I'll admit to not having kept up to date with the main Private series – I've read the first three or four but somehow lost track despite quite enjoying them due to Brian's strong characters, especially Reed and Noelle, and Theresa and Eliza in this series are extremely reminiscent of the girls in the original. For my money, things jump the shark slightly once we get to the more serious magic, to be honest, with what should be the major part of the book being fairly condensed compared to the long, and more enjoyable, start. The initial part of the book is entertaining as the girls play around with magic and Eliza falls for handsome Harrison Knox of the Easton Academy.

Quite a lot, obviously, and, of course, it does.

Then the girls find a spell book, and bond over frivolous magic as they help each other and embarrass people they dislike. But Theresa Billings – as powerful as her name suggests – clearly wasn't a great friend of May's, and Eliza must navigate the rivalries and friendships of school as she tries to settle in. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Booksįollowing in her older sister's footsteps after May's return from the exclusive Billings School for Girls to marry the handsome George Thackery III, Eliza Williams is expecting that everyone at the school will remember her sister with affection. Summary: The prequel to Kate Brian's Private series is a hit and miss affair which will be devoured by her fans but is only a mild recommendation to the general reader.

Ominous kate brian