HarlequinTeen, 2012
371 pages
YA; Paranormal
4/5 stars
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After being pleasantly surprised by Spellbound, I was excited for a second book. While I originally anticipated it focusing on Angelique, viewing the conclusion of the first book as teasing that, I was fine with it returning to focus on Emma and Brendan especially as we do get a good dose of Angelique.
The epilogue of Spellbound led me to believe that Angelique would be the focus as Emma and Brendan had broken a centuries-old curse-what kind of obstacle could possibly top that? Didn't they deserve to just be young and blissfully in love? Well, that is how they start the book but it is not long before some malicious forces conspire to cause pain to the couple. Especially difficult for Emma is Brendan's playboy past. He got around and everyone knows his reputation; even now girls still throw themselves at him, causing Emma to doubt Brendan's true feelings. Does he only feel because of the curse?
Beyond internal doubts, are the very real external threats that physically harm Brendan, Emma, and some of the people care about. Interestingly Brendan's past plays a big role in this as does Emma's magical abilities. We really get to see her start to exercise her talents throughout the book, building up to the big climax. The magical aspect is definitely my favorite along with Angelique's snarkiness. Like me, she doesn't think Brendan is all that great but she is a good friend as she provides support and advice to Emma.
Again I grew weary of hearing about how attractive Brendan is and how much in love they are but that is the fundamental point of these books. They are in love and the strength of that love is integral to their ability to have a future together. It's just not my favorite part.
Overall: If you liked the first one, I think you'll like this one too: with dollops of magic and adventure and a heavy helping of romance :)
Cover: Of course, the same lovely font is used for the title but this time I really like the lovely green accents that make the cover seem brighter.
I have not read this one yet but I also get tired of being constantly reminded about how attractive characters are in a book.
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Truly Bookish
I kind of had the same thought as you, B! At first I thought this book would be mostly about Angelique (which would've been okay too since she's a really fun character), but reading reviews like yours have cleared it up and it makes me even more excited that Emma and Brendan are still as adorable as ever! I want to get to know more about Emma's cool abilities! :)
ReplyDeleteReally awesome review, B! I'm glad that this is out already so I don't have to wait as long to read it! ;) <3
Great review. I can kind of see what you're saying about Brendan. Here is my review of the book and interview with the author who I got to meet in NYC last November: http://misclisa.blogspot.com/2012/02/spellcaster-by-cara-lynn-shultz-and.html
ReplyDeleteI haven’t red the book yet but I think it’s quite nice to read since I am a book lover! Nice blog by the way.
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