The Spell tells the story of a curse that takes over the royal family of Fleurham. A queen, embittered by the havoc that has torn her family apart, will stop at nothing to reverse the spell. A bewitched king struggles against his desires as he tries to save his family and the kingdom, and a young princess, caught in the struggle between her powerful parents... and the dangerous curse that has demanded the throne. All hope is set on seers, mystics, witches and a prohibited enchanted forest. A captivating tale of treachery, magic, and passion set in the lush countryside of sixteenth-century England. "The Spell entrances with its twists and turns through enchanted and cursed territory. Against a fairytale backdrop, Shaw's tale unfolds through time, with complex and complicated characters and storylines, as Princess Isabella struggles to lift the "curse" of her pernicious family, eventually discovering the power of her own agency—and magic." -Courtney E. Morgan, author of The Seven Autopsies of Nora Hanneman "With story lines that warn against focusing too much on the future and not enjoying the present, The Spell is a captivating fantasy novel...The novel blends elements of magical realism and historical fantasy in an intriguing way." -Clarion Review "A thought-provoking story that traces family relationships that evolve under a cloud of threat...Readers of romantic fantasy stories...will find The Spell truly captivating. It's a work that casts its own special magic on the reader's heart." -Midwest Book Review "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." -Literary Titan "C. V. Shaw's plotting is quickly paced and engaging yet never feels rushed...Shaw's prose is formal yet unpretentious and works to help set the scene of the novel. The tone feels appropriate for the sixteenth century English locale without being so elevated as to isolate readers...Fans of historical fantasy will find much to love in Shaw's work." -The BookLife Prize "With story lines that warn against focusing too much on the future and not enjoying the present, The Spell is a captivating fantasy novel." —Foreword Clarion Reviews "The Spell" masterfully weaves a royal family's journey through generations. The narrative explores complex relationships - from mother-daughter bonds to marital dynamics - while examining themes of loyalty, betrayal, and romance. Shaw blends magic seamlessly into the plot, creating a believable fantasy world. The Queen's protective actions resonate particularly with parents. Though complete, the story leaves readers eager for more character development through potential sequels or prequels. -C. Halwani (5/5) The Spell is a work of fiction in the fantasy, fairy tale, and suspense sub-genres, and was penned by author C. V. Shaw. Taking the classic atmosphere of fairy tales and giving them a dark and thrilling twist, we find ourselves in the kingdom of Fleurham where King Maurice and Queen Lilac each have their own agendas to try to control the kingdom and save their daughter. Isabella, the princess in question, lives amongst this power play as a terrible curse plagues every day of her life. What results is a fantastic adventure mixing sixte