If she gives away that we are not lovers stealing a moment in a darkened room, then I will have kissed her in vain.
~ “Trapped by Magic” (Of Seas and Tides #2) ~ Nicki Chapelway
Helloooo Everyone! I’m super excited to be able to share Nicki Chapelway’s secret project that just got released today! “Trapped by Magic” is the second book in a multi-author, standalone series “Of Seas and Tides”! It’s a fun little novella returning to the world of Ruskhazar, set in a magical academy, with fake dating, and enemies to lovers. I was given an ARC and was counting off the days when I could share my thoughts with you guys!
So with nothing further to do,
Let’s get on with the Review!
About the Author Nicki Chapelway
Nicki is a twenty-something author of fantasy and YA. She has been writing since she was eleven, and has since published several works. She enjoys creating stories with twisty-stabby faerie romances, retellings that take a darker turn, and epic fantasies in worlds full of monsters and magic.
Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.
Follow her on:
- Website: https://nickichapelwayauthor.wordpress.com/
- Blog: https://nickichapelwayauthor.blogspot.com/
- Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/b6ec5f4a74a5/subscribe-to-my-newsletter
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14921514.Nicki_Chapelway
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicki-Chapelway/e/B07DM54C9G
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickichapelwayauthor/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nickichapelway/_saved/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/olfaxhiuke3fd3f9hl0z4hmwl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicki-Chapelway-Fantasy-Author/100088487791174/
About
“Trapped by Magic”
(Of Seas and Tides #2)
By: Nicki Chapelway
“Let’s make a deal. We both want answers from the other, so I will answer your questions if you answer mine.”
~ “Trapped by Magic” (Of Seas and Tides #2) ~ Nicki Chapelway
He raises a brow, the white hair glowing in the starlight. “A question for a question?”
“A question for a question, and don’t even think about lying to me, Wilder. I’m very good at figuring out people’s tells.”
“Likewise, Eel.”
I swallow hard when I realize that he is actually agreeing to this. A part of me wants to walk away. None of this is actually important to my grander purpose here. The vampires, Wilder, even the paper with my name on it—none of these things actually matter in the long run. I am here for a spellbook and nothing else.
If anything, this game of sharing secrets will reveal too much and threaten what I’m actually supposed to be doing.
And yet… my curiosity will not allow me to continue onward. Not without knowing, not without figuring out what is happening.
There is something foul afoot here at this academy, and it involves the undead.
For fans of “The Cruel Prince” and those who always wanted to see Draco end up with Hermione, this enemies to lovers fake dating romance is sure to entice.
A crime lord’s daughter, a vampire with a secret, and the bed of lies that will seal their fate.
Though her father is a powerful crime lord and leader of a reclusive assassins guild, Bronwyn has always had to work hard to get what she wants.
The ancient spellbook she has her eye on is no exception.
She will do what it takes to get her hands on that kind of power, even if she has to pretend to be a student to earn the trust of its caretaker.
But when she discovers that her handsome but cruel first year tormentor is actually a vampire with his own plans for the academy, Bronwyn’s life is put in danger. If his associates learn that she knows of a growing vampire infestation, they will kill her.
Though neither is eager to work together—to save her life—they enter into an uneasy pact. A fake romance to fool everyone around them while they continue to work to their own ends. They don’t need to get along or even trust each other, they just have to make the world believe that they are madly in love.
And yet this devious vampire has a way of making the spark of their affections feel a bit too convincing.
“Trapped by Magic” is the 2nd book in “Of Seas and Tides”, a multi-author series of romantic fantasy novellas designed to be read in any order. Each standalone features a villain who gets their happily ever after in a swoony, swashbuckling romance.
My Review
4 Stars
“A prince of vampires?” Wilder asks, his tone dripping with contempt. “I’m not quite sure that’s the award you believe it to be. Now, kindly get your foot off my fiancé before I remove it for you… and from you.”
~ “Trapped by Magic” (Of Seas and Tides #2) ~ Nicki Chapelway
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This book is set in the magical academy (the best that Ruskhazar can offer) which was honestly one of my favorite settings in “Rage Like the Gods” so I was super happy to return to it. It gives some dark academia vibes, which is something I didn’t even know I liked until I started reading these books. It gives off cozy fall vibes with a hint of murder and magic. Honestly, something I would want to read snuggled up in a blanket next to a fire and sipping hot chocolate.
While this book can be read in any order, there are a few cameos of some characters and mentions of certain events from the other books in the world of Ruskhazar. The ones I could catch was from the books “Rage Like the Gods” and “A Tale of Gods and Glory”, both books I would recommend. So while unnecessary, it does make “Trapped by Magic” a little more fun if you had read the other two books first. =)
We follow the characters Bronwyn, one of three adopted daughters of a crime lord, and Wilder, a recently turned vampire. Both of them trying to figure out where they stand in the world.
I really liked Bronwyn with her being a bit of a bookworm, having a vast knowledge of crime-like things. And the fact that she actually wants to be at school to learn. Even though she can at times be manipulative and feisty, she also just seems like a nice person. I really like that she loved her family but was unsure of how to contribute to their business. She was very much: “I just want to read books and learn magic.” and I felt that.
It took me a little longer to like Wilder. Though, this also makes me glad that we had his POV. Because it really helped me understand his character better. I kinda empathized with his past. I really liked him having unsure feelings about being a vampire.
What I Didn’t Like:
So I’m going to admit that this book was heavily advertised as being a Draco/Hermione-inspired couple, which I kinda just shrugged about. I have never gotten into the “Harry Potter” franchise. Other than knowing who some of the characters are, it didn’t really mean anything to me. I knew that this book was going to have them be enemies to lovers, though, which I do like.
But, I don’t know, I honestly didn’t like Wilder in the beginning. I have never liked it when a bully is being mean-spirited to someone and everyone is like: “Ohhh, he likes her.”
While this book didn’t really have people shipping them together, Wilder himself is the one going: “Maybe I did these mean things because I like her.” And it just doesn’t sit well with me. I like the fact that Wilder did try to redeem himself by trying to protect Bronwyn. But I felt it was a little more rushed than it should’ve been.
Content in Book:
- Magic and sorcery. (I mean, this is a book about a magic academy). (Sometimes using magic to hurt or kill people).
- Worshiping gods and demigods.
- Vampires (Drinking blood and the obsession of wanting to turn people by biting them).
- A character who was raised by a crime lord (thieving, threatening to kill people, actually killing people, breaking into rooms, making friends to manipulate and use later on, mafia-like family, etc.)
- Mentions of children who were abused by their father.
- A few unwanted kisses.
- A character bullying another.
Who I Would Recommend This Book To:
Those who want to read a dark academia story with vampires and someone who was raised by a crime lord. Someone who likes enemies to lovers and fake dating. A very good read, would recommend!
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Where You Can Find The Book
Collect All the Books in “Of Seas and Tides” Series!
“Of Seas and Tides” is a multi-author series of romantic fantasy novellas designed to be read in any order. Each standalone features a villain who gets their happily ever after in a swoony, swashbuckling romance. Featuring the authors Stephanie BwaBwa (“Trapped By Pirates”), Nicki Chapelway (“Trapped by Magic”), Megan Charlie (“Trapped by Neverland”), Jessica M. Butler (“Trapped By Claws”), and Jes Drew (“Trapped by Vengeance”). Each book has lovely covers and special hardcovers. The first book in the series is scheduled to be released on June 14th. But each book in the series is available for pre-order on Kindle. Or on the Signed Bookshop.
Conclusion
Enjoy this drawing of Wilder! The drawing was inspired by one of the scenes in the book before I decided to design it similar to a gossip magazine. What can I say? I really liked how my drawing of Willow looked which was drawn in a similar way. And I love how it came out!
What is your favorite story about a magic academy? Let me know in the comments down below!
Enjoy the Adventure! =D
Grace M. Morris
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Grace M Morris 
Ack I LOVE that fanart of Wilder 😍
Thanks so much for sharing about my release.
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Awww, thank you so much! ❤
Of course! Thanks for allowing me to read it! I really enjoyed it =D ❤
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