At first I thought I wouldn't care for this book- I generally do not like YA novels at all- but the premise sounded fun so I stuck with it. In short, don't be like me. This was a good book that I looked forward to reading on (every) break. ( )

The Problem with Black Magic (The Familiar Series)
By Karen Mead
Available as an Ebook only
276 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B008EDUPNW
Stars: 4

I received an Ebook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions and words are honestly given and entirely my responsibility.

This book is best defined as a YA Paranormal, with a 16 year old girl, Cassie at the forefront of the action. Cassie is involved in all the ‘normal’ things one would expect of a teenager – she is a good student, works part time at a coffee shop, and has the usual amount of angst about boys, friends and her family. Until she is witness to a stoppage of time that is exactly 17 minutes and 34 seconds, and only she and the people who were present at the coffee shop that day know why.

Cassie is ‘normal’ in every sense of the word, and despises that fact. She always wanted to be special. Be careful what you wish for Cassie: with help from Sam, the barista at the coffee shop, you realize that you are magical, and far more valuable and “special” than you ever considered.

This was an incredibly fun read – I devoured it in one sitting. We meet demons who aren’t always just demonic, people who are more bad than good, and realize with Cassie that nothing is ever just black or white.

So often those of us who read paranormal stories are immersed in only the action of the story – without the conflict of character and morality that must exist. Karen Mead has done a wonderful job of showing the consequences of actions through Cassie’s never ending series of questions to any and all who may answer. We are given plausible reasons, or at least from a human standpoint, as to why having a new and pure ‘font of magic’ is a valuable and coveted treasure, and Cassie often struggles with the wish and desire to be ‘valuable and helpful’ with the sheer terror of the evil that surrounds her.

Characters are quite nicely developed on the whole. I did have issues with Sam’s sarcasm and dour demeanor, but think it is more a protective instinct, as he does warm up and open up slowly. I am sure that while he will never be Byronic and flowery in prose or action, he will develop and grow as the series continues. Cassie’s mother, however, is a fairly nasty piece of work, without great redeeming features and quite flat. Each time she enters the conversation – we already know she will be angry, dictatorial and rather flat. The friendships are believable, and there are gems of conversation that feels very real and current. I can see this book appealing to YA and adults alike, it’s that unique and clever of a take on the “demon, witch, familiar” storyline. As a first offering and the start of a series, it is quite satisfactory – and a great late summer, quick weekend to relax read.
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