Spell Bound (An Otherworld Novel Book 12)

Ready for the twelfth book in this wonderful series!? Savannah's unforgettable character returns and the reader will be thrown into a world where danger is around every corner and the reader meets more than a few paranormal creatures. The reader should read the first few books in the series in order to fully understand the current plot.

In this novel, Savannah's powers are taken. She is resentful and sullen over this change and the reader will want to shake her more than once. Without any powers, she is simply a human private investigator, nothing special. She is further annoyed when the witch hunters begin to track her. Rather than behaving more maturely, she doesn't really act her age. One might think she would be far more careful, knowing that she was being tracked, but instead she is careless. Though her character may become aggravating, her flaws make her seem more realistic.

The plot is busy. The reader will have to follow several subplots and manage to connect-the-dots. There is a mysterious kidnapping, a group that wants to expose all paranormals, witch hunters, new relationships, etc... There is plenty of action and a little bit of romance to keep the reader happy. The reader's questions from previous books will go mostly unanswered and the reader may even find him/herself discovering a couple new questions. Overall, the book is perfect for Kelley Armstrong fans!

*Complimentary copy received for this review, does not affect my opinion in any way*

Book 12 in Kelley Armstrong's successful series is shaping the plot for a big finale. Like book 11, Waking the Witch, the focus is still on Savannah Levine, a witch (not surprisingly) with unique powers. Her powers led to catastrophic events in the prior novel; they were so terrible that she decided to give up her powers for good. Unfortunately she did it at the wrong time. The enemies are more formidable than ever, threatening her and the whole Otherworld as they know it. To prevail she will have to call upon a number of old friends, and even then it may not be enough.

While I felt as if book 11 stood on its own pretty well, this particular novel practically requires having read the prior novels. While I wasn't completely lost, I felt as if there was a lot I missed out on. Because of this I don't think I can give a concise review, but I will try anyway.

There are a number of cameo appearances from what I assume are past characters. Not being quite attached to their back stories made it a little more difficult to connect to the characters. I love characters with a lot of personality, and while I think the other ones had some, I didn't get to see it develop over the course of their respective novel, so it's a little lost on me at this point. It's not very good either because their plot lines appear to be converging in this book.

For what I can relate to, it's pretty apparent that Savannah and Adam love-interest angle is not going to be a walk in the park. This book isn't really the place where it flourishes best. I have a feeling that Armstrong will save any kind of pay off for the last book. It is just a matter of patience on the reader's part.

Savannah experiences her own personal growing pains as she deals with being powerless. One questions her decision to want to give them up knowing that there are dangers out there and no matter the tragedy, it's always best to protect oneself,.

There are a lot of loose ends, so brace yourself for a cliffhanger. But on the plus side, the final book is now available so there's no need to wait. Hopefully by next year I can start this series from the top. I may read this one again to see if it gives me a different impression.

*Review copy provided by publisher

I was eager to jump into this book and immerse myself in the world the author had created, even though I hadn't read any previous books in the series. I was hoping it was one of those books that could be read as a stand-alone, and while some might consider that to be the case, I was just...lost. I felt like I had stepped into the middle of a conversation at a party where everyone knew each other except me. The book was filled with references to people and storylines from previous books, which made me wonder several times whether or not I should finish reading this book. Still, something kept me going and before I knew it, I had finished the book. One thing in its favor is that it's a fast read. If it wasn't, I probably would have given up on it because like I said, I was lost in a conversation I knew little about and felt like I was desperately trying to play catch up.

Setting aside the fact that this is part of a very long series (this is book number 12), there were things to recommend it for hardcore paranormal/urban fantasy fans. A kickass heroine, a hero who's loyal to a fault, but still very alpha, a cast of supernatural characters stirring up trouble. All the stuff you'd need or want in a book of this type, right? Pretty much. I was disappointed that the romantic elements weren't played up that much. In fact, they were written like an after-thought to the point that I began to wonder how these two characters found themselves in a relationship. And when they did, it was just kind of...meh. No sparks whatsoever, nothing to sigh for or make the reader root for them to be together. But since I didn't read any previous books in the series, I don't know whether this is just the way the author writes her romances or if they are just after-thoughts for her and she's more interested in the story.

As to that, the story itself is rather interesting. A witch unwittingly giving up her powers in a deal with some unknown force to protect an innocent child? Sounds good so far. So then said witch, Savannah, embarks on a crusade to get her powers back and leads her faithful hero, Adam, on a wild chase that has more twists and turns than a corkscrew. Okay, still with it. But even as I'm reading, sometimes I can't help but think, Who cares? Savannah is kind of bratty and likes to get her own way a lot. She's also something of a control freak, which is what, I think, freaks her out the most about losing her powers. She's no longer in control. For the first time in her life, she has to rely on her wits and her physical attributes to get out of certain situations, rather than depend on the quick fix of being able to cast a spell. The saving grace for Savannah (and this story) is that the loss of her powers sends Savannah on a journey of self-discovery. I won't spoil the results of that journey, but I will say that it made this book worth reading.

All in all, I liked the cast of characters, the story itself was intriguing, and the writing was tight and flowed so easily off the page, sometimes you forgot you were reading a book. Those are the criteria of a good book for me. Will I pick up another in this series? Very possibly.

(Note: I received this book from the publisher for review.)

Spell Bound is book 12 in the Women of the Otherworld series, and it is told from the perspective of Savannah, so it has definite YA crossover potential. I love this series, Elena and Clay are probably my favorite characters, but Eve and Savannah run very close seconds. I was very excited to dive back into the Otherworld and find out what craziness Savannah would get herself into this time.

Turns out that Savannah has lost her powers, and with the madness that always seems to follow this crew around, that is a very dangerous thing. What's even worse is that with the lose of her powers, Savannah seems to have lost her confidence in herself and become a typical whiny heroine who needs someone else to save her all the time. This is what made Spell Bound a 4 star for me instead of a 5, because it took away the main thing that I love the most about Savannah, the fact that she is the one who is always strong and bad-ass and saves herself.

Of course, Spell Bound if full of crazy action, wild twists and turns, bad guys coming out of the seams, and a few romance scenes that just make your heart pitter patter for more. Spell Bound was a good addition to the Women of the Otherworld series, but not my favorite. There were some major revelations that have me very excited for what may be coming in the next books in the series, and I will be anxiously awaiting whatever comes next!

If you haven't read Waking the Witch yet, then you'll definitely need to before you read Spell Bound. In Spell Bound Savannah has lost her powers. She made a wish that wasn't really a wish, but more of a thought, that she'd give up her powers if she could change what happened at the end of WTW. Savannah feels as if the fates are messing with her. Not only has she lost her powers, she has a witch hunter after her. Savannah has more problems than she knows what to do with.
I liked this book a lot more than I did WTW because I felt more involved with the characters and story line. Savannah losing her powers is the worst and best thing that's ever happened to her. It gives her a chance to prove herself, confront her fears, and grow up a little. I also liked Savannah's interactions with her friends. I liked the way they played off each other. I know eventually I'm going to have to go back and read books one through ten in this series, but I want to go ahead and read the next book, Thirteen. I can't believe I haven't read these books before now. I know I'm late to this party, but I'm so glad I showed up!

"Spell Bound", the latest in Kelley Armstrong's " Women of the Otherworld" series dovetails perfectly with it successor, "Waking the Witch." We find Savanna, the extraordinary super witch, in a dinky, run down motel totally flipping out as she has just realized all her powers seem to be gone. Taken by something after she made an impulsive wish- that if only the little girl and her grandmother from "Waking the Witch" can be reunited she will gladly give up her powers.

She never thought someone would take her up on the offer.

Powerless and on the run from witch hunters and cabals, Savanna becomes surrounded by her whole "Otherworld" family- weather she likes it or not. Paige and Lucas her guardians come to help her, bringing with them the whole weight of the Cortez cabal, which Lucas is heir to. Adam Vasic, Savanna's long time love interest refuses to leave her side. And somewhere out their there's an angel watching her closely.

Danger abound as Savanna tries to she never had to- as a human. And even the whole weight of the supernatural community may not be enough to save her this time...

This is a really fast paced, packed with action novel- and a bit of an improvement on the last few in the series. It makes for a fascinating perspective to have someone so powerful go to what they view as defenseless.

Despite the fact that this is the second book in this series without a sex scene (admit it- you known you love them) this is another excellent novel by Armstrong that plays with a hefty mixture of the supernatural, suspense and romance. The only thing I object to in this whole book is the fact that it's a cliffhanger, making this a trilogy inside a series- and we have to wait until June to find out the story ends.

Five stars. `Till next time folks!

Savannah Levine usually enjoys being a powerful witch, summoning up spells on a whim that leave her opponents destroyed and her friends saved. Sometimes, though, powerful magic isn't enough and Savannah is suffering from a case gone wrong--with innocent lives destroyed. On impulse, she makes a blanket offer to trade her magic for the recovery of those lost lives and, even though it shouldn't be possible, somehow that offer is accepted. Now, Savannah can't cast even the simplest glow spell. Worse, she wonders if the family she's adopted--which is centered around magical powers--will have any use for her. Will she be abandoned once more?

Desperate to avoid returning to the safety of the people she fears will no longer be her friends, Savannah impulsively puts herself, and others, in danger. A regegade group of magic users and witch-hunters seeks to overthrow the current policy of secrecy. With their power, they'd rather rule than stay hidden. But Savannah's friends stand in their way... which means that she, and they are in danger. This would be a great time for Savannah's powers to return... but that doesn't seem to be happening.

Author Kelley Armstrong creates an intriguing magical world and there's definitely something cool about a kick-rear heroine facing down mad scientists, sneaky witch-hunters, and people who want to kill her family. For me, though, this story doesn't quite pull together. Savannah comes off as a spoiled brat, in denial about her motivation, whining because she's lost power that most other people have never had, unwilling to take advantage of what assets she still has. We're supposed to see her and her team as the goodguys in the story but why should magically talented have to hide their abilities? Why shouldn't they be allowed to use these abilities to claim wealth and power (assuming, of course that they do so legally)?

It's no secret that I adore Kelley Armstrong and that she's one of my favorite writers. I love everything she's ever written and, while Elena and Clay are my favorites, I've really enjoyed watching Savannah grow up over the years.

This story starts up right where we left off in Waking the Witch, with Savannah's discovery that she no longer has her powers. It's a huge blow to someone who has relied on her powers for more or less everything. After all, why bother to learn how to pick a lock when she can just use an unlock spell? Good thing Paige and Lucas insisted she learn various skills. Too bad she didn't really pay attention during their lessons...

Suffering from a serious case of denial, Savannah is afraid that without her powers, no one will want her. Surprisingly, Clay is the one to give her a serious wake-up call by slapping her in the face with the fact that powers or no, she is still Savannah. Even without her powers, she's a force to be reckoned with!

This story was amazing! While definitely Savannah's story, almost everyone makes an appearance as Kelley sets the scene for Something Big. Gave it a 4 out of 5 rating as it's a great story with great characters! Can't wait to see what happens next!

So after Savannah's glaring immaturity and stupidity in "Waking the Witch", I was hoping for character development. Nope -- she's still dumb and young, and the book is YA. Not much happens; threads begin, little develops. More like a 'who's who' of the Otherworld coming by to cheer Savannah up because she's angsting over powerlessness. (If you like emotional wallowing, this is a great book for you!) The ending is another cliffhanger, again one I couldn't enjoy because I wasn't enjoying the story of Savannah getting over herself.

Finally, I found much of plot (must solve case despite losing powers) and scenes on the generic side (evil cult). Even the title is used elsewhere -- Spellbound or Spellbound... there's like 15 of them and I've read at least two others.

In short, I found this a big disappointment. Hope book 13 redeems it with an excellent finale... and if book 13 is out already, I'd recommend the reader who desires action and resolution skip over 'Spell Bound'. If you just want slow emotional moments involving the Otherworld cast, then by all means, read.

Armstrong is shying away from writing steamy sex and the violence is down to a PG level in this book. I had a hard time getting into this book because the first 30 pages recapped the last book. Once I got into the book I discovered that the book could be broken down easily by its good points and bad points.

Positives:
1) Elena, Clay, Paige, Savannah, Adam, Hope, Cassandra, Jaime and almost every other character except Eve make appearances

2) Some good dialogue, especially with Cassandra and Savannah.

3) Some good action

Negatives:
1)Too many paragraphs of Savannah reflecting upon her feelings for Adam and wondering if he'll kiss her.

2) Too many paragraphs of Savannah being disappointed that Adam didn't kiss her.

3) Too many parts where Savannah reflects upon whether she needs to grow up or not in order for Adam to kiss her.

4) Too many parts where Savannah is told by other characters that it's obvious she's in love with Adam but that she needs to grow up if she ever wants Adam to kiss her.

Overall: This is an unfinished book that needed to be longer, and needed to have more meat to the story and less Savannah/Adam filler material. The last 1/3 of the book is strong, and makes up for a very weak opening 2/3s. The abrupt ending wasn't satisfactory in the least.

I wanted to learn more about Savannah and Adam, but this read very much like a Young Adult story and not an adult-level novel. I'm sorry that the success of watered down, sappy, formulaic, contrived paranormals has seemingly spoiled some authors. The market for paranormal "lite" must be hot, but I've crossed KA off my "must read" list after this stinker. I'll re-read Bitten & Stolen, but in retrospect I haven't enjoyed any of the last 5 or 6 very much. This was just the last straw with the vapid, spoiled girl and a ridiculous plot that moved the whole series...no place. Drive-bys by other series characters served no purpose but as a sop to fans of the other characters, but did nothing for the storyline. And Adam is about as deep as a kiddie pool. Or maybe that was Savannah?

Honestly, if this had been billed as YA, I would have looked at it with a different set of expectations. Or not at all, especially for the price point.

*note, I actually had the protagonist's name wrong in my original review- brain fade and lack of caring about the character are to blame, but I should have had the correct name originally. Thanks to my commenter for pointing it out- very appreciated.

If you've loved the Women of the Otherworld series up to this point, as I have, you will quite simply be amazed by Spell Bound. This book takes the series to unforeseen levels of danger, intrigue, action and romance. Everything that has come before culminates into something completely epic in Spell Bound, leading us to the final book in the series.

I've always loved the way Kelley Armstrong has rotated main characters in the Women of the Otherworld series, allowing readers to really get to know the the ladies one on one. When I realized Spell Bound was another Savannah book, right on the heels of Waking the Witch, I was slightly dismayed. I should have knows that Armstrong had good reason for putting Savannah in the lead two books in a row. Although we didn't always realize it, the entire series has been building around Savannah and as the series comes to a close, she obviously needs to be in the forefront. While Waking the Witch was completely Savannah's book, Spell Bound is more half her, half everyone else. The gangs all here, Paige, Lucas, Elena, Clay, Jeremy, Jaime, Adam, Cassandra, Sean, etc., gearing up for the major battles coming in the future.

Spell Bound is the best book in the series thus far, which is saying a lot given the magnificence of the Women of the Otherworld. It sets the tone just right to lead the reader into the conclusion of the series. Spell Bound is tense, exciting and will leave the reader desperate for more.

If you like this author you will LOVE this book.

If you are not familiar with the author, she is good, but you may want to start with the beginning of the series. It is one of those books that is good by itself but might be called great if you had lived in that world in previous volumes.

This book was great. I really enjoyed how Savannah's character throughout the series and could empathize with what she was going through. Once you finish this one it goes straight into the next one so when you're getting close to the end I would recommend you picking up the next one very soon! Read this entire series more than once and reading it the second time will give you a better perspective on everything that is going on. That does NOT mean it's not great the first time around, it is. It was just a personal preference of mine on this series one because I liked it so much I wanted to read it all again months after I finished it. I may go and read the series a third time, but the jury is still deciding.

Savannah Levine has always defined herself by her genetic reputation (Cabal father, dark witch mother) and her lethal magical ability. That's who she is - it's why she was kidnapped as a child, and why she had to be raised by the witch, Paige Winterbourne and her Cabal-connected husband, Lucas Cortez. It's why Savannah is such an intricate part to their supernatural PI business, and how she found a place for herself in the larger paranormal community.

So what happens when the very thing that defines Savannah is taken away?

`Spell Bound' is the twelfth book in Kelley Armstrong's superb supernatural saga, `Women of the Otherworld'.

When we left Savannah in her narrative debut, `Waking the Witch', she was feeling forlorn and guilt-ridden in the little town of Columbus. Having just helped to convict a grandmother and ensure her granddaughter would run the foster care merry-go-round, Savannah made an impulsive and remorseful wish - that she would sacrifice her magical powers to help this family.

The wish came true, and now Savannah is a witch without powers.

And just as Savannah has wished herself defenceless and rudderless, the supernatural world is beginning to stir, with murmurs of discontent threatening the peace and privacy of the paranormal community.

A group called `The Supernatural Liberation Movement' is an underground network of revolting supernatural's with one disastrous motive - to reveal themselves to the human world. They want to rise up and claim their rightful, Darwinian-appointed place at the top of the food chain. Sick and tired of lurking in the shadows, they are calling on all witches, vampires, werewolves, necromancers and any other paranormal being to come forth and step into the light.

Curious though, that right when Savannah loses all her powers, these paranormal crusaders want to come forth and wave their freak flag?

In `Spell Bound' Kelley Armstrong flips the entire `Otherworld' story on its head and offers up a very interesting plot. The powers of the `Otherworld' characters have, in the past, been a burden, blessing, and desire. . . but always they have been a given. Apart from some poisonous side-effects or dampening spells, readers have always been calm in the knowledge that Clay can defeat the bad guys with his werewolf strength and Paige can call on a spell to get out of a bind. So, for Armstrong to strip Savannah of her powers is both unheard of and a wonderfully complex game-changer.

Simply by making Savannah `normal', Armstrong changes her entire persona. Savannah has always walked a fine line between apathetic and certifiable. She doesn't bat an eyelash at gruesome decapitations, and she only feels protective and sympathetic to those people she knows and cares about. Otherwise, Savannah is a fairly dry-eyed character; having lived a tough childhood full of death, captivity and guilt. As a result she has a tough outer shell and little remorse and compassion to spare for strangers.

When her powers are taken away Savannah becomes emotional. She queries her self-worth and loses her hardened edge; she becomes a completely different person with the loss, and is far more interesting for it;

Savannah has always been one of those prickly characters who readers will either love, or hate. She's cocky and beautiful, certain of her powers and impeccable magical breeding. She has, in the past, come across as bratty and self-important. So to read such a complete character flip is both disarming and refreshing.

Savannah's change in personality also seems to bring her private feelings to the fore . . . regarding her adopted parents, Lucas and Paige, but particularly where her best friend, Adam Vasic, is concerned. Savannah has been in love with Adam since she was 12 and he helped rescue her from a supernatural detainment facility. Regardless of their age-difference (he is 33 to her 21); Savannah has loved Adam with a private but unwavering devotion for most of her life. Adam, of course, is none-the-wiser and seemingly content in his big brother/best friend role. But when Savannah starts questioning her life as a mere human, she also starts thinking on her own mortality (so much more precious now that she can't defend herself with magic) and what it would mean to never tell Adam how she feels about him.

Readers of `Waking the Witch' will be familiar with Armstrong's meandering pace where Adam and Savannah are concerned . . . well, expect much of the same (with some heated promises) in `Spell Bound'. Again, Savannah and Adam cannot be rushed. Their friendship has been meticulously built over the previous eleven books, so to bring it all crashing down with a big romantic reveal would feel cheap and convenient. I'm glad Armstrong is easing readers into this romance, and I look forward to more slow-burning chemistry.

`Spell Bound' is an all-stars `Otherworld' instalment. Everyone comes out for the wind-up to book thirteen's grand finale. Jeremy, Jamie, Hope, Paige, Lucas, Elena, Clay, Karl, Cassandra, Aaron. . . you name them, and they're in here. The whole cast come out for the `Spell Bound' book because the central mystery is B-I-G. It affects the entire, fragile Otherworld universe and has its roots reaching back to the beginning of the series. To give anything away about this central, mystery plot would be an absolute crime because Armstrong has plotted it beautifully and intricately.

Kelley Armstong is not contracted beyond book thirteen (again, to be narrated by Savannah, and slated for a 2012 release). Whether she continues the series beyond #13 is unknown. . . but what readers do know is that the Otherworld is rumbling. Armstrong is winding up for an epic ending that pulls all of our beloved characters together and throws them into a free-for-all finale. I can't wait!

I liked this book much better than Waking the Witch. I felt that Savannah's character grew quite a bit from the last novel, and it showed her progression as a character even more throughout this book. Any fans of the Otherworld series will love Spellbound for many reasons, but mainly because all of the characters from the previous books are in it! I was so glad to have Elena and Clay make cameos because they are my favorites!

I felt that the ending was a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more. It wasn't a cliff hanger again, at least. I thought the book moved at the perfect pace; not too fast, and not too slow. And as I said before, Savannah was much more likable in this novel.

Like many other readers I too was disappointed in the abrupt ending. It would really have been great to see a few of the story lines wrapped up. When I read a good book/series, I tend to get emotionally caught up in the characters and the story. So, it diminishes my enjoyment when I'm all into the book and then splat. Nothing. Over. All "emotioned up" and nowhere to go. LOL Cliff hangers aren't necessarily bad if the books come out kinda close together. That's not the case with this series. In the beginning of SPELLBOUND I kept trying to remember what had happened in WAKING THE WITCH so maybe I should just plan to re-read SPELLBOUND before I read the next book.

For all those who read #11 "Waking the Witch" by Kelley Armstrong, will find themselves at home with Spellbound as in some sorts it reads like a sequel. For those who haven't read Waking the Witch, I'd strongly advise you too before reading Spellbound as you may be a tad confused with what is actually happening. In Waking the Witch, we saw Savannah Levine solve two murders which were related and a couple of non-related murders. The murders however lead Savannah to a commune of cookie bakers who were into something more sinister as a couple of their members turned out to be dabbling in the dark arts. We read as half-demons were revealed, summoned, black magic used and most of it in the name of revenge. In Spellbound, we saw Savannah, make a wish and due to some evil sorcerers out there with the power to grant it - she lost all her powers. Now with Witch hunters on her tail , and the rise up of people against the supernatural - Savannah must lean of her own two feet and pull some favours from her family connections , so expect to see alot of familiar and old faces in Spellbound from Hope - Lucifier's daughter who is experiencing visions during her pregnancy of a war and Savannah holding a sword , though is it really Savannah or her mother Eve ? Jamie - the necromancer , who has Savannah's parents Kristof Nast and Eve Levine as her spirit guides , Elena/Jeremy and Clay- the Werewolves and of course we see the return of Paige and Lucas from their honeymoon in Hawaii , as well as a whole bunch of old family acquaintances of Eve's and Savannah's. Can the Supernaturals band together to fight a war that seems to be coming at them and quickly too , will it come to every supernatural for themselves ? Is Savannah , their saviour who can fight to save not only the people she loves and herself but also to keep the Otherworld from falling apart?
Find out what happens when Savannah Levine - Witch has to use and rely on her human abilities to save those from supernatural abilities. As always Kelley Armstrong has done an amazing job

What's a witch to do when she's lost her powers? That's the question Savannah Levine is asking herself at this very moment. When you're one of the most dangerous and powerful witches alive, being without your spells is a very dangerous position to be in. Especially when someone's trying to kill you.

Savannah has really grown up over the course of the series. Back when we first met her, she was angry and afraid and arrogant. Despite the fact that she still has some anger issues and a bit of an attitude, she handles herself much better than in the early days. She's taken the tragedies of her life and uses them as fuel for the good she's trying to do now. The loss of her spells really hits her hard in this book and leaves her somewhat at a loss for awhile. I really like the young woman she's grown into.

Her relationship with the half demon Adam grows ever stronger throughout the course of this story. While I hated the dissent between the two of them during the middle portion, I appreciated the real world way in which they both handle themselves, especially when things get difficult and awkward. It makes me both wonder and hope that Savannah's attraction to Adam will be revealed in the next book so that she can have her happy ending.

Kelley Armstrong's never-ending cast of characters makes for a wonderful world full of surprises, adventure, and always that helping hand when you need it the most. Despite the fact that each book usually centers on a different character, you're sure to run into someone familiar along the way as well. This, along with her flowing, easy style of writing, is why I enjoy this series as much as I do. There's always something new and exciting waiting just around the corner, but you also always have an old friend there to hold your hand while you experience it.

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

Some spoilers in this review, so beware. I'll try not to be too specific.

I have to say that I've loved Kelley Armstrong's older books and I liked her Nadia Stafford series. However, so far she has let her fans down with the Savannah series.

Ever since Haunted I've been interested to see how Savannah will turn out when she becomes an adult. Unfortunately, Savannah hasn't seemed to really grow since the age of 12 (emotionally or maturity wise) and Kelley Armstrong's writing seems to have regressed. This book and "Waking the Witch" were incredibly skimpy on details and rushed. Very, very rushed. Within five paragraphs at one point the book went from a boring hotel room to a bomb blast. While this can bring excitement, in this instance the writer let us down. Throughout the book there was very little building of emotion (besides emo feelings), no real insight into the character and the dialogue (except with Cassandra) was very flat.

As other reviewers have mentioned this seems more like a YA novel than anything like her previous adult books. While I enjoy a good YA every now and then, I don't enjoy a bad one.

The good point about this book is that the story is interesting, however that doesn't outweigh how poorly executed it is. I hope Kelley Armstrong gives her full attention to the next installment because she has created a great series and I wouldn't want that tainted from a few lackluster books.

Overall, I thought this was a decent Otherworld novel but defintiely not in the league with any of the other books. It read like a young adult book. "Will he kiss me? Maybe he will. Oh wait, no, he's just looking at me really close." "Lucas/Paige won't like me if I'm different." "Wait, yes they will..." The pacing was slow and mired down in teenage-like angst. Spellbound is about Savannah, an Otherworld young woman, but unlike the other characters, it lacked emotional depth and adult complexity and themes. Kelley Armstrong has been devoting her energies to writing for her young adult series and wonder if that has spilled over into the Otherworld Series (which is supposed to be adult).

I've loved the Otherworld series and most of its main characters from the beginning. Except for Savannah, that is. She was always somewhat spoiled and too arrogant to like. In this book, she grows up, and becomes a more likeable, deeper prescience. Ms Armstrong does her typical excellent job of making what is both unrealistic, or unlikely, seem possible.

I found the first half of the book to be a little slow. However once the other characters showed up and the action started it was a very fun ride. I am put out that I have to wait another year for the last book, but feel like I got my monies worth on the hardcover. Have heard that this next book will be the last Otherworld book, I hope not, Kelley Armstrong is still a best bet read for Urban Fantasy.

Spell Bound continues and deepens the conflict started in Waking the Witch. Savannah continues to investigate even without her spell casting powers, placing herself and her friends in danger. Armstrong keeps the action fast paced and the characters real. I am really looking forward to reading the finale of this series in 13 (although I still can't believe that is the actual title!).

I have loved all the books I've read in this series. This was no exception. I love the character interactions and personalities. They have become friends. I will be heartbroken at the end of the series.

Introducing Savannah as a lead character has made this series even better. This is a continuation of the last book, Waking the Witch. It brings more of the characters together to work on a case, though Savannah is still the biggest lead.

It's hard to jump into a series such as Armstrong's Otherworld and sort out all the characters. I can't say I succeeded 100 percent, but I enjoyed this a lot. Savannah is a wonderful main character - I couldn't help caring about her - and the plot has plenty of twists to keep the pages turning.

The suspense builds and the climax held me spellbound, as the title implies. As a paranormal romance author myself, I recommend this highly.
Touch Me in the Dark

Love the deep kindled heat between Adam and Savannah, hate the cliff hanger (I want to read the rest now!) Was bummed to find that the next book will be the end of the series. Hope it's 700 pages because it feels like there is so much left. I would love a lot more otherworld!

This is the best story she's done in awhile. I think I love it so much because it had many guest appearances by so many other characters from the series. I can't wait till the next one. This is really just the build up for what's to come next. Should be one hell of a ride

I liked Waking The Witch as it DID have conclusions to some of the story lines. I was not crazy about the cliff hanger ending, but was willing to wait for Spell Bound. I just finished reading it. WTF? It was like making the perfect sandwhich and then being told I could not eat it! ANOTHER cliff hanger ending with even LESS plot point resolution than WTW had? Penguin publishing I want my money back! BOOO! Kelley BAD FORM

Loved it! I hate giving anything away so I will simply state that it was awesome. Now were there times when I thought "get it together savannah," sure but she is a 21 year old trying to figure it out. I love how she tailors each book to the main character, she doesn't try to make them fit a mold and therefore keeps the series alive. Now if the same issues of immaturity arise in the next book there may be a problem. This was definitely a great transition book. All in all the series that gets better with time not redundant or boring, eagerly awaiting the next!

This one is great.The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I am impatient and want to read what happens with the war and Savannah.It isn`t like her other books where they all have a resolution, this one leaves you aching for more.I thought it was fabulous. I read it in two days because I just couldn`t put it down. Can`t wait for the next one! Anyone know when it does by the way?

It is worth reading if you are a fan of the series, but not great. This one does not have the tension or the emotional impact of her earlier books. Even with the lack of ending, it did not leave me anxious for the next installment. Still, if you have read the earlier books, then you probably love the rest of the characters, and we do get a brief sampling of all of them. Also, the story line is interesting, but it is just not delivered in the gripping way that we expect from this author.