This is a good follow up to the first book. It allows for events in the 1st book to be better explained and sets up for an interesting finale in the third book.

I did have some reservations about the first book, but to Larry's credit, the 2nd book is much better and builds and augments the scenes from the first book.

A much more polished effort and I look forward to the final book.

The title of my review for Hard Magic (Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles) was "Simply, the best audiobook I've ever encountered." After getting through Spellbound I have to say that Hard Magic still holds that title, but the sequel is certainly no disappointment. Perhaps it was because Hard Magic just felt more fresh, and upon reading Spellbound my wonderment at the universe had been a bit diluted (I listened to them back to back all in less than a week). But, the best way to put it is, if I give Spellbound 5 stars all around, I'd have to give Hard Magic 6 stars. Although, Bronson Pinchot's performance still gets 10/5 in both books.

Spellbound has the same incredible historical urban science fiction fantasy mojo that is touted by Hard Magic. Most of your favorite characters return and the new characters that are introduced, for the most part, do not disappoint, with a very interesting interaction between a magic-envious academic and a demon possessor; yes a demon summoner that possesses the demons. Clever stuff.

You won't be disappointed by Spellbound if you found Hard Magic worth your time. But, while this seems obvious, definitely get through the first book before even attempting this one. Though, you could probably take a pretty big break in between and have no trouble picking right back up into the universe. And, what a universe it is!

The only disappointing thing about Spellbound is that Larry Correia hasn't finished the last book yet. Right now I'm feeling quite impatient waiting for both Cold Days, the next Dresden Files installment and for the third book of the Grimnoir Chronicles. I'm working my way through the Monster Hunter series now, trying to get my fix of Correia's action packed fantastical imagination.

Comparing Grimnoir Chronicles to Monster hunter:
After finishing the first book, Monster Hunter International, I would suggest that both Hard Magic and Spellbound really represent a definite refinement of Correia's art. The Grimnoir Chronicles series blows, at least the first, Monster Hunter book out of the water, and that's saying a lot because MHI itself represents a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy genre. Though I admit that I am probably speaking too soon since the MH books likely improve with each new installment. I am quite excited to see how Correia evolved as an author.

Plug for Iron Druid Chronicles:
Oh, and one final recommendation for those waiting for the third GC book: The Iron Druid Chronicles. While the series is a magnitude lighter than Larry Correia's writing, Kevin Hearne's own take on urban fantasy with a 2000 year old druid living in Arizona might be of interest to those who have similar tastes to myself, based on my review above.

This is the second book in the series. I suggest you start with book 1 for maximum enjoyment. This is a fantastic story with great characters. Correia is a master story teller and talented writer. His style is unique and easily recognized. His huge imagination creates highly interesting situations with lots of action.

Bronson Pinchot, the narrator is excellent and was a perfect choice to bring the Grimnoir Chronicles to life.

Bronson Pinchot is amazing & this urban fantasy with dashes of sci fi, alt/historical fiction, steampunk & adventure continues a truly engaging series. Read the first in the series before this second novel (and if you loved the first, you'll really enjoy this one as well).

Highly recommend!

Excellent follow up to Hard Magic. Masterfully performed by Bronson Pinchot. Fantastic follow and colorful new character additions. Can't wait for book three, War Bound!

I really liked the first book, but can't wait to start book three. Bronson Pinchot's narration is equal to the story.

I've read many books dealing with magic. and although I can appreciate the originality of Siri such as the Dresden Files, nothing else quite touches this series.

This story is believable, which is my favorite type of fantasy novel. The audible reader does a very good job with both genders and multiple characters. I like this series even better than his Monster Hunters series.

I fully believe Bronson Pinchot breathes more life into these characters than my imagination is capable of. He makes these characters real and solid in a way I'm not sure I would have managed had I just read it. The materials is great as far as I'm concerned, but I believe Mr. Pinchot's performance elevates it.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and The Brotherhood of the Wheel by R. S. Belcher (also read by Pinchot)

He gives each character such a unique flavor that it's easy to identify the character and form a connection to them. This is the 4th audio book I have heard from him and he has become the bar to measure other narrators by.

Larry Correia has put together a terrific alternate history filled with great characters. The first two installments have kept me fully engaged and actively seeking out more of this world.

This story, these characters... the writer simply got it right. The entire book was a good steady pace and the ending leaves you begging for more. Good stuff all around!