Review: Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Spellcaster

Series: Spellbound #2

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Publication Date: 27 March 2012
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

Finding your eternal soulmate - easy. 

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much… 

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

REVIEW

Wow don't you just adore that True Love is seen as one of the greatest powers on Earth. So much so that Emma and Brendan have little chance to relax following the events in Spellbound. They are just getting comfortable with each other when Brendan's past rears its ugly head.

This fabulous sequel takes the depth o f emotion within the narrative to a much deeper level. Giving incredible insight and understanding into the characters interactions, emotions and relationships. Emma especially really grew as a character, showing just how strong and independent she really is. She doesn't shirk her responsibilities and her innate goodness really shines through. I would say that she blossomed in this story.

There are some really fabulous plot twists and astounding character development.

Via the narrative more understanding of Brendan is accomplished. He experiences a tremendous amount of guilt and regret for his past actions. He truly wants to be a better person, someone he feels Emma deserves.

Emma and Brendan's relationship literally sizzles from the pages. There are some very HOT scenes. I completely adore their relationship and loved the progression. Especially Brendan coming to terms with relinquishing his status as Emma's protector. It is a wonderfully equal relationship, they rescue each other.

The addition of chapters written from Angelique's perspective added depth and understanding not only to the relationships and interactions but to the plot as a whole.

Mix sizzling chemistry, thrilling fast paced action, electrifying tension with amazing character development and you've got one heck of a sequel. Emma and Brendan have secured their position as one of my favorite literary couples. Brendan when I have forgiven your tramp like past I will give you 5/5

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.

Tantalizing Trailers: Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder

Title: Touch of Power

Series: Avry of Kazan

Author: Maria V Snyder

Publisher: Harlequin UK

Publication Date: 20 Dec 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Not so much a book trailer but an animated cover. Thanks to Viv from Serendipity Reviews for sharing this with me. Isn't it gorgeous.