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Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic
Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation.
The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms.
Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?
The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms.
Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?
- GenresFantasy
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2020
15 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 21, 2021
This was such a good book, the language, the inventiveness, the plot, the characters- everything about it was so magical and special! There’s a sequel coming out soon too, so if you haven’t already read this one then I recommend you get your hands on it now so you are ready for when the sequel comes out! 💗
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November 22, 2020This was a great Saturday morning read for me. At only 88 pages it’s definitely one to finish in a single sitting. The book just oozes magic from page to page and brings alive both well known and unique mythologies in a short and snappy way 🌙
For me it felt like a fairytale, largely due to its length, the book is completely plot-driven and it made for a really interesting read. Authors Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett crafted a story that felt familiar in its premise: a hero sets out to save his father and encounters foes and friends along the way, but brought in plenty of creativity and excitement to keep the story pressing ahead and interesting.
I got a real understanding of the characters and would love to know more about witches living in the woods - but I’m just an absolute sucker for witches really.
So if you’re looking for a quick read that ticks a lot of those Fantasy boxes, has an intriguing casts of characters and potential for more stories to follow then Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss could be what you need.
For me it felt like a fairytale, largely due to its length, the book is completely plot-driven and it made for a really interesting read. Authors Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett crafted a story that felt familiar in its premise: a hero sets out to save his father and encounters foes and friends along the way, but brought in plenty of creativity and excitement to keep the story pressing ahead and interesting.
I got a real understanding of the characters and would love to know more about witches living in the woods - but I’m just an absolute sucker for witches really.
So if you’re looking for a quick read that ticks a lot of those Fantasy boxes, has an intriguing casts of characters and potential for more stories to follow then Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss could be what you need.
October 9, 2021
From the dedication, we can already feel the magic that awaits us in the book, and it hold an exciting promise of discovery which pulls us to continue reading the book at once, nice touch there, and the book starts off GREAT with powerful lessons that hit us full force with their depth and practicality, which sells us immediately towards the rest of the book and makes an AMAZING first impression. VERY well done.
The lessons keep coming and coming, simple lessons that enrich us and clear our minds with their poignant messages and truths in this AMAZING tale about a young man that is forced to ask the help of a witch that sends him on a voyage with a crow in order to be able to save his dad, but things aren’t as simple as they seem and it may be dangerous to trust a witch filled with darkness in her heart.
Although this a short and magical tale, Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss, is empowering to the core and I love how the authors use the soft narrative to deliver the plot while almost caressing us with the utter beauty of words. I cannot express how beautiful this book is! You feel LOVED and understood, you feel powerful and motivated, you feel like there is someone looking over you and pushing you. THIS IS AMAZING!
The chapters short, intense, gripping and full of soul, the imagery is solid, colourful and detailed, and I have to admit that this is one of best books I’ve read on the subject of magical things and fantasy, and the adventures and humour is always a bonus.
Kids will love this, adults will love this, teens will love this because this is soooo well written.
Real magic, on the sense of how it works, the tune and the power of our emotions, all of it wrapped in a story full of thrills and twists of destiny. Reading Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss and taking your eyes off the pages is a task onto itself, due to the quality of the narrative, the simplicity of the characters, the clues left here and there, the implications of danger and death, the romance between our main characters, the twists of fate and karma, the vengeance promised by old enemies and facing one’s own fear… it’s all so mesmerizing that it drags every ounce of your attention towards it.
“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a fantastic tale, that holds more truths than most care to believe and the magic we need in our lives.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND MAGICAL, this book is a gift of learning and healing. I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone. One of the best books I’ve read in my life. POWERFUL!
Pros:
EXCELLENT narrative
EXCELLENT plot
Easy to read storyline
GREAT and simple characters
A story for ALL ages
Motivating and thrilling
There are many truths told here that we easily forget
An ending that promises more
Cons:
It ends.
Lesson From The Book: “Love never dies”
Cover Score: 9.3/1o
Book Score: 9.2/10
Original review @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
The lessons keep coming and coming, simple lessons that enrich us and clear our minds with their poignant messages and truths in this AMAZING tale about a young man that is forced to ask the help of a witch that sends him on a voyage with a crow in order to be able to save his dad, but things aren’t as simple as they seem and it may be dangerous to trust a witch filled with darkness in her heart.
Although this a short and magical tale, Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss, is empowering to the core and I love how the authors use the soft narrative to deliver the plot while almost caressing us with the utter beauty of words. I cannot express how beautiful this book is! You feel LOVED and understood, you feel powerful and motivated, you feel like there is someone looking over you and pushing you. THIS IS AMAZING!
The chapters short, intense, gripping and full of soul, the imagery is solid, colourful and detailed, and I have to admit that this is one of best books I’ve read on the subject of magical things and fantasy, and the adventures and humour is always a bonus.
Kids will love this, adults will love this, teens will love this because this is soooo well written.
Real magic, on the sense of how it works, the tune and the power of our emotions, all of it wrapped in a story full of thrills and twists of destiny. Reading Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss and taking your eyes off the pages is a task onto itself, due to the quality of the narrative, the simplicity of the characters, the clues left here and there, the implications of danger and death, the romance between our main characters, the twists of fate and karma, the vengeance promised by old enemies and facing one’s own fear… it’s all so mesmerizing that it drags every ounce of your attention towards it.
“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a fantastic tale, that holds more truths than most care to believe and the magic we need in our lives.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND MAGICAL, this book is a gift of learning and healing. I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone. One of the best books I’ve read in my life. POWERFUL!
Pros:
EXCELLENT narrative
EXCELLENT plot
Easy to read storyline
GREAT and simple characters
A story for ALL ages
Motivating and thrilling
There are many truths told here that we easily forget
An ending that promises more
Cons:
It ends.
Lesson From The Book: “Love never dies”
Cover Score: 9.3/1o
Book Score: 9.2/10
Original review @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
January 29, 2021
Thank you to Lucid House Publishing for this magical gem.
I’m not a huge reader of fantasy or magic but this was wonderfully written with great illustrative prose that I was immediately hooked. It’s a short book, and I was able to read in during my lunch hour but I felt transported to the southern swamps of long ago filled with tales and folklore. The characters were well developed and contained depth, which sometimes is not done well with a book of this length. The end leaves you wanting more, perhaps there will be a continuation?
I’m not a huge reader of fantasy or magic but this was wonderfully written with great illustrative prose that I was immediately hooked. It’s a short book, and I was able to read in during my lunch hour but I felt transported to the southern swamps of long ago filled with tales and folklore. The characters were well developed and contained depth, which sometimes is not done well with a book of this length. The end leaves you wanting more, perhaps there will be a continuation?
January 31, 2021
Thank you to Lucid House Publishing for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
This whimsical read was an unexpected gem, filled with fantastical tales and magic, much like folklore of old. I thoroughly enjoyed this strange adventure and illustrative prose, combined with more serious themes that explored morals and the deeper meanings of life.
This is a quick read that is sure to entertain lovers of fables, magic, and fantasy.
This whimsical read was an unexpected gem, filled with fantastical tales and magic, much like folklore of old. I thoroughly enjoyed this strange adventure and illustrative prose, combined with more serious themes that explored morals and the deeper meanings of life.
This is a quick read that is sure to entertain lovers of fables, magic, and fantasy.
June 9, 2020
"Spellbound under the Spanish Moss" is by far one of my favorite books. The intriguing sequence of events which keep you anticipating and hungry for more, the diverse characters and the settings take you to a world of magic and dreams; it's a sweet escape from the harsh reality we live in. The significant messages that this book delivers are what we all relate to; from love to sacrifice, to willpower and so much more. What I also love about this book is that it focuses on women empowerment which is clearly highlighted in the strong female leading characters. And what can we say about the writing? Ah!!! It is absolutely beautiful and just breathtaking! This father-son written book should be on everyone's summer list of books to read. As a teacher, I will definitely recommend this book to my teenage students as well. Bravo Garretts!!
August 7, 2020
OMG!
This YA book is a must read for this summer. It has magic, shapeshifter, dreamcatchers that are half human and half spider, and etc.
It’s a story about a boy trying to save his father, and needs to get special ingredients for the witch to make a potion to save his father. 🔮 He needs to go and gather these ingredients into a magical place with a shapeshifter (Raven) who fall in love with each other. They also meet a friend along the way that we’ll do anything to save his new friends life’s.
The end was great. It can’t just end like that. What well happen to Samuel and Gareth? Well that one eye evil snake shapeshifter get his revenge?
Thank you, @lucidhousepublishing for the copy of #spellboundunderthespanishmoss and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next book? Is there going to be a second book? 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Everyone go and get a copy. It’s worth it I promise! ❤️
This YA book is a must read for this summer. It has magic, shapeshifter, dreamcatchers that are half human and half spider, and etc.
It’s a story about a boy trying to save his father, and needs to get special ingredients for the witch to make a potion to save his father. 🔮 He needs to go and gather these ingredients into a magical place with a shapeshifter (Raven) who fall in love with each other. They also meet a friend along the way that we’ll do anything to save his new friends life’s.
The end was great. It can’t just end like that. What well happen to Samuel and Gareth? Well that one eye evil snake shapeshifter get his revenge?
Thank you, @lucidhousepublishing for the copy of #spellboundunderthespanishmoss and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next book? Is there going to be a second book? 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Everyone go and get a copy. It’s worth it I promise! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
I finally got around to reading this story and I’m so glad I did. We could all use and escape from the world right now and the father/son duo behind Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss transported me to a magical place in the live oak covered scenery of coastal Georgia. The novel is short and I devoured it in one sitting with a few cups of coffee but the length is perfect for this story, and yes it leaves you wanting more. The characters are layered, flawed and real as you grow to know them, and the writing behind them is superb. The imagery of each setting and colorful characters they meet along the way will please readers of any age and activate the imagination of them all.
June 7, 2020
A fable with epic charm and glittering personality, Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is a whimsical allegory resplendent with plausible magic and universal truths. Prepare yourself to rip though this delightful joyride in one sitting. Wildly creative and shimmering with the allure of the hero’s journey, this gem of a story calls to your heart to dream… imagine… believe.
January 7, 2021
Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss was such a fun read! It was such an interesting adventure that included magic, shapeshifting, dream stealing, and so much more! All of the characters draw you in immediately. The flow of the story keeps you reading until before you know it you are almost done with the book.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous read!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous read!
September 29, 2020
I hadn't read YA fantasy since I did a big study of it decades ago. I was so pleasantly surprised with this easy and lovely read. I was engaged in the characters and the mystery. Loved Raven. Want to know what happens next.
June 5, 2021
‘Now you talk of fairytales again’
Georgia father and son authors Kevin and Connor Garrett bond literarily with SPELLBOUND UNDER THE SPANISH MOSS, but their individual careers in the writing field are impressive. Kevin is a travel writer and photographer who is widely published and exhibited. Connor is a freelance writer who has written travel, entertainment, and profile pieces, as well s the novel FALLING UP IN THE CITY OF ANGELS, poetry books, and self-help books. Combining this energy of two accomplished writers has resulted in a Young Adult novel that has not only earned awards, but also provides a very fine fantasy that is short enough (108 pages) for a quiet evening’s read.
Creating a mythological folktale set in the Blackwater Swamp of Georgia and suffusing that tale with both romance and the strange world of witches and paranormal aspects takes a keen sense of style: the Connors have it! The beautiful art by John Pearson adds significantly to this journey to an imaginary place. From the opening words this little novel sings: ’The wisest thing Gareth Greyfin’s father Samuel did for his son was to throw him into the shallows of the sea and let the boy believe he was in the deep. Gareth thrashed and panicked until his feet touched the sandy bottom. The boy stood shivering – not with cold but with sheer terror – with his head above the gently ebbing tide. “Fear drowns more than water,” his father told him. “You can feel it, but don’t let it choke you.” And with that entre the scenic and satisfying story unfolds.
The men share a synopsis of this brief but pungent tale: ‘Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation. The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms. Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?’
SPELLBOUND is one fine story, woven with a skene of beauty that allows the encounters of evil and dark magic, betrayal and sacrifice, romance and family to rise to new heights of entertainment. Yes, the book is intended for ‘young adults’ – but that audience can be simply a state of mind for all readers of all ages.
Georgia father and son authors Kevin and Connor Garrett bond literarily with SPELLBOUND UNDER THE SPANISH MOSS, but their individual careers in the writing field are impressive. Kevin is a travel writer and photographer who is widely published and exhibited. Connor is a freelance writer who has written travel, entertainment, and profile pieces, as well s the novel FALLING UP IN THE CITY OF ANGELS, poetry books, and self-help books. Combining this energy of two accomplished writers has resulted in a Young Adult novel that has not only earned awards, but also provides a very fine fantasy that is short enough (108 pages) for a quiet evening’s read.
Creating a mythological folktale set in the Blackwater Swamp of Georgia and suffusing that tale with both romance and the strange world of witches and paranormal aspects takes a keen sense of style: the Connors have it! The beautiful art by John Pearson adds significantly to this journey to an imaginary place. From the opening words this little novel sings: ’The wisest thing Gareth Greyfin’s father Samuel did for his son was to throw him into the shallows of the sea and let the boy believe he was in the deep. Gareth thrashed and panicked until his feet touched the sandy bottom. The boy stood shivering – not with cold but with sheer terror – with his head above the gently ebbing tide. “Fear drowns more than water,” his father told him. “You can feel it, but don’t let it choke you.” And with that entre the scenic and satisfying story unfolds.
The men share a synopsis of this brief but pungent tale: ‘Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation. The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms. Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?’
SPELLBOUND is one fine story, woven with a skene of beauty that allows the encounters of evil and dark magic, betrayal and sacrifice, romance and family to rise to new heights of entertainment. Yes, the book is intended for ‘young adults’ – but that audience can be simply a state of mind for all readers of all ages.
June 18, 2021
The Review
What a truly entertaining and incredibly written novel! The authors do a masterful job of bringing to life a wildly inventive and creative new fantasy and fairy-tale narrative, exploring the concept of finding magic and adventure in our lives while also highlighting the depths of bravery and love one will go to in order to save those that mean the most to them. Gareth is a memorable protagonist, acting as the gateway of the audience as they are thrust into this magical world. Rediscovering the magic and wonder of childhood in order to rescue his dying father speaks to the inner child within us all.
The theme of a child overcoming great odds to rescue a parent or sibling is well represented here and is one that I personally am a huge fan of in fantasy and sci-fi novels, (a longtime fan of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman, for example). Yet the greatest thing the authors do here is to balance the fantasy-level magic of a fairytale with the strong imagery that brings this adventure to life in the author’s minds, making for a truly engaging read.
The Verdict
An entertaining, short-yet thrilling deep-dive into magic and fairy-tales with a Southern twist, authors Connor and Kevin Garret’s “Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a must-read fantasy novel. The heartfelt emotion that goes into the protagonist’s journey blended with the incredible character development and fantasy themes make this a truly memorable adventure, and a book that fans of the genre will not be able to forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
What a truly entertaining and incredibly written novel! The authors do a masterful job of bringing to life a wildly inventive and creative new fantasy and fairy-tale narrative, exploring the concept of finding magic and adventure in our lives while also highlighting the depths of bravery and love one will go to in order to save those that mean the most to them. Gareth is a memorable protagonist, acting as the gateway of the audience as they are thrust into this magical world. Rediscovering the magic and wonder of childhood in order to rescue his dying father speaks to the inner child within us all.
The theme of a child overcoming great odds to rescue a parent or sibling is well represented here and is one that I personally am a huge fan of in fantasy and sci-fi novels, (a longtime fan of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman, for example). Yet the greatest thing the authors do here is to balance the fantasy-level magic of a fairytale with the strong imagery that brings this adventure to life in the author’s minds, making for a truly engaging read.
The Verdict
An entertaining, short-yet thrilling deep-dive into magic and fairy-tales with a Southern twist, authors Connor and Kevin Garret’s “Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a must-read fantasy novel. The heartfelt emotion that goes into the protagonist’s journey blended with the incredible character development and fantasy themes make this a truly memorable adventure, and a book that fans of the genre will not be able to forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
June 29, 2021
So I just got done reading this book "Spellbound under the Spanish Moss" by Connor Garrett and his father Mr. Kevin Garrett. Before reading this I stopped myself from trying to imagine what it could be about and just allowed their words to paint a picture in my mind as it slowly came to life. I cleared my mind of any feelings I may of had about knowing the authors so it did not conflict how I felt about this book. I finally recieved my copy in the mail today and just got done reading it.
Coming from someone like me who does not read as much as I would like it says a lot of how incredibly interesting this book was to grasp my attention for so long. Besides the beautiful artwork of the cover that you see, the words within are even more beautiful. A story that grasps your attention from the start and by the end it makes you wish there was more. I look forward to the sequels to come from this incredible tale of young man who goes through so much to save someone he loves.
From my own opinion the magic in which this book holds has no weight to the magic of the collaboration of a father and son. They not only bring this story to life, but they show the power of love that two creative minds have that when you put your heart and soul in to something that all you can do is make something great. I HIGHLY reccomend this book and look forward to seeing what comes in the future. Bravo gentlemen!
Coming from someone like me who does not read as much as I would like it says a lot of how incredibly interesting this book was to grasp my attention for so long. Besides the beautiful artwork of the cover that you see, the words within are even more beautiful. A story that grasps your attention from the start and by the end it makes you wish there was more. I look forward to the sequels to come from this incredible tale of young man who goes through so much to save someone he loves.
From my own opinion the magic in which this book holds has no weight to the magic of the collaboration of a father and son. They not only bring this story to life, but they show the power of love that two creative minds have that when you put your heart and soul in to something that all you can do is make something great. I HIGHLY reccomend this book and look forward to seeing what comes in the future. Bravo gentlemen!
July 29, 2022
This is the first book by these authors that I have read. The Garretts have a beautiful grasp of descriptive story telling. The scenes they set are, truly, spellbinding. I could hear the insects in the swamp and feel the warm breeze of the bayou as I read. As we follow the young Garreth and Raven through their adventures, the growing bond between them is infectious. Even the witch is written in such a way that the reader feels empathy for her, and she is not so much the villain as another soul caught up in the whirlwind of the joys and sorrows of life. The story is filled with adventure and emotion, as the two young people navigate through the deep waters of a budding romance that is tainted by both of their wishes to save their respective parents. At the end, I was left with a keen desire to know what was next for these intriguing characters. The only thing I could have wished for was that it was longer!
I would recommend this book to those who love magical tales of adventure in a coming-of-age setting, and rich descriptive scene-setting.
I would recommend this book to those who love magical tales of adventure in a coming-of-age setting, and rich descriptive scene-setting.
January 1, 2023
Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss by both Connor and Kevin Garrett is a phenomenal read. It reminded me so much of The Odessey. IN which the hero had to undergo so many journeys and survive just to get to the desired outcome. The story is dipped deeply into one mystery after the other. I find it so engaging. Gareth is a great character whose journey depicts so many themes, but he also grows as the plot continues. Lessons are learned. Secrets are discovered. Connor and Kevin Garrett write so well, I was lost within the book immediately. Their world of fiction is so compelling. It pops off the pages. Action, adventure, and drama all in one fantastic book!
I have received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I have received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
September 25, 2024
This novel has everything you expect and want from a fantasy tale and more. The world building is vivid and you are transported instantly.
It also has a high attention to detail of different flora and fauna located around the southern region of the United States. I love this aspect as it adds a real element into a world of magic. The characters are relatable and the story intertwines adventure with deep meanings we often overlook in our lives.
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
It also has a high attention to detail of different flora and fauna located around the southern region of the United States. I love this aspect as it adds a real element into a world of magic. The characters are relatable and the story intertwines adventure with deep meanings we often overlook in our lives.
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
January 24, 2024
I hope to see this turned into a series!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews