• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2023 January #1
  A temperamental peace exists between the Chancery and the Wilds, that untamed territory that houses magic and strange creatures—chief among them the Little Brothers, spiderlike beings that can protect or spread curses to the humans who cross their paths. Both Kellen and Nettle have experiences with curses: Nettle as one formerly cursed, and Kellen as the one who lifted her curse with his rare gift of unravelling. They make an unlikely pair, but Nettle's calm and rational demeanor helps temper Kellen's rash, impulsive tendencies—sometimes. The two earn a living by unravelling curses around the Chancery, but when Kellen's mouthiness lands them in prison (again), they are freed by an anonymous individual who requires Kellen's services. Hardinge's immersive world building and layered plot pull readers into an adventure full of mystery, treachery, political machinations, and danger. At the heart of the story is its examination of anger versus hate and the social systems in place for dealing with those who commit crimes as a result of mistreatment or circumstance. A thought-provoking pick for tweens. Grades 6-9. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.

Frances Hardinge is the winner of the Costa Book of the Year for The Lie Tree, one of just two young adult novels to win the major UK literary prize. Known for her beautiful use of language, Hardinge has written many critically acclaimed novels, including Cuckoo Song, Gullstruck Island, Fly by Night, Verdigris Deep, and Fly Trap. She lives in England. Visit her at franceshardinge.com.

Frances Hardinge is the winner of the Costa Book of the Year for The Lie Tree, one of just two young adult novels to win the major UK literary prize. Known for her beautiful use of language, Hardinge has written many critically acclaimed novels, including Cuckoo Song, Gullstruck Island, Fly by Night, Verdigris Deep, and Fly Trap. She lives in England. Visit her at franceshardinge.com.