Spellbound by: Cara Lynn Shultz (Review)

Title: Spellbound

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Date of Release: June 28^th 2011

Number of Pages: 324

Synopsis From Back of Book:

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: I adored so many things about this book. I really enjoyed Shultz’s writing, and I found myself head over heels for Brendan. We will get to that later though. The cover is super pretty, and actually fits perfectly into the book. Spellbound always had me guessing what was going to happen next.

I really enjoyed Emma. I liked the fact she had all of these secrets, and was trying to keep them hidden. She was trying to move forward from her horrifying past, yet she wanted no one to pity her ever. The way she dealt with every issue was very real.

BRENDAN SALIGER CAN MARRY ME. I think what drew me to Brendan was this line: I heard she asked him out, he laughed in her face and peaced out. Like he gave her the peace sign and walked away.” The hottest guy at Vincent Academy turned down the most popular girl there. I mean he even did it with class! Moving on from that. He was no saint; he even told Emma so after she found out about a few awful things in a girls bathroom. He was always honest with her, and that is something I think was so refreshing about their relationship.

The whole concept for Spellbound, was very well done. Sure it has been done before, but not like this. Shultz takes it and molds it masterfully into a work of beauty. I also loved Angelique, she was herself always no matter how much people made fun of her for it. Angelique added a magical element to the book, which set it up for a sequel I am dying to read. I have never read a book about NYC that made me feel like I was there. When I read spellbound I found myself walking the streets of NYC with Alex (electrifying Reviews) during Bea last June.

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are looking for a book that will make your heart skip a beat, Spellbound is for you.