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Moonshadow #2
Spellbinder
From author Thea Harrison comes the latest story in the New York Times bestselling Moonshadow trilogy….
Kidnapped while on tour, musician Sidonie Martel is transported to the mystical land of Avalon. A human without magical ability, she is completely vulnerable to the deadly forces surrounding her.
When she defies her captors and refuses to share her music, an act of violent cruelty leaves her broken, her ability to play silenced, maybe forever. Her only hope is a whisper in the dark, gentle hands that offer healing, and a man who refuses to show her his face yet who offers advice she dare not ignore.
One of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history, Morgan le Fae serves a Queen he despises, Isabeau of the Light Court. Once a famous bard and an advisor to kings, Morgan has been enslaved to Isabeau for hundreds of years, acting as enforcer and the commander of her deadly Hounds.
Sidonie’s music touches Morgan in places he had abandoned centuries ago, and her fiery spirit resurrects feelings he had believed long dead. For Sidonie, trapped in captivity, passion offers a comfort she cannot resist.
But Isabeau holds Morgan bound in magical chains that only Death can break. And in the court of a cruel, jealous Queen, the only thing that burns hotter than love is revenge…
Kidnapped while on tour, musician Sidonie Martel is transported to the mystical land of Avalon. A human without magical ability, she is completely vulnerable to the deadly forces surrounding her.
When she defies her captors and refuses to share her music, an act of violent cruelty leaves her broken, her ability to play silenced, maybe forever. Her only hope is a whisper in the dark, gentle hands that offer healing, and a man who refuses to show her his face yet who offers advice she dare not ignore.
One of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history, Morgan le Fae serves a Queen he despises, Isabeau of the Light Court. Once a famous bard and an advisor to kings, Morgan has been enslaved to Isabeau for hundreds of years, acting as enforcer and the commander of her deadly Hounds.
Sidonie’s music touches Morgan in places he had abandoned centuries ago, and her fiery spirit resurrects feelings he had believed long dead. For Sidonie, trapped in captivity, passion offers a comfort she cannot resist.
But Isabeau holds Morgan bound in magical chains that only Death can break. And in the court of a cruel, jealous Queen, the only thing that burns hotter than love is revenge…
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2017
394 people are currently reading
1755 people want to read
About the author
Thea Harrison
63 books5,488 followersI write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff. I taught myself to read when I was four. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn't sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don't have to ride my tricycle to get there. My Elder Races series began May, 2011. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
August 24, 2017
➦Morgan, a super duper powerful sorcerer has a sad. He is bound by a spell to an evil queen who commands him at her wish.
➦And finally, FINALLY Morgan might have found a temporary reprieve during which he
➦Only one thing he doesn't realize is that his fascination puts her in direct danger.
➦If you're like me and enjoy romance with a whole lot of magic and action then this book and series is for you. You'll be introduced to a mystical realm with all kinds of otherworldly creatures living in it and you'll find yourself rooting for a misunderstood hero to break the chains that bind him to evil.
May 22, 2018
Sidonie and Morgan
I believe in miracles.
Morgan le Fae, one of the most powerful sorcerers of the world, is definitely a misunderstood bad guy. We have met him before in both Elder series and Moonshadow series and well... he was evil and the most faithful servant of evil Queen Isabeau of the Light Court.
Little we knew that he was actually a servant to the Queen and bound to her with strong geas for hundreds of years. After he saw his king murdered, now he is just the commander of her deadly Hounds and her beg and call enforcer.
When Morgan finds a loophole in Isabeau’s binding, he just runs. As far away as possible from the realm and the evil Queen. Then, he will listen to Sidonie’s music.
He was denied for so many years his freedom and his happiness and the first time that he feels happy and relaxed is when he hears Sidonie perform. Naturally, he will try to attend all her concerts. But he keeps his distance and he will enjoy her as part of her audience. Sidonie will become Morgan's only weakness.
He had no room for this music. No time for it.
Yet he couldn’t shake the hold it had on him.
Sidonie is a famous musician. Completely human and without a sparkle of magic, but very talented in composing music and performing. Her talent is so unique that even the powerful Djinn promise her favours for a seat at her concerts.
“Your music hurts, the way sunshine hurts when you’ve existed for a long time in darkness.”
Sidonie does not know anything about Morgan, so naturally she is very confused when she is kidnapped by one of Morgan's worst enemies.
Soon, she will end up in the fairyland
at Isabeau's caste
at a pitch black dungeon
hungry and thirsty
with all her fingers broken
with her will to stay alive gone.
WHY? She did nothing wrong. She is human and she is not bound with the laws of the Elder Races. But nobody listens to her cry of despair.
Until a stranger in the dark starts helping her.
Magic! While she couldn’t sense spells, she knew very well what magical anesthesia felt like. She chose it over physical drugs every time she had a dental procedure. Someone had put her under. What had he done to her?
When Morgan is informed about Sidonie’s fate, he runs back. Back to his nightmare.
Besides Sidonie and Morgan, Robin the puck (Sophie's best friend from the previous book) also plays a vital ambiguous role in this story.
We also meet Azrael, the lord of death himself. Interesting character. I wonder if there will be a book about him in the future.
Dragos also plays a small role.
Beautiful story like all the stories from this world.
Without her kidnapping, she would never have met her Magic Man. She would never have experienced the night they had just shared. She would never have gazed into his eyes as he moved so deeply, so gently inside her, or experienced the profound emotion with which he held her.
Everything she had endured to reach this point had suddenly become worth it, all the pain, the terror, and the uncertainty.
I believe in miracles.
Morgan le Fae, one of the most powerful sorcerers of the world, is definitely a misunderstood bad guy. We have met him before in both Elder series and Moonshadow series and well... he was evil and the most faithful servant of evil Queen Isabeau of the Light Court.
Little we knew that he was actually a servant to the Queen and bound to her with strong geas for hundreds of years. After he saw his king murdered, now he is just the commander of her deadly Hounds and her beg and call enforcer.
When Morgan finds a loophole in Isabeau’s binding, he just runs. As far away as possible from the realm and the evil Queen. Then, he will listen to Sidonie’s music.
He was denied for so many years his freedom and his happiness and the first time that he feels happy and relaxed is when he hears Sidonie perform. Naturally, he will try to attend all her concerts. But he keeps his distance and he will enjoy her as part of her audience. Sidonie will become Morgan's only weakness.
He had no room for this music. No time for it.
Yet he couldn’t shake the hold it had on him.
Sidonie is a famous musician. Completely human and without a sparkle of magic, but very talented in composing music and performing. Her talent is so unique that even the powerful Djinn promise her favours for a seat at her concerts.
“Your music hurts, the way sunshine hurts when you’ve existed for a long time in darkness.”
Sidonie does not know anything about Morgan, so naturally she is very confused when she is kidnapped by one of Morgan's worst enemies.
Soon, she will end up in the fairyland
at Isabeau's caste
at a pitch black dungeon
hungry and thirsty
with all her fingers broken
with her will to stay alive gone.
WHY? She did nothing wrong. She is human and she is not bound with the laws of the Elder Races. But nobody listens to her cry of despair.
Until a stranger in the dark starts helping her.
Magic! While she couldn’t sense spells, she knew very well what magical anesthesia felt like. She chose it over physical drugs every time she had a dental procedure. Someone had put her under. What had he done to her?
When Morgan is informed about Sidonie’s fate, he runs back. Back to his nightmare.
Besides Sidonie and Morgan, Robin the puck (Sophie's best friend from the previous book) also plays a vital ambiguous role in this story.
We also meet Azrael, the lord of death himself. Interesting character. I wonder if there will be a book about him in the future.
Dragos also plays a small role.
Beautiful story like all the stories from this world.
Without her kidnapping, she would never have met her Magic Man. She would never have experienced the night they had just shared. She would never have gazed into his eyes as he moved so deeply, so gently inside her, or experienced the profound emotion with which he held her.
Everything she had endured to reach this point had suddenly become worth it, all the pain, the terror, and the uncertainty.
July 21, 2017
✮✮✮ 5 STARS ✮✮✮
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
A generous interpretation of Isabeau's order and a good serving of luck leads Morgan from Avalon to the United Kingdom. The Queen of Light Fae usually has him on a tight leash - a dagger gives her power over him - he has to follow her every order, the geas in him overriding every wish, dream and desire he has for himself. But this time...this time she told him she didn't want to see him again before he has completely healed after the disastrous loss of the passageway to Lyonesse in the war against Oberon's Dark Court.
It's his chance to taste a bit freedom and he intends to make the most of it. While free, Morgan wants to use his time wisely and research how to shake off the yoke Isabeau has put him under. He has lost so much but one thing stayed - his love for music. A fascinating pamphlet of a beautiful violin player invites him to a concert. When Morgan hears Sidonie play for the first time he is entranced.
Sidonie Martel can't shake the feeling of being watched. She might have picked up a new stalker on her concert tour. Her worries are confirmed when the car taking her to the airport is intercepted and crashes and Sid is being kidnapped. Her captor isn't after her though.
She is being handed over to the Queen of Light Fae, who throws her in a dungeon, with broken hands and a broken will - music is everything, how can she live when the only thing that gives her life has been taken from her? When a stranger sneaks into her cell she experiences kindness she didn't expect in a place like this.
When Morgan realizes that Sid has been kidnapped he sneaks back to Avalon. It's because of him that she is trapped in Avalon, in the queen's dungeon. He can't free her but he intends to make sure she survives. She mustn't know who he is, however, because that would endanger her life. And his own.
We met Morgan in the first book of this series in which he was a villain. I know that Thea Harrison can redeem those, she has done it in her Elder Races series and she'd done it so well, I knew I'd love Morgan in the end. He was a revelation. I loved EVERYTHING about him. He is kind, patient and so incredibly gentle and sweet with Sid. There is a decency, goodness about Morgan, it radiates off the pages, he definitely lives by a code of honor. Morgan has become my favorite hero right after Dragos.
Sid's growth from the beginning is awesome. She starts out as a reserved young artist who obsessively starts counting things when she's stressed out. It's ironic that her OCD is what keeps her halfway sane. Her captivity steels her will, Morgan gives her courage. Their growing feelings something to fight for. Her fierce will to survive is tremendous. Sid is tenacious, never backs down and faces everything she has to endure with so much dignity, her despair is heartbreaking. And then there is adorable innocence about her. She really is an endearing heroine.
Thea Harrison has a way of describing scenes that stay with you for a long time. In one scene Sidonie plays her heart out because so much depends on her music in that very moment. Ms. Harrison's words were stunning and when this scene was over I had tears in my eyes.
I fell in love with Thea's Spellbinder characters. She made me care for them, root for them and cheer them on. Morgan had a short jerk moment, which was kinda understandable but then again, I was a bit mad at him for not seeing what had been offered to him. He groveled, explained, I got over it.
We get to see the puck from the first novel and towards the end Dragos has a cameo. I swear that guy is the epitome of badassery and the leader of the a-hole pack but man...I love him. LOVE. HIM. He is my spirit animal.
I have read almost all PNR written by Thea Harrison, she keeps impressing me with her incredibly detailed world building and her multi-dimensional characters. I have nothing but praise for her and if you haven't read her yet...what are you waiting for? Get on with it.
Moonshadow on AMAZON
Spellbinder on AMAZON
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
A generous interpretation of Isabeau's order and a good serving of luck leads Morgan from Avalon to the United Kingdom. The Queen of Light Fae usually has him on a tight leash - a dagger gives her power over him - he has to follow her every order, the geas in him overriding every wish, dream and desire he has for himself. But this time...this time she told him she didn't want to see him again before he has completely healed after the disastrous loss of the passageway to Lyonesse in the war against Oberon's Dark Court.
It's his chance to taste a bit freedom and he intends to make the most of it. While free, Morgan wants to use his time wisely and research how to shake off the yoke Isabeau has put him under. He has lost so much but one thing stayed - his love for music. A fascinating pamphlet of a beautiful violin player invites him to a concert. When Morgan hears Sidonie play for the first time he is entranced.
He had no room for this music. No time for it. Yet he couldn’t shake the hold it had on him.
Sidonie Martel can't shake the feeling of being watched. She might have picked up a new stalker on her concert tour. Her worries are confirmed when the car taking her to the airport is intercepted and crashes and Sid is being kidnapped. Her captor isn't after her though.
She is being handed over to the Queen of Light Fae, who throws her in a dungeon, with broken hands and a broken will - music is everything, how can she live when the only thing that gives her life has been taken from her? When a stranger sneaks into her cell she experiences kindness she didn't expect in a place like this.
“So, you like my music?”
“Like is not the right word for it.”
His words came slowly, his unwillingness to answer evident. “Your music hurts, the way sunshine hurts when you’ve existed for a long time in darkness.”
When Morgan realizes that Sid has been kidnapped he sneaks back to Avalon. It's because of him that she is trapped in Avalon, in the queen's dungeon. He can't free her but he intends to make sure she survives. She mustn't know who he is, however, because that would endanger her life. And his own.
We met Morgan in the first book of this series in which he was a villain. I know that Thea Harrison can redeem those, she has done it in her Elder Races series and she'd done it so well, I knew I'd love Morgan in the end. He was a revelation. I loved EVERYTHING about him. He is kind, patient and so incredibly gentle and sweet with Sid. There is a decency, goodness about Morgan, it radiates off the pages, he definitely lives by a code of honor. Morgan has become my favorite hero right after Dragos.
She did know him. She didn’t know certain details, but she knew the ring of sincerity in his voice when he promised to support, respect, and defend her. She knew the private hell he was living. She knew he had an innate decency and sensitivity. He appreciated music, he mourned deeply for something in his past, and he was stronger than she could ever hope to be.
Sid's growth from the beginning is awesome. She starts out as a reserved young artist who obsessively starts counting things when she's stressed out. It's ironic that her OCD is what keeps her halfway sane. Her captivity steels her will, Morgan gives her courage. Their growing feelings something to fight for. Her fierce will to survive is tremendous. Sid is tenacious, never backs down and faces everything she has to endure with so much dignity, her despair is heartbreaking. And then there is adorable innocence about her. She really is an endearing heroine.
Thea Harrison has a way of describing scenes that stay with you for a long time. In one scene Sidonie plays her heart out because so much depends on her music in that very moment. Ms. Harrison's words were stunning and when this scene was over I had tears in my eyes.
She became the music. She was the story, the vibration. She became the story of love, the notes written in kisses and caresses on her skin. She felt the symphony, the swelling highs in the lifts, and the terrible lows in the falls, and hope was the cruelest note of all, the devastation that came afterward, utterly intolerable.
I fell in love with Thea's Spellbinder characters. She made me care for them, root for them and cheer them on. Morgan had a short jerk moment, which was kinda understandable but then again, I was a bit mad at him for not seeing what had been offered to him. He groveled, explained, I got over it.
We get to see the puck from the first novel and towards the end Dragos has a cameo. I swear that guy is the epitome of badassery and the leader of the a-hole pack but man...I love him. LOVE. HIM. He is my spirit animal.
I have read almost all PNR written by Thea Harrison, she keeps impressing me with her incredibly detailed world building and her multi-dimensional characters. I have nothing but praise for her and if you haven't read her yet...what are you waiting for? Get on with it.
Moonshadow on AMAZON
Spellbinder on AMAZON
August 30, 2017
Spellbinder: Moonshadow, Book 2
Written by: Thea Harrison
Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake
This may be book two but it can be read as a stand alone. This is an incredible book about a musician that is kidnapped because a fae named Morgan, who is bound magically by the evil Queen, likes her. She is given to the Queen. Morgan is furious and tries to save her without the Queen knowing about it. Morgan has to do anything the Queen says and is afraid if the Queen finds out, she will make him kill the girl. It is an action packed, suspense filled, romance, fantasy, magic, fae and other creatures, awesome book. I loved this book! It is an audible book and the narration was truly wonderful. It is a woman narrator but the deep husky voices are done perfectly too! Wow, great job. Loved the story and narration! Don't miss this story. Morgan is in the first book as a bad guy but now you see why!
Written by: Thea Harrison
Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake
This may be book two but it can be read as a stand alone. This is an incredible book about a musician that is kidnapped because a fae named Morgan, who is bound magically by the evil Queen, likes her. She is given to the Queen. Morgan is furious and tries to save her without the Queen knowing about it. Morgan has to do anything the Queen says and is afraid if the Queen finds out, she will make him kill the girl. It is an action packed, suspense filled, romance, fantasy, magic, fae and other creatures, awesome book. I loved this book! It is an audible book and the narration was truly wonderful. It is a woman narrator but the deep husky voices are done perfectly too! Wow, great job. Loved the story and narration! Don't miss this story. Morgan is in the first book as a bad guy but now you see why!
January 27, 2019
This was a case of interesting premise, boring execution. A woman with no magical abilities is held in captivity by a psychotic powerful magical ruler. Her only savior is the man who unintentionally got her into the situation she is in in the first place. He is also magically prevented from helping her escape and could even be magically compelled to hurt her against his will if they were ever discovered together. Of course against all of this opposition, they fall for each other, but how will they escape their situation? Sounds intriguing, right? Too bad most of the book was just spent in various rooms alone with each other and no real sense of risk/suspense. The ending was also anticlimactic after vengence was decidedly not taken, apparently for the sole purpose of keeping a villain in play for the next book. I'll pass on picking it up.
July 2, 2017
Title: Spellbinder
Series: Moonshadow #2
Author: Thea Harrison
Release date: July 18, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Shifters, fae, creatures, sorcerers! A bottomless well of magic and fascinating adventures! That's what you'll find in Thea Harrison's books. With her reliable wit and charm, yet again, she delivered an enchanting story that I couldn't get enough of. Characters with untold powers, awe inspiring gifts, and immeasurable courage. This book pulled me right out of my book funk from page one and took me on a wild, and fantastical ride. You do not want to miss it.
This book is about the bad guy. At least, that's what we'd been led to believe-not only in the Elder Races series, but in Moonshadow as well. Morgan Le Fae isn't a light or dark fae at all. He's the most feared and formidable sorcerer known by supernaturals and humans alike. But something told me that we wouldn't be getting a cold-blooded anti-hero, and my instincts were right.
Morgan was captured centuries ago by Queen Isabeau of the Fae Light Court, and his loved ones killed. Enslaved by stolen magic of a God, he's bound to obey any direct order by her. For hundreds of years, there has been no escape from the vile and evil deeds he has been forced to commit as her captive. As the commander of her vicious Hounds, he has been changed physically in irrevocable ways. But most devastating of all, through the loss of his free will he has lost all sense of hope and happiness. Morgan is a very stoic man, but it was clear from the very beginning the hate he held for Isabeau. The only thing he wanted more than escape was retribution.
He still felt passion, but long ago his passion had turned dark and tinged with crimson. It had died down to a single thread, a burning desire to destroy those who had laid waste to his homeland and had enslaved him. That had become his mission in life.
Unexpectedly, he's handed a brief deliverance through a fluke loop hole in the magic. So he runs, with her Hounds on his heels.
Sidonie is a brilliant and successful musician, who has the world at her feet on the stage. But when it comes to interacting with people socially, she isn't skilled, nor is she comfortable. After spending her childhood studying and practicing, it left little room for making friends. To compound her difficulties, she has OCD issues as well, so this has caused her to live inside her head a lot. It wasn't until she caught the eye (and ears) of Morgan that would shake her tidy little world upside down.
Kidnapped and taken to the queen, she endured horrors she never could have imagined. She wasn't prepared for the cruelty, prejudice against her as a human being, and the fear that clawed at her for days on end. With no knowledge of the court and how the calculating inhabitants ticked, she needed a miracle, and she needed one fast. Just as she had given up all hope, a voice came to her in the darkness. A visitor who brought comfort, food, and care. She put her trust in him, and began to gain courage that she could survive in this nightmare she had fall into.
He was the worst, most dangerous monster she could ever face down here in the dark, but he didn’t tell her that.
Sidonie and Morgan had a wonderful connection, I felt their spark immediately. She went through a lot of growth in captivity, losing her shyness and finding her strong inner core. I didn't see her as all that tough in the beginning, but her predicament made her adapt quickly. Morgan was never one you could imagine as protective in any previous books, but that's exactly what he became with this woman. He put his own tenuous freedom on the line time and again in order to be watch over her and help her survive. I absolutely loved them together, their passion and their unselfish love was amazing to see flourish in those desperate conditions.
There was tons of suspense, exciting magic, and a thrilling end that kept me on the edge of my seat. I just flew through this one, I loved every minute of it. There was an appearance from one of my all time favorite past characters, and I'm sure it will make a lot of readers happy when they get to see the little cameo. I love this detailed Elder world that Thea Harrison created, it never gets stale. With every book, it's more enriched and realitic. As long as she wants to create new inhabitants there, I will be more than happy to make their acquaintance. If you love paranormal and urban fantasy books, I highly recommend checking this series out!
He fell… he fell into her as inexorably as Icarus, who had flown too close to the sun.
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July 22, 2017
5 - "I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else..." Stars!
Thea Harrison takes her readers back to the Moonshadow series with the second book; Spellbinder giving us Morgan Le Fae’s story.
There are so many things I can say about this book, it literally grabs you by the eye-balls and keeps you in its spell until the end. This isn’t your typical fantasy/pnr book, the author literally covers all bases and then some.
"What was healed can be rebroken…"
I think the other good thing is that although part of a series you can definitely read it as a standalone, because apart from Robin the puck I don’t recall any of the other characters involved having any major part of the first book. The story does follow on in the extent that The Queen of the Light Court is one of the main players this time, whereas she was sort of a secondary problem in the first book Moonshadow.
You will regret doing this to me. I will make sure of it…
I found it difficult initially to warm to Sidonie Martel at the start, although the situation she finds herself in, and the things she goes through after her kidnapping are quite disturbing, she still acted a little rashly at points, that-said though it was this behaviour that bought about some of the pivotal points in the story.
Sooner or later all the pieces would come together and she would fifure out who he was.
Her initial meeting with Morgan, and the virtual anonymity that then blossomed into a whole lot more gave this couple such a great depth, which added gravitas to everything that happened in the latter stages of the story.
There was no surviving some loves. No matter what happened to the love affair, whether it flourished or failed, those loves struck mortal blows one carried for the rest of one’s life. This love… this love was like that.
This is a battle of good against evil, the dark and light, those that were initially thought of as enemies eventually become allies. The players are so seamlessly moved around on the chess-board of the story that you are poised for disaster after each and every move that is made, it was a thrill-ride where you have no clue as to what may follow up next.
"The tide of war has shifted…"
And all of this played out around an absolutely captivating love story. I couldn’t predict how Thea would bring this couple together in the long term, and I absolutely adored the last couple of chapters because of it.
"I will come back."
Outstanding read, I cannot wait for Lionheart to be released in 2018, the author has me hooked!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
Thea Harrison takes her readers back to the Moonshadow series with the second book; Spellbinder giving us Morgan Le Fae’s story.
There are so many things I can say about this book, it literally grabs you by the eye-balls and keeps you in its spell until the end. This isn’t your typical fantasy/pnr book, the author literally covers all bases and then some.
"What was healed can be rebroken…"
I think the other good thing is that although part of a series you can definitely read it as a standalone, because apart from Robin the puck I don’t recall any of the other characters involved having any major part of the first book. The story does follow on in the extent that The Queen of the Light Court is one of the main players this time, whereas she was sort of a secondary problem in the first book Moonshadow.
You will regret doing this to me. I will make sure of it…
I found it difficult initially to warm to Sidonie Martel at the start, although the situation she finds herself in, and the things she goes through after her kidnapping are quite disturbing, she still acted a little rashly at points, that-said though it was this behaviour that bought about some of the pivotal points in the story.
Sooner or later all the pieces would come together and she would fifure out who he was.
Her initial meeting with Morgan, and the virtual anonymity that then blossomed into a whole lot more gave this couple such a great depth, which added gravitas to everything that happened in the latter stages of the story.
There was no surviving some loves. No matter what happened to the love affair, whether it flourished or failed, those loves struck mortal blows one carried for the rest of one’s life. This love… this love was like that.
This is a battle of good against evil, the dark and light, those that were initially thought of as enemies eventually become allies. The players are so seamlessly moved around on the chess-board of the story that you are poised for disaster after each and every move that is made, it was a thrill-ride where you have no clue as to what may follow up next.
"The tide of war has shifted…"
And all of this played out around an absolutely captivating love story. I couldn’t predict how Thea would bring this couple together in the long term, and I absolutely adored the last couple of chapters because of it.
"I will come back."
Outstanding read, I cannot wait for Lionheart to be released in 2018, the author has me hooked!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
June 20, 2017
I've been a fan of this author since I read Dragon Bound and the books about the Elder Races are amongst my top ten so seeing this spin off series that so far is primarily UK based had me very excited. The first book Moonshadow brought the Fae under the spotlight and happily this book continues that course but boy is it a wild ride!
I'd been very intrigued by Morgan Le Fae , amazingly powerful sorcerer and very reluctantly serving the Light Queen. We quickly realise that he is under a powerful spell and all the evil things he has done and I'm thinking back to When Pia Does Hollywood is because Morgan has had no choice . Isabeau is a mercurial and narcissistic character, greedy for power and yet something she says inadvertently gives Morgan a chance to briefly escape her.
Sidonie has the world at her feet as she is a musician with amazing talents but as a human Sidonie has no magic. This quickly becomes a problem as she's kidnapped and delivered to the Winter Palace of the Light Fae. Sidonie has been feted, she is a woman used to privilege and has absolutely no idea of just what Isabeau is capable of . Unfortunately she quickly sees her life , her work and everything she needs ripped away from her but alone in the dark she finds solace with a stranger and a renewal of spirit because where there's life there's hope!
If Moonshadow was good this book is absolutely amazing! For me it compares easily to Dragon Bound and Oracles Moon as the romance is just so good. Also we get more of despotic and absolutely twisted Queen Isabeau. I loved the slight nod to Arthurian legends and yes the Puck is back but sadly he isn't exactly the hero I'd hoped for here but alas I can say no more.
This book is definitely a keeper with fabulous characters. Morgan is Alpha to his core but seeing the journey he took with Sidonie really allowed him to show his softer more tender side . Sidonie isn't exactly kicking butt but she is resilient and prepared to take chances. The world created here felt so realistic, plus the origins of the Elder Races becomes an integral part of this story. I loved it and even though something truly awful happens the author writes it in such a way that the darkness of that act didn't overtake the romance that followed. Bottom line is if you enjoy paranormal romance then this book will have you jumping for joy !
This voluntary review is of an advance copy and my thoughts and feelings are honest and I believe fair
I'd been very intrigued by Morgan Le Fae , amazingly powerful sorcerer and very reluctantly serving the Light Queen. We quickly realise that he is under a powerful spell and all the evil things he has done and I'm thinking back to When Pia Does Hollywood is because Morgan has had no choice . Isabeau is a mercurial and narcissistic character, greedy for power and yet something she says inadvertently gives Morgan a chance to briefly escape her.
Sidonie has the world at her feet as she is a musician with amazing talents but as a human Sidonie has no magic. This quickly becomes a problem as she's kidnapped and delivered to the Winter Palace of the Light Fae. Sidonie has been feted, she is a woman used to privilege and has absolutely no idea of just what Isabeau is capable of . Unfortunately she quickly sees her life , her work and everything she needs ripped away from her but alone in the dark she finds solace with a stranger and a renewal of spirit because where there's life there's hope!
If Moonshadow was good this book is absolutely amazing! For me it compares easily to Dragon Bound and Oracles Moon as the romance is just so good. Also we get more of despotic and absolutely twisted Queen Isabeau. I loved the slight nod to Arthurian legends and yes the Puck is back but sadly he isn't exactly the hero I'd hoped for here but alas I can say no more.
This book is definitely a keeper with fabulous characters. Morgan is Alpha to his core but seeing the journey he took with Sidonie really allowed him to show his softer more tender side . Sidonie isn't exactly kicking butt but she is resilient and prepared to take chances. The world created here felt so realistic, plus the origins of the Elder Races becomes an integral part of this story. I loved it and even though something truly awful happens the author writes it in such a way that the darkness of that act didn't overtake the romance that followed. Bottom line is if you enjoy paranormal romance then this book will have you jumping for joy !
This voluntary review is of an advance copy and my thoughts and feelings are honest and I believe fair
April 6, 2023
Absolutely loved this one.
This book had a real A Court Of Thorns And Roses VIBE so much so that I had to Google which book was published first. Let me explain, it still was really amazing and different enough from ACOTAR that I think it would appeal to Sarah J Maas fans, without feeling like the author changed a few things around but it was basically the same story, don't you just hate that?
Spellbinder follows Morgan from the first book, one of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history. I was very interested in Morgan from the first book and was really excited to see this book was from his perspective in the beginning as he navigated around his queen Isabeau we learn what he truly feels about her, and why he cannot speak of it to anyone.
Happy Reading Everyone hope this review helped📕📒📓📚📙📘📗📕📒📔📓📚📙📒📚📓📕📚📖
This book had a real A Court Of Thorns And Roses VIBE so much so that I had to Google which book was published first. Let me explain, it still was really amazing and different enough from ACOTAR that I think it would appeal to Sarah J Maas fans, without feeling like the author changed a few things around but it was basically the same story, don't you just hate that?
Spellbinder follows Morgan from the first book, one of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history. I was very interested in Morgan from the first book and was really excited to see this book was from his perspective in the beginning as he navigated around his queen Isabeau we learn what he truly feels about her, and why he cannot speak of it to anyone.
Happy Reading Everyone hope this review helped📕📒📓📚📙📘📗📕📒📔📓📚📙📒📚📓📕📚📖
July 14, 2017
I read this immediately after the first book in this trilogy Moonshadow which I liked but it was about a 4 Star read for me BUT this book I thought would be about the same but the start was slow and then brutal but then things started looking up and I really got interested.
It has been awhile since I gave 5 Stars to any but a few of the top authors but this one just hit home for me and it built only slightly on the events of book 1 but without that knowledge you will not be able to enjoy this book as much.
Morgan (who the author uses as a Merlin-like sorcerer) is under a geas which requires him to do whatever evil Isabeau of the Light Court demands. He has been shackled like this for centuries it would seem but an action from our last book (another reason you need to read it) allows him a measure of short term freedom during which he discovers the music of Sidonie which he becomes enamored with and buys tickets to all her concerts but sadly this leads to some dark times for her but this is the real start of a great story that while totally original incorporates some elements of the Arthurian tale which I have always loved.
Bottom Line: A fine book of love conquers all, great characters, great story, evil people you will love to hate, what more could you want! I give it 5 Stars and hope the next book will live up to this one.
It has been awhile since I gave 5 Stars to any but a few of the top authors but this one just hit home for me and it built only slightly on the events of book 1 but without that knowledge you will not be able to enjoy this book as much.
Morgan (who the author uses as a Merlin-like sorcerer) is under a geas which requires him to do whatever evil Isabeau of the Light Court demands. He has been shackled like this for centuries it would seem but an action from our last book (another reason you need to read it) allows him a measure of short term freedom during which he discovers the music of Sidonie which he becomes enamored with and buys tickets to all her concerts but sadly this leads to some dark times for her but this is the real start of a great story that while totally original incorporates some elements of the Arthurian tale which I have always loved.
Bottom Line: A fine book of love conquers all, great characters, great story, evil people you will love to hate, what more could you want! I give it 5 Stars and hope the next book will live up to this one.
December 12, 2018
Morgans book!!!!!
October 14, 2024
Spellbinding! Emotional! Magical!
I don’t know where to start, but to say WOW. I was sucked in from the first to the last page and couldn’t put this novel down.
The Moonshadow series is a spin-off of the Elder Races. This series is primarily based in the UK, the other side of the world, and has brought in the races over their, mainly the Fae into the spotlight.
Finally we get Morgan Le Fae story. We learn so much about him. Why he does what he does, who he truly is, and the horrors he has been a part of and seen. If you have read the Elder Races then you know and have seen Morgan pop up every now and then. He’s the bad guy or is he??? I want to tell you so much about Morgan and his plight, but if I do I give so much away. Morgan’s journey is an emotional one in finding love, living life, and enjoying the world again.
Sid is a human with no magic at all. She’s strong, courageous, quick minded, and a musician who creates breathtaking music. Her life changes forever when she is kidnapped and turned over to the Winter Palace of the Light Fae.
Sid and Morgan are fantastic together. She shouldn’t trust him, but she can’t help it. In the end she trusts and opens up a world with possibilities for them both. Their romance was sweet and endearing.
Besides the romance Ms. Harrison whips up some seriously strong feelings and doesn’t pull any punches when she vividly describes her scenes. It’s an intensely emotional read. I was crying, I was loving, and I was hating right along side these characters. One scene at the beginning with Sid, I cried all the way through. It was just so heartbreaking to read.
Spellbinder is Captivating, Enchanting, and Entertaining. Their are so many great moments and charming characters. It’s action-packed, fast-paced, and romantic. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rated: 5 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Thea Harrison with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
I don’t know where to start, but to say WOW. I was sucked in from the first to the last page and couldn’t put this novel down.
The Moonshadow series is a spin-off of the Elder Races. This series is primarily based in the UK, the other side of the world, and has brought in the races over their, mainly the Fae into the spotlight.
Finally we get Morgan Le Fae story. We learn so much about him. Why he does what he does, who he truly is, and the horrors he has been a part of and seen. If you have read the Elder Races then you know and have seen Morgan pop up every now and then. He’s the bad guy or is he??? I want to tell you so much about Morgan and his plight, but if I do I give so much away. Morgan’s journey is an emotional one in finding love, living life, and enjoying the world again.
Sid is a human with no magic at all. She’s strong, courageous, quick minded, and a musician who creates breathtaking music. Her life changes forever when she is kidnapped and turned over to the Winter Palace of the Light Fae.
Sid and Morgan are fantastic together. She shouldn’t trust him, but she can’t help it. In the end she trusts and opens up a world with possibilities for them both. Their romance was sweet and endearing.
Besides the romance Ms. Harrison whips up some seriously strong feelings and doesn’t pull any punches when she vividly describes her scenes. It’s an intensely emotional read. I was crying, I was loving, and I was hating right along side these characters. One scene at the beginning with Sid, I cried all the way through. It was just so heartbreaking to read.
Spellbinder is Captivating, Enchanting, and Entertaining. Their are so many great moments and charming characters. It’s action-packed, fast-paced, and romantic. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rated: 5 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Thea Harrison with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
July 6, 2017
Spellbinder was a 4.5 star read for me. I love the strength and intelligence behind Sid's character, not to mention that the assumed evil guy gets to the girl.
Can you say intense emotional connection? Oh boy, was the Harrison's pen whipping out some seriously strong feelings. Intense, heartfelt and action filled, SPELLBINDER had me white knuckle reading from start to finish.
I received this ARC copy of Spellbinder from Teddy Harrison LLC. This is my honest and voluntary review. Spellbinder is set for publication July 18, 2017.
My Review: 4.5 stars
Written by: Thea Harrison
Series: Moonshadow (Book 2)
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Teddy Harrison LLC (July 18, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0998139149
ISBN-13: 978-0998139142
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/spel...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spellbinder-Mo...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spel...
Reviewed For:
http://tometender.blogspot.com
Can you say intense emotional connection? Oh boy, was the Harrison's pen whipping out some seriously strong feelings. Intense, heartfelt and action filled, SPELLBINDER had me white knuckle reading from start to finish.
I received this ARC copy of Spellbinder from Teddy Harrison LLC. This is my honest and voluntary review. Spellbinder is set for publication July 18, 2017.
My Review: 4.5 stars
Written by: Thea Harrison
Series: Moonshadow (Book 2)
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Teddy Harrison LLC (July 18, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0998139149
ISBN-13: 978-0998139142
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/spel...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spellbinder-Mo...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spel...
Reviewed For:
http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 13, 2018
An ok read with decent MCs and thrilling events, but I never became invested in the story nor the characters and the world building became a bit too much in this book. I ĺiked the beginning when she was abducted, but from there on the story got slow, so I skim-read to the last 20%, it's when the story picked up.
October 8, 2018
I thought this book was wonderful. Who doesn't like when the villain becomes the hero? The two main characters were stellar. Great emotion and wonderful set-up and setting. Can't wait for book three.
July 20, 2017
I might write a review later, but for now I just wanted to say I LOVE this story.
I thought I will never love other couple as much as Dragos and Pia from this series or the previous series, I can't be more happier that I was wrong!:)
Morgan's and Sidonie's love story simply amazing!:)
I thought I will never love other couple as much as Dragos and Pia from this series or the previous series, I can't be more happier that I was wrong!:)
Morgan's and Sidonie's love story simply amazing!:)
July 18, 2017
I was lucky to read an advance copy of Moonshadow, from Thea Harrison last year, and I loved it. Would you believe I liked the second book in this series, Spellbinder, even more? It was SO GREAT!
Sidonie is a world-famous musician. We're talking Djinn travel around the world to listen to her play while in their true forms (which if you've read the Elder Races series, you know is a very big deal.) She's amassed favors and money and celebrity. But all that means nothing when she's captured and taken against her will into the fae realm. She's realistically vulnerable and confused and angry! She's also determined and has such a strong sense of self. I think it's sometimes easy for mortal characters to get lost in paranormal worlds, but Sid totally holds her own in every scene and I love her. One of my favorite heroines this year.
And Morgan. Oh, Morgan le Fae. Did you think you knew Morgan's story from Moonshadow? I promise you don't! I do love a morally ambiguous hero, and Morgan is all that. He's a mega-powerful mage and yet he's completely trapped. He's entranced by Sid, but also knows his interest in her is highly dangerous. He does wrong things for the right reasons and right things for selfish reasons. He makes STUPID DECISIONS SOMETIMES! THAT WAS A STUPID MOVE AFTER SID DID THE THING WITH THE THING, MORGAN, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Okay, calming down now.
If you can't tell already, I loved Morgan and Sid's story and I tore through it. I need to go back and read it more slowly. The chemistry was sizzling and the way Harrison worked Arthurian legend into this book was so clever. And did I mention the sizzling chemistry? Thea Harrison writes amazingly hot scenes. When Morgan and Sid finally kiss and it's in the dark and they still can't really see each other and it's just...
Oh yeah. All that.
Read this book. It's out today and it's a standalone, so if you haven't read Moonshadow, that's totally fine (but read Moonshadow when you get a chance because it's great.)
All the stars. Top pick for me. I'll be re-reading this one. BUY IT NOW!
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2uFMU2B
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2vzeAmp
Nook: http://bit.ly/2rm0hQl
Barnes & Noble Print: http://bit.ly/2rzSQoI
iBooks: http://apple.co/2t7E9u8
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rBw6UH
Sidonie is a world-famous musician. We're talking Djinn travel around the world to listen to her play while in their true forms (which if you've read the Elder Races series, you know is a very big deal.) She's amassed favors and money and celebrity. But all that means nothing when she's captured and taken against her will into the fae realm. She's realistically vulnerable and confused and angry! She's also determined and has such a strong sense of self. I think it's sometimes easy for mortal characters to get lost in paranormal worlds, but Sid totally holds her own in every scene and I love her. One of my favorite heroines this year.
And Morgan. Oh, Morgan le Fae. Did you think you knew Morgan's story from Moonshadow? I promise you don't! I do love a morally ambiguous hero, and Morgan is all that. He's a mega-powerful mage and yet he's completely trapped. He's entranced by Sid, but also knows his interest in her is highly dangerous. He does wrong things for the right reasons and right things for selfish reasons. He makes STUPID DECISIONS SOMETIMES! THAT WAS A STUPID MOVE AFTER SID DID THE THING WITH THE THING, MORGAN, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Okay, calming down now.
If you can't tell already, I loved Morgan and Sid's story and I tore through it. I need to go back and read it more slowly. The chemistry was sizzling and the way Harrison worked Arthurian legend into this book was so clever. And did I mention the sizzling chemistry? Thea Harrison writes amazingly hot scenes. When Morgan and Sid finally kiss and it's in the dark and they still can't really see each other and it's just...
Oh yeah. All that.
Read this book. It's out today and it's a standalone, so if you haven't read Moonshadow, that's totally fine (but read Moonshadow when you get a chance because it's great.)
All the stars. Top pick for me. I'll be re-reading this one. BUY IT NOW!
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2uFMU2B
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2vzeAmp
Nook: http://bit.ly/2rm0hQl
Barnes & Noble Print: http://bit.ly/2rzSQoI
iBooks: http://apple.co/2t7E9u8
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rBw6UH
August 29, 2020
4.5 Spellbinding Stars!!!
I was completely Spellbound by Morgan’s story! Although Morgan was a villain in previous books we soon learn appearances can be deceiving and all is not as it seems.
Morgan is bound by a spell linking him to the evil Light Fae Queen Isabeau so that he must obey any and all direct orders she gives him. For hundreds of years he has lived without freedom. With only his hate and desire for revenge keeping him strong and sane. When we first see Morgan in this book he is a very stoic and no longer holds much hope and certainly no happiness, but, when an opportunity for a small bit of freedom is mistakingly given him he is temporally free for the first time in centuries!
Sidonie (Sid) is a famous musician who seems to draw in the Elder Races as well as humans to her soul soothing music. Morgan is so moved by her music he begins to attend all her concerts. Unfortunately, someone else notices Morgan’s fascination with Sid. Soon Sid is kidnapped and given to Isabeau as a gift to distract her from a former enemy. Sid initially refuses to cooperate with the Queen and the consequences are horribly brutal and life changing for Sid. Now it’s up to Morgan to save Sid from an uncertain future.
There is plenty of suspense, magic, exciting characters, some sexy time, and naturally an exciting ending! I loved everything about this book, there was an appearance at the end from one of my all-time favorite Elder Races characters, and I'm sure it will make a lot of readers giddy when they get to see this small cameo. As I’ve said MANY times in the past, I love this world that Thea Harrison has created I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!!
I was completely Spellbound by Morgan’s story! Although Morgan was a villain in previous books we soon learn appearances can be deceiving and all is not as it seems.
Morgan is bound by a spell linking him to the evil Light Fae Queen Isabeau so that he must obey any and all direct orders she gives him. For hundreds of years he has lived without freedom. With only his hate and desire for revenge keeping him strong and sane. When we first see Morgan in this book he is a very stoic and no longer holds much hope and certainly no happiness, but, when an opportunity for a small bit of freedom is mistakingly given him he is temporally free for the first time in centuries!
Sidonie (Sid) is a famous musician who seems to draw in the Elder Races as well as humans to her soul soothing music. Morgan is so moved by her music he begins to attend all her concerts. Unfortunately, someone else notices Morgan’s fascination with Sid. Soon Sid is kidnapped and given to Isabeau as a gift to distract her from a former enemy. Sid initially refuses to cooperate with the Queen and the consequences are horribly brutal and life changing for Sid. Now it’s up to Morgan to save Sid from an uncertain future.
“Her music ran through him with electric energy, more joyous than anything he could remember and more painful than silver.”
“Your music hurts, the way sunshine hurts when you’ve existed for a long time in darkness.”
There is plenty of suspense, magic, exciting characters, some sexy time, and naturally an exciting ending! I loved everything about this book, there was an appearance at the end from one of my all-time favorite Elder Races characters, and I'm sure it will make a lot of readers giddy when they get to see this small cameo. As I’ve said MANY times in the past, I love this world that Thea Harrison has created I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!!
July 26, 2017
Morgan's book?! Already?!
July 20, 2017
ARC REVIEW 4.5 stars
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review
Two entries into the series and the Moonshadow books are on the verge of overcoming the Elder Races as my favorite Thea Harrison work. Because these books take place in Europe and feature stories prominently featuring the fae, Ms. Harrison takes the opportunity to pull from historical literature and lore. There are hints of themes one might find in historical romance with including play on royal status, the importance of courtly manners, and political one-upmanship. However, my favorite part of this book is the reference to the Arthurian legends. Morgan le Fae of the court of King Arthur is a powerful sorcerer. Unfortunately, after being captured by Queen Isabeau of the Light Fae Court and turned into a lycanthrope, she compels him to serve her under a geas. He is forced to serve her capricious and power-hungry wishes even if it violates his own beliefs and is draining to his soul. By a stroke of luck, Isabeau gives him an order sloppily worded, and through the “letter of the law” allows him to steal some freedom. While enjoying the respite from the Light Fae court, Morgan discovers the music of one of the most famous musicians in the world.
Sidonie Martel is an internationally famous musician. She has adoring fans and she is delightfully human with no magical powers beyond her incredible gift for music. However, she gets caught up in a revenge scheme against Morgan. She is kidnapped and taken to the fae court where she is promptly imprisoned and tortured. Feeling bad about the situation, Morgan shows her mercy by trying to sneak into her cell and offer her some relief and comfort.
Ms. Harrison does a standout job with her characterization. I absolutely adore Sidonie. I love that she is human, but is smart enough to get herself out of the dungeon and plucky enough to outsmart Queen Isabeau. I love the small details about her including how she interacts with her music and her response to her compulsive tendencies. She is a multi-faceted character who is easy to admire. There is still a purity and light to her that is impossible to miss.
If I were to put myself in Thea Harrison’s shoes, I imagine that it would be delightful to make a villain into a hero. In book one, Morgan le Fae is an evil tool for Isabeau’s campaign to destroy the Dark Fae court. It is easy for me to forget that there are always two sides to every story and even bad guys can be misunderstood. So, I thank Ms. Harrison for redeeming this unusual choice for a hero. Furthermore, although she does not delve too deeply into the story of King Arthur, Morgan’s connection to it, gives the story a slight wistfulness.
The relationship between these two characters is magnetic. Both are formidable characters. However, I am particularly taken by how tender Morgan is to Sidonie. Although, he is the reason she is kidnapped in the first place, he has nothing to do with the kidnapping itself. However, his tender ministrations melt my heart. He is so caring and loving even as he is trying to hold himself separate from her. He is terrified that if the Queen finds out about his attention to Sidonie, Isabeau will order Morgan to do something evil and cruel to her. The power of the geas is always hanging over Morgan’s head and he is constantly fighting for ways to get around it. Regardless, even in this highly stressful time, Sidonie and Morgan find time to be together and nurture their relationship.
I like that the author is introducing new characters. including demi-gods into her cast. I can see mythology playing a greater role in future books. Furthermore, we get a cameo from the Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr demesne.
This is a fantastic read filled with captivating characters, intriguing storyline, and an irresistibly satisfying ending.
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review
Two entries into the series and the Moonshadow books are on the verge of overcoming the Elder Races as my favorite Thea Harrison work. Because these books take place in Europe and feature stories prominently featuring the fae, Ms. Harrison takes the opportunity to pull from historical literature and lore. There are hints of themes one might find in historical romance with including play on royal status, the importance of courtly manners, and political one-upmanship. However, my favorite part of this book is the reference to the Arthurian legends. Morgan le Fae of the court of King Arthur is a powerful sorcerer. Unfortunately, after being captured by Queen Isabeau of the Light Fae Court and turned into a lycanthrope, she compels him to serve her under a geas. He is forced to serve her capricious and power-hungry wishes even if it violates his own beliefs and is draining to his soul. By a stroke of luck, Isabeau gives him an order sloppily worded, and through the “letter of the law” allows him to steal some freedom. While enjoying the respite from the Light Fae court, Morgan discovers the music of one of the most famous musicians in the world.
Sidonie Martel is an internationally famous musician. She has adoring fans and she is delightfully human with no magical powers beyond her incredible gift for music. However, she gets caught up in a revenge scheme against Morgan. She is kidnapped and taken to the fae court where she is promptly imprisoned and tortured. Feeling bad about the situation, Morgan shows her mercy by trying to sneak into her cell and offer her some relief and comfort.
Ms. Harrison does a standout job with her characterization. I absolutely adore Sidonie. I love that she is human, but is smart enough to get herself out of the dungeon and plucky enough to outsmart Queen Isabeau. I love the small details about her including how she interacts with her music and her response to her compulsive tendencies. She is a multi-faceted character who is easy to admire. There is still a purity and light to her that is impossible to miss.
If I were to put myself in Thea Harrison’s shoes, I imagine that it would be delightful to make a villain into a hero. In book one, Morgan le Fae is an evil tool for Isabeau’s campaign to destroy the Dark Fae court. It is easy for me to forget that there are always two sides to every story and even bad guys can be misunderstood. So, I thank Ms. Harrison for redeeming this unusual choice for a hero. Furthermore, although she does not delve too deeply into the story of King Arthur, Morgan’s connection to it, gives the story a slight wistfulness.
The relationship between these two characters is magnetic. Both are formidable characters. However, I am particularly taken by how tender Morgan is to Sidonie. Although, he is the reason she is kidnapped in the first place, he has nothing to do with the kidnapping itself. However, his tender ministrations melt my heart. He is so caring and loving even as he is trying to hold himself separate from her. He is terrified that if the Queen finds out about his attention to Sidonie, Isabeau will order Morgan to do something evil and cruel to her. The power of the geas is always hanging over Morgan’s head and he is constantly fighting for ways to get around it. Regardless, even in this highly stressful time, Sidonie and Morgan find time to be together and nurture their relationship.
I like that the author is introducing new characters. including demi-gods into her cast. I can see mythology playing a greater role in future books. Furthermore, we get a cameo from the Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr demesne.
This is a fantastic read filled with captivating characters, intriguing storyline, and an irresistibly satisfying ending.
September 3, 2018
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal romance
(Moonshadow Series, #2)
Even though Amazon has a lot of flaws, the one thing I do like about it is that when you purchase an audio and digital copy of a book and sync it, you're able to listen/read it while travelling.
I started this book in the audio format while travelling this weekend and flipped back and forth between formats. Once I had the narrators voice in my head (who was freaking amazing by the way), I couldn't wait to finish the story.
" 5 - There's no surviving some loves stars!
What an amazing read!
Thea Harrison did an amazing job of writing her version of what happened to King Arthur's court.
What made this book an incredible read for me, you ask?
I loved how richly layered and complex the characters were and the roles they played.
I loved the slow burn romance between Morgan and Sidonie, and how it took time to discover and trust one another.
And, I absolutely LOVED the fantastic, incredible world Thea Harrison has created which itself is the true magic.
I'm am such a huge fan of the Elder Races Series and the Moonshadow Series compliments it perfectly.
September 18, 2017
“Lady of the Lake,” by Ed Beard Jr.★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Sophie Eastlake does the narration again for this series. I’m getting so that I don’t much mind her. Good infection for the horrific parts, as well as the tongue-in-cheek...and good pacing.
This series kind of runs along side of Ms. Harrison’s Elder Races series. With this installment, it feels almost as if it is a bit of a departure from the first one, but when I thought about it overnight, it doesn’t. I think there is a difference ambiance with this whole trilogy, and that it is going to concentrate mainly on the deadly Queen of the Light Court, her dangerous political entourage, and that sinister, but magical world.
I really liked Sidonie Martel, the heroine, and enjoyed her growth from talented but privileged musician to a vulnerable nobody, then to a self-empowered person willing to sacrifice for love. I won’t ruin who the hero, Morgan le Fae, is; if you don’t already know, you’ll find out soon enough. (Looks like TH wrote this one for her own enjoyment and we also got to reap the rewards.) I loved him, too. Kind of a gentle Beta Hero forced to be an aggressive, tortured Alpha Hero, if that makes sense?
Speaking of fun, while there are some terrible things that happen when Sid is kidnapped and taken to Avalon, TH remembers to add a bit of humor, even if mostly derisive. And the end makes me want to read the first in the Elder Races yet again.
Loved the love story presented.
April 8, 2018
This book was incredibly slow moving. The blurb makes it sound great, but ... not much happens. Not for a very long time.
I was expecting some angst and drama, but it just plodded and plodded. Each chapter picked up right where the last one left off. That's how plodding it was. As a made up example you'd get one character saying, "and then we'll have a chance." Then the next chapter starts with the other character's POV saying, "will we?" No movement. I started skimming.
Some action came in toward the end, about the last quarter of the book. This could easily have been a novella.
I liked the leads, definitely, I just wanted so much more for them.
ETA: I do not like that cover either. The guy doesn't look like the Morgan in my imagination which is strike one, but strike two is the odd position he's standing in that gives him moobs and beer gut. What gives?
I was expecting some angst and drama, but it just plodded and plodded. Each chapter picked up right where the last one left off. That's how plodding it was. As a made up example you'd get one character saying, "and then we'll have a chance." Then the next chapter starts with the other character's POV saying, "will we?" No movement. I started skimming.
Some action came in toward the end, about the last quarter of the book. This could easily have been a novella.
I liked the leads, definitely, I just wanted so much more for them.
ETA: I do not like that cover either. The guy doesn't look like the Morgan in my imagination which is strike one, but strike two is the odd position he's standing in that gives him moobs and beer gut. What gives?
January 26, 2025
January 26, 2017
I still love this book so much!! The Camelot elements were just chef kiss!! Plus everything I said in my original review still applies. Happy reading!!
July 2017
5+ "Spellbinding" Stars!
I loved, loved, loved this book! It was an intense slow simmer between Morgan and Sidonie. And once the the flame sparked, it burned bright! The story remains intense throughout book. I can't go into details for fear of giving something away, but there were hints to what was going on with Morgan in a couple other books in the ELDER RACES series, also in Moonshadow, book one in this spin off series. Though this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Moonshadow first. It will add to the experience of this one.
Both main characters were calculating and so smart. Their situation was so precarious every move had to be thought through. I loved them both so much. Sidonie was so talented, willful and strong. She also had OCD. It made her endearing to me. No tstl moments at all.
I was very surprised Morgan's story has come so soon in this spin off of the ELDER RACES series. He had been the ultimate bad guy. So where does the story go from here? Who could possible be next?? Whoever and whatever comes next, I am all in! I cannot wait!!! Happy reading!
I still love this book so much!! The Camelot elements were just chef kiss!! Plus everything I said in my original review still applies. Happy reading!!
July 2017
5+ "Spellbinding" Stars!
I loved, loved, loved this book! It was an intense slow simmer between Morgan and Sidonie. And once the the flame sparked, it burned bright! The story remains intense throughout book. I can't go into details for fear of giving something away, but there were hints to what was going on with Morgan in a couple other books in the ELDER RACES series, also in Moonshadow, book one in this spin off series. Though this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Moonshadow first. It will add to the experience of this one.
Both main characters were calculating and so smart. Their situation was so precarious every move had to be thought through. I loved them both so much. Sidonie was so talented, willful and strong. She also had OCD. It made her endearing to me. No tstl moments at all.
I was very surprised Morgan's story has come so soon in this spin off of the ELDER RACES series. He had been the ultimate bad guy. So where does the story go from here? Who could possible be next?? Whoever and whatever comes next, I am all in! I cannot wait!!! Happy reading!
July 31, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
August 7, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/07/review-...
Favorite Quote: “I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else…”
Morgan le Fae, the Light Fae Queen’s Captain of the Hounds, is a man who has gone by many names. Kingmaker. Sorcerer. Advisor. Bard. Merlin. The power behind the rise of King Arthur and Camelot, he was devastated when Isabeau, Queen of the Light Fae, and her consort, Modred, murdered his boy, stole Avalon, and placed him under a geas that demands total obedience. Having spent centuries emotionally cold and barren, he is shocked by the cyclone of emotions that whirl through him when he stumbles upon a musician whose music speaks directly to his soul.
Sidonie Martel, a very talented and famous musician, finds herself at the mercy of the Light Court when she is kidnapped and given as a tribute to the queen. Unable to hold her temper at her despicable treatment by the fae, she insults the queen and pays a terrible price. With no magical ability or even knowledge of where she is at, Sidonie is a prisoner with no means of escaping. She is grateful and soon very intrigued by the mysterious man who comes to her in the middle of the night with food, water, and healing.
Using her wits, Sidonie gains an audience with the Queen and a chance at survival if she is able to amaze the court with her playing. As Sidonie and her mystery man find themselves growing closer and giving into the passion flowing between them, a pair of unlikely allies offer this couple a slim chance at escape. But Morgan’s gaes can only be broken upon death…he just has to make sure it’s not his.
Spellbinder is the 2nd book in Thea Harrison’s Moonshadow trilogy. Set in the same world as her Elder Races series, the focus here is on the Fae demesnes and the ongoing war between the Light and Dark Court. Set in the UK, Harrison further expands on the ongoing Fae storyline, making use of some interesting mythology and legends. Easily read as a standalone, you do not have to read the Elder Races to enjoy though I do recommend starting with Moonshadow.
Spellbinder is a dark paranormal romance with an ambiguous and engrossing storyline that is the perfect blend of romance, intrigue, danger, suspense, adventure, and of course, magic. The fantastical world building, complex characterization, and dynamic narrative is further enhanced by Harrison’s inclusion of Merlin and the legends surrounding his disappearance after Arthur fell. I felt it really gave the story an energetic boost.
The story opens with Morgan Le Fae presenting himself to his Queen after his rousing defeat In Moonshadow. Terribly wounded, Morgan takes Isabeau’s order to heart that she doesn’t want to see him again till he is fully healed and disappears before she can circumvent that order with a new one. The nature of his geas is exact. He is forced to do what Isabeau’s says to a tee unless he can avoid hearing her order. He hides away to heal and to continue his research on how to break the geas when he stumbles upon a flyer for a concert. He attends and is mesmerized by the oung woman playing. Angry over the power she unconsciously wielded over him, he buys tickets to the rest of her concerts and follows her across the UK.
“The first strains raced after each other, like hawks lunging through the air…and all his emotional distance shredded. He didn’t welcome it. Part of him went into shock. That part of him hated it, hated her for doing it to him.
When he learns she has been kidnapped and taken to Avalon, he sneaks back over and is horrified to learn the extent of her torture. He places both their lives in danger by helping her survive and with each passing day, he falls more in love with her.
… he fell into her as inexorably as Icarus, who had flown too close to the sun.
I was very curious to see how Harrison would redeem Morgan. To recap, Morgan has been Isabeau’s enforcer for centuries. Insane and deadly, Isabeau has used Morgan’s magic against all the fae, especially the Dark Court. Harrison humanizes Morgan for us by creating an intimate connection with him and he goes from villian to hero pretty quick. We learn he is as much a victim as Sidonie. His aggression against the various Courts and the Wyrs are through no fault of his own and he suffers daily for everything he has done. His choices were taken from him a very long time ago. He burns for the chance at freedom and revenge for himself and those he lost but despairs at ever getting it.
He still felt passion, but long ago his passion had turned dark and tinged with crimson. It had died down to a single thread, a burning desire to destroy those who had laid waste to his homeland and had enslaved him. That had become his mission in life.
Harrison builds the perfect match for Morgan with Sidonie. Intelligent, strong, forthright, and clever, Sidonie is the bright star he never knew he needed. A child prodigy, music is both Sidonie’s freedom and prison. A lifetime of practicing and tours has left her socially awkward and OCD. She is most comfortable on stage or in her apartment. Her world is completely turned upside down by her kidnapping and torture. For the first time she is faced with her own mortality and it is eye-opening. Especially when she learns she is nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game.
“You’re perfect. You’re so perfect I couldn’t have found a better weapon if I had tried.”
Sidonie adapts as best she can, pushing aside her innate shyness as she grows stronger, bolder, and more educated to her circumstances. She also becomes a bit bloodthirsty which I thoroughly approved of.
“I want to rip her face off.”
Morgan and Sidonie’s connection is a powerful force felt from the beginning allows them to flourish and heal, even in their dire circumstances. The first time Morgan enters Sidonie’s cell, his need to protect and defend is brought roaring to the surface. He gives everything he has to her, over and over and over again, until she is able to stand on her own. Unable to give way his feelings for her another due to Isabeau’s jealous nature, their love becomes even more precious with each and every stolen moment.
“…taking his revenge against Isabeau and Modred was no longer enough. Destroying them for the sake of all the people Isabeau and Modred had killed so long ago was no longer enough. Now he was fighting for Sidonie’s sake.”
The intense and violent tinged storyline stays insulated around the protagonists and the setting. Harrison offers little in world building, choosing instead to elevate the characters, though she does firmly connect the series to the Elder Races with a cameo or two. Some dry humor helps to offset the darker nature of the storyline. The climax of the story is heart-wrenching but everyone knows every great love story must have its grand moment and Harrison pulls out all the stops for this one.
She became the music. She was the story, the vibration. She became the story of love, the notes written in kisses and caresses on her skin. She felt the symphony, the swelling highs in the lifts, and the terrible lows in the falls, and hope was the cruelest note of all, the devastation that came afterward, utterly intolerable.
Spellbinder is a swoon worthy romance that gives a man with no future the chance at a love for the ages. Harrison continues to enthrall readers with her larger than life characters and intense storylines that take readers on the paranormal adventure of a lifetime.
Grade: B+
Favorite Quote: “I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else…”
Morgan le Fae, the Light Fae Queen’s Captain of the Hounds, is a man who has gone by many names. Kingmaker. Sorcerer. Advisor. Bard. Merlin. The power behind the rise of King Arthur and Camelot, he was devastated when Isabeau, Queen of the Light Fae, and her consort, Modred, murdered his boy, stole Avalon, and placed him under a geas that demands total obedience. Having spent centuries emotionally cold and barren, he is shocked by the cyclone of emotions that whirl through him when he stumbles upon a musician whose music speaks directly to his soul.
Sidonie Martel, a very talented and famous musician, finds herself at the mercy of the Light Court when she is kidnapped and given as a tribute to the queen. Unable to hold her temper at her despicable treatment by the fae, she insults the queen and pays a terrible price. With no magical ability or even knowledge of where she is at, Sidonie is a prisoner with no means of escaping. She is grateful and soon very intrigued by the mysterious man who comes to her in the middle of the night with food, water, and healing.
Using her wits, Sidonie gains an audience with the Queen and a chance at survival if she is able to amaze the court with her playing. As Sidonie and her mystery man find themselves growing closer and giving into the passion flowing between them, a pair of unlikely allies offer this couple a slim chance at escape. But Morgan’s gaes can only be broken upon death…he just has to make sure it’s not his.
Spellbinder is the 2nd book in Thea Harrison’s Moonshadow trilogy. Set in the same world as her Elder Races series, the focus here is on the Fae demesnes and the ongoing war between the Light and Dark Court. Set in the UK, Harrison further expands on the ongoing Fae storyline, making use of some interesting mythology and legends. Easily read as a standalone, you do not have to read the Elder Races to enjoy though I do recommend starting with Moonshadow.
Spellbinder is a dark paranormal romance with an ambiguous and engrossing storyline that is the perfect blend of romance, intrigue, danger, suspense, adventure, and of course, magic. The fantastical world building, complex characterization, and dynamic narrative is further enhanced by Harrison’s inclusion of Merlin and the legends surrounding his disappearance after Arthur fell. I felt it really gave the story an energetic boost.
The story opens with Morgan Le Fae presenting himself to his Queen after his rousing defeat In Moonshadow. Terribly wounded, Morgan takes Isabeau’s order to heart that she doesn’t want to see him again till he is fully healed and disappears before she can circumvent that order with a new one. The nature of his geas is exact. He is forced to do what Isabeau’s says to a tee unless he can avoid hearing her order. He hides away to heal and to continue his research on how to break the geas when he stumbles upon a flyer for a concert. He attends and is mesmerized by the oung woman playing. Angry over the power she unconsciously wielded over him, he buys tickets to the rest of her concerts and follows her across the UK.
“The first strains raced after each other, like hawks lunging through the air…and all his emotional distance shredded. He didn’t welcome it. Part of him went into shock. That part of him hated it, hated her for doing it to him.
When he learns she has been kidnapped and taken to Avalon, he sneaks back over and is horrified to learn the extent of her torture. He places both their lives in danger by helping her survive and with each passing day, he falls more in love with her.
… he fell into her as inexorably as Icarus, who had flown too close to the sun.
I was very curious to see how Harrison would redeem Morgan. To recap, Morgan has been Isabeau’s enforcer for centuries. Insane and deadly, Isabeau has used Morgan’s magic against all the fae, especially the Dark Court. Harrison humanizes Morgan for us by creating an intimate connection with him and he goes from villian to hero pretty quick. We learn he is as much a victim as Sidonie. His aggression against the various Courts and the Wyrs are through no fault of his own and he suffers daily for everything he has done. His choices were taken from him a very long time ago. He burns for the chance at freedom and revenge for himself and those he lost but despairs at ever getting it.
He still felt passion, but long ago his passion had turned dark and tinged with crimson. It had died down to a single thread, a burning desire to destroy those who had laid waste to his homeland and had enslaved him. That had become his mission in life.
Harrison builds the perfect match for Morgan with Sidonie. Intelligent, strong, forthright, and clever, Sidonie is the bright star he never knew he needed. A child prodigy, music is both Sidonie’s freedom and prison. A lifetime of practicing and tours has left her socially awkward and OCD. She is most comfortable on stage or in her apartment. Her world is completely turned upside down by her kidnapping and torture. For the first time she is faced with her own mortality and it is eye-opening. Especially when she learns she is nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game.
“You’re perfect. You’re so perfect I couldn’t have found a better weapon if I had tried.”
Sidonie adapts as best she can, pushing aside her innate shyness as she grows stronger, bolder, and more educated to her circumstances. She also becomes a bit bloodthirsty which I thoroughly approved of.
“I want to rip her face off.”
Morgan and Sidonie’s connection is a powerful force felt from the beginning allows them to flourish and heal, even in their dire circumstances. The first time Morgan enters Sidonie’s cell, his need to protect and defend is brought roaring to the surface. He gives everything he has to her, over and over and over again, until she is able to stand on her own. Unable to give way his feelings for her another due to Isabeau’s jealous nature, their love becomes even more precious with each and every stolen moment.
“…taking his revenge against Isabeau and Modred was no longer enough. Destroying them for the sake of all the people Isabeau and Modred had killed so long ago was no longer enough. Now he was fighting for Sidonie’s sake.”
The intense and violent tinged storyline stays insulated around the protagonists and the setting. Harrison offers little in world building, choosing instead to elevate the characters, though she does firmly connect the series to the Elder Races with a cameo or two. Some dry humor helps to offset the darker nature of the storyline. The climax of the story is heart-wrenching but everyone knows every great love story must have its grand moment and Harrison pulls out all the stops for this one.
She became the music. She was the story, the vibration. She became the story of love, the notes written in kisses and caresses on her skin. She felt the symphony, the swelling highs in the lifts, and the terrible lows in the falls, and hope was the cruelest note of all, the devastation that came afterward, utterly intolerable.
Spellbinder is a swoon worthy romance that gives a man with no future the chance at a love for the ages. Harrison continues to enthrall readers with her larger than life characters and intense storylines that take readers on the paranormal adventure of a lifetime.
Grade: B+
October 28, 2017
I liked but didn't love this, although casting Morgan Le Fae as a man was an interesting tweak of the Camelot legend. Extra half star for the magical cleaning castle and laundry... wish I knew that spell for my place.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
July 20, 2017
I am loving this world & this book! Morgan was a tortured soul and I loved Sid too.
July 18, 2017
Wow. Spellbinder had me running a gamut of emotions. I was absolutely elated when I scored an arc, thrilled when I found out Morgan was the hero (I just knew there was more to him than we were being told) and a bit bummed when circumstances made it to where I could not start it as soon as it landed on my iPad. And yes, I was excited when I could FINALLY begin reading it.
It started out well, and I got a little thrill when it described the Djinn that popped into Sid’s concerts. I adore the Djinn and have since I met Khalil in Oracle’s Moon, a book within the Elder Races series. Then it happened. I never knew sweet little broken Puck would do something to make me so angry with him, but he did. His desperate play had me shouting at my iPad “Oh No, Puck, No!”.
Morgan won me completely over early on in the story. As we got more and more of his story and how truly evil Isabeau is, my heart broke. I loved Morgan. He was so very strong to not crack under the pressure of all that had been done to him. Ms. Harrison had an interesting/fascinating take on the story of Camelot and what brought it down.
What happened to Sid was horrid. She lost her entire world. After being kidnapped she did everything she was warned against and this did not end well for her. Broken both physically and mentally she imploded after being thrown in a dungeon and forgotten. This is when my frustration hit.
At this point of the story, I went from being happily immersed in a great story to feeling bogged down in a frustrating cyclic spiral. Sid was stuck in that horrid dungeon and Morgan’s situation began to feel more and more hopeless. I felt like I was in an inescapable lather, rinse, repeat cycle. In the midst of this, I realized how completely obtuse Sid could be. Holy cow, that woman just could not understand nor accept the phrase “It would be too dangerous to tell you”. I wanted to reach into my iPad and jackslap her to remind her of what was at stake.
I was now broken hearted for a whole other reason. A book I had longed to read was imploding in front of me. I even put it down and read another book. Finally, I girded my loins and dove back in. I knew no matter how I felt about this particular book, I would continue on with the series because usually Ms. Harrison’s books are freaking awesome. And that’s when the tide turned.
Things picked up, hope was restored, and I was rejoicing that I’d finally gotten out of that dark Dr. Seuss-ish useless waiting place that I found myself in for over 30% of the book. Finally, the four wheel drive of this particular book kicked in and traction not only was achieved, those wheels dug in and took me on the bumpy, thrilling ride I had been craving!
Spellbinder may have floundered a bit, but damn did it finish strong.
Rating: 3.5 The Waiting Place is No Place To Be Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It started out well, and I got a little thrill when it described the Djinn that popped into Sid’s concerts. I adore the Djinn and have since I met Khalil in Oracle’s Moon, a book within the Elder Races series. Then it happened. I never knew sweet little broken Puck would do something to make me so angry with him, but he did. His desperate play had me shouting at my iPad “Oh No, Puck, No!”.
Morgan won me completely over early on in the story. As we got more and more of his story and how truly evil Isabeau is, my heart broke. I loved Morgan. He was so very strong to not crack under the pressure of all that had been done to him. Ms. Harrison had an interesting/fascinating take on the story of Camelot and what brought it down.
What happened to Sid was horrid. She lost her entire world. After being kidnapped she did everything she was warned against and this did not end well for her. Broken both physically and mentally she imploded after being thrown in a dungeon and forgotten. This is when my frustration hit.
At this point of the story, I went from being happily immersed in a great story to feeling bogged down in a frustrating cyclic spiral. Sid was stuck in that horrid dungeon and Morgan’s situation began to feel more and more hopeless. I felt like I was in an inescapable lather, rinse, repeat cycle. In the midst of this, I realized how completely obtuse Sid could be. Holy cow, that woman just could not understand nor accept the phrase “It would be too dangerous to tell you”. I wanted to reach into my iPad and jackslap her to remind her of what was at stake.
I was now broken hearted for a whole other reason. A book I had longed to read was imploding in front of me. I even put it down and read another book. Finally, I girded my loins and dove back in. I knew no matter how I felt about this particular book, I would continue on with the series because usually Ms. Harrison’s books are freaking awesome. And that’s when the tide turned.
Things picked up, hope was restored, and I was rejoicing that I’d finally gotten out of that dark Dr. Seuss-ish useless waiting place that I found myself in for over 30% of the book. Finally, the four wheel drive of this particular book kicked in and traction not only was achieved, those wheels dug in and took me on the bumpy, thrilling ride I had been craving!
Spellbinder may have floundered a bit, but damn did it finish strong.
Rating: 3.5 The Waiting Place is No Place To Be Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 12, 2017
Thea Harrison shows once again why she is an auto read author for me with this latest in her Elder Races spin off trilogy. This is Morgan La Fae’s story and If you’ve loved to hate this guy in previous books, I have a feeling you will end up loving him every bit as much as I do by the time this book is done.
Morgan has done some very bad things, but they’re not really his fault. He has been under the hold of a powerful spell which forces him to obey the orders of Isabeau, the fae queen. Thankfully, as the story begins, an injury and a poorly worded command from the queen allows him a temporary escape. He plans to use that time researching the spell and the powerful artifact which allows Isabeau to wield it. What ends up happening, however, is that he comes across a wildly talented musician named Sidonie and begins attending concerts on her tour. Only, his attention gets noticed by the wrong person and Sid ends up paying the price.
She gets kidnapped by one of Morgan’s enemies and is delivered into Isabeau’s hands. The queen is a cruel mistress; Sid is badly injured in her custody and held prisoner. Despite his better judgment, Morgan turns himself into her lifeline, bringing her food, healing her, keeping her company. She doesn’t know who he is, but she slowly comes to care for the mystery man who shows her the only kindness she has seen in Avalon.
I loved how these two developed such a bond outside of any conventional means. Sid could not even see Morgan’s face when he came to visit her, because it was so dark in her cell. She only knew a whisper of his voice, his kind acts, and his strong arms. (*swoon*) He made no bones about the fact that he cannot be trusted, but she saw the man beneath all that. I love how she judges him for who he really is and not the things he could not control. I love how intuitive she is and how she goes with her gut.
For a bad guy, Morgan really is such a good man. I had no doubt he would slice open someone’s throat in a second, but every time he had to commit an act against his nature, it ate a little bit of his soul. I felt such compassion for him and it was easy to see how Sid would feel the same.
As always, Harrison delivers with good sexy times. There is a great buildup between the characters… such delicious tension. I was as ready for it as they were when it finally happened.
This book has great pacing, villains I love to hate, and a core romance the hit all my happy buttons. Even as this series continues to expand its world, it stays very accessible and inviting to me as a reader. I will happily continue coming back for more.
Rating: B+
*ARC provided by author
Morgan has done some very bad things, but they’re not really his fault. He has been under the hold of a powerful spell which forces him to obey the orders of Isabeau, the fae queen. Thankfully, as the story begins, an injury and a poorly worded command from the queen allows him a temporary escape. He plans to use that time researching the spell and the powerful artifact which allows Isabeau to wield it. What ends up happening, however, is that he comes across a wildly talented musician named Sidonie and begins attending concerts on her tour. Only, his attention gets noticed by the wrong person and Sid ends up paying the price.
She gets kidnapped by one of Morgan’s enemies and is delivered into Isabeau’s hands. The queen is a cruel mistress; Sid is badly injured in her custody and held prisoner. Despite his better judgment, Morgan turns himself into her lifeline, bringing her food, healing her, keeping her company. She doesn’t know who he is, but she slowly comes to care for the mystery man who shows her the only kindness she has seen in Avalon.
I loved how these two developed such a bond outside of any conventional means. Sid could not even see Morgan’s face when he came to visit her, because it was so dark in her cell. She only knew a whisper of his voice, his kind acts, and his strong arms. (*swoon*) He made no bones about the fact that he cannot be trusted, but she saw the man beneath all that. I love how she judges him for who he really is and not the things he could not control. I love how intuitive she is and how she goes with her gut.
For a bad guy, Morgan really is such a good man. I had no doubt he would slice open someone’s throat in a second, but every time he had to commit an act against his nature, it ate a little bit of his soul. I felt such compassion for him and it was easy to see how Sid would feel the same.
As always, Harrison delivers with good sexy times. There is a great buildup between the characters… such delicious tension. I was as ready for it as they were when it finally happened.
This book has great pacing, villains I love to hate, and a core romance the hit all my happy buttons. Even as this series continues to expand its world, it stays very accessible and inviting to me as a reader. I will happily continue coming back for more.
Rating: B+
*ARC provided by author
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