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A Torre
Conforme o ver�o se aproxima no segundo ano do ensino m�dio, Rowyn Black est� exausta de encarar a carta da Torre em sua mesa.
Ao completar 16 anos, o comunidade de Rowyn � presenteada com incr�veis poderes. Mas nada ao estilo Narnia ou Hogwarts. Afinal, esta � Elizabethtown, Illinois, e para o desconforto dos conservadores locais, a cidade � resid�ncia de bruxas.
Todas as bruxas entendem que o universo � poderoso e assustador. Rowyn espera que a �nica coisa que a Torre prediz seja a vis�o do estacionamento do col�gio no primeiro dia de aula, com mais caminhonetes estilizadas e shorts extremamente curtos do que um v�deo do Luky Bryan.
Mas o universo tem outros planos. E ao cair da Torre, todos cair�o juntos?
Edi��o impressa grande
Ao completar 16 anos, o comunidade de Rowyn � presenteada com incr�veis poderes. Mas nada ao estilo Narnia ou Hogwarts. Afinal, esta � Elizabethtown, Illinois, e para o desconforto dos conservadores locais, a cidade � resid�ncia de bruxas.
Todas as bruxas entendem que o universo � poderoso e assustador. Rowyn espera que a �nica coisa que a Torre prediz seja a vis�o do estacionamento do col�gio no primeiro dia de aula, com mais caminhonetes estilizadas e shorts extremamente curtos do que um v�deo do Luky Bryan.
Mas o universo tem outros planos. E ao cair da Torre, todos cair�o juntos?
Edi��o impressa grande
646 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2022
About the author
Nicole Campbell
13 books123 followersI tell stories that make me feel like I'm not the only one who thinks the world is a crazy, scary, beautiful place. I hope that my readers feel it too. I also love doughnuts. Too much, in fact. And 90s music and my husband and my son and my feisty little dog :). Do drop me a line here or on social media- I love to talk books.
@nicolecampbellbooks on IG
@nicolecampbellbooks on IG
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 9, 2017
This book is more than what I expected. It is fun, sad, shock, excitement. I love Reed the most. I can feel his love-frustration relationship with Row.
The banters are lit and witty, they flow naturally. I enjoy them too much :)
The banters are lit and witty, they flow naturally. I enjoy them too much :)
July 28, 2017
[ 4.75🌟 ]
*I received a free digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Honestly, I didn't know what to expect going in to read The Tower by Nicole Campbell. The blurb provided on Goodreads and Amazon only gave a little bit of information concerning some of the characters' personalities. A brief synopsis that could give insight to readers would probably be something along the lines of:
Besides the fact that they're witches and possess different powers, Rowyn, Reed, and Rose are like your average teenager. They fall in and out of love; they create an illusion of a tough exterior to hide a sensitive interior; they grow and learn as any other would. Then tragedy strikes and growing up doesn't seem as easy as before.
I thought that the "witchy" part of this novel would be more prominent, but as I read (it's pretty clear from the beginning), I realized that the characters were not defined by being "witches;" instead, their distinct personalities took the spotlight, as a reader always hopes for. Since The Tower is a character-driven story, there wasn't much of a plot up until about a quarter of the way through. While this may feel slow to some, the big turn-around is worth waiting for. I think I almost teared up while reading some parts. I felt for the characters, especially since a similar situation had occurred in my life about a year ago.
My main issue (while minor) was the age of the characters. It is noted that they are incoming juniors in high school, but with the amount of under-aged drinking that goes down, I personally felt like it would be more appropriate if they were younger college students. But it wasn't difficult to move on from this issue. Also, sometimes the dialogue felt unnatural, but nothing stood out too much. Besides, there were some conversations that were spot on.
What I enjoyed most about this novel (and surprised me the most) was the author's take on tragedy and dealing with grief. It was refreshing--in a way--to read a contemporary that wasn't light and fluffy. So if you're looking for a read that rings true and pulls on your heart strings, whether it's from watching two people fall in love or seeing how one life ended can impact so many, I'd definitely recommend The Tower to anyone who's looking for a more serious kind of YA contemporary!
*I received a free digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Honestly, I didn't know what to expect going in to read The Tower by Nicole Campbell. The blurb provided on Goodreads and Amazon only gave a little bit of information concerning some of the characters' personalities. A brief synopsis that could give insight to readers would probably be something along the lines of:
Besides the fact that they're witches and possess different powers, Rowyn, Reed, and Rose are like your average teenager. They fall in and out of love; they create an illusion of a tough exterior to hide a sensitive interior; they grow and learn as any other would. Then tragedy strikes and growing up doesn't seem as easy as before.
I thought that the "witchy" part of this novel would be more prominent, but as I read (it's pretty clear from the beginning), I realized that the characters were not defined by being "witches;" instead, their distinct personalities took the spotlight, as a reader always hopes for. Since The Tower is a character-driven story, there wasn't much of a plot up until about a quarter of the way through. While this may feel slow to some, the big turn-around is worth waiting for. I think I almost teared up while reading some parts. I felt for the characters, especially since a similar situation had occurred in my life about a year ago.
My main issue (while minor) was the age of the characters. It is noted that they are incoming juniors in high school, but with the amount of under-aged drinking that goes down, I personally felt like it would be more appropriate if they were younger college students. But it wasn't difficult to move on from this issue. Also, sometimes the dialogue felt unnatural, but nothing stood out too much. Besides, there were some conversations that were spot on.
What I enjoyed most about this novel (and surprised me the most) was the author's take on tragedy and dealing with grief. It was refreshing--in a way--to read a contemporary that wasn't light and fluffy. So if you're looking for a read that rings true and pulls on your heart strings, whether it's from watching two people fall in love or seeing how one life ended can impact so many, I'd definitely recommend The Tower to anyone who's looking for a more serious kind of YA contemporary!
November 20, 2021
I am beyond thrilled to be releasing these three witches into the world 💜. This book and these characters have become a part of my life, and I'm so excited for you to meet them. This book definitely takes some much darker turns than my previous releases, but I hope that it surprises you in the best ways possible.
This book releases June 21st (the solstice, obviously 😉) and is available for pre-order for 99 cents on all platforms.
This book releases June 21st (the solstice, obviously 😉) and is available for pre-order for 99 cents on all platforms.
Want to Read
May 5, 2017I love the cover! So excited gosh!!!
September 23, 2017
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Tower is one of the best books I read this year. I loved this book, it made me have all the feels and at times it absolutely destroyed me, you have to read it.
This book touch on several different hard topics, love, friendship, loss, family, depression, anxiety, faith, hopefulness, bullying and etc... The Tower is a wonderfully written young adult novel that takes a look at relationships and how difficult they can be sometimes and what happens to people when their world starts to fall apart.
Rowyn, Reed and Rose are the very best of friends. They are the type of friends that have known each other since they were babies and all their families are friends. The families intertwine with each other by constantly being in each others lives going through hard times and good times together. They celebrate with each other and are apart of each other every day lives. I wish I had this, when I read it I could help but feel how close they were and was a little jealous of it.
However things don't stay this way something happens and this event destroys everyone's world. Things won't ever be the same after this and now this lovely little group has to find a way to put themselves back together again and find a way to move on from something that was so devastating. This one event has the power to destroy them all if they let it and this book is about this group finding a way through all the chaos, hurt, pain and loss. I am not going to lie I balled my eyes out. I mean even now I have tears in my eyes, for three-fourths of this book I was an emotional mess but I would not give up this story for anything in the world.
One genre I love but don't read all the time is magical-realism and the Tower satisfied that perfectly. You see Rowyn, Reed, Rose and their families are Pagan they believe in the power of nature and the universe and while they don't have magical powers (this isn't Charmed) but they are able to see and manipulate energy. They can see auras, communicate with spirit guides, read tarot, are empaths, have strong intuition and others things. They send good energy out and work with the energy around them. The way Nicole wrote this is pretty amazing, they don't come off as hippy-dippy type characters or characters that are flaky or fake. Nicole makes the reader see the characters first and makes their gifts seem just part of the everyday world, yet somehow makes it seem special.
The Tower is a very special book and Nicole has done an amazing job writing a story that not only sucked me in but kept me emotionally present in the book. This book stayed with me even when I had to put it down. I love the plot but mostly I loved the characters and I have to say I am greedy. I have no idea if the Tower is a standalone or the first in a series but even though the book ended perfectly I would love to have it as part of a series. This is most definitely on my must read list and I will tell anyone who will listen about this book.
The Tower is one of the best books I read this year. I loved this book, it made me have all the feels and at times it absolutely destroyed me, you have to read it.
This book touch on several different hard topics, love, friendship, loss, family, depression, anxiety, faith, hopefulness, bullying and etc... The Tower is a wonderfully written young adult novel that takes a look at relationships and how difficult they can be sometimes and what happens to people when their world starts to fall apart.
Rowyn, Reed and Rose are the very best of friends. They are the type of friends that have known each other since they were babies and all their families are friends. The families intertwine with each other by constantly being in each others lives going through hard times and good times together. They celebrate with each other and are apart of each other every day lives. I wish I had this, when I read it I could help but feel how close they were and was a little jealous of it.
However things don't stay this way something happens and this event destroys everyone's world. Things won't ever be the same after this and now this lovely little group has to find a way to put themselves back together again and find a way to move on from something that was so devastating. This one event has the power to destroy them all if they let it and this book is about this group finding a way through all the chaos, hurt, pain and loss. I am not going to lie I balled my eyes out. I mean even now I have tears in my eyes, for three-fourths of this book I was an emotional mess but I would not give up this story for anything in the world.
One genre I love but don't read all the time is magical-realism and the Tower satisfied that perfectly. You see Rowyn, Reed, Rose and their families are Pagan they believe in the power of nature and the universe and while they don't have magical powers (this isn't Charmed) but they are able to see and manipulate energy. They can see auras, communicate with spirit guides, read tarot, are empaths, have strong intuition and others things. They send good energy out and work with the energy around them. The way Nicole wrote this is pretty amazing, they don't come off as hippy-dippy type characters or characters that are flaky or fake. Nicole makes the reader see the characters first and makes their gifts seem just part of the everyday world, yet somehow makes it seem special.
The Tower is a very special book and Nicole has done an amazing job writing a story that not only sucked me in but kept me emotionally present in the book. This book stayed with me even when I had to put it down. I love the plot but mostly I loved the characters and I have to say I am greedy. I have no idea if the Tower is a standalone or the first in a series but even though the book ended perfectly I would love to have it as part of a series. This is most definitely on my must read list and I will tell anyone who will listen about this book.
June 17, 2017
4.5/5 STARS...
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me the most emotional of any book I have ever read. The amount of times I almost cried (and probably would have cried if I wasn't in public) is not even funny. I would feel like I would be getting back to normal, and not want to cry anymore and then I'd continue on and the floodgates would just open again.
Nonetheless, this book was not all sad. There were definitely times where I would be smiling and close to laughing out loud! I thought all of the characters were really good and I could connect to them really well! I really loved all of the main characters; Rowyn, Reed, Rose, and Jared!
-I really liked Rowyn because of how blunt she was and how she just said anything that was on her mind. She was just a great character to read from. My only problem I had with Rowyn (as the character Cole pointed out) was that she didn't have as much of a reason to be as mad as she was at a certain point in the book. I mean I could see where she was coming from, but I felt like she just had such an irrational reaction and was a tad overdramatic.
-I also really liked Reed too because of how sweet and caring he was. You could tell how much he loved Rose and Rowyn no matter what happened. The only issue I really had with Reed's character was how he ended up drinking so much. Like I understand that was his way to cope with everything, but I still disliked the underage drinking aspect of all of it.
-I really like Rose because of how sweet and innocent she was as a character, but how she also had another side of her where she wasn't afraid to stick up for her friends when she knew they were right. I wish we could have been able to see more of her because I feel I could have really connected to her. That's really all I can say about her without spoiling anything, so I'll move on!
-I didn't think I was going to like Jared all that much because he was the stereotypical jock and I was afraid that he was going to end up hurting Rose (intentionally at least). I was happily surprised to see how deep of a character he was and how much I really ended up liking his character. I just loved how much he and Reed helped each other out, even if they weren't that close yet, but that because they helped each other out they became closer and better friends. I also loved how well he adapted to the main trios' witch lifestyle! It showed how much he cared about them all that he would go against his 'friends'' beliefs!
I loved Reed and Rowyn's relationship! I just loved how they were best friends from the beginning and then realized they liked each other and dated (I always love that in book probably because I've always wanted that to happen to me even if I don't really have that good of a guy friend to have that happen to me). The only thing I didn't like was how Rowyn knew all along that Reed liked her and she never addressed it. She just waited until she was like "oh well maybe I like him back," but I still thought they were a really cute couple and they worked together as a couple really well!
I think that's mainly all I can say about this book without spoiling anything too greatly, so I'll just end it here! There will be a spoiler review up on my blog the day that it comes out and that'll be linked *here* once it comes out!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me the most emotional of any book I have ever read. The amount of times I almost cried (and probably would have cried if I wasn't in public) is not even funny. I would feel like I would be getting back to normal, and not want to cry anymore and then I'd continue on and the floodgates would just open again.
Nonetheless, this book was not all sad. There were definitely times where I would be smiling and close to laughing out loud! I thought all of the characters were really good and I could connect to them really well! I really loved all of the main characters; Rowyn, Reed, Rose, and Jared!
-I really liked Rowyn because of how blunt she was and how she just said anything that was on her mind. She was just a great character to read from. My only problem I had with Rowyn (as the character Cole pointed out) was that she didn't have as much of a reason to be as mad as she was at a certain point in the book. I mean I could see where she was coming from, but I felt like she just had such an irrational reaction and was a tad overdramatic.
-I also really liked Reed too because of how sweet and caring he was. You could tell how much he loved Rose and Rowyn no matter what happened. The only issue I really had with Reed's character was how he ended up drinking so much. Like I understand that was his way to cope with everything, but I still disliked the underage drinking aspect of all of it.
-I really like Rose because of how sweet and innocent she was as a character, but how she also had another side of her where she wasn't afraid to stick up for her friends when she knew they were right. I wish we could have been able to see more of her because I feel I could have really connected to her. That's really all I can say about her without spoiling anything, so I'll move on!
-I didn't think I was going to like Jared all that much because he was the stereotypical jock and I was afraid that he was going to end up hurting Rose (intentionally at least). I was happily surprised to see how deep of a character he was and how much I really ended up liking his character. I just loved how much he and Reed helped each other out, even if they weren't that close yet, but that because they helped each other out they became closer and better friends. I also loved how well he adapted to the main trios' witch lifestyle! It showed how much he cared about them all that he would go against his 'friends'' beliefs!
I loved Reed and Rowyn's relationship! I just loved how they were best friends from the beginning and then realized they liked each other and dated (I always love that in book probably because I've always wanted that to happen to me even if I don't really have that good of a guy friend to have that happen to me). The only thing I didn't like was how Rowyn knew all along that Reed liked her and she never addressed it. She just waited until she was like "oh well maybe I like him back," but I still thought they were a really cute couple and they worked together as a couple really well!
I think that's mainly all I can say about this book without spoiling anything too greatly, so I'll just end it here! There will be a spoiler review up on my blog the day that it comes out and that'll be linked *here* once it comes out!
July 6, 2017
Okay, let me start by saying that I thought this book was about something totally different than it was. I thought it was going to be about teenage witches in Illinois. This was really a teenage book about love, romance and coping with tragedy. On that score, it's 5 stars. That is just not a genre I am interested in-so for me personally it was 3 stars, so I merged those two scores for a 4. The plot was okay as teenagers go, I did cry at one point, but mostly it is teenage angst. Which having a teenager of my own, I do not want to read about.
July 28, 2018
3 stars!
Review will be on my blog! https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/
Review will be on my blog! https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/
August 8, 2017
"I wasn't certain I would see the light again. The Tower card hadn't lied. Everything crumbled and fell, and it took pieces of me with it. It was only now I could see the other meaning of the card-the rebuilding. I was different, and I hoped my new foundation was stronger than the new one before."
One of the most effective parts of this reading experience was the vagueness of its synopsis. You know there are witches. You know there are tarot cards (mention of the Tower card). You know something momentous happens. But that's about it. I think there is even a little intentional misleading in the synopsis. This is not a book about silly HS worries about clothes and popularity. This book is a giant sucker punch in the feels. Part of me feels like admitting this borders on spoilerish but I think it's necessary. I don't want people to pass this book over thinking it is fluffy and silly. I spent the entire last half of this book wading through a puddle of my own tears.
But I made it. Somehow I made it through this emotionally devastating book.
As I said above, the part of the book that really affected me so much was that I had not prepared myself for what happened in the middle of the book, so my synopsis is going to be purposefully vague.
The book is told in multiple POVs, something I'm not usually fond of, but was done incredibly well here. Rowyn, Reed, and Rose are best friends and have been since they were little kids. They also happen to be witches. Not the flying, turning people into toads kind, but the pagan, healing, herb using, tarot card reading kind. It was more like magical realism than any kind of hocus pocus. Unfortunately, they live in a small town with even smaller minds. They have to endure whispers about their doomed souls from judgmental douches and some people believe they worship the devil. It is a miserable existence for teenagers that are already going through the normally miserable experience that is high school. Reed has been in love with Rowyn since he was old enough to understand what love was and while Rowyn would never admit it, she has feelings for him too. Instead of acknowledging this, Rowyn treats Reed like the best friend that he is, except they are almost overly comfortable with each other and very physically affectionate with each other. Deep down Rowyn knows what she is doing to Reed is wrong. She gives him just enough physical liberties without committing anything to him. I know that we were supposed to find this cruel, but I couldn't. Mostly because I've done the exact same thing. I wasn't trying to be cruel either and I was also 17. Enough about me, I just wanted to make the point that I had a hard time holding it against her, while I know it didn't excuse what she was doing, I understood it. I was really happy when they finally found their way to each other. Rose also finds someone, and she surprises everyone when that person is the opposite of the three of them, a popular jock (but not one of the bullying jackasses, of course). Midway through the book, tragedy strikes. It strikes suddenly, without any kind of warning, much like most real-life tragedies. The rest of the book is really about how everyone deals with the aftermath and the different ways that people handle what life throws at them.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that from the middle of the book to the end, I just cried. Constantly. And not that cute single-tear-out-one-eye kind of cry. Like ugly, need to blow my nose kind of crying. At least I was at home alone so I didn't have to explain myself. Terrible things happen to people in books all the time. Sometimes these things are fictional enough that you are able to separate yourself from them. Things like a character being captured and tortured by an evil vampire or a character's father is dying of the plague. Stuff that is not really something we would ever have to deal with, but it is sad nonetheless. Then there are tragedies that we know could absolutely happen to us but are not a guarantee. I'm probably not going to be kidnapped and held hostage by a cult leader, but hey, it isn't impossible either. Then there are tragedies that you know without a doubt are happening right now. Someone somewhere is feeling this pain. Someone, right now, feels like their heart is being ripped from their body and just wants the day to start over so they can do the day over again differently. And not only is it possible this will happen to you, it probably will. Maybe 20 days from now, maybe 7 months, maybe 30 years from now. You will wake up one day having no idea that hours later, everything will change. You too will be forced to continue and rebuild your life. The rest of the world will keep turning and somehow, you have to get out of bed the next day and make peace with something that has changed you irrevocably.
"The sun set on the longest day of the year, and for me, that held all kinds of importance, because I knew it would rise again tomorrow. That was the hardest part of having my entire world shaken down to its foundation."
Now to add to this painful realization, this book had multiple POVs. So not only are you reading one person's painful reaction to tragedy but multiple people's. At some point, you are going to be in one of those people's shoes. It just ripped my beating heart out of my chest to know that somewhere, there were people feeling this way.
On the other side of all of this, there was the fact that the world does indeed go on and that is a good thing. I loved that the fact that the characters in this book were mostly witches. It was an interesting way to show that it doesn't matter how different your lives are, we all deal with the same issues. The book didn't shy away from the sometimes destructive and unhealthy ways that people deal with grief.
I just loved this book. Honestly, when I read to a certain point, I didn't want to finish it. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive, I don't know. I knew that when I read it, I was going to spend the rest of my day in an Eeyore-like funk. But don't let that discourage you. There were parts of this book that put a huge smile on my face and others that had me cheering. There is a lot of romance and it balances really well with the depressing bits. Tragedy changes people, sometimes for the better. The writing was excellent and the book does a wonderful job of incorporating something magical with the mundane. I absolutely recommend.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of the most effective parts of this reading experience was the vagueness of its synopsis. You know there are witches. You know there are tarot cards (mention of the Tower card). You know something momentous happens. But that's about it. I think there is even a little intentional misleading in the synopsis. This is not a book about silly HS worries about clothes and popularity. This book is a giant sucker punch in the feels. Part of me feels like admitting this borders on spoilerish but I think it's necessary. I don't want people to pass this book over thinking it is fluffy and silly. I spent the entire last half of this book wading through a puddle of my own tears.
But I made it. Somehow I made it through this emotionally devastating book.
As I said above, the part of the book that really affected me so much was that I had not prepared myself for what happened in the middle of the book, so my synopsis is going to be purposefully vague.
The book is told in multiple POVs, something I'm not usually fond of, but was done incredibly well here. Rowyn, Reed, and Rose are best friends and have been since they were little kids. They also happen to be witches. Not the flying, turning people into toads kind, but the pagan, healing, herb using, tarot card reading kind. It was more like magical realism than any kind of hocus pocus. Unfortunately, they live in a small town with even smaller minds. They have to endure whispers about their doomed souls from judgmental douches and some people believe they worship the devil. It is a miserable existence for teenagers that are already going through the normally miserable experience that is high school. Reed has been in love with Rowyn since he was old enough to understand what love was and while Rowyn would never admit it, she has feelings for him too. Instead of acknowledging this, Rowyn treats Reed like the best friend that he is, except they are almost overly comfortable with each other and very physically affectionate with each other. Deep down Rowyn knows what she is doing to Reed is wrong. She gives him just enough physical liberties without committing anything to him. I know that we were supposed to find this cruel, but I couldn't. Mostly because I've done the exact same thing. I wasn't trying to be cruel either and I was also 17. Enough about me, I just wanted to make the point that I had a hard time holding it against her, while I know it didn't excuse what she was doing, I understood it. I was really happy when they finally found their way to each other. Rose also finds someone, and she surprises everyone when that person is the opposite of the three of them, a popular jock (but not one of the bullying jackasses, of course). Midway through the book, tragedy strikes. It strikes suddenly, without any kind of warning, much like most real-life tragedies. The rest of the book is really about how everyone deals with the aftermath and the different ways that people handle what life throws at them.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that from the middle of the book to the end, I just cried. Constantly. And not that cute single-tear-out-one-eye kind of cry. Like ugly, need to blow my nose kind of crying. At least I was at home alone so I didn't have to explain myself. Terrible things happen to people in books all the time. Sometimes these things are fictional enough that you are able to separate yourself from them. Things like a character being captured and tortured by an evil vampire or a character's father is dying of the plague. Stuff that is not really something we would ever have to deal with, but it is sad nonetheless. Then there are tragedies that we know could absolutely happen to us but are not a guarantee. I'm probably not going to be kidnapped and held hostage by a cult leader, but hey, it isn't impossible either. Then there are tragedies that you know without a doubt are happening right now. Someone somewhere is feeling this pain. Someone, right now, feels like their heart is being ripped from their body and just wants the day to start over so they can do the day over again differently. And not only is it possible this will happen to you, it probably will. Maybe 20 days from now, maybe 7 months, maybe 30 years from now. You will wake up one day having no idea that hours later, everything will change. You too will be forced to continue and rebuild your life. The rest of the world will keep turning and somehow, you have to get out of bed the next day and make peace with something that has changed you irrevocably.
"The sun set on the longest day of the year, and for me, that held all kinds of importance, because I knew it would rise again tomorrow. That was the hardest part of having my entire world shaken down to its foundation."
Now to add to this painful realization, this book had multiple POVs. So not only are you reading one person's painful reaction to tragedy but multiple people's. At some point, you are going to be in one of those people's shoes. It just ripped my beating heart out of my chest to know that somewhere, there were people feeling this way.
On the other side of all of this, there was the fact that the world does indeed go on and that is a good thing. I loved that the fact that the characters in this book were mostly witches. It was an interesting way to show that it doesn't matter how different your lives are, we all deal with the same issues. The book didn't shy away from the sometimes destructive and unhealthy ways that people deal with grief.
I just loved this book. Honestly, when I read to a certain point, I didn't want to finish it. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive, I don't know. I knew that when I read it, I was going to spend the rest of my day in an Eeyore-like funk. But don't let that discourage you. There were parts of this book that put a huge smile on my face and others that had me cheering. There is a lot of romance and it balances really well with the depressing bits. Tragedy changes people, sometimes for the better. The writing was excellent and the book does a wonderful job of incorporating something magical with the mundane. I absolutely recommend.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 6, 2017
A group of three witches living in the “muggle world”, trying to get through the awkward years of being a teen while also being a witch. But then a tragedy happens, and they have to learn how to deal with grief as well as family, love, and their relationships. It’s a complicated balance that they have to learn at probably the worst time in their lives. It’s not just about witches, and it’s not just about teenagers, it’s a perfect mix of the two. The combination adds so much more to this book. It had so much going on without being overbearing. The plot was amazing. I didn’t read much of the synopsis before I started this, so I went into it thinking one thing, and was completely upended halfway through.
My only negative would be that there wasn’t enough “witchy” things. I wanted more involvement from their witch culture. I loved this book mainly for the witch portion because that’s what sets this book apart from every other contemporary read. It added a twist that was fun and not done very often. It started off really strong, but then died down (for obvious reasons) but it was also like it wasn’t mentioned at all. So little that I even forgot they were witches at points.
Overall though, this book was fantastic. It was fun and unique, and definitely a book you should read.
My only negative would be that there wasn’t enough “witchy” things. I wanted more involvement from their witch culture. I loved this book mainly for the witch portion because that’s what sets this book apart from every other contemporary read. It added a twist that was fun and not done very often. It started off really strong, but then died down (for obvious reasons) but it was also like it wasn’t mentioned at all. So little that I even forgot they were witches at points.
Overall though, this book was fantastic. It was fun and unique, and definitely a book you should read.
May 2, 2025
An absolutely heart breaking and incredible story.
I typically don’t read contemporary romance or coming of age stories, but the way Nicole wrote this story had me absolutely captivated.
The characters were so well written, the commentary back and worth was amazing, and the care taken towards the Pagan religion was top tier.
If you want a story that’ll rip your heart out but make you laugh at the same time, this is the one!
I typically don’t read contemporary romance or coming of age stories, but the way Nicole wrote this story had me absolutely captivated.
The characters were so well written, the commentary back and worth was amazing, and the care taken towards the Pagan religion was top tier.
If you want a story that’ll rip your heart out but make you laugh at the same time, this is the one!
April 24, 2025
I have read a few of Nicole Campbell's books and loved each and every one of them. The Tower is no different. Although slightly different from the genre I have read of hers. This book was was well written and all the main characters were each brought to life in detail. The story follows Rowyn, Reed and Rose as they approach the end of their high school career and waiting to see what the world has to offer. Although change is upon them and creates a different story. This book explores friendship, love and magic all while experiencing grief. The topic of grief was approached very well and all the different elements associated with the feeling. Each character experienced it in different ways and the way that Nicole Campbell explored that was done very well. I highly recommend this book! You will be glad you read it!
April 20, 2025
ARC Review
This book absolutely wrecked me 😭😭😭. What starts off as a light, classic YA vibe—with all the fun, snarky teen banter— transforms into something much deeper. The characters grow so much, shaped by love, loss, and tragedy. There's witchy elements that make unique from your usual YA drama. If you’re into YA with heart, depth, and just a touch of witchy magic, The Tower will completely pull you in—and then tear your heart out
This book absolutely wrecked me 😭😭😭. What starts off as a light, classic YA vibe—with all the fun, snarky teen banter— transforms into something much deeper. The characters grow so much, shaped by love, loss, and tragedy. There's witchy elements that make unique from your usual YA drama. If you’re into YA with heart, depth, and just a touch of witchy magic, The Tower will completely pull you in—and then tear your heart out
October 11, 2025
Stick with it
I found the beginning of this book to be slow. I was debating giving up and suddenly I was sucked in. From then until the very end, tissues were needed. Glad I stuck around.
I found the beginning of this book to be slow. I was debating giving up and suddenly I was sucked in. From then until the very end, tissues were needed. Glad I stuck around.
July 18, 2017
"I felt the skin-crawling sensation brought on by his energy before I saw him."
This is not the first book I have read by Nicole Campbell! She wrote a super fun, romantic series called The Gem City Series! So I was super excited to have the opportunity to read The Tower! Nicole Campbell is such a great writer and really knows how to drown the reader in the worlds she creates! In The Tower we are taken to a town called Elizabethtown in Illinois. Here we meet a set of 3 friends: Rowyn, Reed, and Rose! These three friends are not your ordinary friends! They are a group of witches!!!
The Tower is nothing like your average witch story! Campbell created the most normal teenage witches I have ever seen! The three friends have boy drama, best friend drama, betrayals, love, tragedy, and so much more! There is never a dull moment in this book! There really is something happening at all times! I could not put this book down because there was never a good time to. How can one find time to put the story on hold when Reed is in love with one of his best friends! But hey, you guys did not hear that from me! I am usually not one for spoilers! That news is nothing compared to Rowyn not being able to read Rose's and Jared's cards. Rowyn is really good at what she does.. so why is nothing showing up? Rowyn doesn't understand. Too bad Rowyn could not see what was about to happen. The three friends are about to be faced with one of the hardest obstacles life can throw at you! Will they ever be the same?
"Maybe he'll forget about the kiss, and we can just go back to being friends. Friends who ignore that there is anything between them and one makes the other miserable."
Nicole Campbell is such an awesome writer! I can say that over and over and over and mean it every time. I love that she wrote The Tower in multiple points of view! I really enjoy this in a book, because it really allows the reader to get a better idea of what each of the characters are thinking and experiencing. The reader gets a better understanding of the story this way as well! I am a HUGE fan of her characters! I fell in love with the characters right away and you guys will too! They are very complex and easy to relate to! What more could a reader want?
You guys definitely need to add this book to your TBR lists!
September 8, 2017
I would like to start by saying this isn't my chosen genre. I'm not familiar with the author, and I thought I was getting into a story of magic and adventure, which is not what this book is. That being said, this book was good for what it is: a teenage, coming of age, love story. The writing was decent and story was engaging and kept me going to the end, which is saying something, because as I said.... not my favorite genre.
October 29, 2018
The Tower is a standalone YA novel and deals with love, friendship and loss.
Rowyn, Reed and Rosalyn have been best friends since they were young. Having grown up in a community of witches, life has not always been easy for them at school. They have been shunned and cursed at and basically treated as though they are lesser people. Rosalyn is a vibrant young lady, one who loves to bake and is fiercely loyal. She loves life and sees and spreads positivity. When she and Jared, who is not in the community, get together, she believes that she has found the partner of her dreams. Reed and Rowyn have always had an eye for each other so getting together would be the obvious thing, right? Then fate steps in and deals a blow so cruel that it feels like life can never be repaired. Who will rise and who will sink?
I downloaded this as a free book and when I got around to reading it I hadn’t read the blurb so was in for a surprise; which turned out to be a very good one. The story starts off in a light-hearted way and I was just smoothly reading along when WHAM you get hit with info and you argue with your brain as to whether or not you actually read that. Didn’t see that coming. What follows is a book with so much emotion that I actually had to put it down a couple of times. I like fiction to take me out of reality and the emotions that came across gave me a massive dose of reality. I kept going back and forth saying it’s a good story and then being overwhelmed by the emotions and then going back again. I don’t think I’ve ever read a YA book that dealt with emotions in such depth before – very powerful stuff.
I understand how the author wanted to portray Rowyn, but I felt that her reactions were sometimes over the top, especially when it came to her dad. But I guess as adults we sometimes forget the intense emotions we experienced as teenagers and how feelings were so much more passionate then. Reed was a very interesting character, especially to see how he treated others and the influence being best friends with two girls had on him. His struggle to face reality later on in the book was very honest, and I’m sure a lot of teens can relate to the angst he was experiencing. His connection to Reiki and how it works was illuminating. Rosalyn made me smile each time she was on a page, with her sunny personality and her steady as a rock morality.
The POVs jumped from chapter to chapter which helped you get into the character’s places in the story a lot more. There were only a few editing mistakes which didn’t interrupt the flow of the book at all. I learnt quite a few things about holidays and rituals in the community which was something new. I just wish more was explained about the tarot cards and the tower in particular as I’d actually forgotten about it when it fitted in later in the book.
A well-written novel that is definitely recommended.
Rowyn, Reed and Rosalyn have been best friends since they were young. Having grown up in a community of witches, life has not always been easy for them at school. They have been shunned and cursed at and basically treated as though they are lesser people. Rosalyn is a vibrant young lady, one who loves to bake and is fiercely loyal. She loves life and sees and spreads positivity. When she and Jared, who is not in the community, get together, she believes that she has found the partner of her dreams. Reed and Rowyn have always had an eye for each other so getting together would be the obvious thing, right? Then fate steps in and deals a blow so cruel that it feels like life can never be repaired. Who will rise and who will sink?
I downloaded this as a free book and when I got around to reading it I hadn’t read the blurb so was in for a surprise; which turned out to be a very good one. The story starts off in a light-hearted way and I was just smoothly reading along when WHAM you get hit with info and you argue with your brain as to whether or not you actually read that. Didn’t see that coming. What follows is a book with so much emotion that I actually had to put it down a couple of times. I like fiction to take me out of reality and the emotions that came across gave me a massive dose of reality. I kept going back and forth saying it’s a good story and then being overwhelmed by the emotions and then going back again. I don’t think I’ve ever read a YA book that dealt with emotions in such depth before – very powerful stuff.
I understand how the author wanted to portray Rowyn, but I felt that her reactions were sometimes over the top, especially when it came to her dad. But I guess as adults we sometimes forget the intense emotions we experienced as teenagers and how feelings were so much more passionate then. Reed was a very interesting character, especially to see how he treated others and the influence being best friends with two girls had on him. His struggle to face reality later on in the book was very honest, and I’m sure a lot of teens can relate to the angst he was experiencing. His connection to Reiki and how it works was illuminating. Rosalyn made me smile each time she was on a page, with her sunny personality and her steady as a rock morality.
The POVs jumped from chapter to chapter which helped you get into the character’s places in the story a lot more. There were only a few editing mistakes which didn’t interrupt the flow of the book at all. I learnt quite a few things about holidays and rituals in the community which was something new. I just wish more was explained about the tarot cards and the tower in particular as I’d actually forgotten about it when it fitted in later in the book.
A well-written novel that is definitely recommended.
August 3, 2018
The Tower is a YA Contemporary novel that deals with friendship, love for your best friend, and the difficulties of being different in High School. The story revolves around three friends, Rowyn, Rose, and Reed who are approaching their Senior year in high school. The three of them have been best friends since birth growing up together in their small community, their mothers best friends. Reed has been in love with Rowyn since the fifth grade, and in the way of boys, he has hinted at his feelings but has never declared them, instead playing it safe and biding his time. Rose is the glue that binds their friendship together, sweet, fairy-like, and the voice of reason. This year of their lives is a time of change, the relationships between them tested. Will they end the year stronger for the challenges they face?
The first thing you should know about this book is how great the characters have been developed. Each of the three main characters have a reason for being a part of the story. Having grown up in the witch community they are used to facing adversity. Name calling, hatred, and bigotry are a part of their daily lives, but each of them chooses to face it differently. Rowyn’s looks match her personality. She is the bold, forthright, doesn’t give a crap about what anyone thinks female heroine with the long black hair that is stereotypical of a Halloween witch. Rose is fairy-like, the peacemaker with a backbone, whose blonde looks and nice demeanor fool people into thinking she is a victim of circumstance. Reed is the charming, handsome guy who even though a witch, is non threatening and likable. Their friendship is what binds this story together.
I found the fact that they were witches fascinating. They are not “magical” and don’t ride brooms or hover in the air or anything, although they do read tarot cards, make spells, and can heal spiritually. Each of them having a different talent. These talents are just a part of their characterizations and while their spirituality is within the story, the story does not revolve around witchcraft. I found that really refreshing in a book world where people having magical powers and save the world is totally common. This story revolves around friendship, love and acceptance.
This novel was heartbreaking, heartwarming and heart filling. I probably went through a pack of tissue trying to deal with all of the emotions I was feeling as I read the story. The majority of the novel centered on Reed and Rowyn’s budding romance, but it was not all rainbows and butterfly’s. They had to overcome obstacles to somehow get to the point where they could be together, even though it seemed at the beginning of the book that it would be too easy. It was not.
Don’t let the idea of their being witches keep you from reading this book. It is a wonderful story about love and acceptance and I’d wish for each of you to pick this one up and give it a shot. Sometimes, I think I love a story because I’m in the right mood at the right time. I can honestly say that I didn’t know what to expect from The Tower and had zero expectations and it exceeded all of my imaginings.
I received an ARC of this book by the author for my honest review and it was honest.
The first thing you should know about this book is how great the characters have been developed. Each of the three main characters have a reason for being a part of the story. Having grown up in the witch community they are used to facing adversity. Name calling, hatred, and bigotry are a part of their daily lives, but each of them chooses to face it differently. Rowyn’s looks match her personality. She is the bold, forthright, doesn’t give a crap about what anyone thinks female heroine with the long black hair that is stereotypical of a Halloween witch. Rose is fairy-like, the peacemaker with a backbone, whose blonde looks and nice demeanor fool people into thinking she is a victim of circumstance. Reed is the charming, handsome guy who even though a witch, is non threatening and likable. Their friendship is what binds this story together.
I found the fact that they were witches fascinating. They are not “magical” and don’t ride brooms or hover in the air or anything, although they do read tarot cards, make spells, and can heal spiritually. Each of them having a different talent. These talents are just a part of their characterizations and while their spirituality is within the story, the story does not revolve around witchcraft. I found that really refreshing in a book world where people having magical powers and save the world is totally common. This story revolves around friendship, love and acceptance.
This novel was heartbreaking, heartwarming and heart filling. I probably went through a pack of tissue trying to deal with all of the emotions I was feeling as I read the story. The majority of the novel centered on Reed and Rowyn’s budding romance, but it was not all rainbows and butterfly’s. They had to overcome obstacles to somehow get to the point where they could be together, even though it seemed at the beginning of the book that it would be too easy. It was not.
Don’t let the idea of their being witches keep you from reading this book. It is a wonderful story about love and acceptance and I’d wish for each of you to pick this one up and give it a shot. Sometimes, I think I love a story because I’m in the right mood at the right time. I can honestly say that I didn’t know what to expect from The Tower and had zero expectations and it exceeded all of my imaginings.
I received an ARC of this book by the author for my honest review and it was honest.
July 27, 2017
Her fifth novel in just over two years, Nicole Campbell presents The Tower, a young adult story of life, love, death, and loss. Setting her tale in Elizabethtown, Illinois, and distinguishing it with a foundation in witchery, Campbell tells the otherwise familiar story of three teenagers who have grown up together and are now learning how to navigate through the realities of life.
Rowyn, Reed, and Rosalyn are as close as three friends can be. Having been raised as members of the same “Circle,” their families’ beliefs in witchery knit them close as the characteristic that sets them apart from the other kids at school. Outside of their beliefs, though, Rowyn, Reed, and Rosalyn are every-day teenagers that struggle with coming of age, relationships, what to do after high school, and even the effects of sudden tragedy.
While the staple themes of a young adult novel are well carried throughout the novel, the significance of some of the witchery signified in the story isn’t directly communicated. For example, the Tower card is drawn periodically during readings, but without an understanding of tarot cards and their meanings, the connotation is lost to the reader. It is not until the last page of the book that some connection is made between events in the story and drawings of the Tower card:
“The Tower card hadn’t lied. Everything crumbled and fell, and it took pieces of me with it.” Excerpt From: Nicole Campbell. “The Tower.” iBooks.
Campbell writes well while switching between points of view of each of the teenagers. She is attentive to differing reactions that each character might have to the same event, and is able to understand and communicate emotional struggle. The Tower is an approachable story, remaining realistic in its “paranormal” basis, welcoming any reader of general young adult fiction.
Rowyn, Reed, and Rosalyn are as close as three friends can be. Having been raised as members of the same “Circle,” their families’ beliefs in witchery knit them close as the characteristic that sets them apart from the other kids at school. Outside of their beliefs, though, Rowyn, Reed, and Rosalyn are every-day teenagers that struggle with coming of age, relationships, what to do after high school, and even the effects of sudden tragedy.
While the staple themes of a young adult novel are well carried throughout the novel, the significance of some of the witchery signified in the story isn’t directly communicated. For example, the Tower card is drawn periodically during readings, but without an understanding of tarot cards and their meanings, the connotation is lost to the reader. It is not until the last page of the book that some connection is made between events in the story and drawings of the Tower card:
“The Tower card hadn’t lied. Everything crumbled and fell, and it took pieces of me with it.” Excerpt From: Nicole Campbell. “The Tower.” iBooks.
Campbell writes well while switching between points of view of each of the teenagers. She is attentive to differing reactions that each character might have to the same event, and is able to understand and communicate emotional struggle. The Tower is an approachable story, remaining realistic in its “paranormal” basis, welcoming any reader of general young adult fiction.
August 7, 2017
I don't even know where to begin, to be honest. I waited to start reading it until I had a few days off from work, because I had a feeling I would not want to put it down. I was right. In fact, if my boyfriend hadn't forced me to stop reading to do responsible things like grocery shopping and sleeping I would have probably finished it in one go.
I had instantly fallen in love with the Gem City Series, and when I discovered that Nicole Campbell had a new book, I was beyond excited. Her first series just made me so warm and fuzzy, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. And as I predicted I was once again sucked into the story.
The Tower was different from what I had expected in the most heartbreakingly beautiful way. The emotions of this story are raw and deep and so very real. The pain and struggle is not sugar-coated or glanced over. It isn't exaggerated for the sake of drama, or swept aside for the sake of a romantic happily ever after. The reality of grief is perfectly displayed on the pages. It is difficult and it is unfair, and there is no cure for it. Yet, while you're grieving with the characters, and moving through the tidal waves of emotions, Nicole Campbell weaves in hope and light.
If I could, I would give it more than five stars, because it is just perfection. I can't wait to see what Nicole Campbell comes up with next, whatever it is, I'm sure it will be amazing.
Side note: I recommend having tissues at the ready, because I was unprepared.
I had instantly fallen in love with the Gem City Series, and when I discovered that Nicole Campbell had a new book, I was beyond excited. Her first series just made me so warm and fuzzy, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. And as I predicted I was once again sucked into the story.
The Tower was different from what I had expected in the most heartbreakingly beautiful way. The emotions of this story are raw and deep and so very real. The pain and struggle is not sugar-coated or glanced over. It isn't exaggerated for the sake of drama, or swept aside for the sake of a romantic happily ever after. The reality of grief is perfectly displayed on the pages. It is difficult and it is unfair, and there is no cure for it. Yet, while you're grieving with the characters, and moving through the tidal waves of emotions, Nicole Campbell weaves in hope and light.
If I could, I would give it more than five stars, because it is just perfection. I can't wait to see what Nicole Campbell comes up with next, whatever it is, I'm sure it will be amazing.
Side note: I recommend having tissues at the ready, because I was unprepared.
August 30, 2017
“The Tower” is the newest release by self-published author Nicole Campbell. It tells the story of three young witches and best friends as they deal with prejudice, love, and tragedy in their small town.
It’s a teenage drama masquerading as a rural fantasy. Whether they’re just for the clever taglines (there are many) or to find unique angles to address prejudice, the magic and witchcraft elements of the book honestly seem extraneous once the true plot begins to unfold, about a third of the way into the novel.
On the bright side, the characters would be little changed whether or not they remained witches; they’re completely consistent in that way, which is perhaps why the magic seems like such an after thought to “The Tower.” The characters really are the best part of the novel. They’re bright, funny, oh so sassy, and real. They change and grow with each other throughout the book, and their experiences hit home in many ways.
The trio’s only weakness is in how similar their narrative voices sound. Campbell writes in alternating first-person perspective, but all of her characters think and speak with essentially the same voice. Sure, they all have their taglines and dominating character traits, but otherwise the multiple perspectives just feel repetitive.
Overall, “The Tower” is an engaging read. Campbell dives fearlessly into the inner workings and worries of teenage life and tells a worthy and important tale.
It’s a teenage drama masquerading as a rural fantasy. Whether they’re just for the clever taglines (there are many) or to find unique angles to address prejudice, the magic and witchcraft elements of the book honestly seem extraneous once the true plot begins to unfold, about a third of the way into the novel.
On the bright side, the characters would be little changed whether or not they remained witches; they’re completely consistent in that way, which is perhaps why the magic seems like such an after thought to “The Tower.” The characters really are the best part of the novel. They’re bright, funny, oh so sassy, and real. They change and grow with each other throughout the book, and their experiences hit home in many ways.
The trio’s only weakness is in how similar their narrative voices sound. Campbell writes in alternating first-person perspective, but all of her characters think and speak with essentially the same voice. Sure, they all have their taglines and dominating character traits, but otherwise the multiple perspectives just feel repetitive.
Overall, “The Tower” is an engaging read. Campbell dives fearlessly into the inner workings and worries of teenage life and tells a worthy and important tale.
January 17, 2018
This book was a major find! No real faults for me to complain about.
The 'Chronicles of Narnia' is a fantasy Christian Apologetic. 'The Tower' is an uncommonly good Teen Romance / Coming of Age / Pagan Apologetic. It serves as a great introduction to a new age community culture, while serving up an excellent glimpse of teenage angst, learning how to mourn and heal after the loss of a young loved one. With solid world building, endearing characters, and realistic dialogue this is top shelf work, as good as any big publishing house offering. I rarely give five stars, because I rarely feel that anything is perfect. I would have liked the constantly changing point of view to be a little less frenetic, for the chapters to have had titles that made review easier
, but I could find no significant faults. Perhaps this was due to how utterly captivated I was by the story. I want more! More from this author. More stories set in this community. Much much more!
The 'Chronicles of Narnia' is a fantasy Christian Apologetic. 'The Tower' is an uncommonly good Teen Romance / Coming of Age / Pagan Apologetic. It serves as a great introduction to a new age community culture, while serving up an excellent glimpse of teenage angst, learning how to mourn and heal after the loss of a young loved one. With solid world building, endearing characters, and realistic dialogue this is top shelf work, as good as any big publishing house offering. I rarely give five stars, because I rarely feel that anything is perfect. I would have liked the constantly changing point of view to be a little less frenetic, for the chapters to have had titles that made review easier
, but I could find no significant faults. Perhaps this was due to how utterly captivated I was by the story. I want more! More from this author. More stories set in this community. Much much more!
January 9, 2018
*I received a free digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was not ready for the emotional turmoil this book put me through. I loved the character development in the beginning. They were my best friends and I could relate on so many levels it was eery, like Campbell was in my head while she was writing the book. Then tragedy struck and I found myself crying uncontrollably, in public, on more than one occasion. I have not cried this much reading a book since The Fault in Our Stars. I was so invested and emotionally involved with the characters. This book is truly one of my favorites, and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen! I am recommending it to all of my friends. It was one that I couldn't put down once I started. Blown away!
I was not ready for the emotional turmoil this book put me through. I loved the character development in the beginning. They were my best friends and I could relate on so many levels it was eery, like Campbell was in my head while she was writing the book. Then tragedy struck and I found myself crying uncontrollably, in public, on more than one occasion. I have not cried this much reading a book since The Fault in Our Stars. I was so invested and emotionally involved with the characters. This book is truly one of my favorites, and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen! I am recommending it to all of my friends. It was one that I couldn't put down once I started. Blown away!
January 21, 2018
Please pass the tissues.
The list of books that have brought me to tears is a short one. They are pretty much all Harry Potter books. But, oof, this book got me right in the feels. I really cared about these characters. I couldn't put it down, because I needed to know what happened to them.
There was some teenage drama stuff that I should probably be too old to get invested in, but it made sense in the context of the story and felt authentic. (And who am I kidding, I totally got invested in it.)
The Tower was just flat out really good. It held my attention (to a degree that my family probably didn't appreciate,) but it is a story that just sucks you in. If you are a fan of YA, a fan of love stories, a fan of magic, you should absolutely check this book out.
The list of books that have brought me to tears is a short one. They are pretty much all Harry Potter books. But, oof, this book got me right in the feels. I really cared about these characters. I couldn't put it down, because I needed to know what happened to them.
There was some teenage drama stuff that I should probably be too old to get invested in, but it made sense in the context of the story and felt authentic. (And who am I kidding, I totally got invested in it.)
The Tower was just flat out really good. It held my attention (to a degree that my family probably didn't appreciate,) but it is a story that just sucks you in. If you are a fan of YA, a fan of love stories, a fan of magic, you should absolutely check this book out.
July 26, 2018
Classic story, boy and girl, fall in love, traumatic/tragic event happens, angsty drama, conclusion. Simple right? Not this one.
This books is a very honest, raw, beautiful, hopeless/hopeful, bittersweet journey that makes you have all the feels. It grabs your attention, carries you through the story and makes you a better, more empathetic person at the end.
I had to take a couple breaks while reading this book because it was so achingly real that it took me a while to process some scenes. I read a lot of books, all genre's, and have a pretty good idea of what is worth reading, at least to me. This book is definitely worth reading, and re-reading. This is an author to follow, and I will buy her books without hesitation.
This books is a very honest, raw, beautiful, hopeless/hopeful, bittersweet journey that makes you have all the feels. It grabs your attention, carries you through the story and makes you a better, more empathetic person at the end.
I had to take a couple breaks while reading this book because it was so achingly real that it took me a while to process some scenes. I read a lot of books, all genre's, and have a pretty good idea of what is worth reading, at least to me. This book is definitely worth reading, and re-reading. This is an author to follow, and I will buy her books without hesitation.
August 1, 2018
A well written story will make you feel so many emotions that will make get mad, cry, laugh, swoon with a great glimpse of teenage angst. You will follow them while they mourn and heal after a loss of a young loved one. I loved how it switched between each teenagers points of view.
The author even gave the differing reactions that each had on the same event. You could really understand their emotional struggle. They had been friends since diapers being raised in the same circle of witchery family beliefs. The story in insightful dealing with friendship, loss, grieve, depression, family relationships and love. A truly insightful emotion great story while understanding the difficulty of growing up. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
The author even gave the differing reactions that each had on the same event. You could really understand their emotional struggle. They had been friends since diapers being raised in the same circle of witchery family beliefs. The story in insightful dealing with friendship, loss, grieve, depression, family relationships and love. A truly insightful emotion great story while understanding the difficulty of growing up. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
March 4, 2018
I kept putting off this read because I didn't really know what to expect. When I finally jumped in, I was pleasantly surprised. The story is filled with longing and love, friendships and enemies, laughter and anger, happiness and grief. It was a roller coaster of a ride.
The only negative thing I have to say about the book/story is the time lapses sucked. There were so many areas of the stories that just jumped ahead. "For the rest of the month-", "A few months later-", "Before I knew it a week went by-" type jumps and it just felt lacking. There were things that could have made the story expand a bit, feel deeper in certain areas, but overall, it was a surprisingly good story.
The only negative thing I have to say about the book/story is the time lapses sucked. There were so many areas of the stories that just jumped ahead. "For the rest of the month-", "A few months later-", "Before I knew it a week went by-" type jumps and it just felt lacking. There were things that could have made the story expand a bit, feel deeper in certain areas, but overall, it was a surprisingly good story.
January 19, 2018
A powerful story of friendship
Not at all what I expected. This story follows the close knit friendship of 3 Pagan teenagers being raised in a closed minded, Bible thumping, small town. As cliché as it sounds, they thought of themselves as the Three Musketeers, and learned that anything was manageable as long as they had each other. Then something catastrophic happens and their friendships are put to the test.
A story filled with love, tears, loss and learning to live life to the fullest.
Not at all what I expected. This story follows the close knit friendship of 3 Pagan teenagers being raised in a closed minded, Bible thumping, small town. As cliché as it sounds, they thought of themselves as the Three Musketeers, and learned that anything was manageable as long as they had each other. Then something catastrophic happens and their friendships are put to the test.
A story filled with love, tears, loss and learning to live life to the fullest.
July 22, 2017
The Tower is a sweet teen story with powerful undertones. This is a more realistic take on teen witches than most books in the genre, making it more believable and enabling the reader to delve into the well developed friendships and bonds the characters have. The characters are all well-developed and likeable and the story had me engrossed. I enjoyed this take on the genre and would recommend.
August 14, 2017
I read half of the book. I liked the story of teenagers dealing with the loss of a friend. However found the language was too rough. I would not recommend this for teenagers. It dealt with the paganism which some parents may find offensive. I could not finish it as the language seemed to get worse and worse.
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