Tuesday 17 July 2012

Sweep series by Cate Tiernan

This teen series is 15 books in total, but has been brought out in 5 omnibus editions. I got completely sucked into it. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I love all things witches. Good, bad, ugly, average. You name it, I’ll read it if it’s about witches. And those of you who know me know that I love teen books. Aaaand I’m a huge sap and romantic. Give me a good love story any day!!!
One thing I really loved about this series is the characters. The main character is just a plain Jane girl (hmm...I feel I may be able to relate to her lol) and is a bit shy and unsure. Of course she’s 16, so she’s self-conscious, lacks confidence, and has never had a boyfriend. I love Morgan’s view of Wicca. She sees it as this beautiful, natural thing that is a part of her because she is a blood witch. While I am not Wiccan or religious in any sense, I love her commitment to the craft/religion and how it just feels “right” to her. My FAVOURITE FAVOURITE FAVOURITE         character is...Hunter. O. M. G. I want a Hunter in my life. Good looking, British, smart, driven, British, annoying at times...did I mention British? He is a completely lovable character and he completely made my heart melt. I can count on one hand how many male characters have done this to me. Michelle, don’t say anything lol.
Of course, in these books, there is a fight between good and evil, so all kinds of fun things happen. I love that Morgan has to really work to be “good” and it doesn’t come easily. She makes mistakes, gets involved in some pretty crazy stuff, and has battles within herself as to what she should do and who she will become. You find yourself questioning what the outcome is (although, it usually goes how we all think it will; it’s just how the characters get there we are unsure of.) There are many tough choices to be made and tempting situations.
I’m still not sure how I feel about the last book in this series, book 15. I won’t go into detail, just in case anyone wants to read them, but I have such mixed feelings about it. Tiernan makes a bold move at the beginning of the book and I’m usually okay with these kinds of moves, but I was crushed. Literally. I was so involved in these books, I could literally feel what some of the characters were feeling and I had to put the book down and step away. I even sent Michelle a text saying, “I need a break from my book. My chest is literally aching...” However, all of these things are a sign of a great book/series: loving/hating the author, agreeing/disagreeing with certain choices made, feeling pain and joy along with the characters you have come to know, and wanting to throw the book across the room.  I’ve had this a few times lately with books and it happened again. When I finished this series, I wanted to start it all over again. THAT is how much I loved it.
To learn more about this series, the author, or other books by this author, please check out her website at http://catetiernan.net/