Review: The White Glove War

Title: The White Glove War 
Series: Magnolia League # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Supernatural
Author: Katie Crouch/Grady Hendrix
Publisher: Poppy Release Date: July 3, 2012 Book: FC sent by publisher

"Every society has its secrets.
The members of Savannah's Magnolia League have it all: money, beauty, power, and love. Some may call them lucky, but we know better. Spells, potions, and conjures are a girl's best friends, and thanks to the Buzzards -- a legendary hoodoo family -- the Magnolias never run out of friends.
Golden girl Hayes Anderson would never dream of leaving the League or Savannah, where there's no problem that can't be fixed with a cup of Swamp Brew tea -- served in a bone china cup, of course -- and no boy who can't be won over with a Conjure Up a New Love spell.
But when danger lurks and family secrets are unearthed, Hayes discovers that her life may not be charmed after all.
Don't miss the second novel in Katie Crouch's enchanting and mysterious Magnolia League series."

Magic. Lies. And heavy burden all laid on one girl. I admit that this book took me by surprise more than what I thought. I was expecting more catty girl drama, not all THIS!

What I enjoyed most about the book is the great plot. Once settled in, Alex falls into her place nicely. She is still trying to solve the mystery of what really happen to her mother as well as play her part. I admit that this girl has her acting on good. She asks right questions. Sneaks around and is doing everything she knows to find the truth. I admire her strength and her ability to go on. There are some major secrets in the end that make your mouth drop. Seriously, I was like," Holy crap, this crazy chick!"

There are point of vie switches between Alex and Hayes. These switches flow nicely between each chapter as well as providing good insight on what both characters are feeling and thinking. Hayes is completely different from Alex. I like that as the reader, you can tell you are in someone else's shoes right away.

The love interest didn't quite go where I expected it but still the friendship that followed is great. I like that despite what happen between them, they were they for each other. I am hoping that more will happen in their relationship as the series progresses.

The White Glove War is much more explosive than the last book.The author presents a great opportunity to  show another side of the Magnolia ladies.  Dark and deceptive, the Magnolias are much scarier and crazier than what you think. The White Glove War is awesome!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Interview with Katie Crouch

Hello! Today I like to welcome Katie Crouch, author of the Magnolia series!!

Where to buy the book:
Amazon | B&N
Where to find the author:
Website | Blog | Twitter

 Why do you write for teens?

I love writing about teenagers, and have in all of my novels. At that time of life, the brain is expanding fourfold every day. Teenagers are especially prone to the first shivers of unrequited love, the despair that follows, and are smart enough to be cynical yet open about it. They hold all the stuff of great stories in their palms, and that does makes the writing process of young adult literature very, very enjoyable.

 How much research goes into your writing?

Research is one of my worst vices. I probably spend as much time researching as I do writing. My rule is that I am not allowed to use the internet. Plane tickets are OK, the web is not. For the Magnolia League I went to Savannah twice, spoke to a Hoodoo specialist, interviewed a bunch of people, and read about twenty books.

 Which characters is easy/hard to write? Why?

The girls  - Alex, Hayes, and Madison - were easy because they all had aspects of my own personality, both as a teen and now. The Grandmothers were also a ton of fun. I let myself get campy with them, but I know a LOT of Southern ladies who sound just like them. Doc Buzzard was tough because he's an old magician and I don't run across many of those in life.

 Can you share a little of what you are working on now?

It's a novel set in Italy about a group of young students abroad who fall into a dark path. I just got back from a second trip for research. Almost done....

 What books do you look forward to reading this fall?

                                                                                                 

I'm always behind on the trends. When I finish this next novel I'll take a month off to read. I plan on spending time with Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, a few Lemony Snickets, Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, which I hear is awesome, and some Flannery O'Connor. Then I'll get back to work. My next book is a ghost story, so I'll start "novel-building reading" with Turn of the Screw.

Thanks so much for the interview Katie!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Magnolia League

Title: The Magnolia League
Series: The Magnolia League # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Supernatural/Fantasy
Author: Katie Crouch
Publisher: Poppy
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Book: Netgalley

"After the death of her free-spirited mother, sixteen-year-old Alex Lee must leave her home in northern California to live with her wealthy grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. By birth, Alex is a rightful, if unwilling, member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's long-standing debutante society. She quickly discovers that the Magnolias have made a pact with a legendary hoodoo family, the Buzzards. The Magnolias enjoy youth, beauty and power. But at what price?

As in her popular adult novels, Crouch's poignant and humorous voice shines in this seductively atmospheric story about girls growing up in a magical Southern city."


What really got me about this book was the plot. I fell into with ease and enjoyed the trickery that The Magonlia League does.  I have to admit that the plot twist is amazing! I would have never thought it be what it be, but I like it a lot.

The main character Alex is like no other. She doesn't fit into the crowd and doesn't do what everyone else does. She follows her own beat. When she first came to Savannah, Georgia, she completely changed their world. I loved that she was so unique and different. It made for a great storyline.

The characters on the other hands were rough and out there. The things the girls did, where, WOAH! I was shocked by some of the things they did and how they did it. I like that the plot had a great twist with the characters. At first you thought since they were minor characters they don't play a big role, but boy did they ever! I knew something was up. The hoodoo, magic stuff was cool. I like the whole idea of it. I am glad to read something that is new in a book.

The ending with the cliffhanger was awesome! I absolutely adored the way is all turn out in the in! I can only wish to know what happens next. This is a really fun book to read that will leave you hanging by all the plot twist!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!