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The Spell
The Spell tells the story of Maurice, king of Fleurham, a strong but stubborn leader who struggles against his desires as he tries to save his family and his kingdom… of Lilac, Maurice’s frustrated queen who will do anything to keep Maurice’s attention… of their daughter, young Princess Isabella, caught in the struggle between her powerful parents… and of a dangerous curse that threatens to tear their world apart. A captivating tale of treachery, magic, and passion set in the lush countryside of sixteenth-century England, The Spell is C.V. Shaw’s sensational, not-to-be-missed debut novel.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2,127 people want to read
About the author
C.V. Shaw
1 book26 followersCV Shaw is the author behind The Spell. She is a great believer in magic and imagination. She is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Quantum Energy Practitioner. She specializes in Herbalogy, Reiki, BodyTalk, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Alpha-Intuitive Healing. She is also a Mindscape instructor. She is a native South Floridian and holds her alternative medicine practice out of South Miami. She has published work in How to Survive your Teenager. Previously as journalist, she was a feature writer for M.D. News, Florida Medical Business, Miami Herald Neighbors and Club Systems International.
C.V. Shaw was admiring a lush forest in Central Florida when she began imagining what could be on the other side, then the image of a beautiful castle appeared before her. With poetry in mind, she grabbed a notebook and started to write. By the third page, she had become enamored with the inhabitants of the castle. Seven months later, the would-be poem had evolved into a 240 page fantasy novel. It was only after The Spell was published, she recalled a glimpse of a past-life regression she had undergone 20 years prior that paralleled all too much with life in the castle, deepening the connection of her journey through The Spell.
C.V. Shaw was admiring a lush forest in Central Florida when she began imagining what could be on the other side, then the image of a beautiful castle appeared before her. With poetry in mind, she grabbed a notebook and started to write. By the third page, she had become enamored with the inhabitants of the castle. Seven months later, the would-be poem had evolved into a 240 page fantasy novel. It was only after The Spell was published, she recalled a glimpse of a past-life regression she had undergone 20 years prior that paralleled all too much with life in the castle, deepening the connection of her journey through The Spell.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 27, 2020
The Spell by C. V. Shaw is an enchanting novel that takes the reader back when kings ruled and magic made havoc with their destinies. King Maurice of Fleurham strains with being faithful to his wife, Queen Lilac. Her anger and nagging don’t make it any easier for him. Princess Isabella is caught between their power struggles. All comes to a head one fateful day when a mysterious archer shoots an arrow towards the queen and princess. The king enters a magical forest to rid the castle of this attacker. Meanwhile, the queen oversees the princess. Isabella lives for years under the weight of the curse placed on her that day. Will she ever find genuine happiness and love? Or will she continue to bring suffering to those around her?
I found C. V. Shaw an intriguing author who writes about mysterious spells and healing plants. The Spell beautifully combines the author’s hobbies and passion. The plot depicts a common theme, but the author weaves intricate details of the characters, landscape, and mystic that she constructs an engaging story line. The characters feature powerful personalities, allowing the reader to form their opinion of them. I like Isabella most. The trials she faced make the reader bond with her misfortune. Overall, it disappointed me when the book ended. I wanted to read more about Isabella and her future. Hopefully Shaw will delight us with more books of fantasy genre. The mystical cover of this book drew my attention, and I am glad to read it.
Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
I found C. V. Shaw an intriguing author who writes about mysterious spells and healing plants. The Spell beautifully combines the author’s hobbies and passion. The plot depicts a common theme, but the author weaves intricate details of the characters, landscape, and mystic that she constructs an engaging story line. The characters feature powerful personalities, allowing the reader to form their opinion of them. I like Isabella most. The trials she faced make the reader bond with her misfortune. Overall, it disappointed me when the book ended. I wanted to read more about Isabella and her future. Hopefully Shaw will delight us with more books of fantasy genre. The mystical cover of this book drew my attention, and I am glad to read it.
Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
July 24, 2020
C.V. Shaw's The Spell left me wanting more. The story takes you through the years of a royal family and their struggle to correct their ill-fated future. I enjoyed all the facets of the relationships that were explored (mother-daughter, husband-wife) and also loyalty, betrayal and romance. All this was sprinkled with a little magic creating a very imaginative and yet oddly believable story (despite the fantasy aspect). Any mother will relate to the desperate actions of the Queen to help her child.
The book was a fast read and I would say leaves you craving more from each of the characters and story lines. Having said this, I will wait patiently in hopes that I will see these characters once again in a sequel or even a prequel.
The book was a fast read and I would say leaves you craving more from each of the characters and story lines. Having said this, I will wait patiently in hopes that I will see these characters once again in a sequel or even a prequel.
July 16, 2020
It's a page turner!
During this bizarre time we are living in, I think we all need a captivating tale to take us far far away into a magical place. This book will do that for you. You won't be able to put it down. There are plot twists and unexpected turns that will keep you turning the page wondering what will happen next to these interesting characters. I highly recommend it!
During this bizarre time we are living in, I think we all need a captivating tale to take us far far away into a magical place. This book will do that for you. You won't be able to put it down. There are plot twists and unexpected turns that will keep you turning the page wondering what will happen next to these interesting characters. I highly recommend it!
July 26, 2020
An excellent read! Once you start you can’t put the book down, better make sure you have time to read it because you just think one more chapter and then it becomes two, then five and so on. The author’s imagination is brilliant and I loved the detailed descriptions which mKe you feel like you are there. Can’t wait for a movie and a sequel or prequel or the three of them.
May 8, 2022
The Spell is a spellbinding fantasy novel that takes place in medieval England. It follows the main characters: Maurice, King of Fleurham, his wife Queen Lilac, and their five-year old daughter Princess Isabella, through to Isabella’s adulthood. The story for the most part revolves around what was thought but never proved to be a bad luck spell cast when an arrow aimed at Lilac instead wounds Isabella.
As the novel progresses, we meet the supporting cast, those who assist the Queen and help raise Isabella, various witches, good and bad, and others who come and go quickly. Each character comes across as individuals, the time period is adequately rendered and the dialogue stands up to scrutiny.
Most of all, though, the only spell that is 100% surely cast in this novel is the one that descends on the reader. Author C.V. Shaw managed to render a gripping story about a family torn by the idea of a spell without actually knowing one exists. This brings to mind a famous quote by George Orwell: “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past." Whether the author intended this as the theme for the book, she did an exemplary job rendering it as Lilac’s efforts to cure the never proved spell becomes her main preoccupation. Isabella, an impressionable child, comes to believe all her bad luck is due to the spell, when it’s merely bad judgment or poor choices.
Maurice, meanwhile, has been absent for years after falling into an actual spell that keeps him captive to a young witch who resides in a forest that the residents of Fleurham avoid. When he finally returns to Fleurham, wife Lilac is angry and unforgiving. Isabella, as a child, adored her dad but now can’t quite come to terms with his prolonged absence. Ultimately, she attributes it to the mysterious unproved spell. In so doing Lilac and Isabella together fail to restore the family harmony, and live their lives in a dysfunctional manner generated by a spell they cast upon themselves. Kudo’s, C.V. Shaw!
As the novel progresses, we meet the supporting cast, those who assist the Queen and help raise Isabella, various witches, good and bad, and others who come and go quickly. Each character comes across as individuals, the time period is adequately rendered and the dialogue stands up to scrutiny.
Most of all, though, the only spell that is 100% surely cast in this novel is the one that descends on the reader. Author C.V. Shaw managed to render a gripping story about a family torn by the idea of a spell without actually knowing one exists. This brings to mind a famous quote by George Orwell: “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past." Whether the author intended this as the theme for the book, she did an exemplary job rendering it as Lilac’s efforts to cure the never proved spell becomes her main preoccupation. Isabella, an impressionable child, comes to believe all her bad luck is due to the spell, when it’s merely bad judgment or poor choices.
Maurice, meanwhile, has been absent for years after falling into an actual spell that keeps him captive to a young witch who resides in a forest that the residents of Fleurham avoid. When he finally returns to Fleurham, wife Lilac is angry and unforgiving. Isabella, as a child, adored her dad but now can’t quite come to terms with his prolonged absence. Ultimately, she attributes it to the mysterious unproved spell. In so doing Lilac and Isabella together fail to restore the family harmony, and live their lives in a dysfunctional manner generated by a spell they cast upon themselves. Kudo’s, C.V. Shaw!
October 19, 2020
Qotd: Which is your favorite fantasy book?
I am a big fan of fantasy books and therefore I picked the book "The Spell". It's an intriguing story about the King Maurice of kingdom Fleurham. There was a revolt between France and England and luckily Fleurham town survived the revolt. One day, a black crow swooped on Isabella's head and she was also darted by a cursed arrow. As the king Maurice got much angry with all this, he went towards the dark forest in search of an archer who has hit her princess daughter.
Lilac is too concerned that the cursed arrow must have cursed her daughter and her husband who has went in search of a mysterious archer must be dead now. The storyline is pretty interesting and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I read it on weekend and I enjoyed every bit of this story. It is very well written and narrated. Cover of the book is so decent. I liked it a lot. If you are into fantasy genre, then you couldn't miss to read this book. A promising debut novel by C.V. Shaw.
Rating 4.5/5
I am a big fan of fantasy books and therefore I picked the book "The Spell". It's an intriguing story about the King Maurice of kingdom Fleurham. There was a revolt between France and England and luckily Fleurham town survived the revolt. One day, a black crow swooped on Isabella's head and she was also darted by a cursed arrow. As the king Maurice got much angry with all this, he went towards the dark forest in search of an archer who has hit her princess daughter.
Lilac is too concerned that the cursed arrow must have cursed her daughter and her husband who has went in search of a mysterious archer must be dead now. The storyline is pretty interesting and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I read it on weekend and I enjoyed every bit of this story. It is very well written and narrated. Cover of the book is so decent. I liked it a lot. If you are into fantasy genre, then you couldn't miss to read this book. A promising debut novel by C.V. Shaw.
Rating 4.5/5
October 27, 2020
The Spell is the debut novel of the author C V. Shaw. The story is set in the lush countryside of the sixteenth century England in the town of Fleurham. This is the story about King Maurice, Queen Lilac and their daughter Isabella. A mysterious archer shot the Isabella with an arrow.
Maurice sent his men to search for the mysterious archer but they didn't found anything. Soon, the Queen noticed that her wedding ring too is missing. As Maurice himself went to search the archer on his bold horse, he also didn't return soon. As a result, Queen got concerned and she went five King's men info the dark forest. Read the further story yourself to unveil the suspense yourself.
Language of the book is easy and comfortable. Narration style of the author is remarkable and seems mature. Plot is intriguing. Characterization was stunning throughout the book even though there were so many characters. Pace of the story is fine.
I really enjoyed this fantasy story and I recommend it to my fellow readers.
Maurice sent his men to search for the mysterious archer but they didn't found anything. Soon, the Queen noticed that her wedding ring too is missing. As Maurice himself went to search the archer on his bold horse, he also didn't return soon. As a result, Queen got concerned and she went five King's men info the dark forest. Read the further story yourself to unveil the suspense yourself.
Language of the book is easy and comfortable. Narration style of the author is remarkable and seems mature. Plot is intriguing. Characterization was stunning throughout the book even though there were so many characters. Pace of the story is fine.
I really enjoyed this fantasy story and I recommend it to my fellow readers.
April 26, 2022
Unexpected twists and turns will keep you under “a spell” that won’t let you put this book down. This beautifully written gem gives the reader all the details you need to immerse yourself in 16th century Fleurham. Loved loved reading this book and look forward to a sequel. So many goood characters!!! Would love to see the next book about Thumbelina from her youth!! This is a must read!!
September 1, 2020
You had me at magic! Could not put the book down. What a great story to really take your mind away. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2023
The Spell by C.V. Shaw is an endearing tale set in 16th-century England, which takes place not long after King Maurice’s war against France. The king’s five-year-old daughter Isabella gets shot by an archer, who appears to be a mysterious figure. While the stubborn king searches the dark forest for this archer, his queen Lilac worries about the cursed arrow. The royal family of Fleurham becomes entangled in a web of magic, adventure, and deception. When the king returns home after years in captivity, his family struggles to regain the love and harmony that once bound them together. They must learn to see beyond the spell, incorporate their fragile roots, and become strong again.
The author’s writing will hold your attention from cover to cover, with an articulate style and vivid descriptions that will transport the reader to the lush countryside of Fleurham. The plot is intriguing and spellbinding. Throughout the story, you’ll learn of the unique backstories, from the witches who helped raise Isabella to the housekeeper’s family, the king’s horse, and other distinct events that create a fantastic page-turner.
Shaw’s book is not only enthralling in the sense of historical fantasy but also contains meaningful lessons. The family often blames their poor choices on a curse. However, it’s interesting to see how their lives unfold and to discover whether or not a curse, misfortunate, or other reasons are the root cause of their tragedy within the family and the kingdom.
The Spell by C.V. Shaw is an immensely detailed and thrilling story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. I recommend this stellar book for its gripping storyline and unique emphasis on accountability and how one event, one decision, can result in a powerful outcome.
The author’s writing will hold your attention from cover to cover, with an articulate style and vivid descriptions that will transport the reader to the lush countryside of Fleurham. The plot is intriguing and spellbinding. Throughout the story, you’ll learn of the unique backstories, from the witches who helped raise Isabella to the housekeeper’s family, the king’s horse, and other distinct events that create a fantastic page-turner.
Shaw’s book is not only enthralling in the sense of historical fantasy but also contains meaningful lessons. The family often blames their poor choices on a curse. However, it’s interesting to see how their lives unfold and to discover whether or not a curse, misfortunate, or other reasons are the root cause of their tragedy within the family and the kingdom.
The Spell by C.V. Shaw is an immensely detailed and thrilling story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. I recommend this stellar book for its gripping storyline and unique emphasis on accountability and how one event, one decision, can result in a powerful outcome.
October 17, 2020
🔷 BOOK: The Spell
🔷 AUTHOR: C.V. Shaw
Review:
Recently I read the book THE SPELL on my friend's recommendation and it was totally worth my time. I binge read this as I love stories about queen, king, kingdoms etc. Maurice is the king of a town Fleurham in England. When Isabella, princess of Fleurham was hit by an arrow, King Maurice went in quest of a mysterious archer but he was held captive in a cottage by some lady. Queen is worried due to the cursed arrow, her missing husband, etc. What gonna happen further in the story?
Review:
1) Cover of the book is attractive.
2) Title of the story is short, sweet and apt. It is related to the content of the story.
3) World building is amazing and I felt like I am watching everything happening in front of me.
4) Characters are well penned down by CV Shaw.
5) Narration is smooth and clear with a lucid language.
It is the captivating story involving magic.
Rating: 4.5
🔷 AUTHOR: C.V. Shaw
Review:
Recently I read the book THE SPELL on my friend's recommendation and it was totally worth my time. I binge read this as I love stories about queen, king, kingdoms etc. Maurice is the king of a town Fleurham in England. When Isabella, princess of Fleurham was hit by an arrow, King Maurice went in quest of a mysterious archer but he was held captive in a cottage by some lady. Queen is worried due to the cursed arrow, her missing husband, etc. What gonna happen further in the story?
Review:
1) Cover of the book is attractive.
2) Title of the story is short, sweet and apt. It is related to the content of the story.
3) World building is amazing and I felt like I am watching everything happening in front of me.
4) Characters are well penned down by CV Shaw.
5) Narration is smooth and clear with a lucid language.
It is the captivating story involving magic.
Rating: 4.5
February 19, 2025
Shaw is a true amateur. She loves ("amar" in Spanish) her craft, and "The Spell" is uniquely hers. Battles are set aside for the human conflicts of this royal family. Between keepers maintaining their fragile castle, royals trying to love stronger than their envy and mystic witches unable to surpass their grudges.
Shaw is also an amateur for her skill. This debut novel is sometimes clumsy, but her overwhelming passion and heart more than redeems and technical flaw.
I love this book. Enough said.
Shaw is also an amateur for her skill. This debut novel is sometimes clumsy, but her overwhelming passion and heart more than redeems and technical flaw.
I love this book. Enough said.
July 13, 2023
Not what I had hoped it would be. Bought as gift and it was so bad giftees insisted I read too. Disjointed. Read at your own peril.
January 16, 2025
The Spell is a romantic fantasy fill of lively characters, plot twists and witches. Magic transforms the lives of all the players, from the king and queen to their princess daughter, to the castle workers, cooks and nursemaids. As their time changes and each becomes stronger or weaker accordingly, we learn what other influences are in play. By the end, we are rooting for the princess on her quest for true love.
Fans of fantasy and romance will love reading this book.
Fans of fantasy and romance will love reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews