Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Spellbound #1

Spellbound

Rate this book
Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There’s something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.


Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan’s town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan’s once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.


Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan’s fight to win. But, will he?

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2011

3 people are currently reading
438 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Combs

11 books78 followers
Samantha Combs is a multi-published, young adult/middle grade author living in Southern California. The award-winning author of nine books, five are young adult paranormals: Spellbound, Everspell, Ghostly, Waterdancer, and The Deadlies; one is a middle grade horror novel: The Detention Demon; and three are adult horror collections: Teeth and Talons, Way Past Midnight, and Helloween. Samantha has two other completed manuscripts and and so many others planned, she hopes to release in the near future. She publishes with three houses: Astraea Press, Musa Publishing and Sweet Cravings Publishing. 2013 looks even more amazing than 2012 did with three planned releases

When she is not writing or reading voraciously, Samantha enjoys bloggers, the Food Network Channel, reality television and wandering around the aisles at Target. She recently conquered Facebook and is learning how to use Twitter. She is sure she can handle any situation if she has the right shoes and has a mad passion for totally inappropriate earrings. Samantha believes the movement toward technology is the most exciting thing to happen to publishing and can’t wait to see what the industry is going to do next. Anything that makes kids want to read can’t be a bad thing.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
43 (35%)
4 stars
34 (28%)
3 stars
25 (20%)
2 stars
11 (9%)
1 star
7 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry.
Author 24 books59 followers
July 13, 2011
Review:
Writing in the 1st person can be restricting, but Ms Combs overcomes both this, and head-hopping, in Spellbound with her masterly use of giving various characters their own sections in the story. Not only does the reader see the events from multiple viewpoints, but each one segues neatly into the next without slowing the pace of the story.
There is a large cast of characters, but the author’s technique ensures the reader never loses track of her main players. I did find keeping track of what the different coven members specialised in a bit hard, but once again Ms Combs kept prompting me as the story progressed.
Logan and Serena’s meeting is the catalyst for change in their lives. For Logan, it is about discovering a whole new aspect of life and coming to terms with it when he discovers the girl he is falling in love with is a twitch – teenage witch – then his widowed mother reveals secrets which tilt his new and topsy-turvy life upside down. That he adjusts copes so well with each revelation and its consequences might have the author turning him into some sort of super-human, but no, under Ms Combs influence Logan grows and matures with a compassion and understanding that never becomes mawkish or unrealistic.
While Serena seems to have her future mapped out for her and her elder and younger sisters around for support, encouragement and sharing, it soon becomes clear that that any reader pre-conceptions soon go up in a puff of demonic smoke. Her new boyfriend is not the only one who finds his life tilting on its axis as revelations aplenty are thrown at her. Serena’s strength of character matches that of her boyfriend, Logan and together with the support of some fun and entertaining characters face their biggest challenge knowing the cost of losing would be death for at least one of them.
The secondary characters all play their parts in moving the story forward and come from different arenas and yet all come together at the end of this fluently written and fast-paced story in such a manner this reader was sad to part company with them at the end of their tale.
For those who enjoy YA, paranormal and romance all wrapped up together, then Ms Combs is an author to watch out for.
590 reviews91 followers
January 4, 2012
Spellbound, on the surface, is a YA story about a teenage boy whose life is turned completely upside-down when he meets and falls in love with the new girl in town. In actuality, it is about so much more. Combs explores this fun and fast paced adventure of teen witches through the eyes of multiple characters, leaving you with a very satisfied feel for the story. Here is I liked about it (without any spoilers....I hope):

Witches, demons, and trolls :)
Young (fated) love that is believable. I love how the book is not filled with the "will they or won't they have sex" storyline so many YA books seem to be focused on lately. Combs understands that readers want more more than the typical cookie cutter teen romance.
The book sucks you in from the first paragraph.
The relationships (romance, friendships, and family based) feel real and not contrived.
It takes place in NH (I miss NH :))
The book comes to a satisfying conclusion, but leaves the door open for more books in a series.
The multiple narrators add depth to the story.
It is a super fun read!
It is only $2.99 as an ebook!!!!!!

I would allow even younger teens to read this book. I think it appeals to a wide age group and depending on where you are in life, you will get something different out of it.

I probably would have given this a 4.5 if it were an option because of a few editing issues. One really bugged me, but I think it is only because I am super picky about such things. They in no way distracted from the flow of the book and would not be noticeable to many. I plan to read more from this author after reading this book :).
Profile Image for Tanya.
Author 4 books96 followers
July 18, 2011
Spellbound is a well written book with a large focus on family.The story does not lack excitement and the romance between the two main characters was very sweet.Spellbound is most definitely a book for teens and adults alike.I particularly enjoyed the whole witch and warlock aspect of the story.I'm a lover of anything fantasy or paranormal so this book was very enjoyable for me to read.I am looking forward to reading more books by Samantha Combs in the future.

Profile Image for Tahlia Newland.
Author 23 books82 followers
July 18, 2011

Spellbound is a refreshingly sweet book about good witches who protect humans from evil witches and demons. It’s a pleasant read full of lovely warm-hearted characters - apart from the requisite evil master mind and his demon minions, of course.

Christophe wants to breed a race of super-witches under his control and Sarina has the genes he wants. He isn’t going to try to woo her, however, because her family knows he’s evil, so she’s not interested. He’s going to have to fight them for her and now that she’s old enough, the time for the inevitable battle is drawing near. Sarina is only now learning about this and about other family secrets, and the revelations rock her world.

She and her two sisters arrive in a new town and she promptly falls in love with Logan and him with her. At first her older sister, who is also her surrogate parents (the siblings parents died when they were very young) opposes the match, until she finds out something very interesting about Logan. He has the powerful witching gene too. Christophe is interested in him too, though we’re not quite sure how he planned to fit Logan into the picture of Christophe fathering a new super witch race.

Logan didn’t even know his mother was a witch – she hid it from him and his sister – now he discovers that his sister is a Twitch (teenage witch) and he has latent warlock talents. These revelations come right after he’s discovered that his new love is a witch. Next thing he’s fighting demons and an evil warlock. It’s all a big shock for him, but he handles it well and is determined to protect Sarina at all costs.

Eleven extra exceptional witches with a variety of talents come to stay at Sarina’s new home and begin her intensive training. Once they realise that Logan has talent and a part to play in keeping the lovely Sarina from the evil protagonist, they also train Logan, and the day finally arrives when he and the coven have to face Christophe and his demons, not only to stop him from snatching Sarina away, but also to rescue others he’s already taken.

My favourite bit was when the coven practiced their group powers. The magic was awesome.

There is one surprise in the plot, but other than that, the story progresses as you expect it to. I think the book could have been better if Logan and Sarina had had more obstacles to overcome before they got together. I felt that everything was resolved a little too easily and I never did work out why it was Logan who had to save the day in the end, when there were thirteen powerful witches in the room and he had been training about two weeks. I also felt that there was a little too much repetition of the ‘I love you and I’ll do anything to protect you,’ refrain from both Logan and Sarina.

All in all, it’s a lovely book for younger teens. I give it three and a half stars.
Profile Image for Genea.
348 reviews25 followers
April 17, 2016
Beautiful cover and an interesting synopsis fooled me with this one, always judging a book by it's cover, not planning on changing that habit anytime soon, rarely steers me wrong except this time. I had a difficult time reading this book. The dialogue was way too young sounding for me. Sounds more appropriate for the 10-14 age range, doubt even most 16 year-old would connect with the writing. I felt like I was reading a script for Sabrina The Teenage Witch instead it would be called Twitch(Teenage Witch, I'm sure you figured that one out), that's what they actually call themselves.

As for the story itself: On the first day of school(I think) Logan ran into Serena and her sisters Elizabeth and Tabitha, by the schools office, he was immediately mesmerized by Serena who approached him to introduced herself and her sisters. On the first day they met Serena exposed herself as being different or possible weird to Logan by telling him where is mother's wedding ring is that she misplaced a while back, he accepted what she told him and didn't ask any questions. Serena's sister Elizabeth was her and Tabitha's guardian so I assumed that she is at least eighteen and since Elizabeth attends high school with her siblings she couldn't be much older than that. Her age didn't come up and the fact that there were no parents around didn't come up when I thought it would. I thought it was weird that no one was nosy enough to ask about their situation. Well, Logan did think about it for a millisecond but didn't verbally ask about it. Elizabeth was at first more like the strict aunt forbidding Serena to see Logan and then her fairy godmother by giving her blessing in the space of maybe a day or less for Serena to date him. It was kinda sitcomy when she said she could go to the dance with him and then basically said let me conjure you up some clothes and they were the perfect fit, and color. That entire scene was so sitcom.

The only thing I liked about this book was how unusually confident Serena is, she just went up to Logan and introduced herself and was flirting with him when they came into contact. For a PNR novel that was new for me. I really couldn't make myself like it but it would have been a funny sitcom.
Profile Image for Carly Wallace.
Author 5 books30 followers
July 27, 2011
Hi all Anne here, I literally just finished Spellbound by Samantha Combs and I could not wait one moment longer to jump on the computer and post my review....
I loved this book! From page one I was hooked the main character Logan is depicted as the genuine all American guy, he plays baseball, basketball, and like all normal high school kids he has insecurities. His first day of senior year brings a new challenge in his life, her name is Serena. Love at first sight starts the journey for these two, and all the while they never knew fate had chosen their destinies long ago for them. The author paints their pasts full of hardships and loss, but more than that love.. No matter the pain or loss love was always present which gives the characters a real appeal. Logan soon learns his girlfriend has a gift, one that will challenge their families and relationships like nothing else. While Logan is concerned with Serena and her safety his family has been holding secrets back too. His little sister has a gift too. Turns out everyone has a purpose in this family especially Logan who is special in his own right, kind of one of a kind! Together Serena and Logan will face dangerous plots, and uncover mouth dropping twists for both of them. This book was intense a complete page turner i could hardly put it down. The character relationships are strong and described beautifully, you feel connected with the main characters as you watch their love and gifts grow!! The supporting characters are fabulous all different and quirky personalities, strongly written to help and grow but never to over shadow the main characters.
I highly recommend this book to all YA romance readers the love story is sweet and inviting and the witch aspects are lovable and not over embellished. I thought this book was perfect and i will purchase this book and any that follow from the author. Samantha Combs did an amazing job and i look forward to her future works... 5 out of 5 stars absolutely no question!!!!!!
36 reviews6 followers
August 21, 2011
SPELLBOUND REVIEW
As if being a Senior in high school isn't hard enough, try falling head over heels in love with the new girl who also happens to be a witch! Add to that finding out that you have some witchy powers of your own, and becoming embroiled in a war with the Council that turns your home town into something from the outer limits, all while trying to be a couple in love. You have just begun to scratch the surface of SPELLBOUND by SAMANTHA COMBS.
Logan is a normal teen in his Senior year of high school or at least he thinks he is normal. Then he meets Serena, the "new girl", and falls for her in an instant. He loves her even when he figures out that she and her sisters are witches and that he may also have a "witchy gene". His life is turned upside down, though, when the Council decides to pick a fight with Serena and her sisters and that fight turns into an all out war.

Strange and dangerous creatures begin to run amok all over the town and Logan's sister, Jade, and his best friend, Sully, are kidnapped to be used as bait. Can Logan and Serena's new love withstand the stress and allow their love to blossom? Can they defeat the Council and get Jade and Sully back alive and without losing their own lives in the process? Will the town be able to recover and return to normal if the Council is defeated?
To find out the answers to these questions and meet some truly unforgettable characters that you will absolutely love, you will have to read SPELLBOUND by SAMANTHA COMBS and submerse yourself in the magic!
This is a YA novel and is one of very few that I have reviewed. It was absolutely refreshing to be a part of these character's lives. Samantha really knows how to get her magic on and I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading SPELLBOUND. It ended entirely too soon. I am sure that anyone who loves reading about witches, magic, and good versus evil will positively love this book!

Profile Image for Seriously Reviewed.
80 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2012
There is a boy name Logan whose dad died when he was younger so its just his mom, Lilly and his sister Jade all who has normal lives then there is Serena who one day just appears at Logan's school. Logan is very interested in finding out everything he can about Serena from the moment he saw her. He feels drawn to her somehow he doesn't know why, but when some stuff starts happening like magic. So Serena is a witch who tell Logan what she is and he doesn't care that she is a witch, he actually takes it very well. But soon someone is after Serena, they are not sure why until a bigger secret if uncovered about Logan's family.

When that secret is uncovered, Jade (Logan's sister) and Sully (Jade's boyfriend and Logan's best friend) are kidnapped by the people who want Serena. Everyone must battle this evil if they are to survive and get everyone home safely. Makes you wonder if Logan and Serena's love can survive and can they come out of this battle alive. This battle will determine their lives and everyone elses.

I absolutely loved this book, it has so much going on not one boring part, it kept you interested in it til the very end. You never knew what was going to happen. I would re-read this book over and over and still wouldn't believe that some of the stuff happened. Amazing writing too everything was in detail that you could understand, you could actually feel the love that Logan and Serena had for each other. Amazing!
375 reviews349 followers
January 5, 2013
Logan is a typical teenage boy, with a seemingly typical teenage crush on Serena, the beautiful new girl in school. Fortunately for Logan, Serena reciprocates his feelings, and the two move quickly - VERY quickly - towards a sweet romance. Logan learns that Serena is a "twitch" - a young witch just coming into her powers. She's protected by a powerful coven who assist in training to develop her talents. These talents will be tested very soon, as a dark force of warlocks and demons is headed to town, intent on destruction and mayhem. The ensuing battle is dramatic and excitingly depicted.

The author, Samantha Combs, keeps some tricks up her sleeve, as it seems that nearly everyone in town possesses some genuinely surprising secrets.

"Spellbound" is a YA paranormal romance, skewing much closer to the "young," rather than "adult" end of YA. As I fall well into the adult end of the spectrum, this novel had a much younger bent than I typically read. Nevertheless, the story was engaging and well-written, and I'm a fan of the paranormal genre in general, but older readers may want to consider that this book is definitely geared towards a younger audience. Parents should note that "Spellbound" is perfectly appropriate for younger teens.

The author provided me with a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bella.
531 reviews210 followers
August 17, 2011
Well when I started the book I had NO idea what I was getting into! Then I started and wow, it was for sure a page turner! The witches in this book were one of a kind, their powers their just over all abilities were cool to read about! I have not read much on witches but glad I was able to get a feel for them in this book. You will fall in love with it, and not want to put it down. The story line, the characters all fit together so well!! I really loved reading this story and so will you! Samantha (the author) has a great mind and a great writing ability and with that she captivates you and pulls you into the story!! A must read for all ages!
Profile Image for Paranormal Reads.
137 reviews132 followers
February 13, 2012
I was pulled into this amazing magical world on the first page. Samantha Combs has written an amazing book that has you feeling and experiencing everything right along with each character. It has everything a great book should action, a love story, great plot, oh and let’s not forget witches, twitches(young witch),warlocks, demons, trolls, and attack rose bushes which I loved. This book is for all ages from young adult to adult.

Spellbound is an amazing and magical page turner that will not let you put it down until the rides over. Even than you will be left wanting more. I can not wait for the sequel.
5/5 stars
Profile Image for Sara.
1,041 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2017
A cute magical book. Needs a little editing and clearing up a little confusion, but this was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to start the next book. The romance was sweet, and not overbearin, and I hope to get a little more of that in book 2.
Profile Image for Chamera.
Author 4 books27 followers
August 12, 2011

Logan Daniels has had an acceptably ordinary life. In fact, if you were to ask him, he'd say his family and his town were in all regards normal. This all changes when Serena Starr and her two siblings move into the quiet town of Lancaster. Upon sight of Serena, Logan is instantly smitten, and with perfect reason. Serena, with long honey colored hair and shimmering green eyes, as she is described by Logan, is absolutely stunning. Besides her looks, Serena is perfectly sweet and pure of heart.

But there are many things that the dark haired cutie, Logan, doesn't know about Serena. In fact, there are several things he doesn't know about his town, his family, and most importantly himself.
Samantha Combs' telling of this beautiful tale is spectacular. One thing I admire most in an author is the ability to make the events, and especially, the characters, of a novel realistic, and Miss Combs does not fail in that regard. The characters remind me of people I know from high school, and I can see qualities of average teenagers reflected in each person she has spun into creation.

Serena and Logan are perfect for each other, and other relationships in the story will make you smile. The story tests most of these relationships, and the characters struggle to work through the problems that occur. But don't let the love in this story fool you. This is far more than an average teen love story. Things take an ominous and dangerous turn, not just for Logan and Serena, but for their families, their friends, and everyone in the town of Lancaster.

Because the things Logan doesn't know about Serena and her mysterious sisters, and the thing he learns about his entire family is that they are spectacularly... witch-y. As dark forces cast their eyes on the couple and everyone they hold dear, it becomes obvious that it is up to Logan to help save the day. I love a story with both a hero and a heroine and Spellbound is definitely that. Also, with interchanging view points throughout the book, the thoughts of everyone is made known, which only makes this book even more perfect.

I love the language used, the diverse characters, the love connections, the conflicts, and the familial like ties the characters strengthen with one another. The dialogue was perfect and the chapters melded together splendidly. Samantha Combs' Spellbound had me biting my lip, tapping my leg, and anticipating the next act in the chain of events that occur. At times I smiled like a dork and screamed like a lunatic (and trust me, when you scream out loud in a room that's not particularly empty, you get lots of strange looks). This book is at times both fun and somber, and you feel what the characters feel. One thing this book is not is predictable, and I love that. This is one YA novel that will keep you on your feet and the ending will have you wishing for more Samantha Combs. It has an completely stunning cover that captures the eye, and was what first drew me to the book. Both the author and her mystically delicious characters are absolutely... bewitching. Samantha Combs is a force to be reckoned with in the writing world. The last time I delved into a story so easily and completely was when reading P.C. + Kristin Cast's House of Night series and trust me, this is a very magnificent accomplishment. I highly recommend it... and not just because Logan Daniels is entirely drool worthy.
Profile Image for katrina.
993 reviews70 followers
August 4, 2011
Logan Daniels leads a sheltered quiet life in sleepy Lancaster, New Hampshire. GOing to school, getting good grades, playing sport and hanging out with his best mates - Until a new girl enrolls in school - then life changes as Logan never imagined.

Logan finds himself drawn to Serena, her beauty and also something special about her but , In time he find out what, falls in love and his life escaltes on a scale he would never have fathemed.

Serena and Logan find themselves b...moreLogan Daniels leads a sheltered quiet life in sleepy Lancaster, New Hampshire. GOing to school, getting good grades, playing sport and hanging out with his best mates - Until a new girl enrolls in school - then life changes as Logan never imagined.

Logan finds himself drawn to Serena, her beauty and also something special about her -but , In time he find out what, falls in love and his life escaltes on a scale he would never have fathemed.

Serena and Logan find themselves battling evil and darkness - The head Demon wants Serena and will do anything to get her, even turn the sleepy little town upside down and hurt the ones they love.

Logan and a long line of able and powerful woman 13 including Serina will aide in the battle against evil and to also settle a long feude of their own.

Will Serina's love and the coverns strength be Logan's winfall, or will they loose to the darker side?

** Thoughts **

Well firstly I have to save Im a cover love Kinda girl and this one makes me **Twitch ** lol.. Filled with magic and mystery I can guarantee that the cover portrays the mystery inside.

Samantha Coombs has woven her magic -------- flicked her magic wand and created a story like no other. A story filled with Bad Ass Demons, Kick Arse Witches and a Warlock who has yet to find out the true meaning of power !! Your intrigued right !!

This story is filled with equal amounts of love, romance and action, and enough aspects to satisfy all the paranormal junkies out there and if so , have you mesmirized with the special goodies that Samantha has woven through the read. A teenage love you can relate to, the gooey feeling when your first in love, Samantha has portrayed and port forth this well, being realistic amoungst most young love or new love.

Love thats as sweet as honey, and a cast of characters Im sure you will enjoy, including Bad ass Demons that Im sure you will want to destroy - or maybe cast a spell upon.** flicks magic wand ** :)

I throughly enjoyed the magic involved within each coven witch, very crafty and creative !! Not normally a story I would ever read, actually this would be my first story of this kind, and I enjoyed it !! I have spread my wings this year and have read some really great reads, including this one.


The Descriptions are wonderfully detailed a Ya Story for all who enjoy a world filled with elements of the paranormal world a little lovin and some kick arse action.

The story was written from several POV's, this I personally enjoyed, giving us insight into the characters mind, thoughts and issues and even feelings.

The chapters all flowed smoothly, and a dialogue that fluently flows which takes us into an ending Im sure the reader will find satisfying.

Samantha is currenlty working on the next story, I look forward to this to see where this world she has created takes us.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
July 22, 2011
Reviewed by Shyla
Book provided by author for review

Spellbound starts off and places you into the thick of action. Demons, witches destiny and young love explode across the screen. I wasn’t even a page in, and I had a list of questions I wanted answered. This was a smart move expertly executed by the clever Ms. Combs. As we move on from the prologue we meet our Hero. Logan is a dark haired cutie who’s breezing his way through his senior year of high school. Nothing much happens in the tiny town of Lancaster, New Hampshire. So when he see’s three new girls in the office he stops to say hi, and his heart skips a beat.

Our heroine Serena star has arrived on the scene. Her honey colored hair is a mass of spirals that Logan wants to touch and I can picture vividly. Samantha has a real gift for imagery. She manipulated the words like a pro, and I have no problem envisioning the characters and their setting. From the first day she arrived we get the sense there’ something strange about Serena Starr. She appears and disappears in the blink of an eye and abnormal activity occurs around her.

Logan witnesses it , but remains quiet because to him all that matters is he likes her. Serena is sweet, intelligent and beautiful. She’s the perfect match for well mannered and romantic Logan, except she’s a teen witch, better known as a twitch. Twitches are watched by the council that governs them, and her eldest sister makes it clear they would not approve of her dalliance with a ‘normal’.

I developed a girlish crush on Logan. This is high-school sweethearts at its best. The joyous burst of emotions felt when you meet that special someone is contagious as it jumps off the page. Samantha does an excellent job of staying true to the teenage experience while inserting action, suspense and romance. The twists and turns of the plot kept me off kilter, and I was stunned when the Starr family came clean with Logan. His love interest is a future member of a the council, and it’s no coincidence they landed in Lancaster. There are dark forces at work.

Serena has chosen Logan, and this means he has an important role to play too. But we won’t know how important until further in to the book. The conflict with the council escalates, and the story takes a deliciously dark turn. Once the tiny town of Lancaster is over run by demons, all bets are off.

This story has it all; romance, adventure, myth and a well thought out plot. I loved how Samantha linked the lives of the characters together and gave each one their own time to shine.

The descriptions are magnificent as she breathes life to this strange new world she’s created.

With witches who fly on broom sticks, have the gift of site, transform, and so much more. I would describe it as a Harry Potter for the modern, edgier teen. My one complaint was at times the scenes felt a bit long. I’d have liked to see some of them shortened. I would highly recommend this to YA and paranormal fans.
Profile Image for Wendy Ewurum.
39 reviews108 followers
November 6, 2011
WHO'S WHO?
Logan Daniels is the a resident and teenager in sleepy Lancaster and is the MC although not the only narrator.
Serena Starr is the beautiful teenage witch who arrives in town with her sister Tabitha and Elizabeth; they are also the new additions to Logan’s school where he meets them.
Jade Daniels is Logan’s sister how also has a strong support presence throughout the novel.

THIS WAS HOT....
This is a very sweet YA story that I thought would really be enjoyed by young people between the ages of 14 – 17. The language and style is comfortable for the age group and for me it felt like listening in on a conversation right from the beginning.
The beginning was my most favourite part. Right at the beginning there’s activity. Logan is late for school, he pumps into the three sisters at the administration office and sparks fly as he lays eyes on Serena. You also immediately get the sense that something is in the works as Serena has an” other worldly” feel about her person and her exceedingly good looks add to the mystery.
I really like how Samantha kept her supporting characters shining. They just had such strong voices of their own that they kept the book fresh and interesting. You get to see different characters come to their own through self-observation. I thought this was very good.
The plot and the world that Samantha created feel authentic. There is clearly a good deal of research that went into putting this story together and it creates a world of witches, warlords and power struggles that is thoroughly believable.

NOT SO HOT:
Towards the middle I found the pace slowing down by a great degree due to long descriptions and less dialogue between the characters, almost as it was running out of steam. iI also noticed that when there was dialogue it was in long sentences, almost paragraph like speeches.It picks up again in the latter parts but I did find myself skipping a couple of pages from the middle to half way down the latter third of the book.
I picked up a couple of errors, the most notable one which confused me was on page 552 in which the best friend says he is not charging entry for Logan and his girl and on the same breath his girlfriend admonishes him for charging them to which he responds he he's trying to recoup his losses. So was he or was he not charging with that first statement where Logans responded "that's big of you man?

OVERALL:
I had to literally try to remember how being in love felt at that age by taking my mind at least 15 years back I could somehow remember the overly effusive declarations and the “if I don’t see him tomorrow i’ll be miserable for the rest of my life” feelings. This book is an deal stocking filler for a teenager and for the the young at heart who enjoy YA Romantic Fantasy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: I recieved this ARC from the Author: Samantha Combs in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Yoly De Sedas.
15 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2011
If there’s a word I shoud use to describe this amazing book by such a gifted author , it’s none other than magical!

In Spellbound, Samantha Combs delivers an exciting, misterious and sweet love-filled YA story unlike many I’ve read before: The fantasy world surrounding the pages of the book comes to life each time you read it’s words, making it a must read this year! I am so pleased with the book I can’t wait for the sequel!~

I absolutely loved the way the book was written, it was in first person by so many different characters that are a major part of the story. You get to see every character’s life, experiences and feelings shared by him or her, so you know them so well that there’s not one part of ther life left in the dark.

Logan: I adored him! Sweet, talented, gorgeous and also with a secret (No spoilers ) makes him a perfect guy and an ideal boyfriend. He’s sweetness to Serena is beyond words!

Serena: A magical and enchanting girl with great powers and a strong will to fight evil makes her an ideal character, and together with Logan, their love and strenght can make the impossible possible.

Serena and Logan know each other on a normal day in Lancaster, when Logan arrives at school late (yet again!). While he walks in, he sees three lovely girls, each different form one another. One catches his eye: Serena Starr.

What Logan didn’t know at the time was that she was about to change his life forever. Serena is a twitch ( A teen witch) with special powers inherited by her witch mother, who married the mortal man she loved and was punished for this by the witch Council. Now they want Serena, but Logan won’t let any harm come to her.

The love that blossomed between them happened a bit fast, but never lacking it’s signature sweetness. Logan wants to protect Serena at all cost from the evil forces that threaten them, but will they survive the darkness?

Demons, witches, twitches, covens and more are the magical creatures of Spellbound’s world, so if you like YA + Magic, you are in for a treat !

My 5 words to describe it: Mysterious, Sweet, Magical, Loving and Exciting
Profile Image for Connie Garcia.
176 reviews36 followers
September 2, 2011
** I just want to say very special Thank You to Samantha Combs for letting me read her book!!** Spellbound was given to me thru Ebook and with the promise I would give it a review I am very glad since I cannot put it down!!
The story of Logan and Serena is a very good story of a young twitch. No not a typo since Serena is still under 18 she is a teenwitch therefore twitch. Serena along with her older sister and young sister move to a small town. Logan a teen living with the loss of this father and takes care of his sister and mom has been living the life of a normal teen boy until he meets Serena while being late to school (It was pretty funny Logan writing his own late note from his mother..*laughs* umm I remember doing the same thing). Serena does learn that Logan is not only just a normal teen boy but something special just like her. Logan learning what Serena is and loving her regardless and meeting her special family Logan also learns about his family and their special gifts. Serena gifts are growing and she is coming into her own is shocked to learn about her family Logan sister and his best friend is taken by head of the Council who has his own agenda for Serena. Serena family along with Logan and his mother and fellow sister witches come together with the goal of getting them back. Serena and Logan are put into training to grow there gifts to fight a battle to get back there family and restore order to the council that so very needs it. As I read this story just like everyone does with Twilight I was Team Serena she is a very endering girl and is wise beyond her years and has heart of a gold and loves fearcely her own family fellow witches and her loves family. Logan is a boy that is turned into a man in short time and has it in his mind to also protect his family and Serena family and sister witches and friends from the council that has come to take what is his. Spellbound is a breath of fresh air that I very much enjoyed reading and the twist and turns this story takes you will have you laughing even giggling and thinking awww and not wanting to get to the end of the book and will have you wanting more of Logan and Serena!!
Profile Image for Lissette.
Author 27 books104 followers
October 13, 2011
Magic, witches, warlocks, and demons galore - this book has it all. Samantha Combs has done a beautiful job in spinning many elements of the paranormal with a good dose of fantasy. Not to mention the hot and heavy romance growing between Serena Starr and Logan Daniels with every turn of the page.

Logan has always led a comfortable life, while taking care of his mother and sister ever since his father's demise so long ago. He's surrounded himself with the best of friends and is practically the star of the school's baseball team. While things have not always been in his favor, he's done his best to make the most of what he's had. Yet he's never imagined that meeting the girl of his dreams would turn his life so upside-down.

Serena is every bit as beautiful - blonde, green eyes, and quite special, she's everything that Logan could ever want in a woman. Yet he has no idea of the secrets that she hides inside. You see, Serena is a witch. So are her sisters. Little does Logan know, the sisters are there for a reason - one that seems so unfathomable to him.

When dark forces invade the city, Logan comes to realize that Serena is far from being just an ordinary girl. She's a witch, one who's captured his heart completely. One whom he'll do his damnedest to protect, no matter the cost.

Unable to accept that there are others hunting his beloved, Logan knows that he'll need to accept her for who, and what she is, in order to help her, and her family, with what's to come. As they band together in hopes of taking down the evil that stretches across the town, Logan starts to learn just how special he and Serena really are.

Accepting everything that has come to pass is hard, at first, but he follows his instincts and gives in to what he's known all along. Come what may, they're there for one another in every way possible.

Strength comes in the oddest of ways, yet it's the bonds that have been formed that will allow them to overcome the obstacles that have been thrown their way. For love and friendship will make their ordeals bearable as they battle against those intent on taking away what they love the most.
Profile Image for Emily.
115 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2012
Book Title: Spellbound

Author: Samantha Combs

Published By: Astrea Press

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Recommended Age: 13+

Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc

Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community

Rating: 4 Ravens

The book was fun to read but not my usual cup of tea. Then again I’m not a young adult and don’t always like every YA supernatural thing I read. It has potential just something that is better suited for the younger audience than a woman of my age. I did like how the story started off with Logan, It’s not often it starts if not well written from a guys point of view but the book does switch views every chapter or so, which is in it’s self a nice change to get to see the story from every characters angle and thought well just about every character from all the major characters at least. It’s a good book just not for everyone. I did enjoy it though and think perhaps others may too.

The story is about Logan a normal everyday guy (So he thinks) gets up late and simply goes to school it’s there that he meets Serena and never will his world be the same. The two become involved with young love and it’s upon Serena’s sisters urging that Logan is told of the fact that Serena is a Twitch , or otherwise a Teenage Witch. Not only is that crazy and out of this world but he soon learns that something dark is after not only his girlfriend but his whole family and that darkness isn’t going to let up till it gets what it wants.

With all that goes wrong in his life there is a lot that goes good and it’s here we see Logan become the man he will be later in life, Serena fit into the roll and line of powerful witches that she has been born from and watch as they both and all save his family and hers from the dangerous darkness of the Council and all that they have begun to create with their belief that they can create a race of witches that only they can control. The question is just how do they plan to do it.

Pick up the book for your young adult at home I’m sure it’s a series they might actually cling to and get them to read once more. Especially when someone who thinks they are ordinary becomes extraordinary .
Profile Image for Bri Clark.
Author 7 books324 followers
July 25, 2011
Product Description
Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There’s something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.

Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan’s town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan’s once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.

Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan’s fight to win. But, will he?

Review

As an avid paranormal romance reader I am please beyond words with Spellbound. And even more ecstatic there is a sequel. While I won't give away spoilers the ending was satisfying yet wide open for a sequel. Love authors who write like that.

Considering myself well versed in magic fiction I was impressed with the world and politics that Mrs Comb created. The characters from protagonist to secondary all added stitching and color to a truly brilliant novel.
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
869 reviews31 followers
March 21, 2012
Logan Daniels's quiet existence in Lancaster, New Hampshire is disturbed by the arrival of Serena Starr and her sisters. Logan finds himself falling in love with her. There is something special about Serena; she is a witch. When a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his home, Logan and Serena find themselves fighting against an enemy with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to get her. Can Logan and Serena, along with her coven, stop the demon before it destroys the town, their friends and Logan's family?

I loved this story! It is a love story, but it is told from different points of view; each chapter is dedicated to a different person. Some people would disagree with me, but I think this gives the reader a fuller understanding of the feelings and emotions of the characters. Logan is a charmer! He is the boy next door. I love his thoughts - they made me giggle on occasion! His sister Jade is also a fantastic character. When he meets Serena however, Logan knows there is something different about her, but he doesn't know what it is. Serena is a witch, along with her sisters. She is a fascinating character. Although she is only a teenager, she is very mature. Logan has to do some serious growing up in this book, but he does so with aplomb! There is a surprising twist at the end of the book that I didn't see coming, but it made me cheer!
Samantha Combs has written a fantastic YA book that will appeal to everyone who loves romance/action adventure. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Michelle Fita.
58 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2011
I want to make it clear first of all I didn't give this book 4 stars because it wasn't an enjoyable read. It was quite a refreshing story, the twists and turns that unfold make great story telling.

I gave it 4 stars mainly because I was waiting for one of the main characters to step up to the plate,I fell in love with Logan and I was craving for more of this character, he has a generous heart and you get the feeling he would do anything for the ppl he loves but I just felt he needed something more. I felt this till I neared the end of the book then boy I was no longer disappointed! He stepped up in a huge way and I really hope this character in particular keeps growing in that way.

I liked the Jade and Sully storyline too and I can't wait for more on this story to and don't even get me started on Skyler and Serena I am looking forward to reading more on these two as well.

Congratulations Samantha on a great beginning on what's going to be a fantastic series. I can't wait to read more of your work!
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,352 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2015
It must be admitted I didn't finish this one. However I did give it a pretty good go but it just couldn't grab my interest. The writing was too immature and clichéd for me to keep struggling through. Logan and Serena meet and they are instantly drawn to each other. They spend about 2 hours in the other's company and are in love. The older sister Elizabeth is against it then within a day she is supportive and waving her hand to create the perfect dress for the dance. The witches seem all powerful - waving their hands to do whatever happens to be need for the story with out any real limits or rules around what can/can't be done with magic. And Serena tells Logan the truth almost immediately( which is a good thing) but even this goes smoothly (wow what a shock, ok I love you) - all within literally 5 minutes. Judging from the number of positive reviews it may well improve as it progresses and many of these things may be addressed. So if it sounds like something you would enjoy ignore my views and give it a go.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
556 reviews27 followers
August 22, 2011

I was pulled into this amazing magical world on the first page. Samantha Combs has written an amazing book that has you feeling and experiencing everything right along with each character. It has everything a great book should action, a love story, great plot, oh and let’s not forget witches, twitches(young witch),warlocks, demons, trolls, and attack rose bushes which I loved. This book is for all ages from young adult to adult.

Spellbound is an amazing and magical page turner that will not let you put it down until the rides over. Even than you will be left wanting more. I can not wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Nicole.
72 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2012
WOW! This completely differs from all other paranormal romances that I have ever read. Straight to the point in what Serena was and how Logan felt about it. This book was absolutely perfect. The romance that Samantha had written into the book seemed nothing but real. It wasn't overly gushy and sappy (or inappropriate like some books being written). This book left me Spellbound waiting for the next.
Profile Image for Ruth Hartman.
Author 55 books203 followers
April 21, 2012
Spellbound took me by pleasant surprise. Yes, it's about witches, but the author has given her characters such depth and feeling, it makes the story so much more than just another paranormal romance. It had me from start to finish with the love developing between the two main characters, their bond with their families and friends, and the danger they all find themselves in throughout the book. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Toni.
1,570 reviews64 followers
Read
December 13, 2016
Dnf. I just could not get through this one.
Profile Image for Alex Moore.
2 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2013
This book was great! The storyline was breathtaking, and it was well-written.
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,214 reviews64 followers
August 22, 2015
Holy Smokes mind officially blown! Cannot wait to read the next book. Review soon and great story telling Samantha Combs!!!

Read my full review on my blog!

I received a copy of Spellbound for an honest review.

Wow to say Spellbound surprised me would be an understatement. After reading the synopsis I was expecting something completely different than what I got and it was a pleasant surprise. Good job Samantha Combs for surprising me.

Logan Daniels fell in love the day he met Serena when he was running late for school. He knew she was special he just didn’t know how much. Serena and her family are witches powerful witches who have lost everything and are being heavily watched by the Counsel.

When Serena reveals her secret and the town comes under attack Logan and Serena begin to put together the pieces of their pasts to find out what to do to stop the Counsel.

I don’t usually go for instalove between characters it made so much sense with the characters and the storyline and it was written so well I didn’t mind. I loved Serena and Logan! Their love for each other was so believable and even when they weren’t with each other they were still great. Actually the entire cast of Spellbound was amazing.

Spellbound’s story was so unique and magical and well written it’s a guaranteed good ride. I couldn’t put this book down and after it finished I was like “okay where is the next book?” Spellbound kept me on my toes the entire time I was reading.

You need to get yourself a copy of this book! Seriously! Magic, love, demons, kidnappings and magical bushes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.