Spellbreaker

Spellbreaker, Book 1

By: Charlie N. Holmberg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden, Joel Froomkin

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A world of enchanted injustice needs a disenchanting woman in the newest fantasy series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician.

The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.

Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in - and fondness for - the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.

For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?

©2020 by Charlie N. Holmberg. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Skillful vocal characterizations enhance this fantasy audiobook set in a magical Victorian Britain…While the plot is complex, both narrators evoke the sympathetic protagonists so convincingly that listeners will feel invested, as well as excited for the sequel.” --AudioFile magazine

“Those who enjoy gentle romance, cozy mysteries, or Victorian fantasy will love this first half of a duology. The cliffhanger ending will keep readers breathless waiting for the second half.” --Library Journal (starred review)

“Powerful magic, indulgent Victoriana, and a slow-burn romance make this genre-bending romp utterly delightful.” --Kirkus Reviews

tolerable

The female voice is fantastic, male voice, not much. He has a bit a of snobby tone, but he doesn't read as much so I found it tolerable.

Performances lacking

The content of the story was entertaining and held my attention well. However, the male narrator’s interpretations/performances were significantly lacking. I caught myself searching for other performers who would have been easier to listen too at times, drifting from the story.

Spellbound!

Couldn't stop listening.... I looked forward long traffic rides to and from work because it meant I had more time to listen to Elsie and Baccus' adventures.

please get a new male narrator

The male narrator wasn't horrible but he wasn't great. he had a weird inflection in his voice, like he was trying not to burp. I did enjoy some of the voices he used for other characters but his narrator voice and his voice for the main character I did not enjoy.

Great story and amazing narration!

I loved this first book and can't wait to see how it concludes in the next one. The narrators were great!

took a minute

it took me a while to get into this one. I have never read this author.

an amazing read

i absolutely loved this book. this author never faols to deliver on fantastic plots. my only complaint is that i i didn't like the male narrator's voice or accent. other than that I'm obesssed with these characters

love this book!

the mystery is fantastic, kept me on my toes! The slight romance, is just what I like.

Why 2 Narrators?

There is zero need for a second narrator. It ruins the experience. Having been immersed in the voices of Ms. Knowelden, it is abrupt and frustrating to have to determine Mr. Froomkin's voices. You have to spend the first few minutes deciphering who is speaking, and then have to go back to listen again for substance. I want to know what happens, so I will continue to listen. Maybe I will get better at grasping the change. Otherwise, I will buy it and read it myself.

Perfect, light, easy read!

This book was fun except for the shared narration. Knowelden was perfect, but the switch-offs seemed arbitrary and it was jarring when Froomkin began reading with entirely different inflections and even a different dialect for main character, Bacchus. As a romantic hero he made Bacchus sound like a pompous, stuffy old man. Knowing how difficult it is to wade through a book read by a poor narrator, I would still recommend it, because Knowelden makes up for it and the story is really fun!