Review: Midnight Moon by Marilee Brothers

Author: Marilee Brothers
Title: Midnight Moon
Series: Unbidden Magic
Publication: December 24, 2012
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Genre: YA Paranormal 
Source: Netgalley/Blog TOur

The Trimarks are planning an invasion. And the only thing standing in their way is Allie and the moonstone . All Allie wants is a normal life - friends, boys, school dances. Right. Like that's going to happen.

In two weeks, during the summer solstice, Allie's going to face the biggest challenge of her life, fighting against time to save the world from a Trimark invasion. You'd think the world of weird might leave her alone to plan how she's going to survive. But nothing in Allie's world is simple or easy, especially when she's attacked by Trimarks trying to steal the moonstone. Then Sammie disappears into the faery world of Boundless, and Allie must follow and bring her home, only to find the fairy queen, Luminata, isn't about to let Allie leave. So, what's a girl with magical powers supposed to do?

Fortunately, she has a team to help her, a team with special talents of their own.

Thoughts: Allie's a smart-mouth, sarcastic character with a hole load of trouble and big responsibility hanging over her. Everyone wants a piece of the magic for their own gain but Allie just wants to fulfill this crazy prophecy to stop the Trimarks and get her life back. As usual events happen that make her task so much harder, thinking she's found the girl to help her, Sammie only to realize that matters have just become more complicated and she is further from her goal than she ever imagined. 

I can relate to the attitude of Allie, she just never gets a break. Constantly on edge about the safety of her family and she's gets kidnapped many times throughout the entire series. I liked that she gradually learned different aspects about her moonstone and her heritage. The male interests are both good supporters of Allie's cause but the characters I liked most was the mysterious family friend Kizzy and Nicole, the sister of Allie's ex, Beck. They each brought spunk, vulnerability and heart to the story that is enjoyable to read. 

The writing and pace moves slowly and at times too much was going on. A couple moments, I wondered why certain characters were introduced only to go away. The characters as whole are okay, barely managing to contain the chaos that they have to deal with to stop the evil Trimarks. Overall, this a clean read that's full of drama, humor and witty sass. Allie and friends will appeal to younger teen audience. 

Author Bio:
A former teacher, coach and school counselor, Marilee lives in Washington State and writes full time. Her books include Castle Ladyslipper, a medieval romance, The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam, winner of the 2010 Booksellers Best award for romantic suspense, Moonstone, Moon Rise, Moon Spun, Shadow Moon, and Midnight Moon. Marilee is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 
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