Scan barcode
shuakereem's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.75
this book's only crime is that it isn't longer
marie_reads16's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ktk8's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
coco_lolo's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
While weaker conflict-wise than In Deeper Waters, Spell Bound might stand out most of the F.T. Lukens books I've read due to the well-rounded protagonists (dual POV will really do that for ya). Two-thirds of the book were pretty lighthearted, so the conflict promised in the synopsis came in rather too late for me to feel the stakes were all that high. That aside, both Sun and Rook were given distinct outlooks and personalities, and they both had their own insecurities they had to overcome. Really, it was their interactions and Rook's relationship with his mentor that warmed my heart. Some things were, as Sun observed, too convenient, but this light fantasy was a nice popcorn book!
While weaker conflict-wise than In Deeper Waters, Spell Bound might stand out most of the F.T. Lukens books I've read due to the well-rounded protagonists (dual POV will really do that for ya). Two-thirds of the book were pretty lighthearted, so the conflict promised in the synopsis came in rather too late for me to feel the stakes were all that high. That aside, both Sun and Rook were given distinct outlooks and personalities, and they both had their own insecurities they had to overcome. Really, it was their interactions and Rook's relationship with his mentor that warmed my heart. Some things were, as Sun observed, too convenient, but this light fantasy was a nice popcorn book!
l1ghtsnack's review against another edition
4.0
What I enjoy about all of Lukens' books, this one included, is how seamlessly they bring you into their fantasy worlds. Sci-Fi and fantasy are genres I really enjoy, but like a lot of people I often struggle to get started do to the sometimes overwhelming world-building and info-dumping needed to set the stage. Lukens never has that problem, throwing you straight into the story and giving you pieces of information as you need them. This makes you easily able to delve into the story without having to worry about keeping up.
This story is very warm and cotton-candy sweet. The stakes don't feel high, and I would never say I was at the edge of my seat or unable to put the book down. But, that can be a very good thing. Sometimes you want to relax and just be happily entertained by an easy, happy story, and that's what this is.
The four main characters are all lovely and engaging. You are rooting for Rook and Sun from the start, and instantly like both of them. The main conflict doesn't start until you are halfway through the book, so this isn't the book to read when you are wanting a heavily plot driven page turner. But this is the book to curl up with on a rainy day to make you feel warm and happy and peaceful.
This story is very warm and cotton-candy sweet. The stakes don't feel high, and I would never say I was at the edge of my seat or unable to put the book down. But, that can be a very good thing. Sometimes you want to relax and just be happily entertained by an easy, happy story, and that's what this is.
The four main characters are all lovely and engaging. You are rooting for Rook and Sun from the start, and instantly like both of them. The main conflict doesn't start until you are halfway through the book, so this isn't the book to read when you are wanting a heavily plot driven page turner. But this is the book to curl up with on a rainy day to make you feel warm and happy and peaceful.
bookgirl1861's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
kenzielireads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kaitrates's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was such a delight. Sweet and swoony with amazing banter, a fast-paced plot, and characters I adored. Plus: magick, found family, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and queerness. Truly, what more could you ask for?!
The picks for my YA bookclub are always amazing and this was no exception. It follows Sun and Rook, two magicians' apprentices and their hijinks. We go with them on hex-breaking calls, watch them grapple with the morality of certain laws, get into trouble, and grow closer all the while.
After losing his grandmother and being ripped away from the world of magick, Rook begins working for Antonia, a powerful sorcerer who runs a hex-breaking business (incredibly titled Hex-A-Gone). He has no magic and she's not allowed an apprentice thanks to a Very Bad Experience wherein her last one...let's just say she fucked shit up for the people in charge, okay? But Rook is just office staff. Really! Oh why is he on site getting tangled up in cursed curtains? He was just there to pick some stuff up for Antonia. Really! He can't help if he also has a crush on Sun (who by the way saves Rook using a CURSED SWORD y'all), the apprentice for Antonia's sometimes colleague, always frenemy. And when shit hits the fan and secrets come out? Well...hijinks y'all. And, the cutest, fluffiest (literally for part of the book), most delightful taking down the man ever.
Can't recommend this one enough.
The picks for my YA bookclub are always amazing and this was no exception. It follows Sun and Rook, two magicians' apprentices and their hijinks. We go with them on hex-breaking calls, watch them grapple with the morality of certain laws, get into trouble, and grow closer all the while.
After losing his grandmother and being ripped away from the world of magick, Rook begins working for Antonia, a powerful sorcerer who runs a hex-breaking business (incredibly titled Hex-A-Gone). He has no magic and she's not allowed an apprentice thanks to a Very Bad Experience wherein her last one...let's just say she fucked shit up for the people in charge, okay? But Rook is just office staff. Really! Oh why is he on site getting tangled up in cursed curtains? He was just there to pick some stuff up for Antonia. Really! He can't help if he also has a crush on Sun (who by the way saves Rook using a CURSED SWORD y'all), the apprentice for Antonia's sometimes colleague, always frenemy. And when shit hits the fan and secrets come out? Well...hijinks y'all. And, the cutest, fluffiest (literally for part of the book), most delightful taking down the man ever.
Can't recommend this one enough.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Violence and Injury/Injury detail