The Sweep Series

 
 
The Sweep Series By Cate Tiernan

Marirosa Mia: If you're a friend of mine, I've probably shoved the SWEEP series in your face quite a few times. I didn't expect to like it. The storyline sounded awfully familiar: Plain Jane character, Morgan, discovers that she's a very powerful witch, which opens a whole new world of magic and trouble for her. There are also some boy/love triangle-with-best-friend issues, some attempted murder, etc., etc. Everything screamed, "You've read this before, move on." But I also had some very persuasive people who continued to insist that SWEEP was worth the investment. And since the first book was attractively thin, I figured, What's the harm?

What's the harm? What's the harm!?!?! How about needing to devour the series as quickly as possible (15 books in total - all out for the world to read) and cursing myself for never learning to speed read! I had to - of course - send this book to as many people as possible. One of whom was my dear friend and fellow devourer of books, Annie! (Take a look at her blog over at http://anniezilla.tumblr.com/) So, Annie, what did you think?

Annie: I have to admit, the series sat on my nightstand for quite awhile before I decided to give it a shot. The books didn't do much for me at first glance. Once I had finally read BOOK OF SHADOWS (Thanks, Mia!), I then zoomed through the rest of the novels. Like you, I appreciated the slim reads, but only because I had almost the entire series ready and waiting for me. So it was easy to read, in nice little chunks! If I had to wait until each was published, I would not have been a happy camper.

I have one caveat: I have not read the 15th book, which takes place many years after the timeline of the first 14. I hear it doesn't do justice to FULL CIRCLE’s (the 14th novel’s) wrap up.

Morgan narrates a majority of the stories, with the last few novels switching between her and several other characters, including one of her ancestors. I initially thought the change in narrators would be a little offputting, but I ended up really loving learning the backstories and histories of some of the characters.

Now I'm asking myself, why isn't this book just like any other story about magic, love, betrayal and everything in between? I think it comes down to some of the characterizations. The main character, though mad powerful, isn't perfect. Neither are any of the support characters - each with his or her own burden. And while sometimes the characters may seem selfish or whiny, they seem accurately portrayed nonetheless. You can always see where they are coming from. I think I also just really liked Morgan's relationships with both friends and lovers.

M: Very well said, Annie! I think it's my fault you will never read book 15. Given that I wasn't a fan of it and refuse to let you read it--since I am an awesome friend.

When I finished the series I was amazed at how few people had heard of it! How is this possible? Though in a sea of young adult novels about witches and magical powers, I could see how this little series got lost along the way. But no more! Now that it's being re-packaged into several rather attractive volumes (each containing 3 of the books), SWEEP’s time has come! 

Now back to this review. Was there anything you didn't particularly like about the series? Anything that just didn't sit right? For me, it was book 15. I hated the entire book. I'm not a fan of authors refusing to give characters a happy ending when they've so clearly earned one. As an author myself, I understand that your characters shouldn't have it easy. But after a while you need to give your characters a break! And your readers! Stop toying with my emotions, Tiernan! So for me, the series ended on book 14 with a nice open ending. (This is actually a compliment to Tiernan’s writing, as I was so attached to Morgan, I no longer wanted to see her suffer.) How about you, Annie?

A: Hrmmm. I think what bothered me most, at least while reading it, was the constant vacillation that seems to occur. Sometimes I forget that books about teens or young adults have an extraordinary level of--how should I say it--angst. The books are pretty darn clean, but every now and then I felt like I was just waiting for people to get over themselves and make a decision. Oh and it's totally your fault I won't read the last book! I also hate how someone will ruin a perfectly good series by eeking out that last bit of emotional trauma. Open endings can be a perfectly worthy way to end a series.

M: Ha. I take full responsibility! And I'm so glad you enjoyed the series as much as I did. Now for some fun! We are giving away one free copy of Sweep Vol. 1 (containing the first 3 books in the series), to enter just comment on this post! The winner will be picked one week from today!

Comments

[Zoe]

I've never read but it sounds good!!! I love these types of books and I can read them really quick!

[Zoey]

OMG I would love to win the contest and i trust your guys opinion.

[M.Garcia]

Woohoo! two people! I'll draw the names out of the hat and contact the winner!

[KelliDelirium]

I love these books I've read almost all of them. I didn't expect to like them when I got ahold of the first one but now I'm hooked.

[M.Garcia]

Thanks for the comment, KelliDelirium. I love this series as well! I'm surprised it hasn't been picked up for a series or movie yet!

[Liza X]

I'm always excited to hear about and read good new YA books!

[Liza X]

Thanks for turning me onto these! Half way through the series so far! I'd agree that the only annoying thing is the teenage vacillation (and the mediocre writing) Also--a purely personal gripe!--the touchy-feeliness about Wicca (I'm allergic to cults and religions of any and all types :-). But I love the main characters and am addicted.
I wondered if anyone has read the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness (Wolf Brother etc) series? They are brilliant, for younger readers too, and deal with the prehistoric world--as well as the spiritual one--with remarkably vivid and beautiful writing, as well as a truly exciting story. I'm trying to turn US readers onto them; like many British books, they're not so well known in the US, and I've never seen them on "best kids books lists" here, although IMHO they should be.

[Breanna]

wow i have just started reading the sweep series and they are amazing!!! I absolutely love the books

[Karen]

I read the first 6 books. I really enjoyed the first 3 and although I liked the story line of these books - I found the next three frustrating because they are poorly written. The author keeps telling us stuff we already know as if she was just trying to make the book longer so she would "repeat" herself. I found myself skimming through these pieces of information just to move on. I did enjoy the books and I am looking for books 7-15 so I can finish reading the series.

[Mia]

Yeah, I totally know what you mean. It's not just Tiernan that uses it. A lot of writers of long series us this 'summary' device all the time. It's sort of a 'remember what happened in the last books? No? well ok here goes' or as my fave comparison is to the TV recaps "Last time on blah blah blah"

I usually just skip these parts. But if you haven't read the books in a while this device can be useful.

[Amber collier]

Oh my gosh!! I would soooo love this!!! I'm a slow reader and this girl at my school kept bugging my Librarian for it. I read the first one and loved it! I never got to read anymore of them! It's been so long!! I was I think 15 or 16 when I read the first one in high school well now I'm 23 married and have a 2 year old. My husband is gone alot so this would be a great way to pass the time and hopefully finely finish it!!