Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The idea behind this book - that fairy tales manifest themselves in one small town and everyone has to find their role - sounds like someone who wants to re-write the first season of Once Upon A Time. I’m not mad at it (although I would argue it is the only good season of that show so maybe this is an alt version?). Either way, it did not succeed.

I repeatedly had to keep checking if this was the second book in the series and maybe I missed the first one with all the worldbuilding - but no. The main character was learning everything but it felt like we were ten steps behind the whole time: the juxtaposition between plot and exposition was off.

Overall I was very disappointed by this book - even with the heavy trigger warnings (which were not presented on NetGalley), the book still felt very juvenile. I feel this is a sturdy first draft - more revision is needed.

Spell Borne is MAGNIFICENT! 4 STARS for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will say this book is very well written and immediately had me captivated. In the beginning we start with a point of view I wasn't so sure of, but I'm glad I hung on because this booked WOWED me in so many ways. It's a great fantasy, good story build, and interesting characters. Did give me a little bit of Twilight vibes RIGHT AT FIRST, BUT quickly my mind was changed and I realized how great of a fantasy this book is on it's own. Can't wait to read more from Auden Llyr.

I'm very grateful to have been gifted this copy by NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

Spell Borne by Auden Lyr starts really strongly. With an intriguing concept and engaging FMC, you get pulled into the story quickly. The author has clearly done a huge amount of research and that really reflects in the book. The trigger warnings were also appreciated.

It did feel like the beginning and epilogue of the book could have been a different story altogether from what was actually told. The concept and storyline were original and fresh, however could have been executed better. The dialogue felt very wooden at times, some of the plot points felt unnecessary and confusing, and after the intro was quite slow moving.
It was good to read a new take on fairytales, but would benefit from some different editing it.

Thank you NetGalley for early access to this book! (*Vague spoilers ahead)
I thought this was an entertaining read. The world that the author creates is definitely a unique concept. I feel like around the middle to early end of the book there were way too many storyline elements going on. It made it hard for me to go back and pick it up again at some points. And while I enjoyed the ending I feel like there could have been more interactions between the love interests throughout the rest of the book. There’s a large portion in the middle and end where you don’t even see or hear the final love interest. But I’m excited to see this author tell more tales from this world! This concept has so many places it can go!

The beginning was one that dropped you in and I actually felt like I must have missed a chapter. It did catch you up in a few chapters. I didn't love it. The ending felt rushed a little. It wasn't what I expected and I think it just wasn't for me.

Didn't like it. For me, the utilisation of fairy tales was good, but some of the chapters/scenes were not connected; like the situations were written one after the other without transition or link. I think the temper of the heroin was a little inconstant. I wish the dynamic beetween Henry and Paulo were better.

I would not recommand it to a fantasy public, maybe a romance public.
Unfortunately it dind't catch on me.

3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Notes:
● chapter 18 may be triggering (SA)
● I'm obsessed
● took me a little longer than I would like to get the hang of the lore but all things considered that isn't a big problem

Positives:
● The prologue, 100% had me hooked on the first page.
● The main character (so far in chapter 2) is so intriguing and likeable so far
● The author is actually making their characters make decisions
● Absolutely LOVE how the author is explaining the lore & history of the world in a way that does feel authentic and not info dumped
● very detailed
● I really like Kella as a character but I also really like the friendship that has formed between her and Loren

Negatives:
● I didn't realise the time setting until partway through chapter 11 (2009)

Overall, I did enjoy this story. It was very different from what I was anticipating, though.
I expected there to be more clarity about the fairytale Loren was a part of, but the whole magical process was very interesting.

I was not expecting some of the plot twists and things that occurred (make sure to check TW).

I guess I was expecting more of a love story, and I was a bit disappointed.

If you are looking for a unique fairytale retelling, and are okay without a huge amount of romance, you should check out Spell Borne!

not entirely sure where to start on this review. My first point is that i appreciate that the author included a list of trigger warning for this book at it is very much needed. I can handle a lot in a novel but one of the main reasons i read fantasy as opposed to thrillers, true crime, or lit fic, is that i don't have to deal with on page scene like the SA scene in this book, I don't feel that it was necessary to the story at all and it was extremely jarring in the middle of the book. it really set a weird tone for the rest of the novel. That being said the premise of this book is brilliant and i think that it lost a lot with the execution. The book is way too long. There is a serious bog down in that really contributed nothing to the story line, and had me setting it down several times. i Think that there would have been some benefit to having multipole POV in this story. all in all i think that is book really could have used some additional beta a editing before it was launched as it just did not work for me the way i was really hoping that it would.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 25%. I liked the idea, bur I couldn't get into the story or enjoy the characters

Spell Borne - Lointaine Fairy Tales #1 - Review

Couple: Loren & Connor

Author: Auden Llyr

Tropes: fairytale retelling, mystical, friends to lovers, small town

Review: This is the first. Book by Auden Llyr and it is something to read! It is a huge twist on a classic fairy tale retellings and the spins it takes is new and exciting.

The books centers around the town of Lointaine and is written from Loren’s POV. As the plot thickens, we learn that a select few of the town are classified as Princes or Princesses and they each have to complete a “story quest” of face the ramifications.

I enjoyed Loren in this book because while rebellious she also learns a lot about herself in this book. I felt like the twist with the classic fairy tales and the inclusion of other tellings of them made the book deeper and more intriguing.

The book focuses on Loren and her quest she must complete. I enjoyed Connor’s character and the intense help he tried to give her, he honestly was my favorite MC in the story and I hope book 2 has more of him. I also enjoyed how Loren’s story did not manifest in typical ways. The way Auden developed the plot and included that certain family lines had certain likelihoods of having a set fairytale made the book fun to read.

While I enjoyed Loren and Connor, I wanted more explanation of the secondary characters. I hope to see more from them in the following books and a resolution to Liam and his provocations.

This book has a tiny amount of spice at the end but sets up the story for a huge twist coming.

Rating: 8/10, the CLIFFHANGER!!

Here's the thing - if you cut off the prologue, last chapter, and epilogue, this is a really entertaining story that takes fairy tale tropes and stereotypes and gives them a run for their money in a way that is quite engaging. I really liked the idea of a town cursed to play out fairy tales, and the idea of attempting to exert one's own agency over that curse and it's attendant expectations. The characters were, on the whole, an interesting blend of the personae you would expect to see in a book about fairy tales coming to life, but with enough interesting rough edges to keep things interesting. There were a few points in the middle where it felt like the plot was not advancing as quickly as I wanted it to, but on the whole the vast majority of the book was quite entertaining and a roller coaster of light and dark that made for a very edgy read.

But....

No matter how I try, I cannot make sense of those named bits though, or how they fit into the story, and that's where the book as a whole lost me. The prologue as a setup doesn't really make sense for a very long time because it's difficult to figure out whose perspective it represents. The last chapter felt like a completely out of left field curveball, if you'll pardon my slightly mixed metaphor, that didn't seem true to either character involved. And the epilogue, a perspective shift once again, felt like the first chapter of a new book rather than the last chapter of this one.

I get the impression Llyr is trying to set up a series here. I liked the book well enough to give a second installment a try.

*3.5 stars. The premise for this book was really interesting and I enjoyed the writing. The pacing felt off to me, especially at the end. Some elements seemed incomplete (Connor's background, Liam's ending?, magical tattoo??) but it also seems like there will be another book so hopefully things will be resolved then. I loved Loren's character and her struggle to choose her own fate in a situation where her story is literally plotted out for her.

This is by far the most unique fairytale retelling I ever ever seen! I loved the concept of fairytales (both the dark and sweet versions) being combined with the real world and scientific principles. This book is a very original interpretation of the tales, and I loved how the characters had to “accept” their fated tales to survive.

There is definitely a trigger for SA that is brought up a handful of times - the content warnings were described in detail at the outset of the book so readers are warned.

This book ends on a huge cliffhanger!! I need to know what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved the premise of this book and even though the book was different to my expectations I still enjoyed it. The book reminded me of one of my favorite series once upon a time with the premise of curses and fairytales. The writing style of the author is easy to follow and simple to read even though sometimes I found myself confused. I did have trouble understanding the curse and wish we had a more slow introduction to it, the magic, and honestly everything else. Sometimes the story went to slow for my liking and it made me impatient. I liked the characters but would have liked to have some more information on some of them because I personally wasn’t able to connect to them. I didn’t particularly like the inner dialog of the main characters but once she got out of it I started to like the story more. Overall it was a decent read even though there are some things that can definitely be improved in the next book.


❗️Please check the trigger warnings before reading ❗️

Spell Borne
By: Auden Llyr

⭐3⭐

I was given a copy of the ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for this advanced copy!

A magical town with an enchanted secret. Due to a curse many generations ago, Lointaine’s patrons are forced to relive fairy tale stories. This book follows Loren on her quest in being a princess, trying to find her path and to manipulate the Magic to work with her as best she can. Loren hopes to control her own fate and secure her own happily ever after.

While the concept of this book is extremely fascinating and parts were executed well, I think that it was lacking in some areas. The FMC’s inner monologue was mildly distracting for me as she seemed out of sorts or confused all of the time (which would make sense given her circumstances throughout the book). Reading her inner thoughts made me confused as well on some occasions.

I feel that this book could have had a larger overview at the beginning to go over the town’s history and the Magic that is related to the story. We did learn a lot about Lointaine throughout the book, but some information is learned after the fact and caused for backtracking and some confusion for me as the reader.

Additionally, please be sure to review the trigger warnings prior to reading this book. Fair warning was given in the beginning of the book for SA and other TWs, but I would be extremely cautious if this is something that you may struggle with.

I enjoyed the characters in this book and the dialogue between them was witty and funny. I enjoyed the story and the idea of this fantasy retelling town. I love that Loren wanted to do what was best for herself and her happiness as well as look out for the well being of others as well.

Overall, I would give this book three out of five stars.

If you enjoyed fairy tales growing up and enjoy the retellings as an adult, this is the book for you.
I’m trying to write a review and I can’t find the right words for it, other than it was magical. Llyr has a way of writing, that takes you through the moments with her characters. The real and raw moments brought tears to my eyes and the magical ones made my heart swell. Her characters felt real, relatable and recognizable. Which was a reminder that the story at the heart of fairy tales, is not all that far away from life and its lessons.
I am thankful I was given an advanced copy of this to read for review, and can’t wait for everyone else to read it too!

Since her book is based on fairy tales (both the gentle Disney versions and the darker versions of old) there is a page of content notes to check before reading. Which I thought was very thoughtful of her to include.

I chose to DNF this book based on the trigger warnings I saw. I did get about 10% in, and based on what I read I’d give a solid 3 stars! I really liked where it was going! It was a lot of information at first but you also are taking it all in along with the main character! It was also an interesting concept and a different way to go about fairytales!

Check me out on Instagram at @books_boards_and_brews

Spell Borne
Written by Auden Llyr
Book 87/200
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Digital
Pages: 414
Published: 2023
Rating: 9/10

Thank you to Auden Llyr for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Back-Cover Blurb:
Some curses start with “Once upon a time...”
I thought this semester would be easy - just my thesis and attending some seminars in Lointaine. And who doesn’t love spending time in an enchanting, small town?
But it turns out Lointaine is straight out of a fairy tale, quite literally, and the spell affecting the town is determined to turn me into a princess. You know, the kind that gets chased by murderous huntsmen, assaulted in their sleep, or cleans up after stepsisters… Not my idea of a great time.
However, according to the resident expert, it’s dangerous to try to avoid my fairy tale. I can’t take that risk since I’m already in a bit of trouble with the police.
I’m not sure I have it in me to fight my professors, the police, and magic spells, but if I don’t I’ll be letting go of my own dreams for my future. Is there any path through this grim tale that leads to a happily ever after?

I really enjoyed Llyr's fresh take on classic fairy tales. Spell Borne takes these tales and sets them in modern day, with the characters actively trying to bend their lives to get their desired "Happily Ever After". Llyr does not shy away from the harsh reality of the original tales and how it would look in a modern lens.

Oddly enough, Spell Borne reminded me a lot of Scream. The ability for characters to meta-textually relating versions of fairy tales to their lives led to a fun and unique story

Book review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall I really enjoyed how original this story was written. I will admit, it took me a a few chapters to understand what was happening and so I had trouble staying engaged at first but I really liked Loren’s character so I had to keep going and very happy I did. TWs you must pay attention to but if those don’t bother you I think you will love this book. I would recommend if you love to read a different view on fairytales and how certain decisions you make in your life can change your fairytale story.