Once a Witch, by Carolyn MacCullough (Witch #1)

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

Once a Witch employs one of the most common themes in young adult literature: the girl who feels like she's not good enough, especially compared to her whole family, but turns out not to be. What makes all of this worse is that Tamsin's grandmother prophesied at her birth that she would be the greatest of the all. Of course, the fact that she isn't a total failure, along with some family secrets, is discovered in one conversation, because that always happens in real life. All the events of the book start with one seemingly small one-a hot guy walks into the family shop where Tamsin works, because she can't do anything else, and thinking that Tamsin is her Talented older sister asks her for help finding a clock. Tamsin is flattered, so she gives into that part of her and tries to help the guy find his long lost clock. Joining her in her search for it is her childhood best friend who moved away and is now back and in love with her. They end up in way more trouble than they bargained for and discover that the guy without the clock didn't exactly tell the whole truth. Traveling back in time is a lot more complicated than it seems. And it seems like it would be pretty darn complicated.

Although I didn't love it, I have to say that I thought this book was a little too short. Once the action started, there was no break. If it had been a little longer and spent more time on developing the story instead of just rushing into it, perhaps I would have enjoyed Once a Witch a little more.

Before reading "Once a Witch" I was looking forward to reading about a normal teenage human being stuck in a crazy family and world. But apparently she isn't normal, and is more like the wackiest of them all. I understand the appeal of reading these books and of putting yourself in the shoes of an admired and amazing protagonist with cool superpowers, but for once I would like to read about someone who isn't special. But, of course, in being not special in a genre filled with spectacular characters, this someone would be the most special of them all.

One more thing: cover art should be a reflection of some sort of the story inside it, yet the book so prominently displayed, although of some importance, is barely mentioned and is used as an explanation. It's more like a side point, than an object of influence. So pray tell, why is it on the cover? The clock would have had more of an impact and personally, I want to know what it looks like.

4.2 stars.