Mary-Allyn
Written on Oct 18, 2013
Romance, magic and an age-old prophecy - the much-anticipated sequel to Born Wicked
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.
- ISBN10 0141342153
- ISBN13 9780141342153
- Publish Date 2 February 2014 (first published 18 June 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 30 June 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 384
- Language English
Reviews
Angie
Written on Aug 24, 2013
After falling madly in love with Born Wicked, I had been beyond excited to continue the story of Cate and her sisters in Star Cursed. I am happy to say that it does not disappoint! It begins a month later with Cate having joined the Sisterhood in order to protect Tess and Maura. However, things are not quite as safe for them as she anticipated. The Brotherhood has been cracking down even harder on the women for any tiny display of premonition or misconduct. Word has spread of a new oracle rising, and they're not willing to let her slip by. Now it's up to Cate to protect herself, her sisters, and the other witches while also not exposing them and causing the Second Terror. The story moves slowly, but the tension and danger are constantly building up to that amazing and heartbreaking ending. The only reason Star Cursed gets 4.5 rather than the full 5 stars is because it does get a bit repetitive in places.
Probably my favorite part of Star Cursed was getting to see the extent of the Brotherhood's power and influence over the people, especially the women. Feminism takes on a much stronger role in this sequel than it did the first book, and I loved it! I think the author did a great job at creating this society of villains who are seen as righteous men by many, when really they're quite immoral when it comes down to it. The edicts that they pass are horrific, and even more horrifying is that sometimes their reasoning makes sense. In a twisted way. It's easy to see how some people would be supportive of them, but there's also a rebellion brewing, and not just among the oppressed women! Their actions play a pivotal role in the plot as Cate tries to lead the Sisters against them.
I also really loved Cate's relationships with her sisters in Star Cursed. It was very clear in Born Wicked that the girls are very different and each relate to others in different ways. While plotting on how to save the witches and other girls who have been arrested, Cate and Maura's relationship is strained, but Cate grows closer with Tess, which in turn pushes Maura away from Tess also. Cate struggles a lot with trying to keep her sisters together while also doing the right thing for the greater good. I believe Maura has finally gone off the deep end. I really enjoyed watching her spiral out of control and the rivalry she creates with Cate over who is the prophecised witch. It was also nice getting to know the youngest Cahill sister, too. I am growing quite fond of Tess who at times seems much older than her nearly thirteen years. After that ending, the sibling dynamics are sure to change again, and I'm eager to see how!
I find reviews for books I love to be quite hard to write. Star Cursed was a pleasure to read and I loved just about everything about it! Fans of the first book will likely not be disappointed. Everything is built upon and expanded on, and I loved learning more about the witches and the Brotherhood. There's also a fun scene where the young witches use their powers on each other! Of course there is some romance, but I haven't said anything about it for a reason. You'll just have to read to find out!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Jun 10, 2013
I liked Cate in Born Wicked despite a few issues with her handling of her suitors, but I feel in love with her in Star Cursed. Cate has begun to accept who she is and the responsibilities that come as a consequence She has always been selfless and despite wanting to have it all, she sees the whole picture and thinks with her head not her heart. I really struggled with Maura in book one and loathed her in book two. Forget the middle-child syndrome the more page time she got the more I wanted to slap her. From her jealousy to her obsession with being the chosen one she is going to see them all killed! This added a level of fear to the tale because honestly despite her protest I believe she is capable of true evil. Tess is still her adorable self and we see changes in her throughout the novel. She and Cate confide in each other as the rift between Maura and Cate grows wider. Finn is back and I was so glad to see he will play a major role. I enjoyed their sweet interactions, but found myself terrified they would be discovered. We learn more about the Sisterhood and a few key sisters. Others characters and the Brotherhood add to the suspense, and flesh out the world and characters.
Sometimes second books suffer and aren’t as captivating as their predecessor but Spotswood raised the bar. She gave us a deeper understanding of the world and the characters. She makes you feel the oppressive world around you as she paints a clear picture from struggling hungry families, to the fear that quells in their bellies as the Brotherhood approaches. The Brotherhood is an oppressive, controlling government ruled under the guise of religion and obsessed with the prophecy. They seek to destroy the witches and keep woman from having any power. The people are becoming restless and the witches are demanding war as more restrictive laws pass. The tension and suspense was delicious as we all began to fear the second Terror. Spotswood slowly increased the tension as the tale progressed keeping me on the edge of my seat. I loved her descriptions of the town as well as Harwood and the conditions there. She gives us a panoramic view and I felt like I was a sister walking along side Cate. We see death, betrayal, and love. All of these played on my emotions and kept me vested. The ending was both exciting and mind-blowing. We are left with a heart-wrenching honest to goodness, stop your heart, mother of all cliffhangers. The air turned blue at my house as I vented my frustration. Book one ended in a cliffhanger but it looks like a speed bump compared to the cliff we fall of here. If cliffhangers do you in, hold off reading this till closer to the next release date.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and full review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer