A Spell for Heartsickness: A Romantasy

The Rune Tithe, Book 1

By: Alistair Reeves

Narrated by: James Joseph

In this charming MM romantic fantasy, cursed witch Briar Wyngrave has a date with destiny—but isn't totally sure which man that date is with.

Witch Briar Wyngrave's time is limited. The wasting curse that killed his mother is coming for him too, consuming his magic bit by bit. At least he'll have the chance to make his name as a magical fashion designer with an elite placement in Pentawynn, the country's glittering capital, after graduation. Until, that is, a prophecy sends him to the remote island of Coill Darragh instead, in search of a predestined lover with a mysterious mask.

When Briar arrives with his grumpy magpie familiar, Vatii, he finds an unwelcoming town, a murdered poltergeist named Gretchen in his apartment, and a handsome alderman named Rowan with a haunting scar. He also gets pulled into the mysterious magic of the darkly enchanted forest that surrounds the town and seems to have something to do with his curse. As if all that weren't enough, famous witch Linden Fairchild has come to town, complete with a charismatic smile, an unreadable aura, and a surefire plan to cure curses.

How's a cursed witch to know which enchanting man is his destiny? And can Briar possibly make an impact as a magical fashion designer in this tiny town? One thing is certain: a witch's magic requires a tithe—a berry, a feather, a cut into flesh—and Coill Darragh may take tithes Briar isn't ready to give....

©2024 Alistair Reeves (P)2024 Podium Audio

An adorable idiot

I loved the main character so much, even when he was making all the wrong choices.

Such a good story!

Was looking for something to really get into. The voice acting, the story, everything about it was superb!

“It’s in-CRED-ible!” - Briar (I agree. 5/5 stars)

I can’t write it as beautifully as many other reviewers have, but I’ll add my voice to the praise as best I can.

Firstly, James Joseph is a DREAM to listen… particularly because his accents are DREAMY!
Really though, his voices for each character were so distinctive that I forgot it was only one reader at a few points!

The story is so captivating too! This fantasy romance is one hell of an adventure: full of surprises and beautiful moments and lovable characters (& some dastardly ones). I adore Briar (and I’m so thrilled he gets his HEA). I’m soooo glad I bought this book and audiobook. This one will stick with me in my soul for a while yet.

Great story but didn't feel "cozy" to me.

I don't normally read "Cozy" romance because I like smut and I'm not ashamed, however the cover and blurb won me over. I enjoyed the story and the narrator killed it. I loved the magic system and the characters. The problem for me is that I thought "Cozy" meant there would less of the drama and high-stakes. Briar's stubbornness and bad decisions almost made me quit a few times.

incredible

My first by this author and narrator.

I've been on a fantasy kick for a while and I'm running out of options in the MM genre to listen to, so I was really surprised to find this one.

I loved this story, a witch that has just graduated and is placed somewhere not ideal. A town with a secret. This story has so many layers it was packed and you guessing and going all the way until the end.

This narrator is new to me, I found his voices perfect for each person throughout the story.

it makes you feel

good performance with a good story makes you want to cry or shake the mc but it's all worth it in the end. you grow right along side him.

Beware love triangles

Loved this magical mystery adventure. The ridiculous love triangle took away one star. Otherwise a fun and enjoyable book.

Solid World-building and Fantastic Narration!

So I purchased this purely on the strength of the absolutely incomparable narrator James Joseph; he truly performs his pieces, not just narrates, giving each character their own distinctive sound—And it enlivens any story.

But the author made James’ job all the easier by crafting such a solid story!!! The characterization was realistic and thorough; the connection between the two main love interests felt so genuine. I absolutely adored Rowan, and Briar avoided the ever common pitfall of an annoying or foolish protagonist.

And the world building!! This takes place clearly in a fantastical world of witches and magic as the norm that mirrors our modern one. The combination of modern elements, like the author’s equivalent to Instagram, and the old timey add ins such as everyone wearing a cape and/or a witches hat—and that being norm—was very well blended. The mythology of the forest and how magic works in general in this world was clearly well thought out.

Hats off to both the narrator and author!

Riveting and heartfelt story

Loved every bit of it, was glad at end to hear it was book one of a series, can’t wait for more, great story and characters and a perfect narrator

mc sometimes

main character sometimes really make you angry with some of the decisions that he makes.