Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Author: Jessica Spotswood
Title: Star Cursed
Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2
Publication: June 18, 2013
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: Paranormal, YA
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
~Website

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.

Cate has given up everything for her family, even the chance at happiness with Finn. The Sisterhood is going through a change and she must prepare fulfill the prophecy in order to lead them against the Brotherhood. Cate would rather not misuse her magic for the gain of others because she feels she has a higher purpose than that. Some might take that as being uppity...her sister Maura in particular, who thinks that everything comes easy to Cate and she deserves to be the next leader. If Maura would just get out her own bubble she could see past her own nose. Poor Tessa is having hard time mediating between the two of them but she's always been closer to Cate, which makes Maura even more distant. Can these sisters pull it together to save the innocent.......?


I couldn't put this down and that ending seems promising. Maura works my nerves because she feels like she never gets what she wants, so obviously having people cater to her beauty isn't enough. She's selfish and self-involved. She doesn't think about how much Cate has done and keeps doing for them all. Maura is just plain mean. Tessa is so sweet and smart. I like how she sees the bigger picture. Cate appears strong but she's just as afraid as uncertain about her future. This story carries over from the end of Born Wicked, where any one of the girls could be the chosen one as they all can do mind magic but now this time there is more to the prophecy, which will set apart the most powerful witch of three. Now, I say that but the last page of the book makes me question it all again. It's heartbreaking but promising. Overall, Spotswood has crafted a believable historical world about witches and oppression against women. The story flows quickly and the characters will make you feel for them. I couldn't help but love this book and can't wait for the next book.