Review: Spellbreaker (Spellbreaker Duology #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg

Spellbreaker

(Spellbreaker Duology #1)

by Charlie N. Holmberg

November 1, 2020
303 pages

Goodreads Summary:

A world of enchanted injustice needs a disenchanting woman in the newest fantasy series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician.

The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.

Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.

For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?

Review

I had a feeling I'd love Spellbreaker after reading the first couple pages and I couldn't have been more right. Character-driven with curious mysteries and a unique magic system Spellbreaker drew me into its pages.

Using terms like alignment and aspecting my absolute favourite part of Spellbreaker was the magic. A vital part of the world, it was fleshed out and so very interesting. I especially loved the descriptive way the author wrote of Elsie's ability- like untangling knots. Whenever she was using her powers, I could visualize the physical act. Very neat! Elsie was surprisingly helpful with uncovering secrets and fighting crimes ;)

Elsie's selfless qualities were what I liked most about her. A competent worker, she was always helping others. Even if it meant doing things in the shadows, she did so without complaints. Elsie's past, however, proved to be elusive. I strongly suspect her background is intertwined with the overarching story. For Elsie's peace of mind, hopefully we'll get some answers soon.

Romance-wise, I rooted for Elsie and Bacchus. They couldn't have been farther apart in social standings but intellectually they were a perfect match. It was sweet watching them go from being wary to caring about each other. Society be damned because Elsie and Bacchus deserve a happily ever after. And preferably with each other please.

Featuring a special world with strong characters and a complex but fun magic system, Spellbreaker was an excellent read. I can't wait for the conclusion that resides in Spellmaker!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.