ARC Review + Giveaway: Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles Book 2)

Author: Jessica Spotswood

Publisher: Penguin Teen (Putnam Juvenile)

Release Date: June 18th 2013

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC (paperback)

Blurb:

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

My Review:

I LOVED Born Wicked, and when you fall in love with the first book in a series, you sometimes worry that the sequel will not live up to your now high standards for that author. Well, Star Cursed not only met, but exceeded all of my expectations. 

I loved the dynamic between Cate and Finn. He is extremely supportive and loving and his desire to protect her is so admirable. He cares for her safety, but still trusts in her personal strength and doesn't try to hinder her independence. 

I love Cate as a character. She is strong, brave, and worries for her sisters. She had been thrust a large amount of responsibility at such a young age, and has to make some difficult decisions that could possibly impact many lives. My other favorite character is Tess. She is the cute, kind, and extremely smart little sister anyone would love to have! 

I feel like this book was a big turning point in the series. There are many revelations, and danger abounds around every corner. Harwood Asylum was especially well depicted, and definitely hit a 10 on the "creep" meter. Spotswood is a master of world and character building, but plot is the driving force in this one. You will be racing along, turning pages well into the night, because you NEED to know what happens next. 

The romance in this story is absolutely swoon-worthy, but is also filled with betrayal, intrigue, and tons of magic! 

I would recommend Born Wicked, and The Cahill Witch Chronicles as a whole to anyone who loves YA. There is definitely something for everyone here. I promise, if you pick this one up, you will not be dissapointed!

My Rating:

5 out of 5 STARS

Purchase Born Wicked:

   

Pre-Order Star Cursed:

  

♥♥♥GIVEAWAY♥♥♥

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, I have a prize pack to give away to one lucky reader!

Open in the U.S. ONLY.

The prize pack will include:

- One Paperback Copy of Born Wicked

- One ARC of Star Cursed

a Rafflecopter giveaway