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Maggie Graham #2
Spellcrossed
It's not easy losing the love of your life...
But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie from the curse that bound him to this world, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre. As a hectic new season begins, magic takes a back seat to ticket sales as Maggie balances the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn, where memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of the past turn Maggie's life upside down, it will take more than magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for.
But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie from the curse that bound him to this world, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre. As a hectic new season begins, magic takes a back seat to ticket sales as Maggie balances the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn, where memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of the past turn Maggie's life upside down, it will take more than magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ashford
7 books43 followersBarbara wrote her first novel "Cherokee the Wild Pinto" when she was eight years old and prepared the final manuscript on her Tom Thumb typewriter. She discovered the joy of performing when her sister dressed her up as a Pilgrim and had her sing "Over the River and Through the Woods" for Thanksgiving. After that, she was hooked on theatre, performing in shows ranging from "Guys and Dolls" to Greek tragedy.
She abandoned a career in educational administration to pursue a life in the theatre, working as an actress in summer stock and dinner theatre and later, as a lyricist and librettist. She’s written everything from cantatas to choral pieces, one-hour musicals for children to full-length ones for adults. Her musicals have been performed throughout the world, including the New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Barbara lives near New York City with her husband whom she met while performing in the play "Bedroom Farce." They have bookcases in every room (including the bathroom) with an eclectic collection of leather bound classics and beat-up paperbacks, reference books and play scripts, nonfiction books on religion, philosophy, and crime, historical fiction and fantasies, and cookbooks that Barbara consults whenever she has to make anything more complicated than spaghetti.
SPELLCAST is her first contemporary fantasy and is inspired by her years as an actress. The sequel - SPELLCROSSED - will be published by DAW Books in 2012. Her short stories appear in the anthologies "After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar" and "The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity."
She abandoned a career in educational administration to pursue a life in the theatre, working as an actress in summer stock and dinner theatre and later, as a lyricist and librettist. She’s written everything from cantatas to choral pieces, one-hour musicals for children to full-length ones for adults. Her musicals have been performed throughout the world, including the New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Barbara lives near New York City with her husband whom she met while performing in the play "Bedroom Farce." They have bookcases in every room (including the bathroom) with an eclectic collection of leather bound classics and beat-up paperbacks, reference books and play scripts, nonfiction books on religion, philosophy, and crime, historical fiction and fantasies, and cookbooks that Barbara consults whenever she has to make anything more complicated than spaghetti.
SPELLCAST is her first contemporary fantasy and is inspired by her years as an actress. The sequel - SPELLCROSSED - will be published by DAW Books in 2012. Her short stories appear in the anthologies "After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar" and "The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 9, 2014
I enjoyed this book, which follows up Spellcast and concludes the story in a satisfactory way.
September 30, 2012
In all the books that i've read, there will always be characters, and stories that will remain as my all time favorites. The first book of this series is one of those. I loved the characters, and the ambience of these two stories, even if they, at times, leave me a little confused about certain characters and situations played in the many plays that are referred in these two stories, since i'm not a theater connaisseur. (not by far..) But the sense of wonder and of magic of which that book is infused, was so amazing, that i couldn't help wanting more. And the reason why, lies mainly at one character's feet. Barbara Ashford created a most amazing character, and after all the stories that i've read, i'm fortunate to say, as a reader, that Rowan Mckenzie is one of a kind. The magic that he brought to Spellcast was completely enthralling and unforgettable.
Reason why, i had a little trouble with this book. After the way the first book ended, i didn't know very well what to expect of this one. But i sure, didn't expect what happens in this one. I will only say, in an attempt to avoid spoilers, that i wasn't expecting that the introduction of a new character would, steal the spotlight of a relationship that i was really interested in reading about. Also Maggie's atittudes at times really got on my nerves, leaving me to wonder, if she was really being portrayed as a thirty four year old woman, or instead as a insecure teenager. As well had happened with the first one, i loved reading about all the staff members. In this one, i especially loved Mei-Yin OUTBURSTS! I loved reading about the way Maggie and Janet relationship developed itself, as well as all the others. So what is the lesson to be taken from this story?
That the past never leaves us? That there isn't only one type of family? That there's a moment when caution is thrown to the wind, and all one can do, is to follow one's heart?
Probably all of them.
Trying to live the best we can, while we secretly keep hoping for a sign of magic in our lifes.
The magic of friendship, the magic of family, the magic of love.
Reason why, i had a little trouble with this book. After the way the first book ended, i didn't know very well what to expect of this one. But i sure, didn't expect what happens in this one. I will only say, in an attempt to avoid spoilers, that i wasn't expecting that the introduction of a new character would, steal the spotlight of a relationship that i was really interested in reading about. Also Maggie's atittudes at times really got on my nerves, leaving me to wonder, if she was really being portrayed as a thirty four year old woman, or instead as a insecure teenager. As well had happened with the first one, i loved reading about all the staff members. In this one, i especially loved Mei-Yin OUTBURSTS! I loved reading about the way Maggie and Janet relationship developed itself, as well as all the others. So what is the lesson to be taken from this story?
That the past never leaves us? That there isn't only one type of family? That there's a moment when caution is thrown to the wind, and all one can do, is to follow one's heart?
Probably all of them.
Trying to live the best we can, while we secretly keep hoping for a sign of magic in our lifes.
The magic of friendship, the magic of family, the magic of love.
August 19, 2012
This sequel to “Spellcast” was completely entertaining to the very last page. I won’t say it captivated me quite as thoroughly as the first book, but that’s probably because it was a continuation of the same story, and I was already familiar with the world and the characters involved. I can definitely say that I was very glad to have read Book 1 with Book 2 waiting in the wings. I NEEDED to know how it was all going to turn out, and in that, “Spellcrossed” didn’t disappoint.
For one thing, it was quite clear why Maggie’s “daddy issues” were so much a part of “Spellcast.” For another, many more questions about the very charismatic and engaging Rowan MacKenzie were answered. The relationship between Maggie & Rowan continued to build and deepen, yet still remained extremely complicated, with obvious difficulties likely in their future. In other words, it was believable, with no easy happily-ever-afters attached.
The book is filled with redemption and hope, with the message that Family is about much more than shared DNA coming across loud and clear. There’s a great sense of love, connection, and caring for one another pervasive throughout. And along the way, a little theater! Literally. I now know more than I ever imagined about the mechanics behind producing summer stock plays in a small-town, but professional, setting. Having never read anything about stage productions before, and in spite of my initial misgivings, I found that it really did become quite fascinating. The sense of camaraderie that develops between cast and crew was an integral part of the overall story, and provided a unique backdrop to the other elements of the tale.
My favorite character remains Rowan MacKenzie. I will remember him for a long, long time. My least favorite would be Maggie’s father, Jack. I doubt anyone could really find him likable, though some might sympathize with him. Me, I couldn’t work up a single positive feeling for him, try as I might, and had I been Maggie, would have tossed him to the curb early on. Maggie is infinitely more forgiving than I, apparently.
If you have read “Spellcast,” you simply have to read “Spellcrossed,” or you’ll never get all your questions answered. If you haven’t yet read “Spellcast,” do. It’s a story not quite like any other. And I mean that in the best way.
Bookin'It
For one thing, it was quite clear why Maggie’s “daddy issues” were so much a part of “Spellcast.” For another, many more questions about the very charismatic and engaging Rowan MacKenzie were answered. The relationship between Maggie & Rowan continued to build and deepen, yet still remained extremely complicated, with obvious difficulties likely in their future. In other words, it was believable, with no easy happily-ever-afters attached.
The book is filled with redemption and hope, with the message that Family is about much more than shared DNA coming across loud and clear. There’s a great sense of love, connection, and caring for one another pervasive throughout. And along the way, a little theater! Literally. I now know more than I ever imagined about the mechanics behind producing summer stock plays in a small-town, but professional, setting. Having never read anything about stage productions before, and in spite of my initial misgivings, I found that it really did become quite fascinating. The sense of camaraderie that develops between cast and crew was an integral part of the overall story, and provided a unique backdrop to the other elements of the tale.
My favorite character remains Rowan MacKenzie. I will remember him for a long, long time. My least favorite would be Maggie’s father, Jack. I doubt anyone could really find him likable, though some might sympathize with him. Me, I couldn’t work up a single positive feeling for him, try as I might, and had I been Maggie, would have tossed him to the curb early on. Maggie is infinitely more forgiving than I, apparently.
If you have read “Spellcast,” you simply have to read “Spellcrossed,” or you’ll never get all your questions answered. If you haven’t yet read “Spellcast,” do. It’s a story not quite like any other. And I mean that in the best way.
Bookin'It
June 2, 2012
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/06/...
Hand me a book by Barbara Ashford, and the world around me just falls away. Seriously, things get neglected…laundry, dishes, etc, you get the idea. Spellcast had me spellbound, and Spellcrossed was no different. The ending of Spellcrossed was very bittersweet so I was anxious to dive back into the wonderful world of musical theatre and Faerie magic. Maggie Graham has settled in as director of the Crossroads Theatre. Well, as much as you can “settle in” with this bunch. The Crossroads gang keeps her on her toes constantly, and she misses Rowan so badly it hurts. The theatre is doing well, although getting used to not having the helping hand of Rowan’s magic is sorely missed. Little does Maggie know, the routine she’s worked so hard to settle into, is about to be upturned in spectacular (and of course, magical) ways.
Told in Maggie’s witty voice, Spellcrossed wraps you in warmth like a favorite blanket. Think you have absolutely no interest in musical theatre? I certainly didn’t think I did, but this series changed my mind. Ms. Ashford is a thespian herself, so the lady knows of what she speaks, and it shows! Her talent lies in not only making Maggie a fully developed character, but also giving each person in the supporting cast completely realized roles as well. She’s also very adept at creating tension and holding it without losing her readers, and manages to make the ins and outs of putting together a musical stage show utterly fascinating. Lots of loose ends from Spellcast are tied up in Spellcrossed, but to give those away would be, well, letting the magic out of the bag! Speaking of magic, the love between Maggie and her theatre family is gently and sweetly woven throughout each production of the Crossroads theatre, and is the “magic” that she has to offer the cast in Rowan’s absence. Spellcrossed moved me to tears more than a few times, and was equally heartwarming and heartbreaking. From an utterly charming production of Annie (including an aging Sandy and a gaggle of orphans) to the ethereal Into the Woods, Faerie magic and the magic of musical theatre intertwine seamlessly to create a read worth savoring, and it’s a summer stock season that you won’t soon forget. I can’t recommend this series highly enough!
Hand me a book by Barbara Ashford, and the world around me just falls away. Seriously, things get neglected…laundry, dishes, etc, you get the idea. Spellcast had me spellbound, and Spellcrossed was no different. The ending of Spellcrossed was very bittersweet so I was anxious to dive back into the wonderful world of musical theatre and Faerie magic. Maggie Graham has settled in as director of the Crossroads Theatre. Well, as much as you can “settle in” with this bunch. The Crossroads gang keeps her on her toes constantly, and she misses Rowan so badly it hurts. The theatre is doing well, although getting used to not having the helping hand of Rowan’s magic is sorely missed. Little does Maggie know, the routine she’s worked so hard to settle into, is about to be upturned in spectacular (and of course, magical) ways.
Told in Maggie’s witty voice, Spellcrossed wraps you in warmth like a favorite blanket. Think you have absolutely no interest in musical theatre? I certainly didn’t think I did, but this series changed my mind. Ms. Ashford is a thespian herself, so the lady knows of what she speaks, and it shows! Her talent lies in not only making Maggie a fully developed character, but also giving each person in the supporting cast completely realized roles as well. She’s also very adept at creating tension and holding it without losing her readers, and manages to make the ins and outs of putting together a musical stage show utterly fascinating. Lots of loose ends from Spellcast are tied up in Spellcrossed, but to give those away would be, well, letting the magic out of the bag! Speaking of magic, the love between Maggie and her theatre family is gently and sweetly woven throughout each production of the Crossroads theatre, and is the “magic” that she has to offer the cast in Rowan’s absence. Spellcrossed moved me to tears more than a few times, and was equally heartwarming and heartbreaking. From an utterly charming production of Annie (including an aging Sandy and a gaggle of orphans) to the ethereal Into the Woods, Faerie magic and the magic of musical theatre intertwine seamlessly to create a read worth savoring, and it’s a summer stock season that you won’t soon forget. I can’t recommend this series highly enough!
August 17, 2017
It was not as much fun as the first one. You weren't expecting a happy ending, so that was okay. But this one had less "stage craft" than the first one. That's what I loved so much about it though!
July 6, 2012
Review originally posted here
The second book starts up two years after the last one left off (so I recommend you read these in order). Disclosure: I've met the author in person and I received this book for review from the publisher at her request.
**** There will be minor spoilers for the first book in this review! ****
The Premise: It's been two years since Maggie Graham's first summer at the Crossroads Theatre. A lot has changed in two years. The theater has become nonprofit, and Maggie is its new executive director and artistic director. There are professional actors as well as amateurs in the cast, and the Crossroads even works with groups of children in some of its selections. Maggie is now the owner of the local hotel, the Golden Bough, and has slowly begun to update its look. A lot of things have changed, but one thing stays the same for Maggie -- her feelings for the lover who walked away. Rowan was freed of his curse and returned to Faerie two years ago, and even though her it's time to move on, it's not that easy.
My Thoughts: Spellcrossed was a surprise. The surprise was it took me a lot longer to read this book than I was expecting to. According to goodreads I started it June 11th and finished it July 4th. Now, I didn't expect Spellcrossed to be an action-packed adventure -- the first installment is more character driven than anything else and I enjoyed that quite a lot, but from the get go I understood the premise: Maggie needing to figure out her life -- along the way she falls in love and gets involved in the personal dramas of the Crossroads Theatre cast. The romance was quiet but tinged with mystery, and the struggles of the other actors brought a new layer of meaning to their work at the theater.
In Spellcrossed, the direction of the story felt less clear in its first few pages. It's almost two years down the road from when Rowan left her and Maggie spends her time working on the Crossroads and the Golden Bough. It's the beginning of summer and she's starting rehearsals for a production of Annie. New characters are introduced (child actors and professionals as well as some amateurs), and a typical summer of theater at the Crossroads begins -- full of the trials and tribulations of putting on a show. There are plenty of vignettes about things going wrong but I wasn't sure where the story was headed until 75 pages in. Until then, the story spends quite a lot of time with the minutia of Maggie's job as director. I am not really a fan of musical theater, and maybe that's the reason why I questioned what the point was. In the last book it made sense that the reader knew the details of the productions and of the actors' struggles because this was part of character growth, especially Maggie's, but here it felt less vital.
Since I liked the first book so much I decided that Spellcrossed was just a quiet book and it was taking it's time to ramp up, but in hindsight 75 pages is a long time to get the ball rolling, and I wouldn't be surprised if readers stopped reading before the story really begins because of the lack of direction. The problem is that once there is something to chew on, Spellcrossed is still ramping up. (spoilery things that happen in the first one hundred pages of the book), when I wanted to explore what was happening to Maggie, the theater kept taking up her time and the pages of the book. I felt like the theater and the other characters didn't add much to the pacing or the story and I mentally wanted to cut swaths from this book and skip ahead to the meat: Maggie and the important relationships in her life.
When the book does hit its stride it is exactly what I wanted it to be, but the tragedy is that it takes a good three quarters of the book to get there. Until then I was mentally writing a "this book didn't meet my expectations" review. When I hit the last one hundred and fifty or two hundred pages? That was when I really was there, getting caught up in what would happen next and empathizing over Maggie's tough choices. The ending of this book, with it's mix of sorrow and happiness was what I loved so much about Spellcast and had been hoping to see here. This is where the story delves into the messiness of love and relationships. Again this wasn't an ending that was rainbows for everyone, but I think it ended the way it should. Just like when I finished the first book, it felt right. In the end I was very glad I kept going.
Overall: As with Spellcast, Spellcrossed is contemporary fantasy, but the contemporary parts ground the fantasy. Magic and the otherworldly are present, but everyday human connections are the real glue of the story. I liked this one, but it may not be for the impatient because it starts slowly and takes its time ramping up before its strong finish.
The second book starts up two years after the last one left off (so I recommend you read these in order). Disclosure: I've met the author in person and I received this book for review from the publisher at her request.
**** There will be minor spoilers for the first book in this review! ****
The Premise: It's been two years since Maggie Graham's first summer at the Crossroads Theatre. A lot has changed in two years. The theater has become nonprofit, and Maggie is its new executive director and artistic director. There are professional actors as well as amateurs in the cast, and the Crossroads even works with groups of children in some of its selections. Maggie is now the owner of the local hotel, the Golden Bough, and has slowly begun to update its look. A lot of things have changed, but one thing stays the same for Maggie -- her feelings for the lover who walked away. Rowan was freed of his curse and returned to Faerie two years ago, and even though her it's time to move on, it's not that easy.
My Thoughts: Spellcrossed was a surprise. The surprise was it took me a lot longer to read this book than I was expecting to. According to goodreads I started it June 11th and finished it July 4th. Now, I didn't expect Spellcrossed to be an action-packed adventure -- the first installment is more character driven than anything else and I enjoyed that quite a lot, but from the get go I understood the premise: Maggie needing to figure out her life -- along the way she falls in love and gets involved in the personal dramas of the Crossroads Theatre cast. The romance was quiet but tinged with mystery, and the struggles of the other actors brought a new layer of meaning to their work at the theater.
In Spellcrossed, the direction of the story felt less clear in its first few pages. It's almost two years down the road from when Rowan left her and Maggie spends her time working on the Crossroads and the Golden Bough. It's the beginning of summer and she's starting rehearsals for a production of Annie. New characters are introduced (child actors and professionals as well as some amateurs), and a typical summer of theater at the Crossroads begins -- full of the trials and tribulations of putting on a show. There are plenty of vignettes about things going wrong but I wasn't sure where the story was headed until 75 pages in. Until then, the story spends quite a lot of time with the minutia of Maggie's job as director. I am not really a fan of musical theater, and maybe that's the reason why I questioned what the point was. In the last book it made sense that the reader knew the details of the productions and of the actors' struggles because this was part of character growth, especially Maggie's, but here it felt less vital.
Since I liked the first book so much I decided that Spellcrossed was just a quiet book and it was taking it's time to ramp up, but in hindsight 75 pages is a long time to get the ball rolling, and I wouldn't be surprised if readers stopped reading before the story really begins because of the lack of direction. The problem is that once there is something to chew on, Spellcrossed is still ramping up. (spoilery things that happen in the first one hundred pages of the book), when I wanted to explore what was happening to Maggie, the theater kept taking up her time and the pages of the book. I felt like the theater and the other characters didn't add much to the pacing or the story and I mentally wanted to cut swaths from this book and skip ahead to the meat: Maggie and the important relationships in her life.
When the book does hit its stride it is exactly what I wanted it to be, but the tragedy is that it takes a good three quarters of the book to get there. Until then I was mentally writing a "this book didn't meet my expectations" review. When I hit the last one hundred and fifty or two hundred pages? That was when I really was there, getting caught up in what would happen next and empathizing over Maggie's tough choices. The ending of this book, with it's mix of sorrow and happiness was what I loved so much about Spellcast and had been hoping to see here. This is where the story delves into the messiness of love and relationships. Again this wasn't an ending that was rainbows for everyone, but I think it ended the way it should. Just like when I finished the first book, it felt right. In the end I was very glad I kept going.
Overall: As with Spellcast, Spellcrossed is contemporary fantasy, but the contemporary parts ground the fantasy. Magic and the otherworldly are present, but everyday human connections are the real glue of the story. I liked this one, but it may not be for the impatient because it starts slowly and takes its time ramping up before its strong finish.
June 20, 2012
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/06/review-...
Favorite Quote: “If the Archangel GABRIEL had touched down on that stage tonight, he’d complain it wasn’t Jesus CHRIST.“
Maggie Graham had come originally to Dale, Vermont to find her place in life and ended up acting in summer stock theatre and falling in love. When her lover leaves, Maggie decides to stay in Dale and help fulfill the dreams of other lost souls who come to the Crossroads theatre. Spellcrossed picks up two years after the events in Spellcast ended. Maggie took over as director of the Crossroads and is busy preparing for summer stock. Between theater divas and a nosy board of directors, Maggie is up to her eyebrows in drama. When her past comes back to collide with her present, Maggie once again will have to rely on the Crossroads and it’s magic to help guide her down the right path.
This was a hard review for me to write. One; because there is so much going on, I had to be VERY careful not to spoil. Two; because it took me awhile to get into this story. I adored the first book Spellcast. A modern day fairytale that swept us up and carried us down a river of turbulent emotions. Spellcrossed is good but I would be lying if I said it held the same intense magic as Spellcast. Even though the storyline is continuously mobile, it’s calmer and more sedate here. I felt we circle the objective because the ending is presented early on and the rest of the story is the journey towards making the ending less a promise and more a foregone conclusion. Once again, this story is blessed with love, laughter, heartbreak, second chances and forgiveness. I found this installment wasn’t as heavily character driven as the last one. We don’t focus as much on the theater and its troop or the needs of the troop this time around. The story focuses heavily on Maggie and I found I missed the deeper interactions we had with the cast in Spellcast. Not to say we don’t interact with the staff. These eccentric, quirky people offer up advice, laughter, and shoulders to cry on. They are still an integral part of the story and a delight to revisit. However, while reading, I felt more like an observer than a participant this time around. Mei-Yin is still my favorite with her exaggerated speech, over the top dialogue, and general scary nature.
“Who’s asking for PROMISES? I’m asking you to TRY. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it won’t. How the hell should I know. You think I have a crystal BALL up my ASS?”
Maggie continues to excel in her snarky humor and internal dialogue. She has come far in the last two years though her heart will forever belong to Rowen. She has learned to open up and her emotional fears aren’t as apparent. She lost Rowen and survived-she now knows she can survive anything. Her relationship has improved with her mother. Maggie has learned she can’t please everyone and Maggie’s mom has learned that she can’t save everyone. Maggie does push though for her mother to “settle down” with her live in lover which makes for some hilarious conversations.
“When are you going to stop shacking up with that nice man and accept his offer to make you a respectable married woman?”
“When you stop referring to an adult relationship as ‘shacking up.’”
As I stated earlier, the story started out slow for me and it wasn’t until past the halfway point I found myself once again able to reconnect with Ms. Ashford’s wonderful world of magic and theater. Serious issues that were left unresolved are addressed and handled. As we near the end, decisions are made that may not be what was wanted, but are what was needed and that is the foundation that the Crossroads is built on. It gives you what you need. Ms. Ashford leaves us with a sweet yet somewhat bittersweet epilogue that gives both the reader and her characters some rest. There is enough left open though to ensure that this world can be visited again and I for one hope Ms. Ashford does.
Overall Rating: C
Favorite Quote: “If the Archangel GABRIEL had touched down on that stage tonight, he’d complain it wasn’t Jesus CHRIST.“
Maggie Graham had come originally to Dale, Vermont to find her place in life and ended up acting in summer stock theatre and falling in love. When her lover leaves, Maggie decides to stay in Dale and help fulfill the dreams of other lost souls who come to the Crossroads theatre. Spellcrossed picks up two years after the events in Spellcast ended. Maggie took over as director of the Crossroads and is busy preparing for summer stock. Between theater divas and a nosy board of directors, Maggie is up to her eyebrows in drama. When her past comes back to collide with her present, Maggie once again will have to rely on the Crossroads and it’s magic to help guide her down the right path.
This was a hard review for me to write. One; because there is so much going on, I had to be VERY careful not to spoil. Two; because it took me awhile to get into this story. I adored the first book Spellcast. A modern day fairytale that swept us up and carried us down a river of turbulent emotions. Spellcrossed is good but I would be lying if I said it held the same intense magic as Spellcast. Even though the storyline is continuously mobile, it’s calmer and more sedate here. I felt we circle the objective because the ending is presented early on and the rest of the story is the journey towards making the ending less a promise and more a foregone conclusion. Once again, this story is blessed with love, laughter, heartbreak, second chances and forgiveness. I found this installment wasn’t as heavily character driven as the last one. We don’t focus as much on the theater and its troop or the needs of the troop this time around. The story focuses heavily on Maggie and I found I missed the deeper interactions we had with the cast in Spellcast. Not to say we don’t interact with the staff. These eccentric, quirky people offer up advice, laughter, and shoulders to cry on. They are still an integral part of the story and a delight to revisit. However, while reading, I felt more like an observer than a participant this time around. Mei-Yin is still my favorite with her exaggerated speech, over the top dialogue, and general scary nature.
“Who’s asking for PROMISES? I’m asking you to TRY. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it won’t. How the hell should I know. You think I have a crystal BALL up my ASS?”
Maggie continues to excel in her snarky humor and internal dialogue. She has come far in the last two years though her heart will forever belong to Rowen. She has learned to open up and her emotional fears aren’t as apparent. She lost Rowen and survived-she now knows she can survive anything. Her relationship has improved with her mother. Maggie has learned she can’t please everyone and Maggie’s mom has learned that she can’t save everyone. Maggie does push though for her mother to “settle down” with her live in lover which makes for some hilarious conversations.
“When are you going to stop shacking up with that nice man and accept his offer to make you a respectable married woman?”
“When you stop referring to an adult relationship as ‘shacking up.’”
As I stated earlier, the story started out slow for me and it wasn’t until past the halfway point I found myself once again able to reconnect with Ms. Ashford’s wonderful world of magic and theater. Serious issues that were left unresolved are addressed and handled. As we near the end, decisions are made that may not be what was wanted, but are what was needed and that is the foundation that the Crossroads is built on. It gives you what you need. Ms. Ashford leaves us with a sweet yet somewhat bittersweet epilogue that gives both the reader and her characters some rest. There is enough left open though to ensure that this world can be visited again and I for one hope Ms. Ashford does.
Overall Rating: C
July 24, 2012
This is the second book in this series, the first being Spellcast. I really enjoyed both books and highly recommend them to urban fantasy readers who are looking for something a little different, something perhaps not quite as dark and with a slightly different feel than the typical urban fantasy out there. I strongly suggest these books to anyone who's more of the paranormal romance persuasion, since there's a strong romance plotline to both books.
The main premise behind this book is that Maggie Graham, once a helping professional (in the help hotline kind of vein) but at heart an actor, has taken over as director the Crossroads Theatre in Vermont. In the previous book, Spellcast, she found herself drawn to the theater when her life felt as if it were falling apart. But after auditioning for the summer stock theater and getting parts from the enigmantic and mysterious director Rowan McKenzie, she learned more about herself, her family, and the magical elements of the theater herself than she expected. Now, she wants that magic to continue as much as is possible with others who find themselves drawn to the small town atmosphere and the barn where the productions are produced. The only difference is that now she has to deal with a board of directors and a budget, along with worries about making enough money to at least break even. All while dealing with the loss of Rowan and her fiesty production crew with minds and wills of their own. The first musical--Annie--is stumbling along fine, with the usual hangups brought on by a cast of children and dogs, divas and amateurs. What Maggie isn't expecting is the sudden return of Rowan . . . and her long-lost father.
The book mainly deals with Maggie's emotional issues with her father, who vanished when she was little, Rowan and how he can fit into the new organization at the theater, Maggie's mother and new boyfriend, all while staging three musicals and handling the cast and crews problems and dramas as well. Thankfully she has the support of said cast and crew, who have adopted Maggie as part of their family. The best part of the book is, in fact, the characters and their interwoven problems. Unlike the first book, the theater itself is no longer the focus. It's still there, of course, causing problems and distractions, but this book shifts much more toward Maggie and the rest of the permanent crew at the theater, how their adapting to their new roles and how the theater is changing. Its this sense of family--with all of its dysfunctionality--that kept me riveted to the book.
And, once again, the musicals are interwoven into the relationships and drama happening off stage. There are parallels between what's on stage and what's occuring in Maggie's life. Sometimes those parallels are misinterpreted (very effectively in terms of plot, in my opinion). In the end, Spellcrossed is a great book, weaving subtle magic through the lives of those who have been drawn to the theater seeking something they can't explain and through Maggie's life and her relationships to her father, mother, Rowan, and the family she has found at the Crossroads. I recommend it to paranormal romance readers, urban fantasy readers, and anyone who enjoys (or enjoyed) summer stock theater. I've not read anything like it in the fantasy genre.
The main premise behind this book is that Maggie Graham, once a helping professional (in the help hotline kind of vein) but at heart an actor, has taken over as director the Crossroads Theatre in Vermont. In the previous book, Spellcast, she found herself drawn to the theater when her life felt as if it were falling apart. But after auditioning for the summer stock theater and getting parts from the enigmantic and mysterious director Rowan McKenzie, she learned more about herself, her family, and the magical elements of the theater herself than she expected. Now, she wants that magic to continue as much as is possible with others who find themselves drawn to the small town atmosphere and the barn where the productions are produced. The only difference is that now she has to deal with a board of directors and a budget, along with worries about making enough money to at least break even. All while dealing with the loss of Rowan and her fiesty production crew with minds and wills of their own. The first musical--Annie--is stumbling along fine, with the usual hangups brought on by a cast of children and dogs, divas and amateurs. What Maggie isn't expecting is the sudden return of Rowan . . . and her long-lost father.
The book mainly deals with Maggie's emotional issues with her father, who vanished when she was little, Rowan and how he can fit into the new organization at the theater, Maggie's mother and new boyfriend, all while staging three musicals and handling the cast and crews problems and dramas as well. Thankfully she has the support of said cast and crew, who have adopted Maggie as part of their family. The best part of the book is, in fact, the characters and their interwoven problems. Unlike the first book, the theater itself is no longer the focus. It's still there, of course, causing problems and distractions, but this book shifts much more toward Maggie and the rest of the permanent crew at the theater, how their adapting to their new roles and how the theater is changing. Its this sense of family--with all of its dysfunctionality--that kept me riveted to the book.
And, once again, the musicals are interwoven into the relationships and drama happening off stage. There are parallels between what's on stage and what's occuring in Maggie's life. Sometimes those parallels are misinterpreted (very effectively in terms of plot, in my opinion). In the end, Spellcrossed is a great book, weaving subtle magic through the lives of those who have been drawn to the theater seeking something they can't explain and through Maggie's life and her relationships to her father, mother, Rowan, and the family she has found at the Crossroads. I recommend it to paranormal romance readers, urban fantasy readers, and anyone who enjoys (or enjoyed) summer stock theater. I've not read anything like it in the fantasy genre.
August 14, 2012
The premise: ganked from BN.com: IT’S NOT EASY LOSING THE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE…
But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie to return to Faerie, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre. A hectic new season of summer stock leaves her little time to moon over the past. She has to balance the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. And while Maggie yearns to give others the kind of healing she found at the Crossroads, even she recognizes that magic must take a back seat to ticket sales.
But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn. Memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of Maggie’s past turn her life upside down, it will take more than faery magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for….
My Rating: Good Read
If you enjoyed Spellcast, you'll enjoy Spellcrossed. The sequel takes a while to rev up, especially if you aren't interested in musical theatre, but if you are, you'll enjoy getting reacquainted with the musicals (Lord knows I've forgotten WAY too much about Into the Woods, and we put it on in high school!), and getting reacquainted with the characters. Once the main plot of the story hits, the internal tension ramps up, and even though you know how things are going to end, you still want to be wrong. You still want to see how everything will work out. The ending leaves you on a wonderfully happy note, yet tinged with a bit of, as Ashford states, shadow. At this point, I know another book will be coming (at least, I hope so), and I'm really, really curious where the story goes next.
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. Not just spoilers for Spellcrossed, but also the first book, Spellcast, so if you aren't caught up, please read the Spellcast first before going any further. The full review may be found at my blog for anyone interested. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. The full review may be found at the link below!
REVIEW: Barbara Ashford's SPELLCROSSED
Happy Reading!
But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie to return to Faerie, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre. A hectic new season of summer stock leaves her little time to moon over the past. She has to balance the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. And while Maggie yearns to give others the kind of healing she found at the Crossroads, even she recognizes that magic must take a back seat to ticket sales.
But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn. Memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of Maggie’s past turn her life upside down, it will take more than faery magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for….
My Rating: Good Read
If you enjoyed Spellcast, you'll enjoy Spellcrossed. The sequel takes a while to rev up, especially if you aren't interested in musical theatre, but if you are, you'll enjoy getting reacquainted with the musicals (Lord knows I've forgotten WAY too much about Into the Woods, and we put it on in high school!), and getting reacquainted with the characters. Once the main plot of the story hits, the internal tension ramps up, and even though you know how things are going to end, you still want to be wrong. You still want to see how everything will work out. The ending leaves you on a wonderfully happy note, yet tinged with a bit of, as Ashford states, shadow. At this point, I know another book will be coming (at least, I hope so), and I'm really, really curious where the story goes next.
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. Not just spoilers for Spellcrossed, but also the first book, Spellcast, so if you aren't caught up, please read the Spellcast first before going any further. The full review may be found at my blog for anyone interested. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. The full review may be found at the link below!
REVIEW: Barbara Ashford's SPELLCROSSED
Happy Reading!
June 13, 2012
"Offer me your heart and I will give you mine. Trust me, my love. And, together, we will defy all the powers of this world and Faerie to come between us."
Fantastic sequel in a magical, emotional, heartwarming series.
Maggie Graham is making a life for herself in Dale, spending her time as executive director of the Crossroads Theatre and managing the newly renovated Golden Bough Hotel.
She's making attempts to move on from the loss of Rowan Mackenzie. Even after nearly 2 years apart, and despite the many distractions that the busy life of a theatre director provides, he still constantly invades her thoughts.
Luckily, the Crossroads family have fully embraced Maggie as one of their own and offer her the support that she needs, especially when she continues to doubt that the theatre can be a success without Rowan's magic. But the staff carries a little fae magic of their own and are still able to hold their traditional calling of the Mackenzies.
I found the diverse cast of secondary characters that Ashford has created to be just as entertaining and enjoyable the second time around. Mei-Yin, Reinhard, Hal, Janet, Bernie, and even the new board director Long, all bring something unique to the story.
Once we are eased back into Maggie's world and the story takes off, it becomes an emotional roller coaster full of surprises, both good and bad.
It's difficult to explore certain aspects of the story line without worrying that I'm venturing into spoiler territory. And honestly, I feel like the larger developments are better left a surprise. But what I will say is that two important characters enter Maggie's life, and while one you will want to hold and comfort, the other will leave you feeling incredibly frustrated. But I appreciated Ashford's ability to create a character who managed to be so aggravating, disappointing, and entertaining all at the same time.
Despite the cover and synopsis, you won't have to be a fan of the theatre to enjoy this wonderful series. If you're a fan of romance, vivid writing, well-crafted and relatable characters, then I suggest you give Ashford's series a try, starting with her debut Spellcast.
"No matter how many times you pull me into the light, I will always have to retreat into the shadows. One day, you will grow tired of coaxing me out. And when that day comes, I will lose you."
Fantastic sequel in a magical, emotional, heartwarming series.
Maggie Graham is making a life for herself in Dale, spending her time as executive director of the Crossroads Theatre and managing the newly renovated Golden Bough Hotel.
She's making attempts to move on from the loss of Rowan Mackenzie. Even after nearly 2 years apart, and despite the many distractions that the busy life of a theatre director provides, he still constantly invades her thoughts.
Luckily, the Crossroads family have fully embraced Maggie as one of their own and offer her the support that she needs, especially when she continues to doubt that the theatre can be a success without Rowan's magic. But the staff carries a little fae magic of their own and are still able to hold their traditional calling of the Mackenzies.
I found the diverse cast of secondary characters that Ashford has created to be just as entertaining and enjoyable the second time around. Mei-Yin, Reinhard, Hal, Janet, Bernie, and even the new board director Long, all bring something unique to the story.
Once we are eased back into Maggie's world and the story takes off, it becomes an emotional roller coaster full of surprises, both good and bad.
It's difficult to explore certain aspects of the story line without worrying that I'm venturing into spoiler territory. And honestly, I feel like the larger developments are better left a surprise. But what I will say is that two important characters enter Maggie's life, and while one you will want to hold and comfort, the other will leave you feeling incredibly frustrated. But I appreciated Ashford's ability to create a character who managed to be so aggravating, disappointing, and entertaining all at the same time.
Despite the cover and synopsis, you won't have to be a fan of the theatre to enjoy this wonderful series. If you're a fan of romance, vivid writing, well-crafted and relatable characters, then I suggest you give Ashford's series a try, starting with her debut Spellcast.
"No matter how many times you pull me into the light, I will always have to retreat into the shadows. One day, you will grow tired of coaxing me out. And when that day comes, I will lose you."
March 21, 2013
Returning to the world of Barbara Ashford's Crossroads Theater is like slipping into a warm bubble bath at the end of a long day. The plot of Spellcrossed has enough froth to buoy it along, while the characters have enough depth to keep me engrossed. I especially enjoyed the deepening of the non-Rowan characters and their relationships before his return.
But I missed menace. In the first Crossroads book, Spellcast , Rowan was as dangerous as he was alluring. This ominous undertone, mixed with the theater's strange goings-on, the staff's worrisome reticence to discuss it, and the volatile romantic and sexual tension between Maggie and Rowan, provided deliciously spine-tingling moments and a mild darkness that kept me racing ahead.
With Crossroads' secrets revealed, Rowan & co. are no longer sinister. That's fine by me: while I liked moody, broody, secretive Rowan, I also like the Rowan who's trying to cook dinner, do laundry, and navigate an adult human relationship. And I prefer the staff being able to be honest about who they are and what they can do.
Unfortunately, Ashford gives us little to replace that tension. Maggie and Rowan's fights resolve easily and maturely. A few calm words and a well-placed burst of Fae magic soothe an irksome board president. Jack's fears turn out to be all in his head. At no point did I honestly fear for any character's physical or emotional well-being.
Ashford gave herself several opportunities for danger and disaster: If Rowan's return had complicated a budding new romance between Maggie and...someone. If Long had been more intractable. If Jack's Borderlands tormenters had shown the slightest interest in pursuing him into the human world. But it feels like she loved her characters too much to turn the screw and hurt them. As a result, though readers never have to worry about them, neither are we particularly invested in their triumph or defeat. That's a nice way to feel about people we care about (and we do care about these characters) but not the best strategy for successful fiction.
But I missed menace. In the first Crossroads book, Spellcast , Rowan was as dangerous as he was alluring. This ominous undertone, mixed with the theater's strange goings-on, the staff's worrisome reticence to discuss it, and the volatile romantic and sexual tension between Maggie and Rowan, provided deliciously spine-tingling moments and a mild darkness that kept me racing ahead.
With Crossroads' secrets revealed, Rowan & co. are no longer sinister. That's fine by me: while I liked moody, broody, secretive Rowan, I also like the Rowan who's trying to cook dinner, do laundry, and navigate an adult human relationship. And I prefer the staff being able to be honest about who they are and what they can do.
Unfortunately, Ashford gives us little to replace that tension. Maggie and Rowan's fights resolve easily and maturely. A few calm words and a well-placed burst of Fae magic soothe an irksome board president. Jack's fears turn out to be all in his head. At no point did I honestly fear for any character's physical or emotional well-being.
Ashford gave herself several opportunities for danger and disaster: If Rowan's return had complicated a budding new romance between Maggie and...someone. If Long had been more intractable. If Jack's Borderlands tormenters had shown the slightest interest in pursuing him into the human world. But it feels like she loved her characters too much to turn the screw and hurt them. As a result, though readers never have to worry about them, neither are we particularly invested in their triumph or defeat. That's a nice way to feel about people we care about (and we do care about these characters) but not the best strategy for successful fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2012
In the time since Rowan said goodbye to her at the Crossroads Theater Maggie has had a fascinating time adjusting to the new Board of Directors and the view of the theater from Rowan’s shoes as she plans and runs the theater season. But Rowan is a hard act to follow, and between missing him and trying to be him, Maggie is tying her own life in knots.
When Rowan reappears late one night, a battered human he recovered from the Borderlands between the human and Faerie worlds in tow, Maggie's world is again turned upside-down. And again it will take Faerie magic and human hearts and hands to put things back together.
I don’t usually listen to music while reading, but Ashford’s Spellcast and Spellcrossed have had me digging through old Cassettes and CDs, looking for the musicals I grew up listening to and performing in. Spellcrossed is again thick and vibrant with a love and knowledge of the theater. It is a magnificent stage on which to set a suburban fantasy- containing a magic that is unique and fascinating, and at the same time familiar enough to catch us tightly and hold us close.
It is a romance between a human and something Other, where the Otherness is not glossed over, adding extra interest and tension to the writing. It is a book that exults in human imperfections, the beautiful way they all manage to fit together into something magnificent.
This one hit hard and perfect. It is a book about bonds and family. I lost a sister less than a year ago, a sister who was draped in the merry trappings of the theater. Ashford’s skillful, heart-felt writing wrung smiles and tears from me in equal measure. It was my little bit of healing, courtesy of the Crossroads Theater. I invite you all to give Spellcrossed, and its predecessor Spellcast, a read and take away from it everything you can.
When Rowan reappears late one night, a battered human he recovered from the Borderlands between the human and Faerie worlds in tow, Maggie's world is again turned upside-down. And again it will take Faerie magic and human hearts and hands to put things back together.
I don’t usually listen to music while reading, but Ashford’s Spellcast and Spellcrossed have had me digging through old Cassettes and CDs, looking for the musicals I grew up listening to and performing in. Spellcrossed is again thick and vibrant with a love and knowledge of the theater. It is a magnificent stage on which to set a suburban fantasy- containing a magic that is unique and fascinating, and at the same time familiar enough to catch us tightly and hold us close.
It is a romance between a human and something Other, where the Otherness is not glossed over, adding extra interest and tension to the writing. It is a book that exults in human imperfections, the beautiful way they all manage to fit together into something magnificent.
This one hit hard and perfect. It is a book about bonds and family. I lost a sister less than a year ago, a sister who was draped in the merry trappings of the theater. Ashford’s skillful, heart-felt writing wrung smiles and tears from me in equal measure. It was my little bit of healing, courtesy of the Crossroads Theater. I invite you all to give Spellcrossed, and its predecessor Spellcast, a read and take away from it everything you can.
June 8, 2012
The Crossroads has an earned a spot in my heart and I loved returning to Dale, Vermont to see all of the characters that became dear to me while reading Spellcast.
Maggie has gone through a lot of changes since we last saw her. She is an emotional upheaval and trying to get her life back in order, but it's not easy. Maggie throws herself into her work but finds as always that magic takes place at the Crossroads. Events happen that throw her life into a tailspin, and nothing goes as planned. The first half of this book and the last half of the book kept me glued to the page. I was laughing and crying from one page to the next.
I hate to say this, but the middle of this book almost lost me. A large part of this is because I never really warmed up to any of the new actors introduced in this book like I did with the ones in the first book. I felt like Maggie never really spent any time with them-instead of interacting with them we were just told what happened. As she was directing instead of acting this makes sense, but I still felt like something was missing and I can't quite put a finger on what it was.
As much as I found myself getting annoyed with Maggie for not being more proactive with spending time with a certain someone, I enjoyed the theater scenes a lot. I felt like I really was apart of the theater and directing along with her. The insight into the world of theater is amazing.
Spellcrossed was for the most part an engaging read, and I can't wait to read more by this author
Maggie has gone through a lot of changes since we last saw her. She is an emotional upheaval and trying to get her life back in order, but it's not easy. Maggie throws herself into her work but finds as always that magic takes place at the Crossroads. Events happen that throw her life into a tailspin, and nothing goes as planned. The first half of this book and the last half of the book kept me glued to the page. I was laughing and crying from one page to the next.
I hate to say this, but the middle of this book almost lost me. A large part of this is because I never really warmed up to any of the new actors introduced in this book like I did with the ones in the first book. I felt like Maggie never really spent any time with them-instead of interacting with them we were just told what happened. As she was directing instead of acting this makes sense, but I still felt like something was missing and I can't quite put a finger on what it was.
As much as I found myself getting annoyed with Maggie for not being more proactive with spending time with a certain someone, I enjoyed the theater scenes a lot. I felt like I really was apart of the theater and directing along with her. The insight into the world of theater is amazing.
Spellcrossed was for the most part an engaging read, and I can't wait to read more by this author
July 11, 2013
Spellcrossed and Spellcast (the first book in the hopefully ongoing and long lasting series) are quite like the Canadian tv series set at a Shakespeare festival “Slings and Arrows.” (If you haven't heard of this series, seek it out wherever you find videos. You'll be glad you did. There's three seasons.) Both are laugh out loud funny, sweet, set in theater companies, and involve stage magic and magic magic.
This novel, like its predecessor, is set at a summer stock/ community theater company in Vermont that features musicals prominently. The season depicted in this novel at the Crossroads Theater produces “Annie,” The Secret Garden,” and “Into the Woods.” Like “Slings and Arrows” the themes of the season are also the themes of the novel: each is about creating family where none exist, creating reality and wishing, which is what I say about the plays, not what Maggie, the protagonist, executive director and director of all the plays says. I keep a list of quotes I find while I’m reading, usually, but forgot, or just imagined that paragraph, apparently. I couldn’t find it after finishing the book. This is a delightful novel. I hope the author writes many more!
This novel, like its predecessor, is set at a summer stock/ community theater company in Vermont that features musicals prominently. The season depicted in this novel at the Crossroads Theater produces “Annie,” The Secret Garden,” and “Into the Woods.” Like “Slings and Arrows” the themes of the season are also the themes of the novel: each is about creating family where none exist, creating reality and wishing, which is what I say about the plays, not what Maggie, the protagonist, executive director and director of all the plays says. I keep a list of quotes I find while I’m reading, usually, but forgot, or just imagined that paragraph, apparently. I couldn’t find it after finishing the book. This is a delightful novel. I hope the author writes many more!
July 19, 2012
Spellcrossed picked up two years after Spellcast. Maggie Graham accepted that fortune (though never fate) had given her a new role in life at the Golden Bough bed-and-breakfast and at the Crossroads Theater. She had spent the time expanding support for the theater throughout the greater community, gaining funds and attendance for the shows, and updating the hotel. In a fit of inspired insanity, Maggie decided to propose a children's theater summer, and produce Annie and The Secret Garden.
While Maggie is wrapped up in the magic and mayhem of the summer production season, Maggie's departed lover returns. He brings back all of the pain and longing that she had tried to forget. He also brings back her estranged father.
This is another book about redemption, healing, acceptance, and loss. Ashcroft wrote very believable characters, including Maggie's suspicious mother, caring roommate, and the whacky supporting staff of the theater. Maggie's decisions are right for the story even when they are wrong and we know it. And in the end, the triumph and heartbreak are genuine in painful and loving ways.
There is one hugely jarring narrative choice at the end, when Ashcroft changes first-person narrators from Maggie to Rowan. I understand why she needed to do it, but I had a lot of trouble making the switch. Beyond that, this duology was pretty close to perfect for me.
While Maggie is wrapped up in the magic and mayhem of the summer production season, Maggie's departed lover returns. He brings back all of the pain and longing that she had tried to forget. He also brings back her estranged father.
This is another book about redemption, healing, acceptance, and loss. Ashcroft wrote very believable characters, including Maggie's suspicious mother, caring roommate, and the whacky supporting staff of the theater. Maggie's decisions are right for the story even when they are wrong and we know it. And in the end, the triumph and heartbreak are genuine in painful and loving ways.
There is one hugely jarring narrative choice at the end, when Ashcroft changes first-person narrators from Maggie to Rowan. I understand why she needed to do it, but I had a lot of trouble making the switch. Beyond that, this duology was pretty close to perfect for me.
October 25, 2012
These books (this was a sequel) are some of these books I like so much that I wish I liked them just a little more. It's just missing that tiny bit of SOMETHING that would make me love it. But I like it a lot. I care about the characters. I cared enough to buy it when it didn't show up at my libraries (and actually read it and not let it languish on my to read pile!).
And it's a sequel I'm glad was written.
I don't know if Ashford is going to write more in this world and I'm not even sure what I want! I would be interested in reading more about these characters, I think, but I'm not sure how much is left to tell.
And it's a sequel I'm glad was written.
I don't know if Ashford is going to write more in this world and I'm not even sure what I want! I would be interested in reading more about these characters, I think, but I'm not sure how much is left to tell.
June 21, 2012
The sequel of Spellcast didn't have the same impact as the first one did. In fact the first half of the book was a little boring for me and I almost interrupted the reading. But then I started thinking that the first book was and still is one of my all-time favourite books and so I decided this one deserved another chance. Well, it did get better... but not so much. I'm actually very disappointed with this book and I don't think that it did justice to the first one which was perfect in all the possible ways.
October 17, 2012
Maybe I would have liked it better had I read the first in the series...but I'm a firm believer that each book should stand on it's own.
The heroine felt the need to lie and hide her relationship, and seemed to be somewhat of a doormat. Her hero uses his faerie magic like rohypnol and that seemed to be ok with her...I'd have smacked him upside the head with an IRON frying pan.
The background characters were lovely, and the backstage scenes were spot-on, funny, and clearly from experience with community theater. They were the best parts.
The heroine felt the need to lie and hide her relationship, and seemed to be somewhat of a doormat. Her hero uses his faerie magic like rohypnol and that seemed to be ok with her...I'd have smacked him upside the head with an IRON frying pan.
The background characters were lovely, and the backstage scenes were spot-on, funny, and clearly from experience with community theater. They were the best parts.
May 20, 2012
I actually really enjoyed Spellcrossed. I was, at first, a little hesitant to read it, because I hadn't read the first book (and I hate to read series out of order). However, once I set aside my initial discomfort, I found that Spellcrossed was a very well-written and entertaining read. I would recommend this book to my friends.
I received my copy of Spellcrossed for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received my copy of Spellcrossed for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 31, 2012
After the follow up that ended in "Spellcast," Maggie Graham tries to move on with her life and make a fresh start as director of the Crossroads Theatre. In the middle of the stress that comes with the job, she also must deal with the magic from her past that endangers her dreams. Fans of the theater as well as urban fantasy readers will be charmed (no Fae pun intended :P) by this sequel.
July 25, 2012
For me, the theater/play content was a bit too much. I'm not all that familiar with the plays, so I probably didn't see all the linkages between them and the book's plot. And Maggie's father was a character I just couldn't warm to.
July 20, 2012
Stayed up way too late to finish this. Hope it isn't the end of the series. These books are wonderful.
November 17, 2012
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and loved it! It was something different, and a very funny main character made it easy to fall in love.
June 22, 2012
I laughed out loud and cried, and, since I think this was a 2 book series, was sad to say good-bye to characters I love. What a lovely, fun book this is!
July 10, 2012
4 3/4 stars.
NOR book, review pending
NOR book, review pending
August 30, 2012
The follow-up to Spellcast, this suffers some sequel problems and didn't quite work for me as well as the first, but I still found it enjoyable.
September 17, 2012
A good series for those who love theater and fantasy. It looks like the author loves both! :)
December 14, 2012
I enjoyed this book even more then the first one.
September 29, 2013
Very good sequel. Also, for me it wasn't as confusing as its predecessor.
September 9, 2015
This wasn't as good as the first one, but did have some intriguing and well-done emotional conflicts. And it was wrapped up well.
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