Prolonging the Magic Scale In a world where technology dominates almost every aspect of our lives, it is easy to lose touch with the magic that surrounds us. The fast-paced nature of society often leaves little room for reflection and appreciation of the wonders that exist in the natural world. However, it is crucial that we take the time to prolong the magic scale in our lives. The magic scale refers to the sense of wonder and enchantment that we experience when we connect with something greater than ourselves. Whether it be the beauty of a sunset, the sound of birdsong, or the feeling of awe when standing in front of a magnificent piece of artwork, these moments of magic have the power to nourish our souls and ignite our creativity. To prolong the magic scale, we must first cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness.
To prolong the magic scale, we must first cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness. By approaching life with a childlike wonder, we allow ourselves to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. This could involve taking a different route to work, exploring a new hobby or interest, or simply taking the time to observe the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
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The Witch's Daughter
by Paula Brackston
Release Date: January 18, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 304
Received: Library
Rating 1 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Page
Some scenes may not be suitable for younger readers. Summary From Goodreads:
In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate: the Warlock Gideon Masters. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers and making her immortal. She couldn’t have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he will be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.
In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life. Her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl named Tegan starts hanging around. Against her instincts, Elizabeth teaches Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories—and demons—long thought forgotten.
Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak of immortality to stay true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.
ReviewI was suckered into this book, despite the negative reviews, because the description sounded interesting and the cover caught my eye. Ugh, I should have listened to the reviews. Or, I wish the reviews had been more detailed as to why people didn’t like the book. I’m going to try to be detailed.
First things first, don’t believe that description. It’s sort of accurate, kinda, but it gave me the complete wrong impression. I was expecting to start out with her mother dead and then follow her as she learned magic from a sexy bad boy warlock. They’d have a falling out of some sort and she would start running and he’d chase her through the centuries. Sounds good, right? Yeah, that’s so not what happens.
It takes forever for her mother to die and then we don’t watch Bess learn anything. All of her magic lessons are disappointingly glossed over. The part before her mother dies isn’t so bad, though it is a lot longer than I was expecting. You learn about Bess and her family living in the dark ages (literally) and dealing with plague and poverty. Ok historical fiction, but nothing that particularly stood out for me. I really tried to work up sympathy for Bess, but I never connected with any of the characters well enough to feel more than an objective recognition of her horrible situation.
The two other historical sections interested me less and had fewer historical details. I don’t really understand why those two parts of her life were highlighted. What was so special about them? The scenes mentioned but never shown sounded more interesting than the ones that were actually described. These flashbacks were all written in the third person. I felt very disconnected to the main character. I think this would have worked better for me if it had been written in the first person.
These historical flashbacks alternate with journal entries written by Bess in modern times. She talks about her growing relationship with Tegan. Tegan annoyed me. She didn’t feel like a genuine teenager. Instead she felt more like an adult’s forced and over the top attempt at sounding like a teenager. I also thought Bess was especially boring and pathetic in these parts. She was like a shadow of a person. All of her talk about not getting close to anyone kind of contradicted all of her flashbacks, too.
Bess was a likable enough character in the beginning. As the story went on though, I found myself getting more and more frustrated with her. She turned into the type of character I spend most of my time screaming at and wishing she’d stop being such an idiot. In the final 100 pages of the book I just wanted Gideon to kill everyone, Bess included.
There was one scene in the final flashback where I said to myself, “If she does X, I swear I’m not going to finish this book.” It was such a stupid thing that was completely unnecessary. Well, she did it, but I did finish the book. I had only about 50 pages more to go. I couldn’t stand not finishing the book after all that, so I skimmed the rest.
And the promised romance? Ugh, no. The warlock is creepy. Not creepy like a good ghost story, but creepy like a rapist. Which is what he is. Bess observes him raping a girl in a crude and unnecessary scene. This should have been a big warning for her, and while she is repulsed, a few chapters later she’s lusting after him herself. Um, yeah, I totally wasn’t getting on board with that.
Then there’s another creepy Satan/demon/ew sex scene that leads to Bess running from Gideon. Ok, so rape didn’t scare her off but demon Satan sex did it? Whatever. Then Bess is raped in a really unnecessary and awkward scene. Did you see anything about this in the blurb? Because I sure didn’t! All of these creepy sex scenes just served to remind me why I prefer reading YA fiction even though I’m no longer a YA myself. Adults look at me strangely for reading “below my age” but, uh, multiple rape scenes and creepy Satan sex? I’ll stick with my YA “eccentricities” thank you very much.
There are more reasons I didn’t like this book, but do you really need any more? I don't like to so thoroughly pan a book, but I think my negative experience here is in large part because this isn't my genre. I prefer young adult books to adult books. I don't mind reading about sex in a book, but the way it was done here isn't my thing. I also think my inaccurate expectations may have affected my enjoyment. There's also a lot of the "rah rah female sisterhood" thing going on here, and I don't tend to like that.
Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key- Library Reading Challenge
The Witch's Daughter
by Paula Brackston
Release Date: January 18, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 304
Received: Library
Rating 1 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Page
Additionally, nurturing our imagination is key to prolonging the magic scale. Imagination allows us to create and dream, unlocking new possibilities and realms of wonder. Engaging in activities that foster creativity, such as writing, painting, or playing a musical instrument, can help to keep our imaginations alive and vibrant. Furthermore, connecting with others who share our appreciation for the magic scale can be a powerful tool. Surrounding ourselves with people who see the world through a similar lens can inspire and uplift us, reminding us of the magic that exists all around us. Lastly, it is vital that we make space in our lives for stillness and solitude. In a world that often demands constant connectivity and stimulation, taking the time to be present with ourselves can be a profound act of self-care. Whether it be through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature, these moments of quiet contemplation can allow us to reconnect with the magic scale and find a sense of peace within. In conclusion, prolonging the magic scale requires a conscious effort to cultivate curiosity, nurture imagination, connect with like-minded individuals, and make space for stillness. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of wonder and enchantment, allowing the magic to permeate every aspect of our lives. So, let us embrace the magic scale and unlock the limitless potential that lies within us..
Reviews for "Christmas All Year Round: Ways to Perpetuate the Joy and Wonder beyond December"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Prolonging the Magic Cale". The plot felt forced and rushed, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The world-building was also lacking; the magical elements were not well-explained, and it felt like the author was making things up as they went along. The writing style itself was also subpar, with many grammatical errors and awkward sentence constructions. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2/5
"Prolonging the Magic Cale" had an intriguing premise, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with lengthy expositions and dull dialogue that made it hard to stay engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The author also introduced too many unnecessary subplots and side characters, which only added to the confusion and cluttered the narrative. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would caution others against picking it up.
3. Emily - 3/5
While "Prolonging the Magic Cale" had its moments, I ultimately found it underwhelming. The story had potential, but it lacked proper execution. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The character development was also lacking, and I struggled to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was average at best, with clichéd dialogue and repetitive descriptions. While I didn't hate this book, I can't say I enjoyed it either. It didn't live up to my expectations, and I wouldn't recommend it to others unless they have a specific interest in the genre.