Spellbound

Magic in Manhattan Series, Book 1

By: Allie Therin

Narrated by: Erik Bloomquist

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

To save Manhattan, they'll have to save each other first....

1925 New York

Arthur Kenzie's life's work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric...and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether.

Rory Brodigan's gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he's become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city's fate hanging in the balance, he can't force himself to say no.

Being with Arthur is dangerous, but Rory's ever-growing attraction to him begins to make him brave. And as Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break - even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.

Contains mature themes.

©2019 Allie Therin (P)2019 Tantor

Bound to Cast a Spell on You

I adored this book. It took a little bit to adjust to Erik's narration. I wasn't terribly fond of it at the start, but that could also be due to coming off a narrator I very much enjoyed. Once my ear adjusted I liked the narration very much, so in the event anyone finds the audio a little off putting I would suggest giving yourself some time to get used to it, as the story is wonderful.

I loved the snark and sass of Rory contrasting the sophisticated and duty bound character of Ace. I'm much more a fan of a slow burn rather than an instant ignition, so Rory snarking about and Ace being a mature, responsible adult was a great way to make that burn happen. And, once they do give into their feelings, their easy chemistry is so enjoyable.

The story is also very interesting. So often we just see a backdrop to a romance, but the story itself is enthralling. You want to know what will happen next as much as you want to see Rory and Ace get together. The conclusion of the book feels well paced, and complete, but still allowing for a clear continuation.

I was sorely disappointed to see that the next book was not available on audible at the time of this review.

Cute with interesting world building

This is a sweet story that created an interesting magic system in 1920s NY and gives a good feel for that time period and different areas of the city. the romance is lovely and not explicit (I'm fine with explicit but this story was much more about characters than sex). I liked the narration quite a bit. the 2 main characters have distinct voices and hearing 1920s American slang is funny. there were a few words that were mis pronounced but not enough to detract from the story and it happened less as the book went on. I'm ready for the next book!

A romance novel with minor supernatural subplot

I'm not sure why I thought this would be supernatural suspense and not a romance novel, but I managed to disappoint myself. The romance was a little heavy-handed for my tastes, and it seemed like too often the romance took center stage instead of the plot. If you take out all of the romance from this book, the plot only occupies maybe 20%. I don't typically enjoy romance novels so I didn't really enjoy this.

The narration was confusing at times because, what I'm sure makes perfect sense visually, is confusing verbally. Several times the characters thought and spoke nearly simultaneously and I struggled to differentiate between the two.

Also, a pet peeve of mine; near the end of the book the main baddies stopped the whole plot to unload a f*ckton of exposition about the main characters, for the main characters. For what? Why? It seems like, if this information were to be meaningful, maybe the main characters should have acquired it on their own. It makes no sense for the main bad guy to spend so much time making sure they know everything about it.

Utterly fantastic - an absolute must "listen"

Have mercy. It’s official, y’all. I have found my new favorite book. Hands down best read of the year. I can’t say enough how much I absolutely loved and adored Spellbound by Allie Therin. In fact, if I sat here and spewed all the fan-girling nonsense my fingers keep trying to type, y’all wouldn’t keep reading. Which would be a disservice to you, me, and this phenomenal book.

So, what was it exactly that had me swooning from page one? I can’t honestly nail it down to one single thing. It was kind of everything. I’m not sure about you, but as a reader who is also a writer, there’s always a thing or two that rubs me the wrong way—after all, not everything is for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay! But with Therin, I couldn’t find anything to fault. Everything from her writing style to her characterization to her plot had me all heart-eyed and happy, heavy sighing.

If you know me at all, you’re aware I’m generally not a fan of historical or paranormal. Both genres truly have to be written at the top of their game for me to enjoy them. So what does that say when I’m proclaiming this historical paranormal as my new fav??

The setting of this book was absolutely superb. Therin captured all the literal and figurative magic in her fictional depiction of 1920s Manhattan. She included just enough nods to history that it felt accurate and genuine, yet didn’t overburden her scenes with excessive details that overshadowed the story. And her characters—every dang one of them, from the MCs to the supporting cast—were woven with intricate and heartfelt brilliance. I fell hard and fast and didn’t want to let go. Then there was the plot and the awe-inspiring twist on the paranormal that had my eyes wide and my readerly heart beating staccato the entire read. Both times. (Because, yes, I’ve already read this bad boy twice and have no doubts it’ll be a frequently repeated go-to feel-good part of my life.)

The love scenes are all fade-to-black yet so insanely emotional and steamy, they will undoubtedly satisfy all levels of romance readers—including those on both ends of the sweet romance/erotica spectrum. It’s magic, I tell ya. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book that shows so little yet provides such a solid sexy punch.

I would recommend this book to ANY romance reader. Period. I don’t care if you aren’t a proclaimed historical fan, or if paranormal isn’t your gig. Heck, even if you haven’t ventured into the MM romance world, this would be a sensational introductory read in any of those genres. This book is so full of heart and passion and jaw-dropping intrigue, it’ll have at least something for everyone.

Great story

The story was good. Nice character development. That said, the narrator not so much. You couldn't tell the two main characters apart about 50% of the time. He probably should stick to narrating physics text books.

I didn’t want it to end.

A love story of two unlikely characters, interwoven with magic and beautiful imagery of New York City in the 1920s.

So Glad I Picked this One Up!

It has been 47 minutes and 22... 23... 24... 25 seconds since I finished listening to the audiobook of Spellbound by Allie Therin. I know this because I now mark time by what happened before I was able to experience this book, and how my life has been utterly and irrevocably changed by having finished the experience. This book is... it's finding that last piece of candy at that bottom of your jacked pocket when you thought you were all out (and not the gross, old piece, but a beautifully wrapped, shining piece of your favorite sweet, still glistening within it's beautiful wrapper, filled with sweetness, saltiness, and a taste that you want to remember for the foreseeable future).

Can you tell I really liked this book?

Perhaps it's the books I have been reading recently, which I have enjoyed JUST AS MUCH as this book, but which present emotions in different ways. Perhaps it's my own writing, which is set in a world that acts as a heavy weight before the characters can even get to explore their own emotions. Whatever the reason, the naked sincerity and bold openness of Rory Brodigan stole my breath away (much the same effect it seemed to have on Ace, really). Part of the reason it took me longer than usual to finish this book was that I was constantly worried that something would happen to Rory, the adorable, rough-tough-cream-puff that he is, to rob him of that vulnerability. I can understand Ace's want to protect him, as it surged within me every time Rory might set off on his own or faced something down that was entirely terrifying. I won't lie, ALL of Therin's main characters shared the same level of depth. The ever worrying, compassionate Arthur, the sarcastic, confident, and quick-witted Jade, the caring, stubborn Mrs. Brodigan... I could go on and on, but I really only had eyes for Rory, and let me tell you, my big sibling senses were going CRAZY for half of the book!

Characters aside, I loved the magic system presented. It added so much to the overall story that it became a character in and of itself. It made villains identifiable and, dare I say, sympathetic? It made heroes vulnerable and brave and sacrificing in a way that no other setting or environment could have.

I don't know if I can recommend this book highly enough. It's a great adventure in 1920s New York, full of magic, mystery, and love. I have to take my hat off to the author. From the first moment I began the story, she had me...

(should I do it? Should I? Oh, I'm going to do it, you watch me.)

...Spellbound.

Spellbound, equal opportunity magic, mystery and romance..

The story and these characters in this time and place appear to have been written with a lovingly realistic nostalgia for the era, the result is especially charming. However after reading the book and looking forward to the audio version I was initially put off by the sample of the narration. I sometimes read other Audible customers reviews of selections I am interested in and one in particular recommended revisiting Spellbound and changing speed and suggested that the narrator and narration improved over the course of the full listen.. l took this advice because the story is worth it, and I'm glad that I did, the narrator improved from doing a dry reading of material to performing with the warmth and emotion that the story and characters require.....The improvement continues! in Starcrossed..Thanks Audible ..Gwen S.

I had to listen a 2nd time

There were a few hiccups in the tale, but all in all I enjoyed it quite a lot, I definitely plan to read the 2nd when it comes out. On the characters, I did feel they were developed pretty well. The universe...I found myself momentarily puzzled from time to time. The villains, sigh, I didn't ever really get a hand on. I guess overall, I'd give the book just under 4 stars.

The narrator was good, but there were moments of mispronunciation, and a strong lisp, even so, I mostly appreciated him. His delivery is slow, almost stately, on a few occasions the pace was too slow, ponderous.

The early 1900s was reasonably described, indeed.

Charming love story, decent narration

Pros: charming love story, I really liked their first kiss scene. It's sweet and sexy and fun. I love the setting, 1920s NYC, with the look into all the different socioeconomic groups. It's also refreshing to have an unapologetically bisexual lead who doesn't decide he's gay the as soon as he falls for a man.

Cons: Rory's class angst is understandable but gets tiresome. Ditto the jealousy.

The narrator has a good voice. He doesn't phrase things the way I would, but he's a competent reader and overall I find it fine to listen to.