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Maggie Graham #1
Spellcast
Maggie Graham's life is a mess. First, she loses her job. Then, her bathroom ceiling collapses. Hoping a weekend getaway will restore her spirits, she drives to Vermont and stumbles upon the Crossroads Theatre. Although she has no intention of auditioning, she soon finds herself part of a very odd summer stock company that includes moody and mysterious director Rowan Mackenzie, a man with the uncanny ability to transform a train wreck of a show into something magical. Before the season ends, Maggie is determined to discover the truth about the Crossroads. She never imagines that she'll discover secrets about her past - and Rowan's - that will change their lives forever.
Read Barbara Ashford's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.
Read Barbara Ashford's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.
433 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 21, 2011
7 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ashford
7 books43 followersBarbara wrote her first novel "Cherokee the Wild Pinto" when she was eight years old and prepared the final manuscript on her Tom Thumb typewriter. She discovered the joy of performing when her sister dressed her up as a Pilgrim and had her sing "Over the River and Through the Woods" for Thanksgiving. After that, she was hooked on theatre, performing in shows ranging from "Guys and Dolls" to Greek tragedy.
She abandoned a career in educational administration to pursue a life in the theatre, working as an actress in summer stock and dinner theatre and later, as a lyricist and librettist. She’s written everything from cantatas to choral pieces, one-hour musicals for children to full-length ones for adults. Her musicals have been performed throughout the world, including the New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Barbara lives near New York City with her husband whom she met while performing in the play "Bedroom Farce." They have bookcases in every room (including the bathroom) with an eclectic collection of leather bound classics and beat-up paperbacks, reference books and play scripts, nonfiction books on religion, philosophy, and crime, historical fiction and fantasies, and cookbooks that Barbara consults whenever she has to make anything more complicated than spaghetti.
SPELLCAST is her first contemporary fantasy and is inspired by her years as an actress. The sequel - SPELLCROSSED - will be published by DAW Books in 2012. Her short stories appear in the anthologies "After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar" and "The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity."
She abandoned a career in educational administration to pursue a life in the theatre, working as an actress in summer stock and dinner theatre and later, as a lyricist and librettist. She’s written everything from cantatas to choral pieces, one-hour musicals for children to full-length ones for adults. Her musicals have been performed throughout the world, including the New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Barbara lives near New York City with her husband whom she met while performing in the play "Bedroom Farce." They have bookcases in every room (including the bathroom) with an eclectic collection of leather bound classics and beat-up paperbacks, reference books and play scripts, nonfiction books on religion, philosophy, and crime, historical fiction and fantasies, and cookbooks that Barbara consults whenever she has to make anything more complicated than spaghetti.
SPELLCAST is her first contemporary fantasy and is inspired by her years as an actress. The sequel - SPELLCROSSED - will be published by DAW Books in 2012. Her short stories appear in the anthologies "After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar" and "The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 21, 2011
This is an "I don't know what to say" sort of review. After picking up and putting down copies of "Spellcast" in multiple bookstores, I finally bought it at a Borders closing sale. It then spent a while on the TBR pile, as book after book moved in front of it. I finally took it along on a business trip, and ran out of other books to read. Not exactly a stirring endorsement, so far, is it?
This is not an "I couldn't put it down" sort of book. It's the type that slowly works its way under your skin, until you're surprised at how much fun you're having reading it. By the time the end came, I discovered that I had sat up so late reading the last 60 pages that I would only get 4 hours of sleep before the alarm went off!
I typically eschew plot synopses, and I will continue that practice here. This is a story filled with wonderful characters, a setting in musical theater in a community theater in Vermont, gentle and largely unidentified (until the end) magic, and a plot that moves and shifts just enough to keep things interesting. For someone who mainly reads Urban Fantasy and Paranormal stories, it was a drastic change of pace. It was also well worth the reading.
This is not an "I couldn't put it down" sort of book. It's the type that slowly works its way under your skin, until you're surprised at how much fun you're having reading it. By the time the end came, I discovered that I had sat up so late reading the last 60 pages that I would only get 4 hours of sleep before the alarm went off!
I typically eschew plot synopses, and I will continue that practice here. This is a story filled with wonderful characters, a setting in musical theater in a community theater in Vermont, gentle and largely unidentified (until the end) magic, and a plot that moves and shifts just enough to keep things interesting. For someone who mainly reads Urban Fantasy and Paranormal stories, it was a drastic change of pace. It was also well worth the reading.
May 11, 2011
You know when you’re having one of “those” days, well Maggie has it worse. Not only does she lose her job, but while in the bath the ceiling collapses. Maggie takes this as a sign to get out of Dodge & goes on a road trip. She ends up at the Crossroads Theatre, something seems to pull her there.
It couldn’t have come at a better time, Maggie decides to take it as a sign & revives her acting career. Then she meets Director Rowan Mackenzie, he’s oddly appealing to her but he’s hiding something, as are the rest of the staff. Maggie is determined to find out the secret that has brought together such a band of misfits.
“There was never any magic. Just make believe.”
“You’re wrong, Maggie. There is magic in the world. Maybe that’s why you’re here. To rediscover it.”
-Page 163
I LOVED this book. No really, I LOVED this book. Two days after reading it I was still thinking about it! It’s got one of those endings that make your eyebrows raise & then you start to slowly rock back & forth in anticipation for the second book in the series. I shared my love with two other bloggers & both have let me know they love it as much as I do. I feel like a parent & I didn’t even write this book!
Based on the first sentence in the blurb, I knew I had to read Spellcast & after reading it, Spellcast is my favorite new series of 2011. Nothing can compare to it, it’s just so different & a breath of fresh air. I needed it. Spellcast is part fairy tale, part musical theatre. It reminds any of us who have been bit by the acting bug just why we loved it in the first place. You can feel Mrs. Ashford’s love for all things theatre within the pages & you can almost see the stage infront of you.
The world building is just that fantastic, never mind the characters. They are people you know, people you pass on the street everyday. They are everyday people, with issues & drama. It makes Spellcast all the more real. I fell in love with each & every one of them, I was happy to hear this is the start of a new series & I can travel with them again. Because there are some things that are left up in the air at the end of the book that had me salivating for book two out spring 2012. And the secrets, oh there are secrets that keep you turning the page, dying to know what they are!
“Blame me for losing control. For failing to shield you from my emotions. For letting you feel things you should never have felt. But don’t blame me for wanting you.”
-Page 222
If you are looking for something different then the norm, a fairy tale to sink your teeth into pick up Spellcast. If you’ve ever done theatre, you’ll fall in love with it all over again. Barbara Ashford is the author to watch out for! My copy of Spellcast will never be allowed to leave my house, it was too good to share!
It couldn’t have come at a better time, Maggie decides to take it as a sign & revives her acting career. Then she meets Director Rowan Mackenzie, he’s oddly appealing to her but he’s hiding something, as are the rest of the staff. Maggie is determined to find out the secret that has brought together such a band of misfits.
“There was never any magic. Just make believe.”
“You’re wrong, Maggie. There is magic in the world. Maybe that’s why you’re here. To rediscover it.”
-Page 163
I LOVED this book. No really, I LOVED this book. Two days after reading it I was still thinking about it! It’s got one of those endings that make your eyebrows raise & then you start to slowly rock back & forth in anticipation for the second book in the series. I shared my love with two other bloggers & both have let me know they love it as much as I do. I feel like a parent & I didn’t even write this book!
Based on the first sentence in the blurb, I knew I had to read Spellcast & after reading it, Spellcast is my favorite new series of 2011. Nothing can compare to it, it’s just so different & a breath of fresh air. I needed it. Spellcast is part fairy tale, part musical theatre. It reminds any of us who have been bit by the acting bug just why we loved it in the first place. You can feel Mrs. Ashford’s love for all things theatre within the pages & you can almost see the stage infront of you.
The world building is just that fantastic, never mind the characters. They are people you know, people you pass on the street everyday. They are everyday people, with issues & drama. It makes Spellcast all the more real. I fell in love with each & every one of them, I was happy to hear this is the start of a new series & I can travel with them again. Because there are some things that are left up in the air at the end of the book that had me salivating for book two out spring 2012. And the secrets, oh there are secrets that keep you turning the page, dying to know what they are!
“Blame me for losing control. For failing to shield you from my emotions. For letting you feel things you should never have felt. But don’t blame me for wanting you.”
-Page 222
If you are looking for something different then the norm, a fairy tale to sink your teeth into pick up Spellcast. If you’ve ever done theatre, you’ll fall in love with it all over again. Barbara Ashford is the author to watch out for! My copy of Spellcast will never be allowed to leave my house, it was too good to share!
September 25, 2013
A very charming story about redemption, love and friendship all wrapped up in a musical theater setting.
I love stories that can be described as dwelling on the magical realism theme, stories where the fantastic mingles with everyday life. And this one sure delivered.
I had a little trouble at the beginning of the book, with the introduction of so many characters. Some of whom took me awhile to be able to follow...but all of them were necessary and vital to this tale.
Maggie and Rowan, were amazing characters. Not one, but two hearts of this story. Their dynamic fueled almost the whole book and i loved their romance.
This is not only a story, this is a journey, about how sometimes it is possible to find your true path in life. This is that story, and the story of the people who will help you achieve it.
Can't wait to read the second Spellcrossed.
July 31, 2011
Originally Posted at http://thespinecracker.blogspot.com/
After hours of having a completely quiet and catatonic wife, my husband had to interrupt and ask, "Must be a really good book huh?" He said I looked up with this look of awe on my face and said, "It's like nothing I've ever read before." And that's exactly how I felt; how I still feel even days later.
To be completely honest, when Ms. Ashford asked me to read her book I was nervous that I would find it hard to connect with the story -being that I'm not a thespian, nor have I ever stepped foot on stage. But I shouldn't have worried about that, because Ashford's love for the theater runs deep enough for the both of us. You can feel the warmth of that love radiate from the way she describes something as simple as stage direction, to the way she elaborates on something as important and complex as method acting. It boils down to the skill she has in writing about something she so clearly loves. It's become a part of her soul, and she's been kind enough to share that part of her soul with us. So if you're worried, because like me, you're not a theater buff, please don't let that stop you from picking up this touching and heartfelt tale.
The book is a complete mystery for the majority of it. You will guess that you know what's going on in this strange Vermont town, with this cast of unusual yet somehow realistic characters, but then something will happen and you'll think "well, that's new. Maybe I don't really get what's happening." Eventually you stop trying to figure everything out, and just go with it. The story that unfolds is one that is so stirring {in a fantastic way}, that it'll stay with you long after the last page is read. The connections I made with the characters are lasting, and I'm anxious to see what story they have to tell me next.
From the very first page I was drawn in by the voice and the tone of the book. Hell, here's the first page. Tell me you don't want more from this character...
On a scale of one to ten, the day has registered 9.5 on the Suck Scale even before I climbed into the bathtub with my bottle of Talisker. First, the "I'm sorry, but the recent merger means that we'll have to let some people go" speech at work. Then, the horrifically exuberant letter from some college classmate that exclaimed, "Hurry, Maggie! only a few days left to register for our tenth reunion!"
Now, it appeared to be snowing. Inside my bathroom.
I gazed heavenward and frowned. A few moments ago, the crack in the ceiling has merely struck me as a depressing metaphor for my life. Now, it has blossomed into a giant spiderweb.
Mesmerized by whisky and the sheer improbability of yet another disaster, I watched the web expand. Like a character in a movie who stands on the frozen lake while you're shouting at the screen, "The ice is creaking up, you moron!"
When the first chunk of plaster struck my knee, I grabbed the Talisker and scrambled to safety. Seconds later, a chunk the size of my microwave plummeted into the tub, sending a small tidal wave lapping across my feet.
I stared at the iceberg of plaster floating in the tub, at the gaping hole in my ceiling, at the water racing down the hallway. The I did what any strong, self-reliant New Yorker would do after surviving the loss of her job and the reminder of ten years of lackluster achievement on both personal and professional front. I cried.
Bottom Line: I can only guess that I'm feeling much like the first person who read Jane Austen or William Shakespeare's first work must have felt. This book, this author, these characters, they're keepers.
After hours of having a completely quiet and catatonic wife, my husband had to interrupt and ask, "Must be a really good book huh?" He said I looked up with this look of awe on my face and said, "It's like nothing I've ever read before." And that's exactly how I felt; how I still feel even days later.
To be completely honest, when Ms. Ashford asked me to read her book I was nervous that I would find it hard to connect with the story -being that I'm not a thespian, nor have I ever stepped foot on stage. But I shouldn't have worried about that, because Ashford's love for the theater runs deep enough for the both of us. You can feel the warmth of that love radiate from the way she describes something as simple as stage direction, to the way she elaborates on something as important and complex as method acting. It boils down to the skill she has in writing about something she so clearly loves. It's become a part of her soul, and she's been kind enough to share that part of her soul with us. So if you're worried, because like me, you're not a theater buff, please don't let that stop you from picking up this touching and heartfelt tale.
The book is a complete mystery for the majority of it. You will guess that you know what's going on in this strange Vermont town, with this cast of unusual yet somehow realistic characters, but then something will happen and you'll think "well, that's new. Maybe I don't really get what's happening." Eventually you stop trying to figure everything out, and just go with it. The story that unfolds is one that is so stirring {in a fantastic way}, that it'll stay with you long after the last page is read. The connections I made with the characters are lasting, and I'm anxious to see what story they have to tell me next.
From the very first page I was drawn in by the voice and the tone of the book. Hell, here's the first page. Tell me you don't want more from this character...
On a scale of one to ten, the day has registered 9.5 on the Suck Scale even before I climbed into the bathtub with my bottle of Talisker. First, the "I'm sorry, but the recent merger means that we'll have to let some people go" speech at work. Then, the horrifically exuberant letter from some college classmate that exclaimed, "Hurry, Maggie! only a few days left to register for our tenth reunion!"
Now, it appeared to be snowing. Inside my bathroom.
I gazed heavenward and frowned. A few moments ago, the crack in the ceiling has merely struck me as a depressing metaphor for my life. Now, it has blossomed into a giant spiderweb.
Mesmerized by whisky and the sheer improbability of yet another disaster, I watched the web expand. Like a character in a movie who stands on the frozen lake while you're shouting at the screen, "The ice is creaking up, you moron!"
When the first chunk of plaster struck my knee, I grabbed the Talisker and scrambled to safety. Seconds later, a chunk the size of my microwave plummeted into the tub, sending a small tidal wave lapping across my feet.
I stared at the iceberg of plaster floating in the tub, at the gaping hole in my ceiling, at the water racing down the hallway. The I did what any strong, self-reliant New Yorker would do after surviving the loss of her job and the reminder of ten years of lackluster achievement on both personal and professional front. I cried.
Bottom Line: I can only guess that I'm feeling much like the first person who read Jane Austen or William Shakespeare's first work must have felt. This book, this author, these characters, they're keepers.
June 20, 2011
Totally taken by surprise regarding SPELLCAST by Barbara Ashford! This book was sugary sweet, but deeply introspective all wrapped up in a musical that was laced with a little paranormal tid-bits here and there. I still don’t know why I accepted this review copy, I’m not into musical theater, I guess it was the cover, or the originality, or maybe even the glowing reviews – but I’m so glad I did take it, read it and subsequently highly enjoy it. Don’t judge, just read. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
On a whim Maggie Graham, unemployed, unattached and slightly frayed, ends up in Vermont looking for a bed and breakfast. Instead of finding a place to crash for the night she ends up auditioning for the Crossroads Theatre and being cast into minor rolls for three separate plays that will be performed that summer. Not know why she accepts the gig, Maggie ends up in a run down hotel, being paid $100 a week and now a part of a very strange cast of characters and an otherworldly staff – that casts people not by the character they could best play, but by the character that will teach them the most.
Maggie is the only one that has any prior acting experiences, but the ridiculously handsome, yet strangely ethereal director will only put her in characters that he thinks will make her a better person. It would seem that Rowan, the director has made it his life goal to help people through singing and acting and he has an almost magic voice that brings the motley cast together to make something spectacular. At first skeptical Maggie is soon drawn into friendships and helping others like she never has before. She finds herself eerily drawn to Rowan and his mystery and the aura of otherness that surrounds the staff of the Crossroads. Will this only be a summer fling for Maggie, a push towards her right direction, or will the Crossroads set her on her life-path…
I read somewhere SPELLCAST described as unassuming and it is true. This books description and cover can’t convey what it is. While a bit long, it’s entirety is a discovery of self and friendship and hope. Myself as a person could only hope that a Crossroads Theater would appear for me when I was faced with a large pot-hole in my road of life. Ashford constructed each character with precision and describes each scene as if she had experienced them herself. The plays the characters act out are almost real for me and I wish I had prior knowledge of them so I could get just a little better grasp on what is going on. This was a very entertaining read and I kept finding myself drawn back into the pages as if I had never left as soon as I picked it up.
The drawbacks that I found was that yes, it was a bit long. Ashford would go into details regarding the most trivial of scenes, yet her writing flowed so well that I couldn’t skim – therefor I felt it went on and on over trivialities. And then there was the ending. I will not spoil it, but I do have to say, that while the ending was how I think it should have been there was still that bitter part of me that wanted so much more…
This is an excellent read that I really can’t compare to anything else. Recommended for contemporary romance fans because of it’s only slight taste of the paranormal. Yet, I really wouldn’t describe this as a romance. There is enough to give it a flavoring, but not something I would describe as romance. I don’t know, but this one would probably fit in one of those random genres like Magical Realism or something. It is an adult read, with a bit of language and some sexual encounters.
Like this like that:
The Girl That Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
On a whim Maggie Graham, unemployed, unattached and slightly frayed, ends up in Vermont looking for a bed and breakfast. Instead of finding a place to crash for the night she ends up auditioning for the Crossroads Theatre and being cast into minor rolls for three separate plays that will be performed that summer. Not know why she accepts the gig, Maggie ends up in a run down hotel, being paid $100 a week and now a part of a very strange cast of characters and an otherworldly staff – that casts people not by the character they could best play, but by the character that will teach them the most.
Maggie is the only one that has any prior acting experiences, but the ridiculously handsome, yet strangely ethereal director will only put her in characters that he thinks will make her a better person. It would seem that Rowan, the director has made it his life goal to help people through singing and acting and he has an almost magic voice that brings the motley cast together to make something spectacular. At first skeptical Maggie is soon drawn into friendships and helping others like she never has before. She finds herself eerily drawn to Rowan and his mystery and the aura of otherness that surrounds the staff of the Crossroads. Will this only be a summer fling for Maggie, a push towards her right direction, or will the Crossroads set her on her life-path…
I read somewhere SPELLCAST described as unassuming and it is true. This books description and cover can’t convey what it is. While a bit long, it’s entirety is a discovery of self and friendship and hope. Myself as a person could only hope that a Crossroads Theater would appear for me when I was faced with a large pot-hole in my road of life. Ashford constructed each character with precision and describes each scene as if she had experienced them herself. The plays the characters act out are almost real for me and I wish I had prior knowledge of them so I could get just a little better grasp on what is going on. This was a very entertaining read and I kept finding myself drawn back into the pages as if I had never left as soon as I picked it up.
The drawbacks that I found was that yes, it was a bit long. Ashford would go into details regarding the most trivial of scenes, yet her writing flowed so well that I couldn’t skim – therefor I felt it went on and on over trivialities. And then there was the ending. I will not spoil it, but I do have to say, that while the ending was how I think it should have been there was still that bitter part of me that wanted so much more…
This is an excellent read that I really can’t compare to anything else. Recommended for contemporary romance fans because of it’s only slight taste of the paranormal. Yet, I really wouldn’t describe this as a romance. There is enough to give it a flavoring, but not something I would describe as romance. I don’t know, but this one would probably fit in one of those random genres like Magical Realism or something. It is an adult read, with a bit of language and some sexual encounters.
Like this like that:
The Girl That Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
October 28, 2011
One of the best discoveries of 2011!
I finished Speelcast and I'm still speechless. I got curious about this book when I saw some reviews stating wonders about this novel by Barbara Ashford. I have to admit the title and the cover did some convincing too but how could I resist to such marvellous reviews? I don't normally buy books because of fantastic review. At least when I'm not certain the book can meet my expectations. But in this case I was enthralled by various factors and I couldn't resist buying this Spellcast. And it was a wonderful, sweet discovery.
I'm truly happy to have discovered this author and this book. It was such a wonderful reading. I'm still reeling from those last few pages. I even re-read the final chapter 3 or 4 times not believing it was the end.
Actually I'm still not convinced it is the end. How I am ever going to survive until June? I'm certain I'll die from anxiety until then.
Despite that this book brought me many emotions. What a powerful and beautiful creation we have here. I loved the characters right from the start even though in the beginning I couldn't tell them apart. But as I devoured the book everything fell to the rights place and I just enjoyed the ride. And what a wild ride.
Such a remarking, heart-breaking love story. I loved the plot, I loved everything in the book. And loved the cenario at Vermont. Oh, well, I loved it. *.*
FAN-TAS-TIC. That's all I have to say. This is definitely a page-turner. I wish I had waited for the sequel to come out so I could have more of Crossroads Theatre. But why, oh why, couldn't I wait?!
I just hope Spellcrossed will be as sweet as this one! I CAN'T wait!
I finished Speelcast and I'm still speechless. I got curious about this book when I saw some reviews stating wonders about this novel by Barbara Ashford. I have to admit the title and the cover did some convincing too but how could I resist to such marvellous reviews? I don't normally buy books because of fantastic review. At least when I'm not certain the book can meet my expectations. But in this case I was enthralled by various factors and I couldn't resist buying this Spellcast. And it was a wonderful, sweet discovery.
I'm truly happy to have discovered this author and this book. It was such a wonderful reading. I'm still reeling from those last few pages. I even re-read the final chapter 3 or 4 times not believing it was the end.
Actually I'm still not convinced it is the end. How I am ever going to survive until June? I'm certain I'll die from anxiety until then.
Despite that this book brought me many emotions. What a powerful and beautiful creation we have here. I loved the characters right from the start even though in the beginning I couldn't tell them apart. But as I devoured the book everything fell to the rights place and I just enjoyed the ride. And what a wild ride.
Such a remarking, heart-breaking love story. I loved the plot, I loved everything in the book. And loved the cenario at Vermont. Oh, well, I loved it. *.*
FAN-TAS-TIC. That's all I have to say. This is definitely a page-turner. I wish I had waited for the sequel to come out so I could have more of Crossroads Theatre. But why, oh why, couldn't I wait?!
I just hope Spellcrossed will be as sweet as this one! I CAN'T wait!
May 6, 2011
It is obviously a sign from above that Maggie needs a change of scene when she is not only fired, but the ceiling of her bathroom collapses on top of her while she tries to take a consolatory bath. She packs a bag and leaves New York City for Vermont, intent on finding a Bed and Breakfast. What she finds instead is the Crossroads Theater and its enigmatic director Rowan.
Spellcast is a fairy tale, and like all the best fairy tales it is dark and dangerous, and examines all of the things about ourselves we would rather not look at. It also glimmers with wide eyed wonder and rustles with restless energy. It is impossible to put down.
Ashford's love of theater is apparent and will touch everyone who has had the luck to walk across the stage, and everyone who has ever wanted to. She captures the camaraderie of the theater perfectly, with all of its dysfunctions and drama. Her descriptions of things I enjoyed so much when I was younger, my time spent engaged in summer theater, tickled a smile onto my face and marched goosebumps down my arms. It was perfect. And I didn't realize I had enjoyed theater as much as I had, or that I missed it. It is an amazing author that can appeal to memories that are almost 20 years old and get me to recall them so vividly.
And it isn't just theater. It is family, and friends, relationships and work and all those little and not so little things that fill our lives and make us who we are.
Spellcast can be a very personal read, if you let it. And I encourage you greatly to do so.
Spellcast is a fairy tale, and like all the best fairy tales it is dark and dangerous, and examines all of the things about ourselves we would rather not look at. It also glimmers with wide eyed wonder and rustles with restless energy. It is impossible to put down.
Ashford's love of theater is apparent and will touch everyone who has had the luck to walk across the stage, and everyone who has ever wanted to. She captures the camaraderie of the theater perfectly, with all of its dysfunctions and drama. Her descriptions of things I enjoyed so much when I was younger, my time spent engaged in summer theater, tickled a smile onto my face and marched goosebumps down my arms. It was perfect. And I didn't realize I had enjoyed theater as much as I had, or that I missed it. It is an amazing author that can appeal to memories that are almost 20 years old and get me to recall them so vividly.
And it isn't just theater. It is family, and friends, relationships and work and all those little and not so little things that fill our lives and make us who we are.
Spellcast can be a very personal read, if you let it. And I encourage you greatly to do so.
March 19, 2017
I tagged this book as fantasy, but that's mostly because I don't use a "romance" tag. It barely counts as fantasy. Barely.
Yes, I binged on this book. I stayed up late Saturday night. I read for a huge chunk of Sunday. After a few books in a row that were heavy and dense, the lightness of Spellcast was welcome.
That said - what the heck? I'm just at a loss as to how this is going to be a good book group discussion. I can't see that there is much to ponder here.
The book is not easy to start. In the first thirty pages Ashford introduces over a dozen characters - and the introductions are clumsy. While eventually the characters get straight and actually come to be truly unique people, at first I was just frustrated.
So I'm just ambivalent about this book. I enjoyed it, but it's much less than I think a book group needs to fill an hour with more than "I liked that!"
And the sex. Oy, vay. We can't discuss that in the middle of Powell's.
Yes, I binged on this book. I stayed up late Saturday night. I read for a huge chunk of Sunday. After a few books in a row that were heavy and dense, the lightness of Spellcast was welcome.
That said - what the heck? I'm just at a loss as to how this is going to be a good book group discussion. I can't see that there is much to ponder here.
The book is not easy to start. In the first thirty pages Ashford introduces over a dozen characters - and the introductions are clumsy. While eventually the characters get straight and actually come to be truly unique people, at first I was just frustrated.
So I'm just ambivalent about this book. I enjoyed it, but it's much less than I think a book group needs to fill an hour with more than "I liked that!"
And the sex. Oy, vay. We can't discuss that in the middle of Powell's.
June 16, 2011
Spellcast by Barbara Ashford could have been written especially for me: a New York City woman (Maggie Graham) has lost her job in public relations (my former field), flees the city and ends up in a small town in New England (my fantasy), just to rest for a few days. However, they are casting a musical (my first, original, and forever love-musical theater) and of course she wins a part.
Spellcast has something for everybody-or at least every part of me :) There's theater, magic, escape from city life & of course murder and mayhem.
Well written & fun. Romance, mystery, and something extra. A perfect fantasy experience.
Spellcast has something for everybody-or at least every part of me :) There's theater, magic, escape from city life & of course murder and mayhem.
Well written & fun. Romance, mystery, and something extra. A perfect fantasy experience.
August 12, 2012
I finished this lovely book at 12:45am last night, and I am embarrassed to tell you how emotional I was by the end of the story. It actually kept me awake a long time, as I pondered what might lie ahead for these very engaging and, in the case of Rowan MacKenzie, charismatic, characters. Yes. I admit it. I fretted. Over fictional beings. But isn’t the whole purpose of writing to make the reader care? I think it is. And I think Barbara Ashford did just that, so the book rates very high with me. I don’t give out 5 stars very often. The plot line & characters have to be quite strong, and even more importantly, the writing must be very, very good, if not downright lyrical.
I will confess that I wasn’t sure when I first started reading. I like musical theater probably more than most, but since I’ve never acted, I’m not particularly drawn to the behind the scenes things like stage direction, set building, and so forth. It was interesting, but for awhile, I was wanting to get away from it and move on with the main focus, namely Maggie & Rowan. However, Ashford was not to be rushed. And it turns out she was right to build her foundation slowly and surely. Gradually, as the theater’s productions became a metaphor for what was really going on in this tale, I began to enjoy even that part more and more. And when the action finally began to pick up, I was very glad I hadn’t let anything, even the plethora of characters whose names I was barely keeping straight, stop me from continuing.
I will confess, I love reading about a tortured, tormented, and angst-ridden man, and I don’t think they come any more so than the enigmatic Rowan. Who and what he is puzzled Maggie to the point of near obsession, and I felt the same way. I’ve read plenty of urban fantasy, so I had drawn my conclusions as to what he was early on, but I wanted confirmation. And I wanted to know the whole back story. It unfolds bit by bit, sometimes excruciatingly slowly, but unfold it does. And it brings with it some of the most emotion and drama packed love scenes I’ve ever read. I was elated one moment, heartbroken the next, and desperate for resolution the entire time. All I can say is, I was crying through the last 30 or so pages of the book, and as I said above, sleep didn’t come easy last night.
If I had one negative thing to add, it might be that Maggie’s “daddy issues” were a bit overdone for my taste. But they certainly factor into describing who she was and what kind of baggage she was carrying on her shoulders, so I don’t know whether it would have helped to tone that down a bit or not. It certainly wasn’t a big enough problem to spoil my enjoyment of the book in any way.
If you like your love stories a bit less sugar-coated than some, and with plenty of interesting side stories to round out the cast, this book is probably just what the doctor ordered. I found I couldn’t even wait to get to the store today to pick up a copy of the sequel, Spellcrossed, so I downloaded it onto my Kindle and started reading right away. I even put my long-awaited copy of Odd Apocalypse, received yesterday, on hold until I finish this second book, and for me, that’s something. I had been counting the days to get that one and catch up on what’s happening with Oddie. That’s how wrapped up in this story I am, and how eager I am to read more.
One more note. After having read several very poorly written books in a row, it was such a treat to open the covers of Spellcast and find solid story telling and good writing, with no noticeable errors in grammar or spelling. What a relief. But that’s a subject for another day. Suffice it to say, this book was good on every level, and I hope to enjoy many more stories from Barbara Ashford.
Bookin' It
I will confess that I wasn’t sure when I first started reading. I like musical theater probably more than most, but since I’ve never acted, I’m not particularly drawn to the behind the scenes things like stage direction, set building, and so forth. It was interesting, but for awhile, I was wanting to get away from it and move on with the main focus, namely Maggie & Rowan. However, Ashford was not to be rushed. And it turns out she was right to build her foundation slowly and surely. Gradually, as the theater’s productions became a metaphor for what was really going on in this tale, I began to enjoy even that part more and more. And when the action finally began to pick up, I was very glad I hadn’t let anything, even the plethora of characters whose names I was barely keeping straight, stop me from continuing.
I will confess, I love reading about a tortured, tormented, and angst-ridden man, and I don’t think they come any more so than the enigmatic Rowan. Who and what he is puzzled Maggie to the point of near obsession, and I felt the same way. I’ve read plenty of urban fantasy, so I had drawn my conclusions as to what he was early on, but I wanted confirmation. And I wanted to know the whole back story. It unfolds bit by bit, sometimes excruciatingly slowly, but unfold it does. And it brings with it some of the most emotion and drama packed love scenes I’ve ever read. I was elated one moment, heartbroken the next, and desperate for resolution the entire time. All I can say is, I was crying through the last 30 or so pages of the book, and as I said above, sleep didn’t come easy last night.
If I had one negative thing to add, it might be that Maggie’s “daddy issues” were a bit overdone for my taste. But they certainly factor into describing who she was and what kind of baggage she was carrying on her shoulders, so I don’t know whether it would have helped to tone that down a bit or not. It certainly wasn’t a big enough problem to spoil my enjoyment of the book in any way.
If you like your love stories a bit less sugar-coated than some, and with plenty of interesting side stories to round out the cast, this book is probably just what the doctor ordered. I found I couldn’t even wait to get to the store today to pick up a copy of the sequel, Spellcrossed, so I downloaded it onto my Kindle and started reading right away. I even put my long-awaited copy of Odd Apocalypse, received yesterday, on hold until I finish this second book, and for me, that’s something. I had been counting the days to get that one and catch up on what’s happening with Oddie. That’s how wrapped up in this story I am, and how eager I am to read more.
One more note. After having read several very poorly written books in a row, it was such a treat to open the covers of Spellcast and find solid story telling and good writing, with no noticeable errors in grammar or spelling. What a relief. But that’s a subject for another day. Suffice it to say, this book was good on every level, and I hope to enjoy many more stories from Barbara Ashford.
Bookin' It
January 2, 2015
3.5
The first few chapters of this were tough to get through, as you get a million characters thrown at you and not a lot of depth and I considered dumping the book at one point, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because I did get sucked in, eventually.
I think this is partially due to the fact that I kind of related to Maggie - and it was kind of refreshing to see a size 12 female protagonist - and partially 'cause I'm sort of a sucker for things Fae. I also liked the quasi-magical-realism aspect of most of the story, since the magic is kind of a natural extension of things, and not, like, fireballs and shit. (Not that there's anything wrong with fireballs, mind you - but I enjoyed the more subtle version presented in this story.)
I also, ultimately, liked the theater aspect - and, honestly, it's one of the reasons I picked this book up, considering my own dabblings in theater all throughout school and continuing to today with community theater productions, which this book had the feel of (even if they did get paid. Lucky bastards.)
Anyway - it's a good thing that I did end up clicking with Maggie and Rowan, because this is very much a character based story - love and drama and relationships, oh my.
I think my main complaint is that the secondary characters - and there were a lot of them - aren't very well developed. It makes sense, in a way, because while the story is ostensibly about the theater, it's really about Maggie - about her coming to terms with her past, with herself, and with Rowan.
I wasn't entirely thrilled with the bitter-sweet ending, though. I mean, you're sort of prepared for it, but I still found myself a bit annoyed that
And it's mostly because of the bitter-sweet ending that I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with the next book... but, after reading reviews, it seems to tie the story up nicely - and I could use some resolution, because I do feel like there's a lot left hanging at the end of this book.
Also, it'll be interesting to see how Maggie copes with being the director, and I'm curious as to how that'll change the dynamic of her and theater.
The first few chapters of this were tough to get through, as you get a million characters thrown at you and not a lot of depth and I considered dumping the book at one point, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because I did get sucked in, eventually.
I think this is partially due to the fact that I kind of related to Maggie - and it was kind of refreshing to see a size 12 female protagonist - and partially 'cause I'm sort of a sucker for things Fae. I also liked the quasi-magical-realism aspect of most of the story, since the magic is kind of a natural extension of things, and not, like, fireballs and shit. (Not that there's anything wrong with fireballs, mind you - but I enjoyed the more subtle version presented in this story.)
I also, ultimately, liked the theater aspect - and, honestly, it's one of the reasons I picked this book up, considering my own dabblings in theater all throughout school and continuing to today with community theater productions, which this book had the feel of (even if they did get paid. Lucky bastards.)
Anyway - it's a good thing that I did end up clicking with Maggie and Rowan, because this is very much a character based story - love and drama and relationships, oh my.
I think my main complaint is that the secondary characters - and there were a lot of them - aren't very well developed. It makes sense, in a way, because while the story is ostensibly about the theater, it's really about Maggie - about her coming to terms with her past, with herself, and with Rowan.
I wasn't entirely thrilled with the bitter-sweet ending, though. I mean, you're sort of prepared for it, but I still found myself a bit annoyed that
And it's mostly because of the bitter-sweet ending that I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with the next book... but, after reading reviews, it seems to tie the story up nicely - and I could use some resolution, because I do feel like there's a lot left hanging at the end of this book.
Also, it'll be interesting to see how Maggie copes with being the director, and I'm curious as to how that'll change the dynamic of her and theater.
May 27, 2011
First off, a quick disclaimer: I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
That said, this is a beautiful book. I loved it! Perhaps I've become a bit jaded from some of my reading, but it felt so refreshing to read a book where the characters were real people. Good people, but real. Not the idealized versions of people. The conflicts and interactions felt like those I have with others everyday. Even the fantasy elements are handled in a way that makes them feel perfectly possible.
I would definitely pick up the next Barbara Ashford book without even reading its synopsis. This book just felt good to read, and I look forward to seeing what else she has in store.
That said, this is a beautiful book. I loved it! Perhaps I've become a bit jaded from some of my reading, but it felt so refreshing to read a book where the characters were real people. Good people, but real. Not the idealized versions of people. The conflicts and interactions felt like those I have with others everyday. Even the fantasy elements are handled in a way that makes them feel perfectly possible.
I would definitely pick up the next Barbara Ashford book without even reading its synopsis. This book just felt good to read, and I look forward to seeing what else she has in store.
October 7, 2012
What an unexpectedly charming, heartwarming and profoundly moving book Spellcast was!
June 2, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/06/spe...
Favorite Quote: “Remember that he loves you, that you are his heart, that he will carry you with him all the days and nights of his long life. Remember how much you love him, that it’s not merely an echo of his feelings, but as real as the sun on your back and the tears on your face.”
Maggie Graham is having a very bad day. First she lost her job, then the ceiling in her NY apartment collapsed. Believing this may be karma’s way of telling her to get out of town, Maggie heads towards Vermont in search of benediction and solid ceilings. She sees a sign for Dale, Vermont and upon entering the town feels like she has entered a time warp. Norman Rockwell-esque buildings clash with the ‘bikers welcome’ and ‘free wifi” signs. When she stops at a local diner for coffee, the waitress assumes Maggie is there for the annual casting call. The local theatre-The Crossroads -is holding auditions for summer stock. This brings back conflicting feelings for Maggie. Maggie loves the theater yet issues from her past caused her to reject acting and everything associated with it.
When Maggie decides to take a chance and audition for theatre and receives roles in multiple productions, she finds herself questioning the actions of the actors, the staff, and especially the director. Rowan MacKenzie, the elusive director, is an enigma. Temperamental, moody, evasive, and unbelievably handsome, he confuses Maggie. From their first meeting, Maggie can’t help but feel that he expects something from her. Something she cannot give.
As the summer wanes and Maggie prepares for her roles; she learns that not all is as it seems in Dale. Seemingly amateur actors are producing incredible performances. Magic fills the air; until Maggie digs deeper. Her being there is not a random act of fate but a deliberate calling that has pulled her and the others there. A calling that has the power to change all their lives for better or worse. If their willing to take a chance.
Spellcast is a magical jewel hidden in an unassuming facade. When I received this book for review, the excerpt promised me an entertaining paranormal read that I was sure would be lighthearted and fun to read. I found so much more. A modern fairy tale that speaks of second chances with love, heartbreak, redemption, hope, and of course, laughter. This book has stayed with me long after I read the last page.
I found that the story itself is pretty straight forward in it’s make up and delivery. While I enjoyed this fantasy tale, it’s the characters who breathe life into this story and elevates it beyond a simple PNR. Dynamic in their simplicity, Ms. Ashford has given us real people who could be anyone we know or pass by on the street. We can relate to them. Their joys, fears, wants, and needs are laid bare and we are allowed to share in their self discovery. The journey isn’t perfect and many of them have issues that need to be resolved. Rowan and his staff help them with these issues by casting them in roles they need, but not necessarily want.
The world building is superb with Ashford’s obvious love for theatre shining through. She describes the small town of Dale and it’s inhabitants to such perfection that you know it has to exist somewhere. With her delicate hints and clues of magic, we are swept away in Rowan’s theatre. That is the greatest aspect that sets Spellcast apart from other PNRs right now. Rather then taking the mundane and placing it in a fairy tale setting-Ms Ashford reverses the process and makes us search for the magic in her mundane world.
Our protagonists, Maggie and Rowan are very much alike. Both are intelligent, loyal, and secretive. Maggie hides behind jokes and sarcasm while Rowan hides behind his mysterious persona. I found myself laughing at Maggie’s inner monologue. She has an opinion about everything.
Alex was the kind of man who epitomized nice: pleasant face, friendly smile. If I wanted a recruiting officer for my cult, I’d pick Alex hands down.
I’m alone in the forest with my director, that’s all. A director who casts people according to the need and happens to a hairless hands-on healer who lives on strawberry milkshakes and only leaves the grounds of the theatre when he hikes in the forest to sing in tongues.
Told in the first person, we only see from Maggie’s point of view but Ms. Ashford takes pity on us and allows us to see Rowan’s thoughts by entries from his journal. I really loved the interaction between Maggie and Rowan. The tentative bonds of friendship are a joy to watch develop.
“There’s something I’d like to show you. In the woods.”
“Boy if I had a nickel for every time a guy used that line.”
“What I want to show you is a wonder of nature.”
“Yeah, that’s what they all say.”
The romance develops slow yet made all the more potent by that. Their fears are magnified by their attraction. We know they will get together, but the journey there is the real story. For all their supposed strength-they are both fragile people; unsure of themselves or each other.
“Blame me for losing control. For failing to shield you from my emotions. For letting you feel things you should have never felt. But don’t blame me for wanting you.”
The additional cast of characters add much humor and balance to Maggie and Rowan’s storyline. Filled with vibrant personality, these eccentric, quirky people offer up advice, laughter, and a shoulder to cry on.
The ending is a bittersweet. Beautiful and heartbreaking (yes, I cried) yet filled with hope so that you know the second book will bring you even closer to the characters and town you’ve grown to love. I cannot wait for the second book in this series and will definitely be adding Spellcast to my MUST READ list for 2011.
Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: “Remember that he loves you, that you are his heart, that he will carry you with him all the days and nights of his long life. Remember how much you love him, that it’s not merely an echo of his feelings, but as real as the sun on your back and the tears on your face.”
Maggie Graham is having a very bad day. First she lost her job, then the ceiling in her NY apartment collapsed. Believing this may be karma’s way of telling her to get out of town, Maggie heads towards Vermont in search of benediction and solid ceilings. She sees a sign for Dale, Vermont and upon entering the town feels like she has entered a time warp. Norman Rockwell-esque buildings clash with the ‘bikers welcome’ and ‘free wifi” signs. When she stops at a local diner for coffee, the waitress assumes Maggie is there for the annual casting call. The local theatre-The Crossroads -is holding auditions for summer stock. This brings back conflicting feelings for Maggie. Maggie loves the theater yet issues from her past caused her to reject acting and everything associated with it.
When Maggie decides to take a chance and audition for theatre and receives roles in multiple productions, she finds herself questioning the actions of the actors, the staff, and especially the director. Rowan MacKenzie, the elusive director, is an enigma. Temperamental, moody, evasive, and unbelievably handsome, he confuses Maggie. From their first meeting, Maggie can’t help but feel that he expects something from her. Something she cannot give.
As the summer wanes and Maggie prepares for her roles; she learns that not all is as it seems in Dale. Seemingly amateur actors are producing incredible performances. Magic fills the air; until Maggie digs deeper. Her being there is not a random act of fate but a deliberate calling that has pulled her and the others there. A calling that has the power to change all their lives for better or worse. If their willing to take a chance.
Spellcast is a magical jewel hidden in an unassuming facade. When I received this book for review, the excerpt promised me an entertaining paranormal read that I was sure would be lighthearted and fun to read. I found so much more. A modern fairy tale that speaks of second chances with love, heartbreak, redemption, hope, and of course, laughter. This book has stayed with me long after I read the last page.
I found that the story itself is pretty straight forward in it’s make up and delivery. While I enjoyed this fantasy tale, it’s the characters who breathe life into this story and elevates it beyond a simple PNR. Dynamic in their simplicity, Ms. Ashford has given us real people who could be anyone we know or pass by on the street. We can relate to them. Their joys, fears, wants, and needs are laid bare and we are allowed to share in their self discovery. The journey isn’t perfect and many of them have issues that need to be resolved. Rowan and his staff help them with these issues by casting them in roles they need, but not necessarily want.
The world building is superb with Ashford’s obvious love for theatre shining through. She describes the small town of Dale and it’s inhabitants to such perfection that you know it has to exist somewhere. With her delicate hints and clues of magic, we are swept away in Rowan’s theatre. That is the greatest aspect that sets Spellcast apart from other PNRs right now. Rather then taking the mundane and placing it in a fairy tale setting-Ms Ashford reverses the process and makes us search for the magic in her mundane world.
Our protagonists, Maggie and Rowan are very much alike. Both are intelligent, loyal, and secretive. Maggie hides behind jokes and sarcasm while Rowan hides behind his mysterious persona. I found myself laughing at Maggie’s inner monologue. She has an opinion about everything.
Alex was the kind of man who epitomized nice: pleasant face, friendly smile. If I wanted a recruiting officer for my cult, I’d pick Alex hands down.
I’m alone in the forest with my director, that’s all. A director who casts people according to the need and happens to a hairless hands-on healer who lives on strawberry milkshakes and only leaves the grounds of the theatre when he hikes in the forest to sing in tongues.
Told in the first person, we only see from Maggie’s point of view but Ms. Ashford takes pity on us and allows us to see Rowan’s thoughts by entries from his journal. I really loved the interaction between Maggie and Rowan. The tentative bonds of friendship are a joy to watch develop.
“There’s something I’d like to show you. In the woods.”
“Boy if I had a nickel for every time a guy used that line.”
“What I want to show you is a wonder of nature.”
“Yeah, that’s what they all say.”
The romance develops slow yet made all the more potent by that. Their fears are magnified by their attraction. We know they will get together, but the journey there is the real story. For all their supposed strength-they are both fragile people; unsure of themselves or each other.
“Blame me for losing control. For failing to shield you from my emotions. For letting you feel things you should have never felt. But don’t blame me for wanting you.”
The additional cast of characters add much humor and balance to Maggie and Rowan’s storyline. Filled with vibrant personality, these eccentric, quirky people offer up advice, laughter, and a shoulder to cry on.
The ending is a bittersweet. Beautiful and heartbreaking (yes, I cried) yet filled with hope so that you know the second book will bring you even closer to the characters and town you’ve grown to love. I cannot wait for the second book in this series and will definitely be adding Spellcast to my MUST READ list for 2011.
Rating: B+
May 6, 2011
Review from my book blog (wordpress / livejournal)
This is a review for a book I received from the publisher/author.
The Premise: When Maggie Graham is laid off and her apartment ceiling collapses into her bathroom on the same day, she has a good cry, then dusts herself off and decides she needs to figure out what to do next. So she packs up and drives. She finds herself in Dale, Vermont, next to a tiny theatre holding auditions for their summer program. On a whim Maggie tries out, and gets a small part. At the Crossroads Theatre, Maggie meets many people, including mysterious, otherworldly director, Rowan McKenzie, who chooses roles according to need rather than talent. As the summer at Dale continues, the more Maggie learns about Rowan and his special relationship with the theatre and the town.
My Thoughts: It’s hard to categorize this book. I think it falls under contemporary fantasy, but it feels like it’s themes are more about the human condition than it is about the fantastic, although there is a definite otherworldly influence that permeates Maggie’s experiences in Dale. It also has romantic elements, it doesn’t follow the usual romantic conventions. I would say that the story has fantasy and romance elements but it also has a healthy dose of realism.
The story begins with Maggie’s introduction to the Crossroads Theatre and is integrated into it’s family-like atmosphere. I think that if you are a fan of musical theatre and if you’ve been part of the stage atmosphere yourself you will enjoy the camaraderie that quickly becomes part of Maggie’s life. It starts off as you would expect: meeting a lot of people in a short amount of time – the other out-of-towners who have stumbled upon the Crossroads and have auditioned, as well as the locals that keep the Crossroads running. There’s a a dizzying number of characters introduced in a short time, particularly at the start of the book, which I found a little confusing at first, but once I got my bearings and was able to group characters into cast and locals I was good to go, and the large number of characters seems necessary to the theatre atmosphere.
There’s a friendliness and enthusiasm that Maggie feels, but she notices some strange things as well. The other actors found themselves in Dale much the way she did – they somehow stumbled upon it by chance, with no prior plans to be there. Then there is the theater director, Rowan, who makes some odd choices in who will play what roles. As Maggie gets to know the Crossroads, she realizes that there’s a reason for the plays beyond mere entertainment, and Rowan is at the center of why. So Maggie watches the enigmatic Rowan, taking note of his Svengali-like appeal and influence over the cast and crew. The permanent theatre people are protective of his secrets, which only makes Maggie more curious. As the summer continues, she finds out what he really is, and of course the more she discovers the more involved she becomes in Rowan’s life.
Compared to most of the other characters, Maggie is relatively level-headed, and most of the story is told in her first person point of view, so we get to see the Crossroads through her no-nonsense, slightly cynical gaze. Maggie’s refusal to have the wool pulled over her eyes makes her the ideal character to explain the unreal goings on at the theatre and to uncover what is behind it. Interspersed with Maggie’s POV are small sections where Rowan’s feelings about Maggie are described in a sort of diary-entry format.
Of course the combination of Maggie’s character with that of Rowan’s and the mutual interest, there is the set up for a romance, but while this story is romantic, i didn’t feel like it followed the rules of your usual Romance. Although I could feel Maggie’s excitement and growing feelings for Rowan, I found myself disconnected from it. It felt like there were too many obstacles and people involved, and that I didn’t know enough about Rowan to understand Maggie’s feelings, but this disconnect worked within this story, where it may not have worked elsewhere. Ultimately Maggie and Rowan’s relationship in Spellcast is more about their individual growth through their knowing one another than it was about following the usual romantic path. I actually liked where their story went and how this book was resolved. There was something satisfying and hopeful about the ending of Spellcast even though it may not be the ending you expect (although it does try to warn you).
Spellcast felt self-contained but I found out that its the start of a series. The sequel comes out Spring 2012.
Overall: I liked this one. It has a unique mix of elements – real life with it’s human problems sharing space with the fantastic and fairytale, with a romantic, musical theatre twist. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it managed to convey love and life in a way that felt equal parts everyday and otherworldly. I like that it had elements that were a little uncomfortable and alien, and that things didn’t work out as they would in a fairytale, but it still had an ending that felt right. With a sequel in the works, I’m eager to discover where the story will go next.
This is a review for a book I received from the publisher/author.
The Premise: When Maggie Graham is laid off and her apartment ceiling collapses into her bathroom on the same day, she has a good cry, then dusts herself off and decides she needs to figure out what to do next. So she packs up and drives. She finds herself in Dale, Vermont, next to a tiny theatre holding auditions for their summer program. On a whim Maggie tries out, and gets a small part. At the Crossroads Theatre, Maggie meets many people, including mysterious, otherworldly director, Rowan McKenzie, who chooses roles according to need rather than talent. As the summer at Dale continues, the more Maggie learns about Rowan and his special relationship with the theatre and the town.
My Thoughts: It’s hard to categorize this book. I think it falls under contemporary fantasy, but it feels like it’s themes are more about the human condition than it is about the fantastic, although there is a definite otherworldly influence that permeates Maggie’s experiences in Dale. It also has romantic elements, it doesn’t follow the usual romantic conventions. I would say that the story has fantasy and romance elements but it also has a healthy dose of realism.
The story begins with Maggie’s introduction to the Crossroads Theatre and is integrated into it’s family-like atmosphere. I think that if you are a fan of musical theatre and if you’ve been part of the stage atmosphere yourself you will enjoy the camaraderie that quickly becomes part of Maggie’s life. It starts off as you would expect: meeting a lot of people in a short amount of time – the other out-of-towners who have stumbled upon the Crossroads and have auditioned, as well as the locals that keep the Crossroads running. There’s a a dizzying number of characters introduced in a short time, particularly at the start of the book, which I found a little confusing at first, but once I got my bearings and was able to group characters into cast and locals I was good to go, and the large number of characters seems necessary to the theatre atmosphere.
There’s a friendliness and enthusiasm that Maggie feels, but she notices some strange things as well. The other actors found themselves in Dale much the way she did – they somehow stumbled upon it by chance, with no prior plans to be there. Then there is the theater director, Rowan, who makes some odd choices in who will play what roles. As Maggie gets to know the Crossroads, she realizes that there’s a reason for the plays beyond mere entertainment, and Rowan is at the center of why. So Maggie watches the enigmatic Rowan, taking note of his Svengali-like appeal and influence over the cast and crew. The permanent theatre people are protective of his secrets, which only makes Maggie more curious. As the summer continues, she finds out what he really is, and of course the more she discovers the more involved she becomes in Rowan’s life.
Compared to most of the other characters, Maggie is relatively level-headed, and most of the story is told in her first person point of view, so we get to see the Crossroads through her no-nonsense, slightly cynical gaze. Maggie’s refusal to have the wool pulled over her eyes makes her the ideal character to explain the unreal goings on at the theatre and to uncover what is behind it. Interspersed with Maggie’s POV are small sections where Rowan’s feelings about Maggie are described in a sort of diary-entry format.
Of course the combination of Maggie’s character with that of Rowan’s and the mutual interest, there is the set up for a romance, but while this story is romantic, i didn’t feel like it followed the rules of your usual Romance. Although I could feel Maggie’s excitement and growing feelings for Rowan, I found myself disconnected from it. It felt like there were too many obstacles and people involved, and that I didn’t know enough about Rowan to understand Maggie’s feelings, but this disconnect worked within this story, where it may not have worked elsewhere. Ultimately Maggie and Rowan’s relationship in Spellcast is more about their individual growth through their knowing one another than it was about following the usual romantic path. I actually liked where their story went and how this book was resolved. There was something satisfying and hopeful about the ending of Spellcast even though it may not be the ending you expect (although it does try to warn you).
Spellcast felt self-contained but I found out that its the start of a series. The sequel comes out Spring 2012.
Overall: I liked this one. It has a unique mix of elements – real life with it’s human problems sharing space with the fantastic and fairytale, with a romantic, musical theatre twist. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it managed to convey love and life in a way that felt equal parts everyday and otherworldly. I like that it had elements that were a little uncomfortable and alien, and that things didn’t work out as they would in a fairytale, but it still had an ending that felt right. With a sequel in the works, I’m eager to discover where the story will go next.
December 8, 2018
Loved this one. I felt like I was 20 again (mostly because that's when I was doing theater but I never had anything this interesting happen).
December 15, 2015
Did I like this book? Um. Yes…. But ultimately…. no.
Any novel with great, realistic, and funny-to-boot dialogue is always in my good books. I was so desperate for a good fantasy book with a strong female protagonist, and try as I might I have trouble finding a fantasy book that I like outside of Emma Bull, Juliet Marillier and Sharon Shinn. But I saw this at the bookstore and was immediately hooked by the bathtub scene and falling ceiling, then by the witty inner dialogue of the main character, Maggie. This dialogue was what held my interest for as long as it did, because the rest of the book quickly fell flat.
I have tried and tried again to like musical theatre. I went to a performing arts high school, I have siblings who are (still) professional actors who grew up on the stage, I have roommates that time and time again try to push musicals onto me... it just ain't my thing. This book is about a bunch of musical-theatre buffs surrounded by other buffs and are supremely overzealous about making it the production of the century, despite them proclaiming it's all about having fun. Hard for me to get into, but might be of interest to others.
While I did appreciate Maggie's wittiness, for the life of me I can't understand the appeal of her. I couldn't figure out how she made as much friends as she did, with her biting over-observation of all their quirks and eccentricities. She was always so stressed out about something, my god I wish I had that many friends to cry on their shoulders at every little melodrama of my life. She just had so much support, and rarely gave it herself. While a good dose of cynicism is funny, sometimes it was too much and it made Maggie self-absorbed and even mean. I felt bad for Caren, whom she kept making fun of, because the girl sounded absolutely lovely and friendly despite her accidental antics. And for that matter, there was way too many people. By the time I got around to the sequel, I had forgotten who everyone was. And why is the gay guy always the automatic sassy, fashionista best friend?
The romantic interest did absolutely nothing for me. He's skinny, hairless, whitest of the whites, long black hair and walks around in leather pants and a half-unbuttoned silk shirt. This basically describes my brother in Junior High during the early 90's. Maybe David Bowie could pull of this look, but for the rest of the population it's an extremely cringe-y image. He's moody (not in the sexy way), anti-social, socially-awkward yet commanding, and takes himself very very seriously. When he gets upset with Maggie, boy does he turn into a jealous (of her), hyper-sensitive and petty five year old.
And hey, not my thing but I am super proud of the author for normalizing the oddity of his genitalia. I mean, she had a point, a fey's thang probably ain't going to be like a humans, spoiler: It came totally out of left field for me, but the author did a commendable job of working an acceptance factor of non-normative sexual relationships. Not just with his non-human genitalia, but his bisexuality as well. It wasn't something that appealed to me personally, not that I'm against it or anything, but we all are into different people. But good on her for having the guts to normalize different sexual types and sexual fluidity.
This book fell flat, went too long, everybody stopped being likeable, too much melodramas (I like you, I hate you) and this book could have easily been written without a supernatural aspect to it. Maggie and Rowan fit the bill for many actors that I personally know, whom are loveable but have a tendency to treat people like they're transients in the drama of their life.
Any novel with great, realistic, and funny-to-boot dialogue is always in my good books. I was so desperate for a good fantasy book with a strong female protagonist, and try as I might I have trouble finding a fantasy book that I like outside of Emma Bull, Juliet Marillier and Sharon Shinn. But I saw this at the bookstore and was immediately hooked by the bathtub scene and falling ceiling, then by the witty inner dialogue of the main character, Maggie. This dialogue was what held my interest for as long as it did, because the rest of the book quickly fell flat.
I have tried and tried again to like musical theatre. I went to a performing arts high school, I have siblings who are (still) professional actors who grew up on the stage, I have roommates that time and time again try to push musicals onto me... it just ain't my thing. This book is about a bunch of musical-theatre buffs surrounded by other buffs and are supremely overzealous about making it the production of the century, despite them proclaiming it's all about having fun. Hard for me to get into, but might be of interest to others.
While I did appreciate Maggie's wittiness, for the life of me I can't understand the appeal of her. I couldn't figure out how she made as much friends as she did, with her biting over-observation of all their quirks and eccentricities. She was always so stressed out about something, my god I wish I had that many friends to cry on their shoulders at every little melodrama of my life. She just had so much support, and rarely gave it herself. While a good dose of cynicism is funny, sometimes it was too much and it made Maggie self-absorbed and even mean. I felt bad for Caren, whom she kept making fun of, because the girl sounded absolutely lovely and friendly despite her accidental antics. And for that matter, there was way too many people. By the time I got around to the sequel, I had forgotten who everyone was. And why is the gay guy always the automatic sassy, fashionista best friend?
The romantic interest did absolutely nothing for me. He's skinny, hairless, whitest of the whites, long black hair and walks around in leather pants and a half-unbuttoned silk shirt. This basically describes my brother in Junior High during the early 90's. Maybe David Bowie could pull of this look, but for the rest of the population it's an extremely cringe-y image. He's moody (not in the sexy way), anti-social, socially-awkward yet commanding, and takes himself very very seriously. When he gets upset with Maggie, boy does he turn into a jealous (of her), hyper-sensitive and petty five year old.
And hey, not my thing but I am super proud of the author for normalizing the oddity of his genitalia. I mean, she had a point, a fey's thang probably ain't going to be like a humans, spoiler: It came totally out of left field for me, but the author did a commendable job of working an acceptance factor of non-normative sexual relationships. Not just with his non-human genitalia, but his bisexuality as well. It wasn't something that appealed to me personally, not that I'm against it or anything, but we all are into different people. But good on her for having the guts to normalize different sexual types and sexual fluidity.
This book fell flat, went too long, everybody stopped being likeable, too much melodramas (I like you, I hate you) and this book could have easily been written without a supernatural aspect to it. Maggie and Rowan fit the bill for many actors that I personally know, whom are loveable but have a tendency to treat people like they're transients in the drama of their life.
November 10, 2011
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/11/...
32 year old Maggie Graham is having a very,very bad day. First she loses her job,then she watches as the bathroom ceiling in her tiny New York apartment falls down. Determined to get away,she takes her meager savings and heads for the country lure of rural Vermont. Following her gut,she takes a certain exit,that leads to a certain town (Dale),where there is a certain white barn… Sorry for sounding a bit cryptic,but from the beginning,there seems to be mysterious hand guiding Maggie in her journey to Dale and to the irresistible white barn. Don’t worry,the author won’t torture you,and YOUR journey to find the mystery of the Crossroads Theatre is a big part of the joy that is Spellcast.
See,Maggie just happens to hit Dale right before auditions close for the summer stock at the Crossroads. Following a compulsion that she doesn’t yet understand,she decides to take the plunge and audition. After all,before a series of inane jobs left her disillusioned and depressed,she did quite a bit of stage acting,and has forgotten just how much she loved it. When Maggie arrives at Crossroads,she discovers that she’s one of many that have auditioned,and eventually realizes that she’s one of the only one in the cast that’s had acting experience. So,the productions should be horrid,even disastrous,right? Not so! Somehow,this ragtag bunch of people are able to make magic on the stage,and it might have something to do with the brooding,mysterious (and super sexy) director,Rowan Mackenzie. At first Maggie chalks it up to simple charisma,or magnetism,the way he brings out the best in people and casts them in JUST the right parts. She soon begins to suspect that it’s something more,something way bigger,then she ever could imagine.
I really can’t convey how much I adored Spellcast. Maggie is vulnerable,jobless,and many years later,reeling from the pain of her father’s abandonment. She finds she can’t quite resist this community of unusual and inexplicably charming people,and soon finds that maybe something has been missing in her life. I never thought I’d have much interest in a novel that revolves around musical theater,and the author certainly knows of what she writes,having been a stage actress herself. I found every bit of it fascinating,though! Then there’s Rowan… Oh boy,where do I start? Are you a sucker for the moody,brooding type? Yes? Then you’ll love Rowan. Rowan of the alabaster skin and expressive eyes… Oops,I digress. Maggie is instantly attracted to him,but her mind really isn’t on romance at the beginning of this story. Don’t worry,that certainly changes,and the tension between Maggie and Rowan will have you eating up the pages. Torturous,I say!! But in the most wonderful,magical way. All isn’t what it seems in Dale,however,and hints of a curse and otherworldy connotations are always at the peripheral,then move to the forefront in the second half of the book. If you’re looking for kick-ass chicks and magic wielding mages,you won’t find them here. What you will find is beautiful characterization,graceful storytelling,secrets galore,an achingly tender love story,and yes,magic. Plenty of magic! There’s plenty to love about this wonderful,unusual book,so I could go on,but I urge you to discover the magic for yourself. Spellcast is as close to perfect as it gets for me,and I’ll eagerly await the release of Ms. Ashford’s sequel,Spellcrossed next year (le sigh.)
32 year old Maggie Graham is having a very,very bad day. First she loses her job,then she watches as the bathroom ceiling in her tiny New York apartment falls down. Determined to get away,she takes her meager savings and heads for the country lure of rural Vermont. Following her gut,she takes a certain exit,that leads to a certain town (Dale),where there is a certain white barn… Sorry for sounding a bit cryptic,but from the beginning,there seems to be mysterious hand guiding Maggie in her journey to Dale and to the irresistible white barn. Don’t worry,the author won’t torture you,and YOUR journey to find the mystery of the Crossroads Theatre is a big part of the joy that is Spellcast.
See,Maggie just happens to hit Dale right before auditions close for the summer stock at the Crossroads. Following a compulsion that she doesn’t yet understand,she decides to take the plunge and audition. After all,before a series of inane jobs left her disillusioned and depressed,she did quite a bit of stage acting,and has forgotten just how much she loved it. When Maggie arrives at Crossroads,she discovers that she’s one of many that have auditioned,and eventually realizes that she’s one of the only one in the cast that’s had acting experience. So,the productions should be horrid,even disastrous,right? Not so! Somehow,this ragtag bunch of people are able to make magic on the stage,and it might have something to do with the brooding,mysterious (and super sexy) director,Rowan Mackenzie. At first Maggie chalks it up to simple charisma,or magnetism,the way he brings out the best in people and casts them in JUST the right parts. She soon begins to suspect that it’s something more,something way bigger,then she ever could imagine.
I really can’t convey how much I adored Spellcast. Maggie is vulnerable,jobless,and many years later,reeling from the pain of her father’s abandonment. She finds she can’t quite resist this community of unusual and inexplicably charming people,and soon finds that maybe something has been missing in her life. I never thought I’d have much interest in a novel that revolves around musical theater,and the author certainly knows of what she writes,having been a stage actress herself. I found every bit of it fascinating,though! Then there’s Rowan… Oh boy,where do I start? Are you a sucker for the moody,brooding type? Yes? Then you’ll love Rowan. Rowan of the alabaster skin and expressive eyes… Oops,I digress. Maggie is instantly attracted to him,but her mind really isn’t on romance at the beginning of this story. Don’t worry,that certainly changes,and the tension between Maggie and Rowan will have you eating up the pages. Torturous,I say!! But in the most wonderful,magical way. All isn’t what it seems in Dale,however,and hints of a curse and otherworldy connotations are always at the peripheral,then move to the forefront in the second half of the book. If you’re looking for kick-ass chicks and magic wielding mages,you won’t find them here. What you will find is beautiful characterization,graceful storytelling,secrets galore,an achingly tender love story,and yes,magic. Plenty of magic! There’s plenty to love about this wonderful,unusual book,so I could go on,but I urge you to discover the magic for yourself. Spellcast is as close to perfect as it gets for me,and I’ll eagerly await the release of Ms. Ashford’s sequel,Spellcrossed next year (le sigh.)
July 4, 2011
One of the things I love best about blogging is discovering books like Spellcast. This is one of those books that I would have passed right over if it hadn't been for the tweets that Jessica from The Spinecracker saying how much she loved this book. As we have similar tastes in books, I went to goodreads to check it out. I'm not sure what drew me to the book, but I decided to take a chance on it-and I'm glad I did.
Words really can't describe this book. It's sweet, fun, lovable and full of goodness. I love being thrown for a loop, and in all honesty I didn't see the direction this book was taking until it was it was too late. I really thought I had the ending all figured out, and then was like "wow." Didn't see that coming at all. I truly love it when that happens.
Maggie is one of those heroines who you just love right off the bat. She's a New Yorker, and while she may be down she certainly isn't out. She loses her job and her apartment literally caves in on her all in the same day-and she uses that as an excuse to get away for the weekend. She's not sure where she's going, but she finds herself in Vermont, in a small town that she's not quite sure what to make of. She's always loved theater, but caved into her moms plans for her and went into business instead. When Maggie arrives in the small town of Dale, she just wants a cup of coffee and a place to stay for the night. Life has other plans for her. The women running the coffee shop assumes she's there for theater tryouts and holds her coffee hostage and tells her to go and tryout. The theater is in an old barn, and there is just something different about the people in charge-she just can't quite put her finger on what makes them different.
She auditions , and is disappointed when she doesn't get the part she wanted in any of the plays they will be performing. She's really disappointed when she's the only there with any acting experience, and still didn't get any of the main roles. She's intrigued though by everything about the theater to the small town, so she stays and ends up finding more about herself and those around her then she had planned. The entire cast of characters is just wonderful, and I found myself in love with all of them. Everyone can learn something from this gem of a book.
It's funny-this is the book that started me on a string of wonderful reads, (I read it in the beginning of May) but I found it really hard to review for some reason. It's one of those books that is unassuming and you find yourself pulled into the world that Barbara Ashford created before you know what happened to you. Spellcast has romance in it, but it's a combination of fantasy, contemporary romance and paranormal romance. All I have to say is try it and discover something wonderful. Again, a big thank you to Jessica because this is a book I would have passed over without her enthusiastic tweets about it.
Curran Crush Meter: Medium
Ethan/Merit Sizzle Meter: Medium
Finn Sidekick Meter: High
Martini Sigh Meter: Medium
Words really can't describe this book. It's sweet, fun, lovable and full of goodness. I love being thrown for a loop, and in all honesty I didn't see the direction this book was taking until it was it was too late. I really thought I had the ending all figured out, and then was like "wow." Didn't see that coming at all. I truly love it when that happens.
Maggie is one of those heroines who you just love right off the bat. She's a New Yorker, and while she may be down she certainly isn't out. She loses her job and her apartment literally caves in on her all in the same day-and she uses that as an excuse to get away for the weekend. She's not sure where she's going, but she finds herself in Vermont, in a small town that she's not quite sure what to make of. She's always loved theater, but caved into her moms plans for her and went into business instead. When Maggie arrives in the small town of Dale, she just wants a cup of coffee and a place to stay for the night. Life has other plans for her. The women running the coffee shop assumes she's there for theater tryouts and holds her coffee hostage and tells her to go and tryout. The theater is in an old barn, and there is just something different about the people in charge-she just can't quite put her finger on what makes them different.
She auditions , and is disappointed when she doesn't get the part she wanted in any of the plays they will be performing. She's really disappointed when she's the only there with any acting experience, and still didn't get any of the main roles. She's intrigued though by everything about the theater to the small town, so she stays and ends up finding more about herself and those around her then she had planned. The entire cast of characters is just wonderful, and I found myself in love with all of them. Everyone can learn something from this gem of a book.
It's funny-this is the book that started me on a string of wonderful reads, (I read it in the beginning of May) but I found it really hard to review for some reason. It's one of those books that is unassuming and you find yourself pulled into the world that Barbara Ashford created before you know what happened to you. Spellcast has romance in it, but it's a combination of fantasy, contemporary romance and paranormal romance. All I have to say is try it and discover something wonderful. Again, a big thank you to Jessica because this is a book I would have passed over without her enthusiastic tweets about it.
Curran Crush Meter: Medium
Ethan/Merit Sizzle Meter: Medium
Finn Sidekick Meter: High
Martini Sigh Meter: Medium
August 15, 2012
When I read the premise of this book - magic in a summer stock theatre company in Vermont - and also Carrie Vaughn's front-cover quote, "Warm, humorous, emotional, heartfelt and full of magic", I was expecting something like Debora Geary produces in her Witch novels. Well... it is and it isn't.
There are moments where I was moved. There are moments where I laughed out loud, usually at a bit of characterization. But those moments are separated by long stretches which sometimes came very close to tedium.
A big part of the problem is that a lot of the plot involves people learning life lessons from the characters they're playing in the musicals, and if you don't know the musicals they're performing there's a heck of a lot of stuff that you just miss. The author does manage to convey the general plots of the musicals and an idea of what the main characters are like, but it didn't have the impact for me that it might have for someone who was familiar with the shows.
The first-person narrator starts out rather world-weary and cynical, and stays exclusively that way for a long time. I think the character arc is well-handled, but it still doesn't make for a lot of warm moments in the front two-thirds or so of the book.
And then, there are too many characters to keep track of. At one point early on I was reading about Gary doing something-or-other, and thinking, "Gary? Who the hell is Gary? Was he introduced at some point? What does he look like?" I paged back to the mass introductions near the start, but I never did find him.
Again, the premise of the book means that there's a large cast, because the musicals have large casts, but fewer of them, with clearer distinguishing features which were mentioned more than once, would have been a lot easier to follow (and be interested in). Or why not have a cast list so that the audience can keep straight who's who, who they play in each musical (there are three), and their relationships to one another? Some relationships would have been spoilers for important plot points, but you could go with the ones that the viewpoint character perceived at the start.
To be honest, I think less would be more. In the paperback edition I read, the book finishes on page 433. If some kindly fairy editor cut a hundred pages, six or eight characters, one of the three musicals and a big chunk of angst I think I would have enjoyed the book more than I did.
It had its moments, but they were too far apart.
There are moments where I was moved. There are moments where I laughed out loud, usually at a bit of characterization. But those moments are separated by long stretches which sometimes came very close to tedium.
A big part of the problem is that a lot of the plot involves people learning life lessons from the characters they're playing in the musicals, and if you don't know the musicals they're performing there's a heck of a lot of stuff that you just miss. The author does manage to convey the general plots of the musicals and an idea of what the main characters are like, but it didn't have the impact for me that it might have for someone who was familiar with the shows.
The first-person narrator starts out rather world-weary and cynical, and stays exclusively that way for a long time. I think the character arc is well-handled, but it still doesn't make for a lot of warm moments in the front two-thirds or so of the book.
And then, there are too many characters to keep track of. At one point early on I was reading about Gary doing something-or-other, and thinking, "Gary? Who the hell is Gary? Was he introduced at some point? What does he look like?" I paged back to the mass introductions near the start, but I never did find him.
Again, the premise of the book means that there's a large cast, because the musicals have large casts, but fewer of them, with clearer distinguishing features which were mentioned more than once, would have been a lot easier to follow (and be interested in). Or why not have a cast list so that the audience can keep straight who's who, who they play in each musical (there are three), and their relationships to one another? Some relationships would have been spoilers for important plot points, but you could go with the ones that the viewpoint character perceived at the start.
To be honest, I think less would be more. In the paperback edition I read, the book finishes on page 433. If some kindly fairy editor cut a hundred pages, six or eight characters, one of the three musicals and a big chunk of angst I think I would have enjoyed the book more than I did.
It had its moments, but they were too far apart.
May 3, 2025
A fantasy romance set in small-town Vermont, Spellcast by Barbara Ashford is a delight from start to finish.
Maggie Graham is out of a job and looking to escape her Brooklyn apartment for the weekend when she stumbles into auditions at the Crossroads Theater.
The colorful cast of amateur actors were all compelled to audition the same as Maggie, and there’s something uncanny about the theater staff, but the mysterious director Rowan is the biggest enigma of all.
The main character Maggie is great fun. She’s vivid and outspoken, a talented woman who’s skilled at helping others but can’t apply her own good advice. I rooted for her to take down the walls around her guarded heart.
She starts the story without any friends outside of work, dodging her nosy mother, and wounded by her father’s abandonment. We get to see her develop friends during the course of the summer and find balance with her parents. And she does open herself to love.
I’ve heard that true love is wanting what’s best for your beloved, and we get to see that theme played out in a number of different ways during the course of the story. We meet a man grieving for his deceased wife, and a young man who selfishly abandoned his family to avoid paying child-support. And there’s the secretive director Rowan, who claims to be incapable of love.
Rowan’s backstory and true identity is revealed slowly. It's rewarding when his whole story comes together. Both Rowan and Maggie are sympathetic and complex characters. I loved how they contrasted and complemented each other.
There are a lot of theater references in the story, not all of which I caught, but you don’t have to be a fan of musical theater to enjoy the novel. There were a few times when Maggie let her fear prevail and I got frustrated with her, but overall her motivation was believable.
Though romance runs throughout the novel, it is ultimately about Maggie learning to follow her heart and live a fulfilling life. For me, the story ended when Maggie decided to claim the life she wanted. The final coda giving us a glimpse into her new life wasn't really necessary.
Small quibbles aside, Spellcast was a highly enjoyable reading experience. I found the love scenes especially powerful, and I wept during the end. Warning: have a box of tissues handy!
Maggie Graham is out of a job and looking to escape her Brooklyn apartment for the weekend when she stumbles into auditions at the Crossroads Theater.
The colorful cast of amateur actors were all compelled to audition the same as Maggie, and there’s something uncanny about the theater staff, but the mysterious director Rowan is the biggest enigma of all.
The main character Maggie is great fun. She’s vivid and outspoken, a talented woman who’s skilled at helping others but can’t apply her own good advice. I rooted for her to take down the walls around her guarded heart.
She starts the story without any friends outside of work, dodging her nosy mother, and wounded by her father’s abandonment. We get to see her develop friends during the course of the summer and find balance with her parents. And she does open herself to love.
I’ve heard that true love is wanting what’s best for your beloved, and we get to see that theme played out in a number of different ways during the course of the story. We meet a man grieving for his deceased wife, and a young man who selfishly abandoned his family to avoid paying child-support. And there’s the secretive director Rowan, who claims to be incapable of love.
Rowan’s backstory and true identity is revealed slowly. It's rewarding when his whole story comes together. Both Rowan and Maggie are sympathetic and complex characters. I loved how they contrasted and complemented each other.
There are a lot of theater references in the story, not all of which I caught, but you don’t have to be a fan of musical theater to enjoy the novel. There were a few times when Maggie let her fear prevail and I got frustrated with her, but overall her motivation was believable.
Though romance runs throughout the novel, it is ultimately about Maggie learning to follow her heart and live a fulfilling life. For me, the story ended when Maggie decided to claim the life she wanted. The final coda giving us a glimpse into her new life wasn't really necessary.
Small quibbles aside, Spellcast was a highly enjoyable reading experience. I found the love scenes especially powerful, and I wept during the end. Warning: have a box of tissues handy!
July 31, 2012
I was hoping for some community theatre fantasy fluff when I picked this book up, but what I got was something altogether stranger and more satisfying. This book starts from a very well-trod path but it quickly branches off to explore its own territory, and there is a substrate of bittersweet longing and sinister mystery that stops this story about personal growth and community from being fluff. It's a very hard book to discuss without spoilers, but I think it's important to go into it without knowing the central mystery of the tale.
The book is mostly told from the point of view of Maggie, a thirtysomething New Yorker of many talents who hasn't found a place in the world. She finds herself in a small sunshiny Vermont town auditioning for a part at a very unusual community theatre, where parts go to the people who need to play them in order to work out issues in their own lives, rather than to the people who would give the best performance. As the book unfolds we learn what created and keeps this unusual community together, and we enter into the struggles of the characters. It's a very well told story on the whole, there are a few stumbles along the way such as the early entry from Rowan's diary, which was a hamfisted way to introduce some exposition into Maggie's narrative. I'd much rather have had everything from her point of view and I'm not really sure that the information in the diary entry was necessary at that point anyway. But that's a minor quibble and it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I really appreciated the way all the strands in the story were gathered together at the end. And I'm definitely getting the sequel!
The book is mostly told from the point of view of Maggie, a thirtysomething New Yorker of many talents who hasn't found a place in the world. She finds herself in a small sunshiny Vermont town auditioning for a part at a very unusual community theatre, where parts go to the people who need to play them in order to work out issues in their own lives, rather than to the people who would give the best performance. As the book unfolds we learn what created and keeps this unusual community together, and we enter into the struggles of the characters. It's a very well told story on the whole, there are a few stumbles along the way such as the early entry from Rowan's diary, which was a hamfisted way to introduce some exposition into Maggie's narrative. I'd much rather have had everything from her point of view and I'm not really sure that the information in the diary entry was necessary at that point anyway. But that's a minor quibble and it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I really appreciated the way all the strands in the story were gathered together at the end. And I'm definitely getting the sequel!
July 29, 2011
I found this new UF novel delightful. Maggie’s lost her job, then her bathroom ceiling collapses and she decides it’s time to get out of Dodge (or more accurately, Brooklyn.) She goes for a drive and winds up at a theater holding auditions in Vermont. They’ll do “Brigadoon,” “Carousel” and an original musical, but the Crossroads Theater is hardly a regular theater company, for Rowan Mackenzie runs it. Besides the moody and mysterious director, there’s the “normal” magic that is theater and then there’s the magic that can only be found in this fun book.
May 30, 2011
Spellcast put a spell on me. Barbara Ashford is an amazing author, who reminds me of a young adult author named Richie Tankersly Cusick whose books I used to read when I was younger. I simply had trouble putting the book down the entire time I read it. There are so few authors that can actually have that effect. I can't wait to read another book by her, and I hope there is a sequel to this book.
November 14, 2012
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD. Everything. Oh my goodness. This book, hands down, is one of my new very favorites. Despite the terribly photoshopped cover, what's inside is total and complete art. I loved it. I seldom reread books, but I almost want to flip right back to the beginning and start again. Two thumbs up and a definite recommendation from me.
October 19, 2018
This was one of my favorite books of the year. I really identified with Maggie in some ways (heck I've even been in or stage managed some of these plays and feel the same way about Carousel). Maggie has hit rock bottom in many ways, being downsized from her 'help center' job in NYC (I'm not even sure how anyone could live even in a shoebox apt like hers doing that work in that place, having also lived there myself).
Maggie runs away to Vermont (good choice) and stumbles across The Barn, a theater and spontaneously decides to audition. As the layers peel away we learn Maggie has acted before and her runaway father had been a small time actor as well. However, there is something unusual about this theater and all the people there in, Alex the musical director, Reinhart the stage manager, Helen and Janet who run the hotel that houses many of the actors, for free, Hal and his husband Lee who also work part time at the theater.
And then there's Rowan the enigmatic director, who casts people in the summer stock plays on the basis of what he thinks they need (i.e. what they can take away from it and use in their life). There is something special and different about Rowan (I did figure it out pretty early on but that took away none of the joy).
It's a love story, a story about families and losses. I loved it. It was magical in all the right ways. The ending was a bit too bittersweet for me but otherwise I really enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end and I didn't want to leave this theater.
Maggie runs away to Vermont (good choice) and stumbles across The Barn, a theater and spontaneously decides to audition. As the layers peel away we learn Maggie has acted before and her runaway father had been a small time actor as well. However, there is something unusual about this theater and all the people there in, Alex the musical director, Reinhart the stage manager, Helen and Janet who run the hotel that houses many of the actors, for free, Hal and his husband Lee who also work part time at the theater.
And then there's Rowan the enigmatic director, who casts people in the summer stock plays on the basis of what he thinks they need (i.e. what they can take away from it and use in their life). There is something special and different about Rowan (I did figure it out pretty early on but that took away none of the joy).
It's a love story, a story about families and losses. I loved it. It was magical in all the right ways. The ending was a bit too bittersweet for me but otherwise I really enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end and I didn't want to leave this theater.
February 20, 2018
I picked this up because it was in at the library when I needed another e-book for the elliptical (with 20 minutes left to go!), and I had enjoyed The Modern Fae's Guide to Surviving Humanity enough that I looked up every author in there.
This starts out as a kind of fluffy-but-charming novel about human encountering fae magic. Fine, I read plenty of books about that. There is a clear romance aspect, which then gets worse, until about 2/3 of the way through it finally becomes the plot. Which I felt slightly betrayed by - I thought there was an A plot in there and this was just the B plot. But, nope. It was the whole plot. (Which I didn't think was clearly communicated. I had just read The Kassa Gambit, which did a better job of both signaling and keeping a story, so this probably suffered by comparison.)
I also really, really disliked the ending. It felt unplanned, and the whole Which was too bad, I started out really excited about this book.
This starts out as a kind of fluffy-but-charming novel about human encountering fae magic. Fine, I read plenty of books about that. There is a clear romance aspect, which then gets worse, until about 2/3 of the way through it finally becomes the plot. Which I felt slightly betrayed by - I thought there was an A plot in there and this was just the B plot. But, nope. It was the whole plot. (Which I didn't think was clearly communicated. I had just read The Kassa Gambit, which did a better job of both signaling and keeping a story, so this probably suffered by comparison.)
I also really, really disliked the ending. It felt unplanned, and the whole Which was too bad, I started out really excited about this book.
July 24, 2018
I wasn't expecting this story to hit me so emotionally. I thought it would be more of a fluffy read like a cozy mystery. It turned out to be a gorgeous love story that took my breath away and tore my heart in two. I cried. I don't do that often when I read. These characters came to me at the exact moment I needed them. The love letter in this novel is the single most romantic declaration I've ever read. I am empty and drained after riding a dazzling and colorful carousel of emotions. The ending is poignant, sweet, tender, and melancholy. The plot seemed hokey as I read the book jacket, but I greatly misjudged the impact of this book. Rowan and Maggie are two of the most striking characters. They sing off the pages with electricity. This book will stay with me for a long time like the warm glow of a fire. You don't want to miss this wonderful journey.
July 28, 2019
When a friend reviewed this on Goodreads several months ago, I knew I had to read it. Fantasy that takes place at a summer stock theatre? My two favorite things in one book! It took me a while to get to it, but then I had a hard time putting it down.
July 3, 2017
DNF. Tried to get all the way through but the more I read the more I just couldn't stand the main character, Maggie.
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