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Spell Slave #1
Bad Magic
Spell Book OneMorality is relative. At least that’s what young sorcerer Regis Teller convinces himself. He’s done what he must to working for a witch since he was nine, helping her throw the kingdom into anarchy, and taking his only comfort in her mysterious son, Crow. And soon, Regis is going to commit his first murder. A do-gooder named Jonathan White has information the witch needs, and it’s Regis’s job to get that information and slit Jonathan’s throat. But then Regis actually meets Jonathan. And Jonathan is perfect—a hero with a passion for justice and little regard for civility. Lucky for Regis, Jonathan has a weakness for attractive men. Lucky for Jonathan, Regis is fast developing a conscience and a heart. But for Regis, keeping both of them alive at their adventure’s end means breaking a magical oath and surviving his ruthless boss—all without telling Jonathan the truth. Falling in love is never easy, especially when everyone involved is lying through their teeth.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Elliott
2 books26 followersIf you encountered Evelyn Elliott, you'd see a small soft-spoken woman wearing a sundress. At first, she seems like a perfectly normal girl. Do not be deceived.
Her hobbies include watching grisly horror movies, torturing her characters, and tending to her flower garden. She enjoys long walks on the beach and collecting the souls of small children.
Whenever she reads a book, she always roots for the villain.
Avoid her at all costs. If you dare, visit evelynelliott.com for short stories and deleted scenes. You can also find her on facebook.
Her hobbies include watching grisly horror movies, torturing her characters, and tending to her flower garden. She enjoys long walks on the beach and collecting the souls of small children.
Whenever she reads a book, she always roots for the villain.
Avoid her at all costs. If you dare, visit evelynelliott.com for short stories and deleted scenes. You can also find her on facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 22, 2016
Well written fantasy fairy tale.
April 23, 2016
* * * RE-READ to get into the mood for Feather Fall * * *
Phew. I think I can breathe again. Thank you Evelyn.
Book two is coming! (hopefully really fast) :)
I'm still not fully healed and the ending won't ever really sit well with me, but as I said, there's a lot I liked about this book, and even if things haven't turned out as I wished, I greatly enjoyed reading it and yeah, it's one of my favorites this year.
So, there you have it guys. Go read it already :)
You better not let me give this any rating just now, because I'm awfully upset about Crow. I can't be trusted with a broken heart and tear stains on my cheeks.
Why you ask? Well, he's my favorite character and... read the book and then you might understand why I'm heartbroken right now.
I can't even be happy for Regis and Jonathan, I actually kinda started resenting Jonathan after 60% or so. I know, I know... I'm sorry :(
Important Question:
Is there going to be a second book?
YES and it's out tomorrow!
April 22nd (2016)-- mark your calendars!
Or better yet, run to the shops! ;)
Phew. I think I can breathe again. Thank you Evelyn.
Book two is coming! (hopefully really fast) :)
I'm still not fully healed and the ending won't ever really sit well with me, but as I said, there's a lot I liked about this book, and even if things haven't turned out as I wished, I greatly enjoyed reading it and yeah, it's one of my favorites this year.
So, there you have it guys. Go read it already :)
Why you ask? Well, he's my favorite character and... read the book and then you might understand why I'm heartbroken right now.
I can't even be happy for Regis and Jonathan, I actually kinda started resenting Jonathan after 60% or so. I know, I know... I'm sorry :(
Important Question:
Is there going to be a second book?
YES and it's out tomorrow!
April 22nd (2016)-- mark your calendars!
Or better yet, run to the shops! ;)
May 12, 2016
4 Hearts
This was way outside my usual books that I gravitate towards. But something about the blurb really pulled me in and I’m really glad it did. This was all kinds of magic, attraction, witches, passion, fairies, spells, lust…OH MY!!! This book was really friggin good.
Regis Teller really hasn’t known much love in his short life. Doing the bidding of an evil witch while passing the time with her beautiful son is all he’s really ever known. So when the witch asks him to track down and then kill a man, Regis doesn’t bat an eye. He’s unprepared, however, for the attraction he feels towards Jonathan White.
Jonathan is a self proclaimed hero. Having realized there was really nothing for him back home he sets off on a mission to help those in need. When Regis finds him he is more than happy to help him with his mission, not realizing he is the mission.
Both men battle the attraction they feel for one another the best way they can but some things are just too hard to fight.
This was a push/pull love fest of the very best kind. Both Regis and Jonathan do not want to want each other but they can’t fight it.
This author took me on such a creative and fun journey with this story. She even threw in an interesting little twist that started early on but really flourished towards the end which will really develop more in the 2nd book. I’m really looking forward to what’s next.
Like I mentioned this is usually not the type of book I usually gravitate towards but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and I really LOVED the characters. I think all m/m fans would find this one enjoyable. Recommend.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This was way outside my usual books that I gravitate towards. But something about the blurb really pulled me in and I’m really glad it did. This was all kinds of magic, attraction, witches, passion, fairies, spells, lust…OH MY!!! This book was really friggin good.
Regis Teller really hasn’t known much love in his short life. Doing the bidding of an evil witch while passing the time with her beautiful son is all he’s really ever known. So when the witch asks him to track down and then kill a man, Regis doesn’t bat an eye. He’s unprepared, however, for the attraction he feels towards Jonathan White.
Jonathan is a self proclaimed hero. Having realized there was really nothing for him back home he sets off on a mission to help those in need. When Regis finds him he is more than happy to help him with his mission, not realizing he is the mission.
Both men battle the attraction they feel for one another the best way they can but some things are just too hard to fight.
This was a push/pull love fest of the very best kind. Both Regis and Jonathan do not want to want each other but they can’t fight it.
This author took me on such a creative and fun journey with this story. She even threw in an interesting little twist that started early on but really flourished towards the end which will really develop more in the 2nd book. I’m really looking forward to what’s next.
Like I mentioned this is usually not the type of book I usually gravitate towards but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and I really LOVED the characters. I think all m/m fans would find this one enjoyable. Recommend.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
dnf
September 22, 2016DNF at 57% because I got tired of reading this book.
The beginning was... well, not amazing but good, and it continued to be not bad at all for some time. But, as the plot thickened, the characters started acting more and more foolishly - you know, because author needed it for Plot, not because they had any reasons to behave that way.
And since I didn't find much else to support my interest in this book, I'd rather stop now.
The beginning was... well, not amazing but good, and it continued to be not bad at all for some time. But, as the plot thickened, the characters started acting more and more foolishly - you know, because author needed it for Plot, not because they had any reasons to behave that way.
And since I didn't find much else to support my interest in this book, I'd rather stop now.
December 15, 2015
This book was incredible. Made me wish Elliot wrote a thousand books. I cannot wait for more from this author!
Read
April 23, 2016I don’t even know to where to begin with a review for this book but I can tell you I can’t stop smiling.
I bought this because I requested the second book to review for the blog. I didn’t realize it WAS a second book so I went and made sure I read book one before two so my OCD would be totes okay. I am SO happy that I did all of the above because this book was awesome.
The story, a fairy tale of sorts, begins with Regis Teller, a fellow fair-skinned ginger *high five*, doing his best impression of Prince Charming and waking a man from a long sleep with… a kiss. *sigh* Yeah, we get that first and then, then we begin to get the real story of what is happening.
You see, Regis, he’s kinda a sorcerer and an apprentice for this horrid woman who is known as the Flesh Witch or Belcane those who know her best and well, she made the sleeping man, aka Jonathan, take a decade’s long nap because he hid the queen and she wants the queen for um... reasons and then things start to get a bit crazy, but crazy in a fun way.
Jonathan, our tall blonde, strapping handsome, newly wakened man with a pleasing foreign accent, happens to have a dragon named Chartreuse, who I loved the hell out of, but Jonathan’s job is that of a professional hero so now that Regis has rescued Jonathan, does Jonathan need to rescue Regis right back?
Ack.
There is so much to the story that I loved and we are fed it bit by bit as we learn that Regis, he has made an oathspell to not only rescue Jonathan and find/wake the hidden queen, but he sort of has to kill him too. Yup, such a tangled mess and that isn’t even the biggest mess when you consider there is Crow to deal with. *sigh* My dear Crow, the son of Belcane who has taken care of Regis since he was taken from his mother and brought to live with the witch. Crow who hides his true self from even Regis whom he adores and Crow who is so sexy and likes to play games, but when those games backfire on him, he sure as hell doesn’t like it.
This book is the perfect set up for book two and I love that is works this way. We get all three POV’s in the story; Regis, Jonathan and Crow so we know what’s up and we know where each man stands. It’s great to be inside their heads, to know how they feel and to get the emotions first hand and fall head over heels for each of them.
I like to say that this was like reading a combination of The Princess Bride (yes I mean reading though you can totally watch too because, Cary Elwes) and watching episodes of Xena or Hercules. There is this new world we are brought into with the story and yet everyone talks as if you were having a conversation with them today which makes this such an easy and comfortable read. I loved being on this journey with the men and learning all the new secrets as they came out. Some shocked me, some made me sad and some just made me swoon.
Bad Magic, there is a method to that title and I love how it lends to the story. A story about insight, about love, about intrigue and about being compelled to do what’s right, even if you are compelled to to do the opposite. It’s a fun story that I can’t get enough of and boy oh boy, I want my own dragon.
Moving straight on two book two now...
February 2, 2016
The characters. The snark. Waiting on a sequel; someone needs their story. If you've read the book, you know who I'm talking about.
October 16, 2019
3.5 stars
March 26, 2021
Mixed feelings. This was a quick read and, while I enjoyed it, I can't bring myself to give it for stars. It just could have been more? The writing was both good and lacking?
December 29, 2020
Dynamic storyline, witty dialogue, cute, with grey morality and fairly complex characters for a fun romp. Crow is clearly the star though
April 20, 2016
Book – Bad Magic (Spell Slave #1)
Author – Evelyn Elliott
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 161
Cover – Love it!
POV – 3rd person, multiple POV
Would I read it again – Are you kidding? Of course!
Genre – Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, LGBT, Gay, Bisexual
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
I knew months ago, when I first saw the cover and blurb for this book, that I had to have it. I wasn't disappointed.
I'll admit that, while the story is predominantly about Regis and Jonathan, I spent about 50% of the time wanting them to get together and the other 50% happily waiting for them to include Crow in their little romance. Which would have been wonderful.
I loved that we were given just enough flashbacks to allow for a clear understanding of what Regis and Crow had felt, growing up under the horrible witch Myra's thumb. Being raised by her and used by her, for their magic and their cleaning abilities, sounded truly horrible. But, at the same time, I fell in love with Crow, because of how he treated Regis, for the love he had for him and how he took care of him. It was all so beautiful.
Having the multiple POV meant that we got to see the story from Regis, Crow and sometimes Jonathan's POV (though this was less often). Primarily, it's Regis' story. He's the real MC; the one with all the drama, the chaos and the pain.
But, equally, I loved all three. I even loved Chartreuse, the dragon. She added a little levity to high impact moments, when it was most needed.
I won't talk about the plot, as it would ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I will say that it was brilliantly written, with an exquisite attention to detail and world building. This author has just become a new favourite of mine and I can't wait to delve right into book 2.
Overall, a fantastic, high octane ride. Full of adventure, danger and heart-stopping emotion, I couldn't put it down. I devoured the book like Chartreuse would devour an enemy. One bite.
~
Favourite Quote
“As a rule, he was not polite. There was only so much space in his head, after all, and he preferred to fill it with useful information, not trite nonsense like social skills.”
“Survival was a thousand small tasks: dusting, cooking, organizing books and notes. Escape... well, that was a matter of patience.”
Author – Evelyn Elliott
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 161
Cover – Love it!
POV – 3rd person, multiple POV
Would I read it again – Are you kidding? Of course!
Genre – Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, LGBT, Gay, Bisexual
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
I knew months ago, when I first saw the cover and blurb for this book, that I had to have it. I wasn't disappointed.
I'll admit that, while the story is predominantly about Regis and Jonathan, I spent about 50% of the time wanting them to get together and the other 50% happily waiting for them to include Crow in their little romance. Which would have been wonderful.
I loved that we were given just enough flashbacks to allow for a clear understanding of what Regis and Crow had felt, growing up under the horrible witch Myra's thumb. Being raised by her and used by her, for their magic and their cleaning abilities, sounded truly horrible. But, at the same time, I fell in love with Crow, because of how he treated Regis, for the love he had for him and how he took care of him. It was all so beautiful.
Having the multiple POV meant that we got to see the story from Regis, Crow and sometimes Jonathan's POV (though this was less often). Primarily, it's Regis' story. He's the real MC; the one with all the drama, the chaos and the pain.
But, equally, I loved all three. I even loved Chartreuse, the dragon. She added a little levity to high impact moments, when it was most needed.
I won't talk about the plot, as it would ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I will say that it was brilliantly written, with an exquisite attention to detail and world building. This author has just become a new favourite of mine and I can't wait to delve right into book 2.
Overall, a fantastic, high octane ride. Full of adventure, danger and heart-stopping emotion, I couldn't put it down. I devoured the book like Chartreuse would devour an enemy. One bite.
~
Favourite Quote
“As a rule, he was not polite. There was only so much space in his head, after all, and he preferred to fill it with useful information, not trite nonsense like social skills.”
“Survival was a thousand small tasks: dusting, cooking, organizing books and notes. Escape... well, that was a matter of patience.”
May 13, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.5 Stars - Evelyn Elliott is a new author and this is her first book; I must say she did a wonderful job! I loved the fantasy and adventure plot, I liked the dynamic characters, and I was fully immersed in the world.
Bad Magic is vibrant and colourful. It isn’t sweet or fluffy but has humour, tragic pasts, treachery, and snark. The few steamy scenes don’t overwhelm the fantasy story but serve to support the romance plot thread. I felt the fantasy and romance were blended well.
Regis, Jonathan and Crow all were wonderful and awful in their own way and nobody was perfect. This is not a hearts and flowers romance; the love triangle was truly a tangle. I wasn’t sure which pairing I should root for. Though I was happy with the end I am glad there is a sequel!
I loved Chartreuse the Dragon, she was an excellent and humorous supporting character and I hope we see more of her.
The end is not a cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves a few things unfinished and a one of our characters unhappy. Hopefully the sequel will fix this! Definitely recommend.
4.5 Stars - Evelyn Elliott is a new author and this is her first book; I must say she did a wonderful job! I loved the fantasy and adventure plot, I liked the dynamic characters, and I was fully immersed in the world.
Bad Magic is vibrant and colourful. It isn’t sweet or fluffy but has humour, tragic pasts, treachery, and snark. The few steamy scenes don’t overwhelm the fantasy story but serve to support the romance plot thread. I felt the fantasy and romance were blended well.
Regis, Jonathan and Crow all were wonderful and awful in their own way and nobody was perfect. This is not a hearts and flowers romance; the love triangle was truly a tangle. I wasn’t sure which pairing I should root for. Though I was happy with the end I am glad there is a sequel!
I loved Chartreuse the Dragon, she was an excellent and humorous supporting character and I hope we see more of her.
The end is not a cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves a few things unfinished and a one of our characters unhappy. Hopefully the sequel will fix this! Definitely recommend.
July 5, 2016
Bad Magic starts off the series Spell Slave by author Evelyn Elliott. I really loved the magical, and dangerous world that Ms. Elliott has made here. Magic, dragons, wizards, love slaves, and humans all live in this world together. Finding their way.
Regis he would tell you, morality is relative. He is a self made sorcerer. He has worked his way up to where he is today. He is also very content with his life, always wanting to expand what he knows and test his powers.
Crow, now he is an interesting character. Not human, looks human. But created by magic. He is so much more than meets the eye. He can seem almost evil but really he is not. He is protecting those he loves the best he can.
Jonathan, well he is a typical hero. Good to the core. He has a passion for justice and for Regis. He and Regis have been lovers for a while now. Since Crow has left them both.
Crow is back now and asking for help. But before they can help Crow Regis is kidnapped by slavers. Now Jonathan and Crow must team up as master and slave to save him. I liked how two people who thought they were enemies could change that into passion. I liked that Crow is not always good, Jonathan needs that balance of sometimes being naughty in his life.
Over all this a great read, so many layers to this book. I cannot wait for more in this series! Exceptionally well written and easy to follow who is who, and such. I just want to know what happens next?
Five Shooting Stars
Regis he would tell you, morality is relative. He is a self made sorcerer. He has worked his way up to where he is today. He is also very content with his life, always wanting to expand what he knows and test his powers.
Crow, now he is an interesting character. Not human, looks human. But created by magic. He is so much more than meets the eye. He can seem almost evil but really he is not. He is protecting those he loves the best he can.
Jonathan, well he is a typical hero. Good to the core. He has a passion for justice and for Regis. He and Regis have been lovers for a while now. Since Crow has left them both.
Crow is back now and asking for help. But before they can help Crow Regis is kidnapped by slavers. Now Jonathan and Crow must team up as master and slave to save him. I liked how two people who thought they were enemies could change that into passion. I liked that Crow is not always good, Jonathan needs that balance of sometimes being naughty in his life.
Over all this a great read, so many layers to this book. I cannot wait for more in this series! Exceptionally well written and easy to follow who is who, and such. I just want to know what happens next?
Five Shooting Stars
June 28, 2016
Bad Magic is a fun and fast paced read for people looking for a semi-lighthearted fantasy adventure. In fact, it is so fast-paced that by the end of the book, I realise I don't actually know the characters.
The main characters are flat and one-dimmensional with little personality or defining traits. In fact, I don't even remember what Jonathan White was like except he had a really cool dragon. I think the dragon had the most personality out of all of them, to be very honest.
Yet, I still find myself deeply engrossed and interested in the story, despite the lack of character development. Also, I'm a sucker for snarky banters so that's really the reason why this is a four stars review even with the weak, unmemorable characters.
The main characters are flat and one-dimmensional with little personality or defining traits. In fact, I don't even remember what Jonathan White was like except he had a really cool dragon. I think the dragon had the most personality out of all of them, to be very honest.
Yet, I still find myself deeply engrossed and interested in the story, despite the lack of character development. Also, I'm a sucker for snarky banters so that's really the reason why this is a four stars review even with the weak, unmemorable characters.
July 2, 2016
Lovely and funny.
The dialogue is super entertaining, the characters flawed and likeable.
More like a fairy tale than a fantasy story - it reminded me - strangely enough - of The Last Wish, only funnier and gayer. Actually, now that I think about it, I would greatly enjoy reading about these guys meeting Geralt of Rivia and getting on his last world-weary nerve while on a quest to slay a monster or whatnot.
The dialogue is super entertaining, the characters flawed and likeable.
More like a fairy tale than a fantasy story - it reminded me - strangely enough - of The Last Wish, only funnier and gayer. Actually, now that I think about it, I would greatly enjoy reading about these guys meeting Geralt of Rivia and getting on his last world-weary nerve while on a quest to slay a monster or whatnot.
October 28, 2015
Full disclosure: I betaed this book.
Wonderful characters and an epic plot, and full of original plays on traditional fantasy tropes. Evelyn is a very talented writer whose talent shines especially bright in dialogue and creating compelling situations.
I would definitely recommend for any fan of the fantasy genre.
Wonderful characters and an epic plot, and full of original plays on traditional fantasy tropes. Evelyn is a very talented writer whose talent shines especially bright in dialogue and creating compelling situations.
I would definitely recommend for any fan of the fantasy genre.
April 21, 2016
3.5 stars
I really liked Crow and wished there had been more of him. Regis and Jonathon both seemed very young. Regis I could understand -- he hadn't seen much of the world, but I couldn't really understand why Jonathon seemed so young/immature.
I'll read the next book, and see how things develop with the characters...
I really liked Crow and wished there had been more of him. Regis and Jonathon both seemed very young. Regis I could understand -- he hadn't seen much of the world, but I couldn't really understand why Jonathon seemed so young/immature.
I'll read the next book, and see how things develop with the characters...
February 19, 2021
Enjoyed more the second time around. It was fun, ridiculous fantasy romp with something like a love triangle. Keen to read the sequel.
March 23, 2016
Not bad but too whimsical and pedestrian for my taste.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews