This is a fantastic duology. (I heard rumors it could be expanded--please no, leave it alone.)

I loved the magic world and the story, but the romance was, well, written like a romance. You know, where it's totally obvious but she has to "does he, doesn't he" about his feelings for her. Despite that kind of slowing down the pacing, and then going breakneck to the end, I really enjoyed getting to know this world.

The continuing saga of a young woman with no family and an outlawed power. That changes when her friend offers her a choice. Now she can use her magic to find those who are out to hurt her and everyone else. It is always a pleasure to read Holmberg. Another "Can't put it down," offering.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/03/05/%f0%9f%8e%a7-spellmaker-by-charlie-n-holmberg/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from Publisher, NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

<strong>Spellmaker</strong> is the follow up to <strong>Spellbreaker</strong> and together they form a duology.   I loved <strong>Spellbreaker</strong> and was thrilled to read more in this world.  I would read these in order.  Luckily, the author does a very small bit of reviewing details, and in a natural way, so it is easy to get into the story even with time between reading them.

Elsie and Bacchus have come through a difficult siege and it is not finished.  The master who manipulated Ogden and also Elsie is still out there, scheming and gathering more power.  They must stop this threat or many more will die.  But they are still in danger, and the consequences are life-threatening.

Bacchus has finished his master test, but when Elsie is thrown in jail, he jumps in to save her.  Elsie is both happy to marry him but horrified she is ruining his life, as he could return to Barbados and marry anyone he wants.   Well he wants her, but they almost never have time to talk alone. When they do, they are both so caught up in problems, they don't communicate about their personal situation.  Sigh.  While they worked as a united team, I wanted them not to feel insecurities about the other person loving them.

We get the point of view of both Elsie and Bacchus, but it seems like more time with Elsie.  She is busy with training as a spellbreaker.  Bacchus is busy with setting up work as an aspector (spellmaker).  He discovers who placed the spell on him which drained him and who received his power for those years.   Both of them have very few they can trust.  I love these characters and at least they have a couple good friends, and make more as they work through their problems.

The big murder mystery storyline with its investigations and battles are wrapped up well.  Elsie and Bacchus also fully develop their relationship in this book.  There is information about their families and that is where I wanted more.  I've enjoyed this duology very much, and would be happy to read more in this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for this gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall I did enjoy this story, but I found there was a bit too much exposition for my liking. It seems a lot of readers have really enjoyed this book and the duology, so I may be in the minority with my thoughts.

I think maybe this story would have been more entertaining for me if it had been a standalone novel instead of stretching this story into a duology. To me, it didn't feel like there was enough content to really have two strong, standing installments.

Again, I did really like this story, the writing, and I found the characters likable and interesting, there was just too much unnecessary exposition for me.

Thank you to netgalley.com for providing me with a free copy of Spellmaker in exchange for an honest review.

I got the first book in this series from Amazon First read, and I was immediately captivated by it. I was very excited to read the sequel a month before it’s publication.

The book picks up after the reveal that the person who has been killing aspectors and stealing their opuses, (i.e., record of all the spells known that appears after death), and surreptitiously controlling Elsie’s use of her spellbreaking powers: is one in the same: a Master aspector Lily Merton. With Merton now missing, and with Elsie unable to explain how she knows who committed these crimes (as her own status as a unregistered spellbreaker is also against the law), Elsie must works with her friends (and her maybe something more) to stop Merton before she kills again.

Like the first book in this duology, this book combines historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and a bit of romance. I found the book fairly fast-paced (somewhere between medium and fast), which is not always the case for me with historical fiction. I am not typically a fan of novels set in Victorian times, although I think it worked for this series. This may be because Elsie is so resourceful and self-determined, despite her status as a poorer woman in Victorian society and is treated equitably by the men in her life. I really like Elsie, as well as the other characters in the novel. I was definitely rooting for her and Bacchus since the last book.

I like how magic operates in this world, and it’s connection to class (i.e., spellmaking can be learned and is thus primarily controlled by the rich who can afford the teaching whereas spellbreaking is something one is born with). However, I thought the book fell a bit short with addressing this connection. With it being a huge motivation in the plot, I would have hoped for something to change beyond the end of the novel.

I was also a bit disappointed in the buildup to the ending. All of a sudden I had about 20 pages left and it didn’t seem like everything could be resolved—I started to think maybe the series was a trilogy! I wish there was a bit more in the denouement, although overall I didn’t dislike the ending.

Overall I recommend this series and am hoping to jump into Holmberg’s other series The Paper Magician.

What a fantastic conclusion to this duology! While I enjoyed the first book in the series, the second book gripped me a lot more. With everything that was set up in Spellbreaker, such as the nefarious dealings of the Cowls, Bacchus and Elsie's budding relationship, and Elsie's desire to find her family, there is not a dull moment throughout the whole of Spellmaker. I found myself completely sucked in, picking it up in every spare moment just to see what happened next.

There will be spoilers coming up, so avert your eyes unless you've read the book.

Right off the bat, Elsie is arrested for being an unregistered spellbreaker, and to free her, Bacchus convinces the magistrate that they are engaged to be married. That's right, on top of the historical fantasy that we all know and love, there is also a pseudo-fake marriage trope that is absolutely to die for. There was also one really solid twist that was completely unexpected and felt like a total punch to the gut.

I am a sucker for a historical romance, and Bacchus and Elsie's relationship developed so beautifully from the first book. Elsie worries that Bacchus feels forced to marry her, but through Bacchus's perspective we see that this could not be further from the truth. Throughout this book, Elsie wrestles with unspoken fears that her newfound family, Bacchus, Ogden, and Emmeline, would eventually see how wretched she is and leave her. As someone who has been abandoned by her friends more often than not, I found these insecurities to be at once relatable and heartbreaking. I just want to give my girl Elsie a hug and tell her how much everyone loves and adores her.

This is such a small thing to point out, but I absolutely adored the inclusion of the enchanted pencil. For those of you that have read A Court of Thorns and Roses, it reminded me of when Feyre was learning to read and write, and her and Rhys would send notes back and forth to each other. And just know that, if I say something reminds me of A Court of Thorns and Roses, that is the highest form of praise. As for the enchanted pencil, not only did it allow for some really cute interactions between Bacchus and Elsie, it was also a really interesting way to show how one might use a spell to help their daily life. It was basically texting for the 19th century and I loved it.

I almost wish there was more of an explanation on how aspectors cast their spells. The way spellbreaking is described by Elsie, as untying a series of knots, helped me to picture the process in my head as it occurred. There is not much of a description on how spells are cast, however. We know that there are phrases attached to each spell, but does one merely speak the word, or is there an accompanying action that goes along with the spell itself?

I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced in Irene and Reggie (I'm excluding Raven from that list because technically we met him in Spellbreaker and he really was not in it enough for me to decide if I liked him or not). As someone who is typically skeptical of new characters, I was concerned that one or both of them would betray Elsie at some point, but I am so glad that they did not. My girl needs her faith in people restored and Reggie and Irene's loyalty will help with that.

Overall I think this was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I can see where some may think that Bacchus and Elsie's relationship developed too quickly, but for any romantics like me, their love story will be thoroughly enjoyable. The action is intense, the characters are all at their finest, the banter is electric, and the story will keep you hooked until the very end.

This action packed conclusion to the Spellmaker duology was filled with twists and revelations that made me really hooked! I'm a little bit sad that this is only a duology and not a trilogy, but it was also the perfect length so...I guess it's fine. 😂

There were a couple of things that happened that were a little bit cliche or that I'd seen in Holmberg's previous books, but overall it was a fantastic read.

This was a lovely, light read. I enjoyed the going relationship between Elsie and Bacchus and the gentle danger they are in. This is a quick read with engaging characters. The world of spell makers and spell breakers is one worth exploring more so I hope the author is up for a few more books with some of these characters in, Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book went in the direction I was expecting for there was more to the plot and magic system. While this book to me was a lot better, I was not hooked into the story or characters. The story was more interesting and had a lot more going on but I felt like it needed likable characters to help keep the readers connected with the story. Also, the climax of this book was very underwhelming. And the characters there was nothing special that made them unique or interesting. I also didn’t see really any character growth in this one especially in the main character. The ending of this book was similar to Spellbreaker in that it was very fast paced, and in this it felt rushed.

So it is no secret that I love Charlie's book. I honestly don't think there's been a book she's written yet that I haven't enjoyed. And this duology is no different. It takes place almost immediately following the events of the first book. Merton has been unmasked as the person behind all of the missing Opus. Ogden was under her spell but thanks to Elsie is now free. Events pick up right away with Elsie being thrown in jail for being an unregistered Spellbreaker, which could result in her death. In order to save her, Bacchus claims that she just found out and how does he know? Because they are engaged. YES - SHE DID THAT. So, while trying to find Merton to stop the deaths, Bacchus and Elsie need to prepare for a wedding for their "fake" engagement. I felt like this book took a different tone than the first one did. It focused a lot more on Bacchus and Elsie than the story, which I didn't mind. I absolutely devoured this story, but the pacing did feel a little slower than the first. It was more because the case was sprinkled in while more personal matters were being tended to. But Charlie has such a fantastic way of writing her characters that I really didn't mind the more personal parts of the story. Everything did come to an epic conclusion and I loved this world so much. The magic system was explored a little more and I'm glad that more of it was introduced in this book. It was fascinating to see how Ogden's powers work and how Spellbreakers really do play a big role in this society.

I love these characters so much. While I didn't feel a huge progression from Elsie, I still really enjoyed her character. She did a lot more self discovery in the first book, but in this one, she embraced herself a little more. Her powers didn't really evolve that much but I felt like this book focused more on her accepting herself than her powers. Bacchus is perfect for Elsie. There was also a lot more of self development from him. Since he isn't from London, his character had been more about blending in but this book gave him a different feel. It was clear to see the influence Elsie had on him and how much more he embraced his heritage in the open than the first book. While there wasn't so much development in this book I really liked how their powers were more present. It was great to see how Ogden's real magic worked. And in the end, to see the true strength of Bacchus - this really made the book fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg was fantastic book. This duology was so much fun to read and I absolutely loved the world. I felt like some of the major plot from the first book took a backseat to the personal plots of the story, but I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the characters relationships develop more but it did cause a little bit of pacing issues. While the first book flowed seamlessly, this one didn't have that same rhythm. I still devoured the book and enjoyed every aspect of it, but I could see how that might cause trouble for some readers. However, these characters are just amazing. I love reading about Elsie more, and her acceptance of herself was becoming more clear. Bacchus was just utterly amazing. But I really enjoyed reading more about the magic and seeing these characters utilize this wonderful system that Charlie has created. I highly recommend this book, and series, if you enjoy magic, hunting the bad guy, and slow burn romances.

Nice conclusion to the new duology from Charlie Holmberg that comes out next week! I have never read a Holmberg book that didn't keep my attention from page one. Many a time I have actually found myself cracking a novel open at breakfast, and then it's time for dinner and I haven't moved from my chair.

I am simply sticking with a rating of nice, though, because I felt like there was more story to eek out. Not necessarily an entire third novel, but there were some details I really missed. First Holmberg conclusion I wasn't really satisfied with.

Despite the missing finer points, the escapades of Elsie Camden are exactly the light, fluffy read when I want to be entertained. They are light-hearted but moving. There is some romance, but it's not saucy or loud. The magic system is intricate and completely fascinating. Bacchus, Ogden, Emmeline, et al, are completely charming. The villain is villainous. It all works the way it should in an alternate Victorian novel.

I'll be ordering my copy for sure and highly recommend everyone else do so as well.

Spellmaker is the second of the Spellbreaker duology, and it complements the first pretty well. It develops on what was left vague in the first book, while also being a fairly intriguing romantic historical fantasy-mystery (wow, that’s a mashup) in its own right. It did take a bit to get back into the swing of things, as it has been a little while since reading the last one, but once I did, I was pretty happy.

The magic feels a bit more developed in this one, being an element that was fleshed out a bit more this time around. And it was fun to see more quirky world-building aspects, seamlessly blending alt-history with the fantasy.

The romance between Bacchus and Elsie feels more prominent this time around, with that sense of push-and-pull, “will-they, won’t-they.” They both doubt their relationship will work, but seeing them come to a happy conclusion was well worth it.

The supporting characters are also interesting, especially new characters Irene and the Raven, and despite this very much being the best place to end with Elise and Bacchus’s story arc, I hope Holmberg continues within this world and explores it further.

I liked this story overall, and will try to go back and read some of her previous work. And if you’re looking for a fun historical fantasy series to read, I think you should try this one.

i truly wanted to enjoy this one. but i could not connect to the characters at all and just did not feel invested in the story. a lot of others seem to love this though, so i might be the odd one out!

4 1/2 ⭐️‘s

What a great duology!! Characters were like able and real - story felt unique and different - but with a touch of all things I love - magic, chemistry, what makes you a family.

You can’t help but root for Elsie and Bachhus in this as they navigate through and eventually find out what is truly happening and how to stop it. Fun twists and turns - when you least expect it - but an ending that feels complete - although I can’t help but want more from EVERYONE’s story!

I wanted to like this book. I could not get into it at all. The writing was good but it moved slow. I was able to finish but was not that interested. I think I will return to it again in a few years and give it another try.

This was an excellent sequel to Spellbreaker!!! I fell in love with Charlie Holmbergs world building style in the first book and was super excited to get a copy of the sequel from NetGalley and the publisher. There needs to be a 3rd book!!! Even though I felt like this was a nice conclusion to Elsie’s story, I really want more! I can see this as a movie or a show. I loved all the detailed descriptions of the magic! Made me feel like I could be a magician too. Excellent read that I finished in 2 sittings.

3 stars.
Spoilers ahead!
If you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely like this book. It is very similar to most of Holmbergs books.
What I enjoyed the most:
1. The magic system. We learn more about spell breaking in this book. It is a very cool and original system.
2.I enjoyed the pacing, it moved along quite quickly. So it was a nice fast read.

But I had some major problems with certain aspects:
1. The lack of communication trope. All the emotional drama that elsie and bacchus end up having could (and eventually is) solved with essentially one conversation.
2. The villain. I feel like this is an okay effort towards a gray villain but really falls flat for me.
3. Instalove and lack of physical intamacy. They get married in 3 weeks. Like what! Holmberg writes clean novels, all of them are, and while it was successful in her books like Paper Magician, I don't think it works in Spellmaker. I was left wanting. Their relationship is so fast and they spend a lot of time apart in those few weeks so to not even have much physical connection (even just like more kissing or hand holding or something) it makes their relationship feel so empty.

Ultimately, this is a fast paced clean sequel to Spellbreaker. Anyone who enjoyed spellbreaker is certain to like the conclusion!

Spellmaker is the action-packed conclusion to the Spellbreaker dulogy by Charlie N. Holmberg.

What I loved most of all about this story is the magic and the system that governs it. Some people make magic (cast spells), and they have to specialize in one particular area, such as physical, rational, spiritual, etc.… Other people can break spells by pulling on the threads of the magic and unraveling it. Spellmakers and Spellbreakers are governed by a mystical body and can be jailed, or worse if they do not abide by their rules. The only issue I had was that I needed a glossary at the end of the novel, as many vocabulary words are foreign to me, such as Opus. An Opus is essential in this world of magic, and I never did catch what it was specifically, which was a bit trying for me. Still, I loved the complexities and attention to detail that went into creating this very imaginative magical system.

I also loved the setting, which is the end of the Victorian period England – a time when proper etiquette and decorum generated by the class structure was of paramount importance. In this story, magic people registered with the atheneum (the magical communities regulatory board) were of a high social class denoted by the title Master. What I particularly loved, though, is that men and women are given that title and treated with an equal amount of respect for having it. During a period in history when women were considered the lesser gender in society, the magical community showed no distinction.

Elsie Camden is the main character and my favorite in the story by far. She is an unregistered Spellbreaker who is self-taught and believes she does side spellbreaking jobs for the greater good. She is smart, quick, and champions all that is right and good in the world. Her heart is pure and not jaded by her early separation from her parents. Her life and her personality are complicated, but Elsie remains steadfast and true through all the adversaries.

The tone and pace are relatively light and quick, with the plot progressing through the many action scenes created by magic. The pages just fly by with each spell that is cast or undone until the outcome is decided.
Someone is threatening the very existence of the magical community. Elsie is the only one who can put all the pieces together to figure out who is behind it and trap him or her – not kill, mind you because that is not even a thought for Elsie, but a life in a magical prison is definitely warranted in her mind.

If you enjoy historical fiction set in the Victorian era and love a complex magical system, you will absolutely adore this duology by Charlie N. Holmberg.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for this eARC that I received in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I failed to connect to the writing style, so I found myself reaching for distractions when I was reading. I found the theme interesting, but could not connect to the book (the same thing happened with the first one).

I see a lot of readers thoroughly enjoying this books, but it is not for me.

The conclusion to SPELLBREAKER, by Charlie N Holmberg, SPELLMAKER is a satisfying conclusion to an imaginative tale.
Opened ended, Holmberg left the world available to play-in come the future.

While all major plot points were solved, the main focus was on the romance rather than the mystery, which was quickly resolved in a convenient package. Loveable characters old and new join in on the adventures, with quite a few shockingly fun twists.
3.5/5