Book review: Mine To Spell by Janeal Falor

Synopsis:

Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.

For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.

NOTE: I received the eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Mine to Spell was not as captivating as the prequel. Sure, I kept on thinking "just one more chapter", but at the same time, I couldn't feel the same stir inside me.

The beginning disappointed me a little because 1) I didn't expect to be reading Cynthia's story and 2)it proceeded rather slow. Also, the events puzzled me a little and the answers I got to my questions weren't all that satisfactory.

I'm still unsure how Cynthia managed to conquer all those important milestones in a society that hates all things female. Yes, she had powerful magic in her blood, but she was largely untrained.

Writing style:
Falor has done a good job continuing her bestselling Mine Series with this new installment. The book is a page-turner, well written and enthralling.

Story line:
Like I said above, this was Cynthia's story. I guess my opinion was a bit biased because I was a strong Serena supporter. Maybe that's why Cynthia's POV and adventures couldn't grab me all that much. For some reason, I couldn't even enjoy all the fighting and struggles as much as I wished.

Themes:
- Women and their fight for equality and independence in a world where men rule.
- Fear to speak up, fear to be yourself
- Betrayal
- Family is important, but sometimes, it constrains a person too much.

Characters:
Cynthia wanted to save her family from all that they were put through because of Serena's newly acquired freedom. She was brave accepting that marital contract, and even braver breaking it the way she did. And let's not forget to mention the annual tournament. Cynthia really showed the realm what a woman could do when she put her mind to it. I'm still undecided whether that accomplished anything in the end.

Lucas didn't leave such a great impression on me. Cynthia's character threw a bit of shade on him and everyone else.
Still, seeing that Lucas helped her in a time of need, then befriended her and tutored her to fight, I suppose I can say he was helpful for her growth.
I'm not sure whether I felt much for him though. He seemed to be just a side character. Even though he supported Cynthia in all she did, Lucas remained a bit underdeveloped.

Zade and Serena didn't play any big part in this novel. Sure they appeared here and there (which I guess is how it's supposed to be), but I loved them too much and wanted to read more about them. Also, I didn't like how Serena seemed to have shifted gears a bit. She appeared to be growing weak in her determination to abolish the Patriarchal way of thinking. 

My rating is: