Savior's Spell

     Savior’s Spell by Gwen Rivers is an urban, paranormal fantasy of werewolves, soul mates, and fae with themes of vengeance and trauma.

     In the terms of the paranormal/urban fantasy sub-genres I have always favored the classic monster of werewolves over vampires, so Savior’s Spell’s focus on them naturally piqued more of my interest. And, to my opinion, the werewolf elements of the book are relatively well handled, instituting the themes of pack and hierarchy as well as the wolf side of the werewolves function almost as a distinct, latent personality. While the main character herself is not a werewolf, the werewolves themselves and the world-building associated with them are prevalent enough to justify and satisfy their inclusion in the book.

     Emma and Liam are solid leads with several meaningful interactions and conflicts allowed to transpire between them. Their soul mates theme is relatively well handled and interspersed through the story; the concept of Liam being aware of it and concealing it from Emma permits believable drama and for him to have a distinct character narrative from hers. While yes, his primary existence is to be her romance interest, he also exerts enough control over the story, makes sufficient relevant decisions, and has a personality that does not just revolve around worshiping her to make him both generally likable and feel like a genuine character. Emma, as the female lead, is solid as well, and grows more so as the narrative progresses and her internal conflicts and trauma are revealed. The fact that the narrative owns up to her being the chosen one relative early avoids what might have otherwise been a cliche narrative, and allows it to focus more on the consequences of that reality, both on her role in the story and her as a character. It is when the general plot of the murdering dark fae, her reality as the chosen one, and Liam’s secret of being her soul mate while concealing it, all exist simultaneously and in soft conflict with one another that the story is at its strongest, especially alongside the plot-points concerning her brother.

     The prose is all right, sufficient but not elevating, and the general writing falls into the same vein. There are times where the plot works, like the interplay mentioned above, and others, like the training segments of the book, fall a bit too much into the routine. Other, potentially rewarding elements like Emma’s trauma/backstory, are somewhat underserved, and fail to define her story and actions as much as they could have. It is not that they are absent of effect, just that the effects are limited. I also found the ending, both the action scene and the culmination of the narrative, a bit underwhelming, and some of Emma/Liam’s character drama a bit too forced/dependent on misapprehensions.

     All in all, Savior’s Spell is a fine Urban Fantasy, with a well-executed werewolf element, and solid soul-mates theme.