Charmed Book Reviews

[spiritsas]

I know there are several thread which address the books and there are also the book reviews from the main site. This thread is for each of you to give your own review on any of the books you've read. All I ask is that you be specific in what aspects you liked or didn't.

For example, you may want to address the following characteristics of each book:

1. Was the overall story a good one and why?
2. Were the sisters portrayed well, meaning, did it read like the types of things you could hear them saying while you were reading?
3. Were the demons and other characters well written?
4. Did it come off sounding like it would be a good Charmed episode?
5. Were there any inaccuracies (say, about powers) or other mistakes?

Anything you would like to say about the story or the characters is also fine. These are just suggestions and feel free to discuss other apsects of the book vs. the show.


If you disagree with a posted review, please say why, and not just that they're wrong and you thought the story was "crap".

I'll start it off with the most recent book I've read, High Spirits.

[spiritsas]

High Spirits by Scott Ciencin

Overall I was very disappointed with this story. Ciencin's two past books were pretty good, especially Light of the World, so I was disappointed that this one was not of the same caliber.

The sisters dialogues with each other, the demons, and most of the other characters did not come off sounding like them. It was a constant set of sarcastic quips. These are fine, some of the time, but there was no real serious dialogues. With this constant sarcastic banter going on, it took away from the whole story.

Also, it was confusing at times as to which sister was talking and to whom as it kept jumping around too much.

The storyline itself was a good idea and there were some good subplots, but the subplots rang hollow. Also, the demons sounded very cartoonish and not as complex as his previous novels.

Overall, it did not come off as sounding like it would make a good Charmed episode, perhaps a mediocre one.

I did not notice too many mistakes. Definitely, one where the name of a sister was switched out for another.

Overall, I'd give this book a 6 out of 10.

[vandergraafk]

Well, I've just started this book. I've read the first three chapters. At least, it starts off well. However, does it strike you as very likely that Paige would have known anyone of the calibre of Kevin from her high school days as Ms. Rebel? The Paige we are first presented with is an awkward social worker who doesn't seem to have a whole lot of friends. That's why I had some problem with the premise of the story.

More to follow:

On or about page 62 of High Spirits, the writer refers to Piper's varied experiences as a restauranteur. Unfortunately, how can this be? Her only experience was at Quake where she was hired ostensibly as a chef, but actually became the manager after Chef Moore left.

On page 101, when the sisters meet Emily, the witch who bound Maxwell to his home in order to save his life, the Charmed Ones are overwhelmed by a high-pitched scream like nothing they'd ever heard before. Hmmm. Certainly, Paige never heard Phoebe scream like a banshee, but Piper clearly has. Phoebe, of course, knows how hard such a scream can be on the vocal chords. She admits as much in Something Wiccan (Season 7) when she and Piper are mulling over spells that might be cast to deflect Zankou from his goal of taking in the Nexus. Does the author know much at all about the show, apart from character descriptions?

Well, I've almost finished this book, and I must state that I am positively underwhelmed. First, the Charmed Ones don't really do much in terms of teasing out the problem. Rather, it is pounded into their heads by a very boring and lame exposition by the brother of the deceased Demon of Illusion. Second, what happened to Emily? Talk about a throwaway character. Nearly 100 pages go by after she is introduced and nothing is said about her.

[spiritsas]

Just had a thought: It just dawned on me how similar, in a global way, the relationship Paige has with the character Kevin. It's a lot like the one she had with Josh or whatever his name was (the one who was her on again/off again boyfriend who learns about her magical abilities). So, again, she's thinking to hit it off with him (Kevin) and he's ga ga over another girl.

[vandergraafk]

Glenn, I think you mean Glenn from House Call and Trial by Jury.

[spiritsas]

Yes, Glenn. I just couldn't bring his name to mind. Thanks.

[elenarae]

I am in the middle of reading the same book. Paige is the central Charmed One in this book. Her realtionship with Kevin is almost identical with the one she had with Glenn. I really would like to see more Phoebe and Piper in this book. Leo is just mentioned. I don't feel like they are working as a team as they normally do. The book so far is average. I don't think the writer is a fan of the show.

[spiritsas]

Elenarae: I agree with all you said, though I'm not sure about the fan part. This author has previously written a couple of the books and they were not bad. Not sure that makes him a fan, but it almost seems as if he had a couple of good storylines, but then just "phoned" this one in to the publisher. I too was not very excited about the lack of Leo or the other sisters, though the latter changes a bit. It also reads a lot more disjointed than his other Charmed books. Maybe it was the mood I was in when reading it, but that's how it came across.

The eventual action (fighting) scenes, in the latter half of the book, bring it a little bit to life, but most of the other characters are very two dimensional, as are Piper and Phoebe, in the first half.

I'm hoping Leo Rising, due out soon, will be better. Now that they cut down the production from one every two months to every four, the next book after Leo Rising won't be out until early Jan 08, according to Amazon.com.

[spiritsas]

I just read the review Tim Mcree wrote about this book and obviously I disagree with a capital DIS. Did he read the same book? Sounds like it, but what I thought was a ridiculous amount of sarcastic interaction between the sisters, he felt were good shared moments. For one, the sister's way of handling the initial demon was too "in your face" and they didn't seem to take very seriously what was represented as a very powerful demon. Second, I also disagree about hearing them say the lines in my head. I've read all the books so far and normally I can do that readily enough, throughout the entire book, but not this one. In fact, it was only now and again I could conjure their voices from what I was reading.

I do agree with what he said about the Maxwell character. The idea and the plot twists, although I realized early on that his disappearance was directly related to the other witch in the book. The other demon, looking for revenge, was a good storyline too and he was very powerful. Being in his head, when "listening" to his thoughts, was easier than trying to hear the sister's with the dialogue the author gave them.

Sorry, but I would not give this book a 10 out of 10, as McCree does. Rated against the ones I thought were very good, I'v only give this one a six out of ten, perhaps a seven, due to some of the storylines.

[elenarae]

When I read his review, I didn't agree with it either. So many of the other books were really good. This one was just average.

What I meant by being a fan of the show, the author didn't seem to know the characters enough, the story background enough (especially Paige and Glenn's relationship) to quite capture what I would consider what Piper, Paige or Phoebe would say or how they would react. Even though sometimes on the show, the sisters seemed to go about their own business or agenda, they shared a bond that was evident. I didn't feel like that came through in this book. I also didn't feel like Leo had a lot to do in this book. Very little interaction with him.

[spiritsas]

E-
I think all your points a valid and I agree with them. This was, at best, an average book and very disappointing given the other two Charmed books this author has written. I think you also captured a key point in that the sister's interactions were not typical of what you would expect. At this point in the chronology, Paige has only been a Charmed one for less than two years, as Chris is not on the scene yet. I would expect, despite her growing into the role as well as RM did on the show, that she would still be new or a little fresh to a some of what they go up against. You're also correct in that an on/off boy friend/friend would conjure up some conversation about Glenn, which I noted the similarity to a few posts ago.

This brings me to another point, which is why create this Kevin as a sort of rich version of Glenn? The other concepts in the story, about the demons and the Ghost (Maxwell), are not bad and reasonably original. Kevin could have been so many other things to Paige or at least not have their relationship mimic the one she had with Glenn that closely.

As far as Tim McCree's review, I realize everyone will have their own opinion on each book, but giving it a 10 out 10, while other, far more superior books, are rated less, is just too way off the mark for me. Of course, if I told him this, I'm sure his reply would include a comment like "If you think you can do it better, be my guest". To which I would readily take him up on his offer. I think his past reviews have been far more on the mark than this one, and I've agreed with a lot of what he's said, so I can't see how he can write what he did and come to the conclusion/rating he gave it. Just doesn't make sense to me.

[vandergraafk]

I don't know who Tim McCree is. Nor have I ever read any of his reviews. Is he a shill for the publisher, or is he an independent reviewer? If he is a person pushing published product, then his opinions are about as interesting as those who hawk movies for a living. If not, then I have to wonder what book he read. Average about hits it. This was an average book. At best, it rates a 5 out of 10. Worse, as I've noted above, there are some (minor) problems as they relate to the Charmed Ones' past.

[spiritsas]

V-

You can read his reviews, if you want to, as they are linked off the main page. Let me know if you don't find them. Many have been right on, though I don't always agree with his final rating. This last one just so off the mark, he was practically gushing about the book, that I had to say something, by way of these threads.

[vandergraafk]

Yes, spiritkas, I've seen the blurbs pointing to or touting up his reviews. What I'd rather know is something about him? In this day and age, with so many corporate shills about and outright frauds perpetuated (what was it - lonelygirl on youtube), it is really important to know more about the person making statement x or y. That, of course, is the downside to the internet. There's no filter to screen the wheat from the chaff.

[foxfire]

I've pretty much just finished the Charmed book "Sweet Talkin' Demon" written by Laura J. Burns.

Overall, I'd say it was pretty good. I finished it within a couple of days which I'm unable to do with a lot of books, actually. The story basically follows Phoebe who has fallen for this guy named Daniel. Then, Leo keeps blowing Piper off for their anniversary dinner and finally Paige keeps trying to vanquish the common cold from various members of their family.

The Piper/Leo story was very interesting and was totally something you'd have seen in the show. Although, Leo kept blowing Piper off to go help his charge Kerria. That was very irritating because to me, Piper would have set him straight to begin with (I'd imagine she'd blow him up in the middle of orbing and give him a good yelling at).

Paige's character was extremely well-written. It was very true to her character and very like her to mess with personal gain.

I will say there are a bunch of inaccuracies and slight annoyances in the book. The sisters all act a tad less intelligent than they normally would be. I'm assuming because this is a book, they can't have the plot progess as much as it would in a television show. Furthermore, the author overuses the act of biting ones lip. She writes them doing it often and I can't even remember Piper, Phoebe OR Paige bite their lip on the show. And finally, the author wrote in a new power for Paige... THROWING FIRE BALLS!

Another slight annoyance for me was the time line and the cover of the book. It seems odd that they'd use a season 8 picture for a book written in season 5 of the show (because Chris wasn't born and Wyatt was still a child, I'd assume it was).

[spiritsas]

I liked that one too. It had some interesting twists. Not thrilled with High Spirits, as you may have read, have liked almost all the others. Leo Rising should be out in a few days.

[vandergraafk]

I have even stopped reading High Spirits. That's the first Charmed book I've failed to finish!

[spiritsas]

I got Leo Rising yesterday and have just started reading it, though I haven't gotten very far. First impressions are that it may be a very interesting story. The silent narations of the sister's thoughts are more in line with what you'd expect (vs. High Spirits). However, the timeline has taken a quantum leap from the last few books. Meaning that the books have basically (although there are probably some exceptions) been written in paralell with the Charmed seasons. The last book, which had not introduced Chris as an adult yet, was most likely somewhere in S5, given the past books, Wyatt's approximate age, etc. This book has, in the very first few pages, mentioned both boys and the fact that Leo is a fallen angel. I'm not giving away anything that's not in the first ten pages, but this jumps ahead into S7, post Avatars and pre Zankou. It seems to have skipped right over S6 entirely and more than half of S7.

Otherwise, it's starting out well.

[vandergraafk]

That's encouraging because I finally purchased Date with Death (I still need Gypsy Enchantment). What a great book! It allowed me to stomach the last horrible pages of High Spirits. I'll pick up Leo's Rising tonight.

[spiritsas]

I finished Leo Rising and, overall, it's not bad. I'm a harsher judge than the reviewer that's been published on the main website, so I'll give it a 7.5-8 rating.

First note, again, the time frame is during what would have had to be the second half of season 7, after the Avatars have moved on and some time, but not much, before the last few episodes leading to the vanquishing of Zankou. In doing this, as compared to all the previous books, the time line has skipped over all of season six (and the last parts of season 5), and well into season 7, as noted above.

Here's what I found wrong with it (did not like), first, and it's only a few things. First, early in the book, there is a scene where the author narrates about a table being knocked over, but then, very shortly after it refers to Piper leaning on the table or putting something on it without it ever being put right. Minor error, but noticeable. Second (and note this is a spoiler alert as what I say next gives away a lot of the finale), toward the end, Leo, Piper, and her sisters are orbed back to the manor by Chris, leaving Wyatt (with a failing shield, which he still can create) and Chris to fight off Zankou and his demon minions. Yet they never come back to them to describe how they got away. It was a little disjointed, almost like half a chapter was sliced off to keep the book closer to 200 pages. It also was a lost opportunity to describe a battle between adult Wyatt and Chris with Zankou and fellow demons. Something which would have been enlightening and interesting, to say the least. Lastly, and this also takes place early on (from page 1), TCO are in a battle with what is described as a bunch of lower level demons, who are physically throwing household items at them, instead of knives or fireballs. One last thing is a contrived insert about how a permanent portal to magic school was installed in the manor, to allow Leo to get the boys to safety when demons attack.

The dialog, which is further discussed below, had a lot of typical Charmed Ones quips and snide remarks. Perhaps more than you like to see in what was a very serious set of situations for them. But that's just my opinion.

What was good: The book, written by a three time writer of past Charmed books, did a good job capturing the tone and dialog you'd expect from the characters. It also captured their thoughts well too. There is a lot of narrative, more than what would make a good episode, of what the various characters are thinking, but not voicing out loud. This cut down on the dialog, a lot. However, mostly, it sounded like what you'd expect them to say.

In the early part of the book, I found the "thought" narratives interesting. For example, Piper notices how good Paige has become killing demons, but laments about this skill and how used they've become to killing. Unfortunately, these thoughts about the nature of their lives are short lived.

There was the introduction of a very different but powerful sort of demon, with a strange interest in science or the science of magic. A regular mad scientist whose character and motivations could have been more developed. Instead, he was more of a cliche' and did not develop into something more interesting.

Zankou makes a cameo appearance, toward the end of the book. This is disappointing as I've always felt he was, by far, one of the more interesting demons TCO faced. Wanting them dead but willing to work with them to achieve his goals.

Leo, who for a lot of book, is the central character, is also represented well. As a mortal again, which is he by this time in season 7, he still has a wealth of magical knowledge, which he can use to help TCO. He is also frustrated by not being allowed to help TCO in their battles as he is no longer able to protect himself magically. The author does introduce the idea of another black magic bazaar in a dark and dangerous part of San Francisco, where Leo must go to trade for a piece of Unicorn horn so he can perform a spell. The concept being that Unicorn horn is pure magic and anyone can use it to make a spell work. This may or may not fit well into the Charmedverse, but other non-magical characters managed to interact and even call upon demons during the show's history.

Though, technically, TCO manage to defeat the mad scientist without Leo's help, they do need him (and adult Chris and Wyatt - who he brings back from the future to help him) to escape Zankou.

The experiments the "mad scientist" demon inflicts on TCO is interesting at first, for the psychological effects it has on them, but loses its meaning as he continues the experiments despite already having the "serum" he craved to create. A serum which temporarily suppressed the powers of TCO (for hours) leaving them totally vulnerable to attack.

Still, overall, it was a good read, with a fair amount of action, even if seemed to delete an entire fight scene near the end. It depicted Leo, TCO, and the adult Wyatt and Chris reasonably well, in both dialog and thought narrative. The story was interesting as it did play well into the Charmedverse as a piece of say, unaired history between TCO and Zankou. I say this as the sister, toward the end of Season 7, mention several times how well Zankou knows them. The information gathered by the mad scientist demon plays well into an extension of this storyline.