The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel

A teen forms a coven at her boarding school in this prequel to the New York Times bestselling Private series that reveals the true origin of Billings House.

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.

Kate Brian is the author of the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Private series and its spin-off series Privilege. She has also written many other books for teens including Sweet 16 and Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys.

ISBN: 9781442412378
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: December 20, 2011