Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
Spellcaster
Unavailable
Spellcaster
Unavailable
Spellcaster
Ebook396 pages7 hours

Spellcaster

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this ebook



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 seventeen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the painespecially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close .

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

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarlequin
Release dateApr 1, 2012
ISBN9781459225725
Unavailable
Spellcaster
Author

Cara Lynn Shultz

Cara Lynn Shultz is the author of Spellbound and Spellcaster. She's a proud graduate of Fordham University and her work has appeared in Teen People, Alternative Press,The Guardian UK, and countless posts on Facebook (Facebook.com/CaraLShultz) and Twitter (@CaraLynnShultz). She lives in her native New York City with her husband, cat, and eight million other people. 

Related to Spellcaster

Related ebooks

Children's For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for Spellcaster

Rating: 3.984042595744681 out of 5 stars
4/5

94 ratings21 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really love your story, it deserves a lot of audience. If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on Novel Star, just submit your story to hardy@novelstar.top or joye@novelstar.top
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was seriously a really good book. I love this series and hopefully it goes on because it doesn't seem like it has ended yet. I just really need another book in this series it's killing me! Ughhhh!!!! Well, I'll be waiting until then.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    So, I know I'm way behind the crowd in just reading this book, but I absolutely loved it anyway! I didn't have a chance to read the first book in the series, but that wasn't a problem at all since they referred to the events from before often enough that I was able to follow along. Soul mates Emma and Brendan have already fought a curse to be together, but they don't really get a chance to rest on their laurels before their next crisis happens. This time they are fighting an unknown but very powerful dark witch who is literally out for Emma's blood.I was drawn into this story very quickly, and didn't want to stop reading it once I started. The love story was written perfectly and the action just didn't stop!I'm really glad I finally read this book and give it an enthusiastic 5/5 stars.I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When I saw this in NetGalley (along with Goddess Interrupted), I may have squeed. It's possible. Anyway, I read the first book, Spellbound, late last year. I totally didn't expect to like it; I mean, the soul mate plot line is so overdone. However, Cara Lynn Shultz proved to me that it can still be done well!

    Reading Spellcaster after Goddess Interrupted definitely created an interesting juxtaposition. In the latter, Kate constantly whines about not being told anything and has to be protected; I don't think she'll be that way in book three, but in this one, oy. Anyway, Emma definitely does not do that. I mean, she cries sometimes and does like that Brendan's protective, but she also fights and hard for herself, her friends and her love. She doesn't just complain; she gets things done.

    Even the soul mate thing could be really disgusting, like it is in a lot of YA books, Shultz deals with it gracefully. I actually like Emma and Brendan, and their relationship. In spite of the soul mate thing, they do have issues. Plus, I like that they're not rushing into everything. Even thought they've been through so much at the beginning of this book, they still haven't had sex, because Emma's not ready yet. I love that Shultz is showing that every relationship is different and that, no matter how in love two people are, that doesn't mean they're ready for that step. It's such a good, non-preachy message.

    Much as I do like the characters, what really makes Shultz's books shine, though, is her fresh, funny voice. I laughed so many times during this book. Pretty much every quote I marked as I read through was one that made me giggle or snicker, as did the one I finally selected as my favorite. (Gotta love a heroine who knows her grammar!) The characters banter like real friends do, and I love it so much. Plus, Shultz's humor keeps the whole soul mate thing from being too serious, because even Emma and Brendan know it's kind of ridiculous, just like life.

    Spellbound is an incredibly clever, humorous series. If you're looking for some fun YA books, look no further.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    Had a hard(ish) time getting through Spellbound...it felt formulaic and it felt very much like Twilight, despite the different setting and paranormal element. I like Twilight, but I also like to read different books and I want strong female protagonists. Spellcaster just didn't hold my interest. DNF.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & 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 wish that Shultz had left our couple alone and started a new series. Brendan and Emma deserve a break! In Spellcaster we have an unknown enemy who uses Brendan and Emma’s fears against them. Emma steps up her spell-learning lessons, which means we get to see more magic, but their enemy is still ahead of them and ready to destroy them. Brendan and Emma’s storyline is solid. I was so, so glad Shultz added drama from outside of the relationship instead of trying to make them break up with each other via doubts and internal drama. Jealousy is overwhelming as girls who wanted Brendan hate on Emma for being with him. It was all very Mean Girls-meets-Gossip Girls and could’ve been toned down. We know they’re jealous, but I didn’t want to hear about it every few pages. What their relationship has in this novel that wasn’t in the prequel is the feeling of “We had no choice in this.” Yes, they’re reincarnated lovers who have just broken free of a cycle of tragedy — but I don’t want to feel like Brendan is stuck with Emma or vice versa. Which I did at more than one point. Backstory is also dropped in every few pages. As in, you really, really don’t have to read book one, because Shultz tells you absolutely everything that happened in this installment. I could’ve done without having the whole thing rewritten in this book. Another writing point that really bothered me was the split POVs in Spellcaster. Spellbound didn’t split POVs — it was all Emma all the time — but this book did because Emma finds herself in situations where she can’t tell us what’s going on. We switch over to Angelique at random points, which felt like a cop out. The tension in Spellcaster is much, much better than in Spellbound. Even though the stakes aren’t as high as they were in book one, Shultz does a much better job of bringing the story together. She also makes Emma into a stronger heroine — putting her right in the thick of things instead of relegating her to the sidelines. Part of this is that her magic helps her defend herself, and part of it is what’s going on with Brendan in this book. The villain is supposed to be a secret, but frankly the character screams “antagonist!” and that aspect of the plot doesn’t begin until halfway through the book. Unless you were a die-hard-must-have-more Brendan and Emma fan in Spellbound I say leave the characters in their happy place and skip this book. Notable Scene: “Let me put it this way. It’s all related,” Angelique explained. “Your attack. My feeling of dread. How tonight, I couldn’t feel certain things, as if there were holes in what I was sensing. And now, Ashley being sick. It’s all related.” “And it’s all my fault,” Brendan added. “You were just trying to push me out of the way,” I said, taking his hand and he ran his fingers over the Claddagh ring he gave me. “No, he has a point,” Angelique said ruefully. “The blame does, essentially, go back to Brendan.” I twisted my head to look at him and he nodded, shutting his eyes. And that’s when I noticed that his black lashes were a little damp.FTC Advisory: Harlequin Teen provided me with a copy of Spellcaster. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    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 disappointed. All my old favorites were back (and some of my not-so-favorites). When you throw off an ages old curse in the first book, it would seem there is not much else to do. Luckily the author is able to take a different approach. Emma must once again figure out who is after her, but the truth is not exactly what she expected. It opens up some old insecurities of hers. Emma though has some new skills in her arsenal. Seeing Emma become more confident in her abilities was very fun. I liked that it gave her a chance to grow. Emma and Brendan are still a pretty fun pair. I thought their "made-for-each-other-ness" would wear on me, but it didn't.My favorite character was Angelique. She and her cousin were able to provide a bit of comic relief and move the plot along at the same time. I loved the chapters from Angelique's point of view. They provided a much different perspective, and it was fun to read. Overall I was very pleased with this sequel. It was fun to come back to familiar characters, but I also enjoyed seeing them grow some more. Fans of the first book will have a great time with this one, but it's also an easy book for readers new to the series to enjoy too.Galley provided for review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I've been anticipating this book since falling in love with Spellbound last year. I was devastated when I finished the Spellbound, as I didn't want Brendan and Emma's story to be over. Imagine my excitement when I learned that there would be a sequel and one where we see more of Emma's witchiness! Cara Lynn Shultz has more than met my expectations with Spellcaster and its enchanting world of witchcraft and true love.Emma and Brendan are as in love as in book one, and their relationship hold strong through all the hate-glares that Emma has been receiving and the rumors spreading since Brendan saved Emma's life at the end of book one. They are adorable together. With no curse holding them back, they are free to be together and express their love in the open. The two make up one of my favorite YA couples.Romance isn't all there is to this book. There is suspense and tension with the threat of attack. Someone wants to hurt the happy couple, and there are others who would help. Although Brendan wants to protect Emma, she has been learning more about her powers and taken up kickboxing classes, rising up to challenges that come their way. She is an independent girl and will do anything to protect those that she loves, even if it means withholding critical information from them.Cara Lynn Shultz wraps up Brendan and Emma's story in this brilliantly written sequel filled with magic, witches, and romance. The sweet couple has stolen my heart time after time across the two books. Emma's friend Angelique and others steal some of the stage for themselves in this sequel, further developing Emma and Brendan's world. Once you finish the series, reread it again if you love it as much as I do!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved the first book in this series, Spellbound, so I was psyched when I saw this book go up on Netgalley. I could not get wait to back to Brendan and Emma and see what the after effects were from the previous book. I had originally thought that Spellbound was a stand-alone, but was happy to come back to this world again. We meet back up with Emma and Brendan living in bliss thinking the curse is finally over and they can just enjoy each other. The only problem? Angelique is getting that feeling of dread again and thinks that Emma and Brendan have a world of trouble heading their way, soon. When Emma is attacked and Brendan is set up for supposedly selling drugs, they start to worry that someone is after them. The plot is driven by trying to discover the identity of the mystery person who is after them. We did get a sneak peek into the head of the bad guy in the prologue, which was interesting, but there was no way to identify them on their thoughts alone. There is also an accomplice that is a lot closer to Brendan and Emma than they think. I enjoyed trying to unravel the mystery behind the evil after them. The challenges that person throws their way were quite devious and my heart went out to Brendan and Emma as they tried to cope with all the complications they were forced to work through. Cara did a nice job of keeping the suspense alive for the duration of the book.My favorite part of this book though, was that it did not fall into what I like to call “second book syndrome.” Many times when reading young adult books the second novel is where the author puts some kind of obstacle between the two main characters at the beginning of the story and they are apart for the duration of the novel. I really hate that because when they break up it is usually over something unrealistic and it just doesn’t make sense. I am so happy Cara did not take this route. Brendan and Emma are so much stronger together and we have already established that they are soul mates, so being apart would just be counterproductive. Don’t get me wrong, they have their problems, which are all valid, I am just glad they are facing them together and the source of the tension in this book is not their relationship, but the evil that haunts them. I also enjoyed seeing more from Angelique. We even get to see the world from her perspective a couple of times. I loved her in the first book and getting a chance to see inside her head and have her contribute more to this book was delightful. She and Brendan are like oil and vinegar, their only common denominator is Emma. They put up with each other because of Emma, but in Spellcaster they are forced to work together on multiple occasions I found the outcome to be quite surprising. I am not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I would love to see a spin off with Angelique as the main focus. The magic and stories behind everything that happens in these books is also fascinating to me. Cara delves into some new stories from the book that contained information about the curse that was originally cast on Emma and Brendan and I relished having new mysteries to try and decode. The answer is always right there in the story it just takes a little time for me to riddle it out. These elements enrich the story and add another layer that kept me engaged and very interested to see how it would all work out. Overall, this is another solid addition to this series. I was satisfied with the ending and I do not need to have another book, but would always welcome one. Cara has wrapped up many of the loose ends, but has left herself the opportunity to write more if she chooses. I would recommend this series to any lover of young adult paranormal romance. I am excited to see what Cara will bring us next.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Original Review on YA Sisterhood Blogspot Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn ARC received from Harlequin Teen via Net Galley Release Date: 3-27-2012 The Sisters Say: A breathtaking blow by blow of bewitchment and beguiling romance! If you liked Spellbound, you are going to LOVE Spellcaster! I couldn’t put it down! Cara Lynn Shultz definitely upped her game with more magic, more mystery, and more mahem! (Not to mention more make-out scenes)!!! I really loved to see the characters develop even more in this installment—especially Angelique! She is so much fun to read about—so much attitude that she had me laughing out loud at times. But then we also get to see a more sensitive side of her that we didn’t see in Spellbound. We also meet her cousin, Randi, a fellow witch who has some enjoyable moments as well. Emma definitely undergoes some changes through this novel, too. That confidence that we begin to see at the end of Spellbound really takes off, which I love (because who doesn’t love a kick butt heroine), but I also like that her struggles were realistic (if you take out the fantasy part…hehe). I mean, it’s not like she snaps her fingers and all of a sudden she’s one of the Charmed ones. She has to work on her spells, and it’s really captivating to see her ups and downs as she struggles with this new aspect of her life. And then…the best part—Brendan. We see so much more of him in Spellcaster. He’s just as overprotective in this installment, and it makes me love him so much more! Just like Emma, it’s great (and heart breaking) to see him struggle with the idea that all the danger Emma finds herself in is his fault. He’s the guy that every girl wants—compassionate, completely devoted, and overprotective to a fault—not to mention that he’s stunningly handsome. I absolutely adore him and can’t wait for more! The scenes between Emma and Brendan are a little more hot and heavy (but I still wish Cara Lynn Shultz would dive in with the details), but still PG, with one scene that hints at some PG-13 related content, but it’s still not extremely specific. I actually really enjoyed the villain in this book, too—truly evil with a vendetta that, if you’re like me, might cause your heart to speed up (and for you to look behind your shoulder when walking anywhere alone). I won’t tell you any more, but I will say—I didn’t see this villain coming! Oh…and Kristin? She’s still there with a vengeance…but trust me…you’ll want to read this to see what Emma has in store for her! What bugs me? I wish Cara Lynn Shultz would add an umbrella conflict to the series—a storyline that reaches from book to book, instead of just focusing on a different conflict for each book. Overall, Spellcaster is a must read for those of you who enjoy paranormal romance novels. The action was fun and exciting with no dull moments! It comes out Tuesday…so go get it!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    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. From page 12 :: ARC :: I couldn’t help it: Brendan was abs-olutely pec-tacular, horrible puns intended and very accurate. From page 82 :: ARC :: As much as I wanted to support Gabe, Brendan and I avoided school functions like the plague. Hell, the fact that you just got mugged, attacked, demonically assaulted, whatever that was, on a school trip proves that you and school functions go together like peanut butter and razor blades. From page 132 :: ARC :: Brendan, to Emma :: “[T]his is your life, not an episode of Kim Possible where we can bring the bad guy to justice in thirty minutes.” From page 139 :: ARC :: Brendan, to Emma :: “You’re a diamond and she’s…a Twinkie wrapper.” 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 OVERALLWhile 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.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Spellcaster picks up a few months post Spellbound. Emma and Brendan are in love and inseparable. That is until Emma gets attacked at field trip to a museum. She, thankfully, was able to fight off her attacker and with the help of witchy friend, Angelique, they are able to discover that the blood of “true lovers”, like Emma and Brendan, is an incredibly potent ingredient used in spells. As more people, around Emma, become endangered, they must try to find who is responsible and figure out how to stop him/her.Spellcaster tries hard…but it just doesn’t have that “sweep you off your feet” kind of feeling that Spellbound did. I like Aimee Carter’s writing, but feel Spellbound should have been a stand alone book rather than the beginning of a series.There were a couple of areas where we shifted to Angelique’s perspective, which kind of felt like “filler” to me. We didn’t learn anything new or exciting about Emma or Brendan. Emma consistently kept info from Brendan, Brendan repeatedly asked her to include him, and Emma would continue to lie and go off without him. I did enjoy the introduction of Angelique’s cousin and her knowledge of magic…plus her incessant flirting with Brendan made me chuckle.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Spellcaster was a great sequel to Spellbound. After the actions and excitement of the first story, Emma and Brendan deserve some time to be young and in love. Unfortunately, a hidden enemy has other plans to disrupt their lives. Emma and Brendan's relationship isn't perfect. They are soul mates who have finally broken a curse that had lasted for about 1000 years. Now they have to get to know each other and deal with each other's pasts. Emma's is easier; she just had one friend turned boyfriend back home in New Jersey. Brendan's past was more flamboyant and it is right there. Emma is constantly tripping over girls who had at least brief relationships with Brendan. And most of them want him back in a more permanent relationship. At school, Emma deals with the taunts of Kristin who is one of the school's golden girls or, in her case, orange girls as Emma and her friends constantly make references to her fake tan. Emma and Brendan also have their relationship questioned by the aunt that Emma lives with and by her best friend Angelique. Neither one feels that they are old enough to be as committed to each other as they are. And Angelique really doesn't like Brendan. I really liked Brendan. He was so devoted to Emma. He is also tall, dark, handsome, rich, and lonely. He is the quintessential "poor little rich boy"; his parents are mainly absent leaving not quite 18-year-old Brendan on his own most of the time. He is a little quick with his fists but his devotion to Emma and his desire to keep her safe and happy is commendable. And I loved Emma. She had such a terrific way with words. I often found myself chuckling at her turns of phrase. She is coping with a lot. She has recently lost her mother and brother and has left her drunken stepfather to live with an aunt in New York City. She is upbeat and pro-active. She is bright but still an outsider at her fancy prep school. She is learning to be a witch. She is also completely and hopelessly in love with Brendan.The way Angelique, Emma and Brendan deal with the problems in this one is very satisfying. Emma has to work through some moral dilemmas and Angelique and Brendan come to much more of an understanding. The book has a great romance and a lot of danger too. I recommend it to fans of paranormal romance. Emma and Brendan are a great, romantic couple.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved Spellbound, and I loved Spellcaster even more! Ms. Schultz has created characters you can really relate to despite their paranormal abilities. Emma and Brendan speak and act like normal teenagers which is what I love the most about them. The relationship between Emma and Brendan feels genuine and real. I never once doubted their feelings for each other in either book. As most of you know, I tend to lean more toward the action in books and treat the romance as just another plot point or obstacle, but in these books the romance is what drives them. This is a romance series that I can proudly stand behind. It’s real, and that’s what I love about it.In Spellbound Emma and Brendan lifted the curse that plagued them for years — a curse which forced them to be reincarnated and to fall in love over and over only to have Emma ripped away from Brendan. With the curse officially broken, the only thing bogging down these soulmates is the media attention surrounding them after the brave heroics of Brendan in the first book. That, and the snotty mean girls at their posh private school, but those are minor things. This all changes when Emma’s friend Angelique does a spell which reveals that Emma and Brendan are in grave danger. A malevolent force is out to destroy them, and if they thought breaking the curse was difficult, they are in for a huge shock this time around.What I love most about these books is that the first book could have easily been a standalone. I didn’t feel like I was left hanging, though I definitely wanted more of these two. This book contains a whole new mystery that does build on the first book, but it is a story of its own.I particularly love Ms. Schultz’s writing style. She obviously cares deeply for her characters and she knows them well. They are so well-drawn. I also love how the story flows — pieces fall into place at exactly the right time and I never felt like it dragged at all.Spellcaster is a well-written tale of romance and mystery and I highly recommend it. If you’ve not read Spellbound I urge you to check it out.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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”MY THOUGHTS: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 and a few new juicy characters are introduced.While the mystery of the story is solved well before the end of the book, I preferred reading it this way. I was able to enjoy the more suspenseful scenes without trying to figure anything out. Emma, with the help of Angelique, becomes a strong capable witch and quite the fighter! While witchcraft is a major part of the story, the romance between Emma and Brendan is hotter than ever! There is a lot of “will they or won’t they” throughout the book and great romance scenes. You can tell they are best friends as well as a couple.Spellcaster does take place during high school and a lot of issues relatable to teens are touched upon in the story. Shultz brings up realistic issues such as stalking, bullying, gossip, sex, homosexuality and underage drinking.All in all, I think Shultz does a very good job of providing a strong plot line along with a fun story and likable characters. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of paranormal romance.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The story picks up a couple of months after Spellbound. Emma and Brendan are semi-celebrities due to Anthony's attack on them, and all seems rather well. A little sickeningly, I have to admit. Although it did set the mood for what was to come later. As you may have guessed, the happy ending was certainly not permanent, because the oh-so-doomey-doom was nearing on the horizon. And I'm not even kidding concerning the dramatics because the whole book is quite dramatic. Spellbound was as well, so maybe it's just the author's style. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, because there is enough fluff and funny scenes to balance out the drama - somewhat at least.Now, I found both Emma and Brendan too sacrificing for normal teenagers. Yes, I know eternal love, fated soulmates and whatnot. I guess that is the explanation for it. It just felt off to me nonetheless. Sure, dreaming of such a love is nice and well. But again, the image this sends to tweens and teenagers? It's okay to die for your boyfriend, to deliberately hurt yourself for you boyfriend? I would not be comfortable in recommending this to a young girl. However, it was exciting, it kept me turning pages. In the middle, I think it's kind of slow for a while. I thought a couple of times "Well, that's it?" because the reader is led to believe that the conflict is already resolved. As soon as those few chapters are over though, the action starts again believe me!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    You all know me. If I read the first book and get hooked on it, I must read the second book. So without a doubt, I knew I had to read this one. This book did live up to the hype I expected, though I could have use a little more love in it, it still made me smile.I loved the plot line of this book. There is so much going one with magic and power that it leaves your fingers tingling! I really loved the growth of both characters and facing the past. Having a past that you are not proud of that comes back to haunt and hurt you in any way is hard. I like that through out the trails that stuck by each other. That right there is true love.So the love interest in this book turn so many different directions. One thing I loved about it is the way they work together. Even when one of them wanted to give up, the other just pick the other up and kept going. I admired their strength together. This love really define what loves is. Being there to pick up the other while they are down. Not mattering what happen in this past but what you can do about it now. Such a great sacrifice!Overall, Spellcaster is an fantastic sequel. With magic flowing through the pages, Spellcaster is a worthy sequel. Elegantly put together, Spellcaster is compelling.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wow. I thought that surely Shultz outdid herself with Spellbound, but I was wrong. Spellcaster is fantastic! It picks up where Spellbound left off, with Emma and Brendan dealing with the fallout from Anthony's attack. Anthony is still MIA, and the police believe that his father is hiding him somewhere in Europe. However, no one is sure where Anthony really is. Also, someone is out to get Emma and Brendan... again. These poor kids can't get a moment's peace. Spellcaster is an extremely suspenseful read. Emma and Brendan have to battle new and old enemies, and the novel is packed full of action, romance, adventure, and mystery. This is one book you do not want to miss. Spellcaster has everything I loved about Spellbound, but the pacing is faster. Spellbound started off kind of slow at first, but Spellcaster jumps right into the action. We find out pretty quickly that something is after Emma, but we don't know what it is. Even after we find out who is behind her attacks, there is still a mystery surrounding who is helping Emma's attacker. While I had a good idea who was helping Emma's attacker, I wasn't 100% sure until it was revealed. Shultz leaves hints along the way, but she does a good job at keeping you guessing. Emma's character has grown so much since Spellbound, and she grows even more in Spellcaster. She still has her sarcastic sense of humor, but she is much more mature. She has a lot of difficult decisions to make in this novel, and some of her decisions really surprised me... in a good way. When I finished this book, I was very proud of the character she's become. Emma is a strong heroine who fights for those she loves without sacrificing who she is. She won't let anyone push her around, and I really admire that about her. Brendan is just as sweet as ever, and if you didn't completely fall in love with him during Spellbound, you definitely will in this book. He goes to great lengths to ensure Emma's happiness, and it's obvious that he's become her best friend as well as her soul mate. They make a great team, and their interactions show that they are growing as characters together. They have a healthy and respectful relationship. I wish more YA books had characters like these two. A cool thing Shultz did in this book was tell a couple of chapters from Angelique's perspective. This really allows the us to get to know our favorite goth girl a bit better. Angelique has some new powers that she's learning to deal with, and her POV made the story more complex. We also find out what her problem is with Brendan and how she's working to overcome their differences. Angelique was one of my favorite characters in Spellcaster. There is a lot more magic in Spellcaster than there was in Spellbound, and I really enjoyed that. Emma is learning how to be a witch, and while she has some problems focusing her emotions, her powers always seem to work when she needs them most. We also get to meet Angelique's cousin, Miranda, and she's an interesting addition to the book. The plot, as I stated, is a page turner. It's quick moving, and the pacing is perfect. The ending wraps everything up nicely, but there is room for a sequel. I hope this series is at least a trilogy because I love the world that Shultz has created. Spellcaster will entrance you and keep you under its spell until the last page.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The continuation of Emma and Brendan’s story begins in New York four months from where Spellbound left off. Still in love, and still fighting to be together without all of the drama. This of course, doesn’t happen. Emma, a newbie witch, needs Angelique to help her hone her skills in order to survive the latest attack on her true love. Seemingly an untalented witch, Emma learns that with the right spell mixed with just the right amount of anger can knock out any opponent. Unlike Spellbound, Emma is determined to keep Brendan out of harm’s way and try to end the threat to their love once and for all. In this installment, Emma is unremarkable. Brendan is lust worthy, but uninspiring. I found Cara Lynn Schultz’s writing to also be unremarkable. Compared the Spellbound, I found Spellcaster to be sophomoric. Cara’s first book used beautiful description, strong characterization and included humorous dialogue. This time, instead of telling a story that produces vivid images in the reader’s mind, I was inundated with cheap catch phrases and goofy descriptions. The reference to Freddy Krueger’s basement was just plain off. As much as I loved Spellbound, Cara’s sequel left me wishing there never was a sequel.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Synopsis: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:When I read Spellbound I only gave it a 3 out of 5. I think I should have given it a 4. Firstly what struck me overall about this book is that the premise of the story is incredibly simple. Once we figure out who the evil witch is, most of it is plain sailing from there. There aren't that many twists and turns, but the writing is beautifully done and the romance between Emma and Brendan is wonderful, pure (they are soul mates after all), and a delight to read. There is no bickering, or arrival of another teasing male to form a triangle, its exactly what a gorgeous romance should be. And neither characters deviate from their feelings which, again, in the YA age of unpredictability is a good role to teach teens.In this episode of the series we get a lot more 'witchy' which (!) I loved. We have more Angelique and her great cousin Randi (both witches). But the witchyness isn't OTT. And Angelique and Brendan bury the hatchet and actually get nice with each other.The main character, Emma, left me disappointed in the previous book. I just felt she was lacking and a tiny little bit wussy whereas here we get a much different and more grown up version. I liked her a great deal more and by the end I thought she was amazing.This is a great follow-on from Spellbound. If you had any misgivings towards the first book then this one will capture you in.