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The Spell of Us
Not yet published
Expected 6 Feb 26Her magic is a mess. Her fighting? Even worse.
Maelis has spent her life hiding a forbidden gift in a realm where magic is outlawed. Bound by duty to her family and a fate she never chose, she’s spent years following rules written by others.
Being a God comes with perks. Touch-starvation isn’t one of them.
Auretheos, God of Wisdom and Cunning, is sworn to purity. Chained to an ancient prophecy, his destiny lies in silence, solitude, and sacrifice. The last thing he needs is a stubborn, enticing and utterly chaotic mortal with a mind of her own.
But when a rising force of zealotry threatens to consume both divine and mortal realms, only the unlikely bond between Theo and Maelis can stop it. Love wasn’t part of the plan, but destiny doesn’t care about plans.
In a world where even the Gods are bound, The Spell of Us
Do we shape Fate, or does Fate shape us?
Maelis has spent her life hiding a forbidden gift in a realm where magic is outlawed. Bound by duty to her family and a fate she never chose, she’s spent years following rules written by others.
Being a God comes with perks. Touch-starvation isn’t one of them.
Auretheos, God of Wisdom and Cunning, is sworn to purity. Chained to an ancient prophecy, his destiny lies in silence, solitude, and sacrifice. The last thing he needs is a stubborn, enticing and utterly chaotic mortal with a mind of her own.
But when a rising force of zealotry threatens to consume both divine and mortal realms, only the unlikely bond between Theo and Maelis can stop it. Love wasn’t part of the plan, but destiny doesn’t care about plans.
In a world where even the Gods are bound, The Spell of Us
Do we shape Fate, or does Fate shape us?
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 6, 2026
20 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Marly Monroe
1 book12 followersMy name is Marly
I’m here for the book lovers, the writers, and those who can’t stop talking about the magic of a long bookshelf filled with stories.
To the ones who choose Triceratops as their favorite dinosaur (because who wouldn’t love those three majestic horns?), the ones who’ll argue that pineapple on pizza is a genius creation, and to anyone dreaming of becoming a better version of themselves every day—this space is for you.
I believe in the beauty of life, the thrill of a good book, and the power of positive change. If you’re someone who loves life with as much passion as I do, let's connect. Let’s share stories, tips, and dreams, and grow together.
Looking forward to the conversations ahead.
I’m here for the book lovers, the writers, and those who can’t stop talking about the magic of a long bookshelf filled with stories.
To the ones who choose Triceratops as their favorite dinosaur (because who wouldn’t love those three majestic horns?), the ones who’ll argue that pineapple on pizza is a genius creation, and to anyone dreaming of becoming a better version of themselves every day—this space is for you.
I believe in the beauty of life, the thrill of a good book, and the power of positive change. If you’re someone who loves life with as much passion as I do, let's connect. Let’s share stories, tips, and dreams, and grow together.
Looking forward to the conversations ahead.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 3, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC. I’ll be honest, I was fully prepared to give this book 4 stars. It was very entertaining and I enjoyed the plot and characters but some of the dialogue threw me off at times. Once I got 70% in, the roller coaster of emotions started. By 85%, the tears started and didn’t stop until I finished. I knew Maelis was up to something, but I didn’t know the extent of her plan and it was heartbreaking to see it play out. The letter Theo wrote her at the end really got me. I only wished we would’ve gotten to see her letters to him. The yearning in this book gets an A+. This started as a fun entertaining book and morphed into such an emotional beautiful love story. I’m a sucker for a book that can elicit such strong emotions from me. For that, I’m bumping it up to 4.5 and rounding to 5 for this particular platform.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC and am providing this review at my own discretion.
Mae and Theo are truly joyous characters to read, both with tons of complimenting features and I really enjoyed the slow burn and eventual development of their relationship. The yearning, firey chemistry, and unique progression of their relationship was absolutely fantastic and standout amongst the points of the book.
I found this plot to have its own unique components amongst a lot of "chosen prophecy" and "rare magic" tropes that you read in modern day fantasy novels. Mae's wordsmith magic is something I've not encountered before and adds to her individualism as a character. Although her powers are completely chaotic and her drunkness related to using her magic was a laugh, it was great watching her character develop into someone confident and happy.
Theo encompasses the nervy vibe I love in characters and I loved seeing his vulnerabilities eventually blossom throughout his relationship with Mae. I loved seeing him go from a rigid, "this is the way it is" kind of character into someone who isn't afraid to pursue what makes him happy, rather than what he's been brought up to fulfill.
The book fell short to me in terms of plot and overall, I found that a lot of the components that needed to be deeply explored such as Mae's past and the prophecy themselves were quite superficial for me. I wanted more explanation, more emotion, and to see the depth of what made her character so troubled. While the concepts were there, they felt very rushed through and put in place as a means to prevent a loose end rather than crucial moments in the story. The overall peace was a nice, friendly read, but I found myself repeatedly lost in trying to find the meaning behind certain critical plot points that just weren't explored in depth enough to understand.
overall, this book was still a fun, quirky, and sweet read that does definitely have you cheering on the romance between the main characters.
Mae and Theo are truly joyous characters to read, both with tons of complimenting features and I really enjoyed the slow burn and eventual development of their relationship. The yearning, firey chemistry, and unique progression of their relationship was absolutely fantastic and standout amongst the points of the book.
I found this plot to have its own unique components amongst a lot of "chosen prophecy" and "rare magic" tropes that you read in modern day fantasy novels. Mae's wordsmith magic is something I've not encountered before and adds to her individualism as a character. Although her powers are completely chaotic and her drunkness related to using her magic was a laugh, it was great watching her character develop into someone confident and happy.
Theo encompasses the nervy vibe I love in characters and I loved seeing his vulnerabilities eventually blossom throughout his relationship with Mae. I loved seeing him go from a rigid, "this is the way it is" kind of character into someone who isn't afraid to pursue what makes him happy, rather than what he's been brought up to fulfill.
The book fell short to me in terms of plot and overall, I found that a lot of the components that needed to be deeply explored such as Mae's past and the prophecy themselves were quite superficial for me. I wanted more explanation, more emotion, and to see the depth of what made her character so troubled. While the concepts were there, they felt very rushed through and put in place as a means to prevent a loose end rather than crucial moments in the story. The overall peace was a nice, friendly read, but I found myself repeatedly lost in trying to find the meaning behind certain critical plot points that just weren't explored in depth enough to understand.
overall, this book was still a fun, quirky, and sweet read that does definitely have you cheering on the romance between the main characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC Read | Book Review ✨
📖 The Spell of Us
The first two chapters were a little slow for me, but once I pushed past that—I was HOOKED.
🖤 FMC: A mortal gifted by the Fates, living in a time where magic is a huge no-no after the Gods abandoned the mortal world.
🔥 MMC: A God born to fulfill a prophecy, forced to wait centuries for the one person who could help him stop an ancient evil.
This story delivered twists I never saw coming, rich world-building, and a romance that kept pulling me deeper. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m already excited to read more from this author 😍✨
If you love gods, fate, forbidden magic, and unexpected turns—this one deserves a spot on your TBR 💫📚
📖 The Spell of Us
The first two chapters were a little slow for me, but once I pushed past that—I was HOOKED.
🖤 FMC: A mortal gifted by the Fates, living in a time where magic is a huge no-no after the Gods abandoned the mortal world.
🔥 MMC: A God born to fulfill a prophecy, forced to wait centuries for the one person who could help him stop an ancient evil.
This story delivered twists I never saw coming, rich world-building, and a romance that kept pulling me deeper. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m already excited to read more from this author 😍✨
If you love gods, fate, forbidden magic, and unexpected turns—this one deserves a spot on your TBR 💫📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read 4.5 stars.
Theo, Theo, Theo, you beautiful man. My heart broke for you. I cried with you. That one scene broke me so much. I will need a minute.
I enjoyed this book. The magic system was really different and intriguing. The World building was done really well.
I really liked Caelen. He is definitely someone I would love in my corner.
My favourite lines in the book: 'What in the fates knotted knickers' and 'She smiled again and I really wanted to punch her in the face for it'. Yes girl. I feel that last one lol.
Thank you, Marly for sending me an advanced copy to read.
Theo, Theo, Theo, you beautiful man. My heart broke for you. I cried with you. That one scene broke me so much. I will need a minute.
I enjoyed this book. The magic system was really different and intriguing. The World building was done really well.
I really liked Caelen. He is definitely someone I would love in my corner.
My favourite lines in the book: 'What in the fates knotted knickers' and 'She smiled again and I really wanted to punch her in the face for it'. Yes girl. I feel that last one lol.
Thank you, Marly for sending me an advanced copy to read.
January 1, 2026
🌟ARC Review 🌟
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions.
The yearning. The passion. The “will they, won’t they” had me hooked throughout! I will absolutely need at least a week to process the last 10 chapters because what an ending!
Maelis is a human girl with magic powers, in a world where magic was banned years ago when the God’s left the human world.
Auretheos is the God of Wisdom who has been bound to a life of purity by the Fates, 500 years ago.
One prophecy brings them together, but what comes next is entirely unpredictable.
Wow. This book is written so beautifully, Maelis is a strong FMC with witty comebacks and a power to bring the God of Wisdom to his knees with her words.
Some of her inner monologue had me giggling 🤭 I love a strong FMC that can prove herself not just through fighting!
The Spell of Us has a strong plot that hooks you immediately and two characters who cannot seem to stay away from each other no matter the consequences. I really loved their story and development, both together and individually!
I would like to thank Marly Monroe for giving me the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy! 💕
”He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen, and despite all logic, all better judgment, all the fear pounding in my veins, I wanted him. Hungry and reckless, wanting him was just another sin on a list too long to repent for. And maybe I was ready to stop counting.”
“Being near her like this made the world feel less lonely, less heavy. I wanted to hold her hand, to teach her everything I knew, to learn everything I didn’t from her. She was so impossibly unique, so alive, it made me ache just to be close.”
”I shouldn’t care, I shouldn’t want anything from you! But here you are, occupying every single last damn part of my mind and I can’t take it, okay?” He sighed in frustration.”
“The world could wait a little longer—after all, we were making our own fate now.”
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions.
The yearning. The passion. The “will they, won’t they” had me hooked throughout! I will absolutely need at least a week to process the last 10 chapters because what an ending!
Maelis is a human girl with magic powers, in a world where magic was banned years ago when the God’s left the human world.
Auretheos is the God of Wisdom who has been bound to a life of purity by the Fates, 500 years ago.
One prophecy brings them together, but what comes next is entirely unpredictable.
Wow. This book is written so beautifully, Maelis is a strong FMC with witty comebacks and a power to bring the God of Wisdom to his knees with her words.
Some of her inner monologue had me giggling 🤭 I love a strong FMC that can prove herself not just through fighting!
The Spell of Us has a strong plot that hooks you immediately and two characters who cannot seem to stay away from each other no matter the consequences. I really loved their story and development, both together and individually!
I would like to thank Marly Monroe for giving me the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy! 💕
”He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen, and despite all logic, all better judgment, all the fear pounding in my veins, I wanted him. Hungry and reckless, wanting him was just another sin on a list too long to repent for. And maybe I was ready to stop counting.”
“Being near her like this made the world feel less lonely, less heavy. I wanted to hold her hand, to teach her everything I knew, to learn everything I didn’t from her. She was so impossibly unique, so alive, it made me ache just to be close.”
”I shouldn’t care, I shouldn’t want anything from you! But here you are, occupying every single last damn part of my mind and I can’t take it, okay?” He sighed in frustration.”
“The world could wait a little longer—after all, we were making our own fate now.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Spell of Us is such a unique story, something I’ve never read before. The plot took me in unexpected directions, and I couldn’t put it down! Theo, MMC is intelligent and respectful. I love male leads with real depth who have so much more to offer than just being brutal or tough. He was a refreshing change and really drew me in.
This book made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Caelan quickly became my favorite side character; I loved their energy and how they balanced out the more serious moments.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. It left me feeling satisfied and emotional in the best way.
The love story felt so real and genuine. The chemistry between Theo and Mae was beautiful, and the fact that Theo is a virgin made the more intimate moments feel all the more authentic. I especially loved how bashful and awkward he was, it was endearing and added a lot of heart to the romance.
If you’re looking for a book with depth, heart, and a love story that feels truly authentic, The Spell of Us is a must-read!
This book made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Caelan quickly became my favorite side character; I loved their energy and how they balanced out the more serious moments.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. It left me feeling satisfied and emotional in the best way.
The love story felt so real and genuine. The chemistry between Theo and Mae was beautiful, and the fact that Theo is a virgin made the more intimate moments feel all the more authentic. I especially loved how bashful and awkward he was, it was endearing and added a lot of heart to the romance.
If you’re looking for a book with depth, heart, and a love story that feels truly authentic, The Spell of Us is a must-read!
December 31, 2025
This was a well written fantasy/romance story. The premise of this story was different than a lot of fantasy that is being put out right now. I very much appreciated that. You follow Maelis and Theo through this novel. maelis’s magic (heka) was pretty interesting. She was a wordsmith and could convince people to do things without their knowledge. She also has healing powers. The rub of her magic though was when she used it for herself she got high and was at risk of becoming addicted to the high. I thought that was a nice twist to throw in there. My favorite quote, “ Dying and disintegrating on the library floor is strictly forbidden, as stated by the terms and conditions you signed when you entered the library.” That gave me a chuckle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice, magic, gods, and fates, what's not to love?!
I was kindly gifted this as an arc from the author.
This story follows Maelis and Theo ( a god) into the world of magic with a prophecy to fulfil to them fighting to protect each other and their world while finding the love between them.
The choices they made along the way lead to me frustration, to anger to sadness ( a few chapters towards the end) made my eyes all blurry due to the letter theo wrote - heart ripped out my chest but honestly the ending was chefs kiss 💋
I would highly recommend this book for any reader who loves a story with twists and turns.
I was kindly gifted this as an arc from the author.
This story follows Maelis and Theo ( a god) into the world of magic with a prophecy to fulfil to them fighting to protect each other and their world while finding the love between them.
The choices they made along the way lead to me frustration, to anger to sadness ( a few chapters towards the end) made my eyes all blurry due to the letter theo wrote - heart ripped out my chest but honestly the ending was chefs kiss 💋
I would highly recommend this book for any reader who loves a story with twists and turns.
December 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW. Fate, magic, and undeniable chemistry. The Spell of Us delivered all of it. Mae and Theo are destined to fight together to protect their worlds, and their journey is packed with action, emotion, and heart. Mae’s feisty nature and refusal to back down had me smiling every time she challenged Theo, a literal god who somehow met his match in her. Their battles were thrilling, their bond felt earned, and watching them fall for each other along the way was pure magic. I love stories that take their time building something meaningful and add magic to the mix? Instant win for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fate, magic, love, war, prophecies, deities/mortal all in one book! This keeps the anxiety for the next book out of the way 🤭. The is FMC an intriguing character - just your average mortal in a glance but the author developed her character in an interesting way that keep me invested especially pairing her up with ancient God of Wisdom and Cunning who sworn himself in purity for centuries 😏. The narrative, and other characters are built on interesting and unexpected plots that continue to draw me in. Thank you for the opportunity review the book in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sent this book as a ARC and I am making this review voluntarily.
The Spell of Us was a fantastic read. I started it this morning and couldn’t stop reading until I was finished. Each detail in this story is perfection with seamless transitions throughout the story. Destined to be together, Maelis and Theo (a God) have to fulfill the prophecy and fight together to save their worlds. You get a little bit of everything in this book. Highly recommend this book.
The Spell of Us was a fantastic read. I started it this morning and couldn’t stop reading until I was finished. Each detail in this story is perfection with seamless transitions throughout the story. Destined to be together, Maelis and Theo (a God) have to fulfill the prophecy and fight together to save their worlds. You get a little bit of everything in this book. Highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a cute and emotional read. I was happy to see such great character development with Mae. she really turned around and blossomed with confidence towards the end of the book. The Spell of Us had me giggling, stressing out and swooning! Theo is precious as are all the character on this story. From the cook to the shop keeper.
This book was such a fun read for me. I definitely recommend this stand alone for someone needing a break from the big epic fantasies.
This book was such a fun read for me. I definitely recommend this stand alone for someone needing a break from the big epic fantasies.
January 4, 2026
Just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be a ARC reader! This story was so beautiful and well written I was so hooked from the very beginning I had to force myself to put it down so I wouldn’t finish it so fast! Theo and Mae chemistry in this book was well written didn’t feel forced and the pacing was just amazing! Then ending was beautiful I may have shed a happy tear once or twice!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Look, I am OBSESSED with Theo and Maelis! This story took me for a RIDE in the best way. Spicy, sweet, delightful banter, and a selection of secondary characters that I adore... This book checks ALL the boxes! Beautiful, I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
Thanks to Marly Monroe for an advanced reader copy!
Thanks to Marly Monroe for an advanced reader copy!
January 9, 2026
ARC READ 📚
I LOVED this book 🤩 The start was a little slow, but picked up very quickly and easily had me hooked!
I felt so many different emotions reading along, and the intricate world building made me sure I was invested for the good and the bad ❤️❤️
Our FMC, Mae, is witty and their internal monologue had me giggling often. A must read!
I LOVED this book 🤩 The start was a little slow, but picked up very quickly and easily had me hooked!
I felt so many different emotions reading along, and the intricate world building made me sure I was invested for the good and the bad ❤️❤️
Our FMC, Mae, is witty and their internal monologue had me giggling often. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews