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Spellbound
Have you ever wanted someone...you couldn't have? For almost a year, all Bea wanted was for things to go back to the way they were before her best friend left…but when Caid Knight comes into her life, everything changes. Even after Princess Jennipher returns, there is something different about the friendship they once shared as her relationships with fellow housemaids, Kerry and Lucy, begin altering and dwindling. News of a revolt against Crimson Isle’s four monarchies threatens the lives of those closest to her while her own safety becomes the most endangered as she considers leaving the only home she has ever known. As for Caid, her feelings for him are growing stronger with each passing day yet she doesn’t know how he feels about her. Before she can ask, she is told that fate will not allow them to be together, regardless of what she tries to do to be with him. Will she defy this foretelling or surrender herself to it?
298 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2012
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 18, 2012
A one of kind! If you’re tired of the same boring girl-falls-for-boy-boy-falls-for-girl-the-end, then this is your book!
Easy and enjoyable read. The main character is very relatable and it’s so interesting to follow from her point of view. This book grabs your interest from page one and doesn’t let it go even after the final sentence. A lot of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. So many amazing details and descriptions throughout the entire book.
Highly recommended for anyone who is in the mood for a book that won’t disappoint!
Easy and enjoyable read. The main character is very relatable and it’s so interesting to follow from her point of view. This book grabs your interest from page one and doesn’t let it go even after the final sentence. A lot of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. So many amazing details and descriptions throughout the entire book.
Highly recommended for anyone who is in the mood for a book that won’t disappoint!
May 15, 2012
One of the best young adult fantasy novels I've read in quite a while! Bea was abandoned by her parents as an infant. She was left on the King and Queen Renaldo's doorstep with an note asking for her care in return for her service as a housemaid until she turns 18. The kind royal family took her in and cared for her as their own with Bea finding a best friend in the royal princess. That is until the Queen died in childbirth, and the King remarried. Soon after the King is brutally murdered and his new wife changes everything. Bea is left to her housemaid duties and her best friend is wisked away and hidden. As Bea is approaching her 18th birthday her life continues to spiral out of control. She finds love in unexpected places, but with a tragic prophecy that promises her misery anyway she turns. She learns that friends may be enemies, and a war breaks out in the kingdom. Bea will do anything to save the ones she holds dear, while trying to unravel her place in the world, and learn about the mystery of her past.
Beautifully written, and promises to hold you on the edge of your seat until the last page. A must read for those who love fantasy but have tired of the cliche love stories of our day. Anxiously waiting for the second installment to continue Bea's story from this new author who gives a fresh take on young adult literature.
Beautifully written, and promises to hold you on the edge of your seat until the last page. A must read for those who love fantasy but have tired of the cliche love stories of our day. Anxiously waiting for the second installment to continue Bea's story from this new author who gives a fresh take on young adult literature.
November 5, 2025
Spellbound is a story about a girl, Bea, who has worked as a housemaid all her life. The monotonous pattern of her life was disrupted with the return of her childhood friend – Princess Jennipher – and with the princess, the arrival of the liberated security forces captain, Caid Knight. Set in a world that is familiar yet unfamiliar, the land is torn with rebellion and war, and the lives of the monarchies are at risk with the attempted overthrow of Queen Rosalind. And in the foreground Bea is facing personal problems such as people who are after her, teetering friendships and an uncertain love triangle. When she turns 18, she may leave her duties as maid, but having spent all her life in the castle, can she leave? What will she choose, and whom will she choose? Will she succumb to fate or pave her own path?
Opinion:
The book Spellbound by Monique N. Peterson, was an enjoyable, intriguing and refreshing read. It had good characterization and a gripping plot that made you wonder what was going to happen (however it finished with far too many questions unanswered – so hopefully it will be picked up and answered in a sequel, especially after the cliff-hanger ending and too many unsolved mysteries (Who are Bea’s parents? What are their roles? The disappearance of Queen Rosalind and Kerry. Who tried to poison the Queen? Also, the importance of the Bishop baby to the rebel boss, to name a few).
The setting was interesting – I was surprised and confused at first, as I was expecting a historical setting, but instead it was quite a different world. The people acted with modern day mannerisms, however, the traditions of the country were kind of olden dayish (absolute monarchy vs. democracy) with the monarchs and monarchy having to have arranged marriages. Yet it was futuristic in terms of the technology as it seemed more advanced and different to what we have today, such as cars with invisibility functions, plants that grow with a push of a button etc.
Spellbound was a terrific book, with an interesting setting and spellbinding mysteries; I look forward to reading a sequel.
Opinion:
The book Spellbound by Monique N. Peterson, was an enjoyable, intriguing and refreshing read. It had good characterization and a gripping plot that made you wonder what was going to happen (however it finished with far too many questions unanswered – so hopefully it will be picked up and answered in a sequel, especially after the cliff-hanger ending and too many unsolved mysteries (Who are Bea’s parents? What are their roles? The disappearance of Queen Rosalind and Kerry. Who tried to poison the Queen? Also, the importance of the Bishop baby to the rebel boss, to name a few).
The setting was interesting – I was surprised and confused at first, as I was expecting a historical setting, but instead it was quite a different world. The people acted with modern day mannerisms, however, the traditions of the country were kind of olden dayish (absolute monarchy vs. democracy) with the monarchs and monarchy having to have arranged marriages. Yet it was futuristic in terms of the technology as it seemed more advanced and different to what we have today, such as cars with invisibility functions, plants that grow with a push of a button etc.
Spellbound was a terrific book, with an interesting setting and spellbinding mysteries; I look forward to reading a sequel.
July 18, 2012
I received this through the GoodReads Giveaway.
Wow, I feel bad that I did not love this book as so many other reviewers did.
Bea is an orphan who is working for her keep until she is eighteen. Somehow she was best friends with the princess until the princess left a year ago. Bea just trudges along waiting until the princess returns; in the meantime she goes ahead and makes friends with some of the other housemaids and you just get the sense they really aren't good enough for her.
On an outing to a club, the trio of girls meet a trio of guys who obviously work for the royals. Bea makes a connection and the assumption that she has a right to know everything because well, she's the princess' best friend! She is nonplussed and a little fascinated by Caid, the guy that doesn't give in to her demands.
When Bea finds out that the princess is returning without letting her know, Bea is troubled...she honestly believes that things will just return to normal with no changes.
Bea goes out with the princess and her security of which Caid is a member and learns her "fate" from a psychic. Also, she hears whispers of unhappiness with the royal regime.
When Caid has to go to the front lines, all Bea can think is "who will protect ME?" However, another suitor soon shows up to tempt her away from the thoughts of Caid. Drake, the brother of the man the princess desires, takes Bea out and shows her a lovely time. Some men continuously stare at her and Drake becomes nervous. There is whispers about the Bishop Baby and how the leader of the rebels would love to have her. They make it back to the castle and Drake and Bea spend the night in the same bed. The next morning, they are a couple.
Caid returns, finds Bea spoken for but she is not ready to turn loose of either guy yet so he makes the decision for her. Caid also must tell Drake that his brother has died so Bea twists her hands and tries to figure out her best move.
Drake returns to his hometown to bury his brother and sends a letter to Bea to join him. The princess gives Bea her freedom and she is off to Drake.
I wanted to like this book so much; I thought it would detail the soul-crushing, mind-enthralling passion of someone so consumed by another. Instead, I felt I got a petulant, bratty girl that thinks she deserves the life of a princess because she played one as a child.
I felt the most interesting girl, Kerry, was shuttled off conveniently. I can only imagine that she will be making a reappearance in future books.
We didn't even get a single clue as to why the Bishop Baby is so important. Is Bea actually a royal? Is that where her sense of entitlement comes from?
I enjoyed the premise of the story and I look forward to future books to see what happens to the revolution, where is Kerry and the Queen, who are Bea's parents?
Wow, I feel bad that I did not love this book as so many other reviewers did.
Bea is an orphan who is working for her keep until she is eighteen. Somehow she was best friends with the princess until the princess left a year ago. Bea just trudges along waiting until the princess returns; in the meantime she goes ahead and makes friends with some of the other housemaids and you just get the sense they really aren't good enough for her.
On an outing to a club, the trio of girls meet a trio of guys who obviously work for the royals. Bea makes a connection and the assumption that she has a right to know everything because well, she's the princess' best friend! She is nonplussed and a little fascinated by Caid, the guy that doesn't give in to her demands.
When Bea finds out that the princess is returning without letting her know, Bea is troubled...she honestly believes that things will just return to normal with no changes.
Bea goes out with the princess and her security of which Caid is a member and learns her "fate" from a psychic. Also, she hears whispers of unhappiness with the royal regime.
When Caid has to go to the front lines, all Bea can think is "who will protect ME?" However, another suitor soon shows up to tempt her away from the thoughts of Caid. Drake, the brother of the man the princess desires, takes Bea out and shows her a lovely time. Some men continuously stare at her and Drake becomes nervous. There is whispers about the Bishop Baby and how the leader of the rebels would love to have her. They make it back to the castle and Drake and Bea spend the night in the same bed. The next morning, they are a couple.
Caid returns, finds Bea spoken for but she is not ready to turn loose of either guy yet so he makes the decision for her. Caid also must tell Drake that his brother has died so Bea twists her hands and tries to figure out her best move.
Drake returns to his hometown to bury his brother and sends a letter to Bea to join him. The princess gives Bea her freedom and she is off to Drake.
I wanted to like this book so much; I thought it would detail the soul-crushing, mind-enthralling passion of someone so consumed by another. Instead, I felt I got a petulant, bratty girl that thinks she deserves the life of a princess because she played one as a child.
I felt the most interesting girl, Kerry, was shuttled off conveniently. I can only imagine that she will be making a reappearance in future books.
We didn't even get a single clue as to why the Bishop Baby is so important. Is Bea actually a royal? Is that where her sense of entitlement comes from?
I enjoyed the premise of the story and I look forward to future books to see what happens to the revolution, where is Kerry and the Queen, who are Bea's parents?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2012
Wow!!! I know, how do you start a review with just one word? Well I just did. This book is by a new and young author. My first thought before reading it was, oh great another new start...but I was only into the end of the first chapter when the plot and the engagement of characters had grasped a hold of me. I was transformed into the main characters life, as if I were on a stage or managing my own dream...only difference would be that at 55 years of age it truly would be a dream. I couldn't put the book down and in two days finished it, more than likely could have finished it in one day if I wasn't taking care of other things. To grasp me into the storyline so
quickly and have me so transfixed that by the time I finished the last chapter, I was like...that's it? We are left with a cliff hanger? Yup!!! We better have a sequel in the works Monique N. Peterson because you already have this active reader wishing and wanting more in the life of Bea, Drake and of course Caid! Whom I am sure will and hopefully be returning. Recommend this book highly, with great characters to keep you actively engaged with, along with wonderful imagery. I gave it four stars, only because I want the next book now, LOL, and all new authors need a little growth.
quickly and have me so transfixed that by the time I finished the last chapter, I was like...that's it? We are left with a cliff hanger? Yup!!! We better have a sequel in the works Monique N. Peterson because you already have this active reader wishing and wanting more in the life of Bea, Drake and of course Caid! Whom I am sure will and hopefully be returning. Recommend this book highly, with great characters to keep you actively engaged with, along with wonderful imagery. I gave it four stars, only because I want the next book now, LOL, and all new authors need a little growth.
August 15, 2012
My Opinion:
I was given this book by the author to review it. I loved it!! At first it kept me wondering what was going on, how was this book going to keep me interested if I was confused form the beginning. Well I think that I was trying to figure out the book before I had even gotten into it. Well BIG Mistake!! Even when you think you know what is going to happen you are completely wrong!
Then the way the author gives the characters, I mean each character you come across has a purpose maybe not a big one yet she still explains each of them and their background as to why they are the way they are. Even when she is describing the castle and every room in it it's amazing. I just want to live in this book from the way the Monique describes everything. The main character, Bea you feel for her. I mean the way the queen and the princess (her "friend") treats her is unbelievable! I can't wait for the sequel for this book to be out, I think it will be even better then the first book!
Thank you Monique for letting me read and review this book!
Star Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
September 20, 2012
What it's about: Bea is a maid in the Royal household and is the princess' best friend. While the princess is away, Bea meet's Caid. Caid is handsome and doesn't give in to her every whim. Bea can feel herself falling for him, but doesn't know if he feels the same. Enter Drake, another devilishly handsome man, out to steal Bea's heart.
What I thought: This is a boy-meets-girl kind of book, with a fantasy setting and plot twists at every corner. I spent most of the time reading, trying to figure out just where the story was going and not once was I right. Monique Peterson surely knows how to keep her readers on their toes. While this book kept me enthralled, I found myself at the end with even more questions than I had at the start! It definitely leaves it open for a sequel, one that I hope will be even better than the first!
the good: If I say the man candy, does that make me shallow? ;) Caid <3
the bad: This book was an lovely and easy read, but sometimes Bea's acting as if she is entitled, struck a nerve.
Rating: 4 bookstacks
What I thought: This is a boy-meets-girl kind of book, with a fantasy setting and plot twists at every corner. I spent most of the time reading, trying to figure out just where the story was going and not once was I right. Monique Peterson surely knows how to keep her readers on their toes. While this book kept me enthralled, I found myself at the end with even more questions than I had at the start! It definitely leaves it open for a sequel, one that I hope will be even better than the first!
the good: If I say the man candy, does that make me shallow? ;) Caid <3
the bad: This book was an lovely and easy read, but sometimes Bea's acting as if she is entitled, struck a nerve.
Rating: 4 bookstacks
October 12, 2013
Spellbound is a story about a girl, Bea, who has worked as a housemaid all her life. The monotonous pattern of her life was disrupted with the return of her childhood friend – Princess Jennipher – and with the princess, the arrival of the liberated security forces captain, Caid Knight. Set in a world that is familiar yet unfamiliar, the land is torn with rebellion and war, and the lives of the monarchies are at risk with the attempted overthrow of Queen Rosalind.
I liked the book very much.
I liked the book very much.
May 25, 2012
The book flows right along. I would pick up the book to read a chapter and found myself reading on and on. At times I couldn't put it down.
Great first book for the author. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
Great first book for the author. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
May 26, 2012
Hope there is a sequel. Easy reading and enjoyable book. Bea is realizing there is more to her life than just being a housemaid in the castle. Join Bea as she learns more about her life and about love.
Very good first book for the author.
Very good first book for the author.
May 26, 2012
An ice cream sundae. You enjoy every moment of the book, when you are finished you are fully satisfied but inside you know you can't wait for more!
Flowing, many unexpected twists and turns. There are many characters and points I can relate to, all the more reason not to put the book down.
Flowing, many unexpected twists and turns. There are many characters and points I can relate to, all the more reason not to put the book down.
May 3, 2013
This sounds like a great book. Sounds like an interesting story with characters that sound like they will be interesting to get to know! Really looking forward to reading this book!
dnf
January 18, 2013[2012-06-29] Yay!!! My book arrived :-)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews