Thursday, March 29, 2012

Review: Spell Bound

Book: Spell Bound
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #3
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 327
Source: publisher (Thank you so much, HBGC!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon CA | The Book Depository | Chapters
Stars: 4.5/5
Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?


(summary taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS:  

I don't want to write this review. Instead, I want to hide in the corner with a blanket and some tissues so I can read this book all over again because: It. Was. AMAZING!  

Taking place right where Demonglass left off, Spell Bound starts off running and doesn't slow down at all. Every time you think that something is going right and the cast will finally get a break, something else goes wrong that leaves you flipping pages faster than before. Hawkins knows how to write a one-sit read, and she proves it a million times over with this book!   

Sophie has to be one of my favourite heroines of all time! She's the Queen of Snark, the demon you want as your best friend, the kind of girl you can count on... but most of all, she's real. So much happens during the span of this book and this entire series that causes her to continue to grow yet still remain the same fantastic girl we know and love.  

This review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the boys. I love Archer because his snark matches Sophie's in a way that makes him perfect for her, and he has that sort of bad-boyish feel to him that all girls love. But Cal who pulls off the strong, silent, yet really sweet healer like no one else will do some things that will completely win over your heart.  

My only complaint is that there's one HUGE plot twist near the end that I felt wasn't touched on enough! I wanted closure; I wanted recognition; I wanted time to cry, damn it, because it blew me off my feet even though the rest of the end felt perfect in its own way.  

Finales are always hard to swallow because sometimes you're too emotional over the end to feel anything else, but Rachel Hawkins managed to craft a brilliant end to a brilliant series! Spell Bound is as fast-paced, fun, and awesome as I thought it would be, yet it was also intense, gripping, and heartbreaking too. My recommendation for this series is sky high!  

BUY or BORROW?: If you don't have this series on your shelf yet, I have nothing to say to you except to buy it! These books are perfect if you want to read something fast or fun or just plain awesome. I LOVE having them all on my shelf! :)  

-Mimi

37 comments:

  1. EEEEEEEEEEE!! This sounds like a FANTASTIC finale to this series<3 I absolutely ADORED the first book, but haven't had a chance to read Demonglass :S BUT SAHUODHSUHDSHAUSHAIUSH I SERIOUSLY NEED TO READ THIS ALREADY!!! Stilll..I don't know whether I'll like this love triangle or not:( ARCHER completely won over my heart in Hex Hall, I don't know if I'll like the development between Soph & Cal :S
    Okayyy, I'm really intrigued by this HUGE plot twist now! WHAT IS IT?!?!?!? Damn, now I'll have to quickly read Demonglass so I can start on this! Amazing review Mimi! I'm SOOO glad you love this series:DD

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  2. I haven't read the series yet, but each time I hear you saying how much you love it makes me want to get started to them even more!! I might have to pass by the library next week :DDD

    So sad I can't read your lovely words on this book! T_T I promise that once I read the books, I'll be back to read your review and comment again! :) ♥

    I hope you have an amazing Friday, and remember, just one more day until Friday! ♥

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  3. I finished this book last week and loved it. Well, the ending was a little bit of a downer but loved it nonetheless. Great review!

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  4. I'm glad the series is still going strong for you, I need to read the second book. I really enjoyed Hex Hall.

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  5. I seriously adore this series too Mimi! I am so sad it's over! Fantastic enthusiastic review! I fell in love with Cal in this book! Which is surprising because I liked Archer in the other two. This was for sure a grand finale! The only problem was, could the final battle be longer?
    I'm going to miss sophie's mind in the spin off.
    What did you think of the dedication to Holly Short? It made me enjoy the book even more! Holly is my favorite heroine!
    Have a fantastic day!
    Rachel

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  6. I was a little nervous to read your review since I've been trying to avoid spoilers for this highly anticipated finale. I should have remembered that you are very good about not mentioning spoilers or things that could ruin the enjoyment of the book for other people. I can't wait to pick this up after the HUGE cliffhanger of Demonglass and your review only makes me more excited.

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  7. Excellent review Mimi! I've read Hex Hall but haven't had the chance to read the next two books in this series yet. I'm definitely going to have to finish it now, it sounds like the trilogy ends in a great way! I loved Archer, so I can't wait to meet Cal - the boys are always my weakness!

    Thank you so much for sharing Mimi and have a great rest of the week! <3<3<3

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  8. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G review Mimi!! <3 <3 Really, like Woooow amazing!!

    I loved this book so much!! And God, I'll miss Sophie!!

    "I wanted closure; I wanted recognition; I wanted time to cry, damn it, because it blew me off my feet even though the rest of the end felt perfect in its own way." - I completely agree!! I wanted to cry too, but it was just too fast :/

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  9. Aww, Mimi! I know what you mean about the plot twist at the end! I don't think it impacted me enough as I didn't actually quite believe it had happened at first. ;) Still, I LOVED this book and honestly think it was the best one in the whole series even though a lot of people reckon it was the worst. i'm so glad you liked it! awesome review! :D

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  10. Oh my!!! It sounds so EXCITING! I must read my copy of Hex Hall and then buy Demonglass and Spellbound! Great review!

    Thanks for sharing. :)

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  11. AHHHHHHHHH! I NEED TO READ THIS! I'm all nervous about this twist you speak of though Mimi, I both really want to know what it is but at the same time don't so I can stay in my happy little pre-Spell Bound bubble:) I'm really rooting for Cal, but I'm thinking she'll end up with Archer. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy:)

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  12. I love this series! I definitely love Sophie's snarkiness as well. I'm still currently torn between Archer and Cal so I'm definitely interested to see how the love triangle plays out. I need to pick up a copy of this one soon because I'm dying to know how everything wraps up. Awesome review :)

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  13. I have only read book one, I was waiting on the second to avoid the dreaded cliffhanger. Now I know I need to read this soon!
    I loved this line in your review: about wanting to hide a corner and read it again. I know finales are bitter sweet but sometimes it is nice when they wrap up without dragging on until they are worn thin.

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  14. What a beautiful review Mimi! I read Hex Hall but I haven't actually read the second book yet for some reason. I'm glad this one ends well though I'm always afraid that the ending will ruin the whole trilogy - it has happened. I'll be getting into book 2 and this one soon! :)

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  15. MIMI!!! <33333 (: I love it when you review books that I haven't read before and make me want to buy them (seriously -- do you want to see how long my Mimi-purchase list is???), but I think I love it when you write a review for a book that I read and loved too just as much! If it wasn't for that plot-twist-that-shall-not-be-named-but-will-never-be-forgotten, don't you think that this would've been the PERFECT ending? I wish we were given more time to grieve it too! It was just there one moment and POOF the next and it made me sad! ):

    But Sophie was still HILARIOUS, Archer was still smoking hott (double T on purpose!), and I will forever remain Team Cal with you no matter what!

    Fantabulous review as per usual, Mimi-Doll! <333333 I wish everyone could read your review because it's seriously EPIC! *le sigh* (':

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  16. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah heard round the world!!! No! I don't want this series to end. I think that is why I haven't read the last book yet. I don't want to accept it. Especially since you say there is one plot line that doesn't feel complete. Does that mean there will be more? Can we dare to hope?

    You are so right! Hawkins does knows how to write a one-sit read. I love Archer and Cal. I don't want to know who wins the girl. Either choice is going to kill me.

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  17. OMG should I be worried about this huge plot twist?! You wanted to cry?! WHY?! DID SOMETHING BAD HAPPEN? OR WAS IT THE GOOD KIND OF CRY?! Adfjksg. And what things will Cal do to completely win over our heart? And what's the ending? And what happens on page 243? AND... okay, shutting up now :P

    I am so excited to read this, it's been such a fun series and it sounds like Rachel has gone out on a high. LOVE your review, thanks for making me extra antsy to get my greedy paws on a copy :D

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  18. I've only read the first book in this series and now that the three are out I REALLY want to get my hands on the next two. I'm so glad you really loved this one! I have to say, I ADORE these covers!

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  19. MIMI!!! Your review is just WOW! I haven't read any books in the series, don't know why I've never been interested but I AM DEFINITELY GETTING THIS BOOK because Mimi says to buy it! ;)

    AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME review, Mimi! <3 Must start book 1 immediately!

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  20. Oh, I really DO need to buy it! Gosh, I still can't believe I haven't read it yet! Or even own the books! *hangs head* It sounds seriously awesome and I'm SO happy you enjoyed it so much. :D Awesome review!!

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  21. Oh darling Mimi--this book made me so sad! And frustrated. :( It wasn't quite as great for me as it was for you, but I'm glad you enjoyed it nonetheless. And of course, your review made me smile as always.

    I'm very curious to see who is going to star in the spinoff and the new three-book trilogy, though. We've been taking friendly bets on my GoodReads thread, but who knows--it could be anybody!

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  22. HOORAY I'm glad you liked this book too! Sophie is one of my favourite heroines too. I don't know if you read it but I think you would enjoy the Mediator series by Meg Cabot then because Sophie reminds me a LOT of Suze. I loved Archer too and how well they suited for each other! I felt so bad for Cal, he's just so nice and good. I was with you on the plot twist! My friends didn't really care but I was like :( Sigh! Fantastic review, Mimi. ♥

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  23. Great review, Mimi!! Thanks for sharing!

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  24. Ugh Ive been meaning to read this series since last year but I keep on forgetting it dunno why! It sounds so good and I hope to have a time on reading the first book soon. I loved your review Mimi and I really wish I could catch up on reading this series, third book is already out my goodness. Great review x<3

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

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  25. This is coming up very soon on my TBR and I can't wait to read it! LOVE these books! I <3 Archer Cross! I also love the huge twists and cliffhangers in these books so can't wait to find out all about the one you've mentioned here!!

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  26. I am not surprised that you liked this so much. I have heard wonderful things. I still haven't made time for Hex Hall, but will definitely have to read both. Great review.
    - FABR Steph

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  27. What a gorgeous review, Mimi! I'll make sure to try and read this book asap to find all about the finale which blew you off your feet :))

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  28. oooooooooooh I so need to take the second book! the first one was amazing and knowing that it's the same for them too! I can't wait!

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  29. You reviewed it so well !!

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  30. OoOOOO!! Can't wait to read it... Love this series and.. if you cried I also want to cry! I just love when books trigger such emotions.. Oh and I desperately want to know this plot twist! But. I am so sad that this series is over! ;(

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  31. Another series I really need to read! I've heard AMAZING things about the Hex Hall series. It's totally going into my to-read list. Especially when judging by your review the series ended perfectly! :) I can't wait to meet Sophie! Awesome review, Mimi :D

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  32. OKAY. I have determined that I NEED to read this book immediately. I just haven't had the chance to buy or borrow this one, but darn it, I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ALL ENDS. WHO DOES SOPHIE DECIDE ON? Cal will soften my heart, you say? CRAP. How is this going to make things easy for me? Oh, man. I can't take the pressure. I. Need. To. Know.

    Asher

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  33. Awesome review like always, Mimi! Not that I expect less from you. <3

    Finales are always hard to swallow because sometimes you're too emotional over the end to feel anything else. I can't be even more agree, Mimi! The final of the awesome series is dreadful and amazing in the same time! I'm always worried when I read the final book. What if it goes wrong and the ending is not the way I picture it? But I'm glad that Spell Bound has amazing ending. There's nothing more satisfying than reading a great finish in a series! x)

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  34. Wonderful review, Mimi! By now, I expect a fabulous review every time I come here, but you always manage to surprise me. I've had this book ever since the release date but I have yet to pick it up. I don't know what's wrong with me! It might be that I accidentaly read a HUGE spoiler somewhere (I'm sure you know what it is) and I'm too big of a coward to deal with it. I guess I need time to prepare emotionally since that's where my heart was from the start.
    *sigh*

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  35. I haven't read this series yet (eek! I know, I know) but I know that everyone else just seems to LOVE it! I think I'll read it now that all the books are out so that I can read it all in a row :) But I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

    Brenna from Esther's Ever After

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  36. Can I just say that I love ur name with all my heart (mayne Cu's its my name too!!!!) Also I wanted to know how u read the book Cu's its not coming out tip July ir August sometime. I just checked. O and also, I liv ur answers to the masquerade questions, I answered almost exactly like you. Ahhhh are u me just not me??? Maybe I wrote typos answers and I don't remmember!?!?!?!?! Huh...... alter ego!!!

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