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hex_meghead's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Sexual content, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: War
kit_moonstar's review
4.0
So, I picked this up and blew through it in a day. Both Arthur and Rory grabbed me immediately, and I was completely pulled into the story. The plot moved quickly, and while some parts were predictable, many were not. It was a quick read, but a really enjoyable one. All of the characters were really intriguing to me. I especially appreciated the fact that the antagonists were sympathetic and relatable even if they were wrong. I'd love to see more of all of the side characters in the future.
I have so many questions about the world and how magic works in it. Hopefully, there will be some answers in the next book in the series. There were quite a few plot threads that were left dangling as well as a few relationship things that need to be ironed out. I'm really looking forward to seeing how things play out in the next book. Four out of five stars.
skim44's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
darknutmeg's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tlwd's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
erinallison13's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
enchantedtomeetcute's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lunarchfey's review
4.0
4.5/5 stars
Set in prohibition-era New York, Rory Brodigan has the magical gift to "read" the past of items that he touches. He keeps to himself and hides his abilities until the tall, dark and rich Arthur Kenzie steps into his life. The two get involved in a plot to save the city from other magic-users trying to seek out and abuse the powers of magical relics... which of course involves getting very involved with each other.
Spellbound is a book that had me grinning to myself and quoting passages out loud to my wife on both first and second read. If you're in the mood for a "just get together already!" read with charming main characters set against a magical and lively backdrop, I found Spellbound to be quite satisfying. I particularly enjoyed Rory's abilities and how much they factored into the plot and the relationship and am curious about how sequel books will dive deeper into the world and its magical abilities.
There were some aspects that didn't quite hit the right chords for me—it felt like there were not very many barriers to the characters getting together, or at least, the ones that were existed were resolved very quickly.
Overall, though, even if I couldn't give it a full five stars, it was enjoyable enough that I'm happy I picked it up and am looking forward to whatever Allie Therin writes next!
Set in prohibition-era New York, Rory Brodigan has the magical gift to "read" the past of items that he touches. He keeps to himself and hides his abilities until the tall, dark and rich Arthur Kenzie steps into his life. The two get involved in a plot to save the city from other magic-users trying to seek out and abuse the powers of magical relics... which of course involves getting very involved with each other.
Spellbound is a book that had me grinning to myself and quoting passages out loud to my wife on both first and second read. If you're in the mood for a "just get together already!" read with charming main characters set against a magical and lively backdrop, I found Spellbound to be quite satisfying. I particularly enjoyed Rory's abilities and how much they factored into the plot and the relationship and am curious about how sequel books will dive deeper into the world and its magical abilities.
There were some aspects that didn't quite hit the right chords for me—it felt like there were not very many barriers to the characters getting together, or at least, the ones that were existed were resolved very quickly.
Spoiler
Twice, there were almost-going-to-kiss moments that got interrupted by a loud noise or someone walking in, which really took me out of the (otherwise quite smooth) pacing of the story (I'm tolerant of that as a plot device maybe once). The novel also rides the line between 'mature' and 'FTB' with things get a little heated before the scene changes; I felt that since the attraction and magnetism between Arthur and Rory was the strongest thing about the story, it felt a little bit like a let-down to shy back from the resolution of those sparks.Overall, though, even if I couldn't give it a full five stars, it was enjoyable enough that I'm happy I picked it up and am looking forward to whatever Allie Therin writes next!
finhatfield's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Good for what it is trying to be