Spellbound

Spellbound

By Cara Lynn Schultz

Published by Harlequin Teen

Published on June 21, 2012

Source: Net Galley

Summary taken 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 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.

The Cover:  I really love these covers.  Both Spellbound and Spellcaster have very intricate covers.  Parts of the entire story are told through the cover.  I appreciate the detail and the thought that has gone into creating this cover- taking bits and pieces from the story has the potential to end up looking like an 8 year olds collage project- but this cover is gorgeous!  

The Characters:  All of the characters that we have gotten to know in the first book are back.  Will and Emma are still making goo goo eyes at each other and Angelique is still BFFs with Emma.  Angelique is teaching Emma spells and is attempting to help her harness her powers.  Ashley and Cisco are still in this story, but absolutely take more of a backseat to Will, Emma, and Angelique.  Kristen is still the horrible person that she was in the first book, obviously not learning anything from the terrible things that had happened.

The Story: This story takes place 4 months after the conclusion of Spellcaster.  Emma and Will are happy and still very much in love, but they are completely oblivious to the evil that is waiting for them.  The plot was familiar and the mystery about "who dun it" was lacking.  I wasn't shocked at all by who the villian was or how the villan acted- I had the book pretty much figured out by Chapter 8.  Don't get me wrong, the book was still incredibly entertaining and held my interest.  I wasn't interested in the villan as much as Emma.  Emma shines in this book- she transforms from an awkward and self-conscious wallflower into a kick butt heroine who you would absolutely want on your team in a cage fight.  Emma is tough, she is powerful, and holy moly her powers!  This was a satisfying sequel to an enjoyable witch story.  Witches are not my favorite genre, but this was a witch book I enjoyed.