loved the book just hated one thing about it.

i love the idea behind this storyline. and i really like were its going. there is just one thing that i just can not stand. i stopped listening to this book because of it. however i came back to the book because i could not remember why i stop. but after listening to books 1 and 2 again i remembered. it was because Sebastian was a whiny annoying character . he was supposed to be a guy who was in the military. but he comes off as a whining teenager. that as to complain about everything. it just gets to you after awhile. like, i mean come on. it wasn't so bad in book 1 but book 2 its like he is whining and complaining throw out the whole book. other then that the books great.

2 people found this helpful

The Emo Boys ride again!

It's official. These characters are the Emo Boys! I think I agree with another reviewer's critique that both of the main characters read more like late teens than the 26 and mid 30's they're supposed to be. Not to mention the more emo of the two is supposed to be an ex-special forces veteran police detective. Just not realistic at all.

By the last chapters, I was laughing at how corny and immature the narration was. "You're an orphan like me, aren't you little girl? She mewled, so I kissed her head... This poor little baby had an injured wing and was covered with cuts and bruises and was so scared and sad over her family, yet she was incredibly happy to have found me," or "I'd been gone since last night, so I missed him like crazy. I moaned into his mouth and pulled him down to me..." Which brought us to the final very explicit sex scene, which felt gratuitous rather than a natural part of the plot.

Which brings me to my last critique of the sex scenes - aside from a warning to readers that they are quite graphic and not appropriate for kids! The thing I couldn't get over was how much they reminded me - some of you won't be old enough to remember - of those stories that guys would write in to Penthouse about their sexual experiences. They always had a hilarious serious tone as they wrote out all the graphic details. The writing was always rather juvenile and campy. It was a thing that guys would dream about being able to do - getting their letter published in Penthouse, having an experience worthy of the letter, an all-time sexual high. I remember scenes from 80's movies where guys would talk about it - so so funny!

That's what the romance and the story as a whole feels like: a horny teenage boy's fantasy! Interesting that the author is a woman. Does she mine her kids' fantasy writings for this stuff?

I think I'm done after this book. I mean, it might have been a little better if the author had anchored the characters in a storyline that jived more with their personalities. Rookie cop suffering from ptsd might fit better. But this guy couldn't have even passed basic training! Maybe instead of special forces he ran into the witch doctor some other place and got sucked into a whole weird world. Or he could have just been a kid who worked in a coffee shop!

Anyway, nonetheless, this one just doesn't quite live up to my literary standards. I enjoyed the first book more I guess because they hadn't gotten together yet and weren't wrapped up in their juvenile romance, Baby.

2 people found this helpful

The Awesomeness Continues...

So I really enjoyed the first book...I loved the second book. I am in awe of this series. Michele Notaro's writing is phantasmic and the narration by Kenneth Obi is beyond reproach. The Ellwood Coven continues to enrapture my heart and imagination. I need to continue to the next book...awesomeness!

2 people found this helpful

🎧Kenneth's Audioslaves Reviewer🎧

The Enchanter's Soul(The Ellwood Chronicles, Book 2) by Michele Notaro. I loved this PNR Story. This story was well written with a lot of action. The characters will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I can't wait to listen to the next one.
The Narrator Kenneth Obi did a fantastic job bringing these characters and story to life.

1 person found this helpful

A magical suspense

This is the second book in The Ellwood Chronicles and you must read book 1 The Enchanter's Soul in order to understand this one. The Enchanter's Soul picks up where the last book leaves off. Sebastian has just found he has magic but can't control it, doesn't really want it and is a soul mate to Ailin. He has feelings for Ailin but wonders what is real and what is from the magic.
Ailin is worried about Sebastian and all the weird goings-on in the world with the paranormal popping out when they usually don't. He is worried someone is going to figure out there is an enchanter and come for Seb.
This was another interesting, nailbiting story once it got started, The first little bit was a bit slow and there is some constant yo-yoing on Seb and his feelings for Ailin but all in all the book is great.
I listened to the audio version and I think that makes it better. Kenneth Obi gives the characters a lot of life and adds excitement to the story with the proper emotions like chuckles sighs and giggles.
I love this series and am ready to see who is next.

1 person found this helpful

Better even than book 1

I loved this! So much excitement. So much magic! Such great secondary characters. So many feelz! A teeny tiny bit of smexy times. Loads of magical creatures. A mysterious bad guy/omen situation. Lots to keep you turning pages.

My only complaint is that I wish I had the next book now!

I can see some developing side story lines and I’m super intrigued. The brothers and the friends are fascinating and do a great job of fleshing out the story to be more than just about the 2 mcs.

I loved how slowly this relationship is developing – sexually and emotionally – but still maintaining our mcs in fairly constant contact. So often the two mcs are apart and that is hard to develop a relationship. But these guys are together all the time but still going slow. I loved it!

Highly recommended – but you must read book 1 first. I didn’t read the precursor book and probably won’t and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.

5 of 5 stars


Audio

Does a really good job with this. He definitely tries to give all the myriad characters a unique voice and he even goes for some sound effects. However, I couldn’t get over the voice he chose for Sebastian. Seb is a big tough cop and he chose a very meek voice. I also don’t love his timing – he paces the story a little overly dramatically that feels a bit soap opera-y. However, it’s still a very good listen and a great way to enjoy this series!

4 of 5 stars

Overall 4.5 of 5 stars

1 person found this helpful

Fabi;pis

I am really enjoying this series. Michelle Notaro weaves intricate relationships within fantastic worlds. Kenneth Obe really brought Michelle's characters to life. I am looking forward to book 3

I can't even...

So, first book was pretty decent. While it was a bit rough, it was a decent story. This one is not good. The constant dick waving and arguing is off putting and the relationship between the two main characters is ridiculous and unrealistic. The voice of Sébastien is annoying and high pitched and his development and mistrust is jarring and unrealistic. Honestly not going to continue with the series because of all the issues.

Love the story

Love the story but the main character seems too weak and timid to be a detective. Seems more like a 20 year old with no life experience.

Liked the book

I like the book in the story The only thing I have complained about is Sebastian is a whiny b**** through most of the book.
I feel sorry for Alan to have to deal with that.