War

Christopher Smith

Young Adult - Paranormal
2011
Kindle
Series Bullied #4



In WAR, the fourth and final book of the international best-selling Bullied Series, 18-year-old Seth Moore must use his four amulets and their wealth of supernatural powers to fight Anna, a cunning witch charged by her master, Darien, to steal the amulets so his own powers can grow.



This time, Anna is more ruthless than ever, so much so that Seth seeks out the help of Paisley White, an eccentric, 400-year-old “good witch” whose power is equal to Darien’s. But is it greater? And if it isn’t, then how can she help Seth?



With everyone at risk, including Jennifer, Alex and Jim, all agree that a war against Darien is the only way out. Meanwhile, Seth realizes the dangers of first love and, worse, what he himself has become since receiving the amulets--a bully. Their power has corrupted him, overwhelmed him and caused at least one person’s death.



I picked this book up because Series



What I liked the Most? The ending



What I liked the Least? The “battle”



Review: So this is the wrap up and it was worth the read. I love the fact that this turned into an epic journey for an unlikely hero to become the person he was always capable of being, if only someone had believed in him.



Recommended to: Highly recommended for anyone who has ever been bullied and/or anyone who has been a bully, basically everyone

Witch

Christopher Smith

Young Adult - Paranormal
2011
Kindle
Series Bullied #3



Now, in WITCH, Seth fully understands the power of the amulet as other amulets surface and he lays claim to them. Immediately, his power grows. Soon, a beautiful yet cunning witch named Anna appears to snatch the amulets away from Seth so her master can increase his own powers.



With Seth and Anna essentially equal in power, Seth must face his greatest enemy to date. She is ruthless. She will kill him to get what she wants. And she comes in triplets. Can he stop her? More pressing, does he have the courage to rise up against her and save himself as well as his friends, who also are in danger? In this book, nothing is certain. And worse for Seth, some things, when not watched, can be taken away forever.



I picked this book up because Series



What I liked the Most? Seth’s sense of fair play



What I liked the Least? WTF – where did this come from



Review: Ok, I’m still reading but each book seems to drop a star. I don’t mind the addition of witches, but come on, get real. Become one with the amulet? I get that this coven is the quintessential Bully, but OMG, it starts to stretch the bounds of good writing.



Recommended to: Read the first one.

Revenge

Christopher Smith

Young Adult - Paranormal
2011
Kindle / 70 Pages
Series Bullied #2

In REVENGE, all hell breaks loose after the events that unfolded at the end of the first book in the series, BULLIED. Now, a war builds against Seth as others vie to take control of the amulet and use its powers for themselves, including its original owners--and a beautiful yet cunning witch.



I picked this book up because Series



What I liked the Most? CS is a master at weaving words



What I liked the Least? the cover art - again



Review: As much as Seth dreams of killing those responsible for his parents horrendous death, Jim cautions him to use the amulet for good. As a result, Seth conjures the perfect prison for each of his bullies.



There is a quote “There are 2 ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other pulling up” and this book truly shows the meaning of that quote. Seth starts showing his true strength by pulling himself up, while creating situations that guarantee the bullies show their true colors.



Recommended to: Highly recommended for anyone who has ever been bullied and/or anyone who has been a bully, basically everyone

Bullied

Christopher Smith

Young Adult - Paranormal
2011
Kindle / 75 Pages
Series Bullied #1

"BULLIED" is the first novella in THE BULLIED SERIES, which focuses on Seth Moore, a relentlessly bullied 18-year-old boy who is gifted an amulet that ignites within him telekinetic powers.

If Seth uses the amulet properly, it will protect him from those determined to crush him. But after so many years of being beaten down and humiliated by the school's popular crowd and the teachers who protect them, the question is whether Seth can keep away from the dark side the amulet offers--and not become a bully himself, even when all hell breaks loose.

BULLIED is an intense thriller that will speak volumes to anyone who has ever been bullied and wished they had a powerful way out. It's also a cautionary tale on the act of bullying itself.

I picked this book up because I love Christopher Smith’s books and yes I know I’m outside the dynamic for this book

What I liked the Most? the teen angst

What I liked the Least? the bullying (but you are supposed to hate that part lol) & the cover art

Review: Was it really that short? OMG I’m amazed. 75 pages and I was more than hooked. I can remember going to school and being teased because of my weight. I remember crying myself to sleep at night, wishing/hoping that my tormentors would eventually be the victims of bullying. Seth works hard to control the negative thought patterns that have developed from years of being bullied and I admire & encourage his conviction. I loved the idea (hints, illusions) that just because you were bullied doesn’t mean you get to become a bully yourself. Stand up for yourself, yes. Defend yourself, yes. You can even seek justice.

Note: Because I have been very vocal about chapters masquerading as books, Christopher Smith does this all the time, so I wait until the series is out and then pick it up. This is an example of doing it right!

Recommended to: Highly recommended for anyone who has ever been bullied and/or anyone who has been a bully, basically everyone

Best Quote: “I was about eight when I figured out that my life was going to be a smashed house of cards.”