littoface's review
5.0
You will fall in love with this book and all the characters in it. Your heart will throb and break and get put back together. This is the modern day fairy tale we all need to remind us that when all is said and done, we never walk alone.
tsmom1219's review
5.0
Excellent book. Sucked me in from the beginning and was very,very difficult to put down. According to the author's web site, she's working on a sequel. I hope she writes quickly.
mackle13's review
3.0
3.5
The first few chapters of this were tough to get through, as you get a million characters thrown at you and not a lot of depth and I considered dumping the book at one point, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because I did get sucked in, eventually.
I think this is partially due to the fact that I kind of related to Maggie - and it was kind of refreshing to see a size 12 female protagonist - and partially 'cause I'm sort of a sucker for things Fae. I also liked the quasi-magical-realism aspect of most of the story, since the magic is kind of a natural extension of things, and not, like, fireballs and shit. (Not that there's anything wrong with fireballs, mind you - but I enjoyed the more subtle version presented in this story.)
I also, ultimately, liked the theater aspect - and, honestly, it's one of the reasons I picked this book up, considering my own dabblings in theater all throughout school and continuing to today with community theater productions, which this book had the feel of (even if they did get paid. Lucky bastards.)
Anyway - it's a good thing that I did end up clicking with Maggie and Rowan, because this is very much a character based story - love and drama and relationships, oh my.
I think my main complaint is that the secondary characters - and there were a lot of them - aren't very well developed. It makes sense, in a way, because while the story is ostensibly about the theater, it's really about Maggie - about her coming to terms with her past, with herself, and with Rowan.
I wasn't entirely thrilled with the bitter-sweet ending, though. I mean, you're sort of prepared for it, but I still found myself a bit annoyed that
And it's mostly because of the bitter-sweet ending that I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with the next book... but, after reading reviews, it seems to tie the story up nicely - and I could use some resolution, because I do feel like there's a lot left hanging at the end of this book.
Also, it'll be interesting to see how Maggie copes with being the director, and I'm curious as to how that'll change the dynamic of her and theater.
The first few chapters of this were tough to get through, as you get a million characters thrown at you and not a lot of depth and I considered dumping the book at one point, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because I did get sucked in, eventually.
I think this is partially due to the fact that I kind of related to Maggie - and it was kind of refreshing to see a size 12 female protagonist - and partially 'cause I'm sort of a sucker for things Fae. I also liked the quasi-magical-realism aspect of most of the story, since the magic is kind of a natural extension of things, and not, like, fireballs and shit. (Not that there's anything wrong with fireballs, mind you - but I enjoyed the more subtle version presented in this story.)
I also, ultimately, liked the theater aspect - and, honestly, it's one of the reasons I picked this book up, considering my own dabblings in theater all throughout school and continuing to today with community theater productions, which this book had the feel of (even if they did get paid. Lucky bastards.)
Anyway - it's a good thing that I did end up clicking with Maggie and Rowan, because this is very much a character based story - love and drama and relationships, oh my.
I think my main complaint is that the secondary characters - and there were a lot of them - aren't very well developed. It makes sense, in a way, because while the story is ostensibly about the theater, it's really about Maggie - about her coming to terms with her past, with herself, and with Rowan.
I wasn't entirely thrilled with the bitter-sweet ending, though. I mean, you're sort of prepared for it, but I still found myself a bit annoyed that
Spoiler
Rowan couldn't hang around for a bit. I mean, I know he wants to go back home and all, but, damn son - it's been, waht, 200 years? Ya can't hang around for another 5 years or so?And it's mostly because of the bitter-sweet ending that I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with the next book... but, after reading reviews, it seems to tie the story up nicely - and I could use some resolution, because I do feel like there's a lot left hanging at the end of this book.
Also, it'll be interesting to see how Maggie copes with being the director, and I'm curious as to how that'll change the dynamic of her and theater.
tangleroot_eli's review
4.0
In the winter, when I'm dealing with SAD and cabin fever, I read a lot of YA spec and books like this. Deep enough to keep my mind engaged but not so deep that I get all wonky and depressed. Just a fun, slightly frothy read with a hopeful but not stupidly happy ending. Quite good for any time of year; nigh perfect for this one.
My sole gripe (which seems like a big one but is really just a personal preference) is that I felt the "big mystery" should've been revealed earlier. Charmed though I was by what this book is, I think it would've been even stronger had Maggie known the truth about Rowan and the staff much earlier on. We could get to know the characters and delve even deeper into the plot if this were a book about how an ordinary woman deals with her extraordinary circumstances, rather than a book about a bunch of people trying to hide things from each other. In some ways, the story ends right about where it should've started. That's why I have even higher hopes for the forthcoming sequel, Spellcrossed; we already know the secret, and now we can watch Maggie and the others deal with it.
My sole gripe (which seems like a big one but is really just a personal preference) is that I felt the "big mystery" should've been revealed earlier. Charmed though I was by what this book is, I think it would've been even stronger had Maggie known the truth about Rowan and the staff much earlier on. We could get to know the characters and delve even deeper into the plot if this were a book about how an ordinary woman deals with her extraordinary circumstances, rather than a book about a bunch of people trying to hide things from each other. In some ways, the story ends right about where it should've started. That's why I have even higher hopes for the forthcoming sequel, Spellcrossed; we already know the secret, and now we can watch Maggie and the others deal with it.
krisrid's review
2.0
This book was extremely sweet, extremely sentimental, and extremely high on inter-personal relationship "stuff". Some might really love this book, but for me it was just kind of meh. I did not finish this.
I didn't hate the book. It had its moments. Or, at least the first hundred pages I read had some sweet moments. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for the sentimentality, or maybe I'm just too jaded for the kind of sweetness that this book delivers. Either way, when I got past the first 100 pages, and realized: a) I wasn't really loving this story, sweet though it was, and, b) there are 350+ MORE pages to go of this book, I decided I wasn't into it enough to make that kind of time commitment. Especially considering how many books there are on my TBR list that I am DYING to get to, when I am just not into a book, I'm going to let it go and move on to something that I will love.
I didn't hate the book. It had its moments. Or, at least the first hundred pages I read had some sweet moments. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for the sentimentality, or maybe I'm just too jaded for the kind of sweetness that this book delivers. Either way, when I got past the first 100 pages, and realized: a) I wasn't really loving this story, sweet though it was, and, b) there are 350+ MORE pages to go of this book, I decided I wasn't into it enough to make that kind of time commitment. Especially considering how many books there are on my TBR list that I am DYING to get to, when I am just not into a book, I'm going to let it go and move on to something that I will love.
meaganc's review
3.0
I apparently never marked this read. Things I liked: the setting, the light fantasy aspect, the settings.
Things I didn't like: Some of the romance stuff was way overboard.
Things I didn't like: Some of the romance stuff was way overboard.
book_grinch's review
5.0
A very charming story about redemption, love and friendship all wrapped up in a musical theater setting.
I love stories that can be described as dwelling on the magical realism theme, stories where the fantastic mingles with everyday life. And this one sure delivered.
I had a little trouble at the beginning of the book, with the introduction of so many characters. Some of whom took me awhile to be able to follow...but all of them were necessary and vital to this tale.
Maggie and Rowan, were amazing characters. Not one, but two hearts of this story. Their dynamic fueled almost the whole book and i loved their romance.
This is not only a story, this is a journey, about how sometimes it is possible to find your true path in life. This is that story, and the story of the people who will help you achieve it.
Can't wait to read the second [b:Spellcrossed|12947743|Spellcrossed (Maggie Graham #2)|Barbara Ashford|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1330801742s/12947743.jpg|18104464].
fmoreno's review
5.0
One of the best discoveries of 2011!
I finished Speelcast and I'm still speechless. I got curious about this book when I saw some reviews stating wonders about this novel by Barbara Ashford. I have to admit the title and the cover did some convincing too but how could I resist to such marvellous reviews? I don't normally buy books because of fantastic review. At least when I'm not certain the book can meet my expectations. But in this case I was enthralled by various factors and I couldn't resist buying this Spellcast. And it was a wonderful, sweet discovery.
I'm truly happy to have discovered this author and this book. It was such a wonderful reading. I'm still reeling from those last few pages. I even re-read the final chapter 3 or 4 times not believing it was the end.
Actually I'm still not convinced it is the end. How I am ever going to survive until June? I'm certain I'll die from anxiety until then.
Despite that this book brought me many emotions. What a powerful and beautiful creation we have here. I loved the characters right from the start even though in the beginning I couldn't tell them apart. But as I devoured the book everything fell to the rights place and I just enjoyed the ride. And what a wild ride.
Such a remarking, heart-breaking love story. I loved the plot, I loved everything in the book. And loved the cenario at Vermont. Oh, well, I loved it. *.*
FAN-TAS-TIC. That's all I have to say. This is definitely a page-turner. I wish I had waited for the sequel to come out so I could have more of Crossroads Theatre. But why, oh why, couldn't I wait?!
I just hope Spellcrossed will be as sweet as this one! I CAN'T wait!
I finished Speelcast and I'm still speechless. I got curious about this book when I saw some reviews stating wonders about this novel by Barbara Ashford. I have to admit the title and the cover did some convincing too but how could I resist to such marvellous reviews? I don't normally buy books because of fantastic review. At least when I'm not certain the book can meet my expectations. But in this case I was enthralled by various factors and I couldn't resist buying this Spellcast. And it was a wonderful, sweet discovery.
I'm truly happy to have discovered this author and this book. It was such a wonderful reading. I'm still reeling from those last few pages. I even re-read the final chapter 3 or 4 times not believing it was the end.
Actually I'm still not convinced it is the end. How I am ever going to survive until June? I'm certain I'll die from anxiety until then.
Despite that this book brought me many emotions. What a powerful and beautiful creation we have here. I loved the characters right from the start even though in the beginning I couldn't tell them apart. But as I devoured the book everything fell to the rights place and I just enjoyed the ride. And what a wild ride.
Such a remarking, heart-breaking love story. I loved the plot, I loved everything in the book. And loved the cenario at Vermont. Oh, well, I loved it. *.*
FAN-TAS-TIC. That's all I have to say. This is definitely a page-turner. I wish I had waited for the sequel to come out so I could have more of Crossroads Theatre. But why, oh why, couldn't I wait?!
I just hope Spellcrossed will be as sweet as this one! I CAN'T wait!
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