Book of Shadows (Sweep #1)

Title: Book of Shadows
Series: Sweep Series Book 1
Author: Cate Tiernan
Published: 2001
Synopsis from Goodreads

Morgan and her best friend, Bree, are introduced to Wicca when a gorgeous senior named Cal invites them to join his new coven. Morgan falls for Cal immediately and discovers that she has strong, inexplicable powers.

Let me start off by saying that I admit to being a very picky reader. I don't do well with school-settings and when it comes to Magick it's usually very very lame.


And when my bud told me that I should read the SWEEP Series I must admit that I was afraid. What do I do if I don't like it? I mean... it's at this school and told from the pov of a girl who goes to a school and is learninging about Wicca from a new boy in town.


Ummmm.... Is this going to make me roll my eyes?


Well, I took the plunge and ZOMG was it awesome!!


I freaking loved it!


Sure, it took a little getting used to. The girl is super smart in math and I tend to hate that but they don't talk about it much. THere are tons of characters thrown at you but it settles down after a while. ANd yeah, they go to school but that's not the main thing the story revolves around.


What it is about is PAGANISM!!!


OK.... TO me that is what is what the book was about.


Morgan's family is Catholic. She goes to church, says her prayers, minder her parents... you know... good girl stuff.


Then this boy, Cal comes into town. He's not a bad boy but he's super dark and mysterious. And Morgan's BFF Bree is already wanting to call dibs on him.


Cal is a Wiccan. His Mom is a Wiccan. And his Dad was (?) a Wiccan. IT's his religion of choice.


One day the new boy invites some of his new friends to a party. But what he doesn't tell them is he wants to cast a circle to celebrate Mabon and see who is interested in joining a Coven.


This is when Morgan learns that she has an interest in witchcraft.... and maybe a little more.


While there is a bit of SUPERNATURAL jazz to this book I really really can't stress enough how this book would be just perfect for little pagan girls. They talk about very introductory subjects like calling the corners and casting a circle. The importance of purification. Going to your local occult store. Candles, herbs, and nature.


I really dug that.


What I liked even more was the size of this book. It was under 200 pages and I didn't get bored once. While these books are a bit dated I find them perfect (they mention the X-files a couple of times) and I could totally see the WB or FAMILY CHANNEL making a series out of them.


With very little cussing and not much sexual tension I think any 12+ girl who is into witches will really enjoy this series.


I can't wait to leap into the next one!