The story continues shortly after the curse has been broken (in Spellbound.) This book focuses more on the romance between Emma and Brendan, and there is also much more witchcraft, as Emma hones her skills and must use them to keep herself and her loved ones out of danger.
This time the danger is from a deranged person from Brendan's past -- I won't say more about it so as not to give away anything. There is a build up of the tension, as in the first book, as the characters try to figure out exactly what dangers they face. Angelique is once again an interesting character in this one, but really all of the other characters are just shells. They are needed for the plot, but we don't really know anything about them. The villain is satisfyingly evil.
Spellcaster has a great story, and the tension builds nicely. I did have trouble staying enmeshed in the story in the middle. I guess all the practice and preparations, the "getting ready for the showdown," just got a bit long. I also got really tired of hearing how gorgeously handsome Brendan is. I got it. Every time he shows up in a scene we are told how irresistible he is.
In two sections, Spellcaster is narrated by Angelique. I didn't mind this the first time, but the second time really broke the rhythm of the climax. Right at the most desperate moment for Emma, we cut to Angelique's perspective and go back in time a bit. It was really BAD timing.
Teen sex in YA novels doesn't really bother me, but it was nice to see a couple deciding on abstinence. And Spellcaster made it seem hard for Emma and Brendan, which it is, and I don't think we see that enough.
Anyone who liked Spellbound will enjoy Spellcaster. And, it isn't really necessary to read Spellbound to enjoy Spellcaster; it can stand alone fairly easily. Fans of magic and suspense, with some sizzling romance, should be pointed to Spellcaster.
Published by Harlequin Teen, March 27, 2012
eBook ARC obtained from NetGalley
384 pages
Rating: 3/5
I've been curious about this series since I saw reviews for the first book a few months back but I never piked it up. Great review Annette!
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