Author: Lea Nolan
Genre: YA paranormal fantasy
Published: October 23rd 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Pages: 314
Source: Purchased Paperback
Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Goodreads Summary:
Be careful what you search for…
Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry–hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.
When a strange girl appears, bent on revenge; demon dogs become a threat; and Jack turns into a walking skeleton; Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends–are lost forever.
My Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 stars
My Review:
Conjure wasn’t exactly the page turner I expected from other reviews and cover blurbs, especially at the beginning. It was slow to develop. I was waiting for things to happen, things to be explained. But once everything finally fell together, I was complete captivated by the story.
I have to give the author, Lea Nolan, some extra props. Just reading Conjure reveals how much research she put into the magic of hoodoo. The detail of hoodoo and spells brought realism to the novel. I felt a part of the experience, sitting in the kitchen with Emma and Miss Delia.
And the curses are just so intense! And gross! OMG! Blisters, boils, melting flesh – Ew!
Jack, Emma, and Cooper were also awesome. Individually, I would say Cooper was my favorite. He was just so sweet and gentle. Okay, sometimes he’s a little bit of a wuss, but I still loved him. Jack… Jack was hilarious at times, but there were others where I wanted to slap him upside the head. And as for Emma, I’d have to say she was pretty cool. However, it’s really the team that makes the story. Their friendship gives them strength, and through each other, they learn and grow amazing leaps.
All in all, I can’t wait to read the next book. No! Honestly! I really can’t! Can someone like send me an ARC or something? The one curse I’m waiting to see broken is still hanging in the air, and I dying to know what’s coming next.
Kelsey Ketch 