Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

On June 21st, I'll have an interview with Cara Lynn Shultz!

June 28th 2011, Harlequin Teen

384 pages, E-galley
Netgalley and for tour
Young Adult

From Goodreads:

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.

Opinion:

I am so conflicted about this book. On one hand I loved the characters, I cared so much about each and every one of them. Scared but spunky Emma, sweet niave Ashley, Aunt Christine who took Emma out of her bad environment, and Brendan was brave and loving. I fell in love with them, but…

I was bored. The plot moves incredibly slow and there are only two “Oh my gosh, what is gonna happen next?” moments within the entire book. Since I’m more interested in character in development than action this was all right for me, but I would have liked to see more action.

I would have loved to see more of Ethan, more magic between Emma and Angelique, more anything that moved the plot forward in an exciting way.

The snubbing by Brendan at the beginning of the book was not explained in a way that made it seem reasonable or acceptable, but he made up for it in the end. Other than that the characterization was amazingly crafted.

This is a great read for those who are more into the characters than the paranormal plotline. An excellent read for a rainy day, but not one for the beach as it is not a lighthearted read. It is one that makes you feel most of that feeling is love for the characters. Shultz gets an A+ for characterization. 


I read the entire book in one night, because I simply had to know if Emma would have it easier by the end. She is such a lovely character that I was truly invested in her story.

Rating:

Btw, how beautiful is this cover? I love the breaking glass and bridge.

Categories: 4 Stars, Review, Shultz, Tour, Young Adult