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Spellbinder (Spellbinder #1)
by
Melanie Rawn
Holly McClure has it all: beauty, success, a great apartment in Manhattan, good friends, and a very sexy new boyfriend. And one more thing…a very rare magical talent. Holly is a witch.
There is magic in the big city…literally. New York City has a small, and very discrete, population of witches and wizards and Holly is one of them, though she tries to keep magic out of her
There is magic in the big city…literally. New York City has a small, and very discrete, population of witches and wizards and Holly is one of them, though she tries to keep magic out of her
Paperback, 512 pages
Published
August 28th 2007
by Tor Fantasy
(first published 2006)
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Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
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1,136)
Jul 25, 2009
Darkpool
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
insomniacs
Shelves:
fantasy-sf
Ok, truth is I didn't finish this. I got bored with it. I got bored with long scenes that were packed with apparently pointless detail and dialogue. Yes, the lead characters ore totally smitten with each other (it's been 2 weeks since I stopped reading this, and I can't remember their names). Do we have to keep getting hit over the head with it? repeatedly? again and again? So back to the library it went, and I'm not even slightly interested in what happened.
May 11, 2008
Paula
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
modern fantasy lovers
Recommended to Paula by:
picked it myself!
Shelves:
2008-reads
If you pick up this title expecting it to be like her Fantasy series, you deserve to be disappointed (so stop giving it such a low rating). It got me hooked, despite the first chapter being a little too detail heavy. Melanie Rawn has written three fantasy series that I also re-read (Dragon Prince, Dragon Star, Exiles) and am waiting on the third in one series and getting a little p*ssed that she kept writing other stuff and not returning to this series. Finally decided to pick up one of these ex...more
This was a pretty outstandingly terrible book. I borrowed it in hopes - Melanie Rawn isn't a bad fantasy novelist. But her character here is a terrible Mary Sue, and not even an unusual or special Mary Sue - she's an Irishwoman, a Southern belle, and a famous fiction author who has a lot of money (and it gets ground into you that she has a lot of money, since the love interest is an alpha male who can't stand the fact that she makes more than he does). I kept feeling like this was a 1980s novel,...more
As the author herself acknowledges in her note at the end of the book, this story is very different from anything else she's ever written. Rawn has, up until now, always been more of a classic fantasy author, all her stories taking place in worlds very much not our own. This book does still have magic, but the setting is modern day, and as the subtitle suggests, the fantasy aspects are the real focus of the book.
I confess that I had very serious doubts about this book even before I picked it up,...more
I confess that I had very serious doubts about this book even before I picked it up,...more
I have to say that subtitle is quite accurate and I was very happy with this novel.
The main story is about Holly McClure, a spellbinder. Her very existence is a closely guarded secret because her blood can power spells or make spells even more powerful. She mostly avoids her heritage except when called upon by magical Magistrate (who is also a legal Judge). Her best friend (Susannah) introduces her to Evan Lachlan and it is not quite love at first sight, but damn close. Evan is a Federal Marsha...more
The main story is about Holly McClure, a spellbinder. Her very existence is a closely guarded secret because her blood can power spells or make spells even more powerful. She mostly avoids her heritage except when called upon by magical Magistrate (who is also a legal Judge). Her best friend (Susannah) introduces her to Evan Lachlan and it is not quite love at first sight, but damn close. Evan is a Federal Marsha...more
I'd have to say 4.5 stars. I wavered between 4 and 5.
Holly is a witch. Her powers are only mediocre, but her value is that a drop of her blood will make the spells cast by others way more powerful. She's valued within her Circle, but there are others who want her for darker purposes.
This book is subtitled "A Love Story With Magical Interruptions," and it is definitely a love story. Holly, who is a best-selling author of medieval biographies and historical fiction, meets Evan, an Irish federal...more
Holly is a witch. Her powers are only mediocre, but her value is that a drop of her blood will make the spells cast by others way more powerful. She's valued within her Circle, but there are others who want her for darker purposes.
This book is subtitled "A Love Story With Magical Interruptions," and it is definitely a love story. Holly, who is a best-selling author of medieval biographies and historical fiction, meets Evan, an Irish federal...more
Nice story, my first book by Melanie Rawn and certainly not my last.
It's my first book in which witchcraft was set in the modern era, since most fantasy "swords and sorcery" sorta have their own witchy "spells" to it.
Good characters, good development, believable situations and th ups and downs of a good romance novel mixed with... well, magical interruptions.
I liked it.
It's my first book in which witchcraft was set in the modern era, since most fantasy "swords and sorcery" sorta have their own witchy "spells" to it.
Good characters, good development, believable situations and th ups and downs of a good romance novel mixed with... well, magical interruptions.
I liked it.
This is a second read for me. I read it when it was new, remember liking it and looking forward to a sequel, and then it seemed nothing ever happened so I gave up. About a year ago, I came across the sequel in a Borders closing sale, but figured I needed to remind myself what happened in the first book before starting the second. I'm finally getting around to that. I still like it, but I can't say I loved it. I really like the characters and their interactions with each other, the witchcraft sce...more
I really enjoyed this book. It's extremely well written, with beautifully crafted characters. This was to be the first book of three, but according to TOR's website, book 3 was cancelled. Pffftttt!
This book is set in modern day, and introduces Holly McClure, a well known, published author who happens to be a Witch. She one of many, and she comes from a particularly strong line of Witches. It also introduces a parallel judge and jury system in place for witches. In a neat twist, one of the Witch...more
This book is set in modern day, and introduces Holly McClure, a well known, published author who happens to be a Witch. She one of many, and she comes from a particularly strong line of Witches. It also introduces a parallel judge and jury system in place for witches. In a neat twist, one of the Witch...more
I loved the dialog in this book; it seemed very natural and flowed well. I had an advanced reading copy so was distracted by some of the typos and mistakes that I'm sure got smoothed out in the official published copy, but they weren't enough to distract from my overall enjoyment of the book. At least not for long. The story revolves around modern witches, and combine romance with a bit of mystery and some good dashes of witchcraft. Melanie Rawn seems to have a good grasp of the scenario she's s...more
Jun 25, 2012
Galena
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance,
urban-paranormal
I picked this up from the library because I won another book of Melanie Rawn's and wanted to see how I liked her writing. And honestly, it wasn't bad in any respects, but it didn't WOW me. One of the two villains was just ridiculous (like the villains in half of Nora Roberts' books--cookie-cutter, one-dimensional, and you have no idea WHY they do what they do and what their motivations are. Just, oh they're a nutter and do bad things!) and that served a lot to lower my rating of the book. The wr...more
This is the first Melanie Rawn book I have read, and I enjoyed it. I gather from other reviews of this I've seen that it's a big departure from her other books, and older fans didn't care for the new direction, but since I didn't have any history that wasn't a problem for me.
This is a combination of action, romance, and magic and there is a good plot and character development. I was engaged with the characters, and I wanted to root for the good guys and find out what happened to them.
I would re...more
This is a combination of action, romance, and magic and there is a good plot and character development. I was engaged with the characters, and I wanted to root for the good guys and find out what happened to them.
I would re...more
darkpool's review pretty much hit the nail on the head for me:
Ok, truth is I didn't finish this. I got bored with it. I got bored with long scenes that were packed with apparently pointless detail and dialogue. Yes, the lead characters ore totally smitten with each other (it's been 2 weeks since I stopped reading this, and I can't remember their names). Do we have to keep getting hit over the head with it? repeatedly? again and again? So back to the library it went, and I'm not even slightly in...more
Ok, truth is I didn't finish this. I got bored with it. I got bored with long scenes that were packed with apparently pointless detail and dialogue. Yes, the lead characters ore totally smitten with each other (it's been 2 weeks since I stopped reading this, and I can't remember their names). Do we have to keep getting hit over the head with it? repeatedly? again and again? So back to the library it went, and I'm not even slightly in...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I am sure there is a good story here, but it is hard to find. Rawn's writing style is confusing, jumping from memories to present to dreams to thoughts to flashbacks, all without ever really developing the characters or plot. Not to mention that these little escapades take place in a font and type size that is very difficult to read. I skipped ahead a lot, waiting for something to happen and it never did. I rarely don't finish a book, but I kept picking this one up and putting it back down until...more
Melanie Rawn is one of my favorite authors.
That being said, I think that "Spellbinder" is not one of her best books. Though Rawn is an experienced and incredibly talented writer, she makes some amateur mistakes. The book is slow at many points, especially in the middle. It also feels as if Rawn is simply flaunting her knowledge on many subjects, which is not in and of itself a bad thing, but it is not subtly included but almost forced in the reader's face.
On the other hand: Rawn so carefully cr...more
That being said, I think that "Spellbinder" is not one of her best books. Though Rawn is an experienced and incredibly talented writer, she makes some amateur mistakes. The book is slow at many points, especially in the middle. It also feels as if Rawn is simply flaunting her knowledge on many subjects, which is not in and of itself a bad thing, but it is not subtly included but almost forced in the reader's face.
On the other hand: Rawn so carefully cr...more
Jun 11, 2012
Ithlilian
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paranormal-romance
Since this is mostly a love story, it is extremely important that I like the main characters. They are obviously the focus here, and I have to say, the male love interest rubbed me the wrong way from the start. For some reason authors continue to portray cops as chunky, stubborn, womanizing idiots, and this seems to be quite the same. Oh, and did I mention close minded and biased? Anyway, I certainly have no interest in Evan in this book, yet the main character is infatuated with him for some re...more
I honestly tried. Got about 3 chapters in, then I had to give up. The dialogue was really stilted and forced and boring and large mass of characters introduced in a short amount of time with no idea who the protagonist was and no clue who you were supposed to be rooting for and the jumpy plot from scene to scene to scene and the confusing relations between the characters -- too much. Gave up.
This was the first title I've read by this author, and I don't anticipate wanting to try any of her other...more
This was the first title I've read by this author, and I don't anticipate wanting to try any of her other...more
Given to me by my mother-in-law, I was a bit hesitant. It's urban fantasy (which I love) with some romance thrown in. Thinking it'd end up some being steamier than it was, I can honestly say I was a bit surprised. It's a love story, with magickal workings thrown in. The characters are well rounded and quirky, the plot kept me on my toes (even if I found it a bit slow to begin with), and totally engrossing (started it yesterday and finished in under a day). Some good quotes in this one that I'll...more
More needed to happen in this book. It seemed to focus more on general themes than on the story.
Almost every interesting event was glossed over in favor of fixation on the details of ritual or endless (and often pointless) talking and introspection. One chapter ended with a pretty exciting cliff hanger, and it was followed by a different pair of characters discussing the interconnectedness of New Yorkers. Talk about a disappointing transition!
Many of the main characters shared the same traits, a...more
Almost every interesting event was glossed over in favor of fixation on the details of ritual or endless (and often pointless) talking and introspection. One chapter ended with a pretty exciting cliff hanger, and it was followed by a different pair of characters discussing the interconnectedness of New Yorkers. Talk about a disappointing transition!
Many of the main characters shared the same traits, a...more
This was such a change of style. I like this book, I like the New York setting and characters - not everyone manages to write New York City in a way I can enjoy and believe.
The hero makes a decision (it would be spoiling to tell more) that I am not sure I agree with, but I really liked the way he made up his mind and his reasoning within the story.
Nice use of magic.
The hero makes a decision (it would be spoiling to tell more) that I am not sure I agree with, but I really liked the way he made up his mind and his reasoning within the story.
Nice use of magic.
This is the second time I've read this book. I swear DH bought it in hardcover, but he says we only read the first chapter or so in a bookstore. Nope. Read the whole thing. I'd forgotten how preachy it got at the end (and I'm not even talking about Rev. Fleming here).
Once again he put it down after about 2 chapters, but I plowed my way through it to the end.
The book is subtitled, "A Love Story with Magical Interruptions". Ok, nice tip of the hat there, but it's a bit too literal for me. The "ro...more
Once again he put it down after about 2 chapters, but I plowed my way through it to the end.
The book is subtitled, "A Love Story with Magical Interruptions". Ok, nice tip of the hat there, but it's a bit too literal for me. The "ro...more
I've enjoyed Melanie Rawn's two fantasy series (Dragon Prince and Exiles). This series is quite different and I remain a fan. Set in modern times, it chronicles the love story of a writer who also happens to be a witch. Eventually gets into some theological reflections on witchcraft, christianity and satanism which I found interesting to read.
Many years ago, in fact enough years ago that I really don't want to admit to them, I read Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince etc., and enjoyed them. This book's afterword explains why she took so long to write something new, depression can be ugly.
This is an interesting story of a group of magicians, the focus is Holly McClure, whose blood can "fix" spells and make them more potent. Her boyfriend and her coven have to fight evil in New York City, and it's an interesting mix. Yes, it has romance, but...more
This is an interesting story of a group of magicians, the focus is Holly McClure, whose blood can "fix" spells and make them more potent. Her boyfriend and her coven have to fight evil in New York City, and it's an interesting mix. Yes, it has romance, but...more
Sad to say, I'm giving up on this book halfway through. I really enjoyed Melanie Rawn's other books that I read a decade ago, but this...? *shakes head* It's like a first draft. Such incredibly clunky characters with what seems like over the top Mary Sue. Now worth finishing.
I just love Melanie Rawn, but this book didn't draw me in the way others have in the past. I was almost halfway through before I felt drawn into the story. I would still recommend this book, but if you are looking for a story to lose yourself in this isn't it.
I don't know what to say about this book. I really thought it would be great. Now I can't believe I wasted my time reading the 400 pages. It took me 2-1/2 weeks which shows I wasn't real motivated to read. It was very boring to read.
Nov 29, 2010
Michele bookloverforever
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paranormal-rom
this was a very good story with all the elements I like most: strong woman main character, man strong enough to accept and love the strong woman, conflict, resolution. Bad guys get theirs and good ones live happily ever after.
Apr 16, 2010
Kenya Wright
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
magic-and-witches
I like to read books to take a break from law school, but this book made me feel like I was reading a long supreme court case. Is it so much to get into to the freakin story around page 30 or so! I couldn't finish it.....
This was not terrible. :)
I enjoyed it quite a bit, although it got a bit murky in the middle. I am looking forward to the next installment. Although I must admit that I'd much rather read a new Dragon Prince book....
I enjoyed it quite a bit, although it got a bit murky in the middle. I am looking forward to the next installment. Although I must admit that I'd much rather read a new Dragon Prince book....
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Melanie Rawn received a BA in history from Scripps College and worked as a teacher and editor before becoming a writer.
She has been nominated for a Locus award on three separate occasions: in 1989 for Dragon Prince (in the first novel category), in 1994 for Skybowl (in the fantasy novel category), and again in 1995 for Ruins of Ambrai (in the fantasy novel category).
More about Melanie Rawn...
She has been nominated for a Locus award on three separate occasions: in 1989 for Dragon Prince (in the first novel category), in 1994 for Skybowl (in the fantasy novel category), and again in 1995 for Ruins of Ambrai (in the fantasy novel category).
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