Reviews

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.

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

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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

sylvia221's review

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5.0

It was a great book and a interesting one. I loved all the characters especially Arthur. Even though he was a normal man, he was overprotective of everyone and wanted to safe them instead of himself. He is the most selfless man.

Rory's scrying terrified me. When he opened the tempest ring, I was afraid that he will struck in the past and will never come back. I actually starting crying when he was trembling with the fear of ring. Soon it was misplaced by laughter when he called arthur and started scolding him.

There's a lot of things I have to share about Arthur and Rory but I will try to make it short. Their first meeting in the hell's kitchen set me on fire. It was just so awesome but ruined by the idiotic plan made by Arthur and the lies of Rory about his age and Drinking.

I loved Rory when he was flirting with arthur under the influence of alcohol and when he thought the next day that Arthur would kill him for that. Their pair became my favorite even if they were fighting for most part of the book.

The scene I most-liked is when Rory goes to the construction site just to have dinner with Arthur. It was a sweet gesture as no one has done it to Arthur ever. They shared a great bond. Even when rory was lost to the visions his mind and heart went to Arthur.

What I liked most about Arthur : His Black hair and Blue eyes - my fav combo ever. His overprotective attitude towards every paranormal he knows. His selflessness when he put himself in danger to protect others.