A review by stitchsaddiction
The Younglings: Mayhem and Magic by Helena M Craggs

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic, the third instalment in this paranormal fantasy series for young adults, is an absolute addiction just like its predecessors.

Quinn Carter and his close-knit group of friends, who are more like family, find themselves facing a whole new level of nightmares and chaos. Their days are turned upside down while their nights are plagued with unsettling dreams, especially for Quinn, who happens to be a half-demon. Oh, and let's not forget the added element of time travel that spices things up.

I particularly enjoy how each book in the series connects back to the previous ones. Characters that made your skin crawl and unresolved situations make a reappearance. When I discovered a certain witch resurfacing in book three (no spoilers, I promise!), I couldn't help but internally groan. If trouble had a name in The Younglings world, it would undoubtedly be Joanna. She's the kind of character who instantly sends chills down your spine with her deceptively sweet smile. But of course, our beloved author, Helena, wouldn't let Quinn's nemesis vanish into thin air. I simply adore how she has crafted Joanna's character. The way she skillfully plays with the reader's emotions and sense of impending danger is truly remarkable. I found myself torn between hoping she would be taken down to the demon realm or continue wreaking havoc in evermore creative ways.

The introduction of time travel to the 17th century adds an enthralling dimension to the story. I found myself captivated by the author's attention to detail, vividly bringing to life the behaviours, fashions, and customs of that era, juxtaposed with the reactions of modern-day teens suddenly thrust into the unknown.

But witches aren't the only source of trouble for our eclectic group of teenagers. There's also a mysterious stranger in town, one who brings not just trouble but complete and utter destruction, laced with a twisted desire for revenge. Now, isn't that just the perfect icing on the cake?

Everything about The Younglings series is pure magic. I didn't want Mayhem & Magic to end, and I couldn't bear to put it down because I was desperate to know what would happen next. This is the brilliance of Helena's writing. She possesses a magical touch that breathes life into the world she has created, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of The Younglings, the coven of Witches, and the enigmatic realm of demons. Every character, be they witches, demons, or other mythical beings, feels remarkably real and unique, making it all the more relatable.

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic is an embodiment of perfection, and I can guarantee that once you delve into this series, you will join the vast community of readers who are absolutely enthralled by the world Helena has crafted and the extraordinary heroes who strive to uphold goodness in every possible way.