The Juliet Spell
By: Douglas Rees
ISBN: 9780373210398
Expected Publication: September 27, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Available Format: Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Miranda has waited her whole life to be Juliet, and her chance is finally here. Instead of depending on fate, and the judgment of the director, Miri puts together a fame spell that will ensure she snags the role. Much to her surprise, a handsome young man appears in the middle of her table—a young man that says he is Edmund Shakeshaft, the younger brother of none other than William Shakespeare himself! Miri finds this might be a bit more than she bargained for, and the balance of time and history has been seriously disrupted. She and her friends have to find a way to make things right even if it means breaking Miri’s heart.
I have to say, Douglas Rees is pretty in tune with the teenage girl. Miranda is an entertaining female character, and thank goodness she isn’t angsty or whiney! I think some of the things she has had to face in her life have made her a stronger girl, and she handles this new adventure with grace and flair (as does her mother!). Conjuring up this crazy spell in the middle of a table with a volcano of salt was brilliant—absolutely something I could have seen myself doing once upon a time, just for kicks. And, I probably wouldn’t have been too upset if some handsome, charming guy just happened to show up, even if he was from the sixteenth century and needed a good bath.
This little novel is full of wit and charm, and you really can’t go wrong with a bit of Romeo and Juliet. I especially love the banter between the brothers, Edmund and William. I also love the fact that Miri’s dad is a psychologist who has gone away to “find himself”—priceless! My favorite part of the book was where they performed the play at the outdoor mall. I could picture every bit of it, and I WANTED to be there!
This book isn’t going to make you contemplate the meaning of life or run for president. There are things that are simply unbelievable or unrealistic, so don’t try to read too much into the plot. It is purely a fun, YA (mostly chick) lit that will most definitely make you smile.
I’m just wondering why I haven’t read any of Rees’ other work yet??
