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actuallycandy's review against another edition
4.0
This is a 4.5 star read for me. It was extremely difficult for me to rate this one as it was a toss up between a 4 or a 5 star. The reality is, I don't mind endings tied up in a neat bow but for a duology there were still some loose ends I'd rather not leave untied.
Other than that, half a star lost is due to the fact that the pacing (plot wise) felt rushed. But this didn't waive the fact that I ate this book up in one day. Holmberg has a gift of transporting the reader into a whole new world of wonder. Her writing is very descriptive and intriguing.
Elsie Camden is an unregistered spellbreaker so it is odd we spent the entire first book avoiding the authorities to only have her arrested the moment the book starts. But our beau Bacchus Kelsie approaches the magistrate with an appeal. They are to be married within the month and rallies for her release. So we have started the adventure with an arranged marriage! What was a slow burn romance in Spellbreaker has become a whirlwind fast paced relationship in Spellmaker. Not that I mind of course
Other than that, half a star lost is due to the fact that the pacing (plot wise) felt rushed. But this didn't waive the fact that I ate this book up in one day. Holmberg has a gift of transporting the reader into a whole new world of wonder. Her writing is very descriptive and intriguing.
Elsie Camden is an unregistered spellbreaker so it is odd we spent the entire first book avoiding the authorities to only have her arrested the moment the book starts. But our beau Bacchus Kelsie approaches the magistrate with an appeal. They are to be married within the month and rallies for her release. So we have started the adventure with an arranged marriage! What was a slow burn romance in Spellbreaker has become a whirlwind fast paced relationship in Spellmaker. Not that I mind of course
bpdd's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tadhgerman's review against another edition
5.0
As the climactic end to this two parter, Spellmaker is a breakneck page turner from start to finish. The interesting world introduced in Spellbreaker is now the setting for all of the highest stakes action that the first one promised. I highly recommend it if you can make your way through the first one.
thereticentseer's review against another edition
5.0
A satisfying ending to a magical duology. Loved every thrilling moment.
natyourusual_'s review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book felt like a bit of a letdown compared to the other one. I didn’t like the progression of Elsie’s character necessarily and I noticed certain repeated phrases and concepts that really bothered me. When you realize the author is a practicing Mormon, a lot of aspects of the story that feel strange sort of fall into place and I don’t necessarily appreciate all of it in the context of the story. Idk… I wanted this to be better than it was.
zaineylaney's review against another edition
4.0
The Review
✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
After reading Spellbreaker, I was eager to continue the duology. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity. As I said before, I love Charlie Holmberg’s writing and her Paper Magician series. The magical worlds she creates are so accessible and Spellmaker is no different.
✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
After reading Spellbreaker, I was eager to continue the duology. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity. As I said before, I love Charlie Holmberg’s writing and her Paper Magician series. The magical worlds she creates are so accessible and Spellmaker is no different.
ali_james's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.5
midwifereading's review against another edition
3.0
What a fun, sweet, enjoyable story! It goes down easy, doesn't ask a lot of the reader, yet delivers a satisfying and delightful resolution to the plot begun in the first book.
In regards to the romance, one plus is that it's a sub-plot, and another is that it's PG. I can handle, at most, PG-13 when it comes to spice. It's a little saccharine, but that's kinda why I like it. It isn't wholly realistic, and so makes a nice little happy-ending wholesome escape.
Last, but not least, what really makes this story enjoyable is the magic system the author created. It's really fun to watch it play out in Victorian, Christian, England! It works really well, and I think it does so well because the author didn't also try to build a fantastical world on top of it. It felt natural and believable and practical to have magic all woven through Victorian society.
In short, I liked it, and I'm glad I read it!
In regards to the romance, one plus is that it's a sub-plot, and another is that it's PG. I can handle, at most, PG-13 when it comes to spice. It's a little saccharine, but that's kinda why I like it. It isn't wholly realistic, and so makes a nice little happy-ending wholesome escape.
Last, but not least, what really makes this story enjoyable is the magic system the author created. It's really fun to watch it play out in Victorian, Christian, England! It works really well, and I think it does so well because the author didn't also try to build a fantastical world on top of it. It felt natural and believable and practical to have magic all woven through Victorian society.
In short, I liked it, and I'm glad I read it!