Title: Cruel Enchantment
Author: Anya Bast
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Release date: September 7, 2010
Author's website: www.anyabast.com
Received ARC by author for review
Book 2 of the Dark Magick series starts with the reader learning that Emily Millhouse is not who she is supposed to be. She is actually a Fae named Emmaline and she is working undercover for a human organization by the name of HFF to free all the Fae that are living behind the wall. The Phaendir keeps the Fae imprisoned behind a wall using a warding of magic and the HFF are trying to find a way to defeat them.
Cruel Enchantment focuses on the relationship between Aeric and Emmaline. Emmaline used to be an assassin for the Summer Queen and killed Aeric's wife long ago. Aeric has been waiting ever since to get his revenge for her death. When Emily Millhouse crosses the gate into the Fae world, she uses glamour to hide her true looks. Aeric however, is there and is waiting for her. He knows that is her because he has placed a trap to send a signal to him should Emmaline ever come back. He takes her as his prisoner and Emmaline eventually has the opportunity to explain to Aeric what happened long ago to cause the death of his wife. I found this part of the story to be exciting because we learn more about Emmaline's past as an assassin. Aeric eventually lets his guard down due to his attraction to Emmaline. Soon they begin to fall for each other.
I personally found book 2 not as exciting as book 1 of the series, Wicked Enchantment and I tried my best not to compare the two while I was reading it. But it was a hard thing to do because both books take place in the same world and have most of the same characters in it. I did enjoy seeing the characters from Wicked Enchantment in this book and they had their own roles to play in this story as well. We get to see Aislinn and Gabriel from book 1 in their Queen and King roles. I was very excited that my Book Boyfriend Gabriel had a few scenes. We also get to see the rest of the members of The Wild Hunt and Emmaline gets the opportunity to interact with them.
The only problem I had with the book was my inability to connect with Aeric and Emmaline's relationship. They had some hot and heavy scenes, but I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I had a hard time understanding how Aeric became so attracted to Emmaline so quickly even though he spent all that time waiting to kill her. I'm giving Cruel Enchantment *3 1/2* Bells!
Anya Bast has a very interesting series here and I like the direction it is taking. There is a sneak peek of book 3,Dark Enchantment, at the end of the book and I gotta tell you that it's got me waiting on the edge of my seat to see what will happen next! If you haven't read this series, get to it!
You need that chemistry!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Anya Bast yet but I'm pretty sure she is in my tbr pile :) Nice review!
Lovely review Bellsamia! ive yet to dive into this series, but i hear very good things, so im excited to! =)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I did connect with the main couple, but I can see your point. I got the feeling that Aeric did have an attraction to Emmaline so many years ago, but was blinded by Aileen to let the feelings play out. I agree, this is an awesome series!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I can't wait to start this series - though I'm bummed the chemistry didn't do it for you on this one. I keep seeing Anya Bast's name everywhere and gotta start it soon!
ReplyDeleteSmexybooks: This is a great series. I hope you check it out one day.
ReplyDeleteSparklybeasy: My heart flutters everytime you call me that. hehe
Twimom227: I agree with you on the attraction. He had to have been attracted to her in the past.
SpazP: I hope you get a chance to read it soon.