Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
Spellbound (Spellbound #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz
Published by Harlequin Teen on July 1, 2011
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Pages: 250
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads • Amazon •
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 toBrendan 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 livesvisions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else. (Goodreads)
What a captivating debut! I have to admit; I was skeptical about this book at first. I had read very mixed reviews about Spellbound beforehand, and I wasn’t sure whether I would like it or not. I was very pleasantly surprised! I was gripped by the first chapter and really came to love the protagonist, Emma. The writing was smooth, and quickly absorbed me into the story. I prefer books written in the first person because I usually feel more connected with the characters, and this is a perfect example! I found myself searching for excuses to read, and staying up late just to read one more chapter.
Brendan, Emma’s love interest is endearing, protective (not in a creepy way), and completely swoon-worthy with naturally messy black hair and emerald green eyes *sigh*. I did find the bully character, Anthony, a bit over the top and half expected him to become a paranormal monster of some kind. Some scenes were a bit melodramatic but it didn’t matter because I was so wrapped up in the story. I also loved both Cisco, Emma’s gay best friend, and Angelique, her witchy outcast friend. They were both interesting and dynamic and I wanted to see more of them in the story.
I loved reading Spellbound. It’s a great summer read — romantic and magical. You need to add this to your summer reading list!
[Character Interview with Brendan]
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
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