Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Spellbound

Series: Spellbound #1

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication: 21 June 2011
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis 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.

REVIEW

Seriously how could I not love a book that has a protagonist with the name Emma [ : D ] Written in first person narrative from Emma's perspective. A little shell-shocked after her life was turned upside down following her brother then her mothers deaths a year apart. Left with an abusive alcoholic stepfather, Emma has to go to live with her Aunt following a horrific car crash that has left her scarred caused by her drunk step-father. Emma's Aunt is very rich and on the School Board for an exclusive school in NYC, it is this school Emma is to attend. Feeling like a fish out of water, Emma soon discovers that High School Cliques and bullies are the same where-ever you go, what she doesn't expect is to be drawn to the School Hottie and all round Bad Boy Brendan *swoon*. I have to say that images of Cinderella strolled through my imagination, Emma going from poor to rich but still maintains her independence finding work in the school library [ <3 ]

Although Brendan appears to be as drawn to Emma as she is to him, he runs hot and cold. Rescuing her from the school bullies and coming to her defense regularly yet avoiding her on other occasions. Emma is left completely baffled. When Emma starts having visions somehow linked to the medallion her brother gave her, the connection between herself and Brendan is slowly, tantalizingly  revealed. A centuries old curse, soul-mates and reincarnation brilliantly woven together.

Emma is a wonderful character; loyal, fiercely protective of her loved ones, although she has become a loner following the loss of her brother and mother she is a truly wonderful friend. She is able to see through the rubbish of cliques. Emma's friendship with bona fide witch Angelique is proof of this. I found her to have a natural confidence, intuition (that she needs to trust more often) and a tremendous inner strength. Although she has moments of insecurity these only aided in making her more realistic.

I adored Angelique she add a splash of color to the book, her dramatic ways and affection for Emma really endeared her to me.

Bringing me to Brendan - ohhh Brendan I adore you but boy you were a tramp before meeting Emma. Seriously dude, just cos a girl throws herself at you doesn't mean you have to follow through.
Super hot, quick tempered but lonely underneath, you know the saying 'still waters run deep' well that's exactly how I think of Brendan. He has a persona that he shows the world and then there is the real him that he only shows to Emma.I really didn't like his heart breaking trampish ways and despised the thought of him being with anyone but Emma. It is for this reason I have given 4/5 not 5/5.

The action is fast paced and utterly compelling. All aspects of the plot are well developed and seamlessly woven together. I do think that the characterizations and interactions are the things that really shine through the narrative.

Emma and Brendan are fast becoming one of my favorite literary couples. I cannot wait to read more about them.