This complex, original fantasy moves beyond the simplistic duality of right versus wrong as it offers a nuanced exploration of human behavior. Fifteen-year-old Kellen can unravel curses and is regularly hired to do so. Nettle has been his traveling companion ever since Kellen unravelled the curse that transformed her into a heron. When hot-tempered Kellen offends a wealthy client, landing them both in jail, a man named Gall offers to arrange their release before engaging them to work for an anonymous patron. Gall and his marsh horse (a carnivorous creature that bonds with the human who voluntarily gives it one of their eyes) will protect Kellen and Nettle while they fulfill unravelling jobs requested by their new employer. Unravelling a curse isn’t complicated if all cursers are inherently evil, as is commonly believed. But as Kellen and Nettle work through their assigned tasks, it becomes increasingly clear nothing is that simple: mistakes, secrets, faults, and complex feelings motivated the cursers. Adding to their troubles is the realization that someone—or something—is coming after Kellen. Mounting tension and an accelerating plot pace peppered with one close call after another lead to a dramatic climactic scene where betrayal and the abuse of power is defeated by loyalty, love, and the sincere desire to do good. (Age 12 and older)

A dark YA fantasy about learning to use your power and finding peace, from award-winning author Frances Hardinge.

In a world where anyone can create a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them.

Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but helps those transformed maliciously—including Nettle. Recovered from entrapment in bird form, she is now his constant companion and closest ally.

But Kellen has also been cursed, and unless he and Nettle can remove his curse, Kellen is in danger of unravelling everything—and everyone—around him . . .

“Brilliantly developed world. Kellen and Nettle are both memorable from their first introduction. As always, Hardinge is masterful at her ability to write poignant, thoughtful passages while also ably developing an expansive fantasy world that is believable and relatable.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (Starred Review)