Craft

Cursed #1

by Lynnie Purcell

15-year-old Ellie Bumbalow had only ever known three things: magic, chores, and bullying from her sisters. Crafting magic came as easy to her as breathing. She could not imagine a world where it did not exist. She also could not imagine a world outside of her house and her chores. That is until she saves the life of a Cooper. Ellie knew better than to help a Cooper. It was not only because the Coopers and Bumbalows were in a blood feud. It was because Ellie’s sister would kill her for ignoring the one rule that kept Bumbalows safe: never help a Cooper - they’ll just stab you in the back. With a single act of kindness, Ellie embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever.

Genres: Witches, Young Adult, Fantasy, Ebooks

340 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Lynnie is an author for young adult and romance novels. You can find her works published on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Sony, and Apple. She has written five young adult novels and one adult novel. Her passions include reading, watching good movies and TV shows, and writing whenever she can.

Reviews

[Calmwaters22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craft kept me compelled to continue reading the whole way through. The aesthetic distance was very close here with Ellie. In addition, Lynnie Purcell's creation of environments and characters is just incredible! The entire time that I was reading Craft, I was seeing a full motion picture playing out in my mind. I'm a true believer in that when an author can make a reader see the story as if it were a film, then the author has successfully accomplished his or her task. At times, I almost forgot that I was sitting on my back porch swing reading a book. This book is a must read, and I highly recommend this to anyone.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found I really enjoyed this book. How two people could come together like Ellie and Thane do to defy everything they have ever known brings hope to the book that a new beginning can be wrought outside of the shadow of the feud both of their families are engaged in. There is a slight, awkward cuteness about their partnership, but at the same time the understanding they share is what brings the story to life. I did however think that the magic in the book was a little bit too unbelievable, at least without a proper explanation for it. Yet I would recommend this to people who enjoy this genre for a light, pleasant read.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craft was such a good book! It kept my attention the entire time. It has definitely left me wanting more.

The idea of the craft and the feud is pretty neat. I want to learn more about all of that. I’d love to get more about both sets of parents. It seems like there could be some interesting tidbits to learn. I’d also like some more about the craft and how it relates to the rest of the world. It seems like normal people know it exists. I need more!

Ellie is an enjoyable main character. She’s neither completely useless or ridiculously over the top. She’s capable with what you’d expect, willing to try new things, and thankfully doesn’t act like a know it all despite being so sheltered. That’s a character trait I’ve come across recently and hate. I’m so glad Lynnie Purcell avoided it with Ellie.

Overall I really liked Craft. It pulled me out of my reading rut. I look forward to starting the next book.

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A take of Romeo and Juliet with magic. Good book for young teens. Writing style is simple.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a slower pace that seemed to exemplify the life Ellie led in her small shack outside of town. Ellie was sweetly naive and took a lot from her ill-meaning sisters. I liked Ellie's character and the many realizations that she became increasingly aware of, despite the fears that were used to cultivate the family mindset. This story left me curious about what happened to Ellie's mother as well as how the feud began.

Thane was not sheltered like Ellie, but he had his share of problems to deal with.Their chance encounter was filled with challenges that defied all that they had been taught, causing them to question things.

The book was well written, but I did fnd myself wanting to speed through some places that seemed to drag. I wanted Ellie and Thane to beat the odds. I wanted the families to stop feuding. I wanted to know what was going through Nevaeh's mund. I felt the book's ending was satisfying, though I know there are other books in this series. It doesn't force you to read the next book in the series, but I am curious about what happens next.

This book did not hold my interest the way the Watchers series captivated me. The characters are well written, but it was slower. This book is fairly clean. There is a chaste kiss on the cheek. I only remember 1 cuss word, spoken be Nevaeh. There is violence and intent to harm others.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading The Watchers series, I couldn't wait to read this one. It was very different. I expected another modern young adult tale, but instead it was a story about an abused, uneducated, backwoods, naive girl who can do magic. I couldn't really tell when the story took place. There were references to modern technology, but all the females wore dresses and boots, and she never went to school. Still good, but not what I was expecting.

[My Bookbag by Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story premise holds promise in a supernatural "Outsiders" kind of way. It was difficult for me to get into the story in the beginning but found it more interesting the further I read. Not sure yet about the rest of the trilogy, but I'll probably plow on through (it's what I do).

[L.X. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm having Watcher/Guardian series withdraw symptoms and thought I would give this series a chance. I was a little disappointed because I was hoping to enjoy it as much as her other books. I'm having second thoughts on purchasing the second book.

[Dana]

Very good read!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome when she decided to go against her sister and saved a cooper. Even though she is still afraid of them.