Book Review: Spellcaster

Spellcaster (Spellbound #2)

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Published By: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: March 27, 2011

Page Count: 384

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy

Read my review of book 1, Spellbound.

Spellcaster transports the reader back into the world of soul-mates, Emma and Brendan. I was excited to spend more time with them and to see how Emma's witchy powers were coming along. However, these kids can't seem to catch a break. After their epic battle with Anthony, they are now on the defensive again as a sinister witch from Brendan's past is focused on bleeding Emma dry to use her blood in a spell of epic evil.

One of my main complaints with the first book is that there wasn't enough of a focus on the witchy elements. However, Spellcaster does not suffer from that same affliction. Shultz chose to have the witchcraft be a central focus of this book - I am grateful. I still got to see the characters I love, but this time the drama and danger felt more real. I was on the edge of my seat as Emma and Co. worked to figure out who was behind all the dark magic. Also, like in book one, we revisit a medieval legend that provides some foreshadowing of whats in store for Emma and Brendan.

As I mentioned in my review of book one, I love these characters. Yes, the dialogue can be a bit annoying at times as its littered with teen speak and attempts at humor, but I can overlook that because these characters have so many redeeming moments. I want to live in Emma and Brendan's world. There is just something compelling about them both. I also liked that in Spellcaster we get more involved in their relationship. Brendan is learning what it means to be in a committed relationship while Emma is struggling to overlook Brendan's past indiscretions. Seeing their fears and shortcomings laid out is quite poignant. I enjoyed watching as they navigated the issues in their relationship. In the end, they did a nice job of working through their conflicts and becoming a stronger couple. I love that Emma and Brendan are true partners and that they care deeply for the other. Their growth from the beginning of book one until the end of book two is another aspect that makes these reads interesting.

Spellcaster also allows the reader more time with Angelique. She is one of the most fascinating characters in this series. There are even a few moments where we get the story from her perspective. I loved seeing her become a more central element to the story. Watching her and Brendan evolve past their state of mutual dislike was also a strong point of this book for me.

My only major complaint is the cheesy dialogue that crops up from time to time. However, as I mentioned before, its something worth wading through because of the characters and the intrigue of the plot. I also am just a sucker for witch novels. I love the mythology and lore that surrounds Shultz's witches.

One Last Gripe: Kristen's role in everything was a bit too predictable.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The witch elements

First Sentence: You probably don't remember me, but I remember you.

Favorite Character: Brendan

Least Favorite Character: Kristen

Summary:

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.