Moon Rise (Unbidden Magic, #2)

May 11, 2012 Lissa & Alexa The Novel Lasses rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Young Adult Readers of Paranormal Romantic Fiction

Recommended to Lissa & Alexa by: NetGallry Review

Synopsis :

Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager...more
Synopsis :

Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she's helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage. Dear Diary: I'm a little worried. My new BF is a demon. Welcome again to Allie Emerson's funny, scary, amazing, and always unpredictable life, as the girl voted least likely to save the world from evil.

Lissa Reviews :

I like the cover to “Moon Rise” better than I did its predecessor “Moonstone”. It always nice to go back and look at the cover and take notice of the hints the author places on the cover. Such as the tree Allie buries the moonstone under which also have the wind chimes dangling from a branch. Just as with the first cover; the moonstone necklace is securely fitted around Allie’s neck. But what jumps out at me most is the moon. A lot of time is spent focusing on the moon and the power it holds. But my most present thought has to be when Allie and Faye sing the moon song as they did many times before when Allie was small.

Where Moon Rise was an exciting follow up to Moonstone the in the Unbidden Magic series, I was a little disappointed that Junior was ushered off to Mexico to become a soap opera star. I had expected Allie and Junior’s relationship to blossom and bloom in “Moon Rise”. However, I did stay disappointed for too long, when Brothers introduced us to the new transfer student who gives a new meaning to “bad boy”. I have to admit that I like the sequel better than the first. I was so hard to put down I finished it in one setting. Brother’s weaves a story in “Moon Rise” that is exciting and filled with twists and turns on almost every page. Allie is set on a path to learn more about her powers and the potential to uncover more secrets about her mother’s past is right in front of her but her grandfather, like Faye will reveal nothing.

Allie was stronger in “Moon Rise” Brother did an excellent job at growing her up. She might have been timid in the beginning but as the story progress we got to stronger more mature Allie as she faces her destiny head on. She grew to be more than just a fifteen year old with a marked fate. She became a strong equal in the war of good versus evil.

I also enjoyed the new characters the twins Beck and Nicole. What do you get when you mix a nun and succubus? You get the twins. Add some Shaman training and you get the irresistible swoon worthy Beck.

I was elated that Brothers brought Grandfather Claude into the mix. I was saddened to learn he has little time to live. Thinking he was there to bond and give Allie the missing information; I was a bit aggravated when he was as closed mouth as Faye.

I questioned Allie and Beck relationship a lot; I just didn’t understand the reason for the pretend boyfriend/girlfriend when they both were into each other. My only reasoning for this is Allie’s age. Brothers having made her so young is trying to skirt the line for a more realistic setting. By making a statement to young adults around the world by including the innocents of discovering the opposite sex for the first time.

In conclusion, I look forward to reading more installments of this series. I would definitely recommend” Moon Rise”, but only after you've read “Moonstone”. It a great young adult paranormal fiction novel full of mystery suspense and excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leaving rushing to read “Moon Shadow”, Brother’s third installment of the Unbidden Magic Series.

Disclosure: I participate in reviews with Netgalley and an e-copy was provided to me by Netgalley and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. (less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Jonel Boyko rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-review, series-to-follow, loved-it

What a brilliant follow-up to Moonstone, and extremely well written. There is enough background to refresh the reader on what happened in Moonstone (or to fill new readers in) without simply regurgitating it or dragging the story back into the past. It follows very nicely in the series, but at the same time is a very different story. I really appreciate that the author doesn’t just make this series one long story with breaks between stories, which seems to have become the norm. Brothers takes ma...more What a brilliant follow-up to Moonstone, and extremely well written. There is enough background to refresh the reader on what happened in Moonstone (or to fill new readers in) without simply regurgitating it or dragging the story back into the past. It follows very nicely in the series, but at the same time is a very different story. I really appreciate that the author doesn’t just make this series one long story with breaks between stories, which seems to have become the norm. Brothers takes many stand alone stories and weaves them together into a series that flows well from one to the next. There is an overarching story to tell in the series as a whole, but so far, each novel can also stand on its own.

Brothers’ descriptions continue to enthrall you throughout this novel. Not only are you caught up in the suspense of the storyline but also in the beauty of the writing and of the world created by this talented author. I really appreciate how thoroughly developed everything in this story seems, while somehow still leaving room for further development in future installments. This avoids any downtime in the storyline where the author is either regurgitating something from a previous novel or a lack of detail because everything has already been said.

In this story we see further development of the main character. Not only does she grow as a person because of her experiences, but the reader also learns more about her past and what makes her tick. We also learn more about some of her friends in this installment. The increase development in the supporting cast gives the story an even more well rounded feel. To top this all off, when new supernatural characters are introduced into the story we get to know about them as people, as well as learning about their species. This leads to a very complete sense of each character.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Brothers threw some twists at me that I didn’t see coming while simultaneously staying true to everything that was developed and laid out in Moonstone. And I must say... I definitely didn’t expect Junior’s latest venture, but am lovin, it all the same.

Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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

Since becoming privy to the fact that she's the Star Seeker, Allie Emerson's life has gone from bad to worse. Her mother might have risen from her sick bed, and gotten a job, but not much has changed. She's still doing her best to take care of Faye, while trying to make sense of who she now is, and the powers she's recently acquired. Powers that suddenly seem non-existent.

Allie finds herself doing her best to overcome several disappointments. Most especially the one involving Junior's going off...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Gaele rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: net-galley, review-reads, tours

I much preferred this installment in the series, picking up where the other left off, new twists were added, and we get to experience more of Allie’s growth and of course, the plot thickens around her.
With a simple good versus evil battle set up beautifully with not so simply recognized evildoers, this installment has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged, and even giggling. Seriously – who would think that a serial ass pincher could lead to so many interconnected yet outwardly unr...more

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May 09, 2012 Sara Thompson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

With the final book coming out this summer, Netgalley had an offer for their reviewers – all four of the current books of the Unbidden Magic Series as one long e-book. The number of pages was daunting but that didn’t stop me from burning through the books in a matter of days. Allie is just a normal girl trying to survive what life has offered her. She lives with her mother in a travel trailer on a piece of her mother’s step-brother’s land. Her mother was suffering from a mysterious illness that...more

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May 01, 2012 Cheryl C. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am still enjoying this series. The characters are developing nicely, growing and yet staying true to their natures. I really like this story. Who hasn’t heard romantic stories of fortune tellers and gypsies? For this young girl, Allie, it has become a part of her life. And yet, just when things get weird and dangerous, Allie shines through. She finds out more about her family in this book, but I won’t go into details – spoilers, you know. I really like the magic and fantasy in this book.

Marile...more

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Feb 28, 2012 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Moonrise by Marilee Brothers
4 STARS
Moonrise is the second book in the Moonstone series. So far I have enjoyed reading these books and am going to start the third book in a few minutes.
The books are clean good verses evil stories.
Allie is back in school but her powers are still gone. Her boyfriend junior has gone to Mexico. Her mom is acting like her mom. Allie is in counseling because of the trama before.
Their are two new kids in town. Who are living in the house and land where Allie and her mo...more

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Nov 23, 2009 Peace Love and Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

The second book of Unbiddden Magic made this series "unputdownable", while I resent Faye for being an immature mom dating losers and being all patheic and sadly irresponsible it gave me a clue on why, she possess a secret that her daughter our refreshingly optomistic protagonist, Allie. But that detail will have to wait until book 3, which sadly is not due until February of 2010, and I have no information on the title yet. ( I will find out I promise)

Book two starts with Allie on her way to conj...more The second book of Unbiddden Magic made this series "unputdownable", while I resent Faye for being an immature mom dating losers and being all patheic and sadly irresponsible it gave me a clue on why, she possess a secret that her daughter our refreshingly optomistic protagonist, Allie. But that detail will have to wait until book 3, which sadly is not due until February of 2010, and I have no information on the title yet. ( I will find out I promise)

Book two starts with Allie on her way to conjugate with the member of her world called the Star Seekers, where she was a guest of honor due to her previous adventures with the evil driven organization called Trimark, whose main purpose in life was to take the magical Moonstone from her by eliminating her out of their way and rule the world with their malevolent plans. He previous used of her Telekinetic power resulted in killing a Trimark memeber which in turn unleased the power of three. The main result was she lost her juice. Coincidently, some one new was there to help her. Beck Bradford, easy on the eyes and born with special powers too. Beck and her twin sister Nicole are half-demon. (Their mother was raped by an incubus). How did Beck helped her? He is a healer or a Shaman, and did some chanting and ritual that helped her loose the nightmares and the feeling of guilt. Not only did he helped Allie got her juice back, he now also held Allie's heart at present. Junior, Allie's supposedly boyfriend went to Mexico, possibly not returning anytime soon or ever.

Book two also revealed that there are two prophecies, one we already knew was about her and the other one involves something about the Trimark themselves. There were three villains this time. The one was obvious but the two others snaked their way in to get close to her. They did some pretty interesting magic on their end too. We also met Allie's estranged grandfather Claude, who gave Allie something to think about. "Ask you mother why is she so unhappy", "Ask her about her mother Melia" oh and he knows Allie's powers...now the plot thickens.
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Oct 17, 2009 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Things aren’t looking so great for Allie Emerson. Her boyfriend hasn’t come back from Mexico. Her mom is dating a new loser who Allie kindly refers to as “Brain Dead Roy.” School is just as trying as well with new bullies and the extremely annoying and nosy school counselor. And to top that off, Allie is the Star Seeker prophesized pretty much to save the world. That would be all good and well except for the fact that Allie has seemed to have lost her powers, the powers she needs to defend herse...more Things aren’t looking so great for Allie Emerson. Her boyfriend hasn’t come back from Mexico. Her mom is dating a new loser who Allie kindly refers to as “Brain Dead Roy.” School is just as trying as well with new bullies and the extremely annoying and nosy school counselor. And to top that off, Allie is the Star Seeker prophesized pretty much to save the world. That would be all good and well except for the fact that Allie has seemed to have lost her powers, the powers she needs to defend herself against and ultimately defeat the evil Trimarks. Talk about some baggage! But Allie has little time to dwell on the overall suckiness of her situation because the stakes have risen. Not only are Allie’s and her friends’ lives in danger, but the precious moonstone is in risk of being stolen and, if Allie’s not careful, her own heart.

Moon Rise was a satisfying sequel to the exciting fantasy Moonstone, but while I definitely enjoyed the story, it also could’ve been much improved. Like its prequel, the plot of Moon Rise is filled to the brim with conflict after conflict, each larger or more convoluted than the previous. Though this ensures no shortage of action, it felt a little repetitive. Allie’s problems presented in the first novel were carried over into the second, and all the new ones were very reminiscent of the old ones. I feel Brothers could’ve been a little more creative in the plot execution since the story didn’t progress as much as I hoped it would. Like the plot, the characters aren’t perfectly written, but they are sufficient; I particularly enjoyed Allie’s spunk and determination and new kid Beck’s overall hunkiness. Their predictable romance was one of the highlights of the story. Although Moon Rise could’ve been much better, I still liked it and have hope for future installments in the Unbidden Magic series.

Fans of the A Great and Terrible Beauty trilogy by Libba Bray, the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott may enjoy this interesting fantasy series.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA Readers

Recommended to Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) by: Netgallery

First things first. Where the hell is Junior? Secondly, Woo-hoo! Beck is one hottie! So Junior went to a wedding in Mexico and is MIA. He was supposed to return several months ago. Bad Junior! You piss me off! However there are a couple of new interesting students enrolled at Allie's school. Nicole...such a pretty name, and Beck...hubba, hubba Bradshaw.

Since we left Allie she's kinda lost her powers from the trama of dealing with some Trimarks and suffering from nightmares. She is now in conta...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Charlotte Black rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge, arcs

I had so much fun reading Moonstone that I had to follow straight on to Moon Rise. Again this book is quirky, funny with great humour moments but Moon Rise brings a darker side to Allie's life. The Trimarks are proper evil, no doubt about that, and her biggest danger is not only the lose of her powers but also who to trust.

With her boyfriend Junior making a quick exit prior to the start of this sequel, we feel Allie's pain as she's let down again by someone close to her. Her mother still drags h...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Shiloh (SnarkyWriter) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, netgalley

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Bell Bridge Books provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Following the crisis at the end of Moonstone, Allie has lost her powers and her boyfriend. So being inducted into the Star Seeker club is no picnic, especially since so many hopes rest on her. And when she learns that the prophecy that makes her the moonstone bearer has a second part, one that explains why the Trimarks want it so badly, it just seems unfair.

This books seems to suffer from second-book-itis, a common a...more Bell Bridge Books provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Following the crisis at the end of Moonstone, Allie has lost her powers and her boyfriend. So being inducted into the Star Seeker club is no picnic, especially since so many hopes rest on her. And when she learns that the prophecy that makes her the moonstone bearer has a second part, one that explains why the Trimarks want it so badly, it just seems unfair.

This books seems to suffer from second-book-itis, a common ailment for sequels and especially for middle-of-a-trilogy books. It slumps a bit, especially after the high stakes and fast pacing of the first book. Not a lot happens, and what does happen seems less important.

Allie's main concern in Moon Rise is regaining her powers, which she's lost due to guilt and PTSD after killing a Trimark at the end of the first book. Helping her with this is half-demon Beck, a spirit healer and all-around hunky guy. Junior, her previous boyfriend, has disappeared to Mexico and not returned. Her powers come back toward the middle of the book, just in time for her to get into life-threatening danger . . . again. By being kidnapped by Trimarks . . . again. This time, however, they don't get her mom, they're second-rate Trimarks, and she's rescued by Beck and his sister within a few hours. Overall, the entire thing was a lot less tense than Moonstone.

A few specific complaints: I'm not sure I like that the Trimarks are Born to Be Evil and the Star Seekers are Born to Be Good. Without the element of choice in there (which there is a little bit, since the Star Seeker council is getting information from an unnamed Trimark double-agent), everything's just a little too black-and-white. I hope in future books this greys out a bit.

Also, I found the excuse for getting rid of Junior--he's been cast in a Mexican soap opera! As one does--kind of flimsy and Allie's quick, almost eager, bounce to Beck as her love interest rather jarring and sudden.

As previously mentioned, second books in a series are often a bit on the weak side, and I anticipate the next books picking up a bit and fixing a few of the issues I had with this one.(less)

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Feb 26, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fabulous continuation of Allie's story.

She has lost her telekinetic abilities. Kizzy engages the help of a young man named Beck Bradford to help Allie out of her slump. Junior is in Mexico and it is uncertain if he will return. Allie and Beck become close. He is not at all put off by Allie's abilities. Beck has demons of his own, literally.

The Trimarks are back, chasing Allie to get the Moonstone. They are still horrible, evil and rotten.

Faye has straightened out somewhat, she has a job and...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Jenn of Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-pub, own, young-adult-novels, review-written

RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley For Review

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Allie Emerson is the Keeper of the Light, the girl meant to hold the Moonstone and with the Tri-Marks after the Moonstone the Star Seekers are relying on Allie to keep the world safe from danger. But since the incident at the barn Allie’s powers have deserted her. She’s swamped with guilt over the man who died and her sleep is filled with nightmares about the family he might have left behind. Junior’s gone, he left f...more RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley For Review

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Allie Emerson is the Keeper of the Light, the girl meant to hold the Moonstone and with the Tri-Marks after the Moonstone the Star Seekers are relying on Allie to keep the world safe from danger. But since the incident at the barn Allie’s powers have deserted her. She’s swamped with guilt over the man who died and her sleep is filled with nightmares about the family he might have left behind. Junior’s gone, he left for a wedding in Mexico and never came back and without Junior or her powers she’s not sure what she’ll do. When a new boy at school with secrets of his own offers to heal her Allie doesn’t have a choice but to accept because the Tri-Marks are closing in and without her powers she and the rest of the world are toast. But can she regain her strength before it’s too late? And even if she does will that be enough?

I gave the second book a higher rating than the first, but I was debating between three and four stars for this novel as well. The opening is much better than the first it takes us right into the story rather than attempting to humor us and falling flat. What I didn’t like Junior’s gone and we’re starting all over with the getting to know you phase on another boy. He gives her a scorching kiss, which we’re told about rather than experiencing with her and promises to be back by the end of September but its October when the story begins. Now in the last book Junior was incredibly protective of Allie. I just can’t see him taking off like that and not coming back, it doesn’t fit with the character Brothers created in the first novel. The second while I like Beck as much as I did Junior I don’t know something about him doesn’t really sit right with me. It’s not the character so much it’s that Junior used to be the hottest boy in school and even though he doesn’t sleep with her, he ends up with Allie. Now Beck is the new hottest boy in school and guess who he hooks up with? You guess it, Allie. So will there be an even hotter boy in the next book who will choose good girl Allie over everyone else? Allie’s not really described too much physically, she’s thin with curly hair and bright green eyes. No one acts like she’s model worthy or anything so why is she always with the hottest boy in school no matter who he is? I could accept it with one hot guy, but to repeat that again with two is pushing it. On the other hand I think I like the contrast between Beck and Allie better than I did with Junior. Junior’s protective but totally normal. Beck’s got his own abilities. Junior was all can’t ruin the good girl while Beck can’t keep his hands off her. I mean nothing ever crosses the PG level in their relationship either, but there’s a lot more fire between Beck and Allie than there was between Junior and Allie. However the idea of a love triangle appearing in future novels is pretty obvious. I liked the plot of this one, but I don’t know I thought crisis scene in the last one was more dramatic even though this one should have been. The way everyone was just so accepting of everything bothered me as well. Even the principal is cool with it. It’s like the whole town sees weird stuff and thinks ok, no biggie. On top of that if Shane is the guy from the gang scene in the first novel why didn’t he fight back against Allie then? Why wasn’t he there at the barn? I’m left with a lot of question in this book and even though this book also includes a full story arc I’m left with as many questions as I have answers at its conclusion. Like the last book the story is a well written first person from Allie’s point of view. It is fast paced and filled with action, magic and high school drama.

The characters are well developed and Brother’s does a much better job of showing us the characters personalities than telling us this novel. Allie is obviously going to be well developed in a first person account, but Beck, Nicole, Faye and other characters also have more depth to them than in the first novel. They become more individualistic than they were in the series debut. Also Allie has some decent character growth in this novel which I definitely like.

Overall the book is an engrossing young adult paranormal fiction novel that I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy the genre.(less)

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Mar 29, 2012 Julie-anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second in the Unbidden Magic series and I'm still loving it. Allie is an extremely likeable lead, even if she is a little naive and trusting. This time round, she gets over Junior by meeting Beck (who's all geeky by day and sexy half demony by night) who turns out to be just what the moonstone ordered by healing her powers.

It bothers me that Allie mother, Faye, is so immature. Faye has said that her life was hard and she ran away from home, so how has this not forced her to grow up?...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Chibineko rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

(I got this book free through NetGalley.)

I liked the first book in the Unbidden Magic series, so I was glad to be able to review the next three books in the series as well. I have to say that I really enjoyed the character of Beck. Sure he's a lust demon, but he and Allie had some great sparks together.

The plot moves faster in this read and the Trimark saga is picking up a full head of steam. (Although it gets seriously derailed in the following book, but that's for another review.) More elemen...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Daniela rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the second book af the series Allie still has the moonstone, she managed to defy the Trimarks that were after it.

But not only are they going to show up in her life again, she also lost her just newly found abilities and is seriously questioning herself.

Enter a new boy (?) in town. During a school dance her friend Kizzy anounces, that this boy is a healer and can help her... she finds out soon enough and low and behold yet a few other things about herself. Did I mention yet there a lot to be d...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Vanya D. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, paranormal-urban-fantasy

Okay, so I was so swiped into this series, I went straight onto book two. It had as much zest and even more romance than Moonstone. It raised lots of questions, and even answered some of them. I really liked it and would surely continue to read on.

Now first of all, let me say that I missed Junior, who wasn't featured at all in this book. Yeah, he was mentioned a couple of times, but I could feel the bitterness and hurt in Allie's heart every time she heard his name. Well, I couldn't blame her -...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, review

Poor, poor Allie. Life hasn't gotten any better for her, not really. She seems to be a magnet for trouble, this book being no exception to that. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was just as good as the first book, if not a little better. You jump right back into Allie's life and get to see if things have gotten "normal" for her. Well, when you have telepathic powers, life can't be normal.

Once again, we have Trimarks trying to steal the moonstone from Allie. Trimarks are really ba...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read the first four books in the Unbidden Magic Series at once. To review them, I wrote a mini review of each book followed by an overall review of the complete series. For the full review of all four books, see Chronicles of a Book Evangelist.

Mini Review:

Moon Rise started off a lot smoother than Moonstone because the characters had settled into themselves. There was still action and mystery, but Moon Rise was a little more thoughtful - focusing more on Allie's developing powers and how she w...more I read the first four books in the Unbidden Magic Series at once. To review them, I wrote a mini review of each book followed by an overall review of the complete series. For the full review of all four books, see Chronicles of a Book Evangelist.

Mini Review:

Moon Rise started off a lot smoother than Moonstone because the characters had settled into themselves. There was still action and mystery, but Moon Rise was a little more thoughtful - focusing more on Allie's developing powers and how she was dealing with the consequences of using them. It was slower paced than Moon Rise (which does not mean in any way that it was slow paced in general) but provided some much needed character development and shoring up of the world building.

The new characters added in Moon Rise were better actualized than Moonstone, and Brothers writing overall was substantially better. There were a lot less cliches. However, this was also the introduction of Beck and disappearance of Junior - more on that in the overall discussion. The series story arc also starts to get a little convoluted at times.

Series Overall:

Do not read this portion if you do not want to be spoiled. Okay? Okay.

(view spoiler)[Marilee Brothers' Unbidden Magic series has real potential. She generally starts off a little rough, but once set gets comfortably settled in a book her style is quirky, playful and fun. She has created a lot of interesting and compelling characters. However, I think she gets a little carried away with the drama at times, causing her to lose control of her plot as well as the structure of her world. Some larger issues that I have:

1. Boys are not paper plates. (Forgive me if this comparison is profoundly redneck in nature, but it was inspired by the characters.) Let me explain. Marilee Brothers treats her male leads like Chinet paper plates. They are study enough that you can count on them. They are nice enough that you aren't ashamed to be seen with them. In a real pinch, you can wash or brush them off and still reuse them. BUT, at the end of the day, you're still going to throw them away. Junior, Beck and Ryker were each interesting in their own ways, but ultimately never more than fancy cardboard. They come and go for reasons that defy any explanation other than than Brothers wanted a new lead.

2. It is not a good idea to change the basic design of your world halfway through a series. WHERE did the fairy stuff come from? I mean really. There is absolutely NO foreshadowing in the previous novels to account for the 'big reveals' of Moon Spun. This is where planning for the story arc of the series at the beginning would really help out.

3. Along the same lines, Don't redefine characters mid-series unless they develop into something new. Good for Cory that he got over his scary, racist, bullying ways...off screen, in a single summer, at a special camp, and now is in love with Allie...huh? If something this big happens in a series, the reader should probably be shown, especially if it is going to require suspension of disbelief to this magnitude. Also, what is the opposite of character assassination? Spontanious redemption? Because that is what happens with Allie's mom. "Oh, no. She actually wasn't an immature, selfish alcoholic faking a disability to cheat the government out of SSI! She's really a fairy in constant physical and emotional pain caused by a combination of her metal trailer house and her mean, mean dad. She's a caring and involved mom deep down." What?

4. I get you bad guys are bad - they don't have to be single handedly responsible for every hangnail and genocide in the world for me to believe you. This quote really ruffled my feathers:

"The Trimarks have devoted their lives to chaos and evil, hoping to profit as a result. They were at the crucifixion of Christ, the Nazi death camps, the Kennedy assassination, Hurricane Katrina. One can only imagine what might happen if they get their hands on the moonstone."

So, was that Bobby or John? Or both? Katrina and death camps, huh? That's some pretty diverse talents. It just felt a little insulting to the magnitude of real suffering that each of these casually-tossed-out events truly represent. Events that have affected history so profoundly should never be so cheeply used.

5. Don't mix mythologies unless you can explain how they work together. Reading the Unbidden Magic series sometimes felt like sitting in the middle of the religion and spirituality section of a bookstore scanning titles: Christianity! Fairies! Tarot! Angels! Shamanism! Crystals! Demonology! Except here, unlike in the bookstore, they are all presumed to be true at the same time without explaining how conflictin ideologies worked together.

I think Marilee Brothers definitely has talent, and she can write an interesting book. The Unbidden Magic series is entertaining once you get into it, but it is ephemeral. I think that if she could exercise a little more control over her world building and plot while maintaining her interesting writing style, she could create some really great books. I will probably read the next book (also, I believe, the last?) because, at this point, I am four books in and want to know how it ends. I would recommend the Unbidden Magic series to avid readers who really like paranormal young adult and need something new. However, I don't think it would work for the discerning reader who carefully chooses what they consume. (hide spoiler)]

Thanks to Bell Bridge Books for the Review Copies(less)

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Dec 14, 2009 Marsha rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Older young adults

When I first read the back of Moon Rise to see the overall storyline, I thought that another author had diminished a beautifully funny storyline with a convuluted plot. However, I was pleasantly surprised that Marilee Brother's sequel to Moonstone was equally as good as the first.

Allie continues to struggle with the challenges of everday life. In her case, it is a mother is more like a child than an adult, a mysterious grandfather, an absentee father who she feels does not really care, a boyfri...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of YA paranormal fiction

Recommended to Katy by: NetGalley

Shelves: ebook, galley-for-review, net-galley

Disclosure: I received a free special eBook version of this series, including all four books in one, from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Synopsis Book 2: Moonrise: Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore....more Disclosure: I received a free special eBook version of this series, including all four books in one, from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Synopsis Book 2: Moonrise: Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she's helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage. Dear Diary: I'm a little worried. My new BF is a demon. Welcome again to Allie Emerson's funny, scary, amazing, and always unpredictable life, as the girl voted least likely to save the world from evil.

My Thoughts: I found the quick transfer of Allie’s affections from Junior to Beck to be entirely appropriate and realistic for a high-school Sophomore (which, by my calculations, should be correct). I kind of hope Beck hangs around, but knowing high schoolers, I imagine Allie will have a new love interest by the next book.

I ran across one huge, gaping plot hole – in a “flashback” to the scene when Allie is hiding in Junior’s living room from Revelle, she claims she grabbed her moonstone before holding her palm up to the crucifix, which then moved - BBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZTTTTT Nope; Junior had already taken and hidden the moonstone at that point, and Allie was running without it. Important to pay attention to these details in a series! Also, it is obvious the writer didn’t actually go to a small high school, if she claims a student body of 89 couldn’t field an 11-man football team. In my senior year, counting the 8th graders, there were 79 students in the high school building – obviously there were probably about 50 or 60 that were actually high schoolers, 19 of which were in my Senior class. I can’t find my yearbook at the moment, but if I’m recalling correctly, there were around 20 or more boys on the team. More than enough to have both a junior and senior varsity squad with extras for sitting on the bench and for errand boys. In a small town, everyone who is physically capable goes out for football – if you don’t, you’re basically signed a document saying you wanted nothing to do with being popular. Obviously, just because the town is small doesn’t mean there won’t be enough for a football team. Also, while there are cliques, they aren’t as numerous as in a larger town – there is basically cool kids, and not cool kids. Among the cool kids are the jocks and tough-guys. Among the not-cool kids are the welfare kids and brains. In some ways it is simpler, but as to being a good experience? There are a lot of thing I probably wouldn’t mind a do-over on in life, but you would have to force me with weapons of mass destruction before I’d endure high school again. (Maybe you’re wondering what clique I was in? I was a clique of one – the weird kid who didn’t give a snort whether I fit in anywhere or not, because I realized when I was 8 that popularity was a ridiculous notion and it was much better to just be oneself.) But, as often happens in these reviews, I am wandering away from the point here. My point is that the high school Allie attends was larger than the one I attended, and if my high school could create a full football squad, there is no reason hers couldn’t have.

Anyway, this book was even better than the first – the additional character development was great, and we’re learning in small bits and pieces more about Allie’s background and her family’s history, which is quite interesting. I am very much enjoying this series. However, I will need to pause here for the week and get some editing done - I will finish this series this next weekend. 5 out of 5 stars(less)

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Jun 16, 2012 Martha D rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-challenge, author-read-review, kindle, netgalley, paranormal, series-read, sci-fi-fantasy-horror, zombies, werewolf-witch-vampire

Title: Moon Rise
Author: Marilee Brothers
Rating: 4/5

Summary: Allie’s powers have taken a hike, she can no longer read people’s minds and move things by looking at them. Junior is gone off to Mexico to become a soap opera star (not something I’m thrilled with), however, Allie’s got enough to worry about. The evil Tri-marks are closing in, wanting to grab the moonstone necklace while she is helpless, the Starseekers need her more than ever, and there is a new guy in Allie’s life that is ready and w...more Title: Moon Rise
Author: Marilee Brothers
Rating: 4/5

Summary: Allie’s powers have taken a hike, she can no longer read people’s minds and move things by looking at them. Junior is gone off to Mexico to become a soap opera star (not something I’m thrilled with), however, Allie’s got enough to worry about. The evil Tri-marks are closing in, wanting to grab the moonstone necklace while she is helpless, the Starseekers need her more than ever, and there is a new guy in Allie’s life that is ready and willing to fight her battles. Oh yeah, and new hottie is a demon, always a plus right?

Review: This was an exciting follow up to Moonstone, and a wonderful continuation of Allie’s story in the Unbidden Magic series, however, my one pet peeve is that Junior got shipped away to Mexico. Sadness there. However, that sadness faded away at the introduction of the new hottie on the block, this story is filled with twists and turns that are prevalent on every page and it was hard to put down once I started it. Allie is starting to learn more about her powers, but much like her mother Faye, her grandfather will reveal nothing of what he knows, and she also has the potential to reveal secrets about her mother’s past.
Allie’s grown up quite a bit in this one, she’s growing stronger and more mature as the story goes on, and the timid Allie has been left behind. Brothers did a fantastic job growing her up in this second book, allowing her to become a strong equal in the war of good versus evil. Also, I truly enjoyed the introduction of some new faces Beck and Nicole, the twins. The mixture of a nun and a succubus, with some Shaman training, that is the yummy Beck. I also liked the inclusion of Grandfather Claude in the mix, however, saddened that he may not be around much longer, and it did annoy me that he is as closed mouthed as Faye.
There were some questions I had about Allie and Beck’s relationship and not understanding the reason for the “pretending” of boyfriend/girlfriend when they were clearly both into each other. Perhaps there was something more along the lines of Allie’s age, as she’s only fifteen and Brother’s is skirting the line for a more realistic setting. The message sent to young adults by having innocents discovering the opposite sex for the first time.
I do look forward to reading more installments of this series, this book is definitely one I would recommend along with the first, because with this series, if you do not read them in order you will miss out on important information.

If you have any questions, comments or recommendations you can contact me at simplicity.kindreth@gmail.com
My reviews can be found here:
Confessions of a Bibilophile
Idle Musings and Random Things
Cae's Smashwords
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Mar 06, 2012 Mandi Kaye Ottaway rated it 3 of 5 stars

Reviewed at http://www.mandikayereads.com/archive... (3/9/12)

I have to admit, I liked this one better than the first. It feels like Marilee is really hitting her stride as far as writing and finding her character's voices.

I didn't like that Allie was with a different guy in this book. Even if I do like Beck better than Junior.

I'd like the mythology to be fleshed out a bit more instead of the story being driven by the "action" - what little action there is.

Everything always ends up tied into a ne...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Tina (yAdultReview) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, paranormal, ya, arc-netgalley

Originally posted at Nose in a Book

Wah, there’s no Junior in this one. I liked him, but I’m also okay with Allie dating around. She’s fifteen! There is no rush to settle down. I even like Beck a lot. His sister is kind of a brat, but she has her reasons and I understand them. Kizzy is back in action, which is something I’m happy about, because Faye has not stopped screeching, though she does have a job and boyfriend now. Allie is not happy about that, but she counteracts it by going to a big Sta...more Originally posted at Nose in a Book

Wah, there’s no Junior in this one. I liked him, but I’m also okay with Allie dating around. She’s fifteen! There is no rush to settle down. I even like Beck a lot. His sister is kind of a brat, but she has her reasons and I understand them. Kizzy is back in action, which is something I’m happy about, because Faye has not stopped screeching, though she does have a job and boyfriend now. Allie is not happy about that, but she counteracts it by going to a big Star Seekers convention with her father, which pisses Faye off. The convention turns out to be kind of embarrassing since, as the summary mentions, she has lost her powers. Allie is so awkward around Beck at first, which I find really endearing. Sometimes I hate it when teenagers act like children over kissing, but Allie’s mother has been drilling the evils of sex into her head for so long that it’s an ingrained lesson. I started kissing boys in first grade and never stopped. I’m…not the best role model apparently.

You know what I got really tired of though? The way girls interact in this one. It’s like middle school amplified by a thousand, or an HBO version of high school with girls calling each other anorexic in front of teachers and just general bitchery happening. It’s like no one can have a real friendship, especially not those popular girls. Reminds me of the way Cat from the Night Huntress series treats all women: like whores out to steal her man. Allie doesn’t necessarily act this way, but everyone else does. I find that most romance novels have interactions like this one. I’ve read a few books by adult authors giving YA the old college try, and sometimes their ideas don’t translate as well. This is one of those times. Age can really be a factor when writing believable YA, in my opinion. And it took me forever to get through the first half because the pace is like a snail’s compared to the first book. Reminds me a little of Supernaturally, which is by an author I truly love and admire, in that it seems like a boring info-dump filler novel. This happens a lot when it comes to sophomore novels.

The world in which Allie lives is totally black and white. Star Seekers are good, Trimarks are bad. Always, no exception. That bugs me, because no one is fully evil, unless they’re a sociopath or something, and no one is completely good. The reason for Junior’s departure is completely ridiculous, but I don’t mind that Allie hops from boy to boy. She’s a teenage girl! She doesn’t need to find her soulmate right now. It’s okay for her to kiss multiple boys, okay? Not everything is “destined” a la Bella Swan. What bugs me are the reasons for why the boys leave. It couldn’t be more obvious that Brothers just wanted a change of scenery for Allie, and used various boys to achieve this.

I sound like I hated this novel, but I didn’t, not at all! I still like Allie, I liked Beck from the beginning, and the supporting cast remains as likable as ever. Though the story sort of slumps, I was still interested in what was happening to Allie and her world, and I still want to know more. I feel like maybe I was too hard on this book now I reread what I wrote earlier, but I’m going to let everything stand. I’m really looking forward to reading Moon Spun, so make sure you check back here soon!(less)

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Jul 04, 2012 Ms. Rosas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 112-in-2012, fantasy, net-galley, young-adult

*Copy provided by Net Galley*

I enjoyed the second installment much more than the first. It was just in general better written. I felt like I was getting to know the characters a lot more than in the first one. The relationship between Beck and Allie seemed to develop a lot more than the one between Allie and Junior. That's not saying a lot but it was better. The things that made me uncomfortable in the first book (random and crass talk about sex and boobs) were there but less obvious.

The Verdic...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Marybeth (Manhattan Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, i-own

The second book in the series and so far everything is as I expected.

Everything in Allie's life has somewhat returned back to normal now that her boyfriend returned to Mexico, her mom is acting like her mom, and aside from trying to get a little help, Allie's life is more or less back to normal.

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this book. It felt a little uninteresting, like there was very little point to it. Or at least that's how I felt when I first started it.

There are some new kids on...more
The second book in the series and so far everything is as I expected.

Everything in Allie's life has somewhat returned back to normal now that her boyfriend returned to Mexico, her mom is acting like her mom, and aside from trying to get a little help, Allie's life is more or less back to normal.

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this book. It felt a little uninteresting, like there was very little point to it. Or at least that's how I felt when I first started it.

There are some new kids on the block, who come with their own secrets and powers. More details are revealed about the prophesy that surrounds Allie.

Familiar faces return and new ones show up, and the Star Seeker and Tri-marks return to hassle Allie.

There really isn't much to say about this book that I won't reveal a little bit of the other ones as well. What I can share are some of my general feelings, which is simply indifference. For some reason I don't feel much connection with the character or the book. This is drastically different then the first book, which is why this book got a lower rating. Sometimes I wonder if Allie could just step outside of herself for a minute and see herself in true light, or at least what I think is true light. Maybe it's just my growing dislike towards her, but there are moments I have to wonder.

With some of these characters I feel like they are very plain. The bad guys try to be bad and a mystery and suspense tries to develop, but I feel like it just falls short of what is given. The way the other two books pan out isn't as great either, which makes me wonder how I even finished them all.

A simple, paranormal read that I don't feel has much body or anything to it, but at least the author, in a lot of ways, is trying, which is evident in the books.

In a lot of ways this book can either be someone's favorite cup of tea or not, depending how you take to Allie's character, which isn't very creative or whole, but...plain.

I would say go to the library for these books, they are not really worth the money. (less)

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Nov 09, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Moon Rise is the second in the Unbidden Magic series. I really was impressed with the first in this series. I happened across and immediately was drawn into this new world. I was tired of the usual witch vampire werewolf sagas that seemed to be overflowing everywhere and this was a perfect escape. This follows a few months where the last one left off. The main characters were back: Allie Kizzy Faye the Trimarks; with the one exception of Junior..which made me sad. I really liked Junior in the fi...more

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Nov 01, 2010 Page (One Book At A Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

This was a marked improvement over the first in the series. In fact, I would probably read the first just to get to this one (only because I don't think you can really skip the first). I think all of what the first was lacking was made up in this one.

The beginning was a little choppy. For a little bit it was almost like the personalities of the characters changed, but then the story settled down. I was happy to see that Junior wasn't in this one. I just didn't feel the connection there. I almost...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Lillie Roberts rated it 4 of 5 stars

Allie's life is a little bit more bizarre than ever before. She finally has accepted the fact that she's a Star Seeker, and not only a Star Seeker, but one the legends have foretold, the one who can use the moonstone to save them all. Only there's one teensy problem. Her powers seemed to have abandon her just when she may need them the most. And according to Kizzy, there's only one way to help herself, she has to see a healer, the problem is the healer is the new hot boy at school, and, he's a h...more Allie's life is a little bit more bizarre than ever before. She finally has accepted the fact that she's a Star Seeker, and not only a Star Seeker, but one the legends have foretold, the one who can use the moonstone to save them all. Only there's one teensy problem. Her powers seemed to have abandon her just when she may need them the most. And according to Kizzy, there's only one way to help herself, she has to see a healer, the problem is the healer is the new hot boy at school, and, he's a half demon.

When Kizzy sees Beck, she knows, he's the only one who can help Allie. Kizzy is Allie's best friend and mentor, and she's a gypsy. She was the Keeper of the Moonstone until Allie came along. Many things have happened since the fateful day that Kizzy pressed the Moonstone into Allie's hand, like the Trimarks trying to kill her. If they try again, she'll be powerless this time.

Beck, half lust demon, and his twin sister, Nicole are new to Peacock Falls High School, and they're both part of the 'in' crowd, everything that Allie is not. But, Allie so discovers that Kizzy's right, Beck is a healer, and he can help her regain the use of her powers. Junior, her boyfriend, has taken off for Mexico, but she still feels connected to him and that's good, because when Beck heals, emotions heat up.

Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers tells the continuing story of Alfrieda Carlotta Emerson, Allie to her friends. In this installment of the Unbidden Magic Series, Allie is faced with a new challenge. Beck, the half lust demon and a healer can help her regain her powers if she can trust him, and that's a big if. Not only that, but Beck's sister is taking no prisoners, she really wants to stay part of the in-crowd, but with Allie hanging around, maybe everyone will start thinking, she doesn't belong either. And the Trimarks have infiltrated the school.... could Allie's life get any better?

Moon Rise is the second book in Ms. Brothers series, all starring Allie has the girl with the special gift, the Moonstone. Only, she supposed to have these special powers which have suddenly dried up. Her dad's kind of showing her off to the other Star Seekers, but if she can't figure out how to stop the Trimarks, well, being the Keeper of the Moonstone isn't going to help me. Moon Rise is a fun little read perfect for a lazy afternoon, it's quick and packed with action and adventure, as well as a few wayward boyfriend. If you enjoy YA paranormal romance, you may want to give Moon Rise a try. I would start with the first book, but even if you started with Moon Rise, it's easy to follow. For more information about Ms. Brothers or her series, please visit her website.

I received this ebook for review from Bell Bridge Books. All opinions expressed are my own. (less)

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Moon Rise (Unbidden Magic #2)

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