Review: The Book of Spells by Kate Brian

CONTEMPORARY TEEN FICTION

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 qualities 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 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.

What a thrilling, mysterious, gripping prequel to the Private series! I was riveted throughout the whole book and honestly couldn't stop turning the pages. First off, the thing that surprised me most was the zero knowledge of the Private series you need to have in order to understand this book--and that's a good thing. So, for you people who have been following my reviews but aren't really reading the books along with 'em, then this book is for you. A magical, enchanting novel that doesn't depend on the rest of the books in the series to make sense.

I respected and admired Eliza Williams as much as I do Reed Brennan. She is a strong, brave protagonist who knows very clearly what she wants. She is passionate about life in general, and while she cannot be described as rebellious, she is not content with living under society's strict norms. I love how she makes her friends, holds her relationships dear, and does what she wants. She understands the importance of truths and kindness, but she's not limited by virtues. She has her flaws, but they're what make her special. Eliza is an independent girl, which is what makes or breaks a protagonist. And this main character is amazing.

Each character in this book was amazing, really. Theresa Billings, the girl whose father owns Billings, is rigid, mean, and sarcastic at the beginning. But when Eliza truly gets to know her and actually befriends her because of the deadly spell that took place in the deep of the woods one night, it turns out Theresa really does have a heart. And since Eliza is majorly crushing on Theresa's betrothed, Harrison, their friendship is almost impossible, but it does happen. And that's what makes Kate Brian an author of amazing miracles, as far as friendship, sisterhood, mysterious, and glamour go.

I have to say, the plot in this one was very complex and enjoyable. I never even thought of associating the Private series with witchcraft, but now it seems like it fits right in. After all, Billings is such an elegant, glamorous, mysterious, dramatic place that anything can happen in that dorm. Especially when that anything goes way back in Billings history. Now I understand the true mystery associated with Reed's Billings's Literary Society book. The only question that remains is, who exactly gave Reed the book? I really hope the question is answered in the series, because I am looking forward to hearing about it.

Anyway, now I'm just rambling. Y'all have probably realized how much I love The Book of Spells and how much you will too, and you also have probably realized that it fits right in with the series because of Reed's newfounded Billings Literary Society. Make sure you check out the rest of my Private and Privilege reviews, guys, because The Book of Spells gets five stars!