Kidnapped while on tour, musician Sidonie Martel is transported to the mystical land of Avalon. A human without magical ability, she is completely vulnerable to the deadly forces surrounding her.
When she defies her captors and refuses to share her music, an act of violent cruelty leaves her broken, her ability to play silenced, maybe forever. Her only hope is a whisper in the dark, gentle hands that offer healing, and a man who refuses to show her his face yet who offers advice she dare not ignore.
One of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history, Morgan le Fae serves a Queen he despises, Isabeau of the Light Court. Once a famous bard and an advisor to kings, Morgan has been enslaved to Isabeau for hundreds of years, acting as enforcer and the commander of her deadly Hounds.
Sidonie’s music touches Morgan in places he had abandoned centuries ago, and her fiery spirit resurrects feelings he had believed long dead. For Sidonie, trapped in captivity, passion offers a comfort she cannot resist.
But Isabeau holds Morgan bound in magical chains that only Death can break. And in the court of a cruel, jealous Queen, the only thing that burns hotter than love is revenge
Goodreads
My Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Alright, let me set the scene for you; about a week ago, I was perusing Netgalley like I imagine most normal women my age peruse online clothing stores, when suddenly, I saw it. A new Thea Harrison book…set in the same world as the Elder Races series. I’m not sure I have ever clicked the “request ARC” button so quickly. I’ve been a fan of Thea Harrison’s work since her Elder Races series came out, so I was beyond ecstatic to see a new series from her.
As soon as I was granted an ARC of Spellbinder, I purchased the first book in the series, Moonshadow. Though well written, fast moving, and romantic, it wasn’t a book that I particularly connected with. I liked the plot, and the new cast of secondary characters, but failed to really connect with the male and female lead. As a result, I was a touch nervous about Spellbinder. I really shouldn’t have been.
Morgan, a character who has appeared in not only one of the Elder Races books, but was featured as a villain in Moonshadow, was the male lead of Spellbinder. He may actually be my favorite male lead Thea Harrison has ever written. His internal struggle was captivating. In a lot of romance novels, the male lead tells the female lead that she “brought him back to life”. Instead of merely adding in this dialogue, Harrison showed me Morgan’s transformation. The cherry on top of my Morgan sundae? He was a quick witted character, and even managed to slip in a few quips during his fight scenes.
Sid was also a fantastic lead character. She was strong willed and determined, but not overbearing. Her constant support and genuine care for Morgan made it easy to believe as a reader that she was helping him find himself. Perhaps my favorite thing about her, however, was her OCD. I feel like a lot of writers tend to make their lead characters flawless. I loved that Sid was a talented musician, and a strong woman, but also subject to her OCD.
Alright kiddies, I know what you’re waiting for. Those of you with delicate sensibilities may want to avert your eyes for the next portion of my review because the SEX! Holy cow. I’m still fanning myself over here. Harrison knows how to craft a literary sex scene. Unfortunately, there was one small thing that bothered me. The first time the main characters had sex in Moonshadow, Sophie mentions to Nik that she is rarely able to let go enough to climax. Much to my surprise, Sid mentions the same thing to Morgan in Spellbinder! And he reacted the same way Nik did! Overall, I loved the sex scenes (seriously, somebody get over here and fan me) but that one detail really niggled at me.
Finally, fans of the Elder Races series, be prepared, there may be a little tiny dragon cameo towards the end of the book.
My Takeaway: The world of the Elder Races is back! I am so thrilled Thea Harrison has continued writing in this world. When Lionheart comes out in 2018, you all know I will be requesting an ARC the moment it is available.
As The Book Ends 