A review by gameoftomes
Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The best thing about this book are the characters. I’ve already cast them in my head, imaging how the book would translate into a tv show. Rook is both a genius and a dumbass, with golden retriever kind of energy. Sun is both confident and insecure and becoming friends with Rook changes their notions on following the rules of the Consortium, the very controlling magical governing body in this world. Antonia is mysterious and scary, both a rose blossom and its thorns. Fable is a little too lawful good for my liking, but their decisions always made sense for their character. I’m not nonbinary, but the rep here seems good and normal, with both Sun and mentor Fable using they/them pronouns. I would love to see more of Mavis if there is ever a sequel. 

The book achieves a great balance of having magic and whimsy exist alongside tech and the modern setting. It never feels odd or weird in a way that takes you out of the story. I love the ley lines magic system that exists with potions and spells that require precise steps and a lot of willpower. 

Some of the plot points felt more forced, like a certain someone going through Rook’s bag to look for his cell phone while Rook was incapacitated and stumbling upon his illegal tech for sensing magical ley lines. Like wouldn’t that tech have some kind of lock or password to open? And in an emergency would someone really study the screen and figure out the tech matches where the ley lines are, which regular humans cannot see? It’s forced but I’ll let it pass because there is much more great in this story than meh. 

But the book provided the fun, which is what I’m looking for in a witchy book. It felt like watching a fun streaming movie, with enough pathos to make you care and enough hijinks to keep you entertained. 

7.5/10 stars, recommended for a good time. 

Ebook copy for review provided by NetGalley, not sponsored. 
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