Audiobook review: Silver Spells by Kate Moseman
Luella Campbell having a rough few days. Her daughter recently moved away to go to college. Then Luella is fired without explanation from a company she’s worked for since she was in high school. Finally, she breaks up with her boyfriend who really isn’t as great as she thought. Meanwhile, strange things keep happening to Luella, like the appearance of a silver and white dog whose tail can blow up a disruptive blast of wind and a crow that seems to be following her around.
Silver Spells is an entertaining entry into the paranormal women’s fiction genre. The first book of the Midlife Elementals series is shared from the first person POV of protagonist Luella. Luella may be entering mid-life (she’s 45) and has experienced a few bumps in the road, but she’s not beaten down by life. I enjoy her enthusiasm and heart. She is genuine and caring. We follow her as she and her friends discover they suddenly have magical powers. It takes some time for the gang to piece it all together, but they embrace all of the strangeness right from the start, always running to, rather than away from, the magics.
The story is mostly about Luella uncovering her apparent destiny, with very little external conflict. Despite the lack of a mystery to solve or big bad chasing Luella, the book moves along at an enjoyable pace. Like Luella, I wanted to know why these things are happening to her and what it all means. I also enjoyed the blossoming romance between Luella and her high school crush, Raphael. I’m intrigued by the young neighbor vying for Luella’s attention, and I appreciate that the book ends with hints of troubling heading their way.
Narration: Shared via Luella’s first person POV, the narrator of the book is Luella. Ms. Sands performs using her distinct voice, which I love. She’s got a deep feminine voice that is somewhat soft and slightly raspy. Ms. Sands changes her tone for the characters’ dialogue, deepening for males, adding slight accents when called for, creating a unique set of voices for the cast.
I really enjoyed listening to Silver Spells. The tale provides a background and sets up an interesting mythology for the series. I love the familial and friendship bonds which are explored throughout the book. I look forward to finding out more about Luella and friends’ powers as the series progresses.
My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
Luella Campbell is having the weirdest day ever. Getting fired from her job at the sunscreen factory for no good reason is bad enough, but when a mysterious dog brings a tempest into her former workplace, Luella’s life is completely upended by the sudden gift of wild and windy magical powers.
With the help of her ride-or-die best friends, her motorcycle-riding mother, and a romantic blast from the past, Luella must find a way to make ends meet while unlocking the mysteries of her newfound magic…and the secrets hidden in the picturesque town of Sparkle Beach.
Author: Kate Moseman
Narrator: Xe Sands
Series: Midlife Elementals #1
Genre: Paranormal Women’s Fiction
Audiobook Release Date: April 13, 2021
Publisher: Fortunella Press
Length: 6 Hours and 12 mins
Source: Author
Audio Speed: 1.3x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)