My review of Spellbound

Spellbound (Spellbound #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz
Release Date: September 7, 2012 (UK), June 21, 2012 (US)
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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 Conner, 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.

Spellbound is a unique and interesting take on witches and forbidden love. Cara Lynn Shultz has taken the world of magic into her own hands and has produced a wonderful book that will certainly appeal to many readers.

Life hasn't been fair on Emma Connor. She's lost her mother and the most amazing brother a girl could have. But now it's time to start her new life in New York with her aunt who seems to have enough money to send both her and her cousin to a posh private school where there are plenty of people who are out to get her. Except for one boy who seems to make school a lot more bearable; Brendan is hot and apparently the richest kid in school. But ever since Emma met him, strange things have been happening and she's been having alarming dreams of past lives. Dreams that warn her to stay away from Brendan.

I thought Spellbound was really interesting! The story flowed nicely with humor sprinkled here and there to keep readers entertained. I think one problem I had was the fact that I didn't feel it was very realistic. A one thousand year-old curse put on a couple who are destined to end up sad, lonely and one dead. Really? Am I expected to believe this? But, the author does back up the story with small tales and events that will slowly bring the story to life.

I also had a slight problem with the insta-love. Emma walks into class and apparently Brenden is spellbound and can't stay away from her. He's hot and then he's cold. His change in personality each day irritated me to the point where I really just wanted to kill him. I must admit that their relationship did make me laugh and it was kind of cute.

One thing I loved about this book was the few chapters before the end. There was action and it was written so well!! I had goosebumps and couldn't put it down. Shultz does know how to write a gripping scene and I'm looking forward to more of them in the sequel, Spellcaster.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who like a good witch book with aspects of romance and action. I am going to be reading the sequel because I am interested in seeing what Shultz has got planned for us next.

Rating

- A review copy was provided by the publisher.