SYNOPSIS:

Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?

Vampires, mermaids, and even zombies have all had their day in the YA genre, usually with a romantic twist.  It sounds refreshing then to see that, in Jo’s story, witches might be given the chance to shine without the requisite love plot.  A family curse?  A mysterious man who can sneak past magical wards?  Dark magic seeping into our protagonist?  Count us in!

Not to be left out, the cover is truly unique.  With its greens and gold, ivy patterning, and the hint of a forest behind the title, it has a very classy feel, evoking older and more literary pursuits.

EARLY REVIEWS SAY…

If being an adolescent already feels like a curse, try life as a modern teenage witch.  [A] magical, entertaining world that has the right amount of darkness to keep the story intriguing and the right amount of light to keep readers content… there’s something for chick-lit, romance, mystery and fantasy fans alike. (Kirkus Review)

True to the potential of teen witches, Jo is no shrinking violet. She knows what she must do, she is tough, and she has the magical skills to do what needs to be done. Thank goodness the witching hour has come back to young adult literature. (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA))

NECESSARY DETAILS

YA Paranormal

Paperback, 352 pages

Published on April 15th 2014 by HarperTeen (ISBN 0062120182)

http://www.harperteen.com/books/House-Ivy-Sorrow-Natalie-Whipple/?isbn=9780062120182