Book Review: Bewitched and Betrayed by Lisa Shearin

Another book review by ~S

So, I have been slacking in my whole need to tell everyone what I'm reading. Part of this is because my letterboxing hobby has become an obsession but the main reason is that I found my own reviews to be too much whining about how I'd fix the book. I wanted to talk about a book I really liked. Finally, I finished a book I really enjoyed. Of course, it's the fourth in a series about a woman who accidentally gets herself linked to a magic stone which steals people's souls, who is torn between two men, and who has a horde of pirate relatives. Go ahead. . . guess what book??? Of course I'm talking about the Raine Benares series by Lisa Shearin, and I just finished Bewitched & Betrayed.

I liked this book-mainly--because the characters are enjoyable. I am interested in everyone from Raine, to her pirate family, to her 934 year old Elven father now residing in the 20 year old body of a new guardian, to her Goblin cohorts. Every character feels real and seems motivated by something you can understand - not just "because it is the right thing to do." I am looking forward to meeting the sneaky older cousin banker in the next book! Additionally, there's enough plot issues (political games goblins vs Elves, what to do with the big bad rock, how to keep your friends and family safe, etc.) that there's always something going on. That being said, I also like that the political intrigue doesn't take over the story but works in harmony with the other problems. This is a nice change from novels where you learn about the last ten generations of the family and know how they will act (nobly usually) based on this information. What a snore.

Finally, I also like this book due to the love triangle which has been building since Mycheal hit the scene and Tam kissed Raine into not forgetting him. Raine finally makes a decision in this book. I--for one--was rather surprised by her choice. I was mildly disappointed that some information revealed about her choice seems to be due to the need to make sure we all know this relationship is the only choice and will totally work out. The information came out of nowhere (no foreshadowing) and seemed a stretch to me. Then to justify it by saying that as a Benares Raine would have known about this secret group? Really? However, I still appreciated that a choice was needed and the repercussions of said choice were reasonable based on the history of the relationships. How's that for vague and not a spoiler. . . .

Anyway, I really enjoyed Bewitched & Betrayed. In fact, I've liked the entire series although I wasn't completely sold after the first book, Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I will also admit that this is not serious fantasy or a series requiring you to think too much about it. It is pure, fluffy enjoyment. If that's not for you, take a pass on this one. However, for a good time, call 1-800-Raine-Benares. And yes, I am definitely looking forward to the next book.