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Cover of The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel

The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel

Kate Brian (2010)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesPrivate Prequels #1
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.78

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

DeathMagic Gone Wrong

Synopsis

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 old 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. (less) GET A COPY Amazon CAOnline Stores ▾WorldCat Hardcover, 302 pages Published December 21st 2010 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers Original TitleThe Book of Spells ISBN 1442412364 (ISBN13: 9781442412361) Edition LanguageEnglish SeriesPrivate 0.5 Other Editions (11) The Book of Spells (Private, # 0.5) The Book of Spells (Private, # 0.5) The Book of Spells The Book of Spells (Private #0.5) The Book of Spells (Private) All Editions | Add a New Edition | Combine ...Less Detailedit details FRIEND REVIEWS

Is The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

A YA historical fantasy about teenage witches at a 1915 boarding school features secret spell-casting with deadly consequences. Contains a death from magical mishap and themes of rebellion against patriarchal expectations.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death and magic gone wrong.

Who'll love this

Teens will enjoy the sisterhood, secret magic, and empowerment themes as girls discover witchcraft at a historical boarding school.

Tags

Historical FantasyBoarding SchoolWitchesPeriod Drama