A Spell for Death by B.C. Palmer – A Book Review

Posted August 19, 2019 by Booksandblurbs in PNR, Reverse Harem, Reviews / 0 Comments

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A Spell for Death

(Rosewilde Academy of Magical Arts – Book 1)

by B.C. Palmer & Marie Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fast Burn Academy PNR RH
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Down and Dirty

Rather unique Academy RH that jumps right into the story and temps the reader with an adult Potter-esque world. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

What is it about?

(Blurb from GoodReads)

Last year I wanted to go to MIT. Now I just want to survive my first year as a magic student. Luckily I’ve got three tempting men on my side.

My life turned upside down after the death of my godmother and I’ve traded science for sorcery. I never thought magic existed outside of books, but here I am at an elite academy for magical arts.

If it wasn’t for popular heartthrobs Isaac and Luke, I’d lose my mind. Their tutoring sessions teach me more than just magic. And my ridiculously hot roommate, Hunter? Well, I’m pretty sure he hates everyone—not just me. Oh, and he’s convinced my dead parents might have tried to trigger the apocalypse.

Turns out that he might be right. Magic is dangerous and I’m pretty sure it’s going to kill me—if the faculty doesn’t get me first.

Welcome to freshman year at Rosewilde Academy for Magical Arts—where secrets hide behind every door and rules are meant to be broken.

A Spell for Death is the first book of four in the reverse harem Rosewilde Academy for Magical Arts, which follows Amelia in her studies of the arcane. Along the way, she gathers a family of friends who never ask her to choose between them. This book features scorching hot private tutoring sessions, mm lovers, gruff enemies who become lovers, and female BFFs who support each other.

Thoughts on A Spell for Death

I really enjoyed the way these authors wove their words, inserting complex descriptions with eloquent phrases. It was somehow poetic in places, yet still highly relatable. As for the narrative itself, I’m on the fence. The concepts and foundations are rock solid, forming a picture of a fantastic story. The execution, however, felt a little rushed in places – jumping ahead without full exploration or understanding.

Beyond that though, it was amazing, showcasing characters that are both brilliant and funny. It’s an academy read, but a bit different that your usual fare.

Favorite Lines

“Shit happens. Remember that, honey. If you hunt for meaning in everything—good or bad—you’ll just drive yourself crazy with guilt. Or narcissism. They’re both just as harmful to your health.” (1%)

“The kind of school that mints Nobel laureates like pennies,” (3%)

…hoping he wouldn’t trip on the sarcasm I was spilling. (49%)

Pros:

The words flow and dance together beautifully.
Characters are intriguing. Serena….. I want her as a best friend. Maybe?
Magical explanations are exacting, but not repelling. It makes you think.
Fast burn, though a slow build RH.
Good use of multiple POV.

Cons:

Story felt rushed.
Large swatches are glossed over or eliminated, leaving us wondering what happened in the interim.
Why did she go there to start with? We get a small idea, but no true explanation. That felt pivotal, yet not explored, not really.

Perspective

First Person, Multiple POV

Ending Type

Cliffhanger

Rating

NC-17

Romantic Dynamic

MMFM

Character Age Range

18+

Verdict

4 out of 5 Stars

If you are looking for a more adult version of Harry Potter with a bucket load more mystery… and death… then this is the academy read you’ve been looking for. Free on KU.

Published July 12th, 2019

364 Pages

Please note, this is part of a Reverse Harem series which features alternative romantic and sexual dynamics more suited to adult readers. 18+ #WhyChoose

If you enjoyed this review of A Spell for Death, please consider checking out a few of my other articles.

Your Turn

What are you reading today? Have you read this book yet? How about other books by B.C. Palmer or Marie Robinson? Leave a comment, I would love to talk!