Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz


Published: June 28th, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: Spellbound, Book 1
Rating: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
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What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final text/cover may change.**

This is definitely gotta be one of the best paranormal book about witches out there. It's got everything– humor, magic, romance and some history. Loved everything about it! I really love how even though it's paranormal, it really did focus on the contemporary and romance of the story. It didn't ALWAYS stay on topic of paranormal, and I found reading about Emma and Brendan's blooming relationship really interesting.

Of course though, as it is a paranormal, I love the concept of witches and reincarnation. LOVED. IT. This book does have an interesting mix of paranormal and history which leads to witchcraft and spells. And the visions as well, of course. Everything pieces together and makes sense. I however, wish it didn't take so long to read. I had to keep taking breaks due to other commitments and stuff, and it really kept me away from the story! Trust me, when you read this book, you need to make sure you have nothing else planned for the day. Just sit there and read. It'll really get to you and you won't be disappointed!

Emma is a GREAT main character. Honestly, one of the best I've read so far. She's got it all– brains, humor and feelings which a normal person would have. She's not perfect, she's not the "golden girl" or anything. She sticks up for what's right and follows what she believes in. She's always on the lookout for others and trust me, you do NOT wanna mess with this girl or people close to her [Wanna find out what I mean by this? Read the book!].

Brendan. OH. EM. GEE. How can I say this enough? He is the hottest, one of the most loveable, and yummy guys to our leading ladies in books. He made my insides melt, I swear. He's also super sweet. Always wants to help people, always giving something back. GAH, I'm drooling just thinking about what to say about him.

Ashley was the most adorable minor character I have to say. She's definitely the most bubbliest, and Emma's biggest supporter. She's just so sweet and cute, you can't help falling in love with her! Cisco and Jenn were also really amazing characters, Cisco being the bestest friend you could find. However, I wish that they made more of an appearance in the book. They were just kinda...there. Angelique. Gods, I need to meet a girl like this. Witchy and hilarious, I love this gal. She's one of Emma's friends and she's always helping through her amazing witchtastic powers.

Kristin. BLECH. Anthony. DOUBLE BLECH. Hate them– of course, I think everyone will agree. They do not deserve to be mentioned so much in this review. I feel bad for Kristin sometimes though (woah, can't believe I said that either) but it's true. Especially at the end. It's interesting to see how everything plays out leading up to the dramatic conclusion.

What I found that there was a lot of, well, DYING in this book. I mean, Emma's family is practically all gone. Her mom died, her twin brother died. I mean, what else could go wrong?! It's pretty tragic how it all works out though, through a story that goes far back in time.

The ending is what leads into a sequel, 'cause honestly, I don't think it's over! According to Teen Writers Bloc's interview with Cara Lynn Shultz (read here) the sequel, which is called Spellcaster, is to be released next year. Totally can't wait to find out what happens next!

Spellbound is one outstanding novel which might be one of the best YA releases of 2011. It's witchy, wickedly and wonderfully told, through amazing details and a captivating plot. It's fabulously done– entrancing from start to finish. Cara Lynn Shultz has given awesome a new meaning with her debut novel.

If you like this, try...

• Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Die for Me by Amy Plum (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Fallen by Lauren Kate (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Hereafter by Tara Hudson (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

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