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Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch
My name is Kestrel.
Kestrel Murphy.
Never call me Susan.
Who ever heard of a witch named Susan?
A year ago, I was on the white-magic side. Lately, I've been leaning toward the black. I blame the universe. What's the point in being a nice little white witch in the universe I've got? If I could choose my own universe, I'd be a white witch in it. But black makes a lot more sense in this universe.
Not that I'm complaining. A witch never complains. But if I did, I'd have a lot to complain about. For Richard Milhous Nixon High.
What's a teen witch to do when she's stuck in the most unmagical high school in the universe? Create her own "majix." Take notes. And above all, avoid nasty classmates, heartless grown-ups and boys who may prove a little too distracting for a serious teen witch to handle….
Kestrel Murphy.
Never call me Susan.
Who ever heard of a witch named Susan?
A year ago, I was on the white-magic side. Lately, I've been leaning toward the black. I blame the universe. What's the point in being a nice little white witch in the universe I've got? If I could choose my own universe, I'd be a white witch in it. But black makes a lot more sense in this universe.
Not that I'm complaining. A witch never complains. But if I did, I'd have a lot to complain about. For Richard Milhous Nixon High.
What's a teen witch to do when she's stuck in the most unmagical high school in the universe? Create her own "majix." Take notes. And above all, avoid nasty classmates, heartless grown-ups and boys who may prove a little too distracting for a serious teen witch to handle….
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Douglas Rees
20 books66 followersI was born on October 19th, 1947 in the hospital at March Air Force Base just outside Riverside, California. My father, Norman, was a career sergeant who'd served as an aircraft mechanic and infantryman in the Philippines campaign early in the war and was taken prisoner on Bataan. My mother, Agnes, was a nurse at the hospital where he was sent to recuperate after the war was over.
Until I was fifteen, I lived on or near a number of Air Force bases in this country and in Germany. My sister, Patricia, was born in 1950 at Travis AFB.
Until I was six, I wanted to be a fireman. Between six and twelve, I wanted to be a paleontologist. When I was twelve, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I still haven't outgrown that.
I made some occasional stabs at writing and submitting manuscripts in my twenties and thirties. When I turned forty-seven, I decided to start writing things more regularly. I've been doing so ever since.
Until I was fifteen, I lived on or near a number of Air Force bases in this country and in Germany. My sister, Patricia, was born in 1950 at Travis AFB.
Until I was six, I wanted to be a fireman. Between six and twelve, I wanted to be a paleontologist. When I was twelve, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I still haven't outgrown that.
I made some occasional stabs at writing and submitting manuscripts in my twenties and thirties. When I turned forty-seven, I decided to start writing things more regularly. I've been doing so ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 3, 2010
The book opens up and we find Kestrel stating that she isn't a white witch, she's leaning more to the dark side. She has been sent away from her parent's house and is living with her aunt temporarily. She starts writing her own grimoire and this book is the sum of her journey. We follow her path as she discovers certain truths about life, and herself; all the while battling school, bullies, and learning what witchcraft really is.
Kestrel has a strong voice, and is very independent. Her story is enjoyable, and the lessons learned are applicable to all of us. I found the story humorous, lighthearted and engaging, and I couldn't help but root for her, and hope that everything turned out well for her. I think younger teens would be able to relate to this story well.
All in all, this book is a coming of age story, with a sarcastic, and humorous bent. It is definitely a cute and enjoyable read.
Kestrel has a strong voice, and is very independent. Her story is enjoyable, and the lessons learned are applicable to all of us. I found the story humorous, lighthearted and engaging, and I couldn't help but root for her, and hope that everything turned out well for her. I think younger teens would be able to relate to this story well.
All in all, this book is a coming of age story, with a sarcastic, and humorous bent. It is definitely a cute and enjoyable read.
March 5, 2011
Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch / 978-0-373-21017-6
There's so many Young Adult targeted novels out there dealing with magic and Wicca and witchcraft that it's difficult to swing a crystal in a bookstore without hitting one, but "Majix" is a good example of the genre done well, and I think that any pro-witchcraft family would be pleased to add this book to a daughter's book collection.
There's so much about this story to like that I'm not sure where to start. The plot is fun, if not terribly original - the main character has recently moved to a new school and is having problems adjusting and fitting in. Yet what I like so much about "Majix" is that magic is not some "magic bullet" that solves all her problems. Kestrel's aunt is a practicing witch - and appears to be part of the Dianic tradition - who emphasizes the importance of being calm, collected, and moving with the flow of the universe, and acting as a quiet influence instead of an overt controller.
I'm tempted to say that this is the first YA magic book that really gets it "right". In "Majix", magic isn't something flashy that instantly grants your wishes (or backfires horribly). It's not a superpower that you're born with. Anyone can practice it - even boys, which pleased me immensely because I was worried about the cover quote excluding males from covens (the character was writing from a Dianic perspective, before changing to a more eclectic tradition). The rituals are meaningful, well-written, practical, and realistic. Serious time is given to religious-discrimination, how to avoid it, and what to do when faced with it. All of this is done within the confines of an interesting and well-written plot, and never comes off as preachy or out of character.
A great deal of emphasis is made on finding and making friends in unlikely places, being accepting of other people, traditions, and cultures, and on the importance of personal growth. Through all this, the narrative voice really sounds like a young adult and will make you laugh out loud at parts; I'm impressed because that's such a difficult thing for adult authors to pull off sometimes. I really enjoyed this book, which is saying something because I started off expecting (fearing?) another trite, warmed-over, "magic" novel; instead I found a novel that was well-written, deeply insightful, and astonishingly respectful of the beliefs of many practitioners of the Craft.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
There's so many Young Adult targeted novels out there dealing with magic and Wicca and witchcraft that it's difficult to swing a crystal in a bookstore without hitting one, but "Majix" is a good example of the genre done well, and I think that any pro-witchcraft family would be pleased to add this book to a daughter's book collection.
There's so much about this story to like that I'm not sure where to start. The plot is fun, if not terribly original - the main character has recently moved to a new school and is having problems adjusting and fitting in. Yet what I like so much about "Majix" is that magic is not some "magic bullet" that solves all her problems. Kestrel's aunt is a practicing witch - and appears to be part of the Dianic tradition - who emphasizes the importance of being calm, collected, and moving with the flow of the universe, and acting as a quiet influence instead of an overt controller.
I'm tempted to say that this is the first YA magic book that really gets it "right". In "Majix", magic isn't something flashy that instantly grants your wishes (or backfires horribly). It's not a superpower that you're born with. Anyone can practice it - even boys, which pleased me immensely because I was worried about the cover quote excluding males from covens (the character was writing from a Dianic perspective, before changing to a more eclectic tradition). The rituals are meaningful, well-written, practical, and realistic. Serious time is given to religious-discrimination, how to avoid it, and what to do when faced with it. All of this is done within the confines of an interesting and well-written plot, and never comes off as preachy or out of character.
A great deal of emphasis is made on finding and making friends in unlikely places, being accepting of other people, traditions, and cultures, and on the importance of personal growth. Through all this, the narrative voice really sounds like a young adult and will make you laugh out loud at parts; I'm impressed because that's such a difficult thing for adult authors to pull off sometimes. I really enjoyed this book, which is saying something because I started off expecting (fearing?) another trite, warmed-over, "magic" novel; instead I found a novel that was well-written, deeply insightful, and astonishingly respectful of the beliefs of many practitioners of the Craft.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
July 12, 2010
This is a book about finding yourself. Kestral is an abnormal girl. She never quite fits in. She befriends a girl who is a witch and becomes one also. During this time, Kestral aka Susan, causes a lot of grief for her parents. Her dad especially. Her dad doesn't understand her. Instead of understand her, he get angry with her and she just pushes back. One day her dad yelled her to get off the roof. She makes a smart remark, making her father go up the tree to get her. As he does, he has an heart attack, falling off.
This leads to Kestral being sent away and facing a whole new set of problems at a new school.
This did distrub me a bit. It seems like Kestral needs some guidance. As Kestral spoke about her parents, her parents weren't really there. Her mother was a stay at home wife, who did nothing but shop. Her father was a computer geek who stayed for hours in front of the computer for hours doing work. So for them to send her away so he could get better, upset me. They rather take care of themselves then take care of their daughter who obviously needs attention.
She moves in with her aunt who also practice's witchcraft. Now her Aunt was a little more attentive to her then her parents were, which made me happy. I was glad there was someone there for her. There is a lot of teen angst in this book. Kestral nicknames her parents, BD- Big Daddy, MA- Mommy Angel, or for both The RENTZ. There is a lot of pop culture reference as well as slang in this book.
Douglas Rees wrote a good book. It was not what I thought it was. I thought she was a real witch. Like more in her own paranormal world. Not some human pretending to be one. I expected a little more from such an anticipated book. Kestral was a good character and indeed give me a good laugh or too. This book had some drug use, curse words, etc.
This leads to Kestral being sent away and facing a whole new set of problems at a new school.
This did distrub me a bit. It seems like Kestral needs some guidance. As Kestral spoke about her parents, her parents weren't really there. Her mother was a stay at home wife, who did nothing but shop. Her father was a computer geek who stayed for hours in front of the computer for hours doing work. So for them to send her away so he could get better, upset me. They rather take care of themselves then take care of their daughter who obviously needs attention.
She moves in with her aunt who also practice's witchcraft. Now her Aunt was a little more attentive to her then her parents were, which made me happy. I was glad there was someone there for her. There is a lot of teen angst in this book. Kestral nicknames her parents, BD- Big Daddy, MA- Mommy Angel, or for both The RENTZ. There is a lot of pop culture reference as well as slang in this book.
Douglas Rees wrote a good book. It was not what I thought it was. I thought she was a real witch. Like more in her own paranormal world. Not some human pretending to be one. I expected a little more from such an anticipated book. Kestral was a good character and indeed give me a good laugh or too. This book had some drug use, curse words, etc.
June 7, 2010
The first thing I liked about the book was Kestrel's voice. Here's a quote from Douglas' website:
My name is Kestrel Murphy.
Never call me Susan.
I mean, who ever heard of a witch named Susan?
Which is what I am. WITCH is what I am. I do majick, which is what a witch does. A year ago, I was on the white side.
Lately, I've been leaning toward the black...
How can you not love a girl who is so very in touch with her true self? Kestrel comes across as a very real teenager who is struggling with her father's illness and his general pulling away from her. In order to limit her father's stress levels and help with his recovery, she is sent to live with her Aunt Ariel in the remote town of Jurupa. This comes at a time when she's just beginning to explore her magical gift. Fortunately for Kestrel, Ariel's a practicing witch. Unfortunately for Kestrel, she has to enroll in a new high school and face the prejudices of being someone who is "different" from the others.
The book covers a common theme in YA fantasy: new girl moves to a remote town and her magic causes trouble. But what's different about Majix is that the reader is never sure if this is a real gift or just something that is purely coincidence. The secondary characters are particularly interesting. Her magical Aunt Ariel and Kestrel's unlikely friends, Jose and Laura, make every scene more believable.
If you're looking for a fun summer read to pack in your beach bag, pick up Majix. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kestrel's adventures in her new town, her developing relationship with her Aunt Ariel and an ending that left me with closure.
My name is Kestrel Murphy.
Never call me Susan.
I mean, who ever heard of a witch named Susan?
Which is what I am. WITCH is what I am. I do majick, which is what a witch does. A year ago, I was on the white side.
Lately, I've been leaning toward the black...
How can you not love a girl who is so very in touch with her true self? Kestrel comes across as a very real teenager who is struggling with her father's illness and his general pulling away from her. In order to limit her father's stress levels and help with his recovery, she is sent to live with her Aunt Ariel in the remote town of Jurupa. This comes at a time when she's just beginning to explore her magical gift. Fortunately for Kestrel, Ariel's a practicing witch. Unfortunately for Kestrel, she has to enroll in a new high school and face the prejudices of being someone who is "different" from the others.
The book covers a common theme in YA fantasy: new girl moves to a remote town and her magic causes trouble. But what's different about Majix is that the reader is never sure if this is a real gift or just something that is purely coincidence. The secondary characters are particularly interesting. Her magical Aunt Ariel and Kestrel's unlikely friends, Jose and Laura, make every scene more believable.
If you're looking for a fun summer read to pack in your beach bag, pick up Majix. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kestrel's adventures in her new town, her developing relationship with her Aunt Ariel and an ending that left me with closure.
July 23, 2010
Kestrel, Don’t Call Me Susan, Murphy is a young witch in training. When her dad has a heart attack, she and her majix (her own form of magic) are shipped to her Aunt Ariel’s house. Kestrel has drama from the get-go in her new town. she won’t wear the new uniform, khaki’s and a white top. Instead she continues to wear her uniform, black, black, black.
Her goals while at Ariel’s, who is also a witch, are to start a coven and find a familiar. Little does she know that she not only will enhance her powers in her new life, she’ll also add to her coven and make some good friends
From the beginning of the book, I really liked Kestrel, Susan, whatever you want to call her. She was funny, witty and stood up for what she believed in. I felt bad for her when she was uprooted and when she talked to her parents, it just wasn’t the family life I grew up with. Her parents learn to be loving, but it’s a near death experience. I found myself sad for Kestrel many times throughout the book.
I thought the book was set up very creatively. As the title says, along with little stories on Kestrel’s life and how she got where she is now, it’s notes from her life, starting with witchdom (I think I just made that word up).
While I have read some YA books that I definitely wouldn’t wanting a teenage daughter of mine reading, this is one that I would feel comfortable with. I feel like although this girl believes in the craft, she has normal teen relationships. Not ones that end because you murder your friend. I know this happens, but I still try to think it doesn’t.
This was a cute book and I give it 4 bookmarks.
Her goals while at Ariel’s, who is also a witch, are to start a coven and find a familiar. Little does she know that she not only will enhance her powers in her new life, she’ll also add to her coven and make some good friends
From the beginning of the book, I really liked Kestrel, Susan, whatever you want to call her. She was funny, witty and stood up for what she believed in. I felt bad for her when she was uprooted and when she talked to her parents, it just wasn’t the family life I grew up with. Her parents learn to be loving, but it’s a near death experience. I found myself sad for Kestrel many times throughout the book.
I thought the book was set up very creatively. As the title says, along with little stories on Kestrel’s life and how she got where she is now, it’s notes from her life, starting with witchdom (I think I just made that word up).
While I have read some YA books that I definitely wouldn’t wanting a teenage daughter of mine reading, this is one that I would feel comfortable with. I feel like although this girl believes in the craft, she has normal teen relationships. Not ones that end because you murder your friend. I know this happens, but I still try to think it doesn’t.
This was a cute book and I give it 4 bookmarks.
August 13, 2010
Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch is a unique awesome coming of age novel. It's charming, cute, and captivating. I loved this book and the message it sent:"Health, Money, love and time to enjoy them." Douglas Rees writing put a smile on my face and reminded me of all the things I'm thankful for! It is one of my favorites.
We meet 14 year old Susan Murphy aka Kestrel. Whose trying to learn her powers and the ways of the universe. The universe hasn't been on her side lately. But it's not to late to change things. On Kestrels journey when everything start to seems horrible, things start to turn around she meets the artistic Jose and loyal friend Lauren. who are great characters and they definitely complement Kestrel.Kestrels voice will speak to a lot of teens, she's not afraid to be different, she speaks her mind. But a lot those awesome things about her wasn't exactly used for good.We all make mistakes but its up to us on how we deal with it.
Through the tough journey of hater Mr.principal "Garbage", Blake Clump, and the mean girls Kestrel finds friends and romance. This book is light, an entertaining read with a happily ever after ending.
We meet 14 year old Susan Murphy aka Kestrel. Whose trying to learn her powers and the ways of the universe. The universe hasn't been on her side lately. But it's not to late to change things. On Kestrels journey when everything start to seems horrible, things start to turn around she meets the artistic Jose and loyal friend Lauren. who are great characters and they definitely complement Kestrel.Kestrels voice will speak to a lot of teens, she's not afraid to be different, she speaks her mind. But a lot those awesome things about her wasn't exactly used for good.We all make mistakes but its up to us on how we deal with it.
Through the tough journey of hater Mr.principal "Garbage", Blake Clump, and the mean girls Kestrel finds friends and romance. This book is light, an entertaining read with a happily ever after ending.
August 9, 2010
This was a very charming story for the most part. Kestral's father has a massive heart attack and he feels that he needs peace and quiet to recover. This means that Kestral has to go live with her father's sister. The same sister that her father doesn't even really like. That was very strange to me, as a parent I would never send my kids off to someone I didn't like or respect. Especially since Aunt Ariel is a witch and Kestral's father doesn't believe in witches or witch craft, only science. Being sent away makes Kestral pretty angry with her parents, which I totally understand. Kestral is sure that she will hate living with her Aunt and at first she does. However Aunt Ariel is an amazing woman and witch, and teaches Kestral that being a witch doesn't necessarily mean what everyone thinks it means. I loved the characters in this book. Jose and his family are so cool and I love how close they all are. Aunt Ariel is exactly what an aunt should be. I loved the whole law of attraction feel of this story as well. A very feel good book.
June 20, 2017
I loved this one. When I talk about how voice can suck you in and get you to keep turning the pages, this is what I'm talking about. Kestrel rings true as the frustrated/snarky teen, the outsider who has to try to make her own way. And that's a good thing--her sharp outlook and unusual, informal way of telling the story kept me reading not just to find out what happened next, but how Kestrel would react to what happened next. She had her own slang and shorthand, which I mostly didn't recognize as being that of a particular generation, but instead came across as authentic for this character in this story. That's ideal, in my opinion, if you're writing non-historical YA and don't want it to quickly become dated. I'd recommend MAJIX both to readers who want a fun story and to aspiring YA authors who might be having a little trouble conveying an authentic teen on the page. Study Douglas Rees. He does it well.
October 28, 2010
(4.5) Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch is charming in both senses of the word. Told from the point-of-view of a fourteen-year-old Wiccan, Majix is a funny and heartwarming story about family, friends, and finding oneself. It isn’t quite a fantasy novel, though there’s arguably a little magical realism in it. For the most part, the “magic” is really psychology. I think believers and skeptics could enjoy this book equally.
It’s a little annoying at first. Kestrel “never call me Susan” Murphy comes off as something of a brat, and it takes a while to get used to her slangy narration. Meanwhile, her workaholic father and shopaholic mother are hardly candidates for Parents of the Year. When a row between Kestrel and her father results in dad having a heart attack, Kestrel is sent away to live in the town of Jurupa with her eccentric Aunt Ariel.
Aunt Ariel, who is also a witch, is a great role model for Kestrel, but it takes Kestrel a while to see past Ariel’s weight, white-light attitude, and offbeat fashion sense. Then there’s Kestrel’s new school, which is even less promising: Richard Milhous Nixon Union High, home of the Fighting Orthogonians and a hilarious school song. There, Kestrel encounters bullies, Mean Girls, a tyrannical principal – and maybe a few new friends.
Kestrel starts a journal (a.k.a. the novel), which she intends as a record of her magical progress. Instead, it becomes more of a diary about her life as she finds her footing in Jurupa. For the most part, it’s told in ordinary narrative, but Kestrel occasionally transcribes conversations in script format or breaks into the story with a list, such as “MAGICK I TRIED THAT DIDN’T WORK” or “HERE IS WHAT THERE IS ABOUT HOSPITALS THAT MAKES THEM HOSPITALS.” I thought I’d find this irritating, but instead it worked just fine and added to the “journal” feel.
Douglas Rees does a terrific job with Kestrel’s voice. Who’d have thought a sixtyish male author could conjure up a 14-year-old girl’s voice so well? Maybe he has some “majix” of his own…
Kestrel’s journey is compelling, and her character will be relatable to young adults who feel like they don’t quite fit in — and not-so-young adults who once felt that way. But this is far from an angstfest. Rees peppers Majix with plenty of humor (the chapter “Sticks” is coffee-through-the-nose funny) and moments of beauty.
If there’s anything about Majix that I’d complain about, it’s that some of the outcomes for Kestrel and her friends are almost too sunny to be believed. This is, however, a small quibble. After all, there are far worse things than spending a few hours in a world where underdogs can triumph by doing the right thing and being true to themselves.
Review originally published at Fantasy Literature
It’s a little annoying at first. Kestrel “never call me Susan” Murphy comes off as something of a brat, and it takes a while to get used to her slangy narration. Meanwhile, her workaholic father and shopaholic mother are hardly candidates for Parents of the Year. When a row between Kestrel and her father results in dad having a heart attack, Kestrel is sent away to live in the town of Jurupa with her eccentric Aunt Ariel.
Aunt Ariel, who is also a witch, is a great role model for Kestrel, but it takes Kestrel a while to see past Ariel’s weight, white-light attitude, and offbeat fashion sense. Then there’s Kestrel’s new school, which is even less promising: Richard Milhous Nixon Union High, home of the Fighting Orthogonians and a hilarious school song. There, Kestrel encounters bullies, Mean Girls, a tyrannical principal – and maybe a few new friends.
Kestrel starts a journal (a.k.a. the novel), which she intends as a record of her magical progress. Instead, it becomes more of a diary about her life as she finds her footing in Jurupa. For the most part, it’s told in ordinary narrative, but Kestrel occasionally transcribes conversations in script format or breaks into the story with a list, such as “MAGICK I TRIED THAT DIDN’T WORK” or “HERE IS WHAT THERE IS ABOUT HOSPITALS THAT MAKES THEM HOSPITALS.” I thought I’d find this irritating, but instead it worked just fine and added to the “journal” feel.
Douglas Rees does a terrific job with Kestrel’s voice. Who’d have thought a sixtyish male author could conjure up a 14-year-old girl’s voice so well? Maybe he has some “majix” of his own…
Kestrel’s journey is compelling, and her character will be relatable to young adults who feel like they don’t quite fit in — and not-so-young adults who once felt that way. But this is far from an angstfest. Rees peppers Majix with plenty of humor (the chapter “Sticks” is coffee-through-the-nose funny) and moments of beauty.
If there’s anything about Majix that I’d complain about, it’s that some of the outcomes for Kestrel and her friends are almost too sunny to be believed. This is, however, a small quibble. After all, there are far worse things than spending a few hours in a world where underdogs can triumph by doing the right thing and being true to themselves.
Review originally published at Fantasy Literature
November 18, 2010
Going into this book I knew that Kestrel (a.k.a Susan) would be one of those characters that tends to see the negative side of things, and therefore ends up sounding whiny. The synopsis showed me this before I even had a chance to open the book. Let it be known that this generally puts me off a book. I know it's awful, but I often can't find the power to see from that person's point of view. In this case, however, I decided to go ahead and give Kestrel a chance. I reminded myself that often when a book starts out this way there tends to be an ending where the character grows and learns.
Lo and behold, I was right! Although I won't spoil the ending for anyone who has this book on their TBR list, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with it. Once I was able to get past Kestrel's rather bleak outlook on things the book really picked up. Kestrel learns quickly that her negativity won't solve anything in her life. The reader also gets to see more into her past and why she feels the way she does now. Within the pages are lessons about life, about optimism, and about the simple adage that you "reap what you sow".
The characters in this book didn't necessarily fall flat for me, but they didn't really allow me to become invested in them either. I did enjoy reading from Kestrel's point of view after a while, especially once I saw what a wit she actually had. However the other characters were just in existence to revolve around Kestrel. I thought of it as a painting, where everyone else was flattened into the background and Kestrel was the only item in the foreground. Even though they were a central part of her life in Jurupa, there wasn't really too much revealed about Laura, Jose and Blake. I'm sure the length of the story probably contributed to this fact, but it made the reading difficult for me. I am the type of reader that needs to be invested in my characters.
In the end, I did enjoy Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch enough to finish it and actually ended up teary eyed at the ending. The biggest struggle was definitely learning to look at things from Kestrel's point of view. It is a quick read, and I would definitely recommend it as a library book!
Lo and behold, I was right! Although I won't spoil the ending for anyone who has this book on their TBR list, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with it. Once I was able to get past Kestrel's rather bleak outlook on things the book really picked up. Kestrel learns quickly that her negativity won't solve anything in her life. The reader also gets to see more into her past and why she feels the way she does now. Within the pages are lessons about life, about optimism, and about the simple adage that you "reap what you sow".
The characters in this book didn't necessarily fall flat for me, but they didn't really allow me to become invested in them either. I did enjoy reading from Kestrel's point of view after a while, especially once I saw what a wit she actually had. However the other characters were just in existence to revolve around Kestrel. I thought of it as a painting, where everyone else was flattened into the background and Kestrel was the only item in the foreground. Even though they were a central part of her life in Jurupa, there wasn't really too much revealed about Laura, Jose and Blake. I'm sure the length of the story probably contributed to this fact, but it made the reading difficult for me. I am the type of reader that needs to be invested in my characters.
In the end, I did enjoy Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch enough to finish it and actually ended up teary eyed at the ending. The biggest struggle was definitely learning to look at things from Kestrel's point of view. It is a quick read, and I would definitely recommend it as a library book!
September 25, 2010
I must admit that I felt a bit fooled by the summary of this book, I thought this was a story about a teenage witch when really it isn't, at lest not the paranormal kind like I expected. There is some magic here but the kind of magic that's Kestrel stopping to listen to the universe, finding out what it wants her to do.
This is a author Douglas Rees has created a good story about coming to age with a witty main character. This is also a novel who reminds you to try to see people for who they really are behind their outer and protective shell, I liked that. Young people behaving badly has isn't necessary bad people but quite often they have problems but no one to turn to for help.
Kestrel, her mum and her dad loved each other but they were an dysfunctional family, the parents were never there for Kestrel. It was quite the change for Kestrel moving to her aunt Ariel, Ariel supported and guided Kestrel in the right direction whenever Kestrel needed her.
The entire story is written like a book in a book, Kestrel is writing a book about magic(or Majix as she calls it) for the coming generations - it's kind of a diary. I think the book would have worked out just fine with Kestrel just telling the story from her point of view without the "I write a book" part, it's getting a bit old because it is mentioned quite a few times.
Kestrel finally gains some new friends, well written supporting characters which I come to love. I would have liked to know each and everyone of them a bit better, but perhaps Rees will explores this characters further in another novel? If that happens I would love to read more about Kestrel, her family and friends.
The cover:
I think the cover is awesome, I love the afternoon sun shining through the trees and the crows flying in the background.
This is a author Douglas Rees has created a good story about coming to age with a witty main character. This is also a novel who reminds you to try to see people for who they really are behind their outer and protective shell, I liked that. Young people behaving badly has isn't necessary bad people but quite often they have problems but no one to turn to for help.
Kestrel, her mum and her dad loved each other but they were an dysfunctional family, the parents were never there for Kestrel. It was quite the change for Kestrel moving to her aunt Ariel, Ariel supported and guided Kestrel in the right direction whenever Kestrel needed her.
The entire story is written like a book in a book, Kestrel is writing a book about magic(or Majix as she calls it) for the coming generations - it's kind of a diary. I think the book would have worked out just fine with Kestrel just telling the story from her point of view without the "I write a book" part, it's getting a bit old because it is mentioned quite a few times.
Kestrel finally gains some new friends, well written supporting characters which I come to love. I would have liked to know each and everyone of them a bit better, but perhaps Rees will explores this characters further in another novel? If that happens I would love to read more about Kestrel, her family and friends.
The cover:
I think the cover is awesome, I love the afternoon sun shining through the trees and the crows flying in the background.
January 27, 2011
I was very excited for this one when I read the description it totally reeled me in. I really like the cover as well. The problem is that the book is very different then what I expected. I thought this book was Young Adult novel, but I find its more Middle Grade. When I read the description I perceived this book was about paranormal witches from the description. The truth is this book is more about Witchcraft and Wiccan type magic. Don't get me wrong there are things I liked. I liked the fact that Rees added this touch of witchcraft to Kestrel (Susan) personal problems. I liked how the main plot about Kestrels father and her moving in with her aunt and all the personal problems she is dealing with. I have a friend who was also put through a situation very similar situation to this one. My friend was a bit younger when she was moved in with her Godmother, but she too reacted the same as Kestrel did all the anger she had towards her parent had realistic aspects. So I liked how Rees was able to describe this situation, and get us to feel how mad Kestrel was about that decision. I do find she does get annoying in the novel especially about her and this book about her, but I have never been in her situation to know how to react. I would say my Favorite Characters of this book is Kestrels aunt Ariel. Ariel helps Kestrel develop and even grow in this book. I really did enjoy the the supporting Characters. Overall this was a quick read. Would I read a second in this series... Maybe. Just a heads up again this is more of a middle grade novel as well this is not a paranormal fiction. I would say give it a try. You never know.
P.S. I know short review sorry. I didn't want to spoil. If you have read this book please feel free let me know what you thought and even leave a link to your review. I would love to see your opinion on this book.
P.S. I know short review sorry. I didn't want to spoil. If you have read this book please feel free let me know what you thought and even leave a link to your review. I would love to see your opinion on this book.
March 25, 2015
This is one of those books that you want to give up on early on, but trust me - it gets better. I wanted to stop sooo badly because of how whiny Kestrel was. To be fair, I'd be pretty upset if my parents asked me to leave, too (her dad has health problems, and they ask her to stay elsewhere so he can avoid stress). She hates everyone and everything. It doesn't help that being a witch leads to persecution from...pretty much everyone, actually. However, a few people start to show her some kindness. Instead of staying wrapped in her own world and pity party, she starts branching out. Instead of being sad about not being in a coven, she asks others if they'd like to form one with her. It may not be a conventional coven, but not much in Raven's life can be described as conventional. The book begins picking up maybe 40% of the way through? Check the spoiler below if you want more info (I'm not sure how spoilery it is, but being careful)
While it's not exactly a novel that'll become a classic, it's still an enjoyable read. Magic, family drama, high school drama. If you're not sure what you want to read next, I'd say give this a try. But if you have something on your TBR, that might be a better option. And I say that solely from the character's whining, because if you just want to enjoy a read, it's a little tough when page after page after page is filled with teenage angst. But I did enjoy it by the end and was wanting to read more, hence the 4 stars. If not for that, I'd have given it 3. Any book that makes me want to read more right at that second is pretty alright in my book :)
While it's not exactly a novel that'll become a classic, it's still an enjoyable read. Magic, family drama, high school drama. If you're not sure what you want to read next, I'd say give this a try. But if you have something on your TBR, that might be a better option. And I say that solely from the character's whining, because if you just want to enjoy a read, it's a little tough when page after page after page is filled with teenage angst. But I did enjoy it by the end and was wanting to read more, hence the 4 stars. If not for that, I'd have given it 3. Any book that makes me want to read more right at that second is pretty alright in my book :)
November 13, 2010
Kestrel (actually Susan, but she didn't like that it meant "lily" and so changed it) is in Jurupa, California living with her Aunt Ariel, a hippy-dippy white witch after she is sent away because her father needs time to recover from a heart attack.
In Jurupa, Kestrel, black-wearing and a huge chip on her shoulder, immedaitely attracts the wrong kind of attention from the Richard Milhouse Nixon High School's in crowd.
Hazing and Bullying ensue. While Kestrel started out as a white witch, she is now tempted to ask the universe for bad things to happen to her enemies.
But when she follows Ariel's advice by looking underneath the bad behaviors for deeper motives, she finds the universe itself is there waiting to bring her friends: Jose, a tactiturn incredible artist, Laura a friend interested in witchcraft, and Blake Crump, bully-turned-protector.
Kestrel's voice is fun and engaging, her problems cringe-worthy, and her slow gathering of friends truly wholesome and psychology-wise new agey good.
However, I wasn't completely satisfied by the all story threads tied up neatly in a perfect package ending. I felt the happy ending didn't quite do justice to the unfair and difficult relationship she had with her parents, or the wonderful and romantic relationship her Aunt develops with her friend Jose's older brother.
In otherwords, the ending was rushed and I wanted all these wonderful characters to have time to play out their stories.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Bread and Butter Pickles for the compulsive fun of reading the story, but for feeling a little bit like something wasn't quite satisfied by the ending.
In Jurupa, Kestrel, black-wearing and a huge chip on her shoulder, immedaitely attracts the wrong kind of attention from the Richard Milhouse Nixon High School's in crowd.
Hazing and Bullying ensue. While Kestrel started out as a white witch, she is now tempted to ask the universe for bad things to happen to her enemies.
But when she follows Ariel's advice by looking underneath the bad behaviors for deeper motives, she finds the universe itself is there waiting to bring her friends: Jose, a tactiturn incredible artist, Laura a friend interested in witchcraft, and Blake Crump, bully-turned-protector.
Kestrel's voice is fun and engaging, her problems cringe-worthy, and her slow gathering of friends truly wholesome and psychology-wise new agey good.
However, I wasn't completely satisfied by the all story threads tied up neatly in a perfect package ending. I felt the happy ending didn't quite do justice to the unfair and difficult relationship she had with her parents, or the wonderful and romantic relationship her Aunt develops with her friend Jose's older brother.
In otherwords, the ending was rushed and I wanted all these wonderful characters to have time to play out their stories.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Bread and Butter Pickles for the compulsive fun of reading the story, but for feeling a little bit like something wasn't quite satisfied by the ending.
May 31, 2010
Majix is an interesting read, it more of a younger YA related book but for someone that doesn't read Middle Level books (I don't know what to classify it as), I liked it. Mr. Rees did a great job with his characters, and I'm thinking there might or might not be a sequel just because the way it ended. Kestrel the main character was funny, and being a shorter book it kept your attention, plus the writing was simplistic and easily read.
Kestrel claims to be a teen witch and with no coven in her new town or other teen witches, she either has to find some people interested in magic or live out her life with no coven. And with her Aunt Ariel the white witch, having her own coven there's really no hope. Until she meets Jose and Laura who soon become her friends. While Blake Cump is a trouble maker at Kestrel's new school and at points of the book is trying to get Kestrel out of his school. And one might just be Kestrel's crush too. Kestrel is an interesting soul and one that is unique to her own heart. With her friends Kestrel takes on life, and her horrible school. While also dealing with her parents, who were the force in sending her to Aunt Ariel.
This book was interesting, and Douglas Rees does a funny job with the characters in his book Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch. Overall the book was an easy read, and since I personally love reading witch stories well it gave me a different view of the world of witches. Majix was released July 1st.
Kestrel claims to be a teen witch and with no coven in her new town or other teen witches, she either has to find some people interested in magic or live out her life with no coven. And with her Aunt Ariel the white witch, having her own coven there's really no hope. Until she meets Jose and Laura who soon become her friends. While Blake Cump is a trouble maker at Kestrel's new school and at points of the book is trying to get Kestrel out of his school. And one might just be Kestrel's crush too. Kestrel is an interesting soul and one that is unique to her own heart. With her friends Kestrel takes on life, and her horrible school. While also dealing with her parents, who were the force in sending her to Aunt Ariel.
This book was interesting, and Douglas Rees does a funny job with the characters in his book Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch. Overall the book was an easy read, and since I personally love reading witch stories well it gave me a different view of the world of witches. Majix was released July 1st.
May 27, 2010
Majix is the engaging journey of a teen girl. She's being forced out of her home and into the home of an aunt she never met before. She's angry and frustrated, and tries to use her magic to get revenge. But through-out her journey in this new city, she will soon discover that the universe has another plan in mind. This was a fun light-hearted tale, that will teach Kestrel that the universe really does have her best interests at heart, and that even the most unexpected people can end up doing a lot of good for your life.
This book was definitely written for a younger target audience, but I still really enjoyed going back to those awkward days of high school, and I can't help but wish that I had an awesome aunt like hers to help me along the way. There really was some great characters in this book. There was fun references to the occult, other religions, and other's practices, but all handled tastefully.
There was times the book seemed a little bland to me, but I was still engaged with what was happening to the characters, and it all came together well in the end. It was a quick read that would be fun for middle school aged children to dive into.
This book was definitely written for a younger target audience, but I still really enjoyed going back to those awkward days of high school, and I can't help but wish that I had an awesome aunt like hers to help me along the way. There really was some great characters in this book. There was fun references to the occult, other religions, and other's practices, but all handled tastefully.
There was times the book seemed a little bland to me, but I was still engaged with what was happening to the characters, and it all came together well in the end. It was a quick read that would be fun for middle school aged children to dive into.
June 26, 2010
This book is aimed at the young adult crowd, but it seems more fitting to aim it towards grade school age children. The writing was so cutesy-cute it was annoying. Having a middle school child myself, I’ve never heard any of the kids talk the way our “serious teen witch” spoke. There was nothing to care about with such a smart-aleck teenager leading us through the book. There is no real story to root for either and certainly nothing serious about the book.
Instead of using descriptive wording, the author resulted in using a play format for many conversations, leaving no emotion to be had. There is no actual magic or witchery going on in the book, but the lead character and her aunt are witches by religion, kind of, as it isn’t very accurate. The only positive to this book is that it was a short read.
Instead of using descriptive wording, the author resulted in using a play format for many conversations, leaving no emotion to be had. There is no actual magic or witchery going on in the book, but the lead character and her aunt are witches by religion, kind of, as it isn’t very accurate. The only positive to this book is that it was a short read.
October 28, 2010
This is VERY refreshing: a book about a Wiccan teenager that is honest, realistic, and only supernatural in a way that any book about spirituality is. And that's what this is -- a book about spirituality, about discovering what you believe and finding people who can help you find your path, about coming up against people who think you're wrong and try to convince you to believe what THEY believe.
This is also a book about being a teenager, feeling like an outcast, moving to a new home, loving and hating your family at the same time.
This isn't a book for someone who's looking for the next Twilight. It's really, really not. But it might be the perfect book for a teen exploring a different path, or one who is looking for something that reflects nontraditional religious choices.
Read an ARC through NetGalley -- Thanks, NetGalley and Harlequin!
This is also a book about being a teenager, feeling like an outcast, moving to a new home, loving and hating your family at the same time.
This isn't a book for someone who's looking for the next Twilight. It's really, really not. But it might be the perfect book for a teen exploring a different path, or one who is looking for something that reflects nontraditional religious choices.
Read an ARC through NetGalley -- Thanks, NetGalley and Harlequin!
May 23, 2014
Definitely a book to take a good close look at. Kestrel Murphy is a teenage witch, a 'bad' witch. She's mad at the universe and things aren't going the way she wants, but when there's a family emergency, she finds out it's going to get worse before it starts getting better, and it all depends on her.
Being a teenager is hard enough, it gets even harder when something unique about you comes into the mix of the typical high school dramas. If any of my lil' cousins, nieces or nephews get to acting like Kestrel in the first half of the book, especially if something unique gets thrown into the mix, I hope I notice it and can hand them this book soon enough, cause as long as you stick through the teen drama in the first half, you'll start to see the true colors of Kestrel.
Being a teenager is hard enough, it gets even harder when something unique about you comes into the mix of the typical high school dramas. If any of my lil' cousins, nieces or nephews get to acting like Kestrel in the first half of the book, especially if something unique gets thrown into the mix, I hope I notice it and can hand them this book soon enough, cause as long as you stick through the teen drama in the first half, you'll start to see the true colors of Kestrel.
May 16, 2010
Majix is a fun book aimed at younger readers. The characters are appealing and it is written in a fun way, in the style of Kestrel writing a book about becoming a witch. The story is much more about a young girl dealing with certain issues than actual magic. With an ill father and moving to live with her aunt which means a change of school, Kestrel only has her witchcraft to get her through. Determined not to fit in, Kestrel ends up with a couple of new friends and actually starts to like living in Juropa.
May 20, 2010
Delightfully entertaining young adult novel that tackles some touchy subjects, while still maintaining a light and creatively spun vibe. Majix is perfect for young teens, trying to find themselves, in what can usually be a very tough universe. Witty, snarky and playfully touching, Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch left me feeling a little bit better about the world and wanting to move to a town called Jurupa (which sounds like vomiting).
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July 1, 2011
What first drew me towards this book was the unique cover. When I read the synopsis and found out that this book was about witches, it made me want to read it that much more! I definitely enjoyed this book! It was a quick, easy, and fun read! It drew me in and held my attention until the very end!
November 27, 2018
First of all I had a witch phase in high school which could have made this cringe-worthy. I wasn’t impressed with the title because Majix sounds like those pretentious names teens use to sound different. But I trusted in Douglas Rees and I was not led astray. Even at her whiniest, the main character is likeable. Trust in Douglas Rees and try this book.
June 24, 2010
Delightful, funny, spunky, and full of life.
I enjoyed Majix very much, it's much more like reading a diary than a book, diving into Kestrel's life was fun, she has a strong voice, which I enjoyed.
Wonderful coming of age...
Review to come soon.
I enjoyed Majix very much, it's much more like reading a diary than a book, diving into Kestrel's life was fun, she has a strong voice, which I enjoyed.
Wonderful coming of age...
Review to come soon.
July 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. At the beginning I wasn't real sure I could like Kestral as a character because she seemed so... woe-is-me and this is not far etc etc but once I got into the book a little more I really started liking her.
Great Story. Is there a second one?? lol
Great Story. Is there a second one?? lol
July 21, 2010
Here is my review http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2010...
July 13, 2011
I couldn't get through the first couple of chapters.
November 27, 2010
Great premise, great "voice", gets wearisome quickly.
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January 16, 2011amazing book on i won't ever forget
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