The Conjurer's Curse - by Stephanie Cotta (Hardcover)

About the Book

Seventeen-year-old Rowan is a walking, breathing curse. He just hasn't realized it yet.

Book Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Rowan is a walking, breathing curse. He just hasn't realized it yet.

Since birth, Rowan has been the object of scorn in his village. The reason? He's a dikyli-an outsider with albino skin and an ominous mark blazoned on his neck. So when his fourth guardian-mother is found dead, all blame falls on him, and he is banished before his life-draining curse can strike again. The only path left to Rowan is clear: He must discover who cursed him and alter his horrible fate-or forever lose everyone he loves.

From facing treacherous seas, soul-devouring Moonshades, and desert terrors, Rowan battles for his very survival to reach his homeland-the far-off kingdom of Shandria, a land rife with hostilities. Dark surprises and back-stabbing betrayals emerge as two devious Iron Barons-who know the scandalous origin of his curse-plot to imprison him in the Mountain of the Damned with the rest of the accursed.

To make matters worse, Rowan's curse threatens to claim another life when he meets Tahira, a spunky, pertly persistent Shandrian who vows to aid him in his quest despite the overwhelming odds. Their alliance of trust and necessity develops into love-a love doomed to end in death if Rowan remains cursed. With the hope of a future hanging in the balance, he must overcome the greatest challenge of his life. For the only way to end his curse is to slay the Conjurer who cast the life-draining spell.

Review Quotes

"A rewarding fantasy about a family's curse with strong characters." - Kirkus Reviews

"The Conjurer's Curse is complex and exciting and has beautiful descriptions and dialogue. This would be an excellent read for middle schoolers and above or anyone who wants to experience the adventure in this young adult epic fantasy novel." - Literary Titan

"Populated by cunning, conjurers, and monsters, Cotta's fantasy world is vividly drawn. The zipping plot is punctuated with quiet introspective moments and brilliantly crafted action scenes. The richly detailed characters are given depth and nuance, especially when they struggle with their individual turmoil. Equally intriguing is Cotta's deft examination of how trauma and grief change people and how one's choices shape one's destiny. A brilliant YA fantasy that's as entertaining as it is thoughtful." - The Prairies Book Review

"Brimming with rich detail in a magic-infused fantasy world and populated by achingly real characters, Cotta's story is thoroughly immersive to get lost in. Brilliantly crafted and thrilling." - The Book View Review