A Book Obsession..: Review: Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

Review: Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

, by Kt Clapsadl

Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush

Devils & Thieves #1

Power corrupts. Magic kills.

Eighteen-year-old Jemmie Carmichael is surrounded by magic in the quiet town of Hawthorne, New York. In her world, magic users are called “kindled,” and Jemmie would count herself among them if only she could cast a simple spell without completely falling apart. It doesn't help that she was also recently snubbed by Crowe—the dangerous and enigmatic leader of Hawthorne’s kindled motorcycle gang, the Devils’ League.

When the entire kindled community rolls into Hawthorne for an annual festival, a rumor spreads that someone is practicing forbidden magic. Then people start to go missing. With threats closing in from every side, no one can be trusted. Jemmie and Crowe will have to put aside their tumultuous history to find their loved ones, and the only thing that might save them is the very flaw that keeps Jemmie from fully harnessing her magic. For all her years of feeling useless, Jemmie may just be the most powerful kindled of all.

Wow was this a fresh and unique take on magic, blending some of my favorite magical aspects into one awesome book! It felt like Harry Potter meets motorcycle gangs meets Ilona Andrew's Hidden Legacy series. Harry Potter came in with the magic being secret and not allowed to be used in front of norms, as well as a villainous plot reminiscent of Voldemort. The motorcycle gang part is pretty self explanatory and all the more fun for it. And then Hidden Legacy comes in with the use of different magical bloodlines. The overall package made for an incredibly enjoyable and fascinating read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, and I'm so glad this is going to be a series.

That being said, as much as I wanted to rate this book a resounding five star read, the heroine's character held me back. She's so standoffish and weak. Mad at the world, and unnessesarily hiding so much. Especially when it's obvious to the reader from page one that things she's hiding are an asset rather than a detriment. It just made it rather hard to connect with her at times, and despite the incredible world and nail biting plot, I just couldn't completely immerse myself as deep as I would have liked to. HOWEVER, by the end she started to change and grow a bit and I actually feel like this path will be an asset to the series in the end. She has so much potential now to grow, and I can't wait to see it.

All in all this was a fascinating read that truly stands out in the sometimes saturated paranormal YA genre. I'm so glad I got a chance to read this one, and I can't wait to see what's next!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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