Review: Enchanted No More

Book Description:

As one of the last surviving Mistweavers, half-blood Jenni knows what it's like to be caught between two worlds: the faery and the human. But the time has come to choose. The Lightfolk require her unique talent for balancing the elements to fend off a dangerous enemy—and rescue her missing brother.

Only for Rothly will Jenni deal with those who destroyed her life. Only for him will she agree to work with her ex-lover, Tage, and revisit the darkest corners of her soul. For a reckoning is at hand, and she alone has the power to hold back the forces of dark....

Review:

The meld of magic and technology was innovative and ushered this story into the modern world. The realm of magic is a tricky place to be on a good day but having the Lightfolk understand computers, meshing spells and codes, makes them even more formidable.

"We are tryimg to integrate back into the mortal world." He gestured in the direction of downtown. "When magic and technology fuse, humans may be ready to accept us."

World building isn't the primary focus of the book and I found most of the story to be devoted to the characters and their relationships. Jenni, the protagonist, is a hot mess, eaten alive by an irrational helping of guilt and grief over the loss of her family, for which she blames herself. Instead of looking to her magical heritage to help her through the dark times and move forward, she shuns her abilities, the Lighfolk and her love. Jenni didn't start the book as the most likeable heroine for me because I could not relate to her level of suffering and how she chose to handle things, but over time she grew on me, especially how she matured and evolved into her magical self.

Aric on the other hand was a solid and enjoyable character from the start because he had depth and history, along with all the little things that make him smart and sexy. He's dedicated to his people (the Dryad Treefolk) and his flighty mother, which makes him loyal,  and he also possesses an inner strength that you cannot help but admire. His strength is a good contrast to Jenni, who struggles with her power. Aric is frank and honest about their past and the deaths in her family. He even accepts his role in all of it, but he wants to move on, with Jenni, and help her with the healing process.

All the fantasy aspects of the book were beautifully done and instead of bogging down the plot with lengthy explanations about the world, we are treated to imaginative details that bring all the characters alive.