Cursed

April 1, 2013

Gr 7 Up-It's been two years since the fatal car accident that changed high-school senior Ember McWilliams forever. The accident claimed her father's life but took hers as well. Her gifted younger sister, Olivia, was able to bring her back from the dead, but at a price. Ember possesses the touch of death and believes she is cursed and destined to be alone. Once popular and outgoing, she is now a recluse, ridiculed at school and called a freak by her classmates. Caring for a catatonic mother and a five-year-old sibling, she is nearing her breaking point when a handsome stranger appears. Hayden Cromwell reveals that there are others with "special abilities" and offers help. After an "incident," Ember and her family are whisked away to live with the Cromwells, where only Olivia is accepted. Mistrusted, her only friend is Hayden, who works with her to control her powers. The two become inseparable and, as their relationship intensifies, Ember discovers information that leads her to question Mr. Cromwell, the accident, her mother's illness, and her own safety. Armentrout puts a fresh twist on this occult tale, creating a paranormal setting that has the right mix of suspense, mystery, romance, and adventure. Gripping characters with an X-Men feel drive the plot, leaving readers wondering who is innocent and who is guilty. This stand-alone novel with the potential for sequels is sure to be a hit.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

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