A review by laurenjodi
Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
3.0
Spell Bound
3 Stars
Series note: This is book 12 in the series, but the 2nd focusing on Savannah Levine. The plot continues directly from where the previous book ended, so it is recommended that it be read in order for the backstory.
Unfortunately, Savannah's story arc does not live up to its potential. The character development is non-existent; the plot is a convoluted mess of intertwined threads that rely excessively on remembering details from the first 12 books in the series, and the hints at a romance between Savannah and Adam fall short.
Savannah is an adult, yet she still behaves like a self-absorbed and rebellious teenager. The entire premise of the book emerges from the fact that rather than dealing with the consequences of her actions, she throws a temper tantrum and ostensibly repudiates her powers. Moreover, the point from my review of book 11 remains - it is annoying when an author undermines a powerful heroine by nullifying her powers. Surely, there are better ways to create suspense.
The plot itself is nothing more than an attempt to include as many characters from previous books within the storyline. There is something nefarious going on in the supernatural world, but it is all very vague and tenuous. The villains are stereotypical and cartoonish rather than truly menacing.
The romance is the most disappointing element in the book. Adam and Savannah have absolutely no chemistry and treat each other more like siblings than potential love interests. There is nothing engaging about their conversations, which are completely devoid of the wit and snark that characterizes romances with sizzle and spark.
Finally, the book ends on an irritating cliffhanger. At least the last book is already out. Hopefully, it will compensate for the shortcomings of this one.
3 Stars
Series note: This is book 12 in the series, but the 2nd focusing on Savannah Levine. The plot continues directly from where the previous book ended, so it is recommended that it be read in order for the backstory.
Unfortunately, Savannah's story arc does not live up to its potential. The character development is non-existent; the plot is a convoluted mess of intertwined threads that rely excessively on remembering details from the first 12 books in the series, and the hints at a romance between Savannah and Adam fall short.
Savannah is an adult, yet she still behaves like a self-absorbed and rebellious teenager. The entire premise of the book emerges from the fact that rather than dealing with the consequences of her actions, she throws a temper tantrum and ostensibly repudiates her powers. Moreover, the point from my review of book 11 remains - it is annoying when an author undermines a powerful heroine by nullifying her powers. Surely, there are better ways to create suspense.
The plot itself is nothing more than an attempt to include as many characters from previous books within the storyline. There is something nefarious going on in the supernatural world, but it is all very vague and tenuous. The villains are stereotypical and cartoonish rather than truly menacing.
The romance is the most disappointing element in the book. Adam and Savannah have absolutely no chemistry and treat each other more like siblings than potential love interests. There is nothing engaging about their conversations, which are completely devoid of the wit and snark that characterizes romances with sizzle and spark.
Finally, the book ends on an irritating cliffhanger. At least the last book is already out. Hopefully, it will compensate for the shortcomings of this one.