Latest Read: Cursed

Here are the basics ...
Book: Cursed
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Site: http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/
Category: Young Adult

Summary: Dying sucks--Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back and now anything Ember touches dies. When Hayden Cromwell shows up claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s crazy. He claims she can control it with his adopted father's help, a man Ember believes has sinister motives for collecting kids with abilities. But she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. When Ember learns the "accident" may not have been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing her life for real this time. (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

[Note: ARC c/o BEA! Book officially available September 18, 2012!]

My thoughts…

The good:  I didn't pay too much attention to the synopsis when I started reading Cursed. So when I realized this was about a girl with an uncontrollable power, about to meet others like herself, I thought -- ANOTHER ONE?! Titles like Shatter Me, The Darkest Minds and even False Memory immediately came to mind. Then after a slow, skeptical start I completely forgot about those other books and became 100% engaged in this one. It had me unexpectedly hooked. One thing that set it apart was that it made me laugh (Ember's sister Olivia is hilarious and adorable).  Then Ember herself was an easy heroine to get behind.  She's a typical teenager but with the burden of powers, a sister to take care of and absentee parents. Somehow she manages to be strong, insecure, snarky, boy-crazy (which I sympathize with based on the author's portrayal of Hayden - very swoonworthy!), scared and determined.  I liked her character a lot and you could feel her frustration as she tried to make sense of her life.  The whole backstory was interesting too.  Throughout the book,  it's never crystal clear as to who's good/bad, who's lying or telling the truth.  I kinda had an idea of where certain sub-plots might go but overall, I was surprised by the turn of events.

The bad:  Nothing.  Although I did want to shake certain secondary characters for not giving Ember a chance.  It's not her fault her touch is lethal! And there are some questions left unanswered towards the end.  It's supposed to be a standalone book (with potential for a series) but given the uncertainty of a sequel, I wish there had been a few extra chapters to wrap up everything (plus give us some extra time with Ember & Hayden!).

Do I recommend?:  I do! If you like books with this type of premise, you won't be disappointed.

Happy reading!