Once a Witch

By: Carolyn MacCullough

Narrated by: Hannah Friedman

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now 17, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

©2009 Carolyn MacCullough (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[MacCullough] has created an enormously sympathetic character in Tamsin, whose itchy relationship with her family will resonate with teens struggling to define themselves. Characters, setting, conflict—all develop nicely to create a light urban fantasy that goes down easy and will have readers asking for its sequel." (Kirkus Reviews)
"With the glut of contemporary romantic supernatural tales, this will be popular, but the action, drama, and great potential for compelling sequels set it apart from the crowd." (Booklist)
"MacCullough's writing is evocative without distracting from her story; readers will identify with Tam's desire to create a space away from parental expectations and take comfort that even extraordinary families make mistakes." (Publishers Weekly)

Pretty fun story, but eh characters

Overall this was an interesting story. I liked the idea of each witch having a "talent" (i.e. special power) and I think Tamsin was a really well done character. MacCullough did a great job with providing depth to Tamsin and really letting the reader understand what she's feeling having grown up with out a talent.

The plot was also really interesting to me. Essentially, Tamsin is searching for an artifact that keeps changing every time she thinks she finds it. She travels through time with a friend of hers, and discovers the truth about who she is. I thoroughly enjoyed that, but also was a little mad at how long it took her to put the pieces together. But I think that's part of why you keep reading, to make sure she gets there eventually.

But here's the thing. I get writing a college-aged guy as one who makes a lot of jokes, and flirts a lot. But the idea that he does it 100% of the time, even when Tamsin's sister is in literal danger just felt like MacCullough has never actually talked to a guy during a real crisis. And just kept taking me out of the story. Like, I have known a lot of bro-y men in my life. But when someone's in danger or afraid, they don't try to flirt in the middle of it.

Overall, I would say if you've been thinking about picking this up, do it. But I do have to admit the ending didn't leave me clamoring for the sequel. I'm not even sure I'll read it. Definitely suggest the audio version though, as I loved the narrator.