“When you start to notice the mystical, the mystical will start to notice you.” –Dacha Avelin

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature teen: there were discussions of death during wartime and injuries sustained. Nothing was sexually graphic, although, it was sensual.
>>Angst Level: medium as tensions began rising toward the cliffhanger. There were many OMG moments as secrets began to be revealed. I kept thinking, what else is to be discovered?
>>Source: Own: I grabbed the pre-order: This is book 1 of a trilogy.
>>Fan Points: The love story of ODC was so sweet once they got their act together. There was just enough pushback to make D&E work for it.
>>Trope: [1] AU: Alternate Universe: there’s magic in the land [2] mystical creatures and powers

“Magick happens when you step into who you truly are and embrace that which fulfills your soul.” –Dacha Avelin

I read chapter excerpts of this on the Austen Variations website and had… HAD to have it. I grabbed the pre-order as soon as it was posted. I read until I crashed and burned in the wee hours of the morning. I finished it the next day in my pajamas. Grief! I’m so glad it was a soft cliffhanger and not one where you’re pulling out your hair. I can hardly wait until book 2 is launched. This was fabulous, amazing, highly intense, and a daring Darcy and Elizabeth once they were entwined. Heavy sigh. I can’t say enough about Spellbound other than, there are not enough stars to appropriately label this book. Run, don’t walk, and grab this amazing story.

“Magic is based on the tapestry of interconnectivity between you and the natural world.” –Sasha Graham
2023 era-6-regency-1811-1820 jaff-pride-and-prejudice ...more14 s2 comments Sam H.979 42

The joys of mages, dragons and Talent

A wonderfully entertaining mash up of our beloved Pride and Prejudice characters and sci-fantasy.

The author creates an alternate universe of magic and fea. gentlefolk are linked to their land by Talent. Dragons and other creatures are fea folk, but I have a feeling we haven't scratched the surface of that part of the magical story.

The drama comes from a secret mission to assassinate Napoleon. When Darcy meets Elizabeth, parts of the plan may have greater success if they wed, and she becomes pregnant.

There are plenty of new characters and extended Bennet family living in Wales, including Granny- Elizabeth's great grandmother! And Darcy's mother is alive with her own secrets and backstory.

There was a lot of lust and instant physical, passionate attraction. ( Although not too detailed). I am never a fan of lust and sex taking the place of actual story or building a relationship by words and deeds. Thank goodness there is plenty of story to be center stage.

An exciting read, it was almost impossible to put down.

As the series is a trilogy, the end of this book is no where near to reaching the end of the story. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next book. 2023 jaff-2023 jaff-fantasy ...more12 s Debbie1,580 53

5+ stars!

great-books i-own-it jaff14 s SophiaAuthor 5 books364

What could be more enchanting than Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? That would be having P&P dropped into an alternate historical fantasy world full of intrigue, mysteries, and two people bound together in purpose that is not love. Though yes, love, magic, finds a way.

Spellbound at Pemberley introduces Mr. Darcy, a well-trained mage with an upcoming secret mission that has the hopes of England riding on it. Unfortunately, his illusion spell is giving him a devilish amount of trouble until a country miss entwines her magic with his own and wonderful, impossible things happen.
Elizabeth learns that revealing her Talent ability to the arrogant visitor from Pemberley has profound consequences that upend her world all at once. A forced match of convenience to assist Mr. Darcy in his important mission and the shocking revelation of long-hidden family secrets is only the tip of the iceberg. Darcy and Elizabeth have to work together and figure things out fast because the stakes are higher and hotter than dragon flame.

Spellbound at Pemberley had a start that I was confident I knew what was coming, but no, what delight, there was oh so much more than I expected (and I was already expecting quite a bit). The complexity of Abigail Reynolds’ fantasy world with nearly everyone holding a secret and nothing being straight forward once the romance pair were together was sheer delight with some new revelation with every chapter it seemed. The way she uses magic with the Land Talent ties and more traditional mage magic that acts on the English social and cultural rules was neat. Naturally, one of the big turns in the story was Darcy and Elizabeth learning that their magical world is not quite what they thought.

But, all is not just intrigue and thrills. I did love the couple coming together in a forced marriage and making much of it. I enjoyed the introduction of a wide cast of characters that included Elizabeth’s falcon friend and Darcy’s Lynx familiar. How fascinating that Lady Anne, Darcy’s mother is a political power and a complex character. The Bennets and their extended relations are fascinating, too.

Spellbound at Pemberley is the first segment of a three-part story and finishes with hints that matters are about to get more interesting. However, I d how there was some closure on the first act so the reader isn’t left hanging on a limb.

For those who the magic and intrigue set in Regency England, but hesitate because it’s mingled with a popular Jane Austen story, don’t worry. Fans and newcomers a can appreciate this story equally well. If you enjoy Gaslamp fantasy, don’t miss this one.

I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 3.4.24.2024-austenesque-lovers-tbr 2024-coyer 2024-coyer-community ...more7 s Jennifer1,281 85

Spellbound at Pemberley is a Pride and Prejudice variation by Abigail Reynolds. I to call it JAFF (Jane Austen fan fiction). And if you’ve never read any this is the perfect book to start with. This was a delightful pride and prejudice romance with magic. The world building was excellent and the clean romance was heartfelt. I loved Darcy and Elizabeth. The growing relationship held me captive and I just couldn’t get enough. This was a promising start to a wonderful series.
If you love dragons and magic I highly recommend it.
Thanks White Soup Press via NetGalley. arc jaff netgalley6 s Anna Fitzwilliam218 24

I was not fond of Darcy in this book. The plot was interesting, but the end dragged on a bit too much.5 s Rita Deodato231 10

Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...

Spellbound at Pemberley is the first book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage series, so even though it is an enjoyable read with a sense of closure at the end, the story continues in volume two which will be released this year. It is a Pride & Prejudice variation that creates an alternate universe of magic where the heirs of an estate possess a Talent that allows them to bond with their land. But it also explores other types of magic and fantasy creatures that appear throughout the book, and of course, focuses on the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

The story starts in Hertfordshire where Mr. Darcy has travelled to with Mr. Bingley to practice illusion magic for a very important mission he is on. While he is practicing, he discovers that Elizabeth’s magical powers blend in perfectly with his own, a fact that is a game changer for his mission. Due to the relevance of his secret operation, and this new and very unexpected discovery, they have no alternative but to get married because that may be the key to save the country.

This book is therefore a forced marriage scenario in which Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time together getting to know one another, and in which their love evolves slowly and progressively. Their romance, along with both of their personalities and personal struggles were the two main aspects I loved the most in this book.

The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth is slow but intense. There are many different situations in which both need to rise up to rescue the other and it is in those situations, and the actions they undertake when the other needs help, that we can see how much they love each other. I believe the reader understands these characters love one another even before they have realized it themselves. I loved the fact that these characters spent a lot of time together, and with time were able to confide in one another. l also loved the depth of their conversations, and especially to be shown how they were falling in love instead of being told about it. The book is very fluid and everything seems to come very easily into place. I think it is interesting for them to have a magical link, but that was not the most important factor for me because I them to have a strong love that binds them, and not being bonded by a magical unseen force.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth are a little less proud and prejudiced in this book and revealed a maturity I truly appreciate. They both face very dire situations and Abigail Reynolds was able to transmit their personal struggles in an exciting manner, especially Elizabeht’s. I loved her resilience, strength and eagerness to learn to save Darcy. I the fact that she appears to be special, but I hope that in book two we won’t see her as an all-mighty person who can save the entire country with her abilities as I much prefer to see her as a normal person who works well with others, instead of someone with inane abilities.

There are some mysteries in this book, and I the fact that they are slowly unraveled. I am curious to see what Georgiana’s story is, why Mr. Bennet is so powerful, and what happened to Lady Anne while she was away. This first book certainly opened a lot of avenues that can still be explored, especially because new characters were added to the narrative and we are not confined to the regular Pride and Prejudice family members. This opened the story for more diverse storylines, and I am particularly interested in Lady Frederica’s love match which I hope to see developed in the future.

Spellbound at Pemberley is an enthralling book and Abigail Reynolds is a skilled writer who is easily able to create new worlds and explore new pathways in a simple yet enticing manner. I have enjoyed the possibilities that have arisen in this book, and I hope it doesn’t get too complicated with too many magical elements in book two so I can continue enjoying it.

Summing up, Spellbound at Pemberley is an superb fantasy novel in which the writer skillfully conjured up a new and captivating world rife with romance and mystery. It is well written, romantic and exciting. I highly recommend it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series because I believe it will take not only the story, but also the romance into a whole new level :).4 s Teresita952 9

An amazing beginning

It got my undivided attention from the first page. I love magical Pride and Prejudice variations and Abigail Reynolds is a master of the genre.

All the characters are well written, respecting their traits and personalities, with magic imbued in them.

A lot of unexpected developments and an excellent plot that leaves everything prepared for the next book without leaving the reader hanging.
2 s MichelleH H299 5

And. Now I’m in book withdrawal.

I’m going to leave the serous book to the more talented reviewers. Let’s leave this for now to say I Loved It. And I’m really loving forward to the next book. It’s a fantastic story and I highly recommend it. Five + stars. 4 s Teresa58

I really struggled between giving this book 3 or 4 stars. This was an interesting but flawed book. Although it claims to be a variation on Pride and Prejudice, I would call that a pretty big stretch. However, if you look at it as its own book, there was a lot to , although there were some other issues as well.

Let's first discuss the idea that it's a "variation." I really do love it when authors take Jane Austen's concepts and ideas and take them and make them their own. However, there is a point (not a clear one!) when you've run so far that you don't really share anything in common with P&P anymore other than some character names. This book was definitely treading that line and, in the latter half, had pretty clearly crossed it. Gone are Wickham and Mr. Collins (and the entailment!), any slice of life/cheeky commentary on local English personalities. Other characters received a brief mention (Lady Catherine, Col. Fitzwilliam, the Bingley sisters) or a short, mysterious cameo (Georgiana). The entire theme of women in this time period facing precarity because they must marry or face the horrors of being a spinster was even absent, as it's clear in this alternate version women do have power and more social standing than in this reality. There's a slew of new characters introduced, including Mr. Darcy's mother, who is very much alive, and a grandmother on Elizabeth's side. While the book does feature a love story between Elizabeth and Darcy, it's a pretty different one than in P&P - there is a little bit of misunderstanding in the very beginning, they quickly move past it and instead tension is brought from Darcy's mission in thwarting Napoleon. The problem with all of this is that when you call yourself a variation on P&P, it creates expectations, so when you don't meet many of those expectations, it feels a let down. Normally I feel authors who do this are just trading on Jane Austen's work to bring in more readers, which is definitely annoying. But I noticed this author has written a lot of Jane adaptations, so I wonder if instead it's just become a crutch. A lot of this could be solved by the author just creating whole new characters and calling it a Regency fantasy.

The book is not completely absent of any of P&P's traits - she does a fairly good job with the personalities of Darcy and Elizabeth, and I actually d how she teased out Mr. Bennett's character a bit. But even Mrs. Bennet and the sisters are given short shrift and are barely there (although I suspect we'll see more of them in future books).

Despite all of this, I did think the book was pretty good as a general Regency fantasy - the world building was interesting, several of the new characters were well developed and had good agency (although I wasn't in love with Mr. Roderick - he felt too much he was there purely as an info dump as needed). I was interested in the whole idea of Land Talent and how the privilege of being able to own land over generations gave a new benefit of having a magical bond with it as well - although I would have d to see some of the social consequences of that explored (maybe later books will?) It did start to feel there was almost too much magic going on, though - magic with the land, general magic of mages, faeries, dragons, familiars, on and on. I think the world building needed some editing.

Plot wise, the book never felt a drag - there was always something going on. It was of course enjoyable to see Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love, and then the general plot of how will Darcy defeat Napolean was intriguing as well.

However, that brings us to my other main problem with this book - it was missing a main plot that actually developed through the whole book and then resolved. There were smaller plots that resolved over short sections, Elizabeth coming to accept marrying Mr. Darcy. But those all resolved well before the end of the book. And many of the bigger plots the book built up toward are left unaddressed, I'm assuming for later books. This became especially problematic in the final third of the book, when several new plot points were introduced but never went beyond a "well how will they handle this?" The final third really felt an intro for the second book, which made for an underwhelming end. So while the book never dragged, I still felt a bit let down.

I'd say this is a better fit for fantasy fans than P&P fans, except the book oddly starts when Elizabeth visits Netherfield because Jane fell ill and definitely expects readers to have some familiarity with P&P. I think if P&P fans can accept this is really a "variation" in name only, then they could enjoy it too, although obviously having an interest in fantasy will help.1 lori huff994 22

Wonderful

Darcy comes to Netherfield as per usual, but he is a mage there to practice his illusions for his role in helping defeat Napoleon. Bingley is an assistant of sorts who has no magic. While Elizabeth is at Netherfield nursing her sister Jane, Darcy accidentally discovers that Elizabeth has strong Talent that can interact with his, and that she doesn't repel him, as does most everyone who has Talent. Since he's already attracted to Elizabeth, he immediately decides to marry her and get her with child, as this would greatly enhance his power when he goes on his government mission to France. Of course Elizabeth, at this point, has no very good opinion of Darcy's arrogance, and she also has a strong bond to the land of Longbourn, where her Talent has helped the estate to thrive. Therefore, she vehemently objects to the marriage. However, because it's a government mandate, Elizabeth is forced to agree.

These JAFF variations with magic always involve much explanation and establishment of the rules for their particular scenario. This author does that admirably. There's a lot to learn. There are "familiars" or "companions". Darcy's mother is alive, and she's important, as is Mr Bennett and Elizabeth's great grandmother. Several new and interesting characters are introduced that are wonderful.

Thankfully, in spite of the circumstances of their marriage, the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is lovely, although Darcy is portrayed as someone who is extremely sceptical about any new concept, surprising in a world of magical abilities. And for being such a supposedly powerful mage, he's portrayed as rather inept at his abilities while training for his mission.

I deducted a star for a couple of reasons. One is the tendency in these magical JAFF variations to keep on adding rather ludicrous magical abilities at random when any dilemma arises. The other reason is the creation of a series with no next installment in sight. I hope the next book comes out before this one is forgotten. I guess I should have waited for them all to be published before beginning. However, this author is an automatic purchase for me. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.1 Pat 49 2

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I've read a couple of Abigail Reynolds' Jane Austen 'spinoffs' before and quite enjoyed them.
I wasn't sure about P&P with magic, but I was won over. The author has created a quite interesting and complicated magical system, and she's integrated it well with Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship. There are talking dragons and other magical creatures.
Set while Britain and France are still at war, and magic is being used on the battlefield, so it's reminiscent of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in this instance.
Keep in mind that this is the first book in a series. The main characters marry early on and have a physical relationship (it's not graphic or the focal point of the book but might bother some readers?)
4-4.5 out of 5, I found it a little uneven in places, and I always find books that end on a cliffhanger a bit annoying.
Would recommend to fans of historical fantasy romance (is that a genre) - good fun!1 Susan6,077 55

A fantasy Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy is a Maga, and capable of illusions, perfect to be sent on a mission to kill Napoleon. Then he meets Elizabeth with her Land Talent. But Napoleon is using dragons and sea serpents against the British forces is there any chance that Darcy will survive.
An entertaining and well-written variation. The story continues in the next part of the trilogy.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.austenesque austenesque-2024 netgalley1 Cheyanne Hanson37

This was probably a 2.5 star read for me. The first half was clunky and awkward. The entire book took me 3 days to get through which is not common for me at all. The second half was a little better with more plot and story, but I still found the writing difficult to connect to, and over all, the characters lacked depth. I would most ly not continue with this series.1 Megan1,625 204

Pride and Prejudice with magic? Absolutely had to give this a read and I'm so happy I did! The story was so much fun and my only complaint is having to wait for book 2 to continue with their story.

Elizabeth is able to interact with Darcy's Illusions, which is unheard of, and her power doesn't repulse him. Both of these things immediately make him want to marry her, to help aid his secret mission for England.austen-fan-fiction england january-2024 ...more1 Talia932 4

I love Abigail Reynolds when she combines P & P with magic! I can't wait for more but it looks it will be awhile. Preorder made.1 Elanda Birch77 3

This enchanting reimagining of Jane Austen's timeless classic, "Spellbound at Pemberley" introduces us to a world where the familiar trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters unfold amidst the backdrop of magical intrigue. At the heart of this novel is the dynamic and evolving relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, both of whom are endowed with magical talents that set them apart from their peers.

Elizabeth Bennet, our beloved and spirited protagonist, discovers that her magical talent that resonates deeply with the mystic energies of the world around her is much more then she ever believed it could be. This talent, though nascent, draws her into a realm of wonder she never knew existed, simultaneously opening her eyes to the complexities of society and the nature of true power.

Mr. Darcy, reimagined here as a formidable and respected mage, initially actually appears more approachable and much more sensitive. His mastery over the arcane is inherited, due to his genealogy, yet it is his very power that isolates him from others. His magic causing pain and rejection to others with talent, except for Elizabeth, which plays into their initial interactions! Darcy's magic is a reflection of his character: powerful, controlled, and often misunderstood. It is only when Elizabeth's unique magic interacts with his own that the icy barriers around his heart begin to melt, revealing the passionate and loyal man beneath.

The magic in this retelling adds a thrilling layer of complexity to the social engagements, balls, and intimate conversations familiar to fans of the original. The societal divisions of Regency England are further complicated by the division between those with magical abilities and those without, mirroring and magnifying the themes of class and social mobility found in Austen's work. The magical elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story's themes of love, family, and personal growth without overshadowing them.

Abigail Reynolds has done a remarkable job of preserving the essence of the original characters while granting them new life through their magical abilities. The evolving relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is as captivating as ever, enriched by the intriguing dynamics of their compatible magics. Their journey to respect and love is beautifully rendered, with each magical encounter deepening their connection and understanding of each other.

I really enjoyed this book, I am a true lover of all things Austin, and Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorites. This book pays homage to Austen's original while inviting readers to experience the beloved story in an entirely new light. For fans of the original Pride and Prejudice, this novel offers a refreshing and magical twist on the classic, retaining the charm and wit of Austen's writing while introducing elements of wonder and enchantment. It is a delightful read that both honors and innovates, sure to enchant both Austen aficionados and newcomers to her work. 4.5 well deserved stars! Katherine105 1 follower

This book is a variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It has magic, dragons, and fae. Darcy is a mage, and Elizabeth has magic of her own, which they call talents. Because this is a variation, the author does not take the time to develop the characters. I guess it is expected that the reader should already know the characters and their mannerisms and characteristics, There isn't much time given to explain the talents and the world the characters were in. I felt I was just dropped into the middle of the story. If I were not a fan of Austen's I am unsure I would have enjoyed or connected with these characters well. It is an entertaining read, it's a short one. It does end on a cliffhanger. I d it enough that I want to read the sequel and fans of Austen and fantasy would this also

I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own

Description
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a powerful mage and master of illusions. His abilities make him the perfect man for a dangerous mission to end the devastating war with Napoleon – a mission that would leave him little chance of returning alive. When he meets the enchanting Elizabeth Bennet, whose magical Talents are as deep as they are inexplicable, he knows he needs her help. And there’s only one way to get that – marriage. Immediately.

Elizabeth wants nothing to do with his plan. Marrying Darcy would mean breaking her strong and beloved magical bond to Longbourn and giving up the use of her Talent forever. Then dragons enter the war in Europe, and England's survival hangs in the balance. And Elizabeth must make the ultimate sacrifice.

But dragons are already watching their newlywed journey to Pemberley, and a shocking discovery will force them to question everything they believe. Can they learn to trust each other and work together to save their country--and their lives?

If you enjoy fantasy and Jane Austen's classic Pride & Prejudice, you'll love Spellbound at Pemberley, the first book of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage! Shaina415 2

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Abigail Reynolds for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Spellbound at Pemberley. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a powerful mage and master of illusions. His abilities make him the perfect man for a dangerous mission to end the devastating war with Napoleon – a mission that would leave him little chance of returning alive. When he meets the enchanting Elizabeth Bennet, whose magical Talents are as deep as they are inexplicable, he knows he needs her help. And there’s only one way to get that – marriage. Immediately.??Elizabeth wants nothing to do with his plan. Marrying Darcy would mean breaking her strong and beloved magical bond to Longbourn and giving up the use of her Talent forever. Then dragons enter the war in Europe, and England's survival hangs in the balance. And Elizabeth must make the ultimate sacrifice.??In this first book of the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage trilogy, dragons are already watching their newlywed journey to Pemberley, and a shocking discovery will force them to question everything they believe. Can they learn to trust each other and work together to save their country--and their lives?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love any type of Jane Austen adaptations whether they are books or movies. This one was really fun because it was magic based witches and warlocks. The addition of magic was really fun to the plot. I really enjoyed the characters. I thought the changes from the original Pride and Prejudice were fun and made it interesting. The writing was great. The only thing is I think the book was heavily focused on Darcy and Elizabeth. It would’ve been nice to see more of the other characters. I think there will be more books in the series, so maybe that will be explored more later on.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice adaptations! ~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~412 24

I was pleasantly surprised with how this book turned out. I really thought I knew what I was getting into after reading the description but I was utterly unprepared!

I was a bit thrown off with some of the dialogue in the beginning of the book. However, as time went on I did not even notice the difference anymore, This was an interesting take on Darcy and Elizabeths love story, and I think I prefer this one. Everything is better with magic though, right?

In this world there is landed talent, literally magic talent that is attached to a specific area of land, and there is mage talent. Mage talents might be able to cast illusions, affect the weather, or any number of other things. While landed talent will ensure the crops are bountiful, the trees large and strong, and the animals in top health. People with talent feel physically repelled by another person with talent. My one complaint is that was not really explained in the beginning. I was able to figure it out after I went but it made for a confusing several chapters at the start.

Our MCs met and there were sparks immediately, and I’m not talking the good kind. Darcy was rude and abrasive and Elizabeth wasn’t standing for it. However, when Darcy discovers she has more magic than she lets on, and that they do not repel each other, feelings shift rapidly. Now he will stop at nothing to have her. If only he could guarantee that they will have a long future ahead of them.

I enjoyed the writing and all of the fantasy aspects of this book. I even enjoyed most characters. However, the things that’s annoyed me about Darcy in the story this book was based off of, still annoy me here. You will still not be able to keep me from reading the next book in the series though lol. I am intrigued and I HAVE to know how it ends. Raechel H-C90 1 follower

What a wonderful story. This is a tale full of romance and discovery, intrigue and adventure!

I would say that it’s probably best if you’ve read the original Pride and Prejudice before reading this fantastical tale only because of the references made to towns, families, hierarchies, etc. Although, there are some major differences between the original and this one (least of all are the dragons!) it would be easy to pick up the gist of things without having read it, there is just greater clarity with the knowledge imparted from the original.

Reynolds does a superb job of writing these characters so precisely that one cannot help but feel that one knows them well. Though the story starts slowly and there’s a bit of jumping around at first, the story unfolds at an increasing pace as we read through this sublime account of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy trying their best to balance the demands of the War Office, personal interests, newly acquired spouses, feelings and prejudices held by themselves and those surrounding them and so many other things.

As we get to know these characters more deeply and move with them through the web that Reynolds spins, we can’t help but cheer for their victories and worry for them in their illnesses and defeats. I am reluctant to give too much detail for fear of ruining the story and all the discoveries within, but this is a wonderful piece that is so worth the read.

I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series! Nina86 6

4,5 stars rounded down to 4

Note that this is the first in a trilogy. Next installment planned for July 2023

The story is in a world, where the oldest child of landed gentry bonds with the land and can greatly help the land to prosper. Though Jane’s bond is very weak due to her early birth in London and Mrs Bennet lacking knowledge of the bond.

Darcy is a mage, which is rare. Currently all mages comes from three old families. He is training for a mission in France for the British office at Netherfield park, when he meets Elizabeth. They have are rare affinity for each other, which can help Darcy on his mission. So they are ordered to marry within a week and set off Pemberley.

Both of them have familiars, which will play a significant part in the story. Darcy has a Lynx (a large feline) and Elizabeth a kestrel (a bird of prey). Darcy family is bigger, he had a yonger brother that was lost in the war with France and his mother is still alive. The Bennets has a mysterious branch of their family in Wales.

So the story unfortunately ends with a cliffhanger… So the wait for next summer will be long. On the other hand there are two more books to look forward to.
Fortunately Abigail has started a group on Facebook to discuss the book in the meantime
https://www.facebook.com/groups/28091...jaff Barbara Klaser653 17

This is the latest fantasy variation on Pride and Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds. It's the first in a series, of which the second isn't due out until October 2024, and I would regret having to wait that long, except that it will give me an excuse to read this one again before I read the second.

In an alternate magical Regency world, Mr. Darcy is a Mage, and has come to Netherfield to be away from the magical bond he has with his land in Derbyshire while he practices his skills in making illusions. He has a dangerous mission for the War Office coming up, which he won't ly survive, in which he's to stop the threat posed by Napoleon. He's practicing a particular illusion, that of a stampeding herd of cattle, out in a field when somehow someone manages to alter the illusion, something he didn't know was possible. He learns to his shock that it was done by Elizabeth Bennet.

So begins a brilliant story, based on Pride and Prejudice, but with a complex magical system that involves Land Talent, Mages, animal familiars, Sea Serpents, and Dragons. All the interconnections, characters, and surprises in this story kept me turning pages and delighting in every new revelation. Highly recommended.fantasy fiction georgian-regency ...more Betsy220 3

I am writing this review for Net Galley. This is the first book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mage series.

This is a retelling of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy but it involves Magic. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth meet in a field when there is what Elizabeth thinks is a herd of cattle running. There is a little kid in the field. In order to stop the cattle from trampling the kid, Elizabeth takes a risk in using her powers thinking no one is watching. She turns out to be wrong when Mr. Darcy appears out of nowhere.

Mr. Darcy can make illusions. Between the two of them, their magical powers bring them together. However, Elizabeth has to be careful when working her powers with illusions as she can become weak. Because of the magic between the two came to agreement to marry one another so they will have a child. Will Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth come together and learn to really love one another?

I really enjoyed this story. I wasn't to sure if I would a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that involved magic, but I found it to be very easy to understand. The magic actually made it a faster read and more interesting. If you magic and Pride and Prejudice that you will enjoy this series. Sheila Majczan2,474 172

Ending on page 278 and we are then given an excerpt from the next in this series. We are left hanging so KNOW this is not a stand alone story.

There is enough tension as new points are revealed throughout this story. We have dragons which can assume different shapes. Indeed, one of the main characters is Elizabeth's companion, Cerridwen. As we read we learn more and more about the magical worlds of dragons.

We also have Darcy training to go on a secret mission to assassinate Napoleon. He doesn't expect to come back but after "forcing" Elizabeth to marry him as her land Talent will be crucial in his mission he finds himself falling in love with her. He wants to leave an heir so as to extend his Talent to the next generation.

We learn the powers of communication and the binding of Silence for certain groups of individual.

You have to read this as it is not only a new sci-fi world for ODC as written by one of my favorite authors but also for the fact that there are just too many details that one can not sum up in a review.

I highly recommend this story and cannot wait to read the next in the series.5 s Cas45 2

I have mixed thoughts about this one.

First, the good: the prose is easy to read and clear,, and the relationships between the characters are enjoyable. The two tiered magic system is a very interesting one and I particularly d the introduction of the repulsion as an element. I particularly d Elizabeth’s dragon companion.

The not so good: it was just trying to do too much in too few pages. There’s the whole Pride & Prejudice plot which honestly? I could have done without. It feels sillly to say that given the whole reason I picked this up was because of the P&P aspect but truly, it diverges from the plot so much that I would have rather just renamed everything and had it be its own original world. The book starts off throwing you in the deep end and continues to randomly drop totally new elements with big info dumps throughout, which breaks up the flow and enjoyment of the story. So many elements, characters, and conflicts are introduced for a story where plot wise, very little happens. I feel the pacing was quite inconsistent and a near death experience is treated about the same as a rumor that Lizzy is cheating on her husband.

Very fun concept, lots of great elements, but not quite there for me on the execution. Chelsea205 2

I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Spellbound at Pemberley by Abigail Reynolds is a marriage of convenience Pride and Prejudice retelling where Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet both have magical abilities and are married quickly in order to produce an heir. Darcy is meant to be sent to France on a mission where he is not expected to live and Elizabeth is meant to stay on his land to feed his magic.

The magical system is based firmly in the land and is mostly done via inference rather than explanation. Dragons and familiars make appearances as does magical abilities repelling each other, which I thought was an interesting touch. In this world, mages feel pain when they are in close proximity with each other and many marriages between people with magical abilities are ones where the spouses live separate from each other and the child is shipped between them. Elizabeth and Darcy not being repelled by each other is extremely rare and adds a layer to their dynamic in this world.

I would recommend this to fans of Pride and Prejudice looking for a touch of magic and readers of marriage of convenience.historical-fantasy historical-romance retelling Indus156 1 follower

I received an ARC of this book but am leaving an unbiased review.

Some of the Pride and Prejudice books leave me bored or feeling I'm reading something that has nothing in common with the original work other than names. This wasn't that. I could see where pride and prejudice came in, and it kept me enthralled. I d the world- building too. The idea of magic and talents made the characters more believable, and their history explains a lot about their characters.

That said, it wasn't perfect. The end of this book comes out of nowhere and feels way too abrupt. Darcy's inner monologues get annoying at times. I would have ly felt the same of the original work, so that feels authentic, but that still makes him unlikable at times. There is also a few too many side characters that don't feel very developed. I might have preferred using some of the ones from the book rather than making up these people and leaving me with more questions. Still, that said, I d it and will read more. Julia A Mette43

Holy dragons, Batman!

I love reading Ms Reynolds' work. She is imaginative and enthralling, always writing a gripping story with fun spins. The world building is excellent, and the characterizations and voices are always spot on. Elizabeth is never too smart/perfect/amazing, and Darcy is never too proud/stiff/dour. They are flawed and just wonderfully written.

This story is well worth the read. The dragons are a bit of a shock to find, and the strength and growth shown by ODC is lovely. The struggles Elizabeth faces as she adapts and overcomes are realistic within this fantastical world. Darcy's growth is more subtle, but every bit as compelling to read. The mythos and dragon lore that we are given here is very well done.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Melissa Jones27 5

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