A wonderful way to wrap up the series! The final twist was deeply satisfying and I'm sorry to say goodbye to these two men trying to fumble their easy to their own forever.

((This review will go live on my blog on 01/28/2021.))

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book. I am providing a voluntary review. All thoughts and views are my own.

Wonderstruck is the final installment of the Magic in Manhatten series. If you haven’t read my previous reviews on Spellbound (book 1) and Starcrossed (book 2) then you might be unaware of how utterly obsessed I am with this trilogy. However, you’ll likely figure it out by the time I’m done gushing here, so… brace yourselves.

When I first dove into Spellbound, I didn’t know what to expect. In fact, I read it without reading the blurb first and had plans to initially read just a chapter or two before bed. Yes, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, that didn’t go as planned. I stayed up all night (despite having a flight the next day) and proceeded to think about and obsess over the story for weeks to come. If I’m being honest, this is one of those stories that I still to this day think about at random. So, I basically jumped all over both book two and this final book as soon as they hit the NetGalley shelf.

Do you honestly think there was any chance I’d be able to wait until release to get my greedy little hands on these books? No. Absolutely not.

I’m not even sure where to begin. The characters are well fleshed out, have wonderfully unique personalities, and buck stereotypes in all the best of ways. Therin’s cast of delightful characters run the spectrum of age, race, sexuality, and gender. And she does such a wonderful job of portraying them with compassion and intrigue. But on top of that, they’re also so very real. They have flaws and goals and desires and make mistakes and surprise you and surprise themselves and… just, yeah.

As far as the plot? This is one of those tales where the story grips you and does not let go. There’s a well-crafted arc that flows effortlessly through all three books—while offering immensely satisfying HFN’s at the end of both books 1 and 2 so you aren’t left completely devastated—and you don’t see any of it coming. I mean it. I never knew what to expect next, and yet every moment felt believable and never ceased to awe and amaze with its clever craftsmanship. I can only imagine how much pain and agony Therin had to go through in order to outline this series as well as she did. It’s flawless and divine, from page one of Spellbound to the very last word of Wonderstruck.

I can honestly say I would recommend this to every single person who loves to read. Therin handles the love scenes between her MCs with discreet grace. There isn’t a drop of actual sex on screen—so it would be “safe” and appropriate for younger readers or those who don’t like graphic, on-page physical scenes—and yet the heat and yearning and utter devotion between Arthur and Rory drips off the page. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to read this series yet, I suggest you remedy that inadvertent error… immediately.

I had to step away from this book several times while I was reading it because I was extremely anxious about the characters' fate. Reading this in the early part of 2021, that reaction could be because anxiety is my baseline emotion, or it could be that I've come to care about grumpy, magical Rory, his rich, noble lover Arthur and their friends, who are fighting a desperate battle to destroy magical relics before they can fall in the hands of the evil Baron Zeppler. So although it raised my blood pressure, I really enjoyed Wonderstruck.

I have to admit I wasn't quite completely sold on this series in the first two books (Spellbound and Starcrossed). I loved the setting and the paranormal concepts Therin created, but I was frustrated by the repetitive dynamics of Rory and Arthur's relationship (I'm not good enough for a rich handsome guy like him (Rory)/I'm too ordinary for a magical guy like him (Arthur)), and I couldn't always keep up with the somewhat convoluted plot. But Therin pulls all of the threads together in this installment, and the MCs are finally (mostly) on the same page, with fewer annoying examples of keeping secrets from each other "for their own good" (one of my pet peeves) and with more faith that their strong feelings are reciprocated in full force. They are frankly adorable together, and Therin gives them numerous romantic moments, both in quiet times and when lives are at stake.

That doesn't mean there isn't some TSTL (too stupid to live) behavior, namely several times that Arthur or Rory strike out on their own despite the extremely obvious danger of being separated when several really bad guys are trying to capture, torment and/or kill them. Of course, that never ends well for them. And despite the fact that Rory is apparently one of the strongest paranormals alive, he gets remarkably few opportunities to use his powers.

There are several perfectly written scenes, especially one when Rory has to don an unusual yet hilariously appropriate disguise, and some nifty plot twists and questionable loyalties as well. While it appears that this is the end of the series for now, there is at least a bit of an open door if Therin wants to continue, either with Arthur and Rory or some of the secondary characters who form such an integral part of the magical team.

Despite my initial somewhat grudging respect for the series, I can honestly say that Wonderstruck won me over and made me extremely excited to see what else Allie Therin has up her sleeve. She really made a strong impression with her debut series, and I hope Carina or another publisher continues to showcase her considerable skills.

ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

I'm sad and ecstatic at once. Rory and Ace and their friends are wonderful companions and this third (and, as much as it hurts to say, final) book is no exception to the wonder. I would have gladly stayed in their bubble forever. But maybe we get a new look into the world from other perspectives? Maybe? Hopefully?

The book offers you the same excitement as the others, the gray area of trust and friendship and love, the sweet relationship between Rory and Ace and some powerful magic. I would have loved to have even more of Rory's magic in this, but even though it's a big part of the book, it centers mostly around it's affect on Ace. I love how Therin twists and turns the use of magic and auras and sometimes I can't guess where's she's going. Keeps us on our toes!
The history is also such a big part of the charm of these books - not knowing much about 1925 anything, it's interesting (and heartbreaking) to see the struggles and the wonders of the time. It's not only the hiding of magic, it's also the hiding of one's love, not only because same gender relationships aren't allowed, but also because of class.

The plot can move a bit slowly and sometimes I'm deeply frustrated with Rory and Ace for not talking, but I do think Rory really came to life in this book and "grew up". Now Ace was a bit lacking, instead. But they make it work and everyone (even book characters) needs their insecurities and stubbornness.

/ Denise

This is a fantastic series.

I ended up trusting the author when a character would be stupid that he would wise up. For instance, there are times when I want to slap Rory on the back of the head by how defeatist he is and then someone, usually Arthur, does and this causes Rory to learn and then grow. Rory and Arthur have a beautiful relationship. At no point do they argue and breakup. Which is a miracle for a couple together for three books.

The supporting characters are strong with their own desires and moments of being awesome. My only problem is that I wanted to see more Zhang and Jade being the awesome power couple that they are. However, I feel like conflicts would be resolved a lot quicker if those two were helping and thus getting rid of the tension. Hopefully, they'll have their own series.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

This series was such a fun read. Some paranormal romance books/series can be really cringe-worthy or just overly heavy on the romance aspect, but that's not the case here at all. The romance IS really sweet and swoon-worthy without being over the top (it's also not graphic).

Although the first book in the series was my favorite, the storyline is engaging throughout. Overall, a great series and highly recommended from me!

I don't know that any book in the series could hit the same sweet spots as the first, but overall it's a great series that's really strong in both the fantasy and the romance departments.

I think I need a day or three to digest this book. It was the most perfect, compelling conclusion to a wonderful series.
I loved both the previous books and I couldn't wait to read what Allie Therin had in store for us in her final installment of the "Magic in Manhattan" series. I'm so glad I got to read and review it because she does NOT disappoint.
"Wonderstruck" is packed with magic and action, emotions and tensions and twists. It's packed with the same wonderful cast of characters as the previous books (plus a few surprise appearences) and it brings the "found family" trope to a whole new level.

Rory and Arthur both shine here. They're both so overprotective of each other but at the same time so grouchy about it too. I love them. So much.
In "Wonderstruck" they're also so head-over-heels in love with one another that I could literally feel all of their emotions and doubts and insecurities like they were my own. They made me sigh and ache and laugh and I already know I'm going to miss these two so much.

The story is quite a rollercoster and it's so packed with action and twists that it will keep you reading untill you finish it.
The storytelling is masterful and the Roaring Twenties atmosphere and setting is so spot on and so vivid it is impossibile not be transported into the pages of the book. And after you finish it you'll want to dive right back into it.
I'm very much looking forward to more of Allie Therin's work in this magical paranormal universe. Scratch that: I'd probably sacrifice my soul to get my hands on her next work. I CANNOT wait but in the meantime I'll re-read this over and over.
Absolutely magical and absolutely recommended.

"Wonderstruck" is the third and final book in Allie Therin's Magic in Manhattan series, set in an alternate universe /1920's New York where magic exists, and paranormals with various powers are working to save the world from powerful supernatural relics in the hands of dangerous magical malcontents.

Arthur McKenzie, Rory, Zhang, Jade and former adversaries Gwen and Ellis have banded together to acquire and neutralize the last relic. This adventure takes them to Paris where the relic will be offered for sale at a secret paranormal ehxibit at the Paris World's Fair.

Much of the plot involves their efforts to get to Paris and find the seller of the relic. Rory and Arthur are happy together, yet Rory's almost pathological need to not rely on Arthur is a bit wearing. As Arthur says

"... you'll choose the suffering you think you've earned over the help you don't think you deserve, and Teddy, I don't know how to handle this heartbreak.

But even as Rory finally agrees to allow Arthur to help fight his battles, petty jealousy from both parties continues. And Arthur holds an essential secret close to the vest, unwilling to tell Rory (at this point, I'm yelling at my Kindle, use your words, for gawd's sake talk to one another!). The book continues to be fairly non-explicit, but thankfully by the end of the series, their relationship feels settled and very secure.

As in the prior books, the middle of the story slows a bit and relies more than once on the sudden introduction of a mysterious character, but the author pulls it all together and gives us a very suspenseful thriller of an ending that is very satisfying.

Therin excels in creating an interesting alternate universe and peopling it with well-developed main characters, as well as concluding each book with a well-written exciting conclusion. I remain exasperated at the slowness of the plot at times and the continuing petty conflicts in Ace and Rory's relationship, but overall Magic in Manhattan is an engaging series. 3.5 stars for "Wonderstruck" and a solid 4 stars for the entire series.

While I'm sad that this series is winding up... I have a feeling that Allie Therin is going to continue to write books that I'm going to love. "Wonderstruck" is a fantastic conclusion to the "Magic in Manhatten" series. Therin has managed to write a complex and interesting world and still wrap up all the zigs and zags in a satisfying conclusion!

Arthur and Rory are still fighting to rid the world of dangerous magical artifacts ... and they've been doing it separately. Rory has yet to learn to completely control his magic and he's stayed behind while the gang goes hunting for relics.

But, Rory's life is changing. He no longer has the safety of the antiques store to fall back on and he's still reluctant to accept any help from Arthur. Sure, Arthur has money but Rory is used to being independent and having to take care of himself. How can he rely on Arthur for a home or a job if it would make him dependent?

As our fave gang goes about trying to destroy a nasty magical pomander and find the magical siphon that creates relics -  it's all about keeping Rory away from Baron Zeppler. A reluctant alliance is entered into with Gwen. But Gwen has tried to harm Rory and Arthur in the past... so can they trust her?

There's a lot packed into this novel - and it's great! Arther and Rory find themselves connected with a bond that is more important than ever before. Each man must face what it may mean to live in a world without the other or to live in a world where they rely on one another. The relationship between Arthur and Rory has remained steadfast and always a bit challenging...but it's authentic and I love the feel of it.

The supporting characters in this series continue to be fascinating and well-developed. In particular, I love the soft-spoken Jade and the intriguing Pavel. And the villains! (or are they? I'll never tell!) All the characters in these books are so well-crafted no matter how much or how little they appear in the story.

The story is perfectly paced! There's always something important going on and it's a pleasure to go along with these characters as they try to solve each challenge that is thrown at them. I've said before in my reviews that the characters in Therin's writing have very realistic reactions to situations... they don't get over-dramatic or fly off the handle. I love the way they interact with one another so authentically.

This series is perfect for people who have a love of magical stories, romance and adventure.

my review will be posted on my blog on January 9, 2021

This is hard to say, because I loved the first two books in the series: this third book was good, but not great. I enjoyed reading it because I was attached to the characters and also Therin has great voice and a good sense of humor.

But the stakes in this book didn't feel very high. Rory & Arthur are still struggling with their class differences and with trusting each other. The moments were those issues rear their head were by far the most emotionally poignant and interesting. But even then, I could have used more. Everything felt a little slow & muted, which is a little disappointing because Therin had set up excellent stakes in the last two books and there could have been absolute fireworks throughout the whole book.

The magic plot line felt like a missed chance. Therin is very much telling the reader that the fate of the world rests in these characters hands, but she does not tell us why. I needed more information (which Rory knows, but we, as readers, don't) to become invested in the relics. The pacing was also a tad off, with the beginning dragging a big and then the ending felt incredibly rushed. There were also other some missed opportunities that I can't reveal without spoilers, but in the end, I felt pretty emotionally "meh." I never got the sense that anybody was in real danger, either physically or mentally or emotionally. While I love romances because of HEAs and knowing everything will be okay in the end, I still need there to be some uncertainty in stakes in order to be invested in the outcome.

I would still highly recommend the series as a whole, including this book, and it was nice to have a solid conclusion to Rory & Arthur's story. I think Therin is a great writer and I look forward to more.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.**

Wonderstruck is a compelling conclusion to the Magic in Manhattan trilogy. Once more Arthur and Rory face danger as they seek to protect the world from dangerous magical artefacts and practitioners. However, along the way they also deepen their understanding of one another and their relationship. The story moved at a good pace and continued the excellent character development of the previous volumes. There was a nice balance of action/drama and romance. Overall, this was a fitting end to what has been a most enjoyable MM paranormal romance story. It's a solid four stars from me.

I am so happy I took a chance on picking up this series, it has been a true delight getting to know Rory, Arthur and their friends. The world that Allie Therin has created is full of magic but the true magic is this story that introduced us to this glorious world. I loved that this is a paranormal historical series.

The books take us from New York to Europe and follows psychometric Rory who has difficulty controlling his magic while wearing his relic, a ring that makes him control the wind. Arthur is no paranormal but since finding out that magic is very real he has been helping his paranormal friends in fighting the powers that want to take over the world with bad magic. When these two men meet Rory is introduced to other paranormals who show him he is not alone in the world. Rory is stubborn and grumpy and does not take hand outs. Arthur is rich and handsome and wants to help Rory. The attraction between them is sweet and it was so wonderful seeing them fall in love and finally accept that they are worthy of each other.

This book takes this group of misfits through many magical challenges and across both the Atlantic Ocean and English Channel as they meet up with old foes who may not be foes to fight the most powerful paranormal before he finds Rory and uses his magic to unlock secrets that can put all non-paranormals in trouble. It was exciting and fast paced. I love how Rory, Arthur and their friends Jade & Zhang work together. The secondary characters have so much to offer in this series and at a time when women were not looked at as equals, in the paranormal world they are some of the strongest. Jade especially is a strong female who leads with no qualms. I loved her character so much.

It is sad that this series is over. I look forward to whatever Allie Therin has to offer in the future.

Astounding. There aren’t enough words for how good this series is and what a remarkable addition.

I hope there’s more; I’m greedy like that. But if there isn’t, what a perfect way to complete Rory and Arthur’s story.

Amazing supporting cast. Truly one of the best.

What a way to begin a new year. All my recommendations. All of them.

In Wonderstruck, Allie Therin once again delivers an emotional, deeply moving story revolving around Rory and Arthur's search to destroy paranormal relics that pose a danger to the world. This thrilling conclusion to the series is guaranteed to make you ache, fall in love all over again, and leave you with a grin on your face.

A stunning conclusion to what has been an outstanding paranormal historical romance series.

The pacing in this book is exceptional, taking the reader as it does on a tension-edged journey not only in America, but across the Atlantic to London and Paris.

The enemies are ever more threatening, and the powers they wield put all of our band of happy adventurers at risk.

Arthur and Rory are still dealing with the disparity of their social classes as well as the laws of the day, while the Baron's henchmen seem to be surrounding the paranormals' search to destroy the mind control relic.

As with the previous two books, there is zero on page steam outside of a couple of kisses and fade to black inferences of what they're doing behind closed doors.

And it still disappoints me a little, especially given the additional magical connection which is now binding the two men together.

We again get told of their passion and willingness to put their lives at risk for the other, and we see them do that when it comes to physical danger, but we don't see it when it applies to their physical intimacy.

I still think this concluding narrative pulls together all the loose ends with skill but I think it could have been even more powerfully emotional if we'd seen what they have to lose expressed on page.

But I have zero qualms about the plotting, it's a very clever and totally satisfying build up to the final battle.

The threats feel absolutely real, I wasn't at all sure how they were going to pull themselves out of the predicament they end up in.

And I would never have guessed at the solution, although it is sneakily hinted at in the plotting earlier when I look back with hindsight, very cleverly executed.

A bit of a bittersweet experience, as I say goodbye to these wonderful characters and the world Allie has created, but also a firm knowledge that I look forward very much to seeing what comes next!

WONDERSTRUCK is the last book in the Magic in Manhattan series, and I'm really not ready to say goodbye to these characters!

Rory is growing, both his powers and his confidence. He is a brilliant character that I have loved reading about. Nothing is ever easy for Rory, a by-product of his past, but he is not prepared to let that hold him back. He protects Arthur with all the fury of a mama bear. Unfortunately for him, Arthur is still being a silent hero and doesn't let Rory in when he should. Although I can understand his reasoning, I also want to strangle him, so well done, Ms Therin!

This is the finale of the series and it goes with a bang. We finally get to meet the Big Bad, and what a piece of work he is. His henchman isn't any better. No redeeming qualities at all with those pair. I read that scene on the edge of my seat with my heart breaking for Rory. I won't tell you what happens. You'll just have to read it yourself. It IS part of a series though, so you really should read books one and two so you completely understand the overall story arc.

This has been a fantastic series, and this book is definitely the icing on the cake. I have loved every word and am really sad it has come to an end. I would love to see a longer-term epilogue with these guys and their friends. I really would! I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book or the series. Sheer brilliance!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!