Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Book of Spells by Kate Brian

The Book of Spells (Private #0.5)Novellas/Pre-squeals: I believe this is considered one 
Series: Private
Published by: Simon and Schuster
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 303
Source: hardcover, bought
Rating: ✬✬


Synopsis: 
The year is 1915 when sixteen-year-old Eliza Williams arrives at the Billings School for Girls in Easton, Connecticut. Her parents expect her to learn the qualites of a graceful, dutiful wife. But Eliza and her housemates have a dangerous secret: They're witches. After finding a dusty, leather bound spell book, the Billings Girls form a secret coven. Bonded in sisterhood, they cast spells--cursing their headmistress with laryngitis, brewing potions to bolster their courage before dances, and conjuring beautiful dresses out of old rags. The girls taste freedom and power for the first time, but what starts out as innocent fun turns sinister when one of the spells has an unexpected-and deadly-consequence. Magic could bring Eliza everything she's ever wanted...but it could also destroy everything she holds dear
Thoughts: 
I have no clue what I was expecting when going into this book, but what I got was not it. I liked the writing style and some of the humor, but overall I thought it was kind of boring. I mean, these girls were suppose to be witches, but the only spells cast were super boring and basic. There was no excitement in them. The foreshadowing screamed out what was going to happen, so I wasn't shocked AT ALL when it did. 
Not only that, but I felt no connection with any of the characters. Reading a book and having no connection with the characters literally makes the book so painful to read. Unless that's just me... These girls are only 16 and younger and they meet a boy for one day and all of a sudden they're saying "I'm in love". Like no, shut up. You're not in love. 
I also absolutely hated the ending. It was ridiculous. There were a lot of questions I never got answers for and I doubt they will ever be answered. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I can't over look all the flaws that bothered me. 
Favorite Quote: 
"I don't mean to offend you, Catherine, but if you live your entire life wondering what you're going to regret later, you'll never truly live it."

2 comments:

  1. I love the Private series (even if it does get a little strange in the middle) but I didn't like this book much either. It's as you said, the way the girls react to the boys that really put me off, they reminded me of children and it was just awkward...
    onegirlonebook

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    Replies
    1. I haven't read the Private series yet, but I'm so glad you liked them :D

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