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Enlil & Aris #2
A Spellbook for the Once Cursed
The curse is broken and Aris is once again human, but settling into a normal routine proves difficult. Especially when Enlil rescues a stray crow who won’t stop watching him.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2023
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 27, 2023
Another installment in a world that is lush and well built, despite the stories being so short!
I loved the cottagecore magical vibes. En just wants to read all day, and Aris' PTSD from being a crow for years and years read very real. And Rose the witch! Despite her sinister-looking witch's hut, she's a survivor, and kindly figure.
I love the whimsical nature of the world, and can picture animals scurrying around the pair's cottage. Just a nice, magical little read.
I loved the cottagecore magical vibes. En just wants to read all day, and Aris' PTSD from being a crow for years and years read very real. And Rose the witch! Despite her sinister-looking witch's hut, she's a survivor, and kindly figure.
I love the whimsical nature of the world, and can picture animals scurrying around the pair's cottage. Just a nice, magical little read.
August 13, 2023
I loved the Man and the Crow but this one is even better! I love that we get to see the "after" especially the effects on mental health you can expect from being stuck as a crow for centuries. I think those aspects were incredibly well done and while the objects instilling fear in Aris were different to what us non-witches deal with it was still easy to connect with.
I really enjoyed the little "domestic" moments as well - I wish I could just magick up a giant conservatory to grow food in 😂
And the intrigue at the end! I hope this means we're getting more of Enlil and Aris!
I really enjoyed the little "domestic" moments as well - I wish I could just magick up a giant conservatory to grow food in 😂
And the intrigue at the end! I hope this means we're getting more of Enlil and Aris!
August 10, 2023
This sequel to The Man and The Crow is perfect for fans of cosy fantasy! I felt so warm and safe in Aris and Enlil’s world despite the looming threats. Their banter is top tier and their romance made me swoon. Not to mention the careful way in which Aris’s trauma is handled throughout.
Once again, Rebecca has built a gorgeous, atmospheric, compelling short story that left me craving more.
Once again, Rebecca has built a gorgeous, atmospheric, compelling short story that left me craving more.
September 15, 2023
Magic, paranormal mystery, and touching, patient romance await anyone who decides to pick up this story. I, for one, am very much excited to see the next step in the journey for these characters.
January 22, 2024
Enlil & Aris, their journey continues in book 2
I read The Man & The Crow, the first book in this series, and was very impressed with how much story was in so few pages! This story impresses me too, this time, with how much emotion was in so few pages! After so very long, cursed to be a crow, Aris has a hard time adjusting to being in human form again. Enlil shows himself to be a very loyal and loving partner, kind and understanding throughout the story. This story shifted from the action of the first story to here the emotions. I am loving this series and I am very eager to read the third book!!!
I read The Man & The Crow, the first book in this series, and was very impressed with how much story was in so few pages! This story impresses me too, this time, with how much emotion was in so few pages! After so very long, cursed to be a crow, Aris has a hard time adjusting to being in human form again. Enlil shows himself to be a very loyal and loving partner, kind and understanding throughout the story. This story shifted from the action of the first story to here the emotions. I am loving this series and I am very eager to read the third book!!!
August 24, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
I was so excited to learn that there was a sequel to Enlil and Aris' first story, A Man and the Crow. I absolutely adored these two, and wanted more time with them! To my surprise, Crunden wrote a sequel, and I loved it just as much as the first story.
I really liked the premise of the story. How even after 'The End', there are still struggles. When curses are broken, it's not always happily ever after, and it's a very raw and realistic take on what happens after, when a curse is broken. For Aris, that involves trauma, paranoia, and anxiety, among other things. The curse is gone, but its effects still linger and cannot easily be forgotten.
It was so interesting to see the pair explore their new life together. The curse is broken, which had been their sole goal for centuries, and now they must learn to find a way to coexist without that. They're a very cute couple, and I loved how they explored Aris' troubles and how supportive Enlil was of him. Aris struggles with many issues after he is freed of the curse, and Enlil is very considerate of his feelings and hesitation about things, which was lovely to see.
Crunden does an amazing job at building a world and magic system with only a few pages. This short story is fantastical and mystical, and had a plot twist at the end that had my eyes bulging out of my skull! I do hope I will be surprised by a third instalment in Enlil and Aris' story after the cliffhanger we are left on!
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I was so excited to learn that there was a sequel to Enlil and Aris' first story, A Man and the Crow. I absolutely adored these two, and wanted more time with them! To my surprise, Crunden wrote a sequel, and I loved it just as much as the first story.
I really liked the premise of the story. How even after 'The End', there are still struggles. When curses are broken, it's not always happily ever after, and it's a very raw and realistic take on what happens after, when a curse is broken. For Aris, that involves trauma, paranoia, and anxiety, among other things. The curse is gone, but its effects still linger and cannot easily be forgotten.
It was so interesting to see the pair explore their new life together. The curse is broken, which had been their sole goal for centuries, and now they must learn to find a way to coexist without that. They're a very cute couple, and I loved how they explored Aris' troubles and how supportive Enlil was of him. Aris struggles with many issues after he is freed of the curse, and Enlil is very considerate of his feelings and hesitation about things, which was lovely to see.
Crunden does an amazing job at building a world and magic system with only a few pages. This short story is fantastical and mystical, and had a plot twist at the end that had my eyes bulging out of my skull! I do hope I will be surprised by a third instalment in Enlil and Aris' story after the cliffhanger we are left on!
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September 2, 2023
First off, this cover is amazing.
Secondly, I love these short stories. A Spellbook for the Once Cursed picks up a short time after its predecessor The Man and the Crow. Now that Aris and Enlil have broken the curse. They work to settle into a normal and peaceful life. Well, as normal as you can for two witches. However, after spending centuries trapped inside the body of a bird, Aris is finding it hard to relax. Always on edge and traumatized by his imprisonment, he lives in constant fear of it happening again.
I love these characters. If you enjoy grumpy sunshine pairings, you will love them too. Where the first story was primarily focused on Enlil and his part in the quest to free Aris, the sequel gives us a deeper look into Aris.
I did find the beginning paragraph to be a little wordy, but everything after flows nicely.
There is a bit of world-building and introduction to new fascinating characters, which makes me excited to see where the story goes from here.
Secondly, I love these short stories. A Spellbook for the Once Cursed picks up a short time after its predecessor The Man and the Crow. Now that Aris and Enlil have broken the curse. They work to settle into a normal and peaceful life. Well, as normal as you can for two witches. However, after spending centuries trapped inside the body of a bird, Aris is finding it hard to relax. Always on edge and traumatized by his imprisonment, he lives in constant fear of it happening again.
I love these characters. If you enjoy grumpy sunshine pairings, you will love them too. Where the first story was primarily focused on Enlil and his part in the quest to free Aris, the sequel gives us a deeper look into Aris.
I did find the beginning paragraph to be a little wordy, but everything after flows nicely.
There is a bit of world-building and introduction to new fascinating characters, which makes me excited to see where the story goes from here.
August 14, 2023
A great continuation of Enlil and Aris’ story!
Rebecca Crunden has done it again! She has a magical way of weaving the fantastical with the human. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of continuing a story after the “happily ever after.” Not only is this a wonderful chapter in Enlil and Aris’ story, but Rebecca sets us up for a third part! Can’t wait!
Rebecca Crunden has done it again! She has a magical way of weaving the fantastical with the human. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of continuing a story after the “happily ever after.” Not only is this a wonderful chapter in Enlil and Aris’ story, but Rebecca sets us up for a third part! Can’t wait!
September 10, 2023
You know how in fairytales the spell is broke and we watch our heroes ride off into the sunset? This is that sunset.
A welcome follow up to the charming The Man and the Crow that arguably even surpasses the original. A warm and tender fantasy that was just a joy to read, and one that has left me keen for the next entry in this series.
A welcome follow up to the charming The Man and the Crow that arguably even surpasses the original. A warm and tender fantasy that was just a joy to read, and one that has left me keen for the next entry in this series.
August 24, 2023
To see a full review check it out here.
What does living after breaking a curse really look like? Well it looks like reading books about soil, dealing with PTSD, and some fae flirting. Obviously.
What does living after breaking a curse really look like? Well it looks like reading books about soil, dealing with PTSD, and some fae flirting. Obviously.
September 16, 2023
I loved "The Man and the Crow" and was excited to read find out what happens after.
"A Spellbook for the Once Cursed" gives you a look at their life after the curse is removed.
But things are just getting started for the couple.
I am looking forward to starting book 3.
"A Spellbook for the Once Cursed" gives you a look at their life after the curse is removed.
But things are just getting started for the couple.
I am looking forward to starting book 3.
November 17, 2023
What a lovely middle chapter in the story of Enlil & Aris. I picked this up as a short story set, thinking it was akin to Bujold's Penric & Desdemona series. But while I was reading this installment, I began to wonder whether there's a long series that precedes this (ala Ladyhawke, for those lovers of the 1980s fantasy film :)
The best part of this book is that while we were in Enlil's POV in the last story, we are in Arlis's here + Arlis is dealing with the aftermath of trauma. The author has a light touch, but addresses it in a way that feels real. And while Enlil is perhaps too-good-to-be-true as a partner, isn't that what fantasy is all about? The story ends on a cliffhanger, but the good news is that the next short story is out!
The best part of this book is that while we were in Enlil's POV in the last story, we are in Arlis's here + Arlis is dealing with the aftermath of trauma. The author has a light touch, but addresses it in a way that feels real. And while Enlil is perhaps too-good-to-be-true as a partner, isn't that what fantasy is all about? The story ends on a cliffhanger, but the good news is that the next short story is out!
December 18, 2023
This was such a great continuation of the story. The focus on Aris needing to adjust back to human life and experiencing PTSD from his time cursed was a natural progression of his arc. The mental health rep was well written, and the world-building packed into this short story was nothing short of magical. The relationship between Enlil and Aris was still so damn cute, and I adored how Enlil helped his partner through his anxieties. I'm so excited there are more stories to come, and the end of this one set up the next conflict really well.
October 2, 2023
Longer than the first book, the middle book begins with Enlil and Aris at home and with competing priorities before going on to reveal more of the plot that began in the first book. Thoroughly enjoyable little romp
August 14, 2023
Once I finished the first story in this series - The Man and the Crow, I immediately knew why so many readers mentioned looking forward to a sequel , and unlike most of them I did not have to suffer as this, the second book in the series is finally here.
This book picks up very soon after the first book ends, and I would highly recommend reading book one first, not only because you will need the background for this one, but also because its simply very good, and at only 24 pages, it's really not going to take you very long.
This does not have the darker feel of the previous books, instead it seems much more of a cosy vibe, which I think is pretty understandable given what has happened to Enlil and Aris in the past and what they have had to overcome. While many readers look forward to a happy ever after for the characters in their books, in this story the author asks what if happy ever after is not as easy as it seems. When characters have undergone a trauma like these have, particularly in the case of Aris, the adjustment period can be challenging and that is what this story explores in a clever but sensitive way. I really loved seeing more of the interactions between these characters, and I would happily read a dozen more stories about their adventures, especially since the way this book plays out means I am already craving more. Every time I read another story from this author I find myself more impressed by their skill not just in creating characters that the reader really cares about , but also crafting plots that give so much in a relatively small number of pages, and all the while doing it with a beautiful and evocative style of writing that shows how much they have honed their craft.
This book picks up very soon after the first book ends, and I would highly recommend reading book one first, not only because you will need the background for this one, but also because its simply very good, and at only 24 pages, it's really not going to take you very long.
This does not have the darker feel of the previous books, instead it seems much more of a cosy vibe, which I think is pretty understandable given what has happened to Enlil and Aris in the past and what they have had to overcome. While many readers look forward to a happy ever after for the characters in their books, in this story the author asks what if happy ever after is not as easy as it seems. When characters have undergone a trauma like these have, particularly in the case of Aris, the adjustment period can be challenging and that is what this story explores in a clever but sensitive way. I really loved seeing more of the interactions between these characters, and I would happily read a dozen more stories about their adventures, especially since the way this book plays out means I am already craving more. Every time I read another story from this author I find myself more impressed by their skill not just in creating characters that the reader really cares about , but also crafting plots that give so much in a relatively small number of pages, and all the while doing it with a beautiful and evocative style of writing that shows how much they have honed their craft.
February 22, 2025
This one continues the story of Enlil and Aris from The Man and the Crow. Aris may be free of the curse, but trauma is real, and he has a hard time dealing with it. He spent centuries as a crow, having no control over his body, and he fears getting cursed again. He even doubts Enlil’s love for him.
But when their quest for finding a shapeshifting spell leads to the death of someone they know, Enlil and Aris have to figure out how to deal with Enlil’s twin.
This was also an extremely short read, but again, just as good as the first one. It’s entirely from Aris’ point of view, and I felt so many emotions. His trauma is dealt with realistically, and respectfully.
If you love fantasy, curses, and queer characters, you will love this book.
But when their quest for finding a shapeshifting spell leads to the death of someone they know, Enlil and Aris have to figure out how to deal with Enlil’s twin.
This was also an extremely short read, but again, just as good as the first one. It’s entirely from Aris’ point of view, and I felt so many emotions. His trauma is dealt with realistically, and respectfully.
If you love fantasy, curses, and queer characters, you will love this book.
August 27, 2023
How does Rebecca pack so much magnificence into each of her short works? I absolutely adored The Man and The Crow, so learning it had a sequel, I was thrilled. Reading it, and discovering it’s just as magical and captivating as the first? I was blown away.
The writing is beautiful, and poignant. The characters are realistic, and lovely.
I loved this, and can’t wait for the third story with these two characters!
The writing is beautiful, and poignant. The characters are realistic, and lovely.
I loved this, and can’t wait for the third story with these two characters!
October 25, 2023
I love this delightfully witchy series of short novellas about two men, one of whom was cursed into the body of a crow for centuries. Aris is just learning to live in his human form after being freed from his curse. Enlil, his partner, is trying to help him with his trouble transitioning back to being human and the PTSD. Then there is the question of them being together after all this time. I loved the witchy vibe, the crows and cats and witchy magic garden. So atmospheric and delightful! 5/5 stars.
November 29, 2024
I loved that the theme of this next installment was Aris' inner struggle with his new body. And that cliffhanger, ahh! The series so far is so...familiar, like I've known these characters for a long time already. Love it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews