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The Blurb On The Back:
All Nor Blackburn wants is to live an unremarkable teenage life. But as a descendant of the witch Rona Blackburn, who famously cursed her family over a century ago, Nor is no stranger to suffering. She has reason to hope, however, that she may have escaped the thornier side effects of Rona’s curse.
Then a mysterious book comes out, promising to cast any spell for the right price. The author - Nor’s own mother - is performing magic that should be far beyond her capabilities. And such magic always requires a sacrifice.
A storm is coming. It’s coming for Nor.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Leslye Walton’s YA fantasy novel has some great ideas and vivid and bleak imagery but the plot is filled with holes while characterisation beyond Nor is essentially non-existent. Although self-harm forms a major theme in the book, I didn’t buy into Nor’s psychological state and the inevitable YA love triangle between Nor, Reed and Gage is half-hearted and fails to sizzle. The book ends with the set-up for a sequel but I’m not sure I’d read on.
Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy of this book.
All Nor Blackburn wants is to live an unremarkable teenage life. But as a descendant of the witch Rona Blackburn, who famously cursed her family over a century ago, Nor is no stranger to suffering. She has reason to hope, however, that she may have escaped the thornier side effects of Rona’s curse.
Then a mysterious book comes out, promising to cast any spell for the right price. The author - Nor’s own mother - is performing magic that should be far beyond her capabilities. And such magic always requires a sacrifice.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Leslye Walton’s YA fantasy novel has some great ideas and vivid and bleak imagery but the plot is filled with holes while characterisation beyond Nor is essentially non-existent. Although self-harm forms a major theme in the book, I didn’t buy into Nor’s psychological state and the inevitable YA love triangle between Nor, Reed and Gage is half-hearted and fails to sizzle. The book ends with the set-up for a sequel but I’m not sure I’d read on.
Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy of this book.
