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.

This uses the Pride and Prejudice elements perfectly in the supernatural setting, it had a great story that could work as its own story. The characters were what I was expecting from this type of book and loved the variation of the concept. It uses the magic for each Pride and Prejudice characters perfectly and glad I got to read this. Abigail Reynolds writes a strong story and enjoyed what I read.

Variations on Pride and Prejudice have become rather common, but this one enlisting magic, mages and dragon has a fresh approach. Both of the main characters have magical earth powers and utilize them for the good of England. Darcy has been enlisted by the Crown on a spy mission that will in all likelihood end in his death. As love grows between Darcy and Elizabeth she puts all the power of her family in finding a solution to keep him safe. Those who become caught up by the story will be impatiently awaiting the new installment.

This was a lovely, drama-filled, easy-read story with a twist I was not expecting!!! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Low spice/fade-to-black, Pride and Prejudice with magic, great characters, and a pleasant style of writing! I was hooked throughout.

I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Spellbound at Pemberley by Abigail Reynolds is a marriage of convenience Pride and Prejudice retelling where Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet both have magical abilities and are married quickly in order to produce an heir. Darcy is meant to be sent to France on a mission where he is not expected to live and Elizabeth is meant to stay on his land to feed his magic.

The magical system is based firmly in the land and is mostly done via inference rather than explanation. Dragons and familiars make appearances as does magical abilities repelling each other, which I thought was an interesting touch. In this world, mages feel pain when they are in close proximity with each other and many marriages between people with magical abilities are ones where the spouses live separate from each other and the child is shipped between them. Elizabeth and Darcy not being repelled by each other is extremely rare and adds a layer to their dynamic in this world.

I would recommend this to fans of Pride and Prejudice looking for a touch of magic and readers of marriage of convenience.

Spellbound at Pemberley by Abigail Reynolds is a delightful blend of fantasy and Jane Austen's classic **Pride & Prejudice**. In this enchanting variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy is not just a wealthy gentleman—he's a powerful mage skilled in illusions. His abilities make him the ideal candidate for a perilous mission to end the devastating war with Napoleon, even if it means risking his own life.

Enter Elizabeth Bennet, whose magical Talents run deep and mysterious. When Darcy realizes he needs her assistance, he proposes an immediate solution: marriage. But Elizabeth has her reservations. Marrying Darcy would sever her magical bond to Longbourn and force her to relinquish her Talent forever.

As dragons join the European conflict, England's fate hangs in the balance. Elizabeth faces the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, their newlywed journey to Pemberley is fraught with danger. Dragons watch their every move, and a startling revelation forces them to question their beliefs. Can they overcome their differences, trust each other, and save their country—and their lives?

Abigail Reynolds weaves a spellbinding tale where love, magic, and destiny collide. If you're a fan of both fantasy and Austen, Spellbound at Pemberley promises an enthralling adventure into a world where romance and enchantment intertwine.

Jane Austen fans unite and rally around this beautifully woven retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy and Darcy are forced to marry because both of them wield magic that can save England from Napoleon's forces. Do they actually love each other is this a partnership of mutual convenience? SpellBound at Pemberley will delight fans of Jane Austen and regency romantic fantasy alike.

A fun concept, but it was slightly meandering throughout. I never could fully get a grip on the plot, and the only element that was similar to P&P was the names. There really was no reason to make this a P&P fanfic spinoff or whatever. It really could've been a regency fantasy and been made its own rather than riding on the P&P bandwagon. That said, I do think it's a solid start to what most likely will be an engaging, unique story. I just don't think it needed any P&P elements.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ebook. All thoughts are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Wow, this was FUN! Exciting mix of fantasy world meets Darcy and Elizabeth. Abigail Reynolds is the master of Pride and Prejudice Variations, this one wasn't as steamy as her other ones usually are, and was a definitely different take on what I have read of her variations before. But I enjoyed it sooo much! Darcy and Elizabeth true to character even if their lives look quite different (as well as their connections). My only thing...I didn't realize this was to be a series, so the ending seemed quite abrupt. Can't wait for Book 2. Well done!
Thanks to #NetGalley and White Soup Press for the ARC.