What do you think?
Rate this book
Cursed
Dying sucks
...and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand.
After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've 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 not only her heart, but her life.
For real this time.
...and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand.
After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've 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 not only her heart, but her life.
For real this time.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2012
249 people are currently reading
21534 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
187 books155k followersHey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.
To email me, please use the below addy.
[email protected]
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
To email me, please use the below addy.
[email protected]
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,678 reviews
September 3, 2015
4 Cursed stars!
"You have a soul. You aren’t evil. There’s nothing you can say that will make me think that."
Jennifer Armentrout is one of my all time favorite authors. JLA doesn't write within the typical book formula and marches to the beat of her own drummer, which is refreshing in this day and age of publishing. Whether she is writing young adult, new adult, or thrillers, I have liked or loved everything she's ever written. Cursed is not exception, coming in at one of her most underrated books, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Cursed is the story of teenager Ember. Ember died two years before in a car accident with her dad when her then three year old sister Olivia brought her back from the dead. Olivia wasn't able to save their father, and their mother seems to have gone into a catatonic shock since then and doesn't talk to anyone. And the weirdest thing about being brought back from the dead? Any living thing that touches Ember's skin dies. Plants, animals, and humans. So for two years Ember has lived as the town freak with scars covering her body and doing her best to avoid human interaction.
Suddenly, Ember and her family are abducted by Jonathon Cromwell, a man who claims to have their best interests at heart, and he brings them to a home full of kids with special abilities. It is made clear that Olivia is in fact the only member of the family he wants, and Ember and her mother are expendable. At this house, Ember's only friend is Hayden, Jonathan's adopted son. Hayden seems to be the only one on Ember's team, and she deals daily with the fact that she is in a home where she isn't wanted.
Reading a JLA book is a comfort thing for me and even though she's written a shit ton of books, I'm down to like 2 books I haven't read by her yet. I'd been putting this book off for a while but decided it was time to give it a shot. I went into this book with fairly low expectations since not many people seem to have read it, and the average Goodreads rating is below a 4.0.
While the character of Ember could be a bit whiny and impulsive sometimes, her struggle was very relatable to readers of this book. I think I can speak for everyone and say we've all felt like an outcast at some point in our lives, or even like we didn't belong somewhere, and this was an issue Ember dealt with every day of her life, and everywhere she went. Constantly second guessing herself, wondering if she even had a soul once she was brought back, not able to have the smallest amount of human contact without fear of hurting someone; I got to say, I'm kind of amazed she didn't have a breakdown holding herself and her feelings together. To me, this made her strong.
Hayden was such a great book boyfriend. He also proves that JLA has been writing great heroes since the beginning of her published writing career. His faith in Ember was amazing and I kind of wish guys like him existed in my real life world.
“My brain must have felt sorry for me, so it’d created the only type of guy I could touch—a fantasy one.”
There were a few inconsistencies which is why I can't rate this book a 5. For example, Ember's change in eye color was never fully explained, and I really would have liked an epilogue to see if certain aspects of Ember's power worked out or not. Plus, the entire book The Facility was a huge motif and we never even saw it as a reader. But these things did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.
So if you are looking for a fun yet deep young adult paranormal book, this one is for you!
"You have a soul. You aren’t evil. There’s nothing you can say that will make me think that."
Jennifer Armentrout is one of my all time favorite authors. JLA doesn't write within the typical book formula and marches to the beat of her own drummer, which is refreshing in this day and age of publishing. Whether she is writing young adult, new adult, or thrillers, I have liked or loved everything she's ever written. Cursed is not exception, coming in at one of her most underrated books, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Cursed is the story of teenager Ember. Ember died two years before in a car accident with her dad when her then three year old sister Olivia brought her back from the dead. Olivia wasn't able to save their father, and their mother seems to have gone into a catatonic shock since then and doesn't talk to anyone. And the weirdest thing about being brought back from the dead? Any living thing that touches Ember's skin dies. Plants, animals, and humans. So for two years Ember has lived as the town freak with scars covering her body and doing her best to avoid human interaction.
Suddenly, Ember and her family are abducted by Jonathon Cromwell, a man who claims to have their best interests at heart, and he brings them to a home full of kids with special abilities. It is made clear that Olivia is in fact the only member of the family he wants, and Ember and her mother are expendable. At this house, Ember's only friend is Hayden, Jonathan's adopted son. Hayden seems to be the only one on Ember's team, and she deals daily with the fact that she is in a home where she isn't wanted.
Reading a JLA book is a comfort thing for me and even though she's written a shit ton of books, I'm down to like 2 books I haven't read by her yet. I'd been putting this book off for a while but decided it was time to give it a shot. I went into this book with fairly low expectations since not many people seem to have read it, and the average Goodreads rating is below a 4.0.
While the character of Ember could be a bit whiny and impulsive sometimes, her struggle was very relatable to readers of this book. I think I can speak for everyone and say we've all felt like an outcast at some point in our lives, or even like we didn't belong somewhere, and this was an issue Ember dealt with every day of her life, and everywhere she went. Constantly second guessing herself, wondering if she even had a soul once she was brought back, not able to have the smallest amount of human contact without fear of hurting someone; I got to say, I'm kind of amazed she didn't have a breakdown holding herself and her feelings together. To me, this made her strong.
Hayden was such a great book boyfriend. He also proves that JLA has been writing great heroes since the beginning of her published writing career. His faith in Ember was amazing and I kind of wish guys like him existed in my real life world.
“My brain must have felt sorry for me, so it’d created the only type of guy I could touch—a fantasy one.”
There were a few inconsistencies which is why I can't rate this book a 5. For example, Ember's change in eye color was never fully explained, and I really would have liked an epilogue to see if certain aspects of Ember's power worked out or not. Plus, the entire book The Facility was a huge motif and we never even saw it as a reader. But these things did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.
So if you are looking for a fun yet deep young adult paranormal book, this one is for you!
December 13, 2019
“My brain must have felt sorry for me, so it’d created the only type of guy I could touch—a fantasy one.”
#RELATABLE
This would've been a five-star review, but there were just so many...unresolved issues? Was this meant to be the beginning of a new series or...? I mean, yes, for the most part, the main story arc of the book is wrapped up, but there were still so many unanswered questions. It's honestly a shame because I would've LOVED to have had a series revolved around these characters.
For all the reviews that called this an X-Men/Shatter Me concoction, they weren't wrong. Some people have been endowed with a "gift" in this world. After a fatal car accident, Ember's little sister, Olivia, brought her back from the dead. But she didn't just come back to life...she also came back with the ability to kill whatever she touches. Fast forward a few years, and in swoops Jonathan Cromwell, who whisks them away to their home, a safe haven for other "gifted" people, including his adopted son, Hayden.
Like Juliette from Shatter Me, I really empathised with Ember because she was so traumatised and emotionally shut down from the aftermath of the accident, and was practically raising her little sister, since her dad died in the accident and her mum was basically a vegetable, who didn't even acknowledge her existence.
Hayden was such a change from JLA's usual dark and broody alpha male types (Lux, anyone?). He was just so sweet and genuine, and his background was as equally heartbreaking as Ember's. They truly healed each other, and their relationship was so pure. I love them so much. <3
I really enjoyed this, but I wish that it had either been longer, so that everything was completely wrapped up, or that it had been continued as a series. I also wish that the antagonist had been a tad less predictable. But regardless, I loved this book and completed it in one sitting. It's definitely one of JLA's under-appreciated books.
#RELATABLE
This would've been a five-star review, but there were just so many...unresolved issues? Was this meant to be the beginning of a new series or...? I mean, yes, for the most part, the main story arc of the book is wrapped up, but there were still so many unanswered questions. It's honestly a shame because I would've LOVED to have had a series revolved around these characters.
For all the reviews that called this an X-Men/Shatter Me concoction, they weren't wrong. Some people have been endowed with a "gift" in this world. After a fatal car accident, Ember's little sister, Olivia, brought her back from the dead. But she didn't just come back to life...she also came back with the ability to kill whatever she touches. Fast forward a few years, and in swoops Jonathan Cromwell, who whisks them away to their home, a safe haven for other "gifted" people, including his adopted son, Hayden.
Like Juliette from Shatter Me, I really empathised with Ember because she was so traumatised and emotionally shut down from the aftermath of the accident, and was practically raising her little sister, since her dad died in the accident and her mum was basically a vegetable, who didn't even acknowledge her existence.
Hayden was such a change from JLA's usual dark and broody alpha male types (Lux, anyone?). He was just so sweet and genuine, and his background was as equally heartbreaking as Ember's. They truly healed each other, and their relationship was so pure. I love them so much. <3
I really enjoyed this, but I wish that it had either been longer, so that everything was completely wrapped up, or that it had been continued as a series. I also wish that the antagonist had been a tad less predictable. But regardless, I loved this book and completed it in one sitting. It's definitely one of JLA's under-appreciated books.
December 9, 2020
Ok. Not a bad book, but it feels like Armentrout planned on making this into a series, and then...didn't?
So, yeah. While the ending ends, it still feels like there are too many loose threads dangling for the book to be over-over. But...I mean, whatever.
That's fine, right?
Heh.
Anyway, the basic gist of the story is that Ember has this Poison Touch power. If someone even brushes up against her bare skin, they're screwed.
So how did this happen?
Well, her entire family was in a car accident, in which Ember and her father were both killed. Now, her little sister has the power to bring people back from the dead, so Ta-da!, Ember is still among the living.
Unfortunately, their dad was super-duper dead, so there was no bringing him back...I guess.
Alrighty, a few days after the accident, Ember starts to realize that everything she touches (pets, plants, etc.) die within seconds of coming into contact with her skin.
Lucky for the paramedics, doctors, and nurses who treated her, the spooky Death Fingers thing didn't kick in immediately after being resuscitated.
Ok, so flash forward a bit, and Ember is trying to raise her little sister (because mom has gone crazy), she's being bullied in high school, and they are quickly running out of money.
Long story short, her life suuuuuuuucks.
Enter Shady Professor Xavier & his team of mutant superheroes!
Unfortunately, even among the weirdos, she's is an outcast. Except for that One Special Boy who loves her juuuuuuuust as she is...
So willRogue Ember learn to control her gift & find twue wuv?
Ok, that's not exactly the entire plot, because there are questions surrounding the accident that gave her powers, a whole lotta questions about the quasi-evil place called the Facility, and serious questions about the leader of this group of super-kids.
But.
None of that stuff ever gets real answers. Which is why I think the author had grander plans for this book. Still, it had a beginning, middle, and end.
Plus, it was entertaining enough that I don't regret reading it at all.
So, yeah. While the ending ends, it still feels like there are too many loose threads dangling for the book to be over-over. But...I mean, whatever.
That's fine, right?
Heh.
Anyway, the basic gist of the story is that Ember has this Poison Touch power. If someone even brushes up against her bare skin, they're screwed.
So how did this happen?
Well, her entire family was in a car accident, in which Ember and her father were both killed. Now, her little sister has the power to bring people back from the dead, so Ta-da!, Ember is still among the living.
Unfortunately, their dad was super-duper dead, so there was no bringing him back...I guess.
Alrighty, a few days after the accident, Ember starts to realize that everything she touches (pets, plants, etc.) die within seconds of coming into contact with her skin.
Lucky for the paramedics, doctors, and nurses who treated her, the spooky Death Fingers thing didn't kick in immediately after being resuscitated.
Ok, so flash forward a bit, and Ember is trying to raise her little sister (because mom has gone crazy), she's being bullied in high school, and they are quickly running out of money.
Long story short, her life suuuuuuuucks.
Enter Shady Professor Xavier & his team of mutant superheroes!
Unfortunately, even among the weirdos, she's is an outcast. Except for that One Special Boy who loves her juuuuuuuust as she is...
So will
Ok, that's not exactly the entire plot, because there are questions surrounding the accident that gave her powers, a whole lotta questions about the quasi-evil place called the Facility, and serious questions about the leader of this group of super-kids.
But.
None of that stuff ever gets real answers. Which is why I think the author had grander plans for this book. Still, it had a beginning, middle, and end.
Plus, it was entertaining enough that I don't regret reading it at all.
October 16, 2016
That horribly corny ending did it in for me- there's just no way I can give this book more than two stars.
Jennifer gave me the feeling that she simply couldn't bother cooking up a more satisfying finish (because merlin knows she's definitely capable of it with all her wonders) and tying up loose ends, and that disappointed me so much to the extent that Hayden and Ember's once thrilling romance build-up now just pissed me off with their immensely cheestastic I Love You's.Seriously, I'm drowning in all the cheddar here!
It would have been much appreciated if we'd gotten an insight into all the other things at hand: how things would progress from here, if Ember could grasp more control over her 'gift', character development for every single other bloody person who wasn't Hayden (hell, maybe even him).
Honestly, I'm not even asking for a sequel here (not in a gazillion years), just an epilogue of sorts would have left me quite satisfied. But alas, it's the breathtaking, the intense, the majestic, the LURRRVE between the two protagonists that must always prevail!
*exaggerated eye rolling*
Jennifer gave me the feeling that she simply couldn't bother cooking up a more satisfying finish (because merlin knows she's definitely capable of it with all her wonders) and tying up loose ends, and that disappointed me so much to the extent that Hayden and Ember's once thrilling romance build-up now just pissed me off with their immensely cheestastic I Love You's.
It would have been much appreciated if we'd gotten an insight into all the other things at hand: how things would progress from here, if Ember could grasp more control over her 'gift', character development for every single other bloody person who wasn't Hayden (hell, maybe even him).
Honestly, I'm not even asking for a sequel here (not in a gazillion years), just an epilogue of sorts would have left me quite satisfied. But alas, it's the breathtaking, the intense, the majestic, the LURRRVE between the two protagonists that must always prevail!
*exaggerated eye rolling*
July 4, 2011
Jennifer's done it again! This is an amazing, riveting page-turner. And I'm lucky enough to be her editor, so I get to be one of the first to read her books!
September 24, 2012
So many issues, so, so many issues I hardly know where to start. First off, I guess I should preface my review by saying I like Obsidian and Onyx, and Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series. They are what drew me to Cursed in the first place. I think they're fun, have great characters, and a good plot. I also think Armentrout is a good storyteller. Her books draw you in and make you want to keep reading, so I will absolutely keep reading other books by her.
But.
Yes, there is a but.
This book drove me absolutely crazy. You can ask my family, it honestly put me in a bad mood. And this book is supposed to be a stand alone. If it was a series, I would probably like it better, but the ending was horrible---Be warned, from here on out, I'm giving away basically the whole plot, so there are tons and tons of spoilers. If you don't want to know, don't keep reading, but I can't review this without giving some major stuff away---I'm sorry, but so you killed the crazy guy trying to kill you? That's nice, but you're still living with a family of creepers who kidnapped you and mind-wiped your best friend. How is that possibly okay?
Okay, I'll back up. First off Ember gets kidnapped along with her little sister. Then Cromwell and his "family" tell her, if you can't accept living her with us, not giving away our secrets, and not trying to run away, we will keep your sister and send you to "The Facility," basically a place where the government locks up and trains (read: tortures) kids with gifts. Then when she tells her best friend she is staying with family (because she isn't stupid enough to tell him she was kidnapped by a crazy family of paranormals) and he comes to visit her because he is worried (I mean, she left suddenly, aka was kidnapped), they wipe his mind of all his memories of her. Then they get mad at her for not telling them that she told her friend where she was staying, claiming the mind-wipe thing it is all her fault.
And in the end, these people are supposed to be the good guys? I'm sorry, but in what universe could they ever be construed as decent human beings? Oh, wait, I guess they don't even think of themselves as human. In fact, they don't eat lunch with humans, or really associate with them at all because they're "gifted." If they were good, why didn't they talk to Ember straight up instead of kidnapping her in the beginning? She was desperate, and the home they took her to could have been a refuge, but I guess where's the drama in that?
Then there's Ember's love interest, Hayden. Yes, he is sweet to her and gorgeous and tries to help her control her curse/gift, but he also believes that the mind-wipe thing was justified, blaming Ember for not telling him, and he stalked her for two years. I get that he is a broken boy and is drawn to Ember because of everything she suffers, but how could Ember ever really fall in love with him when he supports the his adopted father and helps kidnap Ember? Can you say Stockholm syndrome?
Plus, he still sympathizes with his empathic "sister," Phoebe, who put dead bunnies, nooses, and models of the car-crash that killed Ember and her father in Ember's locker because she doesn't like her. You would think since Phoebe can literally feel how miserable Ember is, she might try and help a little, but no. Let's just scare the girl into running away or being taken by the Facility. Yeah, lovely family of creepers we have here.
Now to the ending. Okay, so throughout the book someone has been trying to kill Ember. Finally she gets kidnapped, big stuff is revealed, mysteries solved, etc. But not really. Yes, Ember kills the bad guy before he kills her, and everyone discovers she has partial control of her gift. But she also finds out that Cromwell tried to train someone else with her exact gift years before and failed. He "tried" so hard to help and did horrible things that caused the girl to commit suicide. Then, when the Facility tries to take Ember away, he doesn't let them, stating,"She's mine now. And she's very important." Does it get any creepier than that. I mean, the girl who can kill with a touch is his and very important?
But in the end this is supposed to be okay? Cromwell tells her he would have never sent her to the Facility, though he threatened her with it earlier in the book. So am I supposed to believe that Ember's life is going to be great now. Yes, she can kiss her beautiful boyfriend for almost a minute now (which is how the book ends), but she is still basically being held captive by a creeper family. The absolute only difference in her situation now is that she is in love with one of them, and she has partial control of her ability. Oh, and they didn't kill her father. That's it. The mind-wipe thing is never addressed again, and suddenly they look so much better because someone worse kidnapped her from her kidnappers? Yes, let's introduce another villain so we can pretend the love interest and his family aren't a bunch of crazy psychopaths.
The worst part about this book is that there isn't a sequel. If there were, I would think that all these issues would be taken care of or at least addressed. I would be okay with the ending, probably even her being with Hayden, because obviously the author would, after a lot of struggles, pull out some kind of escape or punishment or mind-wipe and leave us with a slightly less creepy ending. As it is, why is Ember happy? Because she is in love, and therefore all is forgiven? I don't get it.
As far as writing goes, this book is probably 3 stars for me. Obviously Jennifer Armentrout drew me into the story and made me feel things (mostly frustration and irritation, but at lest she made me feel things and care about the Ember). As far as how much I liked the book though . . . 1 star. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't get over the aforementioned issues. I know most people like this book, and that's fine. I really wanted to as well, but I couldn't.
First reviewed on my blog: Rachel's Reads
But.
Yes, there is a but.
This book drove me absolutely crazy. You can ask my family, it honestly put me in a bad mood. And this book is supposed to be a stand alone. If it was a series, I would probably like it better, but the ending was horrible---Be warned, from here on out, I'm giving away basically the whole plot, so there are tons and tons of spoilers. If you don't want to know, don't keep reading, but I can't review this without giving some major stuff away---I'm sorry, but so you killed the crazy guy trying to kill you? That's nice, but you're still living with a family of creepers who kidnapped you and mind-wiped your best friend. How is that possibly okay?
Okay, I'll back up. First off Ember gets kidnapped along with her little sister. Then Cromwell and his "family" tell her, if you can't accept living her with us, not giving away our secrets, and not trying to run away, we will keep your sister and send you to "The Facility," basically a place where the government locks up and trains (read: tortures) kids with gifts. Then when she tells her best friend she is staying with family (because she isn't stupid enough to tell him she was kidnapped by a crazy family of paranormals) and he comes to visit her because he is worried (I mean, she left suddenly, aka was kidnapped), they wipe his mind of all his memories of her. Then they get mad at her for not telling them that she told her friend where she was staying, claiming the mind-wipe thing it is all her fault.
And in the end, these people are supposed to be the good guys? I'm sorry, but in what universe could they ever be construed as decent human beings? Oh, wait, I guess they don't even think of themselves as human. In fact, they don't eat lunch with humans, or really associate with them at all because they're "gifted." If they were good, why didn't they talk to Ember straight up instead of kidnapping her in the beginning? She was desperate, and the home they took her to could have been a refuge, but I guess where's the drama in that?
Then there's Ember's love interest, Hayden. Yes, he is sweet to her and gorgeous and tries to help her control her curse/gift, but he also believes that the mind-wipe thing was justified, blaming Ember for not telling him, and he stalked her for two years. I get that he is a broken boy and is drawn to Ember because of everything she suffers, but how could Ember ever really fall in love with him when he supports the his adopted father and helps kidnap Ember? Can you say Stockholm syndrome?
Plus, he still sympathizes with his empathic "sister," Phoebe, who put dead bunnies, nooses, and models of the car-crash that killed Ember and her father in Ember's locker because she doesn't like her. You would think since Phoebe can literally feel how miserable Ember is, she might try and help a little, but no. Let's just scare the girl into running away or being taken by the Facility. Yeah, lovely family of creepers we have here.
Now to the ending. Okay, so throughout the book someone has been trying to kill Ember. Finally she gets kidnapped, big stuff is revealed, mysteries solved, etc. But not really. Yes, Ember kills the bad guy before he kills her, and everyone discovers she has partial control of her gift. But she also finds out that Cromwell tried to train someone else with her exact gift years before and failed. He "tried" so hard to help and did horrible things that caused the girl to commit suicide. Then, when the Facility tries to take Ember away, he doesn't let them, stating,"She's mine now. And she's very important." Does it get any creepier than that. I mean, the girl who can kill with a touch is his and very important?
But in the end this is supposed to be okay? Cromwell tells her he would have never sent her to the Facility, though he threatened her with it earlier in the book. So am I supposed to believe that Ember's life is going to be great now. Yes, she can kiss her beautiful boyfriend for almost a minute now (which is how the book ends), but she is still basically being held captive by a creeper family. The absolute only difference in her situation now is that she is in love with one of them, and she has partial control of her ability. Oh, and they didn't kill her father. That's it. The mind-wipe thing is never addressed again, and suddenly they look so much better because someone worse kidnapped her from her kidnappers? Yes, let's introduce another villain so we can pretend the love interest and his family aren't a bunch of crazy psychopaths.
The worst part about this book is that there isn't a sequel. If there were, I would think that all these issues would be taken care of or at least addressed. I would be okay with the ending, probably even her being with Hayden, because obviously the author would, after a lot of struggles, pull out some kind of escape or punishment or mind-wipe and leave us with a slightly less creepy ending. As it is, why is Ember happy? Because she is in love, and therefore all is forgiven? I don't get it.
As far as writing goes, this book is probably 3 stars for me. Obviously Jennifer Armentrout drew me into the story and made me feel things (mostly frustration and irritation, but at lest she made me feel things and care about the Ember). As far as how much I liked the book though . . . 1 star. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't get over the aforementioned issues. I know most people like this book, and that's fine. I really wanted to as well, but I couldn't.
First reviewed on my blog: Rachel's Reads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2012
3.5 Stars
Ember McWilliams feels cursed. I think I would feel the same way if I had her ability. Two years ago she was in a car accident in which she died and was brought back to life by her little sister, Olivia. Ever since then her touch kills any living thing. She goes around with gloves to prevent any accidents but also to cover scars all over her arms left by the accident. As if that wasn’t enough, her normally brown eyes were turned sky blue after the accident. Ember once was a popular outgoing normal girl in school and now because of the changes, is ridiculed and treated like a freak at school. School isn’t the only challenge in Ember’s life though. Her father was killed in the accident and her mother is basically catatonic, leaving Ember to care for Olivia, who is now five years old. Talk about being dealt some bad cards! Ember starts seeing a mysterious boy, Hayden, show up all over the place, seeming to know way more about her than she does of him. Okay, he’s sort of gorgeous, but that doesn’t make it any less creepy!
For two years Ember has managed to keep things together but after an ex-boyfriend, and now bully, backs Ember into a corner and pretty much assaults her, he dies from her touch. Hayden and an unknown group steps in to cover the accident, and takes her whole family in. Well, maybe not takes in as much as kidnaps. Ember does not go willingly, and they don’t care. Turns out there are others with special abilities that all live together as a family with Hayden’s father, Jonathan Cromwell as the leader. Olivia couldn’t be happier and bonds with this “family” immediately. Ember is a different story though, because of her ability, none of the others besides Hayden want her there. Ember is drawn to Hayden, understandably so because he is basically her only friend and advocate. Sparks fly between these two, but she wonders if she can trust him with his obvious devotion to his father. Ember is completely suspicious of Mr. Cromwell’s intentions, and he’s not so friendly to her either. Then, Ember discovers there may be more to her “accident” two years ago and no longer knows who to trust.
I really felt bad for Ember. She really had her life go down the toilet, and then had to shoulder such great responsibility on top of coping with her power. The members of the Cromwell house, with the exception of Hayden, Parker and Ms. Liz, are downright rude to her. Phoebe, the twin sister to Parker, really got under my skin. I thought she was a hateful, jealous, witch! I can’t imagine living a life where you couldn’t touch another living being. How horrible would that be?! Hayden has a power that helps with that issue, but I don’t want to say anymore and give anything away. I really liked Hayden in this story! The fact that he made it his goal to make Ember feel welcome and normal again totally won me over. Well that and of course some swoon-worthy scenes! Here’s one that got my blood pumping in anticipation:
Hayden opened his eyes. “Em….?” His stare held so much intensity that I found it difficult to breath. A look of yearning, of desperation, and he was studying me. Studying my face, the way my top had slipped down. And is stare was spreading a hot flush over my body. Slowly, he dipped down, placing his weight on one arm. He brought his hand to the side of my face, his fingers hovering over my cheek. My own fingers curled into the sweater. God, I wanted him to touch me so badly. The need consumed me—burned like fire.
I’ll leave you to wonder whether he touches her or not!
While I enjoyed Cursed and had a lot of fun reading it, it’s not my favorite of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s. With that said, I still think any JLA fan will still enjoy this story, as I did. If the first half was as engrossing as the second, I would’ve rated this higher; it just dragged a little in the beginning. Also, while the mystery does wrap up in this book I felt like we could have more to this story. I was a little surprised that this is a stand-alone. Unless someone knows something I don’t. But don’t worry; it doesn’t leave off on a bad note or anything.
I just want to shout out a thank you to my wonderful blogger friend, Alexa
over at Collections for lending me her copy! She’s a book lover’s dream-friend!
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
Ember McWilliams feels cursed. I think I would feel the same way if I had her ability. Two years ago she was in a car accident in which she died and was brought back to life by her little sister, Olivia. Ever since then her touch kills any living thing. She goes around with gloves to prevent any accidents but also to cover scars all over her arms left by the accident. As if that wasn’t enough, her normally brown eyes were turned sky blue after the accident. Ember once was a popular outgoing normal girl in school and now because of the changes, is ridiculed and treated like a freak at school. School isn’t the only challenge in Ember’s life though. Her father was killed in the accident and her mother is basically catatonic, leaving Ember to care for Olivia, who is now five years old. Talk about being dealt some bad cards! Ember starts seeing a mysterious boy, Hayden, show up all over the place, seeming to know way more about her than she does of him. Okay, he’s sort of gorgeous, but that doesn’t make it any less creepy!
For two years Ember has managed to keep things together but after an ex-boyfriend, and now bully, backs Ember into a corner and pretty much assaults her, he dies from her touch. Hayden and an unknown group steps in to cover the accident, and takes her whole family in. Well, maybe not takes in as much as kidnaps. Ember does not go willingly, and they don’t care. Turns out there are others with special abilities that all live together as a family with Hayden’s father, Jonathan Cromwell as the leader. Olivia couldn’t be happier and bonds with this “family” immediately. Ember is a different story though, because of her ability, none of the others besides Hayden want her there. Ember is drawn to Hayden, understandably so because he is basically her only friend and advocate. Sparks fly between these two, but she wonders if she can trust him with his obvious devotion to his father. Ember is completely suspicious of Mr. Cromwell’s intentions, and he’s not so friendly to her either. Then, Ember discovers there may be more to her “accident” two years ago and no longer knows who to trust.
I really felt bad for Ember. She really had her life go down the toilet, and then had to shoulder such great responsibility on top of coping with her power. The members of the Cromwell house, with the exception of Hayden, Parker and Ms. Liz, are downright rude to her. Phoebe, the twin sister to Parker, really got under my skin. I thought she was a hateful, jealous, witch! I can’t imagine living a life where you couldn’t touch another living being. How horrible would that be?! Hayden has a power that helps with that issue, but I don’t want to say anymore and give anything away. I really liked Hayden in this story! The fact that he made it his goal to make Ember feel welcome and normal again totally won me over. Well that and of course some swoon-worthy scenes! Here’s one that got my blood pumping in anticipation:
Hayden opened his eyes. “Em….?” His stare held so much intensity that I found it difficult to breath. A look of yearning, of desperation, and he was studying me. Studying my face, the way my top had slipped down. And is stare was spreading a hot flush over my body. Slowly, he dipped down, placing his weight on one arm. He brought his hand to the side of my face, his fingers hovering over my cheek. My own fingers curled into the sweater. God, I wanted him to touch me so badly. The need consumed me—burned like fire.
I’ll leave you to wonder whether he touches her or not!
While I enjoyed Cursed and had a lot of fun reading it, it’s not my favorite of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s. With that said, I still think any JLA fan will still enjoy this story, as I did. If the first half was as engrossing as the second, I would’ve rated this higher; it just dragged a little in the beginning. Also, while the mystery does wrap up in this book I felt like we could have more to this story. I was a little surprised that this is a stand-alone. Unless someone knows something I don’t. But don’t worry; it doesn’t leave off on a bad note or anything.
I just want to shout out a thank you to my wonderful blogger friend, Alexa
over at Collections for lending me her copy! She’s a book lover’s dream-friend!
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
July 13, 2017
It’s my unofficial booknerd mission to read every single one of Jen’s books. I’m up to date on all her latest releases, so let’s step back five years: to 2012, which was when this book was released. I was a little worried, as Jen has improved loads as a writer and I thought the writing wouldn’t be as good, but I was wrong! This was, just like the rest of Jen’s books, really enjoyable.
It tells the story of Ember. At first, you think she’s just an ordinary high school student, but then you discover that she’s had a unique experience: she’s died, and was brought back to life. This was due to her five year old sister’s unusual ability to bring back the dead. When Ember was in a car crash with her family two years ago, Ember’s survival seemed miraculous, especially since her father died. But his death knocked Ember’s mother to the core, and now she can’t get out of bed to take care of her children.
So it’s been Ember’s responsibility to be both a parent and a sister to Olivia, and it’s taking its toll on her. Especially since when Ember was brought back, she was got this mysterious ability that means she will kill anything she touches. Pets, plants, even people. Ember’s life is incredibly tough as she alienates herself from her classmates and struggles to accept the hand she’s been dealt, when suddenly, her life changes drastically again! A man called Jonathan Cromwell takes in Ember, Olivia and her mother, stating that his home full of people with different gifts, like Ember and Olivia, so that they will be safe and taken care of. This house also includes Hayden, who really impacts Ember’s life, and he says he knows her, understands her and just wants to help her.
But after two years of hating her “gift” and avoiding people at all costs, why should Ember trust any of them? She’s not gifted, she’s cursed. And why does she suddenly get the feeling that these people also have something to do with the infamous car accident?
This book constantly had me wondering who could be trusted, or couldn’t, just for something to happen for everything to change again. Ember went through so much, and I don’t blame her for not believing she could control her gift after constantly being told what a freak she was. She and Hayden were really cute as well.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that Hayden was a little bit obsessed with her and the only reason he has for why was because she felt bad for her.
Other than that, I would recommend this book if you’re a fan of Jennifer L Armentrout like I am.
It tells the story of Ember. At first, you think she’s just an ordinary high school student, but then you discover that she’s had a unique experience: she’s died, and was brought back to life. This was due to her five year old sister’s unusual ability to bring back the dead. When Ember was in a car crash with her family two years ago, Ember’s survival seemed miraculous, especially since her father died. But his death knocked Ember’s mother to the core, and now she can’t get out of bed to take care of her children.
So it’s been Ember’s responsibility to be both a parent and a sister to Olivia, and it’s taking its toll on her. Especially since when Ember was brought back, she was got this mysterious ability that means she will kill anything she touches. Pets, plants, even people. Ember’s life is incredibly tough as she alienates herself from her classmates and struggles to accept the hand she’s been dealt, when suddenly, her life changes drastically again! A man called Jonathan Cromwell takes in Ember, Olivia and her mother, stating that his home full of people with different gifts, like Ember and Olivia, so that they will be safe and taken care of. This house also includes Hayden, who really impacts Ember’s life, and he says he knows her, understands her and just wants to help her.
But after two years of hating her “gift” and avoiding people at all costs, why should Ember trust any of them? She’s not gifted, she’s cursed. And why does she suddenly get the feeling that these people also have something to do with the infamous car accident?
This book constantly had me wondering who could be trusted, or couldn’t, just for something to happen for everything to change again. Ember went through so much, and I don’t blame her for not believing she could control her gift after constantly being told what a freak she was. She and Hayden were really cute as well.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that Hayden was a little bit obsessed with her and the only reason he has for why was because she felt bad for her.
Other than that, I would recommend this book if you’re a fan of Jennifer L Armentrout like I am.
October 10, 2019
This was a tough read.
The main character, Ember was absolutely helpless, vulnerable and picked on throughout this book.
The painful scenes were never ending. She didn’t feel like she belonged in school, she was bullied, she didn’t have answers to the mystery that surrounds the accident that claimed her father’s life, she blamed herself for everything, she has a death touch, and on top of that, someone wants her dead and have attempted to do so more than once.
It was hard to read because she couldn’t fight back, she was completely helpless through the series of painful experiences.
The moral of the story is, we can sometimes confuse our gifts for curses, and that almost always makes us a prey for bullies. We need to embrace who we are, let people in, then we will see what gifts 🎁 we are to the world 🌎.
The main character, Ember was absolutely helpless, vulnerable and picked on throughout this book.
The painful scenes were never ending. She didn’t feel like she belonged in school, she was bullied, she didn’t have answers to the mystery that surrounds the accident that claimed her father’s life, she blamed herself for everything, she has a death touch, and on top of that, someone wants her dead and have attempted to do so more than once.
It was hard to read because she couldn’t fight back, she was completely helpless through the series of painful experiences.
The moral of the story is, we can sometimes confuse our gifts for curses, and that almost always makes us a prey for bullies. We need to embrace who we are, let people in, then we will see what gifts 🎁 we are to the world 🌎.
August 25, 2012
**Actual, full review** Original is here on my blog. (Note: due to copy-and-paste, most formatting and links have been lost.)
If you are a frequent reader of book blogs, you're probably more-than-familiar with Jennifer L. Armentrout. She wrote the Covenant and Obsidian series, both of which are quite the hit, especially among bloggers. So I would like to preface this review with a giant sign:
THIS IS NOT A POSITIVE REVIEW. IT'S ALSO SEMI-LONG. READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Awesome. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's continue, shall we?
Here's the thing: I love me some Jen Armentrout. She's really nice and awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed Obsidian. But Cursed just didn't meet my expectations--and though I usually would have high expectations for such a great author, this time my bars were set to "mediocre" at best, since the premise of Cursed is nothing new and I was worried about clichés. But Jen has this uncanny ability to shift clichés into something actually really, really enjoyable. So why should I be worried?
Turns out I was right to worry.
Let's take a look at the story: Ember McWilliams, she-who-lost-everything, is suddenly faced with a super hot guy who she just can't seem to resist, despite his father's extreme weirdness.
This kind of sounds like Wither, right?
Let's look at it again: Ember McWilliams, she-who-suffered-greatly-due-to-a-car-accident, is faced with a dangerous power and a terrifying secret.
Hey, why does that remind me of Unraveling?
How about one last time: Ember McWilliams's touch is fatal. She then discovers a facility of people like her. And a hot guy. She is now fighting for her life.
...Shatter Me and X-Men come to mind...
Look. I'm not saying this book isn't original. In fact, though Cursed shares a lot of elements with a lot of amazing books (just like Half-Blood did with Vampire Academy...), it also stands on its own. Ember's situation is much different than Rhine's, her secret has nothing to do with what Janelle discovers, and she's a much more spunky heroine than Juliette. Besides, there are only seven plots under the sky, right?
So, no worries. But when your material is not really unique, you have to fall hard on your characters and voice to keep the reader's attention, since now plot twists are extremely easy to guess due to previous interactions with the same situations.
Here's usually where Jen shines. Her voice is amazing. Her characters are so true-to-life. It's completely addicting. But... (you were waiting for this "but," weren't you?)
I can't really say the same for Cursed.
I don't know, maybe writing like five books in one year isn't the best thing to do when faced with detailed narration, or maybe I'm just hallucinating and weird, but the voice in Cursed was not the usual spunk but rather more... dry. The characters are really, really cliché, to be honest. They remind me so much of Twilight and a lot of other books. There were no surprises at all that I got from this book. And with its uncharacteristically mediocre narration and recycled character molds, it's an understatement to say that Cursed didn't meet my expectations.
Overall, I do love Jennifer L. Armentrout. I think she's great. Lots of people love Cursed. In fact, I'm one of only three people who rated this book with two stars on Goodreads. So maybe I'm just different. But I think it also needs to be said that I was never an extremely zealous fan, so I approached this book with a here-goes! instead of a more hopeful, optimistic push of an attitude. Maybe this is just me, but alas, I highly recommend going into this book without holding your breath.
You never know how you'll feel until you let yourself feel--without being restrained by previous, fangirling infatuations--right?
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 12, 2015
I was looking through Jennifer Armentrout's list of books she had written and saw this one. It was published in September, 2012 and I hadn't heard anything about it. I thought it sounded really interesting and boy am I glad I gave it a shot. What a great book! The characters all had so many layers to them. They all had secrets and you just never are sure who to like and who to mistrust. Until the very end.
Ember had a seemingly normal life. She was a normal, angsty teenager, until that fateful night. The night when she, her little sister, Olivia, and her parents were in a horrible car accident. Her father died that night and so did she, until her sister Olivia touched her and brought her back to life. That night everything changed.
Her Mother physically survives but is never the same. So the responsibility of taking care of her preschool age sister falls on her. But something has changed for Ember as well. Anything she touches dies. Pets, plants, and even people. She will never be able to hold her little sister's hand again. She endures two years like this, trying to go to school, and take care of her sister. But then everything changes, again! And she, her Mom, and Olivia end up at the home of Jonathan Cromwell along with several other teenagers, all with different gifts, that Cromwell has taken in. Mostly, though, there is Hayden, Cromwell's adopted son, that impacts Ember's life. He says he knows her, understands her, and wants to help her to learn to control her gift. And she is drawn to him. She wants to trust him, but can she? Right away things start to happen, bad things. Who is responsible? And, details start to come out about her parents and the accident. Was it really an accident?
So many times during this book I thought I knew who was good and who was bad just to have everything change again. It was the perfect balance of suspense and romance between Hayden and Ember. I felt throughout the book that Ember was so strong, to have gone through everything she did and the fact that at her young age she tried so hard to take care of her little sister. I really loved this book and highly recommend it. I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed by anything Jennifer Armentrout writes.
Ember had a seemingly normal life. She was a normal, angsty teenager, until that fateful night. The night when she, her little sister, Olivia, and her parents were in a horrible car accident. Her father died that night and so did she, until her sister Olivia touched her and brought her back to life. That night everything changed.
Her Mother physically survives but is never the same. So the responsibility of taking care of her preschool age sister falls on her. But something has changed for Ember as well. Anything she touches dies. Pets, plants, and even people. She will never be able to hold her little sister's hand again. She endures two years like this, trying to go to school, and take care of her sister. But then everything changes, again! And she, her Mom, and Olivia end up at the home of Jonathan Cromwell along with several other teenagers, all with different gifts, that Cromwell has taken in. Mostly, though, there is Hayden, Cromwell's adopted son, that impacts Ember's life. He says he knows her, understands her, and wants to help her to learn to control her gift. And she is drawn to him. She wants to trust him, but can she? Right away things start to happen, bad things. Who is responsible? And, details start to come out about her parents and the accident. Was it really an accident?
So many times during this book I thought I knew who was good and who was bad just to have everything change again. It was the perfect balance of suspense and romance between Hayden and Ember. I felt throughout the book that Ember was so strong, to have gone through everything she did and the fact that at her young age she tried so hard to take care of her little sister. I really loved this book and highly recommend it. I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed by anything Jennifer Armentrout writes.
October 2, 2012
3.5 stars
Cursed is a fantastic novel that even though has a pretty common trope - the touch of death - was still able to offer something that is quite different and fresh. And although I did find it not as striking as Armentrout's first two published novels it was still a fairly entertaining read with outstanding characters and fantastic twists.
Embers suffered a lot since the accident that caused his father to die and her to have the ability of touch of death. Her mother had gone into depression after that thus leaving her alone to take care of her younger sister, Olivia. Ember is a character that is easy to sympathize with especially with how things turned out for her after the accident - inside and outside of her home. Yet she became a determined and strong-minded character especially when it comes to Olivia. I like how much she cared for her and loved her. But it was also saddening and yes, quite frustrating with how strongly she believed that her ability is a curse - that she is cursed.
In all honesty, I was actually really frustrated with her especially with the trust issue she had with Cromwell's group and how long it took her to realized that she'd been wallowing herself for so long and that it was finally time for her to take action and help herself with her ability. Although I think it was already a little late for me to make me like her as much as I did with Katy and Alex, I do still think that she is a person that has a lot of admirable and desirable
characteristics.
As for the Hayden Cromwell, Ember's love interest and also someone with ability, he is a character that is so easy to like. He is a total sweet heart and although could be described soft if compared to Armentrout's other boys he has this edges in him that makes him definitely crush-able and swoon-worthy. And yes, hot too! His patience and hard work in helping Ember control her gift is admirable and I like how much he loved his adopted family.
Overall, this is definitely an entertaining and fantastic read albeit a bit predictable and in my case, quite frustrating. But I can still say that Armentrout's writing is indeed really good because even with those issues I had I can't seem to put this down when I started reading it. This may pale compared to her Obsidian and Half-blood but this book is still a very worthy read. And yes, I guess I treasure this because this is my first ever physical ARC! Haha! I recommend this.
Thank you so much Spencer Hill Press for sending me an ARC of this book! You guys rock!
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
Cursed is a fantastic novel that even though has a pretty common trope - the touch of death - was still able to offer something that is quite different and fresh. And although I did find it not as striking as Armentrout's first two published novels it was still a fairly entertaining read with outstanding characters and fantastic twists.
Embers suffered a lot since the accident that caused his father to die and her to have the ability of touch of death. Her mother had gone into depression after that thus leaving her alone to take care of her younger sister, Olivia. Ember is a character that is easy to sympathize with especially with how things turned out for her after the accident - inside and outside of her home. Yet she became a determined and strong-minded character especially when it comes to Olivia. I like how much she cared for her and loved her. But it was also saddening and yes, quite frustrating with how strongly she believed that her ability is a curse - that she is cursed.
In all honesty, I was actually really frustrated with her especially with the trust issue she had with Cromwell's group and how long it took her to realized that she'd been wallowing herself for so long and that it was finally time for her to take action and help herself with her ability. Although I think it was already a little late for me to make me like her as much as I did with Katy and Alex, I do still think that she is a person that has a lot of admirable and desirable
characteristics.
As for the Hayden Cromwell, Ember's love interest and also someone with ability, he is a character that is so easy to like. He is a total sweet heart and although could be described soft if compared to Armentrout's other boys he has this edges in him that makes him definitely crush-able and swoon-worthy. And yes, hot too! His patience and hard work in helping Ember control her gift is admirable and I like how much he loved his adopted family.
Overall, this is definitely an entertaining and fantastic read albeit a bit predictable and in my case, quite frustrating. But I can still say that Armentrout's writing is indeed really good because even with those issues I had I can't seem to put this down when I started reading it. This may pale compared to her Obsidian and Half-blood but this book is still a very worthy read. And yes, I guess I treasure this because this is my first ever physical ARC! Haha! I recommend this.
Thank you so much Spencer Hill Press for sending me an ARC of this book! You guys rock!
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
December 27, 2023
Reread 10/18/2022
I would give my left hand for a sequel.
————————-
I love love love this book ❤️
Okay, not that much but still a lot!
Since I was little I loved movies where were people with superpowers. I think the first movie was X-men and my favorite character was Wolverine (he still is my favorite
I would give my left hand for a sequel.
————————-
I love love love this book ❤️
Okay, not that much but still a lot!
Since I was little I loved movies where were people with superpowers. I think the first movie was X-men and my favorite character was Wolverine (he still is my favorite
August 2, 2012
Cursed Review on K-Books
"Hayden was kind of drool-worthy. Okay. Not kind of. Definitely drool-worthy."
Wow, I don't even know where to start with this review. Cursed was the first book by Jennifer L Armentrout I ever heard about. It's been added to my must-have list for over a year so you can imagine my excitement when I found out I was getting it for review from the awesome Spencer Hill Press. Since hearing about (and dying to read) Cursed last year I have read all of Jennifer's other books and she is just amazing. I adore both the Lux and Covenant series and have fell in love with her adult book Tempting The Best Man too. I knew Cursed would be incredible. I did not under any circumstances expect it to be this incredible. If I had to describe cursed in one word it would be: Phenomenal!
Ember has a gift, well she sees it as more of a Curse. Ever since that fatal accident that left her dead and her gifted sister brought her back she hasn't been able to touch anything living. Her touch is toxic and kills. When Ember meets the mysterious but gorgeous Hayden she thinks he hot (obviously) and crazy but when he suggests there may be a way to control her gift Ember can't help but try. But was the accident that left Ember with this gift really an accident, or is someone still out there after her?
I seriously cannot put my thoughts about this book into words. I just want to scream "IT'S AWESOME! READ IT NOW!" When Cursed came through my door this week I started squealing and jumping round like a crazy woman. After reading: I want to squeal and jump round the room like a crazy woman because it is just that phenomenal. Minutes after finishing reading Cursed I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it all again. Jennifer is without a doubt the most amazing author in the world. There is nothing, NOTHING she could ever write that I would absolutely adore and completely obsess over. Cursed is definitely 100% different from all her other books but it is just as addictive and brilliant. I think this really shows her versatility as an author and I am convinced that there is no author in this world that is better than she.
Ember is such a fantastic character. I really love her. You really feel for Ember throughout the book. I mean really how could you not. She can't touch anyone. She can't even hold her beloved sister's hand. I think Ember is such a strong character. She breaks down and is very emotional but she is so strong to keep fighting. To keep going and look after her little sister after all the things that has happened to her. If those things had happened to me I'm pretty sure I'd be in a mental institute banging my head of the padded walls.
Hayden, oh where do I even start with Hayden. He is just the perfect guy. I definitely have a new book boyfriend. He is so sweet and perfect and he is the character every girl wishes was real and that they'd fall in love with her. He's so adorable. And hot! Very hot! Prepare to drool and swoon and sigh. A LOT! But really what did you expect, all of Jennifer's lead male characters make you drool and swoon and sigh. I have never in my life read such a hot scene where the characters aren't even touching.
This book is just phenomenal. It has you guessing what's going to happen and it has so many twists and turns it will leave you dizzy. From the very first page I could not put this book down. It's heart-stopping and exciting and every page leaves you breathless and needing more. I think Cursed is my favourite book of all time, yea not just of Jennifer's but ever. But really no books in the world can top Jennifer's her books are just that good. Cursed is a mind-blowing story that is unputdownable and will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.
I cannot praise this book enough. The last thing I will leave you with is this:
GO BUY IT NOW!
If I could give this book a million stars I would. This book is not to be missed out on. A must-read that I will read over and over again!
"You know my dad has always thought that Olivia was the amazing one, the one who has this remarkable gift. But I've always thought it was you."
"Hayden was kind of drool-worthy. Okay. Not kind of. Definitely drool-worthy."
Wow, I don't even know where to start with this review. Cursed was the first book by Jennifer L Armentrout I ever heard about. It's been added to my must-have list for over a year so you can imagine my excitement when I found out I was getting it for review from the awesome Spencer Hill Press. Since hearing about (and dying to read) Cursed last year I have read all of Jennifer's other books and she is just amazing. I adore both the Lux and Covenant series and have fell in love with her adult book Tempting The Best Man too. I knew Cursed would be incredible. I did not under any circumstances expect it to be this incredible. If I had to describe cursed in one word it would be: Phenomenal!
Ember has a gift, well she sees it as more of a Curse. Ever since that fatal accident that left her dead and her gifted sister brought her back she hasn't been able to touch anything living. Her touch is toxic and kills. When Ember meets the mysterious but gorgeous Hayden she thinks he hot (obviously) and crazy but when he suggests there may be a way to control her gift Ember can't help but try. But was the accident that left Ember with this gift really an accident, or is someone still out there after her?
I seriously cannot put my thoughts about this book into words. I just want to scream "IT'S AWESOME! READ IT NOW!" When Cursed came through my door this week I started squealing and jumping round like a crazy woman. After reading: I want to squeal and jump round the room like a crazy woman because it is just that phenomenal. Minutes after finishing reading Cursed I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it all again. Jennifer is without a doubt the most amazing author in the world. There is nothing, NOTHING she could ever write that I would absolutely adore and completely obsess over. Cursed is definitely 100% different from all her other books but it is just as addictive and brilliant. I think this really shows her versatility as an author and I am convinced that there is no author in this world that is better than she.
Ember is such a fantastic character. I really love her. You really feel for Ember throughout the book. I mean really how could you not. She can't touch anyone. She can't even hold her beloved sister's hand. I think Ember is such a strong character. She breaks down and is very emotional but she is so strong to keep fighting. To keep going and look after her little sister after all the things that has happened to her. If those things had happened to me I'm pretty sure I'd be in a mental institute banging my head of the padded walls.
Hayden, oh where do I even start with Hayden. He is just the perfect guy. I definitely have a new book boyfriend. He is so sweet and perfect and he is the character every girl wishes was real and that they'd fall in love with her. He's so adorable. And hot! Very hot! Prepare to drool and swoon and sigh. A LOT! But really what did you expect, all of Jennifer's lead male characters make you drool and swoon and sigh. I have never in my life read such a hot scene where the characters aren't even touching.
This book is just phenomenal. It has you guessing what's going to happen and it has so many twists and turns it will leave you dizzy. From the very first page I could not put this book down. It's heart-stopping and exciting and every page leaves you breathless and needing more. I think Cursed is my favourite book of all time, yea not just of Jennifer's but ever. But really no books in the world can top Jennifer's her books are just that good. Cursed is a mind-blowing story that is unputdownable and will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.
I cannot praise this book enough. The last thing I will leave you with is this:
GO BUY IT NOW!
If I could give this book a million stars I would. This book is not to be missed out on. A must-read that I will read over and over again!
"You know my dad has always thought that Olivia was the amazing one, the one who has this remarkable gift. But I've always thought it was you."
February 25, 2021
Alsooo ich bin mir noch immer nicht ganz sicher, was ich zu diesem Buch sagen soll.
Theoretisch gesehen wusste ich irgendwie schon vorher, dass das nicht mein Lieblingsbuch wird, aber ich hab dem Ganzen dennoch eine Chance geben wollen, da das Buch immerhin von Jennifer L. Armentrout höchstpersönlich stammt. Kann ja eigentlich nichts bei schief gehen. Dachte ich.
Also die Grundidee ist ja jetzt auch nichts neues, hat mich zwischendurch auch immer wieder sehr an "Shatter Me" von Tahereh Mafi erinnert. Aber halt in... schlecht xD
Ich konnte durchgehend keine wirkliche Beziehung zu Ember aufbauen und Hayden konnte mich auch nicht vom Hocker reißen. Und das hat wirklich etwas zu bedeuten. Wann kann man denn bitte einen männlichen Protagonisten von JLA nicht leiden?
Ember konnte ich wirklich nie nachvollziehen. Die meiste Zeit über ging sie mir auch nur auf den Keks.
Der Plot an sich konnte mich dafür auch nicht sehr überzeugen. Klar, es gab hier und da ein paar "spannende" Szenen, aber dennoch nichts, was wirklich weltbewegend war. Nichts konnte mich hieran fesseln und zum Weiterlesen zwingen.
Die ganze Auflösung am Ende ging mir dann viel zu schnell, da es das einzige war, was wirklich interessant hätte werden können. Aber nö. Auch das war mir viel zu einfach gelöst.
Ich weiß nicht, woran es gelegen hat. Bin ich schon zu alt dafür? Allerdings haben ihre anderen Fantasy-Reihen auch keine älteren Protagonisten. Ich weiß es nicht...
Ursprünglich wollte ich "Cursed" noch 3 Sterne geben, habe mich jedoch noch einmal umentschieden.
Theoretisch gesehen wusste ich irgendwie schon vorher, dass das nicht mein Lieblingsbuch wird, aber ich hab dem Ganzen dennoch eine Chance geben wollen, da das Buch immerhin von Jennifer L. Armentrout höchstpersönlich stammt. Kann ja eigentlich nichts bei schief gehen. Dachte ich.
Also die Grundidee ist ja jetzt auch nichts neues, hat mich zwischendurch auch immer wieder sehr an "Shatter Me" von Tahereh Mafi erinnert. Aber halt in... schlecht xD
Ich konnte durchgehend keine wirkliche Beziehung zu Ember aufbauen und Hayden konnte mich auch nicht vom Hocker reißen. Und das hat wirklich etwas zu bedeuten. Wann kann man denn bitte einen männlichen Protagonisten von JLA nicht leiden?
Ember konnte ich wirklich nie nachvollziehen. Die meiste Zeit über ging sie mir auch nur auf den Keks.
Der Plot an sich konnte mich dafür auch nicht sehr überzeugen. Klar, es gab hier und da ein paar "spannende" Szenen, aber dennoch nichts, was wirklich weltbewegend war. Nichts konnte mich hieran fesseln und zum Weiterlesen zwingen.
Die ganze Auflösung am Ende ging mir dann viel zu schnell, da es das einzige war, was wirklich interessant hätte werden können. Aber nö. Auch das war mir viel zu einfach gelöst.
Ich weiß nicht, woran es gelegen hat. Bin ich schon zu alt dafür? Allerdings haben ihre anderen Fantasy-Reihen auch keine älteren Protagonisten. Ich weiß es nicht...
Ursprünglich wollte ich "Cursed" noch 3 Sterne geben, habe mich jedoch noch einmal umentschieden.
March 4, 2015
Of course, another amazing JLA book!
November 21, 2020
Embers Gefühle konnte man wirklich gut nachvollziehen. Sie fühlt sich unglaublich einsam und hat immer Angst davor, jemanden mit ihrer Fähigkeit aus Versehen zu töten. In den zwei Jahren nach dem Unfall, bei dem sie eigentlich gestorben ist, hat sie sich ganz allein um ihre kleine Schwester gekümmert, ohne diese je berühren zu können. So viel Verantwortung lastet auf ihren Schultern und dieses Gewicht kann man als Leser richtig spüren. Mir hat sie immer sehr leidgetan und ich habe gehofft, dass sie endlich mal ein bisschen Glück und Leichtigkeit findet.
Hayden ist Embers persönlicher Cheerleader. Im Gegensatz zu den anderen glaubt er immer an das Gute in ihr, möchte ihr helfen und ist für sie da. Zwar fand ich ihn wirklich niedlich, aber ein kleines bisschen genervt hat er mich manchmal schon, so positiv wie er immer ist. Viel mehr genervt hat mich sowieso Olivia, Embers fünfjährige kleine Schwester. Aber Olivias Verhalten hat auch zur Geschichte gepasst, schließlich wurde sie in den letzten beiden Jahren von ihrer Schwester erzogen, die sie nicht einmal berühren kann und sichtlich überfordert ist. Auch wenn ich viele der Charaktere nicht besonders sympathisch fand, schienen sie mir doch authentisch.
Das Ende war schon recht enttäuschend, weil es zu überstürzt war und dann noch zu viel offen blieb. Es ist zu viel in zu kurzer Zeit geschehen, was dann unglaubwürdig wirkte, auch wenn es durchaus schlüssig war. Trotzdem mochte ich Embers Geschichte und ihre Entwicklung einfach so sehr, dass mich das Buch wirklich packen und begeistern konnte. Dazu ist das Buch einfach stimmig, auch die eher bedrückende und hoffnungslose Atmosphäre so passt gut zu Embers Gefühlen.
Fazit
"Cursed" war wieder ein gelungenes Jugendbuch von meiner Lieblingsautorin, auch wenn dieses Buch nicht zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern gehören wird. Die düstere Stimmung hat perfekt zu der Protagonistin gepasst und spannend fand ich es auch, das Ende fand ich allerdings nicht wirklich gelungen. Wirklich schade darum!
Hayden ist Embers persönlicher Cheerleader. Im Gegensatz zu den anderen glaubt er immer an das Gute in ihr, möchte ihr helfen und ist für sie da. Zwar fand ich ihn wirklich niedlich, aber ein kleines bisschen genervt hat er mich manchmal schon, so positiv wie er immer ist. Viel mehr genervt hat mich sowieso Olivia, Embers fünfjährige kleine Schwester. Aber Olivias Verhalten hat auch zur Geschichte gepasst, schließlich wurde sie in den letzten beiden Jahren von ihrer Schwester erzogen, die sie nicht einmal berühren kann und sichtlich überfordert ist. Auch wenn ich viele der Charaktere nicht besonders sympathisch fand, schienen sie mir doch authentisch.
Das Ende war schon recht enttäuschend, weil es zu überstürzt war und dann noch zu viel offen blieb. Es ist zu viel in zu kurzer Zeit geschehen, was dann unglaubwürdig wirkte, auch wenn es durchaus schlüssig war. Trotzdem mochte ich Embers Geschichte und ihre Entwicklung einfach so sehr, dass mich das Buch wirklich packen und begeistern konnte. Dazu ist das Buch einfach stimmig, auch die eher bedrückende und hoffnungslose Atmosphäre so passt gut zu Embers Gefühlen.
Fazit
"Cursed" war wieder ein gelungenes Jugendbuch von meiner Lieblingsautorin, auch wenn dieses Buch nicht zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern gehören wird. Die düstere Stimmung hat perfekt zu der Protagonistin gepasst und spannend fand ich es auch, das Ende fand ich allerdings nicht wirklich gelungen. Wirklich schade darum!
June 6, 2013
Two years ago Ember was killed in a car accident but her little sister, who has a mysterious gift brought her back to life. But when Ember came back something was wrong .Now everything she touches dies.
I was lured into reading this book by the blurb on the front cover.
It said “Jennifer L. Armentrout is the Queen of creating novels with kick-butt heroines, drop-dread gorgeous guys, and loads of sexual tension...”
I say “Meh...”
First of all Ember never once kicked anyone’s butt. What she did do was a lot of feeling sorry for herself, ineffectually pointing fingers and random people and alienating herself from others. In fact there was only one moment in the book where I actually liked her and that was when she was high on painkillers.
And as for the drop dead gorgeous Hayden, well I'm not so sure what was so special about him. Except for the fact that Ember kept constantly mentioning how hot he was. Maybe it is just me but I find that it is a characters actions and words that make them attractive not a never end list of their physical attributes.
This books story line was supposed to be an intriguing mystery, but the plot was very convoluted and at times incredibly slow. I am sure the author is planning on making this into a series but so many things at the end of this book made no sense at all. And because there was no real set up for the next book the whole experience was very unsatisfying.
I was lured into reading this book by the blurb on the front cover.
It said “Jennifer L. Armentrout is the Queen of creating novels with kick-butt heroines, drop-dread gorgeous guys, and loads of sexual tension...”
I say “Meh...”
First of all Ember never once kicked anyone’s butt. What she did do was a lot of feeling sorry for herself, ineffectually pointing fingers and random people and alienating herself from others. In fact there was only one moment in the book where I actually liked her and that was when she was high on painkillers.
And as for the drop dead gorgeous Hayden, well I'm not so sure what was so special about him. Except for the fact that Ember kept constantly mentioning how hot he was. Maybe it is just me but I find that it is a characters actions and words that make them attractive not a never end list of their physical attributes.
This books story line was supposed to be an intriguing mystery, but the plot was very convoluted and at times incredibly slow. I am sure the author is planning on making this into a series but so many things at the end of this book made no sense at all. And because there was no real set up for the next book the whole experience was very unsatisfying.
December 31, 2019
In a word this book was emotional. I really enjoyed the ride the author took us on.
Ember is struggling not only with being her sister’s caregiver but because of what her sister can do and the results of the tragedy she has lived through.
I loved the world building Jennifer gives us, it’s never forced it always seems so organic. It makes for an intriguing story and one you won’t want to put down.
I kind of wish this was a series because I would love to know more about some of the other characters and even more Ember I mean the way the book ends it could lead to so much more.
I loved the narration Saskia gives the emotion the inflection and the heartbreak in her voice it's wonderful and keeps you gripped in the story.
Ember is struggling not only with being her sister’s caregiver but because of what her sister can do and the results of the tragedy she has lived through.
I loved the world building Jennifer gives us, it’s never forced it always seems so organic. It makes for an intriguing story and one you won’t want to put down.
I kind of wish this was a series because I would love to know more about some of the other characters and even more Ember I mean the way the book ends it could lead to so much more.
I loved the narration Saskia gives the emotion the inflection and the heartbreak in her voice it's wonderful and keeps you gripped in the story.
May 15, 2016
Well, this wasn't a literary masterpiece but, as I always say, it's Jennifer L. Armentrout. I can't help but love her books, her stories and romances are always sooooo compelling. I loved the relationship between Ember and Hayden (by the way, I LOVE the name Hayden), he is such a nice guy and eventhough Em was annoying sometimes I could see where all her insecurities came from.
This book was very Shatter Me and I was surprised to find out this one was published before Cursed. I'm not saying this is a copy of Shatter Me but I found a lot of remanences to that other book. I loved the fact that this was a stand alone, that's like the best thing about this book, the plot didn't drag so everything flowed just fine. As always, I could not put this book down.
Jennifer's book are always a hit for me. I will forever read whatever she publishes.
This book was very Shatter Me and I was surprised to find out this one was published before Cursed. I'm not saying this is a copy of Shatter Me but I found a lot of remanences to that other book. I loved the fact that this was a stand alone, that's like the best thing about this book, the plot didn't drag so everything flowed just fine. As always, I could not put this book down.
Jennifer's book are always a hit for me. I will forever read whatever she publishes.
November 26, 2012
Ok, the end was way better than the whole book! But that can't be THE ending, I mean... There are so many questions that have been left hanging, there MUST be a sequel! D: I NEED a sequel....
I'll be here waiting, Armentrout.
I'll be here waiting, Armentrout.
Read
February 27, 2021 Lees de gehele recensie en uitleg hier: https://anoeskanossol.wixsite.com/anb...
Nadat Ember stierf in een auto ongeluk, brengt Embers zusje haar weer tot leven. Zij heeft namelijk een gave. Wanneer Ember opstaat uit de dood, merkt ze al gauw op dat vanaf dat punt ook zij met een gave door het leven gaat. Alleen het tegenovergestelde. Alles wat Ember aanraakt sterft. Het is voor Ember moeizaam om verder te leven. De pesterijen op school nemen ook steeds toe. Tot er wat fout loopt...
Het concept van dit boek is ijzersterk en vooral uniek. Hoewel het in eerste instantie klinkt als aan fantasy verhaal, leest het eerder als een contemporary boek. De gave is zo subtiel dat het boek een ruimer publiek weet te bereiken. Vooral de verschillen in gaven en de manier hoe ermee om wordt gegaan, is op een creatieve manier aangepakt. De hedendaagse setting is ook -bijna tien jaar later- nog relevant.
Dit boek is ook zeker eentje voor 'Twilight'- liefhebbers. Die sfeer hangt ook wel om het verhaal heen. De setting komt ook zeker in de buurt, al denk ik dat bij 'alles wat ze aanraakt' het nog net iets algemener aanvoelt waardoor het vandaag de dag nog relevant is.
Vaak is de persoonlijkheid van iemand met een gave, gelinkt aan die gave. Wat zeker doordacht is en ook heel mooi naar voren wordt gebracht. Personen met dezelfde gave verschillen wel steeds van persoonlijkheid. Dus Armentrout heeft er ook wel op gelet dat het niet te eentonig zou worden voor de lezer. Het boek bevat zeker wel volle karakters met een heel eigen mening en visie. Dit maakt ook dat het interessant blijft. Langs alle kanten worden er verschillende meningen in een kom gedaan en die wakkeren het verhaal steeds opnieuw aan.
Jennifer L. Armentrout heeft een onwijs fijne manier van schrijven. Schrijf technisch is dit zeker een van de betere auteurs van dit moment. Ze weet waar ze mee bezig is en pakt dingen ook precies aan zoals ze horen. Vooral de vlotheid waarmee ze schrijft, maakt dat je als lezer wil blijven doorlezen.
Opnieuw een verhaal met vele plot twists die door de lezer niet te voorspellen zijn. Er worden weinig hints gegeven naar die plotselinge wendelingen in het verhaal waardoor je soms stomverbaasd naar een pagina zit te staren.
Waar gaat het dan mis?
Hoewel het concept, de hedendaagse setting die het doelpubliek aanspreekt en de sterke personages; is die plot soms nog wat vlak. Er had meer mogen gebeuren. Af en toe mist er ook een toelichting waardoor je als lezer niet altijd mee bent met het verhaal.
Je merkt ook wel dat het verhaal in 2012 geschreven is. De trends van die tijd werden duidelijk naar de voorgrond gebracht. Wat jammer is. Nu kunnen die elementen voor een specifieke groep lezers uniek lijken, maar voor YA-lezers die ook al in 2012 boeken verslonden; gaat dit vooral een nostalgisch gegeven blijven. Vooral de 'dit heb ik al eens gezien' blijft wat in het achterhoofd spelen. Veel zaken die toen heel nieuw waren, zouden we vandaag de dag eerder als cliché aanzien.
Tot dit punt wilde ik het boek nog 3.5 à 4 sterren geven. Veel sterke punten, maar ook weer een beetje 'dit hebben we al gezien'-vibe. De plot die dan afvlakt naarmate het verhaal bezig is etc.
Maar dan... Ergens in het midden van het boek begon ik door te krijgen dat er iets mis was met dit boek. Het duurde even voor ik het zelf doorhad. Je moet namelijk kijken naar de boodschap en dubbele betekenissen die Armentrout hanteert. Een beetje tussen de regels door lezen.
Dan kom je namelijk te weten dat er op een toxische manier wordt omgegaan met mental health en zelfverwonding. Uit ervaring kan ik zeggen dat de houding daartegenover in 2012 totaal anders was dan vandaag de dag. In 2012 had ik dit aangenomen, zo ging het oprecht in de maatschappij. Maar vandaag de dag? Nee.
Begrijp me niet verkeerd, ik vond het boek best aangenaam en fijn te lezen. Zoals gezegd had ik het best een hoge score willen geven. Maar wetende wat voor invloed dit boek kan hebben op mensen... moet ik ook eerlijk zijn en de kritische blik met jullie delen.
Zou ik dit boek aanraden? ENKEL als je de mental health met een korrel zout kan nemen, en er kritisch tegenover durft te staan. Anders: nee, doe maar niet. Want lezers die de houding in dit boek (tegenover mentale gezondheid en zelfverwonding) goedkeuren, hebben we niet nodig in de book community die zo supportive is tegenover dit onderwerp.
*BELANGRIJKE TOEVOEGING, ik heb mijn mening vooraf al met de uitgever gecommuniceerd. Zij begrepen de reactie en zullen bekijken of een trigger warning mogelijk is. Hiervoor wil ik ook zeker mijn complimenten naar de uitgeverij toe uiten. Het is heel mooi hoe zij hiermee aan de slag gaan!*
Nadat Ember stierf in een auto ongeluk, brengt Embers zusje haar weer tot leven. Zij heeft namelijk een gave. Wanneer Ember opstaat uit de dood, merkt ze al gauw op dat vanaf dat punt ook zij met een gave door het leven gaat. Alleen het tegenovergestelde. Alles wat Ember aanraakt sterft. Het is voor Ember moeizaam om verder te leven. De pesterijen op school nemen ook steeds toe. Tot er wat fout loopt...
Het concept van dit boek is ijzersterk en vooral uniek. Hoewel het in eerste instantie klinkt als aan fantasy verhaal, leest het eerder als een contemporary boek. De gave is zo subtiel dat het boek een ruimer publiek weet te bereiken. Vooral de verschillen in gaven en de manier hoe ermee om wordt gegaan, is op een creatieve manier aangepakt. De hedendaagse setting is ook -bijna tien jaar later- nog relevant.
Dit boek is ook zeker eentje voor 'Twilight'- liefhebbers. Die sfeer hangt ook wel om het verhaal heen. De setting komt ook zeker in de buurt, al denk ik dat bij 'alles wat ze aanraakt' het nog net iets algemener aanvoelt waardoor het vandaag de dag nog relevant is.
Vaak is de persoonlijkheid van iemand met een gave, gelinkt aan die gave. Wat zeker doordacht is en ook heel mooi naar voren wordt gebracht. Personen met dezelfde gave verschillen wel steeds van persoonlijkheid. Dus Armentrout heeft er ook wel op gelet dat het niet te eentonig zou worden voor de lezer. Het boek bevat zeker wel volle karakters met een heel eigen mening en visie. Dit maakt ook dat het interessant blijft. Langs alle kanten worden er verschillende meningen in een kom gedaan en die wakkeren het verhaal steeds opnieuw aan.
Jennifer L. Armentrout heeft een onwijs fijne manier van schrijven. Schrijf technisch is dit zeker een van de betere auteurs van dit moment. Ze weet waar ze mee bezig is en pakt dingen ook precies aan zoals ze horen. Vooral de vlotheid waarmee ze schrijft, maakt dat je als lezer wil blijven doorlezen.
Opnieuw een verhaal met vele plot twists die door de lezer niet te voorspellen zijn. Er worden weinig hints gegeven naar die plotselinge wendelingen in het verhaal waardoor je soms stomverbaasd naar een pagina zit te staren.
Waar gaat het dan mis?
Hoewel het concept, de hedendaagse setting die het doelpubliek aanspreekt en de sterke personages; is die plot soms nog wat vlak. Er had meer mogen gebeuren. Af en toe mist er ook een toelichting waardoor je als lezer niet altijd mee bent met het verhaal.
Je merkt ook wel dat het verhaal in 2012 geschreven is. De trends van die tijd werden duidelijk naar de voorgrond gebracht. Wat jammer is. Nu kunnen die elementen voor een specifieke groep lezers uniek lijken, maar voor YA-lezers die ook al in 2012 boeken verslonden; gaat dit vooral een nostalgisch gegeven blijven. Vooral de 'dit heb ik al eens gezien' blijft wat in het achterhoofd spelen. Veel zaken die toen heel nieuw waren, zouden we vandaag de dag eerder als cliché aanzien.
Tot dit punt wilde ik het boek nog 3.5 à 4 sterren geven. Veel sterke punten, maar ook weer een beetje 'dit hebben we al gezien'-vibe. De plot die dan afvlakt naarmate het verhaal bezig is etc.
Maar dan... Ergens in het midden van het boek begon ik door te krijgen dat er iets mis was met dit boek. Het duurde even voor ik het zelf doorhad. Je moet namelijk kijken naar de boodschap en dubbele betekenissen die Armentrout hanteert. Een beetje tussen de regels door lezen.
Dan kom je namelijk te weten dat er op een toxische manier wordt omgegaan met mental health en zelfverwonding. Uit ervaring kan ik zeggen dat de houding daartegenover in 2012 totaal anders was dan vandaag de dag. In 2012 had ik dit aangenomen, zo ging het oprecht in de maatschappij. Maar vandaag de dag? Nee.
Begrijp me niet verkeerd, ik vond het boek best aangenaam en fijn te lezen. Zoals gezegd had ik het best een hoge score willen geven. Maar wetende wat voor invloed dit boek kan hebben op mensen... moet ik ook eerlijk zijn en de kritische blik met jullie delen.
Zou ik dit boek aanraden? ENKEL als je de mental health met een korrel zout kan nemen, en er kritisch tegenover durft te staan. Anders: nee, doe maar niet. Want lezers die de houding in dit boek (tegenover mentale gezondheid en zelfverwonding) goedkeuren, hebben we niet nodig in de book community die zo supportive is tegenover dit onderwerp.
*BELANGRIJKE TOEVOEGING, ik heb mijn mening vooraf al met de uitgever gecommuniceerd. Zij begrepen de reactie en zullen bekijken of een trigger warning mogelijk is. Hiervoor wil ik ook zeker mijn complimenten naar de uitgeverij toe uiten. Het is heel mooi hoe zij hiermee aan de slag gaan!*
August 2, 2012
Cursed is a story about a girl named Ember McWilliams. Two years ago she was in a car accident that took away her father and even her own life. But her naturally gifted three year old sister, Olivia, brought her back from the dead, but at a price. While Olivia can bring back any living thing that dies, Ember causes death by a simple touch.
Two years later, their mother isn't right and is still feeling the effects after the lost of her husband, money is running out and Ember has to take care of Olivia. Even at school things aren't easy. Once popular and social, Ember is now teased and ridiculed. Being called a freak and Frankenstein because of the scars that linger on her arms and stomach. She has to wear gloves to avoid accidentally killing someone and her once brown eyes has turned a pale sky blue.
After a horrific incident that lead to a guy from school dying from one touch of Ember's skin, Jonathan Cromwell decides to intervene, kidnapping her entire family and relocating them to a remote place where there are others with the same gifts. Among them is Hayden Cromwell, the mysterious boy who quotes Oscar Wilde and takes Ember's breath away.
They say that they want to help her. Help her family. But can she really trust these people?
But then again, what choice does she have...?
It's official! JLA can't write a bad book. She's proven time and time again that she is simply fearless when it comes to her writing. I love the unique voices she gives to each and everyone of her characters. And Ember is one of them.
This is a very different book compared to the rest of Jennifer's stories, but I still loved it just the same.
The supernatural concept, while isn't exactly something new, still felt fresh and alive and entertaining to witness.
I have to admit, there are only a few characters that I really liked. Olivia was a doll-face. Her voice may have been a little to mature for her age, but like it said, she has an old soul about her, which was believable. Her gift is somewhat creepy or maybe it seemed like that to me since she was just so little.
~I loved Ember. She's not a very trusting soul, but if you can't even trust yourself then how do you trust others? Her lack of faith could be frustrating at times but I still found it reasonable. Her gift was really heartbreaking to see her struggle with, but I really admired her strength, her passion, her spunk and then eventually her confidence once she started to gain control. I also adore the way she stood by her sister and her mother.
~But what really owned this book for me was Hayden. He was such an amazing character. He's thoughtful and understanding and kind and really sees Ember for who she truly is. He never gave up on her, always believed that she's more then her curse and wanted to be with her despite the fact that she has a killer touch.
Together these two really put a smile on my face. They have a beautiful connection and a chemistry that melted my insides. It wasn't all insta-love either. Friendship with attraction and then the inevitable pull to be together. Just the way I like it. Jennifer really knows how to draw her readers in with an irresistible love story. Those scenes were sizzling, sweet and very sexy.
~But sadly, as for the rest of the characters, well, I didn't really like them much due to the way they treated Ember.
She had such a hard time in her old school that I figured being in a home with other people like her that they would be welcoming and accepting. But it was the opposite. They made her feel anything but welcome, making it abundantly clear to her face that they want her gone and even went so far as to do certain things so she would get the message. And what's worse is that they were never really redeemed in the end.
Parker was okay, but he had such little scenes that it was hard to connect with him. And while Jonathan had a moment at the very end, I had a hard time trusting or liking his stern and determined ways. What happened to Adam also broke my heart a little. That felt so unfair. Hayden was the only one in that house that made it count.
With that said, I still really loved this book. I love being in one of Jennifer worlds. She has an easy going and all consuming style that makes me sink into anything she writes. I love her flawed but real characters. I loved seeing their gifts in action. This had a lot of unexpected twist and turns that I never saw coming. It's not predictable and had me guessing and entertained till the very last page.
This reads like a stand alone, but there is enough room for a sequel, which I would totally read.
Mysterious, consuming and gripping, Jennifer L Armentrout has done it again!
Special thanks to Spencer Hill Press for sending me a copy for review!
Two years later, their mother isn't right and is still feeling the effects after the lost of her husband, money is running out and Ember has to take care of Olivia. Even at school things aren't easy. Once popular and social, Ember is now teased and ridiculed. Being called a freak and Frankenstein because of the scars that linger on her arms and stomach. She has to wear gloves to avoid accidentally killing someone and her once brown eyes has turned a pale sky blue.
After a horrific incident that lead to a guy from school dying from one touch of Ember's skin, Jonathan Cromwell decides to intervene, kidnapping her entire family and relocating them to a remote place where there are others with the same gifts. Among them is Hayden Cromwell, the mysterious boy who quotes Oscar Wilde and takes Ember's breath away.
They say that they want to help her. Help her family. But can she really trust these people?
But then again, what choice does she have...?
It's official! JLA can't write a bad book. She's proven time and time again that she is simply fearless when it comes to her writing. I love the unique voices she gives to each and everyone of her characters. And Ember is one of them.
This is a very different book compared to the rest of Jennifer's stories, but I still loved it just the same.
The supernatural concept, while isn't exactly something new, still felt fresh and alive and entertaining to witness.
I have to admit, there are only a few characters that I really liked. Olivia was a doll-face. Her voice may have been a little to mature for her age, but like it said, she has an old soul about her, which was believable. Her gift is somewhat creepy or maybe it seemed like that to me since she was just so little.
~I loved Ember. She's not a very trusting soul, but if you can't even trust yourself then how do you trust others? Her lack of faith could be frustrating at times but I still found it reasonable. Her gift was really heartbreaking to see her struggle with, but I really admired her strength, her passion, her spunk and then eventually her confidence once she started to gain control. I also adore the way she stood by her sister and her mother.
~But what really owned this book for me was Hayden. He was such an amazing character. He's thoughtful and understanding and kind and really sees Ember for who she truly is. He never gave up on her, always believed that she's more then her curse and wanted to be with her despite the fact that she has a killer touch.
Together these two really put a smile on my face. They have a beautiful connection and a chemistry that melted my insides. It wasn't all insta-love either. Friendship with attraction and then the inevitable pull to be together. Just the way I like it. Jennifer really knows how to draw her readers in with an irresistible love story. Those scenes were sizzling, sweet and very sexy.
~But sadly, as for the rest of the characters, well, I didn't really like them much due to the way they treated Ember.
She had such a hard time in her old school that I figured being in a home with other people like her that they would be welcoming and accepting. But it was the opposite. They made her feel anything but welcome, making it abundantly clear to her face that they want her gone and even went so far as to do certain things so she would get the message. And what's worse is that they were never really redeemed in the end.
Parker was okay, but he had such little scenes that it was hard to connect with him. And while Jonathan had a moment at the very end, I had a hard time trusting or liking his stern and determined ways. What happened to Adam also broke my heart a little. That felt so unfair. Hayden was the only one in that house that made it count.
With that said, I still really loved this book. I love being in one of Jennifer worlds. She has an easy going and all consuming style that makes me sink into anything she writes. I love her flawed but real characters. I loved seeing their gifts in action. This had a lot of unexpected twist and turns that I never saw coming. It's not predictable and had me guessing and entertained till the very last page.
This reads like a stand alone, but there is enough room for a sequel, which I would totally read.
Mysterious, consuming and gripping, Jennifer L Armentrout has done it again!
Special thanks to Spencer Hill Press for sending me a copy for review!
September 21, 2012
Between fantasy and reality
Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again. The easiness with which this woman creates fantastic stories and memorable characters really shouldn’t surprise me anymore She wrote a novel with an interesting plot, swoon worthy love interest, kick-ass heroine, a hurricane of emotions and plenty of surprises thrown our way. Again. I really look forward to any book she writes and every time she announces a new book I am so excited that I get on my friends nerves. “Cursed” is really an amazing novel and I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished. Ember and Hayden are an amazing book couple and I cant help but notice that most of my favorite fictional couples were the fruit of Jennifer´s imagination. The storyline with the “gifted” kids and a main character whose touch kills was told in a unique way it so sucks you right in and you wont be able to get away even after you finish reading. There was a lot of interesting situations, steamy scenes, surprising revelations and emotional rollacoasters.
This book cemented Jennifer L. Armentrout´s place among my top 5 favorite authors and since her every book gets even better than the previous one I think she will stay there for a very long time. For everyone who still hasn’t read any of her books ( if there even are any out there) you should. You will be introduced to amazing stories, special and fascinating characters and situations that will take your breath away.
Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again. The easiness with which this woman creates fantastic stories and memorable characters really shouldn’t surprise me anymore She wrote a novel with an interesting plot, swoon worthy love interest, kick-ass heroine, a hurricane of emotions and plenty of surprises thrown our way. Again. I really look forward to any book she writes and every time she announces a new book I am so excited that I get on my friends nerves. “Cursed” is really an amazing novel and I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished. Ember and Hayden are an amazing book couple and I cant help but notice that most of my favorite fictional couples were the fruit of Jennifer´s imagination. The storyline with the “gifted” kids and a main character whose touch kills was told in a unique way it so sucks you right in and you wont be able to get away even after you finish reading. There was a lot of interesting situations, steamy scenes, surprising revelations and emotional rollacoasters.
This book cemented Jennifer L. Armentrout´s place among my top 5 favorite authors and since her every book gets even better than the previous one I think she will stay there for a very long time. For everyone who still hasn’t read any of her books ( if there even are any out there) you should. You will be introduced to amazing stories, special and fascinating characters and situations that will take your breath away.
September 24, 2017
This book is so engaging! When you start reading, you feel like you need to just read on, even if it's creepy and cheesy, it's written like spiced seeds, you just go through the bag without feeling! It's not so good or so bad, it's a good light read to pass time.
March 7, 2022
I loved this one. Not my normal genre but this one had a little bit for everyone, teen angst, paranormal, mystery, thriller, romance YOU GOT IT.
November 13, 2020
Ember sollte eigentlich nicht mehr am Leben sein, doch sie ist es. Nachdem sie mit ihrem Vater in einen tödlichen Autounfall verstrickt war, wird sie durch die Berührung ihre kleine Schwester wieder zum Leben erweckt. Nur leider hat Ember dadurch eine Art Fluch abbekommen, denn nun tötet jede ihrer Berührungen alles Lebendige. Ihr bleibt nichts anderes übrig als dauerhaft Handschuhe zu tragen, sodass sie sich halbwegs um ihre Schwester kümmern kann. Ihr Vater ist tot und ihre Mutter ist in einer Art Schockstarre gefangen. Es ist an Ember sich und ihre Schwester am Leben zu erhalten, nicht gerade eine einfache Aufgabe für eine 17-jährige.
Als es nun auch noch zu einem Zwischenfall mit einem Jungen aus ihrer Klasse kommt, soll sich das Leben der beiden schlagartig für immer verändern. Es tauchen Menschen auf, die die beiden mehr oder weniger zu sich nach Hause entführen. Ihr Ziel ist es Ember und ihrer Schwester ein sicheres Leben zu bieten, denn diese Familie besteht aus anderen Menschen mit Gaben. Ember traut der ganzen Sache allerdings nicht und als plötzlich in ihrer neuen Schule unheimliche Dinge in ihrem Schließfach auftauchen, ist sie sich sicher, dass sie diesen Leuten nicht vertrauen kann. Doch was ist mit Hayden? Er ist als einziger nett und versucht ihr mit ihrer sogenannten Gabe zu helfen. Außerdem ist es ihm möglich sie für einen kurzen Moment zu berühren. Etwas wonach sich Ember seit Jahren sehnt. Physischer Kontakt, ohne dabei jemanden zu töten.
Charaktere:
Meine Meinung zu Ember ist ein bisschen zweigeteilt. Ich finde sehr beeindruckend, dass sie geschafft hat sich mit 15 alleine um ihre kleine Schwester und sich zu kümmern. Und dass, nachdem sie einen solchen Verlust erlitten hat und selbst eigentlich verstorben war, was man sicherlich auch nicht so einfach wegstecken würde. An sich hat mir auch gut gefallen, dass sie der Familie nicht einfach getraut hat, denn wer würde das, wenn man von heute auf morgen von fremden Menschen in ein anderes Bundesland verschleppt wird? Außerdem haben die anderen Kinder ihr sehr deutlich gezeigt, dass sie nicht wollten, dass sie da ist. Ich fand auch Mr. Cromwells Verhalten furchtbar. Auf den ersten Seiten wurde er noch als nett, väterlich und geduldig beschrieben, aber das war sehr schnell verflogen. Auch er hat die ganze Zeit sehr deutlich gemacht, dass er Ember eigentlich nicht bei ihnen haben möchte. Wenn ich an ihrer Stelle gewesen wäre, hätte ich ihnen also auch nicht vertraut. Aber ich fand es trotzdem ziemlich nervig, dass sie mit Hayden ständig dieselbe Unterhaltung geführt und keiner der beiden zumindest ein bisschen eingelenkt hat. Das mag vielleicht realistisch sein, aber als Leser war es einfach nur repetitiv. Welche Frage ich mir auch gestellt habe, ist, warum Embers Schwester dann plötzlich einfach keine Rolle mehr gespielt hat. Die beiden waren zwei Jahre lang auf sich alleine gestellt und plötzlich lässt Olivia Ember links liegen, was Ember anfangs auch wirklich verletzt, doch dann interessiert sich auch Ember für ihre Schwester nicht mehr so wirklich, weil sie nur noch Hayden im Kopf hat? Hat mir nicht so wirklich gefallen, dass es mit einem starken Schwesternbund begonnen hat, welcher dann plötzlich nicht mehr wirklich relevant war.
Hayden war sehr … naiv, wenn ich ehrlich bin. Ich verstehe, dass er seiner Familie traut, schließlich sind es die Menschen, bei denen er große Teile seines Lebens verbracht hat, aber irgendwie hätte er Ember schon ein bisschen entgegenkommen können. Ich meine, die Zeichen standen wirklich sehr gegen die anderen. Dennoch hat er immer darauf beharrt, dass sie ihr niemals etwas tun würden. Er hätte vielleicht auch einfach einen Dialog mit den anderen suchen sollen. Versuchen zu schaffen, dass sie Ember offener entgegentreten oder ähnliches. Was ich an Kritik an ihm gelesen habe, ist das manche Leser nicht verstehen, warum er so von ihr angetan war. Aber das verstehe ich sogar. Er hat sie immerhin zwei Jahre lang immer wieder beobachtet und sich gewünscht, dass er ihr helfen könnte. Ich finde es also gar nicht mal so unwahrscheinlich, dass er tatsächlich einfach Gefühle dabei entwickelt hat, auch wenn er sie gar nicht mal persönlich kannte. Ist ein bisschen wie einen Crush auf eine Fernsehrolle haben. Man verknallt sich in das Bild, dass man von der jeweiligen Person bekommen hat.
Schreibstil/Spannungsbogen:
War tatsächlich leider nicht ganz so meins. Mir war das Erzähltempo viel zu hoch. Man ist als Leser von einem zum nächsten Ereignis gerauscht und konnte deswegen gar nicht so richtig emotional mit den Charakteren connecten, fand ich. Mir haben so diese ruhigeren Phasen gefehlt, in denen man die Handlung erstmal so ein bisschen wirken lassen und sich entspannen kann. Ich war beim Lesen die ganze Zeit nur angespannt, weil ich auf das nächste gewartet habe, was wieder passieren wird. Kann man mögen, kann man auch nicht mögen. Bei mir war es wie gesagt das Zweite. Ich brauche beim Lesen auch einfach Kapitel, in denen es mal ein bisschen ruhiger ist. Was hier kaum gegeben war. Ansonsten war es teilweise auch recht vorhersehbar. Die Autorin hat zwar auch geschafft Wendungen einzubauen, mit denen ich nicht gerechnet habe, aber vieles konnte man auch voraussehen.
Fazit:
Ich habe bei dem Buch sehr zwischen drei und vier Sternen geschwankt. Da ich keine halben Sterne gebe, habe ich mich am Ende für vier entschieden. Ich habe es relativ schnell durchgelesen, was mir gezeigt hat, dass mich die Handlung sehr interessiert hat und ich würde eine Fortsetzung lesen wollen. Leider wird es wohl keine geben, dass das englische Original von 2012 ist, aber egal. Meine Kritik habe ich euch ja auch schon genannt. Bei den Charakteren gab es für mich Schwächen und mir persönlich war das Tempo, in dem die Handlung erzählt wurde, deutlich zu schnell, wodurch ich keine richtige Bindung zu den Charakteren aufbauen konnte. Alles in allen ist es aber ein ganz guter Fantasy-Jugendroman. Wenn man die LUX-Reihe der Autorin mochte, dann sicherlich auch dieses hier. 😊
Als es nun auch noch zu einem Zwischenfall mit einem Jungen aus ihrer Klasse kommt, soll sich das Leben der beiden schlagartig für immer verändern. Es tauchen Menschen auf, die die beiden mehr oder weniger zu sich nach Hause entführen. Ihr Ziel ist es Ember und ihrer Schwester ein sicheres Leben zu bieten, denn diese Familie besteht aus anderen Menschen mit Gaben. Ember traut der ganzen Sache allerdings nicht und als plötzlich in ihrer neuen Schule unheimliche Dinge in ihrem Schließfach auftauchen, ist sie sich sicher, dass sie diesen Leuten nicht vertrauen kann. Doch was ist mit Hayden? Er ist als einziger nett und versucht ihr mit ihrer sogenannten Gabe zu helfen. Außerdem ist es ihm möglich sie für einen kurzen Moment zu berühren. Etwas wonach sich Ember seit Jahren sehnt. Physischer Kontakt, ohne dabei jemanden zu töten.
Charaktere:
Meine Meinung zu Ember ist ein bisschen zweigeteilt. Ich finde sehr beeindruckend, dass sie geschafft hat sich mit 15 alleine um ihre kleine Schwester und sich zu kümmern. Und dass, nachdem sie einen solchen Verlust erlitten hat und selbst eigentlich verstorben war, was man sicherlich auch nicht so einfach wegstecken würde. An sich hat mir auch gut gefallen, dass sie der Familie nicht einfach getraut hat, denn wer würde das, wenn man von heute auf morgen von fremden Menschen in ein anderes Bundesland verschleppt wird? Außerdem haben die anderen Kinder ihr sehr deutlich gezeigt, dass sie nicht wollten, dass sie da ist. Ich fand auch Mr. Cromwells Verhalten furchtbar. Auf den ersten Seiten wurde er noch als nett, väterlich und geduldig beschrieben, aber das war sehr schnell verflogen. Auch er hat die ganze Zeit sehr deutlich gemacht, dass er Ember eigentlich nicht bei ihnen haben möchte. Wenn ich an ihrer Stelle gewesen wäre, hätte ich ihnen also auch nicht vertraut. Aber ich fand es trotzdem ziemlich nervig, dass sie mit Hayden ständig dieselbe Unterhaltung geführt und keiner der beiden zumindest ein bisschen eingelenkt hat. Das mag vielleicht realistisch sein, aber als Leser war es einfach nur repetitiv. Welche Frage ich mir auch gestellt habe, ist, warum Embers Schwester dann plötzlich einfach keine Rolle mehr gespielt hat. Die beiden waren zwei Jahre lang auf sich alleine gestellt und plötzlich lässt Olivia Ember links liegen, was Ember anfangs auch wirklich verletzt, doch dann interessiert sich auch Ember für ihre Schwester nicht mehr so wirklich, weil sie nur noch Hayden im Kopf hat? Hat mir nicht so wirklich gefallen, dass es mit einem starken Schwesternbund begonnen hat, welcher dann plötzlich nicht mehr wirklich relevant war.
Hayden war sehr … naiv, wenn ich ehrlich bin. Ich verstehe, dass er seiner Familie traut, schließlich sind es die Menschen, bei denen er große Teile seines Lebens verbracht hat, aber irgendwie hätte er Ember schon ein bisschen entgegenkommen können. Ich meine, die Zeichen standen wirklich sehr gegen die anderen. Dennoch hat er immer darauf beharrt, dass sie ihr niemals etwas tun würden. Er hätte vielleicht auch einfach einen Dialog mit den anderen suchen sollen. Versuchen zu schaffen, dass sie Ember offener entgegentreten oder ähnliches. Was ich an Kritik an ihm gelesen habe, ist das manche Leser nicht verstehen, warum er so von ihr angetan war. Aber das verstehe ich sogar. Er hat sie immerhin zwei Jahre lang immer wieder beobachtet und sich gewünscht, dass er ihr helfen könnte. Ich finde es also gar nicht mal so unwahrscheinlich, dass er tatsächlich einfach Gefühle dabei entwickelt hat, auch wenn er sie gar nicht mal persönlich kannte. Ist ein bisschen wie einen Crush auf eine Fernsehrolle haben. Man verknallt sich in das Bild, dass man von der jeweiligen Person bekommen hat.
Schreibstil/Spannungsbogen:
War tatsächlich leider nicht ganz so meins. Mir war das Erzähltempo viel zu hoch. Man ist als Leser von einem zum nächsten Ereignis gerauscht und konnte deswegen gar nicht so richtig emotional mit den Charakteren connecten, fand ich. Mir haben so diese ruhigeren Phasen gefehlt, in denen man die Handlung erstmal so ein bisschen wirken lassen und sich entspannen kann. Ich war beim Lesen die ganze Zeit nur angespannt, weil ich auf das nächste gewartet habe, was wieder passieren wird. Kann man mögen, kann man auch nicht mögen. Bei mir war es wie gesagt das Zweite. Ich brauche beim Lesen auch einfach Kapitel, in denen es mal ein bisschen ruhiger ist. Was hier kaum gegeben war. Ansonsten war es teilweise auch recht vorhersehbar. Die Autorin hat zwar auch geschafft Wendungen einzubauen, mit denen ich nicht gerechnet habe, aber vieles konnte man auch voraussehen.
Fazit:
Ich habe bei dem Buch sehr zwischen drei und vier Sternen geschwankt. Da ich keine halben Sterne gebe, habe ich mich am Ende für vier entschieden. Ich habe es relativ schnell durchgelesen, was mir gezeigt hat, dass mich die Handlung sehr interessiert hat und ich würde eine Fortsetzung lesen wollen. Leider wird es wohl keine geben, dass das englische Original von 2012 ist, aber egal. Meine Kritik habe ich euch ja auch schon genannt. Bei den Charakteren gab es für mich Schwächen und mir persönlich war das Tempo, in dem die Handlung erzählt wurde, deutlich zu schnell, wodurch ich keine richtige Bindung zu den Charakteren aufbauen konnte. Alles in allen ist es aber ein ganz guter Fantasy-Jugendroman. Wenn man die LUX-Reihe der Autorin mochte, dann sicherlich auch dieses hier. 😊
September 1, 2019
This one had a very X-Men feel to it. Ember McWilliams died in a car accident and then was brought back by her sister. But when she came back, she came back different - now her touch kills anything that comes into contact with it. Suddenly Ember finds herself living in a giant mansion with other kids who have gifts, but there's something not right.
I enjoyed this book. I felt really bad for Ember because here was a girl who died and lost her father in the same night. Now, she can't touch anyone, including her five year old sister and her own mother acts like she doesn't exist. She was learning to deal when her life is uprooted again. I honestly don't know how shes so sane with all the feelings she has.
The romance was a little awkward for me. While I liked Hayden, his feelings were a little immediate and intense regarding Ember. I liked how he was helping her and the only real person to stand up for her, but I never got the love connection sparks. I honestly thought this was a series and we would have more time to meet them, so imagine my surprise when it just ended.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I wanted more, but what I got was fun.
I enjoyed this book. I felt really bad for Ember because here was a girl who died and lost her father in the same night. Now, she can't touch anyone, including her five year old sister and her own mother acts like she doesn't exist. She was learning to deal when her life is uprooted again. I honestly don't know how shes so sane with all the feelings she has.
The romance was a little awkward for me. While I liked Hayden, his feelings were a little immediate and intense regarding Ember. I liked how he was helping her and the only real person to stand up for her, but I never got the love connection sparks. I honestly thought this was a series and we would have more time to meet them, so imagine my surprise when it just ended.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I wanted more, but what I got was fun.
October 24, 2020
Meinung: Ja ich weiß, die Rezension ist komplett voreingenommen, aber was soll ich machen ich liebe die Bücher von Jennifer L. Armentrout einfach und ich glaube diese Frau kann mich einfach nie enttäuschen. Ich habe das Buch schon geliebt, als ich es in den Händen hatte und daran hat sich nach dem lesen auch nichts geändert.
Dieses Buch wird uns durch die Ich-Erzählperspektive von der Protagonistin Ember geschildert. Ember ist ein zurückgezogenes junges Mädchen, welches durch einen schweren Schicksalsschlag alles verloren hat, sogar die Erlaubnis anderen Menschen zu berühren. Doch nichts desto trotz, hat sie ein Kämpferherz und würde niemals aufgeben, sie ist stark, skeptisch und hat das Herz am richtigen Fleck.
Der Schreibstil ist schnell, flüssig und leicht. Man ist sofort in der Geschichte drin und ständig passiert irgendwas. Dieses Buch läuft wie ein Film vor dem inneren Auge ab und schon ist es auch zu Ende. Ich habe es innerhalb zwei Tagen verschlungen (es wäre einer gewesen, hätte der Mann nicht gesagt ich soll was ich Fernsehen mit ihm anschauen).
Eine wundervolle Story, mit viele Leid, Liebe, Spannung, Verzweiflung und Angst. Ein oder zwei Tränchen habe ich beim Lesen verdrücken müssen (ok sie sind aus mir raus geflossen wie die Niagarafälle) aber genau das habe ich auch von einem Buch der Queen erwartet und das habe ich bekommen.
Fazit:. 5 Sterne +++ und eine große Leseempfehlung! Jetzt schon ein Herzensbuch. Ich glaub ich muss nichts mehr dazu sagen, denn ich liebe dieses Buch einfach und was auch noch toll ist, es glitzert!
Dieses Buch wird uns durch die Ich-Erzählperspektive von der Protagonistin Ember geschildert. Ember ist ein zurückgezogenes junges Mädchen, welches durch einen schweren Schicksalsschlag alles verloren hat, sogar die Erlaubnis anderen Menschen zu berühren. Doch nichts desto trotz, hat sie ein Kämpferherz und würde niemals aufgeben, sie ist stark, skeptisch und hat das Herz am richtigen Fleck.
Der Schreibstil ist schnell, flüssig und leicht. Man ist sofort in der Geschichte drin und ständig passiert irgendwas. Dieses Buch läuft wie ein Film vor dem inneren Auge ab und schon ist es auch zu Ende. Ich habe es innerhalb zwei Tagen verschlungen (es wäre einer gewesen, hätte der Mann nicht gesagt ich soll was ich Fernsehen mit ihm anschauen).
Eine wundervolle Story, mit viele Leid, Liebe, Spannung, Verzweiflung und Angst. Ein oder zwei Tränchen habe ich beim Lesen verdrücken müssen (ok sie sind aus mir raus geflossen wie die Niagarafälle) aber genau das habe ich auch von einem Buch der Queen erwartet und das habe ich bekommen.
Fazit:. 5 Sterne +++ und eine große Leseempfehlung! Jetzt schon ein Herzensbuch. Ich glaub ich muss nichts mehr dazu sagen, denn ich liebe dieses Buch einfach und was auch noch toll ist, es glitzert!
September 4, 2015
Good, angsty YA... but not great.
Has a 'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer' feel to it. I'll most likely continue the series, but I'm not in any great hurry. It certainly didn't hit me like the Lux series did. Cursed is still a solid YA read that's not totally obsessed with sex, I'd recommend it to like-minded readers.
Has a 'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer' feel to it. I'll most likely continue the series, but I'm not in any great hurry. It certainly didn't hit me like the Lux series did. Cursed is still a solid YA read that's not totally obsessed with sex, I'd recommend it to like-minded readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,678 reviews