Jarad's Choice Book Club: Sweep

Sweep- Volume 2 

Cate Tiernan 

Review by Jarad Johnson 

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In this second three volume novel, we see the main character, Morgan Rowlands, a witch who has just discovered her abilities, progress in her training while at the same time trying to come to grip with a shocking betrayal. I enjoyed the first volume but didn’t find enough to say about it to formulate a review. This second installment had more depth and plot development, so there is more to say. For the most part, it is an enjoyable read; however, there were times when I felt the cliché of the love triangle, and the main characters’ whining was sometimes overplayed, but that it made it a little more realistic, since the novel centers around teenagers. However, the ending was the most problematic for me; one of the main antagonists is suddenly and miraculously gone, and it seemed a little rushed and hurried. Overall, though, it was a good read, and the plot kept me going. 

I really liked most of the aspects of the book: the main character is believable and realistic; the magical elements of the book are fascinating and done in such a way that they feel like a natural part of the book as opposed to being a fantastical or foreign element, and the pace flows well and is not choppy. All of these things are great, but what struck me was the relationship that Morgan has with her parents, and how that shifts over the course of the books. Morgan ahs to tell her parents that she is a witch, and since her parents are Roman-Catholic, they have a hard time dealing with it. It is very reminiscent of a coming out experience, which is probably why it struck me.

​However, there were a couple of things that I didn’t enjoy. There is a love triangle that has been one of the main driving points of the books for some time now, and I was getting tired of it. the constant tug of war between two guys was just feeling a little played out, and I hope that it doesn’t continue. But, for me, the ending of the book was the standout. It was rushed and underwhelming and didn’t feel finished. Maybe that was deliberate, as a transition for the next book, but it just made the last part feel unintentional. However, I must repeat that I did enjoy most of he book, but there were some areas that I personally found to be lacking. I will, however, read the next installment.
            

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​Jarad attends Middle Tennessee State University, loves tea, and tries to spend every spare second reading.  Jarad is majoring in English.  Bless his heart!  Let's all light a candle for him and send him happy thoughts!

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