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.

The second book is just as amazing as the first! I love these characters and the plot is so well done. The action is so well described I feel like I'm watching a movie while listening to this book. Even with all the intense action and involved storyline the author still manages to make me laugh out loud in every chapter. The reader once again puts on an amazing performance. I can't wait for the third book!!

Spellbound is a proper example of how to create a sequel. The writing remains smooth, captivating and full of both comedy and action. The colorful cast of characters that Mr. Correia created in Hard Magic is retained and he has enhanced it by adding new faces (such as the stoic Toru and diabolical Mr. Crow).

Another aspect that makes this book (and the series as a whole) great is that the amount of research put into this book is apparent and makes it easier to catch the reader's attention. I could imagine how terrible a magically enhanced dust bowl could be for those living through it. I could see anti magic protesters getting riled up. I could see that and more thanks to his research. Overall, I am definitely looking to buy the next book and would highly recommend Spellbound to anyone.

Great story and interesting characters. The author loves guns, but not burden the story with endless gun crap.
But, it is the narrator that makes this story come alive. His gravelly Jake voice is wonderful.

The continuation of the Grimnoir is epic. I love the underlying big plot that you follow whilst each book deals with its own story too. the characters are wonderfully developed and followed and the action and intensity never seems to drop. Fast becoming my favourite series.

It's rare for a book to get to me so strongly that I'm brought to tears. This book, like it's predecessor before it, has done that.

This book has just the right amount of fantasy and reality intertwined. Book 2 continues the epic story of Jake Sullivan. The narrator is awesome and makes it easy to listen to these books even in a single setting

At times it felt difficult to say whether I enjoyed this because of the narration or the writing. But it is both, the danger is set before the reader and we are pulled inexorably towards its conclusion, and Bronson Pinchot's excellent narration breathes life and personality into the written word. Could not recommend this enough.

Not attacking the Democrats (Obama), and refraining from advocating for right wing views.

I wish Authors would state their politics they plan to advocate for on the cover of their books. I feel dirty after finding I'm reading an author who advocates a political view that supports war, NRA, Hate speach, mixing of religion with state etc

Its like realizing part of me likes the idea of being able to steal what I need