Spellbreaker

I love Charlie Holmberg stories, so I've been looking forward to this duology for a while. I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed after the wait! Spellbreaker had all the classic elements of a unique magic system, hate-to-love relationship, and realistic period setting of a historical fantasy that she excels at, but somehow they're never the same story and always exciting and wonderful. I enjoyed the magic in this world, but I want to know so much more! We get a good idea of how spellbreaking works from Elsie's point of view as an untrained and unregistered spellbreaker. (Fascinating that spells are like different knots to her that she loosens and unravels!) But what about how the different types of spellmaking work? I hope I get to learn more about that in the second book to satisfy my curiosity! It's also interesting that they can use more than one type of spellmaking, though they can only master one and don't usually have spells from anything other than that one focus. Imagine an Avatar-like character who could use all the spellmaking spells! And maybe we'll see that Elsie can do more than just spellbreak in book 2?? The magic in this series is often used as a way to separate the classes of society, since it requires a good deal of money to attend an academy and purchase the materials necessary to learn new spells. Even if poor people showed the potential for it, they rarely have the opportunity to receive training unless a wealthy person deems them talented and powerful enough to sponsor them. Even when becoming a Master Spellmaker, the academy leaders are extremely prejudiced and hoard the best spells. This social inequality plays a huge role in the story and in Elsie's justification for her unregistered spellbreaking assignments from the rebel group she calls The Cowls. Elsie sees them as rebellious heroes of the underprivileged, and herself as a modern Robin Hood, but the entire time they seemed to me to be shady at best... I really liked Bacchus, how respectful, honorable, and gentlemanly he was, despite not being treated the same way because of his ancestry. That made me appreciate his behavior even more, taking the higher ground and not succumbing to the prejudices of others. I also liked the way he treated Elsie. Despite them being from different social statuses and the suspicious way they met, he still treated her like a respectable lady. Bacchus is a classy guy. I liked Elsie, though she was a bit annoying at first with her self-righteous behavior and secret defiance of the upper class just because they were upper class. I think this was part of her character progression though, to change her views as she learns more about her benefactors, her spellbreaking abilities, and the targets she is assigned to. When she gets off her high horse to actually get to know others and consider their circumstances, she gets better. Love the twist at the end! Whoa! Don't worry, no spoilers - just read it! Thank goodness there's a second book to track down the whole story, fill in the details of what's really going on, who the bad guys really are, and how Elsie is involved. With that, let's start book 2 in the duology, Spellmaker...

I got this book through Amazon's first read's program for Kindle; having saw the author's (and promptly added them to the queue) books with their fascinating covers, I figured they'd be a nice fantasy to settle into for the winter. And I was right! This was a delightful little story and kept me up past my bedtime. Spellbreaker's undo spells. As opposed to Spellmakers who develop and apply them. Elsie has been a spellbreaker for a very long time. Every since she accidentally undid a spell and caused a lot of trouble. But a benevolent caretaker took her out of that situation (and the workhouse she was in) and placed her somewhere else, on condition that she help when asked. Since then, she's done the tasks for that person/organization in the hopes of making her world a little bit better. But new situations and people are making her question everything she knows. Elsie was a decent character. I think she had some switches in personality and confidence at times, but she also had a lot of stress and personal issues that contributed, so it's almost believable. Bacchus is the read standout character. Although we don't know quite as much about him, I did like how his character was developed and look forward to seeing more of him. The other characters were really sidenotes, and I think that her boss especially was given a bit of a disfavor by rapidly giving his character more at the end and not hinting at it more throughout the novel. It felt too rushed. And that rushed ending was really the only flaw of the book. I would have liked it to slow down a bit more and appreciate what was happening with the characters and the mystery. That being said, there is a second book, so it will probably wrap up and add some detail there. The rest of the pace of the book was good and as said before, I read this in one sitting and stayed up way too late. I look forward to the next! Review by M. Reynard 2020

Initial Thoughts I’ve been seeing this book all over Instagram lately and was super bummed when I didn’t get an ARC for it. But, thanks to Amazon’s First Reads program, I was able to read it a month before it came out. I love the premise and I love historical fantasy. This book sounded right up my alley so I’m so glad I had the chance to read it early. Some Things I Liked Victorian England. I loved the setting. Despite being set before Downton Abbey, the wit, humor, and language felt very Downton and I loved that so much. I loved the way Elsie mentally chastised herself for daring to think about Bacchus or the way everyone was so excited about dining with a Duke. This is one of my favorite time periods to read about. Slow burn romance. It felt so right for the time period. I really enjoyed the friendship / mutual respect that blossomed between Elsie and Bacchus as the story progressed. Naturally, I want them to fall in love and live happily ever after but, I enjoyed the way their story developed. Magic system. I thought the idea of Spellmaking and Spellbreaking was very interesting here and I enjoyed the visual description Elsie gives of seeing spells as knots or puzzles of a sort. Plot twist. I honestly did not see the plot twist coming here. I loved that. It’s very hard to surprise me and I loved that this did. Series Value I can’t wait to read the next book. While I wait, I will definitely be working my way through Charlie’s other works. I’ve already read The Will and the Wilds and The Paper Magician. Final Thoughts I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, is one of my new favorite genres, and had so much fun banter. I can’t wait to keep reading this series and I can totally see why this was one of Amazon First Read’s picks of the month. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommendations for Further Reading The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you enjoy historical fantasy, wit, and magic, look no further than this series. It’s a perfect fall read to cozy up with. The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg – if you enjoyed the idea of unique magic, historical fantasy, and you liked the writing style of Spellbreaker, try Charlie’s other series. Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg – I haven’t read this one yet but you can bet I will be reading it when it comes out (or sooner if someone wants to send me an ARC, wink wink.)

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Spellbreaker duology. I got the audiobook of this from Audible. Audiobook Quality (3/5): I listened to this on audiobook and there are two narrators. The female narrator did awesome, the male narrator came off as very jarring and almost shrill sounding and did an awful job with character voices. I would definitely skip the audiobook and just read in paper/ebook format. Story (3/5): This was okay. It sounded like something I would absolutely love, unfortunately it came off as a bit shallow and thin to me. The story focuses on Elsie who is an unregistered spellbreaker. She is using her powers to do some clandestine work for a mysterious agency that is helping the downtrodden. When she gets caught in an illegal act, she finds herself blackmailed into using her powers to help the intriguing Bacchus. The plot is fairly simple and the whole thing just felt like it could have more depth. It was okay but just not wonderful. Characters (3/5): Elsie is a young woman trying to balance some huge secrets while doing multiple jobs and trying to make a living. She was okay but felt kind of shallow. The same is true with Bacchus, he just felt like he was missing some depth. They were all okay but I didn’t really engage with them. The slow developing romance between the too felt very stiff as well. The side characters weren’t that well done and felt more like placeholders. Setting (3/5): I liked the London setting and thought the world-building around Spellmakers and Spellbreakers was intriguing. I did feel like there was quite a bit of inconsistency in the magic system and that bothered me a bit. Again, this world has an interesting premise but could have been better filled out. Writing Style (3/5): The POV here switches between Elsie and Bacchus, although we hear a lot more from Elsie. That POV switch seemed kind of unnecessary for this book and made the story feel kind of fractured. The other thing that bothered me was the ending. I know this is a duology, but I hate when authors basically do a one sentence reveal and then immediately end the book. It makes me think the author is lazy and is trying to force his readers to read the next book rather than let readers choose to read the next book because they love the writing style and story. My Summary (3/5): Overall this was a mediocre historical fantasy with some romance and magic. The characters were so-so, the plot was fairly simple, and the world was intriguing but underdeveloped. I will not be reading the second book and kind of felt like I could take or leave this book. A part of that was definitely the awful narration of the parts from the male lead's perspective but that definitely wasn't the only thing that bothered me about this story.

Charlie N. Holmberg’s latest, Spellbreaker, has a plot akin to a Coney Island wooden roller coaster with bumps, sharp corners, and thrilling loops throughout. While lesser story-makers would have audiences reeling from the complex knots and twists, Holmberg keeps her narrative grounded in the journey of heroine Elsie Camden who will steal readers’ hearts as deftly as she unravels the binds of spellwork. Elsie is the triumph of this novel- no small feat as the narrative, world-building, and romance are all captivating in their own right. Much to my delight, Holmberg easily sidesteps the all-too-common pitfall of writing a twenty-first century heroine into a period piece. Elsie, while a smart, resourceful spitfire of a woman, prioritizes her maiden’s reputation, acknowledges the bold lines between social class (even as she secretly works to undermine the power of the wealthy), and is loath to jeopardize her good standing with her employers lest she lose her stability and their approval. Elsie is easy to love and engaging with her story is immensely rewarding for the reader. Bacchus Kelsey, the tall, dark and handsome spellcaster, is worthy of a heroine like Elsie in every way. He should, however, see someone about his facial tic as his lip “quirks” no less than five times over the course of the book. This character is, for the most part, beautifully written, but the analog of racial discrimination between Kelsey’s experience and that of actual minority ethnic groups falls flat. He is looked down upon by other Englishmen of similar rank because of the darkness of his skin, attributed to his Portuguese mother. Cursory research, however, shows very little ethnic diversity in Portugal at the time. Without explicit confirmation that Kelsey is of Romani or African descent, he is simply a sun-baked Caucasian who feels like a half-baked ploy to include more diversity in Spellbreaker’s cast of characters. Although the author’s handling of Bacchus’ ancestry is off-putting, it did not significantly diminish my overall enjoyment of Spellbreaker. The clunky attempt at appealing to a wider audience is more than made up for by the meticulous world-building, masterful plot, and compelling characters. I highly recommend this read, so long as you’re comfortable with delayed gratification; the second half of the duology, Spellmaker, is due to be released in March of 2021. My copy is already pre-ordered.

I picked up this book ages ago almost at random from Amazon. The concept seemed interesting but I never got around to reading it. Now that I've finished it I can say I'm definitely curious how it ends. As far as protagonists go, Elsie isn't the most complex. Her motivations largely stem from the trauma she experiences in the prologue, and the entire story helps flesh out those emotions. At times, she's almost exceedingly naïve towards the potential consequences of her actions. But that does help sell how desperate she is to find a family. Her past love seems a bit tacked-on at times, seeming to only add a tiny bit more to her characterization. Overall, the mystery of the opuses plays in the background, with more attention being focused on developing Elsie and Bacchus's relationship. It makes for a fairly relaxed pace until certain mysteries unfurl. The increase in action in the final third of the novel led to a very exciting end to the story. And with how the story ends, I definitely want to see how the remaining mysteries are resolved.

I downloaded this book two days ago and would have finished it in one sitting if my daily life had permitted. I’m one of those weirdos who is hypercritical when starting a book by an author unknown to me, but Ms Charlie’s storytelling got me past that quickly. It’s like Jane Austin and Jonathan Stroud had a brainchild- and her name is Charlie. I love the story, love the characters, the plot twists are spot on, and the level of suspense is low key enough to keep me entranced without causing anxiety. (I like stories best when the good guys win, and I’m not left with knots in my stomach after every other chapter.) This is the kind of book you can happily reread again and again. I love how human- how natural the characters are. Especially Elsie- a character imbued with so many wonderful qualities but wracked with feelings of low self worth- an epidemic most of us face, I think- which makes her relatable and believable. And I like how the romantic touches aren’t soppy. I’m a huge fan of stories set in Victorian England, but just placing a story in that setting won’t make a book great. Not every author can twist reality/history into fantasy and still have it feel probable, but Ms Charlie succeeded. I enjoy fantasy, but can’t stomach stories that make me stretch my imagination to the point that all feasibility unravels. She gives readers a firm ground to stand on while shifting our ideas of possibility. I was a little appalled by what felt like a cliffhanger at the end of the book until I realized there was a second book to come. I want more. We are left with so many unanswered questions, but at the same time, just enough in hints to give the imagination something to play with until the next book. I highly recommend the Spellbreaker and am waiting impatiently for the Spellmaker to come out. This was my first Charlie Holmberg book, but definitely will not be my last. I enjoyed the Spellbreaker so much, I will be purchasing the audiobook as soon as it comes out.

This is my first book by the prolific Charlie Holmberg. Her books pop-up in my feed all of the time but for whatever reason I never get around to picking them up, despite interesting premises & generally glowing reviews. Now i see that those reviews are well earned. I really liked the writing style, which was fast paced but not dumbed down. The story just flowed so beautifully. I also really, really appreciate that it doesn't end on a cliffhanger. That being said, it is clear when the story ends that there is more to come; many loose ends need tying up & there is a general feeling that the story is incomplete. But, all of the major plot points are well wrapped up, instead of the shocking cliffhangers that so many books have these days, which makes the story just suddenly come to an abrupt & jarring end halfway through the story without warning. I HATE that, so the fact that this book avoids it is a big plus for me. Characters are interesting & well drawn, & the mystery aspect is good as well, with clues seeded throughout to make it believable. I will definitely be reading book 2, & I'm glad that Ms. Holmberg is as accomplished of an author as she is, because that means there are many more of her works available for me to get lost in.

4.5 stars but rounding up for Goodreads Another great book from Charlie N. Holmberg! I really love her writing style. The characters were great, the pacing was excellent. I loved the magic system and everything that came with it, all in all an awesome read!

I went in blind and without expectation, and had the best of time! Wonderful story and enchanting characters! I can't wait to read the second book!

✨ Review: Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg ✨ What an absolutely spellbinding read! From the very first page, Spellbreaker had me hooked with its brilliantly unique magic system—something that felt refreshingly new in a genre often filled with repetition. Charlie Holmberg has crafted a world where magic is not just a tool, but a structure, a craft, a calling. And it works so well! Set against the charming backdrop of Victorian England, this story gives off the perfect mix of intrigue, class politics, and just the right touch of whimsy. I adored the historical details woven into the plot, grounding the fantasy elements in a believable, richly textured world. And let’s talk about Elsie. My girl. She is the ultimate hero—clever, conflicted, brave, and deeply human. I loved her moral dilemmas, her quiet strength, and her undeniable charm. She’s a character I rooted for with my whole heart. The very subtle romance with Bacchus? Perfection. No over-the-top tropes or insta-love here—just a slow, subtle burn that adds depth to both characters and left me wanting more. I just finished and I'm already diving straight into book two, Spellmaker, on Kindle Unlimited. I need to know what happens next!

I had so much fun reading this series. Definitely would recommend

This was my first Charlie N Holmberg book but it will not be my last. It was one of those books that I didn’t want to put down and stayed up way too late reading (that’s a pretty good recommendation for a book). I also love the cover and how the second book in the series has a similar cover, so I recognised it instantly. I enjoyed the characters and their development. Even though I could see where the story was going at the seventy-five percent mark, it didn’t matter because the story was so engaging and I wanted to see how the author dealt with the development and I wasn’t disappointed. I would highly recommend this book for adults and young adult readers as I felt this was an interesting story with a world and magic system that was quite easy to understand and keep up with. So nice for a change! Make sure you have book 2 ready to find out what happens next, due to be released 9th March 2021. - Synopsis from the publisher, as they do it best. - 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?