Spells of Old

Ancient Dreams, Book 2

By: Benjamin Medrano

Narrated by: Gabriella Cavallero

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Having successfully driven off an assault and freed captives of Kelvanis, Sistina begins fortifying to defend those she cares about from further attacks. Yet with all her power within her halls, she cannot grant those under her protection true freedom. To truly bring hope to her love, Sistina must delve into who she once was, and bring forth every scrap of magic she has to become a shining beacon of hope.

Sadly, Kelvanis' plans are only mildly impeded by her efforts up until now, and they will stop at nothing to bring their ends about. The only question is, whose side is time on?

©2017 Benjamin Paul Medrano (P)2017 Benjamin Medrano

A Different Fantasy

Surprisingly compelling for a second book in a trillogy, Spells of Old did not disappoint.

My personal guess as to why this book holds up so well on its own and as an installment in a series is the author's break from traditional narrative convention. This is not a traditional fantasy story in anything but the (possible over) use of traditional fantasy words. The most compelling character is a nigh-unstoppable not-quite deity, and she's the central figure of the tale through this book as well. She is just doing her own thing, and it's interesting to see how and why she takes steps to build up her power base and harem.

In trying to spell it out, this is almost the reverse of a traditional fantasy tale. Almost all the supporting cast is on fairly standard fantasy adventures, even the badguy building up his evil empire, but our not-goddess is just doing her own thing. It's obvious to the audience that she will eventually but heads with others but it's hard to imagine how she'd be stopped, or even really slowed, and we're just along for the ride like the rest of the cast, watching her build power and do crazy powerful stuff for herself and those she cares about. How does she react to all the little people in her shadow, and how do they react now that she's starting to make waves?

It's not a book one reads to empathize with a main character. This is a book and series for cheering on a superwoman as the word crashes into her, and admiring the mythology revealed in the prices left over.

can't wait for the next book.

This is by far one my favorite book series. I've never felt like writing reviews or looking up the date of when the next book would be available before this reading these books.

vary enjoyable

I wasn't sure I would like these books but I'm on book two and can't stop

bad pronunciation problems

overall the book that's fine but the narrator are on the other hand not so much due to the fact that she kept mispronouncing the word leylines it pronounced (lay)lines not (lee)lines

Great book

This is a great book I would read it again and the series in a heartbeat. It puts a new twist on oldschool fantasy

Exactly as expected

The story is exciting to follow as the first book, and I eagerly look forward to the next one. I found a few details odd, such as why the elves didn't seem to think about if there were ever traitors among them, after knowing that there were multiple incidents with them. At worst, small plot holes.

Gabriella's reading is much the same, and she brings her own unique life to the characters as only she can. As before, I find myself in slight disagreements over the image of the character as she presents them, and as the words create in my head, but what I enjoy the most is how well she carries us along the adventure with delight and excitement always twinkling in her presentation.

Great bridge story.

This is a good follow up to the first book. It spends its time setting up the final book's ultimate battles. It is a bit frustrating at times as the subjugation of some of the characters is a bit cruel at times. I am looking forward to seeing them get back at their captors. At least I hope they get the revenge I feel they deserve.

Rise of the past!

absolutely breathtaking story telling at its finest! The characters are well designed and the amazing details that the author described in the scenery is simply breathtaking. I’m currently on my way to the next book so far it gets better and better the more I listen too. Thank you very much for a lovely series!

all the characters are trash except for one

I legitimately hate every character that isnt sistina, especially finnis what is her point? she is such a entitled bitch, I don't understand why she thinks that she can boss around a dungeon, and it feels like only bad guys are going to be the ones that die, could have left well enough alone and let the healer elf die, but no that would be too hard to let a character die that we have only heard of at the start of the chapter in which she dies, because shes not a bad guy like seriously what the fuck is wrong with this author

Victor

Loved it. This is my 3rd time through the series and my first review ever but I just wanted to help the writer out.

Mmm ok

The story picks up a very good pace in this one. Loved it. Recommended.

I really enjoyed the audio book.

I really enjoyed the audio book. A new spin on magic and the way the system works.. I highly recommended the book. I hope the author is a fast writer...

a good giggle.

it's a fun story. the writing is ok. alittle lacking in places. detail mostly. the environment could be richer. but the story is good and I'm eager for the third installment. a good holiday read.

hi

this is great please write the next book and put it to unabridged so I can lesion to it thank you