Review: Old Magic by Marianne Curley

Creepy Cover Alert!

Old Magic by Marianne Curley:

Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing, but Kate Warren doesn't know why.

The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm "inside" their classroom.

Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey -- one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.(GoodReads).

(If I had read the Spanish edition with that castle, I probs would not have been shocked by the time travel.)

Absurdity: 8. So this book starts out in perhaps Australia? Anywho, halfway in we ended up in 13th century Scotland! SCOTLAND! Since I was reading this on an e reader there was no back blurb to let me know. I was shocked but okay with it all, even though it made for a bit of a mish-mash.
Originality: 8. See "mish mash" comment above. At least this wacky combo was new!
Level of Paranormal Romance: 2. Jarrod, for all of his magic (and thus the potential for a high paranormal romance score with our witch Kate) is a wimp and knows it. He spends 85 percent of the book letting popular kids boss him around, or at least acting in that mindset. Not a turn on, boy, and absolutely not "mesmerizing." Points deducted!
Level of Harry-Potterness 4. Meh, nothing grabbed this reader. I read this because it was available from the lib when I wanted a book late night, not for its writing or storytelling.