Review of ‘Spellhacker’

Synopsis

From the author of The Disasters, this genre-bending YA fantasy heist story is perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Amie Kaufman.

In Kyrkarta, magic--known as maz--was once a freely available natural resource. Then an earthquake released a magical plague, killing thousands and opening the door for a greedy corporation to make maz a commodity that's tightly controlled--and, of course, outrageously expensive.

Which is why Diz and her three best friends run a highly lucrative, highly illegal maz siphoning gig on the side. Their next job is supposed to be their last heist ever.

But when their plan turns up a powerful new strain of maz that (literally) blows up in their faces, they're driven to unravel a conspiracy at the very center of the spellplague--and possibly save the world.

No pressure.

Review

Published by HarperTeen Spellhacker by M.K. England is an action-packed YA fantasy with an amazingly diverse cast of characters and equally amazing world-building

What a fantastic novel. The thing that worked out best for this novel was how reminiscent it was of Final Fantasy VII. The idea and concept behind the novel, of magic being this thing that exists all around the planet, it is the source of life and a gift to some people. While Spellhacker seems familiar, the modernity of the novel, the characterization, and world-building give it a fresh edge.

The pacing here is also magnificent. The story opens with such a rush, introducing the characters and the world. It is a little jarring to be thrust in the middle of a character on the run from the police, but it offsets the tension and hooks the reader. Moreover, as the story progresses, it gives the reader an idea of the type of magic in this world, and the type of character Diz is.

After sucking the reader into the story with a fast-paced opening, the reader gets to know the dynamics between the characters. They have a strong family dynamic, being there for one another, and for Diz, this is hard to reconcile with the pain she has from losing her family years ago. It makes it tough for her to break down her barriers, and the entire story is not just about undermining an evil corporation that is threatening the entire planet, but it is also about finding a way to feel again.

Final Thoughts

Spellhacker is more than just an Oceans 11 type story with a Final Fantasy atmosphere; it is about the characters learning to open themselves up to the type of love that also means risking pain as well. It is about moving on from the grief of the past and those chains that way a person down. True, Diz does come off as selfish at times, but she is still an understandable and relatable character. Her fears, anxieties, her love and devotion to her friends, it makes her a grounded character and highlights her growth as a character.

Overall, a great fun, fast-paced read with diverse characters and an action-packed plot. (★★★★☆)

BUY ON BOOKSHOP

Like this review?

Don’t forget to follow Cyn’s Workshop on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads | LinkedIn to stay tuned for future reviews.

About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.