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Channie #1
Enchantment
Sixteen year old Channie Kerns leads an idyllic life of seclusion and magic deep in the Ozark Mountains ... until her family is forced to flee for their lives.
They leave everything and everyone behind to start over in Louisville, Colorado. Magic is forbidden while they are in hiding, but Channie can't resist the temptation to enchant a group of local boys. When her overbearing parents catch her flirting with these "sex-crazed, non-magical delinquents," they slap a chastity spell on her to protect her virtue.
The spell is triggered by lust, so just navigating the halls at her new school is an ordeal. She can't even touch a boy she's attracted to without blasting him with a jolt of magical energy that feels like a taser.
When Channie falls in love with Josh Abrim, a BMX racer with dangerous secrets of his own, she rebels against her parents and turns to dark and forbidden magic to break the chastity spell ... with disastrous results.
They leave everything and everyone behind to start over in Louisville, Colorado. Magic is forbidden while they are in hiding, but Channie can't resist the temptation to enchant a group of local boys. When her overbearing parents catch her flirting with these "sex-crazed, non-magical delinquents," they slap a chastity spell on her to protect her virtue.
The spell is triggered by lust, so just navigating the halls at her new school is an ordeal. She can't even touch a boy she's attracted to without blasting him with a jolt of magical energy that feels like a taser.
When Channie falls in love with Josh Abrim, a BMX racer with dangerous secrets of his own, she rebels against her parents and turns to dark and forbidden magic to break the chastity spell ... with disastrous results.
373 pages, Nook
First published June 17, 2011
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March 22, 2019
Read as part of the Get Through The Crap On Your Kindle You Stubborn Eejit reading challenge.
Why is this even on my kindle. Within the first vomit-inducing pages the dude has abs "like a movie star in a love scene".
Must stop downloading free crap... Stop...
But... It's... Free...
Nyer, Yorkshireness overriding... Intelligence noooo...
Why is this even on my kindle. Within the first vomit-inducing pages the dude has abs "like a movie star in a love scene".
Must stop downloading free crap... Stop...
But... It's... Free...
Nyer, Yorkshireness overriding... Intelligence noooo...
December 26, 2014
I got this amazing book to read and review from Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! Loved every bit of it. It was the right length and it left me wanting the next book. Channie's a girl who has a backbone and Josh is pretty cute. I loved that they fought and made up like any couple would and the way they kept wanting to be with each other. I liked how the magic could be used to cheat and for mundane tasks. I would have liked to meet the villains once, though. The concept of a power-name was intriguing and well-explained. Channie's dad was a very good example of what a power name could do to a person. I also liked Abby's character and how she was striving to give her kids a better life. Overall, really good book and when can we have some more!
January 3, 2012
Let me first say that I got this book from read 2 review and did not expect to love it so much. I thought this would be a sweet YA book for the younger audience.
I was wrong...
Simply Brilliant.
This story was sweet and endearing, fit for all audiences. Mothers can read with their daughters and boys can enjoy as well. Completely heartwarming and the promise that true love con conquer all.This is a must read for all ages, I could not put it down.
I was wrong...
Simply Brilliant.
This story was sweet and endearing, fit for all audiences. Mothers can read with their daughters and boys can enjoy as well. Completely heartwarming and the promise that true love con conquer all.This is a must read for all ages, I could not put it down.
November 1, 2011
Enchantment by Charlotte Abel
Reading this story it reminded me of young love and the wanting and dreaming of meeting your very own Prince Charming. This is one of those stories that you see the story unfolding and you turn every page to make sure it’s going to happen. The writing is great, easy to read, words flow so you just keep reading till you reach the end.
The story begins with Channie (Enchantment) moving to a new city with her family, her father is on the run from a very powerful family, he owes them a huge gambling debt, this family is well known and will not just want money they may even kill Channie’s (Enchantment) family to get revenge on her father.
Starting at a new school is hard enough but to be living around non magic humans is a whole other complication. Channie (Enchantment) meets Josh and their amazing almost fairy tale story begins.
All I can say is this book is well written its about love, magic, awful parents, dreams, hopes and its touching funny and you just want the best for Channie and Josh.
I will be keeping an eye out for a sequel.
If you’re looking for a heart warming read this is the book to read.
Charlotte Abel is an amazing author/storyteller.
Reading this story it reminded me of young love and the wanting and dreaming of meeting your very own Prince Charming. This is one of those stories that you see the story unfolding and you turn every page to make sure it’s going to happen. The writing is great, easy to read, words flow so you just keep reading till you reach the end.
The story begins with Channie (Enchantment) moving to a new city with her family, her father is on the run from a very powerful family, he owes them a huge gambling debt, this family is well known and will not just want money they may even kill Channie’s (Enchantment) family to get revenge on her father.
Starting at a new school is hard enough but to be living around non magic humans is a whole other complication. Channie (Enchantment) meets Josh and their amazing almost fairy tale story begins.
All I can say is this book is well written its about love, magic, awful parents, dreams, hopes and its touching funny and you just want the best for Channie and Josh.
I will be keeping an eye out for a sequel.
If you’re looking for a heart warming read this is the book to read.
Charlotte Abel is an amazing author/storyteller.
April 8, 2013
deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile
February 27, 2012
I just finished reading "Enchantment" about half an hour ago and I feel a little pressured about writing the review. I just wish I had more time to gather my thoughts and all, but since I don't... well, I'll just try my best.
To be honest, I feel a little bipolar about this book. Because at moments it was so amazing, I was literally holding my breath in anticipation. Unfortunately there were also those other moments when I just rolled my eyes. A couple of scenes seemed like they took forever to end, and I'd totally understand that if they were somehow important. But they weren't, and I just felt like they should've been cut shorter.
Other than that, it was a very well written, very well thought out novel. I rode the emotional roller coaster along with Channie and Josh and the rest of the characters and enjoyed every single bit of it. I loved the cheesy moments, as well as the tense ones. I would've liked to see more action, but... not up to me. Besides, I hear book 2 is packed full with it, so I'm holding my breath!!
About the story:
I'm afraid it wasn't all that original - just the ordinary girl-meets-boy, girl-falls-for-boy, relationship-is-impossibly-difficult kind of thing - but it was presented in an original way and it's safe to say that I liked it.
This was the first witch book I've read so far, where nobody speaks the spells/curses. We're just told that a spell is used and what it does, but how exactly it's manipulated... no one knows. I don't mean this as a bad thing. With all that goes on, I think that it's better this way.
The characters:
* Channie - I loved Enchantment's easy going nature and kind of missed it after she was renamed. Then I loved Chastity's strong persona as well. Until she kind of turned into a control freak, sometimes scaring me from the screen of my kindle. I must admit that I loved her most in the end, when she was her real self. When she was shy, selfless and full of love.
* Josh was a cutie and totally swoon worthy. But I was kind of hoping that he wouldn't behave like a sulking boy all the time, that he would grow up and be the man that I felt he should be. I think he did that towards the end. I loved him the most when he was angry with Channie, because anger kind of suited his otherwise gentle nature. The only thing I didn't like about him was the extensive crying. I'm not sure guys do that. It made me roll my eyes again and again.
* Momma & Daddy kind of made me squirm every time they were mentioned. They were tough characters with old beliefs and emanated coldness most of the time. I think that Mrs. Abel did a very good job on them. To be honest, I kind of enjoyed it when Channie got the upper hand over them.
* Aunt Wisdom cracked me up. She was one hell of a woman. My respects for her and her honest opinions and words. I wish I had an aunt like that to care about me as much as she did about Channie.
All the rest of the characters, Abby, Hunter, Eric, the triplets and Elijah amused me in their own way. I had fun reading about them.
To wrap it up: I recommend this book for anyone who likes heavy romance and some action.
Favorite quotes:
One
The teacher cleared her throat and said, "I expect my students to respond to roll call with 'present', but if any of you find the pronunciation of more than one syllable at a time beyond your capabilities, you may simply say, 'here.' This is an advanced placement English Literature course. Surely, you have a basic grasp of the language or you wouldn't be in my classroom." - Old Lady Windsor
Two
"...Maggots, dead fish, fried liver - "
"What are you doing?"
Josh opened one eye and grinned. "Thinking of gross stuff."
"Does that help?"
"Almost as much as a cold shower."
Three
"That's too bad." Josh puffed his chest out and said, "I was really looking forward to demonstrating my awesome survivalist skills."
"When we get back to the cabin, I'll let you skin and gut this one to prove your manhood."
"Uh..." The skin around Josh's lips turned green.
To be honest, I feel a little bipolar about this book. Because at moments it was so amazing, I was literally holding my breath in anticipation. Unfortunately there were also those other moments when I just rolled my eyes. A couple of scenes seemed like they took forever to end, and I'd totally understand that if they were somehow important. But they weren't, and I just felt like they should've been cut shorter.
Other than that, it was a very well written, very well thought out novel. I rode the emotional roller coaster along with Channie and Josh and the rest of the characters and enjoyed every single bit of it. I loved the cheesy moments, as well as the tense ones. I would've liked to see more action, but... not up to me. Besides, I hear book 2 is packed full with it, so I'm holding my breath!!
About the story:
I'm afraid it wasn't all that original - just the ordinary girl-meets-boy, girl-falls-for-boy, relationship-is-impossibly-difficult kind of thing - but it was presented in an original way and it's safe to say that I liked it.
This was the first witch book I've read so far, where nobody speaks the spells/curses. We're just told that a spell is used and what it does, but how exactly it's manipulated... no one knows. I don't mean this as a bad thing. With all that goes on, I think that it's better this way.
The characters:
* Channie - I loved Enchantment's easy going nature and kind of missed it after she was renamed. Then I loved Chastity's strong persona as well. Until she kind of turned into a control freak, sometimes scaring me from the screen of my kindle. I must admit that I loved her most in the end, when she was her real self. When she was shy, selfless and full of love.
* Josh was a cutie and totally swoon worthy. But I was kind of hoping that he wouldn't behave like a sulking boy all the time, that he would grow up and be the man that I felt he should be. I think he did that towards the end. I loved him the most when he was angry with Channie, because anger kind of suited his otherwise gentle nature. The only thing I didn't like about him was the extensive crying. I'm not sure guys do that. It made me roll my eyes again and again.
* Momma & Daddy kind of made me squirm every time they were mentioned. They were tough characters with old beliefs and emanated coldness most of the time. I think that Mrs. Abel did a very good job on them. To be honest, I kind of enjoyed it when Channie got the upper hand over them.
* Aunt Wisdom cracked me up. She was one hell of a woman. My respects for her and her honest opinions and words. I wish I had an aunt like that to care about me as much as she did about Channie.
All the rest of the characters, Abby, Hunter, Eric, the triplets and Elijah amused me in their own way. I had fun reading about them.
To wrap it up: I recommend this book for anyone who likes heavy romance and some action.
Favorite quotes:
One
The teacher cleared her throat and said, "I expect my students to respond to roll call with 'present', but if any of you find the pronunciation of more than one syllable at a time beyond your capabilities, you may simply say, 'here.' This is an advanced placement English Literature course. Surely, you have a basic grasp of the language or you wouldn't be in my classroom." - Old Lady Windsor
Two
"...Maggots, dead fish, fried liver - "
"What are you doing?"
Josh opened one eye and grinned. "Thinking of gross stuff."
"Does that help?"
"Almost as much as a cold shower."
Three
"That's too bad." Josh puffed his chest out and said, "I was really looking forward to demonstrating my awesome survivalist skills."
"When we get back to the cabin, I'll let you skin and gut this one to prove your manhood."
"Uh..." The skin around Josh's lips turned green.
October 24, 2011
I received this book as a part of R2R.
This book was certainly enchanting. Overall it was a very good read. It certainly was different than anything else I’ve read. I really enjoyed it a lot. I haven’t read a lot of books that center around witchcraft, so I’m not as familiar. But for me it was really different. I enjoyed learning the mythology built in it. Once I got into the story, I was in it until the end. I laughed a few times at the situation the couple found themselves in. Plot lines, I haven’t seen before. The parents weren’t good as other reviews mentioned, but to me that made the story. The story centers on the parents being awful and how that translated to Channie. I won’t give spoilers away, but I only had a few problems with the story. I didn’t quite buy that Channie would reveal herself so easily to one of the characters. It was too quick in the story based on the fact that it had been so engrained in her how important it was for her abilities to remain hidden. Secondly, I thought that the story at the high school felt rushed. Some of the extra characters weren’t really developed or really needed. Then the romance between the couple was perilously closed to happening to fast to be realistic. But once past that, the story took off. Despite those few things, the story was really good. I would recommend to friends.
This book was certainly enchanting. Overall it was a very good read. It certainly was different than anything else I’ve read. I really enjoyed it a lot. I haven’t read a lot of books that center around witchcraft, so I’m not as familiar. But for me it was really different. I enjoyed learning the mythology built in it. Once I got into the story, I was in it until the end. I laughed a few times at the situation the couple found themselves in. Plot lines, I haven’t seen before. The parents weren’t good as other reviews mentioned, but to me that made the story. The story centers on the parents being awful and how that translated to Channie. I won’t give spoilers away, but I only had a few problems with the story. I didn’t quite buy that Channie would reveal herself so easily to one of the characters. It was too quick in the story based on the fact that it had been so engrained in her how important it was for her abilities to remain hidden. Secondly, I thought that the story at the high school felt rushed. Some of the extra characters weren’t really developed or really needed. Then the romance between the couple was perilously closed to happening to fast to be realistic. But once past that, the story took off. Despite those few things, the story was really good. I would recommend to friends.
September 29, 2011
I usually read adult paranormal romance or urban fantasy—YA novels are not typically my genre of choice. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Enchantment. It was so different than I expected, and so unique.
I really like that this book deals with teenagers and sex in an open, yet still tactful way. So many YA novels avoid the subject completely, which is a pet peeve of mine. It’s as though the writer is trying to write a book about teenagers that the parents want teenagers to read—it’s unrealistic. Charlotte Abel has written a tasteful story that doesn’t shy away from sex between teenagers (because let’s face it, it’s a reality). Instead, she manages to emphasize the importance of the emotional as well as physical aspects of sex, without allowing the subject to become inappropriate.
I love the author’s spin on magic, and I really enjoyed the whole concept of a power name. I also love how the story has taken a parents fear of teenage sex, and twisted it with a unique paranormal element—essentially fastening their daughter with the magical equivalent of a Chastity belt.
The main characters Josh and Channie get into quite a few entertaining predicaments trying to thwart the spell, all so they can share something as innocent as a first kiss or holding hands. One of my favorite scenes is when a spell goes awry and girls start reacting to Josh like lovesick groupies, and Channie curses them all by giving them their periods. I couldn’t stop laughing.
I experienced so many different emotions reading this book: anger at Channie’s parents (I may have even yelled at my book), sometimes anger at Channie’s decisions, frustration, humor, but mostly the thrill of first love. I think it’s the mark of a great book when it evokes so many different emotional responses. So why did I only give it 4 stars? I debated quite a bit on whether to give this story 4 or 5 stars, and ultimately decided on 4 stars for only one reason—it’s YA. My personal preference is to have a story written from the perspective of an adult. However, I think for people who love the YA genre this book will be a 5 star. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys YA novels like City of Bones, Vampire Diaries, and Twilight.
I really like that this book deals with teenagers and sex in an open, yet still tactful way. So many YA novels avoid the subject completely, which is a pet peeve of mine. It’s as though the writer is trying to write a book about teenagers that the parents want teenagers to read—it’s unrealistic. Charlotte Abel has written a tasteful story that doesn’t shy away from sex between teenagers (because let’s face it, it’s a reality). Instead, she manages to emphasize the importance of the emotional as well as physical aspects of sex, without allowing the subject to become inappropriate.
I love the author’s spin on magic, and I really enjoyed the whole concept of a power name. I also love how the story has taken a parents fear of teenage sex, and twisted it with a unique paranormal element—essentially fastening their daughter with the magical equivalent of a Chastity belt.
The main characters Josh and Channie get into quite a few entertaining predicaments trying to thwart the spell, all so they can share something as innocent as a first kiss or holding hands. One of my favorite scenes is when a spell goes awry and girls start reacting to Josh like lovesick groupies, and Channie curses them all by giving them their periods. I couldn’t stop laughing.
I experienced so many different emotions reading this book: anger at Channie’s parents (I may have even yelled at my book), sometimes anger at Channie’s decisions, frustration, humor, but mostly the thrill of first love. I think it’s the mark of a great book when it evokes so many different emotional responses. So why did I only give it 4 stars? I debated quite a bit on whether to give this story 4 or 5 stars, and ultimately decided on 4 stars for only one reason—it’s YA. My personal preference is to have a story written from the perspective of an adult. However, I think for people who love the YA genre this book will be a 5 star. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys YA novels like City of Bones, Vampire Diaries, and Twilight.
February 28, 2013
I have to say I'm disappointed. This was a really great idea, and for me it kind of just fell flat. I had really high hopes for Enchantment. And while I think the idea is there, I wouldn't say the execution is.
First: I didn't get immersed into the story. So much information was thrown at me in the beginning that while I'm still trying to figure out how the whole magic things works the whole family just up and moves and throws me into a whole new situation. The emotions Channie had bounced back and forth so much it was unlikely, especially with her parents. She's angry, she's guilty. She's angry, she's guilty. She has no problem cursing the heck out of them, then tries to hug them. Then wants to ask for chamomile tea.
Which brings me to the next main thing: the characters were too "out-there". Her parents are just plain horrible people. They're vindictive and impulsive and abusive and don't bother to think through any of their actions. There are no redeeming qualities whatsoever and I had a hard time figuring out why Channie would care in the slightest about them. Josh was the opposite. He's just so darn perfect in every way, isn't he? At first he was described as being extremely skinny. Later he's described as having amazing abs and a nice body, and is then suddenly drop dead gorgeous because of Channie constantly meddling in everything. Which brings me to...
Third: Her lack of thought about throwing magic left and right was annoying. She's supposed to be hiding and keeping it a secret yet she zaps basically everyone she comes into contact with. Her parents do that too, but at least they don't pretend to be all martyr-like.
I don't know. I just was let down by it. I'm in the minority on this but I wanted to be honest. I wouldn't feel right if I said something I didn't believe.
First: I didn't get immersed into the story. So much information was thrown at me in the beginning that while I'm still trying to figure out how the whole magic things works the whole family just up and moves and throws me into a whole new situation. The emotions Channie had bounced back and forth so much it was unlikely, especially with her parents. She's angry, she's guilty. She's angry, she's guilty. She has no problem cursing the heck out of them, then tries to hug them. Then wants to ask for chamomile tea.
Which brings me to the next main thing: the characters were too "out-there". Her parents are just plain horrible people. They're vindictive and impulsive and abusive and don't bother to think through any of their actions. There are no redeeming qualities whatsoever and I had a hard time figuring out why Channie would care in the slightest about them. Josh was the opposite. He's just so darn perfect in every way, isn't he? At first he was described as being extremely skinny. Later he's described as having amazing abs and a nice body, and is then suddenly drop dead gorgeous because of Channie constantly meddling in everything. Which brings me to...
Third: Her lack of thought about throwing magic left and right was annoying. She's supposed to be hiding and keeping it a secret yet she zaps basically everyone she comes into contact with. Her parents do that too, but at least they don't pretend to be all martyr-like.
I don't know. I just was let down by it. I'm in the minority on this but I wanted to be honest. I wouldn't feel right if I said something I didn't believe.
April 30, 2012
Wonder what my power name would be?!
Will post a review later! Great book!!
Ok let me start off by saying what a wonderful read this was. It gives me hope that someday I will find a love as true as Josh and Channies. It was full of magic and was very original. I have never read a book like this ever. I felt for Abby and her predicament. Although I didn't agree with her decision at the beginning of the book. I do believe in love and I do believe in following your dreams but what she did was selfish. I hope hope hope it ends well with her and her three wonderful babies.
Which brings me to Channies parents, they anger me! They wonder where Abby got her selfishness from, well it starts with the parents. They should not blame anyone but themselves for her taking off.
Elijah, such a sweet sweet boy! I hope there is more of him in the second book. I like his personality and his character in general.
This book was just wow! I loved the plot and the setting. I also thought the power names was a genius idea. I loved the twist at the end. Kudos to Charlotte for bringing such a wonderful book to light. I look forward to reading more books!
Will post a review later! Great book!!
Ok let me start off by saying what a wonderful read this was. It gives me hope that someday I will find a love as true as Josh and Channies. It was full of magic and was very original. I have never read a book like this ever. I felt for Abby and her predicament. Although I didn't agree with her decision at the beginning of the book. I do believe in love and I do believe in following your dreams but what she did was selfish. I hope hope hope it ends well with her and her three wonderful babies.
Which brings me to Channies parents, they anger me! They wonder where Abby got her selfishness from, well it starts with the parents. They should not blame anyone but themselves for her taking off.
Elijah, such a sweet sweet boy! I hope there is more of him in the second book. I like his personality and his character in general.
This book was just wow! I loved the plot and the setting. I also thought the power names was a genius idea. I loved the twist at the end. Kudos to Charlotte for bringing such a wonderful book to light. I look forward to reading more books!
February 7, 2012
I had been seeing positive reviews about this for a while and I finally decided to see what all of the fuss was about. Well, turns out the reviews were right! I really enjoyed this book. The heroine, Channie, is a strong character, but she also has some vulnerabilities. It made her easy to relate to and root for. The magical aspect was great. I liked that Channie already knew about magic and that her navigating its use among non-magical humans created complications for her. Overall, this was a fast and lovely read. I will definitely be reading more by Charlotte Abel.
April 23, 2012
You know that saying about something tickling your funny bone? Most people's funny bones are in their elbow. Mine is in my heart and that is where this story tickled me.
Channie grew up in a community of witches in the Ozarks. When children are born, the parents bestow them with a magic name and bind it to them.
Channie's older sisters name is Abundance, Abby for short. When she gets pregnant and has triplets you can see how the magic name fits. Prudence is her mothers name, and as you read you will see that it suits her just fine. Her father has a gambling problem. He can't hang on to his money and maybe that is because his magic name is Money. When his gambling problems endanger the family, they have to run for their lives, winding up in Louiseville, Colorado.
Now, let me tell you about Channie. Enchantment is her magic name and now that she has turned 16 her body has blossomed. In Louiseville she must hide the fact that she is a witch since everyone there is an Empty, slang for MD or Magically Disabled. They don't know that witches are real. The boys at her school can't shield themselves from Channie and her magic draws them to her like bees to honey. This is new and exciting for her and a cause of great concern for her parents. They decide that the only way to protect her is to change her magic name. She is very upset and begs them not to. Her father tells her, "We made the mistake of naming your sister Abundance, and look what happened to her." Channie's argument that it doesn't mean she will get pregnant like her sister falls on deaf ears. They've made up their minds.
My first spontaneous outburst of laughter was at Channies response when she learned her new magic name.
"What?No! You can't name me Chastity-not when our last name is Belks!"
Her new name comes with a curse. Any boy that gets too close to her gets zapped. This becomes a problem when she meets Josh. As their friendship grows into attraction, Channie is forced to tell him her secret to protect him from the curse. After several electrifying episodes, Josh comes to believe her. They put their heads together, trying to come up with a way around it. This is what lands them in a pickle!
Channie is the girl I wished I could have been when growing up. She is strong-willed and confident, with plenty of sass, and Josh has stolen my heart. That grin of his! He is loyal and self-aware and never wavers in his affections for Channie.
The whole time I was reading, I was rereading parts of it out loud to my mother. She is down here visiting for the summer and I use her as my sounding board for my reviews. We were both chuckling, and at times laughing out loud as I read parts of the book to her. I was so excited about the book that I told some of it to my sister and she now demands to know the ending. We were all wet-eyed from laughing about the IFB's and had plenty of snickers throughout the day when one of us would say, "Those IFB's!"
This book is a delightful journey, filled with humor, drama and action. The pacing is smooth and the sexual content is handled delicately, suitable for young adults. I am still aglow about it and I want everyone to read it and feel like I do. You too will fall in love with Channie and Josh. My fingers are itching and I am off to start reading Taken, Book 2 in this story. I'll be back later to tell you about it.
Channie grew up in a community of witches in the Ozarks. When children are born, the parents bestow them with a magic name and bind it to them.
Channie's older sisters name is Abundance, Abby for short. When she gets pregnant and has triplets you can see how the magic name fits. Prudence is her mothers name, and as you read you will see that it suits her just fine. Her father has a gambling problem. He can't hang on to his money and maybe that is because his magic name is Money. When his gambling problems endanger the family, they have to run for their lives, winding up in Louiseville, Colorado.
Now, let me tell you about Channie. Enchantment is her magic name and now that she has turned 16 her body has blossomed. In Louiseville she must hide the fact that she is a witch since everyone there is an Empty, slang for MD or Magically Disabled. They don't know that witches are real. The boys at her school can't shield themselves from Channie and her magic draws them to her like bees to honey. This is new and exciting for her and a cause of great concern for her parents. They decide that the only way to protect her is to change her magic name. She is very upset and begs them not to. Her father tells her, "We made the mistake of naming your sister Abundance, and look what happened to her." Channie's argument that it doesn't mean she will get pregnant like her sister falls on deaf ears. They've made up their minds.
My first spontaneous outburst of laughter was at Channies response when she learned her new magic name.
"What?No! You can't name me Chastity-not when our last name is Belks!"
Her new name comes with a curse. Any boy that gets too close to her gets zapped. This becomes a problem when she meets Josh. As their friendship grows into attraction, Channie is forced to tell him her secret to protect him from the curse. After several electrifying episodes, Josh comes to believe her. They put their heads together, trying to come up with a way around it. This is what lands them in a pickle!
Channie is the girl I wished I could have been when growing up. She is strong-willed and confident, with plenty of sass, and Josh has stolen my heart. That grin of his! He is loyal and self-aware and never wavers in his affections for Channie.
The whole time I was reading, I was rereading parts of it out loud to my mother. She is down here visiting for the summer and I use her as my sounding board for my reviews. We were both chuckling, and at times laughing out loud as I read parts of the book to her. I was so excited about the book that I told some of it to my sister and she now demands to know the ending. We were all wet-eyed from laughing about the IFB's and had plenty of snickers throughout the day when one of us would say, "Those IFB's!"
This book is a delightful journey, filled with humor, drama and action. The pacing is smooth and the sexual content is handled delicately, suitable for young adults. I am still aglow about it and I want everyone to read it and feel like I do. You too will fall in love with Channie and Josh. My fingers are itching and I am off to start reading Taken, Book 2 in this story. I'll be back later to tell you about it.
August 7, 2012
I'm 33% finished with the book and cannot go on.
Channie is a bully. I can only hope that at some point in the book everything she's pulling backfires on her and she learns to be a decent person. As of now though, I can't stand her. I don't like mean girls as main characters--the people I'm supposed to be rooting for.
You don't beat people up (physically or magically) when you don't get your way or don't like what they've done. She's a spoiled child who always wants her way and when she doesn't get it, she beats you up.
Classy.
I kept thinking about Lucky and Luanne from "King of the Hill" every time her Daddy called her "baby girl." It was distracting to say the least.
I think the dialog was overdone in some aspects and their ignorance (her parents) unbelievable. It was a lot like reading about the witches and wizards talking about muggle items in Harry Potter. Eckletricity comes to mind ... it was distracting. Her daddy was out in the world quite a lot there was no reason why he'd not know things and she did.
The way they used their magic was also odd to me and a bit annoying. It had to constantly be spelled out that they were "throwing up shields." I shouldn't know they are doing that from Channie's POV. We could have been told about it but not before she does anything. How do you "see" someone throw up a shield? Is it a bubble that pops up? Does it reflect her magic? It was just silly. It would have been better to have her cast some magic, then have a reaction that indicated that a shield had been thrown up instead of throwing up a shield, then casting, then having a result. I would think a good mage would not be obvious about shielding.
Channie is a bully. I can only hope that at some point in the book everything she's pulling backfires on her and she learns to be a decent person. As of now though, I can't stand her. I don't like mean girls as main characters--the people I'm supposed to be rooting for.
You don't beat people up (physically or magically) when you don't get your way or don't like what they've done. She's a spoiled child who always wants her way and when she doesn't get it, she beats you up.
Classy.
I kept thinking about Lucky and Luanne from "King of the Hill" every time her Daddy called her "baby girl." It was distracting to say the least.
I think the dialog was overdone in some aspects and their ignorance (her parents) unbelievable. It was a lot like reading about the witches and wizards talking about muggle items in Harry Potter. Eckletricity comes to mind ... it was distracting. Her daddy was out in the world quite a lot there was no reason why he'd not know things and she did.
The way they used their magic was also odd to me and a bit annoying. It had to constantly be spelled out that they were "throwing up shields." I shouldn't know they are doing that from Channie's POV. We could have been told about it but not before she does anything. How do you "see" someone throw up a shield? Is it a bubble that pops up? Does it reflect her magic? It was just silly. It would have been better to have her cast some magic, then have a reaction that indicated that a shield had been thrown up instead of throwing up a shield, then casting, then having a result. I would think a good mage would not be obvious about shielding.
October 25, 2011
Ok so first, I'm a little in love with both Josh and this story! Second, I don't know if I feel more sorry or frustrated for Channie. I really enjoyed this and even better I got it from read 2 review! I have nothing but good things to say, except for Channie's parents, who are pretty horrible, but if they weren't horrible the story wouldn't be so heart warming, so I guess that means I only have good things to say! I am even more happy to find out there is another book to continue this wonderful path! YAY! with all the twists and turns and total punch-you-in-the-gut surprises, I did not put this book down! Literally! I opened my email with the link at 9:30 this morning and it's midnight, and I'm already finished, and these hours included my 2 jobs and 2 college classes! And the writing made it so easy to just fly right through it! So extra high fives from me and thank you again for the opportunity! I WILL be buying the next one!
November 28, 2011
First of all I would love to thank the amazing Charlotte Abel for providing me with this eBook, after winning the write-a-spell-for-a-day contest (I wrote a prophecy but when taking a look to this novel, the kind of prophecy it is does suit the whole context of the spells used). You did a marvellous job at writing this novel that I can't wait for the next novel in the Channie series.
Ironically, this book truly is enchanting. We are drawn into Channie's world from the very beginning and we learn with her as well as through Josh. What really needed to be done was to give more of a 'face' to the characters, we need to be able to picture each and every character. However, this really is the only lacking thing in this novel. Even the Goodreads synopsis had proved me wrong as I thought it would be a completely different novel than to what the synopsis had percieved it to be.
I love how we are completely taken into the story and get straight to the point, not waiting expectantly for something to happen, which would quickly make us tired of the story when we have only just gotten us into it. No, this novel takes on a ride and makes us wonder if a spell has been put on us to keep reading and not to put the book down. Although this novel had it's bits of predictability it wasn't overbearingly predictable and did have some shockers
Honestly, I didn't expect to know if the novel would last . Why I ever thought this I have no idea. The story was not lacking in any way and I can't think of much (much else to the very minor things stated above) that would have made this novel into anything but lustworthy.
The spark between Channie and Josh, brought us back to the times when youthful teenage lust was enveloping the air and the talks with our parents and lectures on the 'birds and the bees' as many subtley call it. Hormones raging, cramps playing in the background, as well as dirty minds fill our youth, but also through the remembrance of firsts. First kisses, loves and fights are also part of it and we look back and connect our youthful teenage selves within this story that we don't nedd to be given explanations to explain because we already know the feeling and were there once before.
Channie and her families innocence on some matters of everyday life (like mobile phones and BMX Racing) is cute and makes us laugh at how unaware and naive at some of our lifes everyday occurrences. It just brings on a side to her charactervand to her world of magic that we wonder what else they don't know or are unaware of.
Ironically, this book truly is enchanting. We are drawn into Channie's world from the very beginning and we learn with her as well as through Josh. What really needed to be done was to give more of a 'face' to the characters, we need to be able to picture each and every character. However, this really is the only lacking thing in this novel. Even the Goodreads synopsis had proved me wrong as I thought it would be a completely different novel than to what the synopsis had percieved it to be.
I love how we are completely taken into the story and get straight to the point, not waiting expectantly for something to happen, which would quickly make us tired of the story when we have only just gotten us into it. No, this novel takes on a ride and makes us wonder if a spell has been put on us to keep reading and not to put the book down. Although this novel had it's bits of predictability it wasn't overbearingly predictable and did have some shockers
Honestly, I didn't expect to know if the novel would last . Why I ever thought this I have no idea. The story was not lacking in any way and I can't think of much (much else to the very minor things stated above) that would have made this novel into anything but lustworthy.
The spark between Channie and Josh, brought us back to the times when youthful teenage lust was enveloping the air and the talks with our parents and lectures on the 'birds and the bees' as many subtley call it. Hormones raging, cramps playing in the background, as well as dirty minds fill our youth, but also through the remembrance of firsts. First kisses, loves and fights are also part of it and we look back and connect our youthful teenage selves within this story that we don't nedd to be given explanations to explain because we already know the feeling and were there once before.
Channie and her families innocence on some matters of everyday life (like mobile phones and BMX Racing) is cute and makes us laugh at how unaware and naive at some of our lifes everyday occurrences. It just brings on a side to her charactervand to her world of magic that we wonder what else they don't know or are unaware of.
August 21, 2011
4.5 stars
I'm an adult paranormal romance fan but once in a while I find a YA book/series that sucks me in as much as any of my favorite adult romance authors. Enchantment, by Charlotte Abel, has done so. The first thing that drew me in was the author's spin on magic and mages. It was truly unique. It was complex enough to seem real but not confusing. And she did a great job of pacing the information so I didn't feel like I was getting hit by a huge dump of history that left me bored.
No, there was nothing boring about this book. Channie is a lovable teenage mage who's parents (who often act like teenagers themselves) just jump of the page, especially her father. The mother was very stand-offish and I was beginning to wonder if she had a single motherly impulse in her body. At the start of the book the family - Channie, older sister, 4 yr old triplets nephews, and her mom and dad, are living dirt poor in hillbilly land. But they are rich with magic.
Because of their dad's gambling problem, which landed them in trouble with some very powerful mages, the family has to up and relocate to mage-unfriendly Colorado where they have to hide their powers. Not just that, but Channie's parents decided to change her powers by changing her name (not going into how that works, you'll just have to read the book). This decision felt kind of rushed to me. I wish there had been a little more build up about this big decision with huge consequences. But I LOVED Channie's reaction.
In her betrayal she decides she's not going to be the sweet, little, daughter who does everything her daddy tells her (though by how often he threatens her with his belt, I would too!). She finally takes control, with the help of her new magic name.
The story is really her journey and told entirely from her perspective, which is one reason I like YA. Joshua, her male interest is a wonderful balance of "coming into manhood" and "boyish innocence". He wants to protect Channie but often feels helpless. The emotions of these two, and their connection just leaps off the pages and into your heart. I was rooting for them the whole time. The ending was fabulous - an HEA but room for the sequel.
The only criticism I have is that Channie was so naive coming into what we would consider "real life" when she moved out of hick-town, it felt almost wrong the interactions between her and Josh, who at the end of the book is 2 yrs older than her. And I wish we would have a seen a little more struggle when she started replacing her old magic (kinder magic) with the new more aggressive magic. And I wish she had a least SOME conflicting feelings about fighting back with her parents. I mean, they definitely weren't parent-of-the-year contenders, but children are still loyal to blood.
But Channie's journey into finding herself was enjoyable regardless. And I'll be looking for the sequel.
I highly recommend this to YA fantasy/paranormal fans.
- Leia Shaw
I'm an adult paranormal romance fan but once in a while I find a YA book/series that sucks me in as much as any of my favorite adult romance authors. Enchantment, by Charlotte Abel, has done so. The first thing that drew me in was the author's spin on magic and mages. It was truly unique. It was complex enough to seem real but not confusing. And she did a great job of pacing the information so I didn't feel like I was getting hit by a huge dump of history that left me bored.
No, there was nothing boring about this book. Channie is a lovable teenage mage who's parents (who often act like teenagers themselves) just jump of the page, especially her father. The mother was very stand-offish and I was beginning to wonder if she had a single motherly impulse in her body. At the start of the book the family - Channie, older sister, 4 yr old triplets nephews, and her mom and dad, are living dirt poor in hillbilly land. But they are rich with magic.
Because of their dad's gambling problem, which landed them in trouble with some very powerful mages, the family has to up and relocate to mage-unfriendly Colorado where they have to hide their powers. Not just that, but Channie's parents decided to change her powers by changing her name (not going into how that works, you'll just have to read the book). This decision felt kind of rushed to me. I wish there had been a little more build up about this big decision with huge consequences. But I LOVED Channie's reaction.
In her betrayal she decides she's not going to be the sweet, little, daughter who does everything her daddy tells her (though by how often he threatens her with his belt, I would too!). She finally takes control, with the help of her new magic name.
The story is really her journey and told entirely from her perspective, which is one reason I like YA. Joshua, her male interest is a wonderful balance of "coming into manhood" and "boyish innocence". He wants to protect Channie but often feels helpless. The emotions of these two, and their connection just leaps off the pages and into your heart. I was rooting for them the whole time. The ending was fabulous - an HEA but room for the sequel.
The only criticism I have is that Channie was so naive coming into what we would consider "real life" when she moved out of hick-town, it felt almost wrong the interactions between her and Josh, who at the end of the book is 2 yrs older than her. And I wish we would have a seen a little more struggle when she started replacing her old magic (kinder magic) with the new more aggressive magic. And I wish she had a least SOME conflicting feelings about fighting back with her parents. I mean, they definitely weren't parent-of-the-year contenders, but children are still loyal to blood.
But Channie's journey into finding herself was enjoyable regardless. And I'll be looking for the sequel.
I highly recommend this to YA fantasy/paranormal fans.
- Leia Shaw
October 28, 2011
I loved a lot of things about this book once I got used to Channie's hillbilly voice which lacks commas between many clauses. Her teenage angst comes across as authentic and entertaining. The whole fish out of water angle makes her character sympathetic even when she does something that would upset normal parents. Hers are definitely not normal and abusive by most standards, which makes Channie rebel when they hide from a clan war in a non-magical environment. They make things worse by cursing her to keep her from interacting with magically disabled boys. Enter Josh. He's sympathetic from the start for his depth of caring for other people.
It's been a long time since I read a romance so I'm not sure how much time most of them spend on the "trying to get some" aspect vs. other problems blocking the lovers from connecting. I would have preferred more focus on non-sexual things like Channie trying to fit in better at school after the first fiasco and making friends with at least one girl. It threw me that the school never notified her parents of her cutting class so often, and the inevitable parent meetings could have been hilarious. In spite of those lapses, Channie's misadventures with her magical powers are entertaining. She often solves one problem by creating another, usually for Josh, who gets more beat-up as an innocent bystander than most guys who go looking for trouble. Okay, maybe he's not so innocent, or standing by. But these two teens get ample payback for trying to get past 1st base. That's the whole point of the curse.
What I like most about Enchantment is when Channie learns to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of others, but I hate preditors and its gut-wrenching when she uses poor judgement and nearly loses her life as a result. It's a good thing there are other ways to skin a possum than magic because it's hardly a spoiler to let you know that magic is going to fail at the worst possible time. More lives than Channie's are at risk. That's the price of dealing with dark magic. In the end, it's going to take a twist of fate and revealing a long kept secret to make things turn out even half-right. The author pulled off a conclusion that still makes me smile. You'll be as anxious as I am to read the next book.
It's been a long time since I read a romance so I'm not sure how much time most of them spend on the "trying to get some" aspect vs. other problems blocking the lovers from connecting. I would have preferred more focus on non-sexual things like Channie trying to fit in better at school after the first fiasco and making friends with at least one girl. It threw me that the school never notified her parents of her cutting class so often, and the inevitable parent meetings could have been hilarious. In spite of those lapses, Channie's misadventures with her magical powers are entertaining. She often solves one problem by creating another, usually for Josh, who gets more beat-up as an innocent bystander than most guys who go looking for trouble. Okay, maybe he's not so innocent, or standing by. But these two teens get ample payback for trying to get past 1st base. That's the whole point of the curse.
What I like most about Enchantment is when Channie learns to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of others, but I hate preditors and its gut-wrenching when she uses poor judgement and nearly loses her life as a result. It's a good thing there are other ways to skin a possum than magic because it's hardly a spoiler to let you know that magic is going to fail at the worst possible time. More lives than Channie's are at risk. That's the price of dealing with dark magic. In the end, it's going to take a twist of fate and revealing a long kept secret to make things turn out even half-right. The author pulled off a conclusion that still makes me smile. You'll be as anxious as I am to read the next book.
June 20, 2011
I just finished reading Enchantment and I loved it! I couldn't stop reading and didn't want to! I very, very much love it. I loved the Oklahoma references and hearing the Arkansas accent reminded me so much of some of my family! Ms. Abel has created two main characters that draw you in and that you root for to make it because you know that love is so hard to find and these two just epitomize true love. You want them have the happiness they deserve and you did a wonderful job with Josh and Channie. And the twist at the end had me squealing for joy! There were tears too in several places.
In addition to the two main characters, Ms. Abel has created a unique and interesting supporting cast, including Channie's adorable but ornery nephews and Channie's Momma and Daddy, who provide a great motivation for Channie and Josh to rise above their challenge. I also loved the naming system that Ms. Abel used when writing, giving each character a "power-name." I have to admit I sat wondering what my power-name would be if I had one.
I teach Middle School and I think I will recommend this book for my eighth graders and a few choice seventh graders who I think would be able to handle the sexual aspect of it. I would say anyone over the age of 14 would be a great target audience and actually, maybe 13, depending on the reader. The author addresses the subject of sex without making it graphic and awkward. It's perfect for this couple and I think teenagers will be able to understand and appreciate that.
Now, I know the author just finished Enchantment but I'm anxious for a sequel. It makes me excited to think of the future for these two. I know there's a lot they have to face, but it will be well-worth their life together. I would love to read it!
Enchantment is genuinely a wonderful addition to Young Adult Fiction and I can't wait to recommend it to others!
In addition to the two main characters, Ms. Abel has created a unique and interesting supporting cast, including Channie's adorable but ornery nephews and Channie's Momma and Daddy, who provide a great motivation for Channie and Josh to rise above their challenge. I also loved the naming system that Ms. Abel used when writing, giving each character a "power-name." I have to admit I sat wondering what my power-name would be if I had one.
I teach Middle School and I think I will recommend this book for my eighth graders and a few choice seventh graders who I think would be able to handle the sexual aspect of it. I would say anyone over the age of 14 would be a great target audience and actually, maybe 13, depending on the reader. The author addresses the subject of sex without making it graphic and awkward. It's perfect for this couple and I think teenagers will be able to understand and appreciate that.
Now, I know the author just finished Enchantment but I'm anxious for a sequel. It makes me excited to think of the future for these two. I know there's a lot they have to face, but it will be well-worth their life together. I would love to read it!
Enchantment is genuinely a wonderful addition to Young Adult Fiction and I can't wait to recommend it to others!
October 23, 2011
First off, thank you PNR&UFF and thank you Charlotte for giving me a copy of this book! I really liked it!
Now off to my review of this book.
Channie A.K.A. Enchantment is a mage. She can cast spells, do that curse thing plus is great looking
This could be her, (without the strange looking ears), long white-blonde hair and green eyes. Everything changes for her one day when her family is forced to move out to Colorado because of her dad's debts (yes, her dad is a mag and has debts because he is addicted to gambling). Forced to live with the Empties (Magically Disabled Persons i.e. normal people) she is forced to change her name, her powers..but is on her way to find out more about life. And when I say life, I mean boys! That's when Josh enters the picture, the cute boy with deep blue eyes.
I have to admit, it was a strange experience reading this book. It's an interesting mixture of paranormal and YA. I really liked Channie and Josh, but I would most definitely enjoy this book more if I was into mags and the whole no-talk spells, no-tears spells, etc, etc. Yes, I know the book is labeled as "fantasy", yet it was a bit too much for me.
However the author did a great job in describing the relationship between Channie and her parents, and boy oh boy, got me mad at them on many occasions. But I guess that was just the authors intention. There were few lines in the book I loved, and I even wrote down one so I won't forget it.
"Magic is powerful, but nothing is more powerful than love". Don't you just love the sound of that?
Now off to my review of this book.
Channie A.K.A. Enchantment is a mage. She can cast spells, do that curse thing plus is great looking
This could be her, (without the strange looking ears), long white-blonde hair and green eyes. Everything changes for her one day when her family is forced to move out to Colorado because of her dad's debts (yes, her dad is a mag and has debts because he is addicted to gambling). Forced to live with the Empties (Magically Disabled Persons i.e. normal people) she is forced to change her name, her powers..but is on her way to find out more about life. And when I say life, I mean boys! That's when Josh enters the picture, the cute boy with deep blue eyes.
I have to admit, it was a strange experience reading this book. It's an interesting mixture of paranormal and YA. I really liked Channie and Josh, but I would most definitely enjoy this book more if I was into mags and the whole no-talk spells, no-tears spells, etc, etc. Yes, I know the book is labeled as "fantasy", yet it was a bit too much for me.
However the author did a great job in describing the relationship between Channie and her parents, and boy oh boy, got me mad at them on many occasions. But I guess that was just the authors intention. There were few lines in the book I loved, and I even wrote down one so I won't forget it.
"Magic is powerful, but nothing is more powerful than love". Don't you just love the sound of that?
December 31, 2011
Enchantment is pure MAGIC!!
This was a unique book, not like any other young adult paranormal romance I’ve ever read. YA PNR normally involves werewolves, vampires, demons; don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this genre. But, to find a story that captured my heart and was so different from everything else out there, all I can say is: Congratulations Charlotte, I am your newest fan! Now write faster!!! I cannot wait for Finding Valor.
I love the idea of a secret society within our society; possessing their own rules, laws, and magical powers. The love between Josh and Channie is so strong I couldn’t help but cheer for them the whole way through. The attention to detail from the author was exceptional, her descriptions were perfect and I was able to visualize every scene. The ending was pure magic. In fact, after I finished the book I went back and read the last chapter a second time. YES, it is that awesome!
As for Charlotte Abel’s writing? Let me preface this with, I LOVE independent authors. Independent Author’s books have more of a raw feel; the bulk of them are like finding a diamond in the rough. I routinely overlook spelling, grammatical errors, word misuse – because stories from Independent Authors are mesmerizing. It is a rare find to see an independent author that has such a polished story. Enchantment's editing was better than many of the traditionally-published books I’ve read lately and the book still maintained its “Independent Edge.” The dialog was believable, I didn’t find one misspelled or misused word, zero grammatical errors anywhere in the book!!!!
Can you tell? I’m hooked! Hit the “Buy Now” button up on the right, I guarantee – you will love Enchantment.
Now hurry and release Finding Valor, Charlotte!
This was a unique book, not like any other young adult paranormal romance I’ve ever read. YA PNR normally involves werewolves, vampires, demons; don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this genre. But, to find a story that captured my heart and was so different from everything else out there, all I can say is: Congratulations Charlotte, I am your newest fan! Now write faster!!! I cannot wait for Finding Valor.
I love the idea of a secret society within our society; possessing their own rules, laws, and magical powers. The love between Josh and Channie is so strong I couldn’t help but cheer for them the whole way through. The attention to detail from the author was exceptional, her descriptions were perfect and I was able to visualize every scene. The ending was pure magic. In fact, after I finished the book I went back and read the last chapter a second time. YES, it is that awesome!
As for Charlotte Abel’s writing? Let me preface this with, I LOVE independent authors. Independent Author’s books have more of a raw feel; the bulk of them are like finding a diamond in the rough. I routinely overlook spelling, grammatical errors, word misuse – because stories from Independent Authors are mesmerizing. It is a rare find to see an independent author that has such a polished story. Enchantment's editing was better than many of the traditionally-published books I’ve read lately and the book still maintained its “Independent Edge.” The dialog was believable, I didn’t find one misspelled or misused word, zero grammatical errors anywhere in the book!!!!
Can you tell? I’m hooked! Hit the “Buy Now” button up on the right, I guarantee – you will love Enchantment.
Now hurry and release Finding Valor, Charlotte!
January 30, 2012
In my honest opinion, this book doesn't even deserve the one star that it has received, but there is no lower rating on goodreads so one star it shall be. The narration was horrible, first off, and I hate to say this but this was a book that really, really needed to be in first person and was not.
The narrative, also, was written in southern twang, or at least it was attempted. It did get a little bit better once moving past the first chapter but when something is written in third person and is also written in southern twang and refers to characters in the way that one would refer to them if the novel were written in first person clearly proves that the author didn't know what she was doing when she was writing this.
I hate bashing authors and novels, because I know just how long it takes to get these words down into a story and how much editing and writing and revising goes into it, but in my honest opinion, this is a book that should have stayed on the laptop or typewriter or paper, depending on whatever it was that was being used to write this. I couldn't finish Enchantment or even come close. The novel was poorly written and was constructed with an unbelievable plot line, and unbelievable plot lines can be worked with when reasonably explained, but this novel didn't even have that.
I was sorely disappointed with this novel, which is saying something seeing as it was a novel that I requested to read because the plot sounded interesting and it has such good reviews. I just honestly cannot comprehend that I managed to get as far in the book that I did, and I don't believe that this will be a book that I will ever be picking up again, even to give it a second chance. It has scarred me for life.
The narrative, also, was written in southern twang, or at least it was attempted. It did get a little bit better once moving past the first chapter but when something is written in third person and is also written in southern twang and refers to characters in the way that one would refer to them if the novel were written in first person clearly proves that the author didn't know what she was doing when she was writing this.
I hate bashing authors and novels, because I know just how long it takes to get these words down into a story and how much editing and writing and revising goes into it, but in my honest opinion, this is a book that should have stayed on the laptop or typewriter or paper, depending on whatever it was that was being used to write this. I couldn't finish Enchantment or even come close. The novel was poorly written and was constructed with an unbelievable plot line, and unbelievable plot lines can be worked with when reasonably explained, but this novel didn't even have that.
I was sorely disappointed with this novel, which is saying something seeing as it was a novel that I requested to read because the plot sounded interesting and it has such good reviews. I just honestly cannot comprehend that I managed to get as far in the book that I did, and I don't believe that this will be a book that I will ever be picking up again, even to give it a second chance. It has scarred me for life.
January 19, 2012
The beginning of this book was a little slow for me but I really liked it after they moved and she met Josh.
There was a good plot, and even though I guessed at the end, I wasn't completely sure it would happen.
What I really liked about the book was the characters, they definitely had strong personalities of their own. They were very believable and they grew, which is always important!
I kept picturing the Channie and Josh as younger, probably because Channie calls her parents Mommy and Daddy still. So when they kept talking about sex, and it's a HUGE part of this book, I was a little shocked. The characters are around 18 though so it makes sense that it would be a big topic. Their love was so cute and it was fun to watch.
I will definitely be reading the next book!
There was a good plot, and even though I guessed at the end, I wasn't completely sure it would happen.
What I really liked about the book was the characters, they definitely had strong personalities of their own. They were very believable and they grew, which is always important!
I kept picturing the Channie and Josh as younger, probably because Channie calls her parents Mommy and Daddy still. So when they kept talking about sex, and it's a HUGE part of this book, I was a little shocked. The characters are around 18 though so it makes sense that it would be a big topic. Their love was so cute and it was fun to watch.
I will definitely be reading the next book!
July 24, 2011
This book was so amazing. I loved the way the author was able to wrap me up in who "Channie" was and the true love she had with Josh. I am in awe. Every girl wants their prince charming to be just like Josh. This was the ultimate fairy tale! LOVED IT! Hope there is more to come! It made me cry and laugh and AWH and gasp. I really felt this story as I was reading it. A make your heart warm and tingle kind of love story! Thanks for giving me the honor to review it for you Charlotte!
This is for sure going on one of my best reads ever list! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel good heart warmer!
This is for sure going on one of my best reads ever list! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel good heart warmer!
December 20, 2011
I really enjoyed this book! There were a lot of things I liked about the book and a few things I didn't. I didn't care for Channie's parents. One minute they where nasty, rude and abusive, the next minute they seemed caring and loving. I wanted them to pick a side and stay there. In the end, i'm glad they were left behind and I didn't have to read more about them.
I stayed up way to late to finish this book because I couldn't put it down. The thought of having to wait until the next evening made me anxious. I would most definitely recommend this book to a friend!
I stayed up way to late to finish this book because I couldn't put it down. The thought of having to wait until the next evening made me anxious. I would most definitely recommend this book to a friend!
October 21, 2011
I loved this book:) I wasn't sure in the beginning if I would like it, but by the end I was ready for the next one to be out! It has a different take on magic than what is typical in other books. Channie is a hard character to instantly love, but she definitely grows on you, and Josh is, well, dreamy, lol. It's great to read a story about a love so magical and deep, and not one that is pure instant gratification and lust. Anywho... I lovvvved it:) and if you love a good love story with the paranormal (aka magick!!!), then you will to!
October 17, 2011
I finished this book in one day. It was so sweet and heartwarming. I think Charlotte Abel did a fantastic job creating a world inside our world. Her characters are rich and so 3D. The plot was unique and the flow of the story was fast pace and captivating. If I had any doubts about this story at all, it would be my dislike for Channies' parents. I can't say I feel overly bad for them at all. But even that was so in character with what was going on that it was hard to see it as a downside.
A wonderful read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Best of luck.
A wonderful read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Best of luck.
January 10, 2012
Great author and AWESOME YA book!!!!
I love the characters but my fave is Channie/Chastity. Love her energy and spunk!!
Was a little unsure at first cuz I mostly read vampire romance but after reading the 1st paragraph I was hooked!!! All the characters were believable and real. Great love story with a magical twist. :-)
HIGHLY recommend!!!!!!
Thank You Charlotte for writing a book that makes the young girls and us older ones believe in true love again!!
Can't wait for book 2!!!!
I love the characters but my fave is Channie/Chastity. Love her energy and spunk!!
Was a little unsure at first cuz I mostly read vampire romance but after reading the 1st paragraph I was hooked!!! All the characters were believable and real. Great love story with a magical twist. :-)
HIGHLY recommend!!!!!!
Thank You Charlotte for writing a book that makes the young girls and us older ones believe in true love again!!
Can't wait for book 2!!!!
July 15, 2011
This book is just plain fun! The mix of magic and the real world is superbly handled and the plot is both tense and tight and laugh aloud funny at the same time. This is a magical romance that will appeal to young teens and adults-that-love-kids-books as well!
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March 31, 2023rtc
March 25, 2012
A disclaimer before I start; I didn’t read the entirety of this book, so if some moment of literary genius occurs at the end, forgive me. Additionally this book was provided to me, free of charge, by the author for the express purposes of a review.
Enchantment, a YA paranormal romance, is the start of the Channie series by Charlotte Abel.
From Amazon.com
While other girls are wearing push-up bras, Channie Belks is trying to hide the fact she's a witch.
Sorta hard to do after her parents slap a chastity curse on her for flirting with "dirty-minded, non-magical, city-boys." She can't even walk by a hot guy without zapping him.
There's a way to break the curse; but one mistake could kill her. It's not worth the risk ... until she meets Josh.
Suddenly, the threat of death isn't such a deal-breaker.
What I liked and didn’t like
The dialogue was by far the best aspect of the book, being colourful and evocative without working too hard at it (a sure sign of talent). I also liked how the characters were so casual in their use of magic, as illustrated in the first chapter by Channie’s dad, which said a lot about the world they lived in.
Within the first couple of pages I'd consigned this book to the trash heap, luckily I'd already committed to reading and reviewing the book because it's the only thing that kept me reading. By the time I'd reached the end of the first chapter I was beginning to see the good things the book had to offer but at a third of the way through I was over the constant sensing of lust, and the overuse of the word itself.
The plot was repetitive and angst-ridden and I needed something more to happen than the lightning quick relationship between Channie and Josh. It was like Abel was writing the book according to topics that weren’t allowed to overlap. Where in the great wide world were the uber powerful mages who wanted to kill Channie’s family? Why couldn’t that thread have been given greater weight in the first several chapters instead of just being mentioned in the first and then forgotten?
By the half-way mark I had skipped ahead to three-quarters of the way through and was rewarded with some decent writing and something different (non-romance) happening. It was refreshing and I was happy to keep reading, until the chunder worthy romance came back that is. Needless to say I didn’t finish Enchantment.
What really ticked me off was the lack of bookmarked chapters in the ebook (I read the ePub version), which made it difficult to tell where I was in the story and made me wonder if it was ever going to end. I couldn't easily skip ahead and see what was coming next, which might have inspired me to keep reading.
My overall opinion
These are my initial notes:
The blurb makes this book sound so very good, it’s a pity the actual text doesn’t live up to the hype.
As a reader it’s safe to say that I didn’t like this book. Although, after her initial brainlessness, Channie did grow a few brain cells, I never came to like her. There was too much lusting, or sensing of lust, and too little of... well anything else of any interest.
Mostly I found Enchantment to be heavy on the romance with not enough of the rest of the plot, or at least not enough early enough in the book to a) keep me interested or b) assure me, as a reader, that there was more fun stuff to come. In short there was no incentive to keep reading.
As a writer I’m taking inspiration from the dialogue, which was colourful and interesting and seemed to appear on the page without effort. I’m also taking the reminder that all the elements of a plot such as romance, suspense and action need to be woven in equal parts throughout the book, not just in isolated sections, lest readers like me get bored and put it down.
Enchantment, a YA paranormal romance, is the start of the Channie series by Charlotte Abel.
From Amazon.com
While other girls are wearing push-up bras, Channie Belks is trying to hide the fact she's a witch.
Sorta hard to do after her parents slap a chastity curse on her for flirting with "dirty-minded, non-magical, city-boys." She can't even walk by a hot guy without zapping him.
There's a way to break the curse; but one mistake could kill her. It's not worth the risk ... until she meets Josh.
Suddenly, the threat of death isn't such a deal-breaker.
What I liked and didn’t like
The dialogue was by far the best aspect of the book, being colourful and evocative without working too hard at it (a sure sign of talent). I also liked how the characters were so casual in their use of magic, as illustrated in the first chapter by Channie’s dad, which said a lot about the world they lived in.
Within the first couple of pages I'd consigned this book to the trash heap, luckily I'd already committed to reading and reviewing the book because it's the only thing that kept me reading. By the time I'd reached the end of the first chapter I was beginning to see the good things the book had to offer but at a third of the way through I was over the constant sensing of lust, and the overuse of the word itself.
The plot was repetitive and angst-ridden and I needed something more to happen than the lightning quick relationship between Channie and Josh. It was like Abel was writing the book according to topics that weren’t allowed to overlap. Where in the great wide world were the uber powerful mages who wanted to kill Channie’s family? Why couldn’t that thread have been given greater weight in the first several chapters instead of just being mentioned in the first and then forgotten?
By the half-way mark I had skipped ahead to three-quarters of the way through and was rewarded with some decent writing and something different (non-romance) happening. It was refreshing and I was happy to keep reading, until the chunder worthy romance came back that is. Needless to say I didn’t finish Enchantment.
What really ticked me off was the lack of bookmarked chapters in the ebook (I read the ePub version), which made it difficult to tell where I was in the story and made me wonder if it was ever going to end. I couldn't easily skip ahead and see what was coming next, which might have inspired me to keep reading.
My overall opinion
These are my initial notes:
Page 3, para 4 - really? She's 16 and she hasn't figured out what lust is? A half-naked boy has his hands all over her naked back and she still can't figure it out? Give me a break. "Maybe she was getting sick." Maybe she needs a brain replacement.
The blurb makes this book sound so very good, it’s a pity the actual text doesn’t live up to the hype.
As a reader it’s safe to say that I didn’t like this book. Although, after her initial brainlessness, Channie did grow a few brain cells, I never came to like her. There was too much lusting, or sensing of lust, and too little of... well anything else of any interest.
Mostly I found Enchantment to be heavy on the romance with not enough of the rest of the plot, or at least not enough early enough in the book to a) keep me interested or b) assure me, as a reader, that there was more fun stuff to come. In short there was no incentive to keep reading.
As a writer I’m taking inspiration from the dialogue, which was colourful and interesting and seemed to appear on the page without effort. I’m also taking the reminder that all the elements of a plot such as romance, suspense and action need to be woven in equal parts throughout the book, not just in isolated sections, lest readers like me get bored and put it down.
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