Spellbreaker Spellbreaker #1

So here's the thing, very interesting premise. I liked the characters. Very interesting world building! But some things just fell flat, a bit. Overall I enjoyed this but I don't expect I'll be reading book 2. I'm happy enough having enjoyed this much of the world.

The magic, and the lore, were my favorite parts of "Spellbreaker." The way magic is limited is very interesting and unique! Magic types being separated the way they are was a clever way to keep it from being too overpowered, as was the need for drops. Needing the acquire the spell initially was a good way of balancing the ability to just do the spell freely after. And the opuses! Very interesting, it's almost enough to encourage me to continue on.

But there were places it just fell flat, and just enough to not actually continue. For me, it has 2 or 3 major reasons for that. 1, Elsie was just too damn thirsty! Maybe I'm just too ace, but I can't find it all that believable. 2, the blend of Christianity and fantasy is doable but I'm not sure Spellbreaker did it well. I just couldn't see how a Christian god fits in with a world of aspectors. And maybe 3, I can't remember for most of the book if it was often, but for Elsie to say something like "you blend in the shadows" to a black man doesn't sit well with me. Not to call this book or author racist, there was just one or two instances like that that didn't seem like the best choice.

But anyway, I found the characters enjoyable. I thought at first that Elsie was very "I'm not like other girls" but she balanced her independence and uniqueness well with her femininity. I was annoyed at first but I even found it amusing how she looked down on the Wright sisters for gossiping while in the same moment eavesdropping on their gossip. Baccus could have used more time, I think, but he was interesting enough to follow.

Interesting take on a magic world. Was a bit of a slow start, but I enjoyed the interactions between the two leads.

It was a bit difficult to keep track of and remember the whole system, (partly because the previous book I read also had a whole system of it's own), so it took me a while to get into the book, but I'm glad I did. Most of the time I could not forsee what was going to happen, which is something I value a lot im books- I love being completely clueless and surprised left and right 😂 And boy, I am glad the second book is out already and I can dive straight in!
 

This was such a unique, fun book! I loved the magic system and the characters. I’m so excited to read the next book!

This was such a unique, fun book! I loved the magic system and the characters. I’m so excited to read the next book!

RTC!

Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own. Book: Spellbreaker Author: Charlie N. Holmberg Book Series: Spellbreaker Duology Book 1 Rating: 3/5 Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, historical fiction lovers, magic, ya Publication Date: November 1, 2020 Genre: YA Fantasy Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, some language, slight romance) Publisher: 47North Pages: 300 Synopsis: 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? Review: For the most part I think this book is pretty good! The characters fully engaging and well written. The world building was fantastic as well as the plot of the book. However, the pacing of the book was very slow and it really took a lot out of me to push through the book and read it. The last part of the book was great and I wish the whole book was like that, but it’s not and that’s disappointing. Verdict: It’s good but slowwwwww.

Guys. This really blew me away. I am shocked, I've never heard of it before but I cannot WAIT to get to the next book.

*3.5

Review coming soon!

I'm a big fan of Pride and Prejudice and fantasy. This book is the perfect mix between the two. The love story was so sweet and tender and the worldbuilding was just immaculate. There were a few plot twists I saw coming (i may have yelled "I knew it!" while reading, but there were also plot twists i did not see coming. I fell inlove with the chracters in this novel. Elsie is so curious, intelligent and quick witted that I loved her from the first page. Every character was different and memorable and I cannot wait for the next novel.