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hawkeyegonzalez's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
This book is better than the first one. While Nico's cacography is still essential to the plot, it's not leaned on so much this time around. Instead, the book focuses more on the big picture, and it makes for a more entertaining read.
For me, the best addition to the series is Francesca. Her wit and sarcasm make her a breath of fresh air, and although she can sometimes get annoying, she is oftentimes doing it intentionally and knows when to dial it back. I really enjoyed her character the most and the mystery surrounding who she really is.
One thing that did bother me was the time jump at the beginning. This book takes place 10 years after the end of first, and when we are reintroduced to Nico, he has his own students and has already fought the creature hunting him several times already. It would have been interesting to read those initial encounters.
For me, the best addition to the series is Francesca. Her wit and sarcasm make her a breath of fresh air, and although she can sometimes get annoying, she is oftentimes doing it intentionally and knows when to dial it back. I really enjoyed her character the most and the mystery surrounding who she really is.
One thing that did bother me was the time jump at the beginning. This book takes place 10 years after the end of first, and when we are reintroduced to Nico, he has his own students and has already fought the creature hunting him several times already. It would have been interesting to read those initial encounters.
mikeyreadsbooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
si0bhan's review
4.0
Those of you who have seen my review of Spellwright, the first book in the series, will know that my journey into the series started when I noticed Spellbound sitting in the university second-hand bookstore. From the moment I noticed this book I knew I had to get in on the series. It was screaming out to me. A magical world based up words, with a dyslexic protagonist – of course, I would be game. Thus, getting my hands on book one became of vital importance.
As soon as it was in my hands, the book was devoured. Whilst it was not a perfect read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was eager to start book two. There was so much word building, so much potential for things to come, that not reading the second book would be a crime.
It is safe to say, upon reading book two, I’m still in love with the series. Whilst book one was a mere enjoyment book, this one was an adored book. I loved it. The issues I had with the first book were resolved and so much happened throughout. If you have read book one and you’re unsure as to whether book two will improve upon things, know that it goes beyond simply improving. Book two is a brilliant creation in and of itself, adding so much more to the world whilst continuing the story forward.
In book one we had a lot of world building, meaning at times the action was somewhat slow. With book two, we start with action and continue throughout. There is not a dry moment to be seen. Following the characters from book one, we watch them get to work on the plans that have been building for the last ten years. We knew at the end of book two that action was to occur, and in Spellbound we watch all of the effort come together to create the showdown we were all waiting for.
Don’t worry, though, we’re not limited to watching the same characters playing out their roles for a second time. In Spellbound we have a wonderful new cast of characters. In fact, the newest additions to the series are the characters that truly made the book for me. Yes, I adored the characters in book one – but those introduced in this story were so interesting. We have a truly witty character, a multidimensional character you cannot help to love. Without a doubt, you’ll be pulled into the storylines of the new characters within moments. It’s as though you have known them from the start of the series.
Honestly, with the new characters and the development of the story, Spellbound is an even stronger book than Spellwright. I adored it. Whilst the first one did not need all that much improvement, this book went beyond what I had expected and created a beautiful second book. I cannot wait to see what the final book in the trilogy has in store for us.
Overall, this was a wonderful read working to show why Blake Charlton needs more recognition as an author.
As soon as it was in my hands, the book was devoured. Whilst it was not a perfect read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was eager to start book two. There was so much word building, so much potential for things to come, that not reading the second book would be a crime.
It is safe to say, upon reading book two, I’m still in love with the series. Whilst book one was a mere enjoyment book, this one was an adored book. I loved it. The issues I had with the first book were resolved and so much happened throughout. If you have read book one and you’re unsure as to whether book two will improve upon things, know that it goes beyond simply improving. Book two is a brilliant creation in and of itself, adding so much more to the world whilst continuing the story forward.
In book one we had a lot of world building, meaning at times the action was somewhat slow. With book two, we start with action and continue throughout. There is not a dry moment to be seen. Following the characters from book one, we watch them get to work on the plans that have been building for the last ten years. We knew at the end of book two that action was to occur, and in Spellbound we watch all of the effort come together to create the showdown we were all waiting for.
Don’t worry, though, we’re not limited to watching the same characters playing out their roles for a second time. In Spellbound we have a wonderful new cast of characters. In fact, the newest additions to the series are the characters that truly made the book for me. Yes, I adored the characters in book one – but those introduced in this story were so interesting. We have a truly witty character, a multidimensional character you cannot help to love. Without a doubt, you’ll be pulled into the storylines of the new characters within moments. It’s as though you have known them from the start of the series.
Honestly, with the new characters and the development of the story, Spellbound is an even stronger book than Spellwright. I adored it. Whilst the first one did not need all that much improvement, this book went beyond what I had expected and created a beautiful second book. I cannot wait to see what the final book in the trilogy has in store for us.
Overall, this was a wonderful read working to show why Blake Charlton needs more recognition as an author.
halfmanhalfbook's review
3.0
Did like this one as much as the previous one. Seemed far to long and in parts it was tedious. That said, the concept of the magicians and characters using words and runes to create spells is a good one, just felt that it needing editing better.
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