the story itself is interesting with how it handles regency magic involving magic tied to the land titles and the difference of what a mage is. We are significantly more involved in the war against Napoleon and Lizzie is forced into marriage with Darcy because of their magics compatibility. This makes the dynamic of the couple shift a lot and while they are still butting heads and still have that slow burn, it didn't quite hit as hard as the original story does for me. I did like the diverse additions to the cast and the fact that Lizzie's best language other than English is Arabic given her associations growing up. I loved the plot involving dragons especially but the story feels like it ends before we got to the meat of things. Granted, this is book one so I'm invested enough that I want to see what happens.

A Pride and Prejudice variation where magic and dragons exist is Regency England.

With the threat of Napoleon rising ever higher, Darcy is grasping at straws after being given a secret mission to defeat Napoleon, when he learns that miss Elizabeth Bennet is not only a great Talent herself but can also compatibly entwine her magic with his. Spurred by both his admiration for her, he makes an offer for her hand, determined that their union will strenthen his magic and ties to land to help him complete his mission. But marriage would mean Elizabeth losing her own ties to the land and leaving everyone she knows and loves behind.

I loved this combo of magic, danger, mystery, dragons and Regency England. Abigail had outdone herself again!

Taking place during the Regency Period of English history, the war with Napoleon is being fiercely fought. The sides are fairly matched for troops, and war mages. War, as always, takes a toll but England is determined to win. Suddenly, Napoleon is winning more and more battles – it seems he has a secret weapon. Somehow, the French have found and can control dragons. If England can't quickly come up with a way to overcome the dragons they will lose the war and their country.

The English government has a plan and several powerful mages have been recruited to carry the plan out. However, there's a bit of a problem. While there are many mages with the power and the skills necessary to succeed, there isn't the person chosen who must maintain the required spell for the duration of infiltration--failure is not an option. (We all know failure is always an option but in this case that leads to devastating results.) /P>

Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley is a landed mage and he has been training in secret with his friend and fellow mage, Charles Bingley at his leased estate of Netherfield. Darcy is improving but not enough to be sure he could succeed and if he fails there will be no second changes.

Elizabeth Bennet has exceptional skill working with the magic available to her via her connection to Longbourn's land. Land that has been in a family for years is a source of magic for those living there--usually the estate owners and their family. Normally, the most powerful user is the master and the heir. Elizabeth is neither, yet she is very powerful. Darcy learns of her power when she inadvertently interacts with one of his spells. Knowing married couples often can share their power with their spouse, Darcy is determined they will marry.

Elizabeth is determined she will not marry him, a person she doesn't know or even like, refusing consistently until she learns the truth of the status of the war effort. To save her homeland and the people she cares for she agrees.

Darcy and Elizabeth must learn to work together. Problems are bound to happen as Darcy uses her as a tool to help him succeed. She, on the other hand, is giving up her family and her connection to the land she's lived on all her life, and there is no guarantee that she'll ever feel a connection to the land at Pemberley. Elizabeth is giving up her hope for a marriage based on love for one of cold convenience.

Their struggles are not just the personal ones of any couple trying to learn to live together. The estate is large, the pressure to perfect the spell he will use is a daily struggle. Elizabeth is determined to fit in and become a part of this estate when no one seems to be willing to accept her. Her determination to help, matched with his determination to ignore her suggestions, doesn't help.

The magical system is amazingly comprehensive and coherent. It is based on many myths and stories that most readers of fantasy have some familiarity due to folk tales, fairy tales, and legends. The world works. The societal issues of the time period also play a part--mostly causing undue stress and misunderstandings.

All in all, I totally enjoyed the story. I'm a fan of the works of Jane Austen and of the authors who manage to tell a convincing and entertaining story using the characters Austen created. I was not disappointed--there's angst, tears, surprising discoveries, and dragons. What more could you ask for?

Take a chance, you might be surprised and find a new subgenre to explore.

3.25 stars

Thank you to the publisher for letting me get an ARC of this.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth as well as the world building. I liked how the magic was woven together with the time period.

Like I mentioned I quite enjoyed this up to the 50% mark when I sort of felt like things were rushing and like the author just wanted to get through that part and move on. Following that I felt like the book became a bit long winded and as though the author didn’t quite know what they wanted.

All in all this wasn’t a bad book, but I feel like some more polishing and tightening of the plot and writing would have benefited it.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. This was a cute alternate history fantasy filler version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This was a decent story not any huge flaws but also nothing that knocked my socks off either. This is meant to have a continuation, but I’m not pressed to go find it to read. This could definitely be someone’s cup of tea. I gave this three stars.

This is the book that I have needed!!!! A magical retelling of Pride and Prejudice!!! This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait for the next 2 books to come out!! I tore through this book in a couple of hours!!! I absolutely loved this!!! This is a must read!
5 star read for me

I am always up for a good Pride and Prejudice variation. This one was a bit more unique, told in the backdrop of a world filled with fantasy and intrigue, which made it an utterly enchanting read! In this variation, Mr. Darcy is a well-trained mage with a secret mission England is counting on him for. But he is having some trouble with his magic and when he meets Elizabeth, she seems to have certain talents that he is in need of to help make his mission a success. A forced match of convenience brings them together and they work together to figure things out against stakes that are high and stacked against them.
This was quite an intriguing story set in the fantasy world with beloved and familiar characters. I enjoyed this magical rendition of an all-time classic and look forward to reading more.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I have mixed feelings about Spellbound at Pemberley. I enjoyed the plot and world, but the execution left me wanting more from it.

Reynolds created an interesting world with political intrigue dealing with Napolean's war and a unique magic system that ties users to their land. I liked the plot and was interested to see how everything would turn out.

My main complaint is that the characters and dialogue both fell flat. They didn't feel like Elizabeth and Darcy, and I wonder if the author would have had more success creating completely new characters considering that the plot diverges from that of Pride and Prejudice very quickly. Honestly, other than the ability to reach readers by marketing this as a P&P variation, I couldn't figure out why this wasn't just its own story. I feel everything would have come more to life if the author had stepped outside of the bounds of P&P.

It's an easy read with a straightforward writing style, which I think a lot of readers will appreciate. It just wasn't completely for me.

What could be more enchanting than Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? That would be having P&P dropped into an alternate historical fantasy world full of intrigue, mysteries, and two people bound together in purpose that is not love. Though yes, love, like magic, finds a way. I want so many more books in this world.

I have been a Pride and Prejudice fan since I was a child so I’m always interested in different takes on the story. Having the world of Darcy and Lizzie mixed with magic was an unexpected surprise and one I was a bit unsure about. I shouldn’t have worried as Abigail Reynolds’s told the story masterfully. She kept true to the bones of the story and the characters personalities and yet built a rich world of magic around it. Having the historical time frame at the forefront of the story was super interesting and gave the story more urgency. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I eagerly anticipate the sequel.

I really loved this book. It was fun to read such a different take on a classic novel. Pride and Prejudice is my favourite novel and I admit I was sceptical when I started reading this book, but I soon discovered that the chemistry of the characters was the same as in the old classic but the fantasy approach made the writing feel modern too. Wonderful descriptions, witty dialogues and all in all, a very entetaining book.
I will definitely recommend it to others.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a girl in love with Pride & Prejudice, must be in want of fanfiction and variations.

I was intrigued by the premise of our surly Mr. Darcy being able to do magic, and him bonding with the practical yet eager to learn Lizzie over their shared abilities. What I got though, was them working together for exactly one chapter followed by quite a few communication gaps and ego clashes (although what is P&P without a good ego clash?)

The stakes are amped up, there's war at the door, a deadline to be met and a far deadlier and unimaginable threat looming, which provided much needed substance to the plot. Yet, I was unable to connect with Lizzie or Darcy despite them being characters who already have my heart. There are also some quite substantial tweaks to the supporting characters, which I found added to the story quite nicely.

Despite the various inconsistencies in characterization, I did enjoy reading the book.

"Spellbound at Pemberley" by Abigail Reynolds is a captivating fusion of romance and fantasy set in the world of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Reynolds masterfully combines Austen's charm with magical elements, creating a spellbinding tale that transports readers into a world of mystery and enchantment.

From the first page, I was drawn into the story, captivated by Reynolds' elegant prose and inventive plot. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy unfolds with all the wit and passion of Austen's original characters but with the added intrigue of magical forces at play.

"Spellbound at Pemberley" is a delightful read that will enchant fans of both Austen and fantasy alike. With its seamless blend of romance, magic, and historical fiction, it's a book that will leave you utterly spellbound. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh and imaginative twist on a beloved classic.

I like Pride and Prejudice but this was too far into the fantasy world for me. Not my cup of tea but if you want a classic that is more fantasy than classic this would be a good choice.

This enchanting reimagining of Jane Austen's timeless classic, "Spellbound at Pemberley" introduces us to a world where the familiar trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters unfold amidst the backdrop of magical intrigue. At the heart of this novel is the dynamic and evolving relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, both of whom are endowed with magical talents that set them apart from their peers.

Elizabeth Bennet, our beloved and spirited protagonist, discovers that her magical talent that resonates deeply with the mystic energies of the world around her is much more then she ever believed it could be. This talent, though nascent, draws her into a realm of wonder she never knew existed, simultaneously opening her eyes to the complexities of society and the nature of true power.

Mr. Darcy, reimagined here as a formidable and respected mage, initially actually appears more approachable and much more sensitive. His mastery over the arcane is inherited, due to his genealogy, yet it is his very power that isolates him from others. His magic causing pain and rejection to others with talent, except for Elizabeth, which plays into their initial interactions! Darcy's magic is a reflection of his character: powerful, controlled, and often misunderstood. It is only when Elizabeth's unique magic interacts with his own that the icy barriers around his heart begin to melt, revealing the passionate and loyal man beneath.

The magic in this retelling adds a thrilling layer of complexity to the social engagements, balls, and intimate conversations familiar to fans of the original. The societal divisions of Regency England are further complicated by the division between those with magical abilities and those without, mirroring and magnifying the themes of class and social mobility found in Austen's work. The magical elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story's themes of love, family, and personal growth without overshadowing them.

Abigail Reynolds has done a remarkable job of preserving the essence of the original characters while granting them new life through their magical abilities. The evolving relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is as captivating as ever, enriched by the intriguing dynamics of their compatible magics. Their journey to respect and love is beautifully rendered, with each magical encounter deepening their connection and understanding of each other.

I really enjoyed this book, I am a true lover of all things Austin, and Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorites. This book pays homage to Austen's original while inviting readers to experience the beloved story in an entirely new light. For fans of the original Pride and Prejudice, this novel offers a refreshing and magical twist on the classic, retaining the charm and wit of Austen's writing while introducing elements of wonder and enchantment. It is a delightful read that both honors and innovates, sure to enchant both Austen aficionados and newcomers to her work. 4.5 well deserved stars!

I loved this book! I was rather surprised. I picked it up to read at a time when I was pretty stressed, but getting ready to travel. It kept me occupied during my entire (unpleasant) flight, and I couldn't wait to find more free time to finish it. I even plan on buying the next book.

What I loved: An Austen adaptation that was sufficiently different to stand out, but true in many ways to the characters. A fantasy. Dragons. Darcy.

What I didn't love: That I MUST read the next book and it isn't out yet.

Thanks Netgalley and publishers for this free e-arc!

Spellbound at Pemberley is a classic meets fantasy. It includes the beloved characters of Pride & Prejudice, while introducing magic and dragons.

The book starts with Elizabeth visiting Netherfield, because of Jane’s illness, so I did feel like the book was starting in the middle of a story. Darcy and Elizabeth start their relationship along the same lines as in P&P, but with magic introduced in their relationship. I did like the way the banter and tension of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship is carried over into this book.

For me, the book picked up once Darcy and Elizabeth are married. At this point, there is not much interaction with Elizabeth’s family other than mentions of letters from her sisters. It starts to focus more on Darcy’s mission for the war and secrets being revealed to Elizabeth about her magic, that had been kept to protect her family.

Some parts of the book move a little fast, but I thought it was written well. I really loved the interaction with the dragons and I am looking forward to how they assist in the fight against Napoleon in the second book. I also want to learn more about Georgiana. There are some unanswered questions about her character and I am interested to see how it plays out once she comes to visit Elizabeth at Pemberley.

This was definitely an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you White Soup Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I quite enjoyed this magical rendition of Pride and Prejudice. I found the development of the characters and their love story cute and fun. I loved the magic systems within the book. I am excited to read the 2nd book to see where their story leads.

I give it 3.5-4 stars. This was an okay read. It was quick paced. I was more invested after the midway point. I do believe the next book will be better with more to happen than this book. This was a good first book of the series though.

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books so I loved the magical element to this book! It was fun and original while still referencing a classic.