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Spellcaster (Spellbound #2)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 1,967 ratings · 338 reviews

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...more

ebook, 304 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Harlequin

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Aug 23, 2012 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am actually looking forward to this book! And it would be a crying shame if authors never made sequels, they are so important to the readers who DO enjoy the series.

It is perfectly fine to not like a book, but never, ever ok to tell the author not to waste their time. And she is "for the love of all things good and holy" writing a new book because there ARE people who want to read it! If you don't want to, then here is a suggestion: Jog on and stop being so rude!

Finished the book, it was AWES...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Annerooo marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Dear author,

Don't listen to disrespectful bitches with no manners. Please keep writing. :)

Sincerely,
Someone who's looking forward to reading Spellcater.

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Jan 12, 2012 Lisa (Fic Talk) marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: printed-arcs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Spellbound was a standalone?!

There's MORE to Brendan and Emma's story? Really???

No offense to the author... but just when I thought I'd gotten away from the ever dreaded series schtick, it comes back to smack me dead in the face.

I'll read it but I'm a little lost as to why their story is being continued. (And I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just honestly curious)

After reading the epi in Spellbound, I really thought we'd be hearing from another character, not...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Suz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2012

Spellcaster is a spellbinding intensely action packed magical tale of suspense, danger, and love at its inner most core. It is dark and hungry, filled with primal urges, impending danger, hidden secrets, and evil forces hell bent on taking unsuspected powers for their own. In the center of the story, is the sweet and engrossing tale of two soulmates - Emma and Brendan - who are incredibly amazing enough not to take their relationship at face value, as they delve more into the nature of their hi...more Spellcaster is a spellbinding intensely action packed magical tale of suspense, danger, and love at its inner most core. It is dark and hungry, filled with primal urges, impending danger, hidden secrets, and evil forces hell bent on taking unsuspected powers for their own. In the center of the story, is the sweet and engrossing tale of two soulmates - Emma and Brendan - who are incredibly amazing enough not to take their relationship at face value, as they delve more into the nature of their history. Shultz does a wonderfully brilliant job of evoking such deep seeded fears, the unveiling of innermost secrets that could harm, and threats to damage the trust these two have placed in one another. There are so many incredibly twists and turns throughout this story that are enough to keep readers guessing and craving the answers.

Shultz writing style is focused on all of the right elements that it should be. It's a perfect balance, between attention to detail, story arcs, and character development. Emma is such an endearing character, who seems to have grown stronger and a bit more brave than she was in Spellbound , which has a way of making her even more likable. She's just as independent, caring, and loyal as she always has been, but with even more depth and courage. Brendan, on the other hand, is still just as mysteriously handsome and brave as he was before, but he's also a bit more secretive and cryptic and a little bolder. I personally enjoyed the few intense moments that both Emma and Brendan shared and the fact that they actually had to work at making their relationship work and creating a deeper meaningful connection.

Spellcaster features an interesting and cleverly written take on reincarnation and soulmate mythology, that seems to give it a more modern edge. The story arc was beautifully fleshed out and the imagery was well written. The execution of certain moments, scenes, and powerful forces at work was off the charts amazing. There were also many interesting supporting characters that managed to bring their own unique quirks and facets to the story. It has this way of asking; just how far one person would go in terms of faith and loyalty, for another.

Throughout the story, both Emma and Brendan's strength of courage, loyalty to one another, and faith are tested over and over. It's enough to leave readers entranced and wanting more. Spellcaster is a richly compelling novel that will hook readers even more as they delve further into the story. It is phenomenally gripping; action packed, and filled with incredibly tension and sweet romance. It is a virtual thrill ride that is full of action, danger, and an interesting and unique take on reincarnation and the love of two soulmates. Vastly clever and highly suspenseful, fans of Shultz first novel Spellbound will fall even more in love with Spellcaster .(less)

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Apr 12, 2012 Abbi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

UPDATE, CAUSE I READ IT
I stayed up all night it finally downloaded to my kindle, and finished it. I was not in good shape for work the next day, but whatever, it was worth it. :)
Emma grows so much in this book!! She's a little braver, a little more smart-mouthed, but she's also still really funny. I also liked seeing the relationship with her and Brendan. They're really in love, but they're also NORMAL. Like, there was this one scene where he teased her about how she takes her coffee...I don't k...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Tara Fuller rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of all let me just say, holy hotness BRENDAN! Yet another hot YA boy to add to my swoon list. I really enjoyed Emma and Brendan’s relationship in this book. It was sweet with just the right amount of steam for a YA book. This was a really fun YA paranormal read. A fast moving plot with lots of action, magic and romance. SPELLCASTER was definitely my kind of book. The dialogue was witty and the author totally nailed the teen voice which is easier said than done. Spellcaster was a perfect se...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Devon Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-on-blog, completed-arcs

Spellcaster picks up a few months after Spellbound and Emma and Brendan's scandal is still talk of the town. They try to go about their merry way but it doesn't take long for trouble to find them again. The fact that both of them had something stolen from them should have raised a red flag (it certainly did for me - even after the first thing was stolen). Turns out the two have ticked off a really nasty witch hellbent on draining and using their 'true love' blood to make her uber-powerful, and s...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, pnr, ya

Received from Netgalley

AHHHH!!!! I love this story!! Cara Lynn Shultz is a fantastic writer that definitely knows how to draw her reader in and keep them captivated all the way through.
Spellcaster picks up after Spellbound with the lives and love story of Brendan and Emma. And our heroine Emma grew so much in this book. I am so proud to see her become so strong, especially after all her struggles she has had to overcome in her life. Plus, Brendan.... WOW!!! Don't we all wish we had a guy like t...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Emma Connor is relieved that all her troubles are over: she's got the guy, Brendan Salinger - her eternal soul mate; she's got a new best friend, Angelique; she's starting to settle in at her new school, despite the snobs; and she's learning to harness her newfound witch powers. But when something - or someone - begins to threaten not just her, but everyone Emma loves, she finds herself in a difficult situation. Innocents are being harmed while her true love with Brendan is being endangered by...more Emma Connor is relieved that all her troubles are over: she's got the guy, Brendan Salinger - her eternal soul mate; she's got a new best friend, Angelique; she's starting to settle in at her new school, despite the snobs; and she's learning to harness her newfound witch powers. But when something - or someone - begins to threaten not just her, but everyone Emma loves, she finds herself in a difficult situation. Innocents are being harmed while her true love with Brendan is being endangered by secrets and distrust. And as it turns out, Emma can't focus well enough to master any spells - so how can she use magic to protect the people being targeted? Emma will have to decide how much to put at stake when the consequences are greater than just her own life.
Since I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, when I saw this novel, I immediately picked it up. When I've read others in the series, I tend not the skim the back summary. I did that with this book, instead deciding to just dive right in. It's been a few months since I read Spellbound, so I'd obviously forgotten some of the more trivial details. However, I found that Cara Lynn Shultz did an excellent job at merging new and old information, which sparked my memory. It wasn't like some other stories I've read, where the reader must suffer through pages of recall in order to catch up a reader who may not have read previous books in the series. I found there was way too much remembering and not enough new topics in any book in The Babysitters Club series, for example. This book was much more skilled at blending old details with new information, which I appreciated. Not only could I remember and enjoy the details given, but a new reader to the series would be easily caught up without getting confused.
One thing I didn't like about this book - and all books that do this in general - was the need to introduce a new character in order to provide a new storyline. This shows that book two wasn't thought up at the time that book one was written, which can lead to contradictions and other problems later in the series. Even if this character was given, just for one scene, or at least mentioned in the earlier book, it would prove that more thought had been put into sequels and the series as a whole at one time, as opposed to creating new ideas as the series comes along. New thoughts that are added after book one can change the characters' personalities, or whole situations. If the antagonist in Spellcaster had been referred ti in some way in the first book in this series, I would have appreciated the storyline more.
One thing I find interesting about Shultz's writing style is how personable and close Emma seems to the reader. She's not afraid to share intimate thoughts and she thinks as though most teenagers do think. There are some books which feature teens thinking as an adult does, not an actual person of that age. In this story, the reader can hear all of Emma's questions and conclusions as if Emma were thinking them right that moment - not as though they've already been processed and checked. While reading, I couldn't decide whether I liked this style or not. I enjoyed how it was closer to accuracy in terms of teenagers' thoughts - however, I also found it to be somewhat abrupt and very different. I suppose that was the main thing - I wasn't used to that style.
Overall, I found that I did enjoy Spellcaster. Like Spellbound, it was a good and interesting read which provided humor and seriousness packaged into one novel. I would give it a rating of four stars. Just like Spellbound, I very much enjoyed it, but it wasn't extraordinary. Sometimes it's very hard to differentiate between a good, great, or excellent book. On my scale, this was a great. I would suggest this novel to any reader in search of curses, secrets, and revenge.(less)

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Feb 22, 2013 The Library Mouse rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spellcaster was the sequel to the sweet contemporary fairytale Spellbound and it was a tough act to follow.
Spellbound was like an old-fashioned tale that had been extended and transplanted into contemporary times. It held magic, a curse, love and danger and it was the perfect read for a overgrown child, such as myself, looking for an inked disney fairytale upgraded to our reality and with a dash more suspense.

Following in Spellbound's footsteps, I was very glad to be reacquainted with the romanc...more Spellcaster was the sequel to the sweet contemporary fairytale Spellbound and it was a tough act to follow.
Spellbound was like an old-fashioned tale that had been extended and transplanted into contemporary times. It held magic, a curse, love and danger and it was the perfect read for a overgrown child, such as myself, looking for an inked disney fairytale upgraded to our reality and with a dash more suspense.

Following in Spellbound's footsteps, I was very glad to be reacquainted with the romance and tenderness shared by Emma and Brendan, and to see how their relationship grew and evolved as time passed and new obstacles presented themselves.
In this respect there was an obvious change from Spellbound and development in the relationship of the characters to each other and to the world surrounding them.

However in all truthfulness I cannot say I felt quite the same about the remainder of the storyline and the characters themselves as individuals. As a sequel I didn't feel it added much to either. I was eager to read Spellcaster as I very much enjoyed Spellbound and was expecting a new tale full of adventure, magic and love that would bring further growth and understanding to the characters. Unfortunately I did not see much of this. I will admit though that this could very well be due to the fact that I enjoyed Spellbound so much as it was that, I didn't really feel like anything needed further development.
That said I did enjoy how Emma tested and gained confidence in her new found magical talents and witchy side leading to the more complete acceptance of who she is, what her gifts mean and, more importantly, the responsibility they entail.

Despite this Cara Lynn Shultz's narrative style and pacing did not change or falter from her previous work and I enjoyed how it calmly but steadily took me through Emma and Brendan's new adventure. She is yet another author who's work I shall continue to follow.

Overall Spellcaster was perhaps not necessarily a required sequel to complete Emma and Brendan's story, but it was a nice read all the same. And being the soppy saddo romantic that I am I will, blushingly, admit that I was very happy to catch a few more tenderly sweet moments and some slightly more sizzling ones :p
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Aug 17, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-emmy

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: An unnecessary sequel that improves in a few ways on the first book — more action, tension, and romance than in Spellbound.

Opening Sentence: “They’re not looking at you.”

The Review:

For those of you who thought Spellbound was a stand-alone, you aren’t wrong. This story picks up four months after the end of the first book and is very different. There’s no carry over, no “oh you thought you were free but really…”, it’s a new plot. Frankly, I wi...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Reading Vacation's Mom rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the second installment of the Spellbound series, Spellcaster, Emma must face down yet another evil plot against her and her true love Brendan. The plot of the story was more face paced than the previous book. The stakes were higher, the tension thicker, and it had me turning pages at a breakneck speed. I loved the final showdown between Emma and the great evil that want her power. It was full of spells and close calls. The fact that Emma was actually concentrating on learning how to use her w...more

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Jun 18, 2012 L_manning rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

True love has triumphed over an evil curse, and Emma and Brendan are free to enjoy being soulmates. Well, sort of. It turns out someone is out to kill Emma...again. This new person definitely means business. Emma has a few new tricks up her sleeve however. She's been practicing magic with her friend Angelique. As motives come out into the open, Emma will have to use all she has learned to save her life.

I was very interested to see where the author would go with a sequel, and I was not disappoint...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wasn't that excited to start this book, because as you can read my review of the first book, Spellbound, I didn't enjoy it that much. As I started, I have to say that it was a good start. It was fun and chill, and I liked what was happening, though I do have to say, it was very long! If Cara maybe just shortened the book a bit, and removed the boring and non important parts, maybe I would have enjoyed it more!
In this book, Emma already knows she's a witch, and she's a reincarnated soul who hap...more

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Apr 14, 2012 FicTalk Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-in-2012, arc

Reviewed by Heather

Special thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz is the highly anticipated sequel to last year’s Spellbound. After defeating a centuries-long curse that had Emma Connor and her soul-mate Brendan doomed like their past lives, you’d think that everything would be okay.

They couldn’t be more wrong.

Emma has never thought that she was good enough for Brendan, the former ladies man of Vincent Academy. All the girls at Vince li...more

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Mar 31, 2012 The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review at theyabookworm.blogspot.ca

SPELLCASTER is the sequel to Cara Lynn Shultz's first book, SPELLBOUND. Spellcaster takes place, I believe, a couple months after the events of Spellbound. Emma and Brendan have defeated the curse but are now faced with a new threat in this book. Let's just say, a "blast from Brendan's past" is targeting Emma, her powers, and her hottie, hot-hot boyfriend. My first thoughts: What a fantastic sequel! I remember really enjoying Spellbound so I was a little s...more

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Mar 31, 2012 cecilia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was a bit skeptical to see where Emma and Brendan end up in Book 2 since everything appeared mostly peachy keen at the end of Spellbound, but channeling the reliability of Kim Possible with a dash of charm from a naked mole-rat named Rufus, Cara Lynn Shultz has delivered an impressive sequel that is sure to delight readers.

THE GOOD BITS
{Different focus than Book 1} Spellbound had been all about the forbidden romance where Emma and Brendan had to figure out if they could be together. Once that...more I was a bit skeptical to see where Emma and Brendan end up in Book 2 since everything appeared mostly peachy keen at the end of Spellbound, but channeling the reliability of Kim Possible with a dash of charm from a naked mole-rat named Rufus, Cara Lynn Shultz has delivered an impressive sequel that is sure to delight readers.

THE GOOD BITS
{Different focus than Book 1} Spellbound had been all about the forbidden romance where Emma and Brendan had to figure out if they could be together. Once that drama was squared away, Cara Lynn Shultz was able to take Spellcaster in a new – and dare I say, BETTER – direction. With the romance angle dialed down to simmer, the heat gets cranked up for some delicious stew of trouble! Vengeance is the name of the game, and Emma and Brendan have to figure out who is out to take advantage of their true love.

{And the award for best lines goes to…} Seriously, it has been a while since I have encountered a book that makes me laugh out loud because the writing is just ridiculously fun. Despite the suspense and dark undertones of Spellbound, Cara Lynn Shultz somehow sneaks in some marshmallowy lines that I have to share with you, dear Readers, because they make the story all the more memorable.

(view spoiler)

THE BAD BITS
{Predictable villain} If you like to be in utter suspense like an Agatha Christie mystery, then Spellcaster will not be to your liking. The villain was more or less obvious early on in the story, so while Emma and Brendan seemed surprised or obliviuos, I was already yelling at them. In a concerned citizen sort of way, of course. The more important thing, though, is that the ending was NOT predictable – Cara Lynn Shultz left enough room to bend the story to where she wanted it to go without choosing the obvious solution.

{One random change in POV} Angelique takes over one chapter of Spellcaster, and readers get a glimpse inside her head as she recounts what happened when Emma was incapacitated. Not a bad thing, and there is a fair warning that Angelique will be telling a story. Furthermore I cannot think of any other way to divulge said information than how Cara Lynn Shultz does it. Then again, after reading from Angelique’s POV, I almost expected her or Brendan to jump in on the first-person narrative a few more times during Spellcaster – but that does not happen.

THE OVERALL
While I may not remember the exact details of Spellbound, this was not terribly necessary to enjoy Spellcaster. Cara Lynn Shultz’s writing continues to sparkle in a most delightful manner, and she has definitely earned a spot on my permanent must-read list.(less)

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Mar 24, 2012 Sharon Tyler rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz is a young adult novel released on March 27 2012. This is the sequel to Spellbound, in which Emma and Brandon found out they were eternal soul mates, breaking a curse that would have doomed Emma to an early death, and managed to fend of scheming classmates that would have killed them. You would have thought that Spellcaster would be more about the happy ever after since they had conquered all the hard stuff, right? Wrong. Emma is working to channel and understand...more Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz is a young adult novel released on March 27 2012. This is the sequel to Spellbound, in which Emma and Brandon found out they were eternal soul mates, breaking a curse that would have doomed Emma to an early death, and managed to fend of scheming classmates that would have killed them. You would have thought that Spellcaster would be more about the happy ever after since they had conquered all the hard stuff, right? Wrong. Emma is working to channel and understand her innate powers of witchcraft and deal with the snobby class warfare that permeates the halls of Vincent Academy. Having the most sought after boy in town as her devoted boyfriend makes things easier, and harder. However, there is still someone out there that is not appreciating their sought after happiness, and is doing everything they can to destroy their love, and harness the power of true love for themselves. Can Emma, Brendan, and their close friends get through another close encounter with evil?

Spellcaster had the same feel as Spellbound; it was easy to read, fun, and I cared about the characters. The mistakes in Brendan's past are wrapped up in the individual behind the current danger, and his romantic appeal seems to be the cause of it all. Thankfully, we only get a minimum of Emma's wondering about her own self-worth, she is a strong-minded individual that seems to value her strength and independence. Angelika and the other supporting characters are more fleshed out in this novel, giving Emma a broader support system and more options. Although Aunt Christine and the family that should be take care of the intrepid teens seem to be a little distant, which is helpful for the plot line but not for my piece of mind. The ending was satisfying and seemed to wrap everything up pretty neatly.

I recommend Spellcaster for readers that enjoyed Spellbound. I do not recommend skipping Spellbound before diving into the sequel. See my review for Spellbound, which I really enjoyed, here. I enjoyed this read as well, but think I must have had my fill of sequels for a while. Couldn't the kids just live happily ever after, just once? If you enjoy young adult urban fantasy, it would be worth checking out both books from your local library and reading. (less)

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Mar 24, 2012 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dropbox

Snappy dialogue, appealing characters, and a great plot that touched on both the magical and the mundane, though SPELLCASTER was the first book I've read in this series, it will definitely not be my last. Shultz did a good job recapping the events in SPELLBOUND I can't wait to go back and read it for myself. SPELLBOUND is the story of Emma and Brendan coming together, and I'm dying to read it after seeing how well Shultz handled their transition to "happy couple".

Shultz doesn't skimp over the go...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Pamela Todd rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, paranormal, read-in-2012, romance, ya-mg

Spellcaster picks up shortly after Spellbound, reintroducing the lovers Emma and Brendan, and how they are after breaking the centuries old curse. Brendan and Emma’s feelings for each other was well written, tender and sweet.

In Spellcaster, the pair face a whole new set of trouble as the jealousy rises when it is clear Emma and Brendan are forever, not a passing fling. Plenty of girls want to get their hooks into him and don’t like Emma being in their way.

We get split POVs from Emma and the oc...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Whatchyareading added it · review of another edition

Shelves: caitlin, christine, fantasy, series, young-adult

Caitlin: When starting this book, I wanted one thing to happen…or well, not to happen. I wanted there to not be a new love interest introduced or for Emma and Brendan to break up…you know how book twos always seem to be about the intense emotional drama. I wanted the drama to come from outside the relationship.

And…YAY! It totally did!

Christine: Unfortunately this is too common in second books. We’re introduced to this fantastic guy and/or girl, fall in love with the idea of them together and the...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Dorine White rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spellcaster, the sequel to Spellbound, by Cara Lynn Shultz, is a newly released YA paranormal. Published by Harlequin Teen, it was released in January.

The Story- Soul mates Emma and Brendan are finally together. The curse is broken, Emma is learning about her witchy powers, and life at Vince A is good. Of course, that can’t last. A hateful person is out to destroy Emma, and her hatred is stronger than their true love.

This unknown enemy begins using Emma and Brendan’s fears against them. Desperat...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Cleffairy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reviewed at:Over A Cuppa Tea
Review date: 20 Feb 2012
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=6881

I've been looking forward to this book. It's the sequel of 'Spellbound'. I believed I've reviewed it not long ago and found it very entertaining. The second book in this installment did not disappoint me and I'm glad that the author decided to write more about the characters. The story enchanted me and bewitched me that I wished that there's more than just the first book.

I like how the author manipulate...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Nancy DiGirolamo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed Spellbound and was very much looking forward to reading Spellcaster.
I was not disappointed! The story again takes place in NYC about four months after where Spellbound left off. The action and suspense takes off right out of the shoot. We see a stronger, more confident Emma while still being as funny as ever. I chuckled out loud a few times while reading this book. We also find a lot more of Angelique who has really found her voice. Most of the characters from Spellbound return...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Emma and Brendon are still fighting for their love. Kristin still wants him and will do anything to get him. The couple are still fated to be together forever. I found the book rather repetitive and monotonous. In case the reader missed the first book, the story is recalled over and over again throughout the book. Anthony tried to kill Emma, Emma lost her unicorn medallion, Emma's dead twin brother, Ethan came to her in her dreams and helped her save Brendon and they should just get right on wit...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Brob rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spellcaster is the second book in a series by Cara Lynn Schultz. It is a nice deviation from the typical paranormal YA. It has a touch of a historical romance feel to it but it is set in the present day.

If you thought the first book in the series was action packed then you will love this one. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the action that was happening. I loved that the plot kept a quick pace all through the book. There were still sweet moments between Emma and Brendan but the...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Last year Spellbound, the first book in the Spellbound series by Cara Lynn Schultz was one I picked up at the first day of the Book Expo. I loved it and read it all the first night even though my feet throbbed and I was so hot and tired I wanted sleep more than a teenaged boy wants sex. Yes, it was very "high school" but Schultz gives authentic feeling voices to the teenage characters in the book, and it is well-plotted and well written, lacking those airs of adults thinking they get teens. (MY...more Last year Spellbound, the first book in the Spellbound series by Cara Lynn Schultz was one I picked up at the first day of the Book Expo. I loved it and read it all the first night even though my feet throbbed and I was so hot and tired I wanted sleep more than a teenaged boy wants sex. Yes, it was very "high school" but Schultz gives authentic feeling voices to the teenage characters in the book, and it is well-plotted and well written, lacking those airs of adults thinking they get teens. (MY REVIEW)

Emma finds herself in circumstances 180° from where her life was heading before it all went to Hell.
Spellbound brought it all around to a place whence the two young love interests could move on. We pick the story up about four months after the last book ended. Emma and Brandon, are blissfully happy, quite gooey in their love. But in a book early bliss indicated a rocky road ahead.

The story had many currently fashionable literary elements and some tropes common to YA Romance. One such is the above mentioned Happiness Cannot Last Because Someone Is Going to Muck It Up. In this case the muckraker is external to the relationship, but wants the power granted by their love. There are a few things that seemed ripped from the headlines and others thaI have seen in other books lately. When you do read the story I would love to know if you see these plot devices too. There was, in particular a scene in the school library that reminded me a lot of scene in the school library in Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep. Another part reminds me of a plot point in Chris Bohjalian's last book and that I seem to believe I also read or saw quite recently elsewhere as well. Freaky!

One thing Cara does that I like is recognize the powerful sexual urges teens have; the temptations and struggles they go through. She walks a line with Brendan and Emma, in a committed relationship but choosing self control. But she doesn't pretend it isn't there. A lot of the story involves Brandon's sexual past. Those earlier choices can come and bite you in the ass. The problem facing our young couple is a bit like an STD only magical and vindictive rather than biological. But they are dealing with magic and in the real world where today's kids live reputation, STDs or an infant are the more likely outcomes. So for parents this is a great opportunity to indirectly bring up this issue.
Just saying.

The story gives me enough in the way of suspense that I am really NOT certain what is going to happen or at times what decision will be made. The characters and their relationships grow and change as they discover their strengths, weakness and their real characters under assumptions.I particularly enjoyed Emma holding her own against Brendan, and the friendship between Angelique and Emma as well how her relationship with Brendan changes.

I am a sucker for the sentimental and a theme like this, true love and all, will get me every time.

People familiar with NYC will enjoy Shultz's atmospheric touches and I particularly enjoyed the trip to the Cloisters to see the Unicorn Tapestries.

For fans of teen PNR this is a must read, better with Spellbound under your belt though!

http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
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Mar 26, 2012 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Three Stars: Freed from the lovers curse, but happily ever after is not in store for Brendan and Emma as dark enemies seek to destroy their happiness. Spellcaster, drops back into Brendan and Emma's lives four months after the neat resolution of Spellbound. The book opens with a cryptic email to an unknown addressee at the Vince A Prep School. The anonymous emailer is bent on unleashing revenge on Brendan. Meanwhile, the lovebirds have settled back into school. Emma is working with Angelique to...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved Spellbound and Spellcaster was just as great. The mystery as to who was attacking Emma and Brendan and why was really interesting and detailed. Emma becomes a stronger witch in this book and learns to fight on her own instead of letting Brendan do the fighting for the both of them.
I loved how Brendan and Emma's relationship grew in this book. Having them fight/question their love would be the easy way to add conflict but Cara Lynn Shultz skips that. Brendan and Emma still know their love...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Gianne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amazing

------- Read the review here! -------

Spellcaster is the fantastic follow-up to its predecessor, Spellbound. I really enjoyed SC because of the witty dialogue, the blazing hot romance between Emma and Brendan, a psychotic villain, and an engrossing plot.

I seriously love Emma. She's a hilarious, strong heroine who isn't your regular damsel-in-distress. Girl got a strong right hook and bad-ass witch powers. This is one girl you do not want to mess with. I also really like how she isn't perfect eith...more

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Paranormal > Witches

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Fantasy

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Romance

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About Cara Lynn Shultz

Cara Lynn Shultz’s love of supernatural writing began when she was 7 and wrote a play about ghosts, which she and her friends acted out on her grandparents’ porch. Since then, her work has appeared in Teen People, Alternative Press, Stuff, InStyle, Us Weekly, and The Guardian UK.She is a proud graduate of Fordham University and is currently a senior editor at People.com.Cara lives in her native Ne...more

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Quotes from Spellcaster

“It's hard to take someone seriously when they leave you a note saying, 'Your ugly.' My ugly what? The idiot didn't even know the difference between your and you're.” — 42 people liked it

“I couldn't help it: Brendan was abs-olutely pec-tacular, horrible puns intended and very accurate.” — 25 people liked it

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Spellcaster (Spellbound #2)

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