Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Book stats:
Reading Level: Young Adult
ARC: 384 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: June 18, 2013

Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2

Source: From Author for Review

Reviewed by: Lili

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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.



Jessica Spotswood is back and she does not disappoint! It is official, she is forever my favorite author of a witchy series. Nobody can compare. Wow, is my mind still reeling.

I think that this book may have been even better than the first one and that is because this book really made me think. Spotswood was able to take the usual subjugation of women from the time period that this novel takes place in and spin in to fit her plot perfectly. What is there to fear about women that makes it scary to have them work outside the home, have the ability to pursue an education, and the knowledge of how to read? Are we so powerful that the Brotherhood fears the power that an intelligent woman can possess, thus they feel as if they must take it away to lessen a woman’s power and sway in society? What is it that causes the Brotherhood to deem us wicked and hate our ways? It just got me thinking, and Spotswood was able to make such dark and demented themes work throughout her novel in ways that kept you guessing. Never once did I feel as if anything was being shoved down my throat. Instead, I wanted to rebel alongside Cate and fight back. You know you have a good story when it can invoke such strong emotions within you, especially when a story containing anti-women sentiments is written so beautifully.

And, as always, Spotswood’s characterization is strong. I began to love Cate and Tess even more during their journey to figuring out right from wrong in the time leading up to a war, just as my burning distaste for Maura slowly evolved into a strengthening hatred. And while I can’t say I’m a fan of this particular character, it’s amazing to have an author create a character who truly does make you hate, who inspires passionate emotions within you because they’re written so well. Whether you want to or not, you’ve forged some kind of connection with a character if they invoke anything in you, and this is a huge accomplishment, especially among the more villainous of characters. It makes me love Spotswood’s writing even more. It does help that I really began to love the friends that Cate made in the Sisterhood, just as I hated the friends and allies Maura made. And it’s made all the better by Finn who somehow managed to become even more amazing in this book. With that being said, I have one protest: there was not enough Finn! His scenes were some amazing, I wish they were plentiful instead of gifted and scattered apart.

The pacing of this book was a little spotty, though. Though this was admittedly rare, I did find myself reading slowly at times because there were a few preparation scenes between the bigger scenes that began to drag a bit. While I understand the importance of such scenes, they did not hold the intensity that the rest of the book held and I wish the entire novel had pacing on the same level. I mean, gosh! Those last ten pages had my heart beating out of my chest, and I let out a little scream during those last two pages that startled both my father and my feline reading companion, Cosmo. It was so easy for me to get into so much of this book, so why did the filler chapters drag so much? That is the one thing I would have liked fixed abouted this story.

I recommend this series to anyone willing to check it out. Certainly my favorite witchy series out there. Jessica Spotswood has already been informed that I will give my left leg for book three. I need it that badly!

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Posted by Lili at 06:00

 Fantasy, Jessica Spotswood, Penguin, Review, Witch, young adult  2 People left their mark

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Jessica Spotswood is back and she does not disappoint! It is official, she is forever my favorite author of a witchy series. Nobody can compare. Wow, is my mind still reeling.

I think that this book may have been even better than the first one and that is because this book really made me think. Spotswood was able to take the usual subjugation of women from the time period that this novel takes place in and spin in to fit her plot perfectly. What is there to fear about women that makes it scary to have them work outside the home, have the ability to pursue an education, and the knowledge of how to read? Are we so powerful that the Brotherhood fears the power that an intelligent woman can possess, thus they feel as if they must take it away to lessen a woman’s power and sway in society? What is it that causes the Brotherhood to deem us wicked and hate our ways? It just got me thinking, and Spotswood was able to make such dark and demented themes work throughout her novel in ways that kept you guessing. Never once did I feel as if anything was being shoved down my throat. Instead, I wanted to rebel alongside Cate and fight back. You know you have a good story when it can invoke such strong emotions within you, especially when a story containing anti-women sentiments is written so beautifully.

And, as always, Spotswood’s characterization is strong. I began to love Cate and Tess even more during their journey to figuring out right from wrong in the time leading up to a war, just as my burning distaste for Maura slowly evolved into a strengthening hatred. And while I can’t say I’m a fan of this particular character, it’s amazing to have an author create a character who truly does make you hate, who inspires passionate emotions within you because they’re written so well. Whether you want to or not, you’ve forged some kind of connection with a character if they invoke anything in you, and this is a huge accomplishment, especially among the more villainous of characters. It makes me love Spotswood’s writing even more. It does help that I really began to love the friends that Cate made in the Sisterhood, just as I hated the friends and allies Maura made. And it’s made all the better by Finn who somehow managed to become even more amazing in this book. With that being said, I have one protest: there was not enough Finn! His scenes were some amazing, I wish they were plentiful instead of gifted and scattered apart.

The pacing of this book was a little spotty, though. Though this was admittedly rare, I did find myself reading slowly at times because there were a few preparation scenes between the bigger scenes that began to drag a bit. While I understand the importance of such scenes, they did not hold the intensity that the rest of the book held and I wish the entire novel had pacing on the same level. I mean, gosh! Those last ten pages had my heart beating out of my chest, and I let out a little scream during those last two pages that startled both my father and my feline reading companion, Cosmo. It was so easy for me to get into so much of this book, so why did the filler chapters drag so much? That is the one thing I would have liked fixed abouted this story.

I recommend this series to anyone willing to check it out. Certainly my favorite witchy series out there. Jessica Spotswood has already been informed that I will give my left leg for book three. I need it that badly!

 

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:00

 Author, Fantasy, Historical, Jessica Spotswood, Penguin, Putnam Juvenile, Review, The Cahill Witch Chronicles, Witch, young adult  2 People left their mark

"When I'm not writing" with Jessica Spotswood + giveaway!

Our guest this week is Jessica Spotswood. She's the author of The Cahill Witch Chronicles and is here today to celebrate the release of the second book in the series, STAR CURSED! Please join me in welcoming Jessica to the blog.

Let's be honest. When I'm not writing, I'm...usually doing something else related to writing! Blogging. Checking Twitter or Facebook. Critiquing a manuscript for a friend.  Reading a manuscript for a potential blurb (or a book just for fun - that's why I became a writer, after all!). Researching something. Reading blogs. Teaching a writing workshop for teens or tweens through Writopia. Going out for drinks and brainstorming and gossiping with my writer friends. Going to signings or on writing retreats. All these things take up a tremendous amount of my time.

But when I'm not doing any of that...well, I might be shopping.

I was not interested in fashion as a teen - or as a twentysomething. Throughout my twenties, I worked an office job in a small office - the university press - at Catholic University, where the dress code was business casual. I couldn't wear jeans, but no one else was wearing dresses, which left me in the awkward land of ill-fitting slacks -- so hard to size right for a curvy girl on a nonprofit paycheck! - and sweaters or polo shirts - because I refused to iron button-downs. After college, I also chopped my hair short - not the most flattering look for this curly-haired girl. And being a night owl trapped in a 9-to-5 job, I seldom did my makeup or bothered with jewelry until my lunch break. The girl in the mirror was decidedly not the artsy, whimsical girl I felt like.

I think it was around the time I turned thirty that I decided I didn't care what my conservative coworkers thought of my style. I dyed pink streaks in my hair and got a tattoo. I discovered Modclothand Anthropologie and Betsey Johnson and started buying bright, colorful dresses in fun patterns. To be honest, when I'm working from home, I'm often in my yoga pants and t-shirts that say things like CINNA TOLD ME TO WEAR THIS SHIRT. When I go out to the coffee shop to write, I tend to favor headbands, jeans, pink Converse, and either literary tees or bright colors. (I'd never be a good black-clad New Yorker; my closet is a rainbow of bright yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, and blues.) But when I do book events, I'm all about the fun dresses.

One of my recent favorite finds is Vera Bradley. I'm such a sucker for bright patterns! I started off looking for a laptop bag and somehow ended up with that plus a ginormous tote bag that was great for tour, a makeup bag, a wristlet, and a regular Vera bag that's the perfect size for a book or my Kindle. I love how squishable and washable and easy they are. It's kind of a problem.

Another recent favorite is the subscription box. I've been getting Birchbox for awhile now. Basically, they send me makeup samples every month and it's big fun. But even better, imho, is Julep. Like Birchbox, for a small fee, they send me a package of beauty goodies every month. But Julep focuses on nail polish and you get to choose which colors you feel like (within certain parameters). They also do this thing every month where you can sign up for a Mystery Box full of who knows what products for $25 (but it claims to be worth $75 to $200). Who can say no to that? Unfortunately for my bank account, not me.

So there you have it. When I'm not writing, I might be painting my nails, or trying a new product that swears it will tame my frizzy curls, or switching my signing pens and wallet from one bag to the other before I head out, or trying on a new dress, or exclaiming over a package that just came in the mail! (I'm still most excited when it contains books, though.)

---------------------------------

Thanks for stopping by, Jessica! =)

For more information about Jessica and her books, check out her website or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

---------------------------------

Here's the scoop on STAR CURSED:

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.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Here's the first book in the series:

---------------------------------

Jessica is graciously offering one (1) signed copy of STAR CURSED to a lucky reader!

To enter the giveaway, listen to the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---------------------------------

Do you guys have suggestions for who you’d like to see featured on the blog? If so, you can make your suggestions on this page. No guarantees that your favorite authors will be able to participate but we’ll try!

Authors, would you like to visit and share with us? Please email me at jennblogs (at) gmail (dot) com and we’ll set it up!

Read More

Posted by jenn at 08:48

 giveaway, Jessica Spotswood, When I'm not writing  27 People left their mark

"When I'm not writing" with Jessica Spotswood + giveaway!

Our guest this week is Jessica Spotswood. She's the author of The Cahill Witch Chronicles and is here today to celebrate the release of the second book in the series, STAR CURSED! Please join me in welcoming Jessica to the blog.

Let's be honest. When I'm not writing, I'm...usually doing something else related to writing! Blogging. Checking Twitter or Facebook. Critiquing a manuscript for a friend.  Reading a manuscript for a potential blurb (or a book just for fun - that's why I became a writer, after all!). Researching something. Reading blogs. Teaching a writing workshop for teens or tweens through Writopia. Going out for drinks and brainstorming and gossiping with my writer friends. Going to signings or on writing retreats. All these things take up a tremendous amount of my time.

But when I'm not doing any of that...well, I might be shopping.

I was not interested in fashion as a teen - or as a twentysomething. Throughout my twenties, I worked an office job in a small office - the university press - at Catholic University, where the dress code was business casual. I couldn't wear jeans, but no one else was wearing dresses, which left me in the awkward land of ill-fitting slacks -- so hard to size right for a curvy girl on a nonprofit paycheck! - and sweaters or polo shirts - because I refused to iron button-downs. After college, I also chopped my hair short - not the most flattering look for this curly-haired girl. And being a night owl trapped in a 9-to-5 job, I seldom did my makeup or bothered with jewelry until my lunch break. The girl in the mirror was decidedly not the artsy, whimsical girl I felt like.

I think it was around the time I turned thirty that I decided I didn't care what my conservative coworkers thought of my style. I dyed pink streaks in my hair and got a tattoo. I discovered Modclothand Anthropologie and Betsey Johnson and started buying bright, colorful dresses in fun patterns. To be honest, when I'm working from home, I'm often in my yoga pants and t-shirts that say things like CINNA TOLD ME TO WEAR THIS SHIRT. When I go out to the coffee shop to write, I tend to favor headbands, jeans, pink Converse, and either literary tees or bright colors. (I'd never be a good black-clad New Yorker; my closet is a rainbow of bright yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, and blues.) But when I do book events, I'm all about the fun dresses.

One of my recent favorite finds is Vera Bradley. I'm such a sucker for bright patterns! I started off looking for a laptop bag and somehow ended up with that plus a ginormous tote bag that was great for tour, a makeup bag, a wristlet, and a regular Vera bag that's the perfect size for a book or my Kindle. I love how squishable and washable and easy they are. It's kind of a problem.

Another recent favorite is the subscription box. I've been getting Birchbox for awhile now. Basically, they send me makeup samples every month and it's big fun. But even better, imho, is Julep. Like Birchbox, for a small fee, they send me a package of beauty goodies every month. But Julep focuses on nail polish and you get to choose which colors you feel like (within certain parameters). They also do this thing every month where you can sign up for a Mystery Box full of who knows what products for $25 (but it claims to be worth $75 to $200). Who can say no to that? Unfortunately for my bank account, not me.

So there you have it. When I'm not writing, I might be painting my nails, or trying a new product that swears it will tame my frizzy curls, or switching my signing pens and wallet from one bag to the other before I head out, or trying on a new dress, or exclaiming over a package that just came in the mail! (I'm still most excited when it contains books, though.)

---------------------------------

Thanks for stopping by, Jessica! =)

For more information about Jessica and her books, check out her website or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

---------------------------------

Here's the scoop on STAR CURSED:

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.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Here's the first book in the series:

---------------------------------

Jessica is graciously offering one (1) signed copy of STAR CURSED to a lucky reader!

To enter the giveaway, listen to the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---------------------------------

Do you guys have suggestions for who you’d like to see featured on the blog? If so, you can make your suggestions on this page. No guarantees that your favorite authors will be able to participate but we’ll try!

Authors, would you like to visit and share with us? Please email me at jennblogs (at) gmail (dot) com and we’ll set it up!

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 04:48

 giveaway, Jessica Spotswood, When I'm not writing  28 People left their mark