REVIEW: SPELLBOUND by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Publisher:  Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinTEEN
Released: June 23, 2011
Format: Paperback

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.

Review:

This is a great read! Actually, I just re-read it. Yep, I had already read SPELLBOUND last year but hadn't written a review since I wasn't blogging at the time. And it was just as good the 2nd time around! With an ancient curse and an epic love between soul mates, this book really kept me interested and hanging on every word waiting to find out how everything would turn out. 

It's somewhat of a Cinderella story, but this Cinderella is dealing with more than just a mean old stepmother and snotty step sisters. Emma's background is pretty depressing. Between losing her brother and mother, and being abused by her drunkard step father, she really had it rough. But I love her because she doesn't let it get her down. She stands up for herself and what she wants, and she doesn't back down. She is physically and emotionally tough and never feels sorry for herself. Not even when she finds out that her crush on Vince A's most eligible prince is hazardous for her health. Meaning, it could kill her, again! The witchcraft, reincarnation, and curse are all well developed and interesting, and I found myself quickly rooting for Emma and Brendan and their doomed romance.

Another thing I loved about SPELLBOUND was the minor characters. There are a few that really intrigued me, and I really hope to find out more about them in the future. The first is Emma's brother Ethan, who plays an important role in the story even though he is already dead. Also, Aunt Christine. I wonder if you she's a little more in tuned to everything than she seems to be. And most importantly, Emma's witchy best friend Angelique. She's such an interesting character, and I really hope to see more of her in the next book.

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