
Now let's talk boys.
Kiran. Oh my goodness I loved this guy! But here's the cool thing, he didn't walk into the book perfect either. No, he definitely had his faults and again, thy made sense for his character. I found myself liking him slowly, right along with Eden. He really was extremely annoying in parts but as I, and Eden, started to understand him better I started to realize that he really did mean well. It was just his way. Or the way he was forced to use. I'm pretty sure he never had to work for someone's respect and trust like he had to work for Eden's! Ha!
Overall an amazing and fantastic book that there's no excuse not to read! I mean, it's FREE for crying out loud. Download it and give it a go! You will not be sorry!!!(less)

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Oct 03, 2012 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, kindle, can-t-put-down, completed-series

Although this is free on the Amazon kindle, this book is very good. I know I shouldn't judge a book on the price but I have read some awful free stuff so, I do.

I really enjoy the characters and the plot is excellent. I constantly want to find out more because while you are reading, you get this sense that you are not being told everything. Every so often something will pop up and get you suspicious.

There are some problems with it, like the descriptions of clothing that are completely unimporta...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Lacey rated it 5 of 5 stars

First thoughts:

Amazing! I couldn't put the book down (or to be more literal my kindle) but I was amazed at the never ending intensity of the characters and the issues that were brought along. I quite enjoyed meeting Eden, Kiran, and Avalon. And the more I think of it, there weren't really any characters that I down right hated even if said person was the antagonist. The writing itself was wonderful, it flowed smoothly, the plot was perfect and character development definately was planned perfect...more First thoughts:

Amazing! I couldn't put the book down (or to be more literal my kindle) but I was amazed at the never ending intensity of the characters and the issues that were brought along. I quite enjoyed meeting Eden, Kiran, and Avalon. And the more I think of it, there weren't really any characters that I down right hated even if said person was the antagonist. The writing itself was wonderful, it flowed smoothly, the plot was perfect and character development definately was planned perfect, I mean who couldn't come out changed in this plot line?! But what I enjoyed the most had to be the fact that I was in love with the world, I was disappointed when I reached the last page and was taken out of it, let's just say I was none to happy to see it end. But! thankfully I see there is a second one and will definately get my "paws" on it!

Summary:

Eden Matthews has already been expelled from three schools; one she infested with bugs, one she flooded and one she burnt down. Now she's at Kingsley and its the last resort for her, if she gets kicked out here, there are no more resorts for her. So she tries to play it cool, but the electricity she feels within her blood is boiling and with that usually comes destruction. She soon meets a play it cool guy named Kiran who has everyone pratically eating out of his hands and she can't understand why. But all she knows is to hide what she can do before she is both labled as a freak and sent to the looney bin.

But soon she starts to learn that Kingsley is no ordinary school. The people there are different and when she is told to stay away from Kiran she doesn't understand why, what she understands is that he won't leave her alone and she in a twisted down deep kind of way doesn't want him to. Soon Eden discovers more about herself and what she's destined for. She's in danger and when her friend Lilly is sent to prision in a foriegn country for unveiling who she is, its up to Eden to try and save her.

This is a twisting story, that follows a girl who is just now truly discovering herself. She is thrown into a world that the people who are in it have been there their whole lives. It is Eden who is the outsider; the one trying to fit in.

Last thoughts:

Definately a series that I would recommend, it's exciting, thrilling and inspiring. The author did well with creating this new world and has shed light on something so beautiful that only those who truly respect her writing would see. A definate great choice of read, one that kept me up till one in the morning, when I should have been asleep, knowing I had to get up early that morning. But when attracted to such a great book, that is quite hard to do. I rate this book 5 stars, for being captivating and dragging me into a creativly painted world.(less)

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Sep 15, 2011 Mercedes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites, kindle-freebie, forever-reread, ya, own, heroines-with-abilities, magic, series

I passed by Reckless Magic twice, until I finally just went ahead and
downloaded it (because, hey, it was free!). It turned out to be one of
the best decisions I've made.

Reckless starts off a little slow and I wasn't sure I wanted to keep
reading. The prologue is written in third person and I was a little
worried the whole book would be like that. Thankfully it wasn't and
the first chapter was set in our main characters POV, first person
POV that is. Eden is one of the better heroines I've read about...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Maki Kotone rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I was in middle school, my best friend and I would create these fantasy stories, and worlds. There would be magic, prophecies, dying races, and princes disguising themselves as commoners, who would fall in love with the heroines. This book reminds me very much of something we would have come up with.

I liked this book perhaps a bit more than I should have. There were quite a few grammatical errors (they're and you're instead of there and your), and the story isn't really anything new or diff...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

To save the world of the Immortals, Eden Matthews and her twin brother Avalon were separated at birth and raised apart. The exact role they have on this saving the world thing is clearly not a priority in this book but in its sequel. The focus here is more on Prince Kiran falling for Eden, while she is struggling to fit in the immortal world of magic which she knew nothing of until very recently. The mutual attraction they have for each other however seem to have no future. Kiran's father the ki...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, read-2012, fun-series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.5

This was a fun start to a fun new series. Overall, I really enjoyed it and thought it was an enjoyable read. I admit, the first 30% started to drag, I just wanted Eden to stop being in the dark and start asking more questions. Once things started to be explained and Eden was brought into the loop the story really picked up.

Eden doesn’t always make the best decisions, but it’s not really her fault. I think a lot of hassle could have been avoided if she had just been told the truth. But, at lea...more 3.5

This was a fun start to a fun new series. Overall, I really enjoyed it and thought it was an enjoyable read. I admit, the first 30% started to drag, I just wanted Eden to stop being in the dark and start asking more questions. Once things started to be explained and Eden was brought into the loop the story really picked up.

Eden doesn’t always make the best decisions, but it’s not really her fault. I think a lot of hassle could have been avoided if she had just been told the truth. But, at least they explain why they held things back. I felt kind of bad for Lily, at times she felt more like a plot devise than an actual character. Eden only seemed to worry about her when it was convenient to worry about her, if that makes sense.

I was also a little disappointed in some of Eden’s reactions. You’d think with some of these huge revelations she would be a little more emotional about it all, instead she seems to just take everything in stride. There is one big reveal (that wasn’t that surprising) that I would have expected a little more out of her. Wouldn’t she have wondered why she was raised human while a certain someone appears to have always known who he is? Did he know about Eden? I wish that had been address a little.

As for Eden and her love interest, I thought they had a nice relationship and at times had great chemistry. I would have liked if they had more of a foundation before they start declaring their love for each other though. Sure they are attracted to each, but at times it just felt more like hormones than actual love. In fact, it seemed like their only connection was through their magic, and of course some passionate kisses. I just thought the end, while nice, was a little dramatic. I don’t think it will bother me in the next book, usually by then the relationship is established and the whole insta-love thing doesn’t bother me anymore. I hope that’s the case here anyway.

My only other minor complaint, I didn’t really care for the character names, mostly Kiran and Avalon. Personally, I think Avalon sounds too feminine. I like my male characters to have really masculine names. Not a big deal though.

Overall, a fun read. I liked the new take on magic and the history. I thought it was original and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content: Pretty clean. Lots of mild swearwords.

Reading Order:
Book One: Reckless Magic
Book Two: Hopeless Magic
Book Three: Fearless Magic
Book Four: Endless Magic
(less)

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Jun 04, 2012 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

O.M.G this book had me feeling all kinds of aggravated. Not in a bad way at all...just with the characters. They drove me batty; absolutely wanted to knock some heads around. And you know those dreams where you are screaming at the top of your lungs but no one is listening? That's Eden to a T. Poor girl is over looked and unwanted. The teachers treat her with disrespect and the students are cruel and mean. I will say the girl has an iron tongue, cause if it was me I would have told each and ever...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Jodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: love-love-love

What a fantastic start to the Star Crossed Series! Free from Amazon! No way you say? Yes way! When I teared up before the end of the Prologue I knew it was going to be a goodie and I wasn’t wrong! This book has a perfect combination of magic, friendship, family mystery and love. I was intrigued the whole way through, lapping up every morsel of information to touch the pages.

This book is about Eden, at first she seems like an ordinary girl with the unfortunate history of being expelled from 3 Hig...more What a fantastic start to the Star Crossed Series! Free from Amazon! No way you say? Yes way! When I teared up before the end of the Prologue I knew it was going to be a goodie and I wasn’t wrong! This book has a perfect combination of magic, friendship, family mystery and love. I was intrigued the whole way through, lapping up every morsel of information to touch the pages.

This book is about Eden, at first she seems like an ordinary girl with the unfortunate history of being expelled from 3 High Schools after she somehow caused them to either fill with huge bugs, go up in flames or become instantly flooded. After being transferred to her ‘Last Chance’ school, Kingsley – another place she is certain she doesn’t fit in, she finds it harder than ever to control her electricity that causes her so many problems. Convinced she is going crazy and one step from a mental institution she struggles day in and out not to pass out or draw even further attention to herself. Her first & only friend is hiding something huge, she is attracted and repelled to the person she needs to keep away from most, discovers she has a twin she never knew about, learns of a Resistance whose goal is to kill their Prince also known as Kiran – the arrogant, smirky & magnetic boy she simultaneously loves & loathes and always seems to have trouble tagging along behind her. Oh Eden.

Eden was mostly a likeable character. Everything just went so wrong for her. When Eden is finally let in on all the secrets she faces a gigantic case of denial, at least until she is finally able to see the truth and come to turns with it all – that is definitely something a 16 year old would do. I felt so frustrated in her ability to ask the right questions, or even to demand answers to questions that went unanswered. Early on she learnt her magic was strong, but yet she didn’t use it to get the answers she needed. I found her relationship with Avalon a refreshingly true depiction of the brother/sister dynamic. I only wished she pressed Avalon for more information. He got sulky near the end when things were bad and yet it was his own fault for keeping her so in the dark, so much could have been avoided if he confided in her. Everyone is treating her like an 8 year old. Instead of disclosing it all they just dribble small amounts of information here and there just to appease her stupid questions. Anywho, Eden does try to standup for herself and go after what she wants, she is just so often shutdown.

I enjoyed meeting the characters through her eyes. Lilly didn’t really say or do much, but we forget that as we are riding along with Eden remembering only that Lilly was kind and the only person not to treat her like a freak and as being innocent she deserved to be released. Her thoughts towards Tallbot never failed to make me smile. I am not sure how I feel about Crown Prince Kiran yet. He managed to redeem himself a little by the end with his romantic musings but I haven’t completely forgotten that he seemed to be always forcing his company on Eden even though he knew he shouldn’t be, standing by and watching everyone snickering behind her back and constantly giving her mixed signals. I liked Armory & Aunt Silv and had a moment when we met Jerico at the farm. My oh my. I do go for the playful types ;)

I am excited to be going straight on to the next one and am relieved to find the 4 books are already released so there will be no waiting for this little yellow duck! I am looking forward to devouring more details on what the resistance is planning next, what has become of their parents, what the significance is of the secret necklace, and mostly what other trouble we will find shadowing Eden. If you haven’t read it, you should give it ago. This one is going on my love-love-love shelf…(less)

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Feb 03, 2012 Katarina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: magic, read-in-2012, immortals, indie

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 03, 2013 Abbie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, paranormal-fantasy, never-read-again

**Sigh** Well so much for hoping this would be an amazing book. When I first read the story plot I immediately thought this would be a great read. But I didn't feel the same way after I finished reading. The story is about a seemingly ordinary girl with extraordinary abilities who lands in a prestigious school and meets the devilishly charming Kiran who makes her question just who she is and what she could become. And opens her eyes to a world filled with magic.

At the first hundred pages Eden wa...more

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About Rachel Higginson

I was born and raised in Nebraska, but spent my college years traveling the world. I fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka. But I came back home to marry my high school sweetheart and now I spend my days raising our growing family. In those few spare moments I have, I am either reading or writing Young Adult Fiction, because I am obsessed with...more

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Quotes from Reckless Magic

“Someone created all of this, all of the beauty of the earth, all of the fragility of human life and all of the extraordinary existence of us. Choosing to believe in a god only when you are surrounded by death and destruction is to truly not know God at all.” — 17 people liked it

“Excuse me, Ms. Matthews; you are going to be late for class if you don’t get going. Can you read the map, or are you already lost?” the stern voice of the secretary pulled me out of my stupor.
“Um, no, I can read,” I said, sheepishly, still unable to take my eyes off the mysterious boy staring back.
“Of course, you can read,” she said sharply, snapping my entranced head back to reality. “Now, get to class.” — 6 people liked it

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