Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

(Started: September 03, 2016; Finished: October 16, 2016)

Summary/Description:

A magical new series from Pseudonymous Bosch, the bestselling author of the Secret Series.

Magic is BAD.

As in fake. Cheesy. Unreal. At least, that's what Clay, who has seen one magic show too many, thinks.

When words from his journal appear mysteriously on his school wall as graffiti, he never imagines that magic might be to blame. And when the same graffiti lands him at Earth Ranch, a camp for "troubled" kids on a remote volcanic island, magic is the last thing he expects to find there.

But at Earth Ranch, there is one strange surprise after another, until Clay no longer knows what to expect. Is he really talking to a llama? Did he really see a ghost? What is the scary secret hidden in the abandoned library? The only thing he knows for sure is that behind the clouds of vog (volcanic smog), nothing is as it seems. Can he solve the riddle of Earth Ranch before trouble erupts?

Elusive author Pseudonymous Bosch introduces an extraordinary new series that will have you believing in the unbelievable. (From Goodreads)

Review: 4 stars

Publication Date: September 16, 2014

Source: Bought it at National Bookstore

Shelf: Goodreads

It was my first time to read a Pseudonymous Bosch book and I was absolutely excited. I've heard so many things about him that's why I believe that this book was worth the buy.

A brief background on why I made the purchase: my friend and I thought why not try to get "mystery" books for a change. I asked my friend to get me 5 books that she thinks I'd like to read then she needs to wrap it in brown paper bags so that I wouldn't figure out which is which. She just needs to put descriptions so I can base my choices from there. Take note that my friend is not exactly a bookworm. Bottomline is, I got the second book of this series. So I had to get a copy of Bad Magic before I can read the book I picked. It was all too funny when we found out it's the second book.

Anyway, moving on to my review. It was a fun read in general. I like the humor of the author. It was not the usual comic relief-type of writing I experience from reading other authors. Bosch had this sarcastic way of saying things that were not too strong but you'll find it funny. He (I'm assuming he's a he) also tends to argue with himself on the footnotes and it actually added entertainment value to your reading. You'll surely look forward to the facts he shares and his humor as you turn each page.

When it comes to the characters, I like how they all progressed. Their personalities were consistent but you'll just know that, individually, it was also developing and improving. Aside from Clay, there were a lot of interesting characters to look forward to. So better read on.

Plot-wise, the idea was good. I think when it's built properly, it'll definitely be a great read. The audience the book caters to will surely be entertained. I also like how Bosch enveloped the story with mystery and suspense. You know it's simply to tease the imagination of the readers and it's enough to captivate the older audience. For me to not be able to predict the ending was also a plus point. I believe that as a mischievous guy that he is, Bosch intended to mislead us with his words and with his cunning abilities. It was really smartly done. I had some hints but it was never enough for me to figure it out. But it was also a double-edged sword for me as it also meant that the author went through a lot of effort in disguising this ploy that it took me a while to land in the main story. There was a time that I felt disconnected and it felt draggy. There were too many vague things happening that I also had a hard time finishing the book at a quicker pace which I also did not expect.

As for the ending, I think the energy dipped down with it. There was not really a wow factor to it but I appreciate the lessons or value the book was trying to teach us.

Overall, it's still a good read. Pseudonymous Bosch and Lemony Snicket readers will appreciate it as well as those who love middle-age books.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader