Arc Review: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Title: The Juliet Spell
Author: Douglas Rees
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Copyright © 2011 by Douglas Rees
Uncorrected E-Proof from Netgalley
The Juliet Spell on Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’m Juliet.

At least, I wanted to be.

So I did something stupid to make it happen.


Well, stupid and wonderful.

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....


Will Romeo steal her heart before time steals him away?

The Juliet Spell had an intriguing storyline that I eventually grew to like. I’ll be honest, I did not find much GREAT about this book, OK...maybe, but not great. 

• Miranda – is a girl who wanted to play Juliet so bad that she somehow concocted a spell that brought Edmund Shakespear into the 21st Century.
• Edmund Shakeshaft (Shakespear) – is William Shakespear’s brother who lands in the middle of modern time and has quite a shock.
• Drew – is part of the Romeo and Juliet cast. He is also talented in other areas of academics.
• Bobby – is best friend to Drew and a premier Actor who can be a pain in the butt one minute then kind and loving the next minute.
• William Shakespear – Do I really need to explain who he is?

Ok, so the story line was intriguing and it held my interest. I wanted to know how the story ended and what would become of the characters. Loving Romeo and Juliet, as I do, I knew there would be a tragedy involved, as all Shakespearian literature does. I just couldn’t figure out exactly what that tragedy would be…exactly. I had my ideas, but sometimes you just never know.

While I liked the book, there was so much I would have changed. I completely understand that a writer shouldn’t have to write a backstory for their characters; but, you have to give me enough understanding to make them believable. I had a really hard time believing that Miranda just came up with a spell to bring Edmund to current times, even if that wasn’t her intent. Then Drew just happens to be a quantum physicist, with no explanation? Hmmm….

I never even got a feel for the romance between Miranda and Edmund, besides her jealousy. There was no real feelings or emotions involved.

I know this is a negative review and I do apologize about that, but I really feel like the story was missing so much, but don’t take my opinion on this book. Please check out reviews from other colleagues who have loved it. Here are the links to a couple...

The Cozy Reading Corner

My Guilty Obsession


*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changes can still be made to The Juliet Spell at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarlequinTeen for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my them!