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The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2
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.
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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2013
About the author
Jessica Spotswood
15 books1,699 followersJess is the author of the historical fantasy trilogy The Cahill Witch Chronicles and the contemporary novels Wild Swans and The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls. She is the editor of the anthologies A Tyranny of Petticoats and The Radical Element, and co-editor (with Tess Sharpe) of Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft. Jess lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, mystery author Stephen Spotswood, and she works for the DC Public Library as a children’s library associate. Her next book, The Harrow Home for Wayward Girls, will be out in August 2026 from Holt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 906 reviews
September 22, 2013
The only thing I can say about this book is:
Maura is such a bitch.
Maura is such a bitch.
Read
November 19, 2012Well, I'm rather fond of it, but also rather biased. I hope it lives up to my goal to be "brutal + awesome, with kissing."
August 3, 2012
Nope. Nope nope nope. I refuse to accept those last three pages. They don't exist. Nope.
I have never liked Maura all that much. Now, it's safe to say that I hate her.
Nope.
I have never liked Maura all that much. Now, it's safe to say that I hate her.
Nope.
November 11, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Fantasy + Young Adult + Dystopian
Star Cursed is the second book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles series. It continues the story of Cate Cahill, who plays a major role in fulfilling the famous prophecy in this world. With more witches being punished and prosecuted by the Brotherhood, and a great division within the Sisterhood, Cate finds herself needed more than ever to help her sisters.
It is very difficult to reveal more without spoiling this book. Although it wasn’t as compelling as the first book, it was still very entertaining. Some new, interesting characters make it to this installment, which affects the turn of events. There is a twist in the end that I was not anticipating.
Like the first book, world-building continues to be one of the major pros of this series. There are some thought-provoking moments that will make you question things, especially when family members are involved.
Despite the love interests being unnecessary, I understand why the author decided to add them. After all, they are not useless, but they add things I can’t talk about in the story. This turned out to be a delightful and entertaining second book. Now, there is only one book left to finish this trilogy.
Genre: Fantasy + Young Adult + Dystopian
Star Cursed is the second book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles series. It continues the story of Cate Cahill, who plays a major role in fulfilling the famous prophecy in this world. With more witches being punished and prosecuted by the Brotherhood, and a great division within the Sisterhood, Cate finds herself needed more than ever to help her sisters.
It is very difficult to reveal more without spoiling this book. Although it wasn’t as compelling as the first book, it was still very entertaining. Some new, interesting characters make it to this installment, which affects the turn of events. There is a twist in the end that I was not anticipating.
Like the first book, world-building continues to be one of the major pros of this series. There are some thought-provoking moments that will make you question things, especially when family members are involved.
Despite the love interests being unnecessary, I understand why the author decided to add them. After all, they are not useless, but they add things I can’t talk about in the story. This turned out to be a delightful and entertaining second book. Now, there is only one book left to finish this trilogy.
September 8, 2013
Original review posted on Lexi Swoons
That ending though…THAT ENDING!!!! My emotions are too much right now...READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
The feelings I have right now are too tremendous to properly describe for you…but I’ll try my best to give you a good review without my emotional baggage tagging along...
Let me start by saying that I LOVE everything about this book. Which only makes this review even harder to write because I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it...the only "bad" thing that I can say is that the ending of this book left me DEVASTATED!!!! But it was so heartbreaking that it was GOOD!!! So you see where my issue is!
Anywho, lets start with the progress of our characters. Particularly our favorite witches, the Cahill sisters.
Cate, the eldest sister, we left off in Born Wicked thinking she was the prophesied witch that everyone was looking for. She has matured so much in this book it amazes me. She went from babying her sisters to actually letting them be themselves and it was such a beautiful thing! She has also learned so many things, magical and otherwise, that it makes me feel a sort of "pride" for her. Especially when she realizes that her magic isn't all bad, something happy for her in a world of sorrow and secrecy.
Maura, on the other hand, was such a disappointment for me (I guess I DO having something negative to say lol) her character seems like she really hasn't learned anything from her experiences. The only real change I see in her is that she is better at being conniving, spiteful and all around sinister! Such horrible (and WICKED) features!!! There are moments in the book when you can see how truly vulnerable she is, and though those moments are far and few in-between, my heart actually breaks for her in those moments. That is until her fits of jealousy emerge and you see how horrible she can be. The things she says and DOES to her sisters is just heartbreaking...HEARTBREAKING!!!
Tess, Ah we learn so much about Tess in this book. She was already a great character in Born Wicked, but we see her in a much more mature role in Star Cursed. She is such a powerful witch and loving sister that it hurts me to see all the drama that unfolds with these three girls.
And lastly, Finn!!! The life of my heart, I CANNOT even speak about him right now. My heart still hurts too much to form anything other than gut wrenching squeals and tears. I know this statement creeps into semi-spoilery waters, but there are no other words right now.
So finally, I hope that after what's been said you can still find as much joy in this book as I did because it really is a great sequel to the Cahill sisters journey and I am just as frightened at what's to come for Cate, Tess and Maura AND Finn as Cate is, but I know that Mrs. Spotswood will give them the ending that they deserve.
That ending though…THAT ENDING!!!! My emotions are too much right now...READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
The feelings I have right now are too tremendous to properly describe for you…but I’ll try my best to give you a good review without my emotional baggage tagging along...
Let me start by saying that I LOVE everything about this book. Which only makes this review even harder to write because I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it...the only "bad" thing that I can say is that the ending of this book left me DEVASTATED!!!! But it was so heartbreaking that it was GOOD!!! So you see where my issue is!
Anywho, lets start with the progress of our characters. Particularly our favorite witches, the Cahill sisters.
Cate, the eldest sister, we left off in Born Wicked thinking she was the prophesied witch that everyone was looking for. She has matured so much in this book it amazes me. She went from babying her sisters to actually letting them be themselves and it was such a beautiful thing! She has also learned so many things, magical and otherwise, that it makes me feel a sort of "pride" for her. Especially when she realizes that her magic isn't all bad, something happy for her in a world of sorrow and secrecy.
Maura, on the other hand, was such a disappointment for me (I guess I DO having something negative to say lol) her character seems like she really hasn't learned anything from her experiences. The only real change I see in her is that she is better at being conniving, spiteful and all around sinister! Such horrible (and WICKED) features!!! There are moments in the book when you can see how truly vulnerable she is, and though those moments are far and few in-between, my heart actually breaks for her in those moments. That is until her fits of jealousy emerge and you see how horrible she can be. The things she says and DOES to her sisters is just heartbreaking...HEARTBREAKING!!!
Tess, Ah we learn so much about Tess in this book. She was already a great character in Born Wicked, but we see her in a much more mature role in Star Cursed. She is such a powerful witch and loving sister that it hurts me to see all the drama that unfolds with these three girls.
And lastly, Finn!!! The life of my heart, I CANNOT even speak about him right now. My heart still hurts too much to form anything other than gut wrenching squeals and tears. I know this statement creeps into semi-spoilery waters, but there are no other words right now.
So finally, I hope that after what's been said you can still find as much joy in this book as I did because it really is a great sequel to the Cahill sisters journey and I am just as frightened at what's to come for Cate, Tess and Maura AND Finn as Cate is, but I know that Mrs. Spotswood will give them the ending that they deserve.
November 1, 2015
MORE? MORE! @ P.S. I love that book!
Okay so firstly let me just say that I do not remember the last time book managed to piss me off so much. I mean alright it is true, the subject in this book is very touchy but the way it is written, the characters and everything around them...I have to say, Jessica Spotswood did a great job because she truly managed to get a high amount of emotions from her readers!
THE WORLD: It story is based in New England in times when Witches were hunted and burned. The Brotherhood rules everything and states that women are wicked from birth and should seek guidance from men. Any who is suspected of being a witch of just wicked in general is locked in a madhouse, sent on the prison ship or killed. In this book Brotherhood goes even further and makes a law that women are forbidden to be taught even to read and word. Not everybody is happy, the New England is on the verge of standing up for the Brotherhood, only problem is that they hate witches just as much for them using mind magic on people years ago.
CHARACTERS: The story concentrated on three sisters: Cate, Maura and Tess. Before witches fell years ago there was a prosperity that there will be three sisters one day of which one will be the strongest witch ever and bring witches back to power. Therefore, Cate is thought to be that one witch. However, to know for sure she also need to be an oracle and so far she is not. None of the three sisters are. But as Cate is the oldest she was forced to join the Sisterhood which is really just a bunch of witches. And let me tell you, I feel with Cate. Sisterhood is just another place that uses Cate for their own advantage, they even threatened her loved ones if she said no. So Cate of course hates it and made me hate it as well. I actually love Cate, she is kind and good and just pure loving. I mean she is not whiny like most heroins who sacrifice everything are, Cate is strong and therefore she deserves my love. The next sister is Maura, and just as I love Cate I hate Maura. OMG! That girl is just so jealous of Cate, I mean they are sisters but I can guarantee that if somebody told Maura she could be popular if she killed Cate she would do it without a blind. I hate Maura and I so hope she is going to die miserable death realizing that everybody hates her! Especially what she does in the end of the book...it might be blood but Maura is an abomination. And then the third sister is Tess who is only 12 years old but wise nevertheless. I love Tess, she is so cute and smart and just a total bookworm! I would really love to have a sister like her!
Then there are a few other characters in the book such as Sister Inez, Alice and Finn. Now, sister Inez is pure evil. Like let's wipe everybody's minds who does not like us and control them completely evil. She is an evil manipulator, an actual villain of the series. Alice is another annoying character, she is of what you would call a New England bully who hopefully will die miserable lonely death and I will dance on her grave! And then there is Finn...oh boy oh boy I did not realize I love bookish men like him...he loves books, he always smells like books and has these cute things about him that just smile nerdy hot bookworm! I love Finn to the bits, he is perfection!
LOVE: This is one of the rare books which I wish had more of the romance. I mean Cate and Finn...oh my heard, oh the feels! So cute!
PLUS: I think this book is really teaching me patients and to keep my emotions in check. It is so brilliantly written that I love and hate it at the same time!
MINUS: Just like high emotions is a plus it is also a minus. At some points the hate gets so high that I just have to stop and take a deep breath to be able to keep going. I hope all Brotherhood and Sister Inez are going to die. And I hope Maura will be tortured and die a very painful death!
MORE? MORE! @ P.S. I love that book!
Okay so firstly let me just say that I do not remember the last time book managed to piss me off so much. I mean alright it is true, the subject in this book is very touchy but the way it is written, the characters and everything around them...I have to say, Jessica Spotswood did a great job because she truly managed to get a high amount of emotions from her readers!
THE WORLD: It story is based in New England in times when Witches were hunted and burned. The Brotherhood rules everything and states that women are wicked from birth and should seek guidance from men. Any who is suspected of being a witch of just wicked in general is locked in a madhouse, sent on the prison ship or killed. In this book Brotherhood goes even further and makes a law that women are forbidden to be taught even to read and word. Not everybody is happy, the New England is on the verge of standing up for the Brotherhood, only problem is that they hate witches just as much for them using mind magic on people years ago.
CHARACTERS: The story concentrated on three sisters: Cate, Maura and Tess. Before witches fell years ago there was a prosperity that there will be three sisters one day of which one will be the strongest witch ever and bring witches back to power. Therefore, Cate is thought to be that one witch. However, to know for sure she also need to be an oracle and so far she is not. None of the three sisters are. But as Cate is the oldest she was forced to join the Sisterhood which is really just a bunch of witches. And let me tell you, I feel with Cate. Sisterhood is just another place that uses Cate for their own advantage, they even threatened her loved ones if she said no. So Cate of course hates it and made me hate it as well. I actually love Cate, she is kind and good and just pure loving. I mean she is not whiny like most heroins who sacrifice everything are, Cate is strong and therefore she deserves my love. The next sister is Maura, and just as I love Cate I hate Maura. OMG! That girl is just so jealous of Cate, I mean they are sisters but I can guarantee that if somebody told Maura she could be popular if she killed Cate she would do it without a blind. I hate Maura and I so hope she is going to die miserable death realizing that everybody hates her! Especially what she does in the end of the book...it might be blood but Maura is an abomination. And then the third sister is Tess who is only 12 years old but wise nevertheless. I love Tess, she is so cute and smart and just a total bookworm! I would really love to have a sister like her!
Then there are a few other characters in the book such as Sister Inez, Alice and Finn. Now, sister Inez is pure evil. Like let's wipe everybody's minds who does not like us and control them completely evil. She is an evil manipulator, an actual villain of the series. Alice is another annoying character, she is of what you would call a New England bully who hopefully will die miserable lonely death and I will dance on her grave! And then there is Finn...oh boy oh boy I did not realize I love bookish men like him...he loves books, he always smells like books and has these cute things about him that just smile nerdy hot bookworm! I love Finn to the bits, he is perfection!
LOVE: This is one of the rare books which I wish had more of the romance. I mean Cate and Finn...oh my heard, oh the feels! So cute!
PLUS: I think this book is really teaching me patients and to keep my emotions in check. It is so brilliantly written that I love and hate it at the same time!
MINUS: Just like high emotions is a plus it is also a minus. At some points the hate gets so high that I just have to stop and take a deep breath to be able to keep going. I hope all Brotherhood and Sister Inez are going to die. And I hope Maura will be tortured and die a very painful death!
MORE? MORE! @ P.S. I love that book!
August 9, 2012
You. Effing. B*tch.
I knew you were capable of it, I just...you...heartless piece of...na-uh! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
B*tch. B*tch. B*TCH!!!
Everybody! Sing along! Angry voice! I know you know the words!
I knew you were capable of it, I just...you...heartless piece of...na-uh! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
B*tch. B*tch. B*TCH!!!
Everybody! Sing along! Angry voice! I know you know the words!
October 5, 2020
Ein toller, magischer zweiter Band! Jessica Spotswood hat einen ruhigen Schreibstil & grade für einen herbstlichen Nachmittag auf der Couch, ist ihre Geschichte rund um 3 Hexen-Schwestern wunderbar geeignet. 🧡🧙🏻♀️✨
May 7, 2012
Star Cursed brings us back to the New England world of witches, opression, and prophesy with a grand new tale of the Cahill sisters. Full of romance, intrigue, and betrayal, Star Cursed was a thrilling sequel that ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you screaming for more.
Cate has given up all her hopes in order to save her sisters and the man she loves. Now a member of the Sisterhood--a secret group of witches masquerading as an order of nuns--she faces the immense burden of being "the prophesied one," because an oracle years before foresaw that one of three sisters, one gifted with mind-magic, would lead the realm out of the tyranny of the Brotherhood and into a new golden era of magic. But when a new prophesy is made by the current oracle--Brenna--that one of the sisters will also be gifted with the Sight, Cate comes to question her role in everything. With her sisters arriving at the convent as well, and Finn's arrival in New London, Cate is surrounded by choices, by friends and enemies, and must choose whether to lead or follow.
Once again Cate was a strong and charismatic heroine to follow. Though at first bogged down by her bruised heart, she flourishes when put to the test. Finn's return and his acceptance of her apology of course help buoy her spirits, but as before she finds her own strength in the course of her challenges. And as in Born Wicked, many of Cate's decisions rest on who she will trust. Will it be Cora, the leader of the Sisterhood prone to waiting instead of action, or Inez, the second-in-command who would welcome war? Will it be little Tess almost a woman of her own now, or headstrong Maura with grand plans of her own? Will it be Finn the booklover who captured her heart, or steady and loyal Paul?
Though the events of Star Cursed take place over a much smaller timeline--only a month at most--they contain as much drama and action as Born Wicked. Meeting in secret during the night, Cate and Finn find their romance intensifying, fueled only by the fact that they cannot be together in the light of day. From stolen kisses in the moonlit greenhouse, to fevered embraces in dark corners, these two heat up the pages. Meanwhile, tensions between the Brotherhood and the people are growing to a breaking point. When the Brothers crack down harder on women's rights, fueled by the fear of women's growing rights in Europe, tensions break out into riots and violence. Cate and the other girls realize that if the Sisterhood doesn't act soon, innocent lives will be lost. But what path will they choose to take, and will their own actions cause lives to be lost?
Filled with stunning revelations and heart-wrenching turns, Star Cursed was an excellent sequel. And with its cliffhanger ending it's sure to grip you nice and tight before the plunge into book three.
Cate has given up all her hopes in order to save her sisters and the man she loves. Now a member of the Sisterhood--a secret group of witches masquerading as an order of nuns--she faces the immense burden of being "the prophesied one," because an oracle years before foresaw that one of three sisters, one gifted with mind-magic, would lead the realm out of the tyranny of the Brotherhood and into a new golden era of magic. But when a new prophesy is made by the current oracle--Brenna--that one of the sisters will also be gifted with the Sight, Cate comes to question her role in everything. With her sisters arriving at the convent as well, and Finn's arrival in New London, Cate is surrounded by choices, by friends and enemies, and must choose whether to lead or follow.
Once again Cate was a strong and charismatic heroine to follow. Though at first bogged down by her bruised heart, she flourishes when put to the test. Finn's return and his acceptance of her apology of course help buoy her spirits, but as before she finds her own strength in the course of her challenges. And as in Born Wicked, many of Cate's decisions rest on who she will trust. Will it be Cora, the leader of the Sisterhood prone to waiting instead of action, or Inez, the second-in-command who would welcome war? Will it be little Tess almost a woman of her own now, or headstrong Maura with grand plans of her own? Will it be Finn the booklover who captured her heart, or steady and loyal Paul?
Though the events of Star Cursed take place over a much smaller timeline--only a month at most--they contain as much drama and action as Born Wicked. Meeting in secret during the night, Cate and Finn find their romance intensifying, fueled only by the fact that they cannot be together in the light of day. From stolen kisses in the moonlit greenhouse, to fevered embraces in dark corners, these two heat up the pages. Meanwhile, tensions between the Brotherhood and the people are growing to a breaking point. When the Brothers crack down harder on women's rights, fueled by the fear of women's growing rights in Europe, tensions break out into riots and violence. Cate and the other girls realize that if the Sisterhood doesn't act soon, innocent lives will be lost. But what path will they choose to take, and will their own actions cause lives to be lost?
Filled with stunning revelations and heart-wrenching turns, Star Cursed was an excellent sequel. And with its cliffhanger ending it's sure to grip you nice and tight before the plunge into book three.
November 29, 2017
Ein toller zweiter Teil, der für mich jetzt nicht ganz an Teil 1 heranreicht, aber mir dennoch viel Lesefreude bereitet und total Lust auf den dritten Teil gemacht hat ❤️
Cate gefällt mir als Protagonistin immer mehr und auch die anderen verschiedenen Hexencharakteren waren toll ausgearbeitet. Und OMG... der Schluß dieses Teils hat mir quasi das Herz zerrissenen... im Dezember ist auf jeden Fall direkt der letzte Teil dran 😊
Cate gefällt mir als Protagonistin immer mehr und auch die anderen verschiedenen Hexencharakteren waren toll ausgearbeitet. Und OMG... der Schluß dieses Teils hat mir quasi das Herz zerrissenen... im Dezember ist auf jeden Fall direkt der letzte Teil dran 😊
January 20, 2014
Oh my goodness! That ending!! I can't believe we have to wait for August 14th for the last book (although I do appreciate that amazing birthday book). Ugg!
Is it possible to be better than the first book? If not, then this middle book was just as good. I read the first book in ARC form about a year/year 1/2 ago approx. It was AMAZING. I have no idea what made Jessica Spotswood imagine this world, but it is vivid, exciting, and feels like it could be real!
This book is for the adventure lovers, the hopeless romantics, and the fantasy geeks worldwide. A novel that has this much to offer should not just simply sit on your shelf gathering dust! If you are age 14+ and the first and/or second book of this series is wasting away on your shelf, pick it up, open it, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic, rebels, and forbidden love. 4 stars out of 5.
Is it possible to be better than the first book? If not, then this middle book was just as good. I read the first book in ARC form about a year/year 1/2 ago approx. It was AMAZING. I have no idea what made Jessica Spotswood imagine this world, but it is vivid, exciting, and feels like it could be real!
This book is for the adventure lovers, the hopeless romantics, and the fantasy geeks worldwide. A novel that has this much to offer should not just simply sit on your shelf gathering dust! If you are age 14+ and the first and/or second book of this series is wasting away on your shelf, pick it up, open it, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic, rebels, and forbidden love. 4 stars out of 5.
Want to Read
April 14, 2012Nooooooooo!
I was scared this cover wouldn't be as pretty as the first. >.< I wish they hadn't changed Born Wicked's cover :[
I was scared this cover wouldn't be as pretty as the first. >.< I wish they hadn't changed Born Wicked's cover :[
October 2, 2014
Maura how could you!!!!???
September 23, 2013
2.5 stars - Spoilers
Meh, the main character and plot were kind of boring… But I did enjoy the little twist at the end and the relationship between the heroine and her sisters.
-Cate was still the same old typical YA heroine, I don't know why I thought she might have gained a decent personality between book 1 and 2. Ugh, she was insufferable, judgmental, hypocritical, self-involved, and whiny… Whilst at the same time being a boring-goody-two-shoes.
In the first book, Cate was blackmailed/forced to leave her family & love interest to join the Sisterhood (a bunch of undercover secret witches). This led to her spending most of this book whining about her life… Heaven forbid a heroine not moaning and instead trying to make the most out of a bad situation.
Cate lived with dozens of other girls/witches who were in the same boat as her but for some bizarre reason she thought no one understood her, and she believed that her plight was worse than everyone else's. Ugh, all the girls were going through the same thing as her… But Cate acted like she was the only one suffering. It irritated me that she made no effort to make friends with her roommates, it was like she thought they weren't worth her time or energy. I bet if she was living with a bunch of guys, she would have gone out of her way to connect with them. Cate obviously thinks girls are worthless.
Even though Cate made zero effort with her fellow witches, she was jealous and surprised that they seemed to like and respect Maura (her sister) more. She acted like it was so unfair that Maura was more popular than her, but she didn't stop to think that they might get on with Maura more because unlike her, Maura actually made an effort with them, hung out with them, and didn't act better than them. Did she not realise that people prefer someone that's friendly over someone that's stuck up?
I hated how depressed Cate was, even when her friends were trying to cheer her up, she was so dismissive of them. But as soon as her love interest talked to her she was suddenly happy. Yea, apparently only guys can make girls feel good about themselves.
Cate was everything I hate in a heroine. She was one of those types of heroines that constantly think of themselves, ignore other people's suffering, and only step up at the very end to play the hero. She did very little for the girls who were accused of witchcraft, she only stepped up when other people started making plans. The only people she really cared for were Finn (the love interest) and Tess (her little sister). She treated Maura like rubbish — she was constantly talking down to her, thinking the worst of her, ignoring her, and making her feel like a failure. Cate knew Maura was mad at her for being a controlling-sanctimonious-selfish cow yet she didn't try to make amends or reach out to her, she made a half-arsed attempt at the beginning but then gave up. It was no wonder that Maura had to look elsewhere for approval… Cate had Tess, Finn, Cora, Mei, Rory, Sophia, and Sachi's support, love and respect… Maura had no-one's. Cate was a terrible sister.
-Maura was an infuriating character, she was so bitter and jealous. I preferred her far more than Cate though. After Ellen seduced and used Maura in the first book, I thought she would have been more wary about who to trust, but she was just as dumb as ever. It was obvious that Sister Inez was using her for her own purposes, but idiot Maura was too daft to notice, all it took was a bit of flattery and she lost her morals and conscious. I was somewhat pissed that she erased Finn's memory of Cate at the end, she didn't erase his memory because she thought it was for the best or because Inez told her to, she did it because she was jealous of Cate having someone that loved her. I kind of understood Maura's feelings though, Cate was a really crappy sister… I don't blame Maura all that much for trying to hurt her.
Even though she was hateful, Maura was a far more interesting character than Cate. I would have liked to have read her POV over Cate's dull and cliched one. I think Maura will probably die in the next book as punishment for messing up Cate/Finn - I hope she doesn't though, that would be too predictable.
-Why were the Sisters so adamant that Cate was the prophesied Cahill witch? Why didn't they consider Cate's younger sisters?
I knew that Tess would turn out to be the chosen/prophesied one… I'm glad it wasn't Cate, it would have turned her into even more of a Mary Sue.
-The Brotherhood were a bunch of sexist fuckers. Cate was dumb to think that the Sisterhood should work with the Brotherhood when it was clear that most of the Brotherhood were evul, and were happy to kill, rape, and imprison young girls… And the rest of the Brotherhood who didn't approve of the way the women were being treated were still evul because they didn't fight for what was right, they just watched as young girls were ripped from their families and abused. They didn't have the strength of character to stop the fucked up things that were go on. So yea, the Brotherhood should all be killed, and the Sisterhood should have complete control over everything.
-Maura and Cate's relationship was the best thing about the book. It was so wonderfully angsty.
All in all, I wasn't overly impressed - Cate's dull POV let the book down. Maura's character and antics were the only that that really kept me hooked.
Meh, the main character and plot were kind of boring… But I did enjoy the little twist at the end and the relationship between the heroine and her sisters.
-Cate was still the same old typical YA heroine, I don't know why I thought she might have gained a decent personality between book 1 and 2. Ugh, she was insufferable, judgmental, hypocritical, self-involved, and whiny… Whilst at the same time being a boring-goody-two-shoes.
In the first book, Cate was blackmailed/forced to leave her family & love interest to join the Sisterhood (a bunch of undercover secret witches). This led to her spending most of this book whining about her life… Heaven forbid a heroine not moaning and instead trying to make the most out of a bad situation.
Cate lived with dozens of other girls/witches who were in the same boat as her but for some bizarre reason she thought no one understood her, and she believed that her plight was worse than everyone else's. Ugh, all the girls were going through the same thing as her… But Cate acted like she was the only one suffering. It irritated me that she made no effort to make friends with her roommates, it was like she thought they weren't worth her time or energy. I bet if she was living with a bunch of guys, she would have gone out of her way to connect with them. Cate obviously thinks girls are worthless.
Even though Cate made zero effort with her fellow witches, she was jealous and surprised that they seemed to like and respect Maura (her sister) more. She acted like it was so unfair that Maura was more popular than her, but she didn't stop to think that they might get on with Maura more because unlike her, Maura actually made an effort with them, hung out with them, and didn't act better than them. Did she not realise that people prefer someone that's friendly over someone that's stuck up?
I hated how depressed Cate was, even when her friends were trying to cheer her up, she was so dismissive of them. But as soon as her love interest talked to her she was suddenly happy. Yea, apparently only guys can make girls feel good about themselves.
Cate was everything I hate in a heroine. She was one of those types of heroines that constantly think of themselves, ignore other people's suffering, and only step up at the very end to play the hero. She did very little for the girls who were accused of witchcraft, she only stepped up when other people started making plans. The only people she really cared for were Finn (the love interest) and Tess (her little sister). She treated Maura like rubbish — she was constantly talking down to her, thinking the worst of her, ignoring her, and making her feel like a failure. Cate knew Maura was mad at her for being a controlling-sanctimonious-selfish cow yet she didn't try to make amends or reach out to her, she made a half-arsed attempt at the beginning but then gave up. It was no wonder that Maura had to look elsewhere for approval… Cate had Tess, Finn, Cora, Mei, Rory, Sophia, and Sachi's support, love and respect… Maura had no-one's. Cate was a terrible sister.
-Maura was an infuriating character, she was so bitter and jealous. I preferred her far more than Cate though. After Ellen seduced and used Maura in the first book, I thought she would have been more wary about who to trust, but she was just as dumb as ever. It was obvious that Sister Inez was using her for her own purposes, but idiot Maura was too daft to notice, all it took was a bit of flattery and she lost her morals and conscious. I was somewhat pissed that she erased Finn's memory of Cate at the end, she didn't erase his memory because she thought it was for the best or because Inez told her to, she did it because she was jealous of Cate having someone that loved her. I kind of understood Maura's feelings though, Cate was a really crappy sister… I don't blame Maura all that much for trying to hurt her.
Even though she was hateful, Maura was a far more interesting character than Cate. I would have liked to have read her POV over Cate's dull and cliched one. I think Maura will probably die in the next book as punishment for messing up Cate/Finn - I hope she doesn't though, that would be too predictable.
-Why were the Sisters so adamant that Cate was the prophesied Cahill witch? Why didn't they consider Cate's younger sisters?
I knew that Tess would turn out to be the chosen/prophesied one… I'm glad it wasn't Cate, it would have turned her into even more of a Mary Sue.
-The Brotherhood were a bunch of sexist fuckers. Cate was dumb to think that the Sisterhood should work with the Brotherhood when it was clear that most of the Brotherhood were evul, and were happy to kill, rape, and imprison young girls… And the rest of the Brotherhood who didn't approve of the way the women were being treated were still evul because they didn't fight for what was right, they just watched as young girls were ripped from their families and abused. They didn't have the strength of character to stop the fucked up things that were go on. So yea, the Brotherhood should all be killed, and the Sisterhood should have complete control over everything.
-Maura and Cate's relationship was the best thing about the book. It was so wonderfully angsty.
All in all, I wasn't overly impressed - Cate's dull POV let the book down. Maura's character and antics were the only that that really kept me hooked.
August 13, 2017
“I cannot imagine a life without books.
Without Father's stories of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses, without pirate stories and fairy tales and poems. Without the hope of another way, of freedom and adventure beyond what we have here and now. How dark life would be.”
First impression:
Yep. I hate Maura more.
Review
I have to admit ... I enjoyed Star Cursed more than Born Wicked. While the first book dragged too much for me, the events in Star Cursed all happen within one month! The pace is much faster, and there were quite some very good and exciting scenes!
Further, Jessica Spotswood writing style makes you really emotional. In a very furious kind of way. Woman are not allowed to read.
Woman are not allowed to work outside their houses.
Women are supposed to be obedient to their husbands and fathers and sons.
This books made so angry I thought I was going to throw it against the wall and never pick it up again. It's cruel to read this book, to read how woman are treated. However, I have to praise Spotswood for her amazing writing, capturing the emotions extremely good.
As for the characters ... gosh, Maura is another reason why I wanted to throw this book away. Again, well done Jessica! Maura is definitely on my list of worst characters ever.
I love love love Tess! There are more scenes with her and Cate and their sisterhood is really goals. I loved them together a lot, but Tess alone is such a cute and caring character. As for Cate ... hm, she was still too whiny at the beginning, but I have a feeling she'll be very different in the next installment ...........................................................................................
All in all, I'm happy to have continued reading the Cahill Witches. I really hope the last one will be as good (or even better) as this one!
4 stars
Without Father's stories of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses, without pirate stories and fairy tales and poems. Without the hope of another way, of freedom and adventure beyond what we have here and now. How dark life would be.”
First impression:
Yep. I hate Maura more.
Review
I have to admit ... I enjoyed Star Cursed more than Born Wicked. While the first book dragged too much for me, the events in Star Cursed all happen within one month! The pace is much faster, and there were quite some very good and exciting scenes!
Further, Jessica Spotswood writing style makes you really emotional. In a very furious kind of way. Woman are not allowed to read.
Woman are not allowed to work outside their houses.
Women are supposed to be obedient to their husbands and fathers and sons.
This books made so angry I thought I was going to throw it against the wall and never pick it up again. It's cruel to read this book, to read how woman are treated. However, I have to praise Spotswood for her amazing writing, capturing the emotions extremely good.
As for the characters ... gosh, Maura is another reason why I wanted to throw this book away. Again, well done Jessica! Maura is definitely on my list of worst characters ever.
I love love love Tess! There are more scenes with her and Cate and their sisterhood is really goals. I loved them together a lot, but Tess alone is such a cute and caring character. As for Cate ... hm, she was still too whiny at the beginning, but I have a feeling she'll be very different in the next installment ...........................................................................................
All in all, I'm happy to have continued reading the Cahill Witches. I really hope the last one will be as good (or even better) as this one!
4 stars
June 9, 2014
This review is posted on my blog, Rachel Reading. If you like it, and would like to see more like it, please check it out!
Holy God. This book series. Every time I think it's murdered my soul sufficiently it comes up with a way to kill me even more. I just...holy god. It's been like a month since I've read it and I still haven't recovered enough to start Sisters' Fate. It's that bad, y'all. But in the most amazing way.
Y'all. If you haven't read this series you need to. I'm such a sucker for a great dystopian with amazing world building built in. AND dystopian female characters that aren't dealing with awkward love triangles and that defines their main conflict. THIS SERIES IS SO FAR FROM THAT. It murders everything you love though, so just be fully aware.
ANYWAY, this book actually took me much longer to get through than Born Wicked which I didn't want to put down and I'm not sure why that is. Once it fully picked up though it was amazing and I didn't want to let it go. It would probably be like 4.75 stars just because I didn't just fly through it? But seriously this series y'all.
Also, I think I can say I've never hated a female character more in my life than Maura. Like I just can't stand her. She's had SO MANY CHANCES TO BE A DECENT PERSON AND SHE JUST WON'T TAKE THEM. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT. FUCKING MAURA.
I also need a shirt that says "So he calls me up again and he's like 'I still love you' and I'm like 'but you're not Finn Belastra'" just because...yes I need this. Even remembering this book is making me freak out again. Time to read Sister's Fate I think.
Holy God. This book series. Every time I think it's murdered my soul sufficiently it comes up with a way to kill me even more. I just...holy god. It's been like a month since I've read it and I still haven't recovered enough to start Sisters' Fate. It's that bad, y'all. But in the most amazing way.
Y'all. If you haven't read this series you need to. I'm such a sucker for a great dystopian with amazing world building built in. AND dystopian female characters that aren't dealing with awkward love triangles and that defines their main conflict. THIS SERIES IS SO FAR FROM THAT. It murders everything you love though, so just be fully aware.
ANYWAY, this book actually took me much longer to get through than Born Wicked which I didn't want to put down and I'm not sure why that is. Once it fully picked up though it was amazing and I didn't want to let it go. It would probably be like 4.75 stars just because I didn't just fly through it? But seriously this series y'all.
Also, I think I can say I've never hated a female character more in my life than Maura. Like I just can't stand her. She's had SO MANY CHANCES TO BE A DECENT PERSON AND SHE JUST WON'T TAKE THEM. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT. FUCKING MAURA.
I also need a shirt that says "So he calls me up again and he's like 'I still love you' and I'm like 'but you're not Finn Belastra'" just because...yes I need this. Even remembering this book is making me freak out again. Time to read Sister's Fate I think.
Want to Read
March 1, 2013I'm happy to report that there is no middle-book-in-a-series-slump going on here! Star Cursed, the second book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, is overflowing with conflict. First, there's the political drama that underlies the rivalry between the Sisterhood and the Brotherhood. Then, Sister Cora, the leader of the Sisterhood, is gravely ill, and there's a simmering dispute about who will take over after she dies and how the Sisters should deal with Brotherhood. There's also the growing tensions between between Cate and her younger sister, Maura. When Maura arrives at the convent, she is still reeling from a broken heart, and obviously angry at and jealous of Cate as all three sisters try to deal with possible interpretations of that ominous prophecy. Finally, there's the issue of Finn. Cate was falling in love with him in book one, and couldn't explain to him why she was forced to enter the convent.
All this makes for a story that's rich in intrigue and suspense -- the fear and paranoia caused by the Brotherhood rounding up women, the interpersonal conflict among the witches and the sisters, and the romantic suspense. I have to confess that I'm still not a big fan of Finn -- say that last part ten times fast -- but do like Cate, and if she's happy, I'm happy. I continued to love the very relationship between the three sisters.
And then … wow, that ending. I definitely didn't see it coming and it will definitely make for even more drama in the third book. Bring it on!
All this makes for a story that's rich in intrigue and suspense -- the fear and paranoia caused by the Brotherhood rounding up women, the interpersonal conflict among the witches and the sisters, and the romantic suspense. I have to confess that I'm still not a big fan of Finn -- say that last part ten times fast -- but do like Cate, and if she's happy, I'm happy. I continued to love the very relationship between the three sisters.
And then … wow, that ending. I definitely didn't see it coming and it will definitely make for even more drama in the third book. Bring it on!
May 6, 2012
Who does not love witches? Seriously, I cannot name a single person. Y’all remember the truth bombs Jessica Spotswood dropped on us at the end of Born Wicked with the big OH NO GASP GASP GASP moment? And then all of the swoons that she brought? Well the next book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, Star Cursed dials all of the emotional reactions up a notch and left me simultaneously cursing Spotswood and praising Spotswood. As a girl who loves talking books with her friends, I honestly cannot wait for you all to read this book so we can discuss the ending and just how out of control it was. I can’t wait to talk with you guys about Finn and my love of him, about the Brotherhood and why they are the WORST and about Cate Cahill and how I’m rooting so hard for her. Drop your schedule and read Star Cursed.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
April 18, 2014
OH MY GOD ASFHDJKLMXBEOFNSMAHK
Why did you have to end like that!?!
Why did you have to end like that!?!
December 21, 2015
Okay, wow, I didn't realise it was possible to dislike a character so much! This series is incredible, and I love the pacing. The only problem I had was with how melodramatic it got at the end there. I need to know what happens next ASAP!
September 29, 2014
4.5 stars
OMG OMG OMG OMG. OH. MY. GOD. THAT ENDING.
OMG OMG OMG OMG. OH. MY. GOD. THAT ENDING.
December 6, 2012
STAR CURSED is the the incredibly exciting, suspenseful, heartbreaking and utterly riveting second book in author Jessica Spotswood’s Cahill Witch Chronicles. It engages readers from the very first line, returning them to the author’s world of witchcraft and magic and to those who wish to destroy it, those who wish to keep it secret and those who are willing to go to war for it.
New characters are introduced, many existing characters return, there is a new setting to discover and layers have been added to the plot, the characters, the world. And with a story that delivers action and betrayal, a quick pace, an intriguing plot, compelling characters and a tension-filled build-up to a shocking conclusion, this second installment takes this series to the next level.
Talk of a new oracle has made the Brotherhood even more ruthless in their efforts to uncover and eradicate the witches. With more and more innocent girls being imprisoned, harsher restrictions being enforced and life becoming even more intolerable under their rule, there are those who are no longer willing to stand quietly by and just let it happen. There are even those ready to take action.
As tensions mount and as the Brothers’ desperation increases, even the Sisterhood comes under suspicion, creating dissension between those who wish to go to battle and those who want to find a less dangerous course of action. But with it still unclear as to who the most powerful witch of the prophecy is, going to war would put the Sisters at great risk. A risk that if they were to take and lose, could mean their end.
And if Cate Cahill is the prophesied witch, she’ll have to choose sides, she’ll have to be willing to step into the role of leader and she’ll have to make sacrifices, even ones that could cost her everything.
Author Jessica Spotswood has followed-up her enchanting first book in the series with one that is just as magical but offers up an even more engaging, more suspenseful, more exciting and more heart-wrenching storyline. She has allowed readers to get to know her main character, Cate Cahill, along with a few of the supporting characters, even better. And she’s given readers even more reason to like or dislike them, trust or distrust them, sympathize with them, empathize with them or feel disdain toward them.
Readers with high expectations for this sequel will not be disappointed, it does not suffer from sophomore slump. The plot is more danger-filled, more complex. The love story more swoon-worthy, heartwarming, heartbreaking. The betrayal far more devastating. The build to the conclusion more nerve-wracking, more climactic. And the ending more surprising, more shocking, more heart-stopping.
All of which makes STAR CURSED a must read addition to the series.
(Oh the blog I gave this my 6 star "off-the-menu" rating.)
On a personal note…
Oh. My. Gosh. I don’t even know where to begin. This book was so out-of-this-world good that there are no words to describe… okay, maybe there are a few words… maybe more than few.
But I think I have to begin at the end. Because that ending did kill me. I thought the ending for the first book in the series was torturous. But that was nothing compared to the ending for STAR CURSED. Nothing.
I mean, I knew something was going to happen. I may have suspected that something just like what happened would happen. The author teased, warned, foreshadowed, hinted, that something was going to happen. But it made it no less torturous. Knife to the heart.
And now I have to wait. A long time. I don’t have the next book in the series in hand. I don’t have any idea when it’s going to be released. STAR CURSED isn’t even out yet. And I’m just dying after what happened right there at the end.
But that wasn’t all that killed me. There was the build-up to the end. Talk about climactic. At some point during the read I started anticipating the “bad thing.” And the build-up filled me with fluttery nerves, nervous anticipation, angst.
I did end up setting the book down so that I wouldn’t have to reach that moment quite so quickly. But I couldn’t set it aside for long. Because as much as I didn’t want to have my heart broken, I just had to know. And now that I know, I want to pretend that I don’t, so that the next three hundred sixty-five and change days will pass that much more quickly.
If it were just the end and the build-up to the end, this story would have been awesome but it wouldn’t be one of the books that I consider off-the-charts. And this book is definitely one of those books that blew me away.
Before the build-up there was all that stuff in the middle and at the beginning. Stuff that made this story the amazing and compelling book it was. Stuff that kept me riveted. Stuff I’d really love to talk about in great detail, but I can’t. Because there is so much that’s so incredibly spoiler-y in this book. Talking about certain characters would be spoiler-y. Talking about certain character and storyline developments would be equally as revealing.
And I can’t even tease about the prophecy, the oracle, the visions. I can’t drop hints as to what happens with characters like Rory, Sachi, Brenna, Finn, Zara. I can’t reveal who I know to be trustworthy, who I know not to be and who I am still wary about.
I can’t talk about just what Maura gets up to. Whether she’s a character I now love or whether she’s one I loathe.
But maybe, just maybe, I can talk about Cate. Who was even more amazing in this book than she was in the last. She was every bit as compassionate and thoughtful. She was just as caring. But she was a little more decisive, a little more sure of herself and her abilities. And she wasn’t as afraid to take the lead when she needed to.
Things did not get any easier for Cate in this sequel. Things actually got quite a bit more difficult. Between what had happened to her in that first book to what was expected of her in this one, Cate had a lot to deal with. And that doesn’t even take into account the increased threat from the Brotherhood, the dissension within the Sisterhood or the fact that a wrong decision could very possibly be a deadly one.
And while I really, really want to talk about the choices she’ll have to make, the risks she’ll have to take, the side she ends up choosing and the allies that stand with her, I can’t. And I probably shouldn’t say anything more, except….
While I anticipated the author’s gorgeous writing, her lovable characters and the amazing world she created, she still managed to surprise me with her sequel. STAR CURSED is so much more suspenseful than its predecessor, there is quite a bit of action packed into the story, the betrayal goes so much deeper, the plot is far more complex. And the ending… shocking, heartbreaking, torturous to the nth degree.
And I just know the next book is going to be epic.
New characters are introduced, many existing characters return, there is a new setting to discover and layers have been added to the plot, the characters, the world. And with a story that delivers action and betrayal, a quick pace, an intriguing plot, compelling characters and a tension-filled build-up to a shocking conclusion, this second installment takes this series to the next level.
Talk of a new oracle has made the Brotherhood even more ruthless in their efforts to uncover and eradicate the witches. With more and more innocent girls being imprisoned, harsher restrictions being enforced and life becoming even more intolerable under their rule, there are those who are no longer willing to stand quietly by and just let it happen. There are even those ready to take action.
As tensions mount and as the Brothers’ desperation increases, even the Sisterhood comes under suspicion, creating dissension between those who wish to go to battle and those who want to find a less dangerous course of action. But with it still unclear as to who the most powerful witch of the prophecy is, going to war would put the Sisters at great risk. A risk that if they were to take and lose, could mean their end.
And if Cate Cahill is the prophesied witch, she’ll have to choose sides, she’ll have to be willing to step into the role of leader and she’ll have to make sacrifices, even ones that could cost her everything.
Author Jessica Spotswood has followed-up her enchanting first book in the series with one that is just as magical but offers up an even more engaging, more suspenseful, more exciting and more heart-wrenching storyline. She has allowed readers to get to know her main character, Cate Cahill, along with a few of the supporting characters, even better. And she’s given readers even more reason to like or dislike them, trust or distrust them, sympathize with them, empathize with them or feel disdain toward them.
Readers with high expectations for this sequel will not be disappointed, it does not suffer from sophomore slump. The plot is more danger-filled, more complex. The love story more swoon-worthy, heartwarming, heartbreaking. The betrayal far more devastating. The build to the conclusion more nerve-wracking, more climactic. And the ending more surprising, more shocking, more heart-stopping.
All of which makes STAR CURSED a must read addition to the series.
(Oh the blog I gave this my 6 star "off-the-menu" rating.)
On a personal note…
Oh. My. Gosh. I don’t even know where to begin. This book was so out-of-this-world good that there are no words to describe… okay, maybe there are a few words… maybe more than few.
But I think I have to begin at the end. Because that ending did kill me. I thought the ending for the first book in the series was torturous. But that was nothing compared to the ending for STAR CURSED. Nothing.
I mean, I knew something was going to happen. I may have suspected that something just like what happened would happen. The author teased, warned, foreshadowed, hinted, that something was going to happen. But it made it no less torturous. Knife to the heart.
And now I have to wait. A long time. I don’t have the next book in the series in hand. I don’t have any idea when it’s going to be released. STAR CURSED isn’t even out yet. And I’m just dying after what happened right there at the end.
But that wasn’t all that killed me. There was the build-up to the end. Talk about climactic. At some point during the read I started anticipating the “bad thing.” And the build-up filled me with fluttery nerves, nervous anticipation, angst.
I did end up setting the book down so that I wouldn’t have to reach that moment quite so quickly. But I couldn’t set it aside for long. Because as much as I didn’t want to have my heart broken, I just had to know. And now that I know, I want to pretend that I don’t, so that the next three hundred sixty-five and change days will pass that much more quickly.
If it were just the end and the build-up to the end, this story would have been awesome but it wouldn’t be one of the books that I consider off-the-charts. And this book is definitely one of those books that blew me away.
Before the build-up there was all that stuff in the middle and at the beginning. Stuff that made this story the amazing and compelling book it was. Stuff that kept me riveted. Stuff I’d really love to talk about in great detail, but I can’t. Because there is so much that’s so incredibly spoiler-y in this book. Talking about certain characters would be spoiler-y. Talking about certain character and storyline developments would be equally as revealing.
And I can’t even tease about the prophecy, the oracle, the visions. I can’t drop hints as to what happens with characters like Rory, Sachi, Brenna, Finn, Zara. I can’t reveal who I know to be trustworthy, who I know not to be and who I am still wary about.
I can’t talk about just what Maura gets up to. Whether she’s a character I now love or whether she’s one I loathe.
But maybe, just maybe, I can talk about Cate. Who was even more amazing in this book than she was in the last. She was every bit as compassionate and thoughtful. She was just as caring. But she was a little more decisive, a little more sure of herself and her abilities. And she wasn’t as afraid to take the lead when she needed to.
Things did not get any easier for Cate in this sequel. Things actually got quite a bit more difficult. Between what had happened to her in that first book to what was expected of her in this one, Cate had a lot to deal with. And that doesn’t even take into account the increased threat from the Brotherhood, the dissension within the Sisterhood or the fact that a wrong decision could very possibly be a deadly one.
And while I really, really want to talk about the choices she’ll have to make, the risks she’ll have to take, the side she ends up choosing and the allies that stand with her, I can’t. And I probably shouldn’t say anything more, except….
While I anticipated the author’s gorgeous writing, her lovable characters and the amazing world she created, she still managed to surprise me with her sequel. STAR CURSED is so much more suspenseful than its predecessor, there is quite a bit of action packed into the story, the betrayal goes so much deeper, the plot is far more complex. And the ending… shocking, heartbreaking, torturous to the nth degree.
And I just know the next book is going to be epic.
July 20, 2017
Suite adéquate, mais pas renversante. Il manque cruellement d'énigmes parce qu'il est un peu lassant de se satisfaire que d'une seule grosse pour les trois tomes. J'ai eu moins de mal à embarquer dans cette histoire parce que je m'étais liée d'affection pour les personnages à la fin du tome 1. L'histoire est bonne et les personnages sont attachants, cette série aurait pu bénéficier de davantage d'action. La fin est crève-cœur. PS jsuis in love avec Finn.
July 25, 2013
There will be uncut spoilers in this review.
Oh, Star Cursed. For all the ways you improved upon Born Wicked, you also fell much, much farther than the first book in this series did.
Where to even start? I’m going to go with the good stuff first. Star Cursed has much better pacing and plotting than Born Wicked. Lots of stuff actually happens other than in the very last third, and it’s interesting to read about! There’s also better fleshing out of the magic system and world, and how this society works.
As far as characters go, Cate was much more likeable this time around, although I found Maura to be reverting into a very flimsy archetype of a character--the overly emotional fanatic. Tess still didn’t leave much of an impression on me, even though more things arguably happen to and with her in this book.
I also actually enjoy Finn and Cate’s relationship. They’re equals, they act like equals, and they work together well as equals. It’s rare to see in a YA novel, so I appreciated it here and seeing them work together.
But that’s it, as far as the good goes. Let’s get to the bad, and hoo boy, do I have a lot to nitpick with Star Cursed.
For a series that tries its hardest to be feminist, I’ve been iffy on its feminist cred from the very first book. As I mentioned in my review for that one, Cate is horrific when it comes to other women, especially if they’re overtly feminine and, to her perception, “simple minded”. The narrative also supports this, with only two women breaking out of that perception and proving themselves to be Cate’s friends, Sachiko and her half-sister Rory. To my mind, you can’t have a feminist message in a book if you’re going to have your main character be a snot to other women like Cate was.
Thankfully, Cate has more or less dropped this attitude in Star Cursed... but then it seems the narrative makes up for that by having all the women fighting each other. I do understand what Spotswood was attempting to do here, to show that everyone has their opinion on how a war should be waged, and I did appreciate the shades of grey she attempted to inject in the story. But gods, at some points it felt like everyone in this story took a huge drink of some Stupid Tea. Why would the Sisterhood try to divide the sisters as much as they did? What would it have proven? Why do they all need to be at each other’s necks in the first place?
There’s also a very uncomfortable trend I noticed in regards to the characters of colour in this series. Pretty much nothing good happens to them; they’re either friends with Cate but need to be saved at one point, or they’re evil. No real exceptions. I don’t think this is intentional at all, but when I gathered up a list of all the characters of colour and what happens to them, it was a little hard not to see the pattern emerging.
Also, in this alternate version of New England where it’s normal and accepted to have rich people of colour, why couldn’t Cate and her sisters have been non-white? Why is it that one of the prophesied sisters just has to be a slim, blonde, plain (but not ugly, never ugly), rich white woman?
And there’s also the fact that Maura, the emotional (lesbian, or at least bisexual) sister, becomes an antagonist to Cate’s tightly controlled protagonist. Because all emotional women are silly and don’t do anything good, don’t you know? And those lesbians, you need to watch out for them too.
Also, the ending? While I do realize how powerful it might be on its own, I rolled my eyes. It felt like a cheap ploy for drama and angst on Cate’s part, and to further separate Maura and Cate for good. We all know Finn is either going to remember or fall back in love with Cate anyway, so it just feels a little needless and, well, stupid.
I want to like this series, I truly do. It has so many elements I love in fiction. But I finished Star Cursed feeling more frustrated and irritated than I did when I finished Born Wicked. I honestly don’t know if I’m going to continue with this series. I’m interested in what happens, but at the same time it does so much that angers me that I don’t know if it’s worth it to invest time in it.
We’ll see what happens, I guess. But I’m not going to be hurrying out for book three.
See more of my reviews at On The Nightstand.
Oh, Star Cursed. For all the ways you improved upon Born Wicked, you also fell much, much farther than the first book in this series did.
Where to even start? I’m going to go with the good stuff first. Star Cursed has much better pacing and plotting than Born Wicked. Lots of stuff actually happens other than in the very last third, and it’s interesting to read about! There’s also better fleshing out of the magic system and world, and how this society works.
As far as characters go, Cate was much more likeable this time around, although I found Maura to be reverting into a very flimsy archetype of a character--the overly emotional fanatic. Tess still didn’t leave much of an impression on me, even though more things arguably happen to and with her in this book.
I also actually enjoy Finn and Cate’s relationship. They’re equals, they act like equals, and they work together well as equals. It’s rare to see in a YA novel, so I appreciated it here and seeing them work together.
But that’s it, as far as the good goes. Let’s get to the bad, and hoo boy, do I have a lot to nitpick with Star Cursed.
For a series that tries its hardest to be feminist, I’ve been iffy on its feminist cred from the very first book. As I mentioned in my review for that one, Cate is horrific when it comes to other women, especially if they’re overtly feminine and, to her perception, “simple minded”. The narrative also supports this, with only two women breaking out of that perception and proving themselves to be Cate’s friends, Sachiko and her half-sister Rory. To my mind, you can’t have a feminist message in a book if you’re going to have your main character be a snot to other women like Cate was.
Thankfully, Cate has more or less dropped this attitude in Star Cursed... but then it seems the narrative makes up for that by having all the women fighting each other. I do understand what Spotswood was attempting to do here, to show that everyone has their opinion on how a war should be waged, and I did appreciate the shades of grey she attempted to inject in the story. But gods, at some points it felt like everyone in this story took a huge drink of some Stupid Tea. Why would the Sisterhood try to divide the sisters as much as they did? What would it have proven? Why do they all need to be at each other’s necks in the first place?
There’s also a very uncomfortable trend I noticed in regards to the characters of colour in this series. Pretty much nothing good happens to them; they’re either friends with Cate but need to be saved at one point, or they’re evil. No real exceptions. I don’t think this is intentional at all, but when I gathered up a list of all the characters of colour and what happens to them, it was a little hard not to see the pattern emerging.
Also, in this alternate version of New England where it’s normal and accepted to have rich people of colour, why couldn’t Cate and her sisters have been non-white? Why is it that one of the prophesied sisters just has to be a slim, blonde, plain (but not ugly, never ugly), rich white woman?
And there’s also the fact that Maura, the emotional (lesbian, or at least bisexual) sister, becomes an antagonist to Cate’s tightly controlled protagonist. Because all emotional women are silly and don’t do anything good, don’t you know? And those lesbians, you need to watch out for them too.
Also, the ending? While I do realize how powerful it might be on its own, I rolled my eyes. It felt like a cheap ploy for drama and angst on Cate’s part, and to further separate Maura and Cate for good. We all know Finn is either going to remember or fall back in love with Cate anyway, so it just feels a little needless and, well, stupid.
I want to like this series, I truly do. It has so many elements I love in fiction. But I finished Star Cursed feeling more frustrated and irritated than I did when I finished Born Wicked. I honestly don’t know if I’m going to continue with this series. I’m interested in what happens, but at the same time it does so much that angers me that I don’t know if it’s worth it to invest time in it.
We’ll see what happens, I guess. But I’m not going to be hurrying out for book three.
See more of my reviews at On The Nightstand.
February 7, 2013
4.5/5 stars
Ever since I finished Born Wicked, I had to get my hands on Star Cursed and find out what happens next to the Cahill sisters. I love witch/magick themed books and the fact that the storytelling by Spotswood is fantastic made me even more excited for what is to come for Star Cursed. I am happy to say that Star Cursed didn't suffer form the middle book syndrome. It also exceeded my expectations and I ended up loving it even more than Born Wicked.
So much happens in Star Cursed and there are so many ups and highs that I ended up going through emotionally. Also we get to glimpse even more into the lives of the witches as well as witness even more gruesome and horrific acts done by the brotherhood in the name of their faith. I think the reason why I love this series is that there is no clear good and bad side. While the brotherhood is pure evil in my opinion, some of the members are forced to be a part of it in order to keep their families safe. Also, what I found surprising that even the witches covenant isn't made up of all good members that want the greater good, but actually filled with witches with hidden agendas and a need for power and supremacy.
Of course Cate is in the middle of things, especially with the prophecy that seems to be pointing to her and her two other sisters. I have to say, Cate really grew up in this novel. She had her flaws, mostly for her unconditional trust towards her sister Maura.. us readers are given many hints and foreshadowing scenes that point to Maura turning bad, however I have to give Cate a break because she is her sister. However Maura just annoyed the hell out of me and I just couldn't believe where all her hatred comes from. This is one messed up girl. The bright light in this sister triangle is Tess. She is really a ball of sunshine and her relationship with Cate is just so adorable. However don't underestimate her because this girl is powerful. The difference between Tess and Maura is like the difference between day and night. Romance wise, we are not void of that; Finn was the anchor in Cate's life. He supported her decisions but at the same time voiced his own. He wasn't the typical 2D love interest we end up seeing in many YA books.
I personally loved the fast paced plot as well as the introduction to many other important characters as well as the complexity of some of them. Coming to the ending, I have to point out that it was horrific to read. It isn't just a cliffhanger-ish ending, but one that makes you scream at a specific character as well as wishing it was possible to teleport to a book and be able to punch said character in the face. I am just so pleased with the direction of this novel and I can't wait to see what happens next for the brotherhood, the sisterhood (the witches), Maura (ugh), Tess, and then Cate and Finn. There is so much that happens in this book but everything ties together perfectly. I definitely recommend it to paranormal fans, especially fans of the Sweep series.
Ever since I finished Born Wicked, I had to get my hands on Star Cursed and find out what happens next to the Cahill sisters. I love witch/magick themed books and the fact that the storytelling by Spotswood is fantastic made me even more excited for what is to come for Star Cursed. I am happy to say that Star Cursed didn't suffer form the middle book syndrome. It also exceeded my expectations and I ended up loving it even more than Born Wicked.
So much happens in Star Cursed and there are so many ups and highs that I ended up going through emotionally. Also we get to glimpse even more into the lives of the witches as well as witness even more gruesome and horrific acts done by the brotherhood in the name of their faith. I think the reason why I love this series is that there is no clear good and bad side. While the brotherhood is pure evil in my opinion, some of the members are forced to be a part of it in order to keep their families safe. Also, what I found surprising that even the witches covenant isn't made up of all good members that want the greater good, but actually filled with witches with hidden agendas and a need for power and supremacy.
Of course Cate is in the middle of things, especially with the prophecy that seems to be pointing to her and her two other sisters. I have to say, Cate really grew up in this novel. She had her flaws, mostly for her unconditional trust towards her sister Maura.. us readers are given many hints and foreshadowing scenes that point to Maura turning bad, however I have to give Cate a break because she is her sister. However Maura just annoyed the hell out of me and I just couldn't believe where all her hatred comes from. This is one messed up girl. The bright light in this sister triangle is Tess. She is really a ball of sunshine and her relationship with Cate is just so adorable. However don't underestimate her because this girl is powerful. The difference between Tess and Maura is like the difference between day and night. Romance wise, we are not void of that; Finn was the anchor in Cate's life. He supported her decisions but at the same time voiced his own. He wasn't the typical 2D love interest we end up seeing in many YA books.
I personally loved the fast paced plot as well as the introduction to many other important characters as well as the complexity of some of them. Coming to the ending, I have to point out that it was horrific to read. It isn't just a cliffhanger-ish ending, but one that makes you scream at a specific character as well as wishing it was possible to teleport to a book and be able to punch said character in the face. I am just so pleased with the direction of this novel and I can't wait to see what happens next for the brotherhood, the sisterhood (the witches), Maura (ugh), Tess, and then Cate and Finn. There is so much that happens in this book but everything ties together perfectly. I definitely recommend it to paranormal fans, especially fans of the Sweep series.
March 10, 2013
I have never wanted throw a book across the room the way that I wanted to throw Born Wicked. It was the kind of wonderful pain that only a well-written story can bring. Star Cursed delivered on the promise of a heart wrenching sequel and then some. Cate has accepted her place with the Sisterhood after threats against Maura and Tess lead her to leave Finn behind without a word of explanation. With Finn safely in the Brotherhood, Cate can concentrate on keeping out of trouble and waiting to see when her oracle’s magic will present itself. It is a tense waiting game because every day more girls are taken away and Cate’s frustration with inaction and fear of the future are palpable. With daring feats of magical espionage and some intense kissing scenes, there was not one moment of rest in Star Cursed. The girls in the convent are a mixture of interesting new characters and those that we knew in Born Wicked. With all of the girls there comes a different dynamic within the group. There is even one delightful mean girl because there will always be mean girls. What I found the most interesting was the dynamic between the two elders of the Sisterhood, Cora and Inez. As things start to become more dangerous and complicated, side emerge and the political intrigue within the sisterhood gave the story an extra level of OMG.
Cate’s character has changed in Star Cursed. She seemed more reserved, perhaps because of her broken heart, and more determined to keep her loved ones safe. The Brotherhood has become more oppressive and scarier, which is impressive considering how evil they already were. In contrast, Maura seemed to be even more reckless and dangerous, even. Her disregard for the consequences of her magic were frustrating to read, and I could really feel Cate’s frustration, as well. Tess has her own role to play in the coming confrontation and I am really looking forward to reading about how these three sisters interact with each other and how they handle the roles they must play in the coming war. As the jacket copy implies, there is a war between the sisters as well as one with the oppression of The Brotherhood. Believe me when I say that this combination made for a book that was nearly unputdownable. (Yes, that’s a word.)
If you’re wondering about Finn, I will just say that he is in the book and that I still love him. Will reading this book be painful? Will you to scream and cry? Yes, but you’ll beg for more, anyway.
Cate’s character has changed in Star Cursed. She seemed more reserved, perhaps because of her broken heart, and more determined to keep her loved ones safe. The Brotherhood has become more oppressive and scarier, which is impressive considering how evil they already were. In contrast, Maura seemed to be even more reckless and dangerous, even. Her disregard for the consequences of her magic were frustrating to read, and I could really feel Cate’s frustration, as well. Tess has her own role to play in the coming confrontation and I am really looking forward to reading about how these three sisters interact with each other and how they handle the roles they must play in the coming war. As the jacket copy implies, there is a war between the sisters as well as one with the oppression of The Brotherhood. Believe me when I say that this combination made for a book that was nearly unputdownable. (Yes, that’s a word.)
If you’re wondering about Finn, I will just say that he is in the book and that I still love him. Will reading this book be painful? Will you to scream and cry? Yes, but you’ll beg for more, anyway.
June 27, 2013
It should be known that I love anything that has to do with witchcraft. I swear I think I was a witch in my past life lol! Let's add to the fact that I've been dying to read something with a historical feel. When you blend those two together you get the incredible story that is The Cahill Witch Chronicles.
Star Crused picks up right where Born Wicked left off so I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already or re reading Born Wicked just so it's still fresh on your mind. Cate is living in New England with the Sisterhood. She still feels like an outcast, but really it's her own doing. She doesn't necessarily feel the need to reach out to the other girls. Can you blame her though? The Sisterhood pretty much stole her entire life. Having to sacrifice the love of her life as well as leaving her sisters behind. You can't really expect her to be all happy and jolly. The Brotherhood has started to get more cruel and it seems as though they just want to arrest women for no apparent reason. With the prophecy looming in the distance The Sisterhood is divided on how to move forward. Many want to wait it out until Cate comes of age and is ready to lead, but others want to take control and overthrow the Brotherhood now.
First and foremost I have to applaud Spotswood for the incredible writing that she did. I love the relationship between Finn and Cate not only are the wonderful together, but they truly understand one another. Spotswood hit the nail on the head when it came to their relationship. I love the fact that they both voice their opinions and come to a mutual understanding. We don't see that a lot in the YA world nowadays. It's either the girl has to do what she wants or the guy contradicts her and they butt heads. In any meaningful relationship you don't always agree on stuff, but you always find a way to make things work. That is exactly what I gathered from Cate and Finn's relationship.
Star Cursed is a sequel that does not disappoint. If you have high expectations for it Spotswood takes them and throws them out the door! It's a fast paced story that you won't be able to put down. Loyalties will be tested, betrayals that will break your heart and secrets at every turn. Star Crused will literally leave you spellbound. Fair warning: That ending will literally break your heart and you'll never see it coming. Be prepared!
Star Crused picks up right where Born Wicked left off so I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already or re reading Born Wicked just so it's still fresh on your mind. Cate is living in New England with the Sisterhood. She still feels like an outcast, but really it's her own doing. She doesn't necessarily feel the need to reach out to the other girls. Can you blame her though? The Sisterhood pretty much stole her entire life. Having to sacrifice the love of her life as well as leaving her sisters behind. You can't really expect her to be all happy and jolly. The Brotherhood has started to get more cruel and it seems as though they just want to arrest women for no apparent reason. With the prophecy looming in the distance The Sisterhood is divided on how to move forward. Many want to wait it out until Cate comes of age and is ready to lead, but others want to take control and overthrow the Brotherhood now.
First and foremost I have to applaud Spotswood for the incredible writing that she did. I love the relationship between Finn and Cate not only are the wonderful together, but they truly understand one another. Spotswood hit the nail on the head when it came to their relationship. I love the fact that they both voice their opinions and come to a mutual understanding. We don't see that a lot in the YA world nowadays. It's either the girl has to do what she wants or the guy contradicts her and they butt heads. In any meaningful relationship you don't always agree on stuff, but you always find a way to make things work. That is exactly what I gathered from Cate and Finn's relationship.
Star Cursed is a sequel that does not disappoint. If you have high expectations for it Spotswood takes them and throws them out the door! It's a fast paced story that you won't be able to put down. Loyalties will be tested, betrayals that will break your heart and secrets at every turn. Star Crused will literally leave you spellbound. Fair warning: That ending will literally break your heart and you'll never see it coming. Be prepared!
December 5, 2014
Attention all, a new character has evolved. One that's not typically handsome and charming, but one that dumbfounds you with his cleverness & kindness. One that can stand with you against all odds ❤️. Plus he's an avid reader who smells like ink & tea, Wow!
The book was amazing.
Oh, what happens in the last page! It tore my heart apart, the only thing that's keeping it from breaking entirely, is the fact that there is a third book.
“I am newly wrought—a girl of steel and snow and heartrending good-byes.
My magic is renewed by my heartbreak. It spills out my fingertips, swirling around me. The wind picks up, bitter cold now. The rain turns abruptly to snow, haloing the gas streetlamps like iron angels. Enormous snowflakes begin to fall—fast, faster—obscuring my sister, hiding her and Brenna and the carriage and the gray stone building that has become my home.
I am all alone in a sea of whirling white.
It feels right that it should be so.”
The book was amazing.
Oh, what happens in the last page! It tore my heart apart, the only thing that's keeping it from breaking entirely, is the fact that there is a third book.
“I am newly wrought—a girl of steel and snow and heartrending good-byes.
My magic is renewed by my heartbreak. It spills out my fingertips, swirling around me. The wind picks up, bitter cold now. The rain turns abruptly to snow, haloing the gas streetlamps like iron angels. Enormous snowflakes begin to fall—fast, faster—obscuring my sister, hiding her and Brenna and the carriage and the gray stone building that has become my home.
I am all alone in a sea of whirling white.
It feels right that it should be so.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2015
Lo bueno de las segundas partes de una trilogía es que la presentación del mundo, de los personajes y de la trama ya están planteados, lo que facilita que haya acción desde la primera página, y eso es algo que La profecía aprovecha muy bien.
Pero el punto malo de esas segundas partes es que la trama principal suele descuidarse para preparar el desenlace en el siguiente libro. Esa es casi mi única queja con este libro y por lo que no le doy las cinco estrellas.
Pero me ha gustado mucho, con un ritmo constante que me ha mantenido en tensión prácticamente desde la primera página hasta ... buf, hasta esas últimas cinco hojas finales, que merecen mención aparte.
Pero el punto malo de esas segundas partes es que la trama principal suele descuidarse para preparar el desenlace en el siguiente libro. Esa es casi mi única queja con este libro y por lo que no le doy las cinco estrellas.
Pero me ha gustado mucho, con un ritmo constante que me ha mantenido en tensión prácticamente desde la primera página hasta ... buf, hasta esas últimas cinco hojas finales, que merecen mención aparte.
July 24, 2012
Wow. Just wow.
Excellent plot line, some really good swoons and an ending that will drive you mad.
Excellent plot line, some really good swoons and an ending that will drive you mad.
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