Shades of Winter (Misfit’s Magic) by Fred Gracely

What worked:

The opening scene offers an effective hook as Goff awakens from a horrible dream that seems like more of a premonition. He sees a mysterious “mosaic man” making plans with a gargoyle and saying the kids got lucky last year. They won’t be a problem this time. This vision really shakes up Goff and will immediately create tension for readers. His school life is complicated when Goff discovers some entitled classmates acting suspiciously and he fears magic is making its way back into his life. However, he’s sent off on a secret mission with his “team” before he can fully investigate the terrible thing brewing on the school’s campus. Much of the plot takes place across the world where Goff uncovers a nefarious plan of dark magic that spans generations.

Goff’s team mostly consists of his roommate Halstrom and a loyal friend named Lydia. Halstrom contributes humor to the story through his overly literal, analytical mind. Ironically, one of his first funny scenes comes when he tries to get Lydia to understand that she’s using the word literally incorrectly. Lydia isn’t so concerned with details but the author introduces a twist to her character. Something unexpected happens when Goff is hit with a blast of dark magic in the first book that has a game-changing effect on Lydia. Curiously, Goff lived with foster siblings named Ben and Pam, who enjoyed bullying him in the previous book, but Pam has now become an ally and Halstrom’s girlfriend. Pam and Ben become key factors in the plot but for totally unexpected reasons.

The concept of magic comes in various forms and sources. Goff is separated from his magic but that may be confusing for readers. He’s still able to connect with elements of nature and use the connections to perform “magical” deeds but this isn’t considered magic in the context of the story. The plot also includes things called nexi that help Goff, Lydia, and Halstrom with their magical shortcomings. Goff’s feelings about these small balls of light and their helpful actions actually boost them to the level of friendly characters. The evil characters perform traditional magic spells with sacrificial offerings and group chanting. Human sacrifice is not out of the question which amplifies the suspense.

What didn’t work as well:

The story makes a big point of describing how Goff lost his connection with magic however he’s still able to manipulate nature. I’m not able to reconcile the idea in my mind that Goff’s connection to nature isn’t considered magic. That inconsistency doesn’t work as well but most readers can probably disregard this concern.

The final verdict:

It’s not required that you read the first book but it wouldn’t hurt. Goff’s insecurities about being a leader and his loss of magic make him more endearing and add drama to the story. The whole conflict boils down to a resurrected battle between Goff and an ultimate evil and I recommend you give it a shot.