Reviews

The Younglings: Mayhem and Magic by Helena M Craggs

pages_of_devin's review

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

bexbooksandstuff's review

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5.0

Crikey this was a fast paced, action packed exciting instalment! If you haven't read the Younglings series before I highly recommend you read the first two before picking up this one as they really build the characters and their stories.

Book 3 was everything I hoped for and more! Helena stays true to the fact that her characters are teenagers, now off to college, and the way they speak reflects this.

We follow the younglings into one of their biggest fights so far. All our favourites are still here and their bond is as strong as ever. We are reacquainted with the tracker Rhys and his despicable plans become more obvious as the book goes on. We also meet the fabulous Lucifer, a.k.a Satan and his links with the younglings are intriguing but not surprising if you think about it! I am excited to see where he fits into book 4 as I feel there is a much bigger part for him to play!

Read my full review on my blog.... https://www.bexbooksandstuff.com/post/the-younglings-magic-and-mayhem-3-book-tour-review

stitchsaddiction's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic, the third instalment in this paranormal fantasy series for young adults, is an absolute addiction just like its predecessors.

Quinn Carter and his close-knit group of friends, who are more like family, find themselves facing a whole new level of nightmares and chaos. Their days are turned upside down while their nights are plagued with unsettling dreams, especially for Quinn, who happens to be a half-demon. Oh, and let's not forget the added element of time travel that spices things up.

I particularly enjoy how each book in the series connects back to the previous ones. Characters that made your skin crawl and unresolved situations make a reappearance. When I discovered a certain witch resurfacing in book three (no spoilers, I promise!), I couldn't help but internally groan. If trouble had a name in The Younglings world, it would undoubtedly be Joanna. She's the kind of character who instantly sends chills down your spine with her deceptively sweet smile. But of course, our beloved author, Helena, wouldn't let Quinn's nemesis vanish into thin air. I simply adore how she has crafted Joanna's character. The way she skillfully plays with the reader's emotions and sense of impending danger is truly remarkable. I found myself torn between hoping she would be taken down to the demon realm or continue wreaking havoc in evermore creative ways.

The introduction of time travel to the 17th century adds an enthralling dimension to the story. I found myself captivated by the author's attention to detail, vividly bringing to life the behaviours, fashions, and customs of that era, juxtaposed with the reactions of modern-day teens suddenly thrust into the unknown.

But witches aren't the only source of trouble for our eclectic group of teenagers. There's also a mysterious stranger in town, one who brings not just trouble but complete and utter destruction, laced with a twisted desire for revenge. Now, isn't that just the perfect icing on the cake?

Everything about The Younglings series is pure magic. I didn't want Mayhem & Magic to end, and I couldn't bear to put it down because I was desperate to know what would happen next. This is the brilliance of Helena's writing. She possesses a magical touch that breathes life into the world she has created, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of The Younglings, the coven of Witches, and the enigmatic realm of demons. Every character, be they witches, demons, or other mythical beings, feels remarkably real and unique, making it all the more relatable.

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic is an embodiment of perfection, and I can guarantee that once you delve into this series, you will join the vast community of readers who are absolutely enthralled by the world Helena has crafted and the extraordinary heroes who strive to uphold goodness in every possible way.

dunfermlinereads's review

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adventurous funny hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Mayhem & Magic is a great addition to The Younglings series. Like the previous books once you start reading you just canā€™t put it down. I just love following the adventures the keepers go on and how their relationships grow.Ā 
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In this book Rhys returns along with the vampire ministry and also the witch hunters but we are introduced to new characters such as Lucas.Ā 
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As the books progress and the characters age the stories age with them with a couple of scenes having a little PG heat.Ā 
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Book 4 cannot come fast enough. Itā€™s just a shame itā€™s rumoured to be the last.Ā 

reads_must's review

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4.0

The Younglings: Mayhem and Magic
The Younglings #2
Fantasy, YA
Helena M. CraggsĀ 
ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

This book was a great addition to the series.Ā 

The pacing was just right and there was plenty of action as Quinn and his friends faced numerous challenges to keep everyone safe. The multiple POVs kept me engaged as I had to keep reading to find out what was happening and what certain characters had planned.

The characters were well developed and I must admit that I have a soft spot for the cat Severus/Sevvy, even if he does have an attitude most of the time šŸ˜‚.

As this is a YA book, I'm glad that the characters also do everyday things that "normal" teenagers would do, alongside the supernatural. This makes them a lot more relatable.

Helena has a great writing style, especially when the gang travelled back to 1612. It's obvious that Helena does plenty of research to make her writing as accurate as possible.

Overall, this was an interesting read and I'm very curious about what the next book will bring.

*Thank you to @craggshm for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

rachelhooten's review

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

_lozzieloves's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

shelves_by_sim's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Ā Quinn, Eve and their team of Younglings are still on the path of figuring out their place in the world, fighting against every supernatural threat is not an easy task. But Quinn is happy, because he is finally with Eve, the one person who calms him, the one person who makes him feel like everything is perfect. But the vampire that seems to turn up around every corner, that seems to have it out for Quinn and his friends, is not backing down. While he hates the team, he's even more dangerous because he covets Eve, he wants her for himself. Quinn also finds out a horrifying fact about who he is related to, someone who could literally unleash Hell on earth. While some friends leave and new friends are gained, while the group finds love and deals with loss, they show their resilience and their strength undertaking every bump in the road that's tossed their way, and they make it out on top. Together. But will their bonds be enough to keep them safe in the end? My thoughts: This is such a sweet series. I really loved reading the third installment and I really cannot wait for the next book. There were some really shocking moments, some really crazy twists and some really truly sad moments. I still love how there is so much that happens around the main plot, giving it that sort of episode feel. I loved Jack and Natasha and everything that happened with them (I shall not say what though). I have a feeling that the next book is going to crush me but I've already told Helena that she is NOT allowed to kill off Mr. Atua! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚Ā 

chaptersofvicki's review

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Iā€™ve absolutely loved this series so far and book three did not disappoint! If you are new to The Younglings you really need to read the books in order and pick up books one and two first.

The cover looks amazing and immediately catches your eye! These books are YA but Iā€™m definitely not in the YA category and I love them!Ā 

I love the scooby doo/buffy vibes this series has. It is such an easy read with short chapters that keep you wanting to read ā€˜just one more chapter.ā€™

I love Quinn and Eve and seeing their relationship develop throughout the series. They make such an adorable couple. Eloise is another fab character she is hilarious.Ā 

This is such a fast paced and action packed book, but be warned once you start reading you wonā€™t be able to put it down. Looking forward to reading book four, I canā€™t wait to see what happens next for Quinn and co.Ā 

Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book along with the fantastic goodies I received too.

piggindani's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Have you ever loved a book so much you struggled with the review? Well, thatā€™s why itā€™s taken me so long to write this one!Ā 

I donā€™t even know where to begin. I mean, this book *chefs kiss*Ā 

Once again we return to the chaotic world of the Spooky Crew and I couldnā€™t be happier.Ā 

They are your typical group of friends making their way through life. Dealing with the day to day stresses of school, relationships, families, oh and the odd demon-trying-to-take-over-the-world too, so the usual stuff teens deal with, right? šŸ˜‚Ā 

Thatā€™s what I love about this series. This group of friends still go through what all kids do as they grow and navigate their way through life. Yes, they are unique with ā€œspecial abilitiesā€ but their emotions and day to day experiences are real, and thatā€™s what makes the characters so likeable.Ā 

Mayhem & Magic is by far my favourite.Ā 
The Spooky Crew still help out lost ghosts, but new dangers are lurking in the dark. Dangers that are closer than they realise. Dangers that put the lives of the crew in jeopardy.Ā 

Mayhem & Magic is fast-paced, action packed and full of delightful (& challenging) surprises including new characters, time travel, death & a demon called Torrock (who I adore!).
Fear not, there are plenty of hilarious & beautiful moments that will make you laugh & smile.Ā 

I cannot rate this book enough, I just wish I had book 4 now! šŸ§›šŸ¼šŸ©ø