Cusp Born - by Lorraine Hawley (Paperback)

About the Book

Upper MG fantasy for ages 10-14. Abree's wild fire magic makes her an outcast. Accused and hunted by Shadow Warriors, she must master her power to survive and find where she belongs.

Book Synopsis

Born to the house of Aries, thirteen-year-old Abree should command fire. Instead, her magic is dangerously wild-and in a world ruled by the twelve zodiac houses, being different can make you an outcast.

Falsely accused and forced to flee into a deadly forest, Abree discovers a hidden refuge of children, like her, don't fit in neatly within the world they were born into. But safety is short-lived. Shadow Warriors are hunting them, Abree's unpredictable power is growing stronger, and the very fire she struggles to control may be the only thing capable of protecting the children who have finally given her a place to belong.

To survive, Abree must learn that mastering her power isn't about becoming what others expect her to be. It's about discovering who she is-and deciding what she's willing to risk for the family she's found.

CUSP BORN is an upper middle grade high fantasy adventure for ages 10-14, blending zodiac-inspired elemental magic, danger, friendship, and found family with themes of identity, belonging, courage, and accepting the qualities that make us different.

With an imaginative astrological world and an accessible approach to high fantasy, CUSP BORN is a compelling choice for middle grade fantasy collections and readers drawn to magical worlds, unlikely heroes, and stories about finding where you belong.

Review Quotes

"Hawley excels at catchy world-building, bolstered by a memorable ensemble cast." -BookLife Reviews