#Review: The Spellbound Spirit by Lana Hart
5 Stars
for engagement and plot
3
Stars for execution
The
plot is a haunting, murder mystery, erotica hybrid with a triangle of lead
characters: Misty, Jack and Cassie. We all know the power of the triangle,
especially where passion is involved. The murder victim also plays a key role
in the events which unfold.
During
horrific descriptions there is an engaging use of language which incorporates
the senses to good effect. At times though it is somewhat clichéd. Some of the
turns of phrase are lovely with a clever twist on well used phrases: “She wasn’t
about to look a gift ghost in the mouth.” But it is during erotic descriptions
where I’m less convinced. This is because it tips into Barbara Cartland mode at
times.
The
author negotiates big themes of loss, grief and familial mental health with great
sensitivity. Misty’s fears regarding these issues feel authentic and are described
with an accuracy which suggests the author has an intermit knowledge.
Sections
where Jack and Misty are investigating are very engaging as is the dialogue
between them as they negotiate old grudges and lingering feelings of attraction. Their characters are well realised and motivations believable. Dialogue between characters is sometimes over
long and at one point there is an overabundance of dialogue back to back which serves as exposition.
The book’s
premise is what drew me to it in the first place. However, the main issue I have
with it is that it cannot decide whether to be erotica or horror. There is no
problem with a hybrid text but unfortunately the erotic aspects do not meld
seamlessly with their horror counterpart.
The
typography of the chapter headings and end chapter decals was also a touch distracting.
Unless I’m reading a graphic novel I feel these to be unnecessary. The book could
also have benefitted from a second set of eyes as there are some editing
issues. There are also a couple of shifts in point of view which I understand
were necessary to help move the plot along but jarred with the rest of the book
as the majority of it is from Misty’s perspective with italics for her inner
thoughts.
Overall
this was an enjoyable read even though I anticipated some of the events which
played out at the end. I look forward to reading more of what this author has
to offer in future.
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| Other books by Lana Hart |
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