Back in a Spell

4/5

This book was not what I expected at all, but I kind of loved it. Witchbound, more worldbuilding and non-binary characters! And even Gareth got a redemption arc, nice!

I actually loved that he regrets the way he handled his relationship with Lin, and that he's actually in love with her. I'm not usually a fan of a second chance romance, especially when cheating had been involved - but perhaps some reconciliation between those two would be possible in the future? If Lana ever writes the fifth book in the series, can it focus on Lin and Gareth? I loved his character development and Linden deserves to be happy too! Or at least a closure from Gareth which she hadn't received in the first book.

I kind of wish that more of that worldbuilding we got here was in the first book too, with what it means to be the Victor and Voice of Thistle Grove from Emmy's perspective, instead of us learning it from other characters while Emmy's in the background. I would love the first book more if this was actually explained in detail back then. But I suppose now those books make me appreciate the first book even more!

I loved Nina. She definitely grew on me as the book went on and I loved that she did the right thing in the end - even when she fucked up tremendously. I can't wait to read Delilah's book and see how she feels about it all, and working with Nina now. And I loved Lyonesse's fate, take that, bitch! Morty was amazing and his sheer delight in magic was so pure and amazing to read about. I love that we saw an ordinary person enjoying magic for a chance, which brings me to Jess - everyone needs a friend like her in their lives!

I didn't expect any goddesses or witchbouding (soulmates, yay!) to play any part in this book, but I enjoyed it.