Title: The Juliet Spell
Author: Douglas Rees
Format: eGalley(from NetGalley)
Pages: 267
Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy
Stand-Alone or Series: Stand-Alone
Summary: I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part
I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?
Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past.Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.
Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....
My Thoughts:
For me negative reviews are always tricky to write. I never want to bash a book or an author. I know it takes a lot of work to write a book, but as a reader I also know I'm not going to love every book I read.
Unfortunately The Juliet Spell fell into that category. I was so excited to get this book. It sounded so different & I couldn't wait to start reading it. However, once I did start reading, it sort of fell flat for me. I felt like there was just so much more that could've been done with this story but as it was it felt predictable & stereotyped.
There were a few unexpected funny moments & I really enjoyed those. I wish there had been more of them. I also adore the cover, though I'm still not entirely certain how it's supposed to tie in with the book. I also enjoyed the notes at the end. On the other hand it had a fair amount of (strong) profanity along with some random time lapses (one time it's a year later & the next it's only been 6 months) & some continuity errors (the book kept going between 1596 or 1597 as to when Edmund was from) which drove me nuts.
In all, The Juliet Spell just wasn't my cup of tea.
Profanity: Holy Moly
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violence: Mild
For full details click {HERE}
Agree 100%, you made it much farther in the book than I did.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I was seriously even debating finishing it there for a while, but I'd had it on NetGalley for so long I felt like I had to, you know?
DeleteHaven't read this one....I haven't heard anything really great about it either though. I did just notice the cover model has gymshoes on. Cute!
ReplyDeleteIt's always tough to write a negative review, especially when it's a REVIEW book. But that's what makes you a good blogger! There's NO WAY you will LOVE every book you read. I'm working on my first DNF post (some were review books)...and I feel bad, but there has to be a balance!
As always, love reading your reviews!
Thank you! ♥
DeleteYeah, but it's still not easy writing those bad ones. Like you said though, you're not going to love every book you read & as bloggers we read a lot so there's bound to be a few flops in there at some point. Plus, sometimes a well written negative review can be more helpful than a good review when it comes to picking a book.
I loved the cover. So cute! I just wished there had been more done with the book itself...
Debating whether or not I want to give this book a try. Based on your review and the comment made by Coranne, the book doesn't sound that great. But...still, that synopsis does sound pretty appealing. But, I guess that's the good thing about books, even though it wasn't your cup of tea, maybe it will be a book I enjoy, right? I won't know until I read it for myself!
ReplyDeleteWhat initially caught my eye was the cover & then when I read the summary I was like "Yes! Must read!". Unfortunately it just fizzled for me. It's like you said though, that's the great things about books. Different people experience them in different ways, so what wasn't my cup of tea may end up being a book you totally love. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after you finish it if you do decide to read it. Thank you for reading my review & commenting! ♥
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