Spellbinder is the second book in Thea Harrison's Elder Races spin-off series. This time around our antagonist from Moonshadow, Morgan, takes center stage as our hero. 
 Morgan la Fae has been ensared in a geas set by Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, for centuries. After taking an injury from events that transpired in the first book, Morgan is sent away from the Court to heal. For the first time in all too long Morgan knows freedom, at least partial freedom. He's determined to do anything to see that his time away from the Court and Isabeau's influence. While away he discovers the wonderful music of Sidonie Martel. When Sid is kidnapped and taken to Avalon as a ploy to force Morgan's hand, he'll finally be forced to face his demons. 
 Sid is living the life she's always hoped for. Being a professional violinist was her dream, and being on tour allows her to stretch her wings and play the music she wants to play. But when she's kidnaped and transported to Avalon, she'll come to rely not only on her own cunning and determination to survive, but on the kindness of an unknown man who she begins to begrudgingly have feelings for. But when her very life depends on her talent, she'll discover that she holds the determination of her fate in her own hands. 
 I really loved the way that Thea Harrison turned Morgan from the villain in the first book into the anti-hero of sorts in Spellbinder. I wasn't really expecting Morgan to be the next character to get a story, but I was really drawn into his past. I loved the connection made within Arthurian legend. It's an interesting turn from the main Elder Races series, and kind of solidifies itself on it's own merits as a series, not just being a spin-off series. 
 Also, I loved Sid's strength and determination considering everything she is put through after she is taken to Avalon. Many would break under much kinder circumstances, but Sid will not give up, and I liked that a lot about her character. But, on the other hand, I also felt like this determination kept me from always liking her character. I found her to be a bit combative and not exactly nice sometimes. I know that she has no reason to be kind to those who took her, but not everyone that Sid encounters is evil. Some do show her kindness, but I didn't feel that same reciprocation from Sid, and it kept me from being one hundred percent behind her character oftentimes throughout the story. 
 I did enjoy the "masked" or "faceless" love interest in which the relationship between Morgan and Sid starts out. I was reminded of both Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera at certain times. This tactic helps build up the connection between Morgan and Sid, so when they finally decide to make that next step in their relationship you are just as ready as they are for things to move forward. 
 Overall, I really enjoyed Spellbinder. Despite not being completely on board with Sid's character, Morgan definitely shined throughout the entire book. I look forward to seeing where things go next. There are definitely quite a few secondary characters that I'd like to see get their own book, and a couple of those are anti-heroes just like Morgan. So far, despite being a spin-off series, the Moonshadow series stand well on it's own. 
 *ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.