Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781416963974
Source: ARC sent by publisher
As the only non worker in a family of curse workers, Cassel is an outcast among his own. Forced to build a regular life, he tries to fit in at a regular boarding school. But when he starts sleepwalking, he finds himself in dangerous situations, wondering if he's been cursed, even though curse working is illegal. He's tried to put his miserable past behind him, his accidental killing of his best friends Lila, but it seems to come back to haunt him over and over again. Caught up in a web of lies and deceit, Cassel struggles to understand what part he might have played in the biggest con his family's ever undertaken.
Things I Liked:
Awesome world-building and story. I really had no idea where it was going or what twists and turns it would take and it completely took me by surprise more than once. I loved how realistically Black created an alternate reality with curse workers. Every detail was thought through and executed completely! It was so well done that I began to believe in Cassel and his family. A unique and pretty well written paranormal fantasy. Honestly, I'd probably just keep gushing if I said more about it, so I'll just say - read it. I just finished Red Glove, watch for my review coming soon!
Things I Didn't Like:
I can't think of much I didn't like, though some of the surprises felt a little unbelievable at first; but after some time, they felt right. Really a great new series.
Read-alikes:
I guess Heist Society by Ally Carter
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, but nothing too strong
mrg-factor: XX
a few suggestive parts
v-factor: ->->
things got a bit brutal near the end, but not graphic
Overall rating: *****
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