Commentary: I usually never ever put a book down as DNF. Sometimes, very early on in a book I know the timing is just not right and I won’t be able to sit through reading it. I give it the first 30 or so pages (like a manuscript, HAH!) before I decide that I need to put it down. Maybe next time, I’ll enjoy it more than I do now. This is not a review. This is just a note to self – and fellow readers.
SPELLBOUND by Jacqueline West (Books of Elsewhere #2)
Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends
Book Summary: With no way into the house’s magical paintings, and its three guardian cats reluctant to help, Olive’s friend Morton is still trapped inside Elsewhere. So when Rutherford, the new oddball kid next door, mentions a grimoire – a spellbook – Olive feels a breathless tug of excitement. If she can find the McMartins’ spellbook, maybe she can help Morton escape Elsewhere for good. Unless, that is, the book finds Olive first.
The house isn’t the only one keeping secrets anymore. Mystery, magic, corruption, and betrayal abound (plus just enough laughs to take the edge off). You’ll never guess what happens next in this thrilling, chilling second volume in the critically acclaimed series.
I just couldn’t read this one right now because:
- I had a love/hate relationship with the voice actress of the audiobook in Spellbound by Jacqueline West. On one hand, her voice totally fit the mood of the story. But on the other hand, it was just too cutesy for me. Too much to handle.
- I wasn’t feeling Olive’s character in Spellbound by Jacqueline West this time around. I just kept thinking, Oh my gosh! Quit being a brat! I really don’t like it when a main character is repeatedly told to not do something but the character goes ahead and does it. I know that eventually Olive will learn from her mistakes and realize that she can’t do whatever she pleases, but it is too frustrating to read about at the moment.
- The plot in Spellbound by Jacqueline West just didn’t captivate me as much as the first book did.
- I like the idea of the grimoire – mostly because when I think spells, I think Harry Potter – but I wasn’t really into it. I didn’t want Olive to jump into another adventure. I wanted her to stay put. … But then there wouldn’t be a novel if there wasn’t a conflict. Huh.
Chances of Me Picking Up This Book (Again): Maybe
- The chances of me of picking up Spellbound by Jacqueline West in print is slim to none. If I do pick this book up again, I will give the audiobook one more chance.
That’s too bad. I remember reading your relatively positive review of the first book, and MG fantasy is my favourite genre…
But obviously when you don’t like a protag, it’s tough to keep reading.