New England Witch Chronicles by Chelsea Bellingeri

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 356 Pages

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN-10: 1463648979
ISBN-13: 978-14636978

My Rating: 5/5

From Amazon:
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were an embarrassing stain on America’s revered past. Innocent people were persecuted at the hands of a few over-zealous puritans. But what if there were real witches during those colonial hunts? What if there are witches in present day New England? That is what Alexandria Ramsey’s crazy grandmother believes. Grandma Claudia claims Alex descends from a long line of New England witches. Modern day witches in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts? Unlikely, but strange things are occurring in the weeks preceding Alex’s seventeenth birthday, which also coincides with her family’s annual Halloween party. Alex is haunted by bizarre reoccurring nightmares of a man chasing her through the Hazel Cove Cemetery. On a few occasions, when her emotions have spiraled out of control, inanimate objects have shattered around her. But that’s just a coincidence, right? Alex isn’t so sure, especially after a local girl, who supposedly dabbled in witchcraft, was killed in the nearby forest. Alex knows something strange is happening to her. With the arrival of a new boy in town, the mischievous James Van Curen, who is making her life difficult and causing problems between Alex and her best friend, Peter, Alex feels like her entire world is on the verge of chaos. Could Alex really be a witch? Is it possible Hazel Cove will become a battleground for modern day witches and witch hunters?

The first word that comes to mind when I think about 'New England Witch Chronicles' is WOW! I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading it. I read the description for the book, thought it sounded interesting so I agreed to review it. I never knew what I was getting into or that I would love it this much! I mean, I'm totally blown away! I can't believe that this book has not gotten more recognition than what it has, it's incredible! I also can't believe that I haven't heard of it before. I would have completely devoured this entire book in one sitting if I didn't have other things to do. Even now, I'm anxious to read more but there isn't more. There will be a book 2 and I can not wait to get my hands on it.

The story is that of Alex Ramsey. She lives in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts in an area known as the Hallows. Her father, Victor, is an attorney and her mother a drunk. She has a lifelong best friend named Peter. I really don't want to say too much about the book...because I want everyone to read it. I insist! But, Alex notices weird things going on around her. And most of them start with the arrival of a new kid at school, James, and his father. These events almost tear apart the one relationship she cherishes most out of them all, her lifelong friendship with Peter.

'New England Witch Chronicles' surpassed my expectations in a drastic way. I couldn't imagine loving this book as much as I do. And the ending was to die for! I mean, it's a cliffhanger and I practically got goosebumps! I'm not sure right now when the next book comes out, but I can assure you, the day it's out, I'll be first in line to buy it. This book deserves WAY more attention that what it's currently getting and I think everyone should read it. It was simply amazing!