Curses - by Lish McBride (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A rebellious young woman and a skilled swindler team up in this enchanting young adult fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

"A unique and twisty magical romp!"--Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals Quartet

"A smart and hilarious twist on a tale as old as time."--Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles

A run-in with a fairy godling at her betrothal ball left Merit Cravan with more than any fairyborn noble could want: wealth, intelligence, and the kind of beastly visage that makes children weep.

Now Merit has until her eighteenth birthday to break the fairy's curse--and every day, she loses a little more of herself to the animal she's become. All because she picked one unsuitable boy.

Tevin DuMont has nothing except a fairy gift of charm, an exceptionally handsome face, and two siblings he's trying desperately to protect. As the oldest son in a family of con artists, he's learned how to use what he has to his best advantage. He'll do anything to keep his siblings safe, so when his mother runs afoul of the Beast of Cravan, Tevin doesn't think twice. He'll pay his mother's debt, even if it means taking her place.

With her birthday looming, Merit has to find a match, but she's terrified she'll make the same mistake as before. Then she meets Tevin and realizes there's no one better to protect her from an unsuitable match than the most unsuitable boy of all. Can Tevin help her break the curse, or is she doomed to be the Beast of Cravan forever?

Review Quotes

"Curses is the Beauty and the Beast retelling I've been waiting for."--Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A unique and twisty magical romp!"--Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author

"If you're looking to escape into a fun fantasy romp, you can't go wrong with this one."--Kelley Armstrong, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A genuine delight."--William Ritter, author of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series

"McBride's voyage into this full fantasy world brings a different kind of humor than her Necromancer duology, and it's a worthwhile pivot."--Booklist

"This gender-swapped take on Beauty and the Beast is a snappy blend of old-school fairy tale appeal, with true love and pretty gowns, and modern-day sensibilities in dialogue and plot points."--BCCB

"Earnest and amusing."--Kirkus Reviews

"The path to true love constitutes an enjoyable read and the repartee among characters is clever and modern."--School Library Connection

About the Author

Lish McBride is the author of funny and creepy young adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; and Pyromantic. She has published short stories on Tor.com, and the anthologies Cornered, What to Read in the Rain, and Kisses & Curses. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, Morris Award finalist, and won the Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award. Lish is a former indie bookseller, has a MFA from University of New Orleans, and prefers pie to cake. While she has no long term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.