Review: Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings
February 14, 2011 
18 Comments
I really, really like the world setup that the author created. I have a bit of a thing for the Salem trials, so seeing a modern day world modeled after that was a big hit with me. Can you just imagine living like that? The author clearly shows that even just being seen talking with someone suspected of witchcraft can lead to you being snatched up too. There really are witches and magic, but a lot of innocent people are accused for no reason because the hysterical public has led to an act-first-ask-questions-later police force.
I loved the setup for Torin and Shea’s romance. I’m not big into reincarnation in books but I really liked it here. I don’t think quite enough time was spent dwelling on how awful the life of the Eternals has been throughout the years, but it was at least acknowledged enough that it didn’t bother me too much. When I first thought about their relationship it seemed really romantic. The thought of a man loving you so much that he finds you again and again through the ages is beautiful. But then I thought more about it and realized it was rather tragic. He finds her again and again, but each time he loses her. He has to watch her die and wait for years to be able to find her again. That’s very sad for Torin.
Even though I did like the idea of the romance, the actual execution was a little lacking. Torin was a very shallow character. He didn’t really have a personality other than his longing and impatience to be with Shea. I think he was supposed to be cast as “alpha” because of his pushy behavior in the beginning, but he needed more personality for that to work for me. I wish we could have actually had some relationship development instead of using their history together as a crutch. Especially when seeing actual flashbacks left me disbelieving their connection.
The story was all about Shea and her awakening and acceptance of her magic and Torin. I really enjoyed the story in the beginning—learning about the witches and the hunt for them and their weaknesses and treatment after being caught. But toward the end as we had more focus on Torin and Shea I lost interest. They just weren’t that interesting to follow. There was no struggle in their relationship other than Shea’s atonement and the fated mate thing is not a favorite of mine. Too often it’s used as an excuse to not develop a convincing relationship.
Shea really had some TSTL (too stupid to live) moments. I don’t know why, but she kept putting herself into danger and then being surprised that it found her. Even when Torin told her that she hadn’t changed she never really internalized the criticism and fixed herself. It was frustrating.
Sex scenes are not a huge draw for me in Romances, but I can’t help but comment on them when they stand out in one way or another. These scenes caught my notice, but not because they were great. They were so over the top and dramatic that it was kind of irritating. I would have rather had stale, mechanical scenes than that. They actually made me giggle as I read them.
I know that this is the beginning of a series, but did we have to have so many side plots that were introduced but never resolved? I thought they would have a purpose other than just to set up the next book.
I was going to give this one a 3.5 but after writing this I realized that I didn’t enjoy it enough to do that so I had to give it a 3.
Favorite Quote:
She ran because she had to.
Because the haunting memories overtaking her were too much to handle.
Not just of the last few days, when she’d found out what it was to be locked down and helpless…but the memories of the past–of lives she’d lived and died. Memories of dark magic and chanting voices. And Torin.
Always Torin.
Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings
February 1st 2011 by Signet
Urban Fantasy
GoodReads Reviews
Author’s Website
Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository || Barnes & Noble
Related Posts:
Post Author Info:
Yes – Shea’s TSTL moments got on my nerves. I like the world – and the beginning of the book, but it went downhill. Totally agree on the sex scenes too..way too..dramatic or something. So yeah – pretty meh.
Irritating sex scenes —> so not good. I like side plots but if they overshadow the the main characters; not good.
@Mandi Schreiner: I was even more disappointed because the world idea was so interesting. Too bad. :\
@KC: They didn’t really overshadow them so much as serve no purpose in this story that I could really see.
I haven’t read this one yet, but if the heroine really is that TSTL, it might have to be a library check out for me.
@MinnChica: Probably smart.
I hope you like it better if you end up reading it.
I’m not a fan of the TSTL heroine. It usually irritates me too much. Might have to think about about this one before I put it on the TBR.
@Sophia (FV): I can take a dumb move here and there, but too many and I end up exasperated.
Sounds ok I guess, though those TSTL moments, oh they can sure make me dislike a book
Uh oh, TSTL?
Well, I have to believe that everyone gets a learning curve and I like sex scenes that make you giggle because then at least it is something different.
May still give this a try, later on, but can’t hide my disappointment that it wasn’t what I hoped.
@Missie: I agree, I cut the protags some slack but if they repeatedly put themselves in danger it gets frustrating. I don’t like dumb heroes or heroines.
@blodeuedd: Me too.
@Missie: Don’t be too discouraged. You might end up liking it more than I did! The world was pretty interesting.
I haven’t read this either. If the heroine is TSTL, I’ll give it a pass.
@Estella: She wasn’t so bad in the beginning. It was later (after she started awakening) that it got irritating.
I was so excited to read this one, and you are the second person I’ve heard similar issues from on this book! I am passing on this, I cannot handle Too Stupid To Live heroines, and irritating sex scenes. No. Thank you for this review!!
@Spaz: Maybe try it from the library? You can always buy it if it surprises you and you end up loving it.
Thanks for the honest review! I think I’m ganna have to pass on this book. Too bad that it went downhill after the beginning and the sex scenes were over the top, I probably would have liked it if it weren’t for that.
@Deanna: It had a lot of potential. Maybe you’d like it better?