Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss
(2nd Edition)
A Southern Tale of Magic
The Spellbound Series Book 1
By Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett
Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation.
The witch Evangeline sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms.
Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding romance with Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?
Finalist for Best YA Fiction and Best Cover-Fiction in the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards
Genre/category: YA Magical Realism/YA Historical Fantasy/YA Romance
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020937337
Paperback ISBN 9781950495283
$14.99
Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss Book Trailer
Bluffton Book Festival/Pat Conroy Literary Center with authors Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett
RevieW Quotes:
“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss tells us, ‘magic is channeling what you feel into something you can touch and see. First, you have to believe.’ I believe in Connor and Kevin Garrett and in the magic they have channeled intoevery glorious page of this pitch-perfect Low Country fever dream of a hero’s quest. This novel is a welcome reminder of the transcendent power of family and that the aspects of ourselves which make us different also makeus powerful. Spellbound is a gift, destined to be treasured and shared.”
— Jonathan Haupt, executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center and co-editor of Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy
“When my sons were in school, they were often caught reading Harry Potter in the hallways between classes. I hopemy grandchildren will be caught with Spellbound.”
— Peter Onorati, film and television actor
“Myths and legends speak to us in ways that logic fails. And SPELLBOUND is just exactly that - A myth, a legend, anda story that will speak to your heart. The Garretts weave a magical tale that portrays the power of forgiveness and self love. SPELLBOUND is a mystical experience and a powerful story.”
— Patti Callahan Henry, author of 15 The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, including Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, and winner of The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020
“A fable with epic charm and glittering personality, Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is a whimsical allegory resplendent with plausible magic and universal truths. Prepare yourself to rip through this delightful joyride in onesitting. Wildly creative and shimmering with the allure of the hero’s journey, this gem of a story calls to your heartto dream… imagine… believe.”
— Claire Fullerton, author Mourning Dove, Little Tea and others
“Connor and Kevin Garrett have spun an exceptional ‘Tale of Southern Magic’ in Spellbound. The blackwater swamps of southern Georgia are the perfect setting for this mythological folktale of betrayal and dark magic. But heroic sacrifice and love balance out the story, whose landscape is dotted with witches, shapeshifters, poisonous fruit, dreamcatchers, and a flower thatnever dies.”
— Susan Cushman, author of Cherry Bomb and Friends of the Library, and editor of Southern Writers on Writing
“Ingredients are what we all are searching for. The Garretts’ masterfully wield together profound, mystical and mythical challenges underneath the skies of dusty Georgia. As Spellbound reveals more of its complicated world, I relate more and more to my own.”
— Speech of Arrested Development, 2-time Grammy award winning recordingartist and activist
“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is a young adult novel that defies the genre. This novella written by ConnorJudson Garrett and Kevin N Garrett creates a previously unseen magic. This father-and son-team brings together afusion of literature and music that stands on its own. The story combines a deceptively simple manner of writing inthe legacy of Hemingway and the sharp character development of Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games. These connections to literary icons are loose. That’s because no one has built a landscape like this. What I admire most about this novel is that it sounds unlike anything else.
The characters are fine-tuned. Instead of muddying the water with an entourage of half-baked players, the authors instead kept true to their art. They hone in on each one staying with you once you finish the book.
And finish the book you shall. The length of this book, or rather its harmonious brevity, is proof positive again that less ismore. You won’t get bogged down in filler chapters or hackneyed side adventures. Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is asoulful escape that reads like a classic but feels like a blockbuster film.”
— Clifford Brooks, publisher and editor-in-chief of BlueMountain Review, author of The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics, Athena Departs, founder of The SouthernCollective Experience
“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is an action-packed narrative that feels like the retelling of a lucid dream. The Garretts’ first co-authored novel in a new series is reminiscent of children’s fairy tales in its directness, emphasis on moral lessons and its concision. The characters each have complex natures, but Gareth stands apart. While many protagonists of fiction meant for younger readers can seem too good to be authentic, Gareth’s vulnerability rings true. Readers will find that they know a Gareth in their lives. Raven is likewise compelling as she struggles with the deep-seated pain of abandonment manifesting as a need to help others and the possibility of becoming her own savior in the process. Spellbound is rife with thoughtful truths about family, diversity and responsibility, which reveal themselves in the actions and rich inner lives of memorable characters. This is an auspicious beginning to a new Lowcountry adventure series.”
— Holland Perryman, The Post and Courier
“What a truly entertaining and incredibly written novel! The authors do a masterful job of bringing to life a wildly inventive and creative new fantasy and fairy-tale narrative, exploring the concept of finding magic and adventure in our lives while also highlighting the depths of bravery and love one will go to in order to save those who mean the most to them. Gareth is a memorable protagonist, acting as the gateway of the audience as they are thrust into this magical world. Rediscovering the magic and wonder of childhood in order to rescue his dying father speaks to the inner child within us all. An entertaining, short-yet thrilling deep-dive into magic and fairytales with a Southern twist, authors Connor and Kevin Garret’s “Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a must-read fantasy novel. The heartfelt emotion that goes into the protagonist’s journey blended with the incredible character development and fantasy themes make this a truly memorable adventure, and a book that fans of the genre will not be able to forget.”
— Anthony Avina, Top North American Book Reviewer
“Georgia father and son authors Kevin and Connor Garrett bond literarily with SPELLBOUND UNDER THE SPANISH MOSS, but their individual careers in the writing field are impressive. Kevin is a travel writer and photographer who is widely published and exhibited. Connor is a freelance writer who has written travel, entertainment, and profile pieces, as well the novel FALLING UP IN THE CITY OF ANGELS, poetry books, and self-help books. Combining this energy of two accomplished writers has resulted in a Young Adult novel that has not only earned awards, but also provides a very fine fantasy that is short enough (108 pages) for a quiet evening’s read. Creating a mythological folktale set in the Blackwater Swamp of Georgia and suffusing that tale with both romance and the strange world of witches and paranormal aspects takes a keen sense of style: the Connors have it! The beautiful art by John Pearson adds significantly to this journey to an imaginary place. From the opening words this little novel sings: ’The wisest thing Gareth Greyfin’s father Samuel did for his son was to throw him into the shallows of the sea and let the boy believe he was in the deep. Gareth thrashed and panicked until his feet touched the sandy bottom. The boy stood shivering – not with cold but with sheer terror – with his head above the gently ebbing tide. “Fear drowns more men than water,” his father told him. “You can feel it, but don’t let it choke you.” And with that entree the scenic and satisfying story unfolds.
— Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Book Reviewer
WHERE TO BUY:
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020937337
Paperback ISBN: 978-1950495283 (2nd edition)
e-book ISBN 978-1950495245
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