Spellbound by JoAnne Keltner

Pagan Light

Possessed * Spellbound

Publish Date: July 28th, 2019
Format: ebook
Series: Pagan Light
Author: JoAnne Keltner
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Psychic and healer, Jackie is coming to terms with her unique abilities and is thinking of her future. She has also begun a relationship with David, the seminarian. However, before David can become a priest, he must marry or forever be without a wife. Time is ticking for David, and Jackie has to decide if she wants to be with him forever, despite not knowing him for long. When the opportunity to go with him to Russia arises, she goes to spend more time with him, plus she can learn about her great-grandmother's mysterious past as well. Unfortunately for Jackie, something wicked is afoot, and she is going to have to deal with it. 

Love

This book definitely subverted my expectations about the Jackie/David relationship, and that was well-played. It ran through my mind a lot, and I felt like Jackie's mom (OMG you're going to RUSSIA with someone you barely know?!). It all comes together in the end though, and I'm stoked to read about what happens to David in the next book. Ultimately, I really like David as a person.

I still dislike Jason, though. Yes, he came through in this book. Nope, still don't like him.   

Final Verdict

I enjoyed this book even more than the first! Going to rural Russia and interacting with the family and unearthing Babu's secrets was awesome. Once the truth comes out, it was quite the ride. It ended abruptly, but that just means that I'm going to have to read the next one when it comes out. I highly recommend this if you like YA/New YA and paranormal books. 

*~*Below is a spoiler, so don't read it if you don't want the big twist to be ruined!*~*

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Side note, this is also reminiscent of the film Hot Fuzz. Here, have a gif: 

  

Possessed by JoAnne Keltner

Pagan Light

Possessed * Spellbound

Publish Date: January 30th, 2019
Original Title: Goth Girl Virgin Queen

Format: ebook
Series: Pagan Light
Author: JoAnne Keltner
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Jackie can read the emotions of people and objects, which makes her life exhausting. Due to a major traumatizing event when she was a child that happened in her Russian Orthodox Church, she shies away from her gift and God. But when people in her town begin to act violently, she has to step in with her abilities to help.

Themes/General Story Elements

Teenage goth friends being friendly until one of them messes up everything by wanting a boy who doesn't want her. Oh, and she tries to get the boy with a Ouija board. Jackie saw a foreboding vision in church as a child, which, arguably, tarnished her life. Mainstream religion also weaves itself nicely through the narrative, but it isn't proselytizing. Her grandmother, who cannot speak English, is very devout. There is also another character who is spiritual, who tries to help. I like how there wasn't a war with who is right (spirituality/religion/science) but it's all there, playing nicely in the sandbox.

Ending (no spoilers)

The ending was great. The pace was a little speedy, but so much happened and I was eagerly reading to find out what happened. The title becomes a bit of a spoiler, but I forgot about it and I was surprised and hooked.

Romance (tiny spoiler)

Jason became annoying. When a boy implores you to love him, even when you say you just want to be friends, run away. I honestly wish she didn't give him a chance. She made it clear she has plutonic love for him, that's it. It's not cute.

Final Verdict

I recommend this not only to people who generally like possession or paranormal stories, but also people who like films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Paranormal Activity, The Last Exorcism, etc. I wouldn't directly classify this as a horror book, as it is lighter in tone at times, and thus probably has a wider appeal. It was a great read and I hope it gets more readers!

Bonus

My favourite psychics: