Review: Spellbound and Determined – Dax Varley

Welcome to Mimi’s Charms & Enchantments – a New Age shop filled with magical merchandise and colorful customers. Cam couldn’t ask for a better afterschool job.

When a shady man in gray slinks in one afternoon, Cam is this close to calling 911. To her relief, he hurries away, leaving behind the nauseating odor of his cologne and a curious spell he’s dropped on the floor. But this spell is not your average hocus-pocus. It’s ancient, odd and promises Power Supreme – something Cam could definitely use to keep up her 3.9 grade point average.

But the spell requires more than what’s stocked on Mimi’s shelves. And acquiring each item will take some heavy teamwork. With the help of her best friend, Reade, and Zach, the high school’s resident genius/nerd, Cam can’t lose…unless the Gray man returns.

Series:
Release Date: July 25, 2013
Publisher: Dax Varley
Source: Provided by Author / Publisher via Manic Readers
Reviewer: Karon
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

Immediately I did not connect with the main character or plot. The language, behavior didn’t ring true and felt like what the author thought someone in high school would say or how they would act.

Cam has the potential to be very sympathetic. However, the supporting characters steal the show, especially, Reade, the best friend. She is interesting and funny. Unfortunately, the book centers on Cam. When reading I never got lost in this story. Instead it felt like I was being told the story and Cam never developed from being a one dimensional teenager into a real character. As a result, I wasn’t interested in what happened to her or with how the plot progressed.

I was never sure what Cam’s reasoning was. Although she’s a teenager she has to have a reason for taking the actions she does and most of her actions felt random instead of like an intricate part of the plot. As a result, the book fell apart for me. Instead of enjoying a great story I kept trying to figure out what the story was about. It became frustrating and took a lot of effort to read.