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Witch Way to Turn

by Karen Y. Bynum (Goodreads Author)

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 · rating details · 65 ratings · 29 reviews

Can you give one guy your heart and another your soul?

The last thing eighteen-year-old Breena Cross needs in her life is more complications. It’s all she can do to balance studying, working, trying to keep her foster-sister safe and drooling over the new guy at work. But things go from complicated to crazy when a fit of rage ignites the dark magic inside her and she finds...more

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Published August 6th 2012 by Lyrical Press (first published August 1st 2012)

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Aug 25, 2012 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review

Ever read a book and feel like you need to come down from a high? lol That's how I felt reading Witch Way to Turn, this book was off the charts awesome. I mean come on, how can it not with two really hot sexy guys fighting for the attention of one girl. The heat and fire between Breena and each of her sexy guys is fascinating. I can't wait to see what Karen Bynum has in store with the sequel.

Breena grew up in an abusive foster home with her foster sister, Jennifer. Now Breena is out on her own a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Laura Diamond rated it 4 of 5 stars

For me, Twitter is where it’s at to find fun, Indie, authors, with adventurous books. And that’s how I stumbled upon Karen Y. Bynum. The cover of her novel, Witch Way To Turn, is stunning. The expression on the girl’s face is, wow, it just draws me in.

Now, I love action. Like, LOVE it. Nothing gets my heart pumping and my gaze skittering across the pages like a good action story. And Karen delivers.

Add to that two totally HOT guys with dark, wild sides that would make any girl swoon, and we’ve...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 10, 2012 Tricia rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was pretty darn cool. I mean I liked the plot, however crazy it was. I mean well the main plot is, Bree is being hunted since people want her dead because she is an, "abomination".

(view spoiler)

Anywho, she also is tr...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Tana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Which Way to Turn by Karen Y. Bynum

I really enjoyed Witch Way to Turn and Karen Y. Bynum writing. The plot and characters were well written and the story flowed extremely well. The story is based around Breena and her sister Jenny. Breena and Jenny are living in foster care and their situation is not good. Breena will do anything to keep her sister safe from her abusive foster mother and her boyfriends.

While trying to keep Jenny safe something happens and Breena’s powers are set off. Breena is...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

[This review also appears on Andi's Young Adult Books.]

Breena is a tough character. She has a hard edge to her, which is no surprise after being in foster care for her first 18 years. She was abused for a lot of it, yet managed to come out with a big heart. Her foster sister, Jenny, means the world to her. She will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Her swinging devotion between the two men in her life almost makes you seasick. Whenever she is with one, she wants the other. In the heat of the m...more

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Aug 11, 2012 C.V. Madison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Which Way to Turn starts out slow, but very quickly gains momentum until you're swept up in a flurry of events. Breena Cross lived in foster care for years and cared for her little sister Jenny despite an abusive foster parent. By trying to save her sister from one of her foster mother's abusive boyfriends, Breena awakens powers she didn't know she had. Because of this awakening, Breena becomes hunted by every manner of supernatural creature. Through the aide of her coworker who turns out to be...more

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Aug 22, 2012 A. E. Welch rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who loves YA paranormal romance with great snarky humor

I'm a MG writer, first and foremost, so anytime I read YA it really has to hold my attention. This one did just that. I hear a lot of talk about paranormal romance stories being overdone or out of style but as long as you take a fresh approach to any subject, then it's going to be great and this book definitely is. I LOVE supernatural elements, I incorporate them into my MG work, so that was a bonus for me right off the bat. I instantly cared about the protagonist and her issues with her sister....more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, paranormal-everything, vampire, follow-up-4additional-books

Well if you want atypical paranormal book you can totally guess the storyline to THIS is your book!

Bre is the typical stuck in the system social work woman, trying to save her sister Jess from.

Myles you want to root for cause he's the ever loving good guy.
Orion he's also a good guy but we don't really root for him.

(view spoiler)...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Nereyda Gonzalez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, blog-tour, new-adult, i-love-indies

***ARC received by publisher as part of Blog Tour***

Was it possible to give one guy your heart and another your soul?
Witch Way to Turn is one of those books that make me so happy that I am a part of the blogging community. Unfortunately, if it weren’t for seeing this book around on blogs and Goodreads, I would have probably never noticed it. The cover immediately caught my eye with all of those beautiful bright colors and when I found out it was a book about witches, I immediately added it to m...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 23, 2012 Maghon Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, review-4-author

So I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but boy I sure enjoyed it. It started off so sad, as Breena is an orphaned girl, who has had a pretty rough life, in a really crappy foster home. She’s been through some bad times. But her whole world is her little sister, which is actually her foster sister, but she is willing to do ANYTHING to get custody of her and get her out of that terrible life. She’s pretty much in love with Myles, who is the new guy who works with her at a drug store. And then...more So I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but boy I sure enjoyed it. It started off so sad, as Breena is an orphaned girl, who has had a pretty rough life, in a really crappy foster home. She’s been through some bad times. But her whole world is her little sister, which is actually her foster sister, but she is willing to do ANYTHING to get custody of her and get her out of that terrible life. She’s pretty much in love with Myles, who is the new guy who works with her at a drug store. And then all of a sudden, hell has broken loose!

Things get moving quite quickly, and in the beginning, you are never sure who is what, and on which side, and who wants to kill her, or eat her, or love her, or multiple choices of those, lol. She’s frustrated with Myles, as he’s so caring to her and her sister, but won’t reciprocate her feeling back, so she upon meeting Orin chooses him as the boyfriend. But boy, with all the crazy things going on, she doesn’t know which is worse, having a soul mate, or loving your best friend and not having him… Ah, love…

I am so surprised with this book, I flew while reading, got all excited, then nervous, then furious, and happy, and sad, and then completely uprooted. Lord, that ending is all kinda crazy and sets up perfectly for the next book! I really look forward to how it will continue and the writing is pretty flawless. If there were any mistakes, I didn’t catch them as I was way too involved in the story.

In the matter of team Orin vs team Myles… I’m not sure who I would pick, nor am I sure what’s going to happen in the future, so she may change her mind as to who she has picked now, to who she may pick later if she changes her mind. It’s all up in the air LOL but she does pick. I will say I am happy about her pick for the fact that I think at this moment in time, it is perfect for what we have now. It’s kinda hard to explain without spoilers LOL, anyways I give a 5 PAWS and say-hurry and gimme book 2!! (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Chantal Halpin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the quirky voice this was written in and the interesting world of supes created in this book. There's blood-thirst and soul sucking, not to mention sassy witches and nasty weres!

Even though there is a triangle of the upmost triangled-ness (ie she wants both but won't have both 'cos she's not at all slutty) I still really enjoyed the romance side. When a certain reluctant beau first got jealous I actually had that fluttery feeling inside and had to resist the urge to shout, 'Yess...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Amber Garr rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars.

Breena Cross has had a tough life and is determined to make a better one for her younger sister, Jenny. Unfortunately, finding out the truth about her parents is about to make her a target in a hidden supernatural world. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to more from the author. Karen created an interesting set of characters whose lives are more intertwined than originally hinted, and who are easily relatable and likeable. Breena is tough, fiercely protective, and...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Elise Marion rated it 4 of 5 stars

I will start by saying that this book is for the MATURE YA crowd. I wouldn't recommend it for any teen under 16 due to the violence, profanity, and semi-sexual situations. There is a disclaimer in the blurb, but I thought to reaffirm that by stating it in my review as well.

Witch Way to Turn has a lot going on. Witches, werewolves, vampires, soul-sucking preternaturals, and a convoluted plot filled with intrigue and mystery. It all starts when Breena's hands start shooting blue sparks. Trying t...more I will start by saying that this book is for the MATURE YA crowd. I wouldn't recommend it for any teen under 16 due to the violence, profanity, and semi-sexual situations. There is a disclaimer in the blurb, but I thought to reaffirm that by stating it in my review as well.

Witch Way to Turn has a lot going on. Witches, werewolves, vampires, soul-sucking preternaturals, and a convoluted plot filled with intrigue and mystery. It all starts when Breena's hands start shooting blue sparks. Trying to save her foster sister from foster mother's abusive boyfriend, Breena discovers a power she never realized and unlocks a Pandora's Box containing a supernatural world that she has been oblivious to up until now. The short of it is that someone is out to kill Breena because of what she is: half witch, half preternatural (vamps who tried to regain their humanity but became something else). The question is, who's behind the assassination, the Witches Council or the queen of the Preternaturals? Throughout the book Breena fights for her life while also fighting to make a life for her foster sister in hopes of taking custody of young Jenny to rescue her from a life of abuse in Foster care. In the midst of all this is a young girl (only 18) who just wants to live her life. Not possible when she's discovered that she's a witch and that there are people (er, not people) out there trying to kill her and/or use her because of her ancient power. And let's not even go there with the two men vying for her attention.

Okay, I'm going there.

The men....oh, the men! For me, they made this book what it was. When Breena got on my nerves (which happened often, more on that later) I could always fall back on Orin and Myles. Orin is the assassin sent to kill Breena. He doesn't know why he would receive an order to kill her, but it's his job and he does what he has to do. When he sees her being attacked by weres, though, he goes into hero mode and realizes that he just can't kill her. For Orin it's pretty much love at first sight and he finds himself disobeying orders in an effort to win over the woman he thinks of as his soul mate and trying to protect her from others who are out for her blood. Tall, blonde, beautiful and charming, Orin is pretty damn magnetic and I really did like him despite the fact that Breena and I were both torn between him and her vampire co-worker Myles. Oh, Myles....despite Orin's beauty and charm, Myles is truly my hero in this book. Breena doesn't know until later that he's been sent to protect her, but I sensed this from the start. Everything about him screamed protector, and nothing is sexier than a protective hero who wants something he can't have. Bound to the Witches' Council, Myles has sworn to protect Breena and cannot fall for her, but it's too late. He falls for her. Hard. I love the moments when we get to dive into Myles' mind and live in his torture. Those moments, where he fights against what he wants are almost as delicious as the moments when he loses himself and takes it.

Who does Breena choose in the end? You think I'm going to tell you? Read the book! :)

Now for the things I didn't like so much. There are a few, my reasons for giving this book 4 instead of 5 stars. They are few and far between and only interrupted my enjoyment of this story in a few parts.

Honestly, Breena got on my nerves sometimes. I mean, your foster sister is being abused and you are being targeted by killers, but you can't stop going on and on in your head how beautiful Orin is. I mean, really, she didn't know he was out to kill her at first, but he was suspicious from the start. Every time questions arose in Breena's mind, she chose not to ask them and went back to mooning over whichever boy was in her company. It would go something like this: What did he mean when he was on the phone telling his boss: 'Yes, she's dead'? Who is she? Why is she dead? Why do Orin's ears stick out like a freaky elf-creature? Oh, but then he's looking at with his gold-rimmed eyes and he's smiling and touching me and my libido is telling me I need to get laid. God, Orin is sexy. What was I saying again?
Yeah, this happens a lot, which actually drags out the story. You are more than halfway through the book before you even know the whole scope of what's happening. A little mystery is good, but after awhile I got annoyed because I was still confused by only having been given a few chunks of information here and there. Breena, however, is happy to just go along with everything. "Breena, Jenny's in trouble we have to go save her." "Okay, Myles lets' go." "Breena the president of the Witches Council has sent for you and we have to fly to Texas." "Okay Myles. I don't even know what the hell the Witches Council does or what they want from me, but I'll go." These moments I wished Breena would put her foot down and end all the secrecy. Both men were pretty tight-lipped but she just didn't try hard enough to get the info, which you'd think she'd want once her hands start shooting blue sparks and she starts craving souls.

Once the story hits its stride, though, it really gets going and all of my frustration melted away. Once everything had been revealed (who Breena was, how she became what she was, the roles Myles, Jenny, and Orin play in the whole thing) it was a much easier read and I raced through the end to the finish, gripped by the drama. I think this is a good foundation for the next book, which I would gladly read. I don't think Breena reached her full potential in this book, so I am hoping that it will happen in the next book. She had some real kick-ass moments, and I'd love to see more of those. All in all, a good, engaging read.

(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Andrea Jackson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-authors, keeper-shelf, paranormal, young-adult

Debut author with amazing talent. I was literally breathless for much of the book. The story twisted and turned and dropped bombshells all over. The characters are immediately engaging and my heart went out to the awful plight of Breena and her young foster sister. There are two hot guys to keep Breena's attention and to keep us guessing.
I wouldn't recommend this to young teens or children because of the violence (though it's no worse than popular video games) and language (though it's exactly w...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 30, 2013 Zoe rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, romance, paranormal-romance, fantasy, ebook

When I started Witch Way to Turn, I wanted to like it, and to like the main character, Breena Cross. The story is third-person perspective, something I don't see often enough in YA, and the main character isn't a virgin, a truly rare trait in a genre that spends a lot of time equating non-virgin status as solely a route for sluts and/or teen villains.

But very early on, the story began falling into a pattern that turned me off from Breena, and then from all of the characters. Once I'd lost my lik...more When I started Witch Way to Turn, I wanted to like it, and to like the main character, Breena Cross. The story is third-person perspective, something I don't see often enough in YA, and the main character isn't a virgin, a truly rare trait in a genre that spends a lot of time equating non-virgin status as solely a route for sluts and/or teen villains.

But very early on, the story began falling into a pattern that turned me off from Breena, and then from all of the characters. Once I'd lost my like of them, nothing else clicked for me.

I should mention that there's nothing wrong with the writing itself. There's no mechanical errors, nor did I come across any typos. Were I to judge a book solely on the mechanical writing quality, this is a top notch perfect effort.

BUT the first problem remains the biggest for two thirds of the story. Early on, Bree comes home to find her drunk foster father about to rape her younger sister Jenny. Bree suddenly manifests witch powers that stun Stan, and after a short stay with a vampire, Myles, Bree is kicked out of the house by her foster mother, Norma.

So far no problem...except from this moment forward the story runs on an infuriating pattern. Bree thinks, I have to worry about Jenny, who is living with an abusive foster mother and foster sister, and a potential rapist foster father. AND YET, whenever Myles or Orin appear in the story, all she can think is Ooh, hot guy. Maybe I can get some. I only wish I was exaggerating about how often this happens, but seriously, it's the MAIN CONFLICT for two thirds of the book. The first few times this happened, I had to put the book down for several weeks because I wasn't sure I could handle this. And having finished the book, I sometimes wish I'd just stopped back around chapter 12 and given up.

This is the biggest problem I had, but the story is littered with problems. The writer seems to be bound and determined to give the reader NOTHING about the plot until the final 20% of the book, and when the answers for what's going on come out, I spent every other page alternating between shouting "Are you kidding me?" and various multi-chained cuss words. Nothing about this story is worth the time I invested in it. The world building is lazy and sloppy. The side characters are cardboard cutouts, and the dialogue bounces between vaguely serviceable and "dear God, they didn't really say that out loud, did they?" The resolution of the main conflict is dreadful, and the subplots are handled just as poorly. Oh, and of course everything is left open-ended for a sequel.

I really cannot say how much I hated that Bree's concerns for the safety of Jenny, and indeed, even for her own life, always took a back seat to "which hot guy should I fall in love with?" I know romantic triangles are a staple of romance, and sometimes they work fine. But the triangle is handled badly here, and both boy toys are sad wish fulfillment for a female Harry Potter, a "chosen one" who does absolutely nothing right, so the bad guy shows up at the end of the book to monologue and explain all the clues she missed. But unlike Harry Potter, NOTHING is truly resolved. This book might as well be subtitled Episode 1. But for sure, I'm not interested in bothering with whatever comes next. This story was handled so badly, I'd be hard pressed to read anything else from the author.

For these reasons I give Witch Way to Turn 1 star, and I would not recommend it to anyone. I really wish I'd dropped this sooner and moved on to books that didn't try my patience with every single chapter.(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-book-read, kindle-books

If this novel doesn't suck you in right after the first non stop action that is the first chapter, well, then I don't know what will.

This novel is one of those books that just get you turning the pages because so much is happening and going on you don't want to miss a thing.

The characters are loveable and fun and swoon worthy and you just don't want the excitement or entertainment to end. It quickly becomes an addiction, getting absorbed into the storyline.

It has all those lovely elements I lov...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Carey Heywood rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a great read, finished it in one night. The story follows Breena who is dealing with trying to take care of her little sister when supernatural elements come into play as well, but I'm not giving anything away. Also, there is a love triangle that I really enjoyed because I was conflicted over who I liked more. In the end I know who I'm rooting for but both guys are pretty awesome in their own ways so it won't bug me if the other guy gets the girl. Totally looking forward to bo...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Marlene Relja rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal Romance Readers

I don't usually read young adult books but this story has everything I want in it: humor, action, tons of supernatural stuff, romance, passion (although it is tempered, because it is a YA), and unique characters you can fall in love with.

The writing is so smooth with a unique tone of voice and the POV switches are very well done.

I recommend this book to anyone who reads and loves paranormal romance, even if you just read adult paranormal romance.

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Aug 21, 2012 Katheryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

AHHHHHHH OHMYGOD!!!!! Karen, you are freaking...ahhhhmazing!!!!!! I can't.... Yes, okay, it took a bit of time to understand the story, and there were a few bits I got confused and was like "wtf?" but I COMPLETELY fell in love with Myles! Screw Orin. He was just so...stalkerish, and yes he might be hot, but so are nearly all the love interests in books these days >_< Anyway.
I love Breena and her attitude... the poor girl went through so much shit, it was hard to keep up. Jenny was cute, bu...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Shari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was pleasantly surprised with this book!! It kept me interested all the way through. I never really knew which direction it was going to go. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

It is a young adult book. It's written with a younger audience in mind. (No sex. Limitied swearing.) So, if you are looking for erotica this isn't it.

I would recommend it!!

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Oct 10, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Karen Y. Bynum is to YA Paranormal what peanut butter is to chocolate - they just fit and create all sorts of lusciousness!

An awesome book that needs to be added to the "to-be-read" list of any lover of the paranormal genre! Constant action and never a dull moment - not to mention some heated romantic tension!

Loved it and can't wait for the next in the series!!!

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Jul 23, 2012 Stephanie marked it as potential-books

Won a $25 gift certficate from Karen Bynum (karenbynum.blogspot.com) to Starbucks during the no strings attached giveaway, so you know she has good taste! Sounds like an interesting premise.

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Sep 06, 2012 Sloan Buhse rated it 2 of 5 stars

I personally don't think this book was written well. It had a lot of potential, but the story line was to hard to keep up with. And everything was so rushed. This whole story happened in like 5 days.

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Aug 29, 2012 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was such a good book!! I was completely sucked in! In a matter of 3 hours, I was half way finished! I had no problem reading this. I literally couldn't put it down! I loved the characters, the story line, the love triangle! It's simply fantastic!! I love this take on the witch craft and vampires and other paranormal things. It's really unique. I've never read anything quite like this. I have enjoyed EVERY single page in this book. I literally love it. LOVE Breena; she's AMAZING! TEAM MYLES...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: likes

It was a good read. Cant wait for the next one

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Jun 23, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review coming soon!

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Jun 05, 2012 Dahlia (yadkny) marked it as to-read

NOR

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Aug 30, 2012 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars...I hope this becomes a series

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May 19, 2013 Book Chatter-Cath rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: dnf, reviewed

Made it as far as 60%
But it's another one for the DNF pile... started out great but just didn't hold my attention, and I found the characters a little annoying - sorry :(

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Aug 26, 2012 Chrystal added it

Shelves: 50-book-challenge-2012

review to follow

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Karen Y. Bynum interview with editor Danielle Fine	1	4	Nov 08, 2012 11:10pm
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Lyrical Press Books: Witch Way to Turn by Karen Y. Bynum	1	5	Aug 06, 2012 06:12am

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About Karen Y. Bynum

Karen Y. Bynum is an author of young adult paranormal romance. Her novel Witch Way to Turn is published through Lyrical Press. She grew up in Hickory, North Carolina where mountains and magic surrounded her. Even as a child, she wrote her own faery tales and prattled incessantly to her imaginary friends.

After graduating from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Communications, she...more

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