Review: Spell Bound – Jacob Z. Flores

Spell Bound Book Cover Spell Bound
The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge Book 1
Jacob Z. Flores
YA, M/M Fantasy Romance
Dreamspinner Press
May 27, 2015
216

Mason Blackmoor just can’t compete with his brothers, much less his father. They represent the epitome of black magic, strong, dark, and wicked, and though Mason tries to live up to his respected lineage, most of the spells he casts go awry. To make matters worse, his active power has yet to kick in. While his brothers wield lightning and harness the cold, Mason sits on the sidelines, waiting for the moment when he can finally enter the magical game.

When a dead body is discovered on the football field of his high school, Mason meets Drake Carpenter, the new kid in town. Drake’s confident demeanor and quick wit rub Mason the wrong way. Drake is far too self-assured for someone without an ounce of magical blood in his body, and Mason aims to teach him a lesson—like turn him into a roach. And if he’s lucky, maybe this time Mason won’t be the one turned into an insect.

Not surprisingly, the dislike is mutual, and Drake does nothing to dispel Mason’s suspicion that the sexy boy with a southern drawl is somehow connected to the murder.

If only Mason didn’t find himself inexplicably spell bound whenever they are together, they might actually find out what danger hides in the shadows.

Review by Gloria Lakritz

Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

I have been reading paranormal stories for a good many years. Stephen King started my thirst when I was in my 20’s, and the “thirst” never left. So, after the advent of Stephanie Meyers, paranormal brought more and more new writers and old writers to the forefront mesmerizing my senses with a huge deluge of great and not so great books.

I lamented, ‘Why were the authors I adored reading not writing in this genre?’ Excitingly for me, their shift has taken them to this place and with their talents and voices. Now they are in my playground and I couldn’t be happier.

Jacob Flores has been one of my favorite authors, so when I heard he was planning a Warlock story, I smiled. My smile got even bigger when he asked me to read the advanced copy for review. I had me, a four hour plane ride, and Mason Blackmoor. How much better could it get?

First let me say, Jacob Flores nails this, first with the whole teen attitude. Remember those days when you always felt a square peg in a round hole? When you had to be tough instead of soft as not to get hurt? When you are a bit out of sync?

Mason Blackmoor, comes from a family of Warlocks. His father and his two older brothers have extremely strong powers. Mason seems to be waiting for his to manifest.

New to the High School is Drake Carpenter. It is dislike at first sight. Their strange relationship grows as dead bodies start piling up in town and Mason and Drake seem to be in the thick of it. The town has a Council of Paranormals, an interesting twist, so witches, warlocks, and wizards guard the humans and the mystery Gate.

Jacob Flores has brought some interesting thoughts to bear as we follow the trail of bodies. Mason injects a humorously fun, self depreciating image of himself which tones down the blood and gore a bit! Mason’s quote of the day…. ‘Accidently turn yourself into a cockroach one time and no one lets you forget it.’ I am so glad this is a series as there are tons of things yet to write, and many characters I would love to see more of. Great job, Jacob. Thanks for your trip to The Dark Side.

*Winner: 2nd Place – Best M/M Historical / Fantasy Paranormal Romance Series

Special Recognition for being the only YA competing with Adult Series

2015 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards

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