#Spell Bound

[themelodyofspring]

JOMP Book Photo Challenge

March 29 - Freebie

Update on F.T. Lukens - I finished their book and liked it (a lot)! It was so cute and cosy ✨

[wondereads]

Genderqueer Book Recs for Pride 2024

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (trans)

New Adult, low fantasy, 3.89 star average (my rating: 5 stars)

Dragonfall by L. R. Lam (genderfluid)

Adult, fantasy romance, 3.68 star average (my rating: 4.5 stars)

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (trans)

Young Adult GN, historical fiction, 4.37 star average (my rating: 5 stars)

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (trans)

Young Adult, historical horror, 4.58 star average (my rating: 4.5 stars)

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens (nonbinary)

Young Adult, contemporary fantasy, 4.2 star average (my rating: 3.5 stars)

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (trans)

Young Adult, contemporary fantasy, 4.34 star average (my rating: 4.5 stars)

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (genderfluid)

Adult, high fantasy, 4.25 star average

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker Chan (nonbinary)

Adult, historical fantasy, 4 star average

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas (trans)

Young Adult, high fantasy, 4.4 star average

The Goddess of Nothing at All by Cat Rector (genderfluid)

Adult, high fantasy, 4.23 star average

The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis (nonbinary)

Adult, space opera, 3.93 star average

Seven Devils by L. R. Lam and Elizabeth May (trans/nonbinary)

Adult, space opera, 4.03 star average

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White (trans)

Young Adult, postapocalyptic horror, 4.2 star average

[talrook]

basically my experience with in deeper waters

[jenyifer]

August September LGBTQIA book list.

Now quick disclaimer: I moved during this time. Very stressful. So maybe that’s why I have so many dropped and disliked books. I’m going to give these quick reviews in a specific order of would recommend to mehhh only if you are that type of person. I don’t give spoilers this is just a taste. I am lesbian who is 30 so that also colors my perception of these stories. Only going to include pics of the top 5 to drag you in for easy screenshotting.

Okay Let’s go.

1. Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Tj Klune 🏳️‍🌈👨🏼‍🍼👬🔥🏡⛓️‍💥 okay once again when I take over the world House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea will be required reading I didn’t think the follow up book to one of the best books in the modern age about feel good found family foster family could get any better. But I was proven wrong. The sequel gives you all you need. You can tell the author felt the pain of our world as he wrote this but the children and characters give those stories life. I cried I laughed. There is nothing quite like it.

2. The Spirit Bares It’s Teeth by Andrew Joseph White 🏳️‍⚧️💕😱🩸👁️🐰 You know what I am putting this one as 2 because despite it making me have countless panic attacks because I’m not fond of… gore? Horror? I adored this book still thinking about it. The romance is 10/10 T4T. I adored the mystery and intrigue. The main character is autistic and very anxiety ridden I can’t describe to you how this book will change you. Although approach with caution.

3. The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish Vol2. 🏳️‍🌈🐟🤴🏻🤣 mild 🌶️ on a completely different note the “IS THAT MAN IN LOVE WITH A FISH” is a treat that always surprises me with the amount I love it. Maybe I am trash crazy but I find this funny easy to read and in this second book we got even more time with the fish and his prince actually in human shape. The miscommunication trope is strong with this one but so is consent and romance. Idk I just fucking love it. I want the prince to become emperor with his fishy lover haha.

4. The Name Bearer by Natalia Hernandez 💃💐🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤️‍👩💜💜 Okay quick disclaimer here the book is an classic style fantasy journey it is slow. However I really loved how beautifully thought out the universe was it’s a latinx woman forward book. The romance is not the point but it feels very natural which I appreciate. Main character might even be ace spec. There are great side characters. I really love the apprentice wizard but WARRIOR NUNS!!! Hehehe also things seem to be not what they seem which is always cool. I’d definitely suggest this to any fantasy lover.

5. Grandmaster of Demon Cultivation the comic vol 1-3 🏳️‍🌈👬🪄🪦💀🫏necromancer evil wizard is reincarnated into his nephew’s body years after his death. Or is he evil? Or is he 🏳️‍🌈? Hahah yes he is. Anyways in the present he’s finding the consequences of his actions while his…. Love interest is going to make sure nothing happens to this version of him. You slowly get the past. I find the comic is the easiest way to consume this fantasy story. Yes there is anime, book, and a Netflix series and a new Japanese manga is being released but I like this one. 🤷🏻‍♀️

6. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire 💜🪦🚪 about a school for those who come back from other universes and long to go back. Main Character is probably ace spec. Very interesting fantasy book for someone who consumed a lot of fantasy as a child. Thought it was also very thoughtful book. I had fun it’s not super surprising or new ground but I enjoyed it for a quick read.

7. Spell Bound by FT Lukens 🏳️‍🌈🐈‍⬛🧙‍♀️🧑‍💻 well it’s YA. Out of the other FT Lukens books I semi enjoyed this one. The characters are still dumb as rocks and the setting could use some more fleshing. But it’s okay. For a fun quick read that semi reminds you of urban fantasy? It’s good. The side ship found family was a little forced but I enjoyed the side characters.

8. Psalm for the wild built 💜🍵🤖🏕️ it’s a chill cozy book for people who are over worked. I’d say if you want scifi it’s not. It’s closer to fantasy. Very short and preachy.

9. Casefile Compendium vol2 by Meatbun 🏳️‍🌈🩸🌶️🚩🔍🐉🥼 Danmei Murder mystery modern times age gap. Does have 2 chapters of non consent and absolutely off the wall opinions about the medical industry.

10. Otherworldly by FT Lukens 🧚‍♂️🏳️‍🌈🥶❄️ YA familiar escapes fairy world finds a skeptical person decides they’ll def fall in love and make a deal. I listened to 50% the characters are intensely idiotic and just…. So so so blind. I couldn’t do it. The skeptic is a person who moved to the city for their family but they do stuff for their family without really caring for them I’m just not buying it. The familiar is infact a psychopath or so low iq he doesn’t care to live or feel or observe anything in 5 years. So so so stupid. Omg.

I had several DNF

I made my parents listen to Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell in my mission to make my parents less homophobic. My mom enjoyed it. My dad said it was way too gay. 😩 man I wish it was way too gay.

What am I reading next? Hummm idk yet. Suggestions are always appreciated!!!

[dabookgoblin]

Spell Bound is great bc Antonia is an anti-capitalist wine aunt who is 10 years sober and adopts the office orphan.

[pinkchaosart]

So I've been absolutely obsessed with F.T. Luken's newest book called Spell Bound. Like, reading and listening to it over and over and over because it's just SO CUTE and I wish we could have had more of Rook and Sun. The two of them are just so sweet and eerily familiar if you know anything at all about my OCs. I really enjoyed the book's magic system, the dynamic between the younger characters and the older ones, and it was so funny and relatable. If you're into magical, character-driven, queer fiction, give this book a read.

If you enjoyed this work, leave a like and reblog 💖

[catboy-showdown]

Bracket B Round 1 Matchup 7

Propaganda is allowed and highly encouraged

May the best catboy win!

[slaughter-books]

Day 13: JOMPBPC: Book Spine Poetry

Currently reading and Happy Friday the 13th! 💕

[alecksreads]

June reading wrap up ✨

Spell Bound 4🌟

Grumpy x sunshine meets wizards. I love F.T. Lukens books when I’m in a slump because they’re heartwarming and hopeful and easy to digest. And it was entertaining and hopeful to have a character continue to push forward in a space he knows he belongs in even when he’s told he doesn’t.

Lore Olympus 4🌟

Binged the whole webtoon in a few days. It was just *chefs kiss* for the romance, supportive friendships, the art style and the humour.

Tehanu 4🌟

A wonderful exploration of what it means to be a woman in the land of Earthsea and the personal sacrifices they make to forge their own freedom. I think in some regards it shows how powerless women in this world can be, but in others it shows women supporting women, and how much more resilient they are than men.

What My Bones Know 4.5🌟

This was so moving and upsetting all at the same time. It was an incredibly honest and raw look a the reality of healing and understanding that it isn’t straight forward or simple - a breakthrough once with a certain therapy doesn’t mean it will continue to be effective. I think everyone should read.

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid 3.5🌟

I actually first started reading this book over a decade ago, before I had my first tumblr account and decided I needed to finish it. Why? Stubbornness. This memoir was entertaining and humorous, but not particularly insightful. It was a collection of snapshots of what growing up in the 50s and 60s was like without really commenting on it. Also, I listened to the audiobook and honestly it threw me when Bryson actually said the N word 🙃

[vintagerpg]

Good books feed brains! This week on the Vintage RPG Podcast, we’re looking at some cool books that came out in 2023. Perhaps in a novel twist on frequency bias, Stu noticed a bunch of books hitting shelves that, like steak and red wine, seem to pair well with his own Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground in a variety of ways. So here we are, chatting about Adam Rowe’s Worlds Beyond Time, Astral Eyes’ Spell Bound, Aaron A. Reed’s 50 Years of Text Games, the two-volume Talking Miniatures from Shaggy Dog Publishing and the truly astounding Arik Roper retrospective, Vision of the Hawk. Call it a holiday gift guide - if you like our work, we bet you’ll like theirs!

[themelodyofspring]

JOMP Book Photo Challenge

March 05 - Latest Purchase

Got this because my Tumblr bestie dared me to read a book by F.T. Lukens and not DNF it. Challenge accepted!

[emdubyaz]

@felixcosm I’m sorry tumblr deleted my answer when I wanted to add tags idk what happened but here we go again I guess,,,,

Like I said I’m really the wrong person to ask for book recs bc I only ever read fucked up and niche stuff that you definitely need to check the CW for first (and a lot of queer fantasy like these are all queer!)

But sure let me give you a tour through some of my fav book series!!!

The raven cycle/ the dreamer trilogy (4 books + an extra 3 (plus a short story)): CW (bc there are a few) my favourite book series,,, it’s all about vibes and the connection between family, friends, the world and your place in it. Ronan Lynch is my absolute fav character of all time omg there is no one like him!!!! ��😭😭

some of my fav quotes:

“While I'm gone," Gansey said, pausing, "dream me the world. Something new for every night.”

“If you never saw the stars, candles were enough.”

“They were always walking away from him. But he never seemed able to walk away from them.”

“Trees in your eyes ... Stars in your heart.”

All for the game (4 books as of now but there will be another one): read the CW I’m so serious! this book series is like crack to me,,, Neil is such a little shit and funny main character! The way Andrew and Neil invented consent is revolutionary! Also heartbreaking twin brother relationship that has me on my knees (Aaron you deserve so much better I love you baby boy) also fucked up sport that is connected to the mafia (and so is every second character) last book is from Jean’s and Jeremy’s pov and that’s such a slay too tbh 🙂‍↔️

some book moments I always think about:

“You know, I get it. Being raised as a superstar must be really, really difficult for you. Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you’re worth a damn off the court— yeah, sounds rough. Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time. I know it’s not entirely your fault that you are mentally unbalanced and infected with these delusions of grandeur, and I know you’re physically incapable of holding a decent conversation with anyone like every other normal human being can, but I don’t think any of us should have to put up with this much of your bullshit. Pity only gets you so many concessions, and you used yours up about six insults ago. So please, please, just shut the fuck up and leave us alone.”

“Who said 'please' that made you hate the word so much?" Andrew gazed at him in silence for a minute. "I did”

“Yes or no?” "It's always yes with you."

captive prince trilogy (3 books + short stories): CW again a lot of people don’t like the slave themes in the first book but then love the second and third which makes me think that they didn’t understand the story at all. the book with the main characters who’s horny despite all the shit that’s going on, Damen the man that you are!!! ALSO BITCHY BLOND WHO RUNS THE WORLD LAURENT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH (no fr Laurent is out here playing real life chess and Damen just stands by like “whatever you want sweetheart”)

these books are so unserious sometimes:

Laurent could inspire homicidal tendencies simply by breathing.

“Is there anyone at this court who isn't my enemy?" “Not if I can help it," Laurent said.”

Dark Rise trilogy (2 books and the third comes out soon,,,,, hopefully the cliffhanger is killing me): another book with a bitchy blond (James alone is enough reason to read this book) I left work early to continue reading this book and I think that all you need to know about this book! Also Will has never done anything wrong I love him so much!!! Some of the organizations in this frustrated me a lot tho like why are you so stupid????? (They deserved their fate I’m not even sorry)

this book has all the right themes and messages:

“I think what people were is less important than what they are. And what people are is less important than what they could be.”

“My whole life, all anyone's ever wanted was to possess me," said James. "The only one who ever set me free was you.”

“Kindness is never a mistake," said the Elder Steward. "Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.”

Spell bound (stand alone): this is such a comfort read!!! So cozy! Enby representation around every corner, a door mat that likes to trip people, boy without magic learning how to use magic, emotionally unavailable person turns into a cat and snuggles with the love interest, THE POWER OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

the starless sea (stand alone): do you love books and reading? Then this is for you! Everything is connected and I mean EVERYTHING. So magical and cool and beautiful written. Had me spinning in circles while I was trying to connect all the dots (I didn’t connect shit)

this book speaks to me personally:

“Not all stories speak to all listeners, but all listeners can find a story that does, somewhere, sometime. In one form or another.”

“But the world is strange and endings are not truly endings no matter how the stars might wish it so.”

“A boy at the beginning of a story has no way of knowing that the story has begun.”

“Having a physical reaction to a lack of book is not unusual.”

“There is no fixing. There is only moving forward in the brokenness.”

I’ll stop here bc I fear I won’t shut up if I don’t. Yeah these are just some of my favs I do have more but I think these are also the ones you see me post about the most!

(sorry again that the other one was deleted, I tried my best to recreate it as best as I could!)

[talrook]

how many copies of books is normal? asking for a friend.

[thatdisasterauthor]

I haven't done an Art & Review in YEARS. Done a fair amount of fanart, including of Lukens' work, and done a fair amount of reviews, but for whatever reason I haven't combined them in ages.

I just HAD to draw this scene from Lukens' new book, Spell Bound, though, and I started it immediately after I finished the book so I figured it would be a great time to bring back Art & Review! No idea if I'll keep doing them, it'll depend on time, but they are fun.

Anywho. Onto the review.

Spell Bound is a standalone YA fantasy about Sun (left, they/them) and Rook (right, he/him) and, as I usually would for Lukens' main duos, I would die for both of them. Rook, forced to live cut off from the world of magic after the death of his grandmother, makes a desperate gamble to find his way back in by working for the most powerful, and feared, sorcerer of the age. When he meets Sun, the apprentice of another sorcerer in the city (while battling a cursed doll), he finds himself a little smitten with the grouchy, gender-queer apprentice. The two of them keep getting entangled as Rook falls deeper and deeper back into the world of magic, legalities be damned, until suddenly both their mentors vanish, forcing Sun and Rook to work together to find a way to get their mentors back.

If you've ever wanted a modern book full of magic where the magic isn't a secret, this is the one for you. The magic is wonderfully infused throughout the world and everyone knows about it, even if only a few can wield it. It's also for you if you love Golden-Retriever-Energy falls for Grumpy-Cat-Energy duos.

As usual with Lukens' work, the book is just cozy. The characters are comfortable in themselves, even if there are still things they're figuring out. There's multiple queer characters and not a drop of homophobia or questioning of their genders/sexualities. Sun asks Rook to use they/them pronouns and Rook does it without a second thought, and never slips up. When Rook starts to fall for Sun, he never has some crisis about Sun's gender presentation. Sun's siblings tease them, but never about their gender. It's a queer book that isn't about being queer in any way; it just trusts the reader to get it without shoving in some sort of coming out or crisis plot line.

And it's not just queer issues that the book handles incredibly well. Sun is also shown to be touch averse and suffer from anxiety, and again Rook steps up to the plate and just goes with it. He accepts Sun's limits without questioning them and actively asks Sun for consent when he does need to reach out and touch Sun for any reason, and always works to figure out the right way to help when Sun's anxiety flares up for some reason. It's never made into a thing, it just is.

Another thing I always appreciate about Lukens' work is that the teenagers actually feel like teenagers, and the adults feel like adults. Rook and Sun both heavily rely on their adult mentors and reach out to them frequently. In turn, their mentors step up to the plate to take charge when things get serious (doesn't always work, but they at least make the attempt). Their mentors still have flaws and don't always get things right, but they're there. Sun and Rook know they're teenagers and that sometimes you just need an adultier adult.

Spell Bound is one of those books I wish I had when I was a teenager, as cliche as that can sometimes sound. It would have done me a lot of good not only to see queer rep that wasn't part of the plot, just a single facet of multi-faceted characters, but also to see teenagers who had healthy relationships with adults. But I have it now as an adult and it is still oh so delightful. There aren't enough good, cozy queer fantasy books out there, not like this. It's nice to be able to just fall into a comfortable little world for the span of a single book and know that in the end it will be wrapped up and happy.

Also...pretty sure there was a Death Note reference in there. :P

[wordsifelt]

Hi.....If you don't mind me asking (again), who are your favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/manhwa/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon)? Sorry if you've answered this question before....Thanks.

Hello again! Sorry if the reply is a little late, finals are after my soul.

This is another difficult question. Mainly what attracts me to couples is good consent, realistic speed in the relationship and a good chemistry (both romantic as well as generally good). I love romantic media and I consume quite a lot of it.

I've spent a lot of time trying to shorten it, but still, be prepared for a very very long list. In no particular order:

Neil and Andrew from All for the Game (canon, I love the emphasis on consent, def my fav)

Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang from Shiguang Dailiren/Link Click (not canon)

Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao from Peerless/Wushuang (canon)

All of the Heartstopper couples (canon, i love them)

All the couples from Six of Crows (canon)

Mafuyu and Uenoyama from Given (canon)

Liam and Sherlock from Moriarty the Patriot (not canon)

Reki and Langa from Sk8 the Infinity (not canon)

Sun and Rook from Spell Bound (canon)

Gideon and Harrow from Gideon the Ninth (canon)

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng from Heaven Official's Blessing (canon)

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wanji from Mo Dao Zu Shi (canon)

Ben and Nathan from I Wish You All the Best (canon)

Woo Young Woo and Lee Joon Ho from Extraordinary Attorney Woo (canon)

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing from Word of Honor (canon)

Sasaki and Miyano from Sasaki and Miyano (canon)

White and Sean from Not Me (canon)

Some Other Mentions

Percy and Annabeth from Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Magnus and Alex from Magnus Chase

Alex and Henry from Red White and Royal Blue

Kim Bok Joo and Jung Joon Hyung from Weightlifting Fairy

There's a lot more I love but these are the first few that came to my mind (few, she said, as if there was less than twenty ;-;). I hope this answers your question! And have a good week!

[books-in-a-storm]

September 2024 FDBPC: Day 9 National Teddybear Day