Book Review: Cursed by Jennifer Armentrout

Title: Cursed

Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Published in: September 18, 2012

Source: own copy

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. 
However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.(goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I'm not much of the "summary of my own version first before my comments "kind of reviewer, but I almost usually go direct to the point- of what I think about the book. And I'm planning of doing the same here. I loved "Cursed". I like that it was a standalone. I liked how unexpected the drama part of the story is. I seriously did not expect I will be shedding a bucket full of tears for this Jennifer Armentrout book. I never pegged Armentrout to be able to engorge that kind of super emotional reaction from me. The occasional teary eyed moments-yes, but full on snot kind of cry? No. I absolutely did not see that one coming. 

Ember is such a troubled character. She went through a lot in life, and like Hayden did, I admired her strength in keepingit together. For two years, she practically raised her now 5-yr old sister after their father died and her mother turned useless. Plus, the way Cromwell (Hayden's adopted father) handled the situation the first time they met was somewhat not calculated and there was something off about it, that's why I, as a reader, couldn't blame Ember for not trusting them. Heck, if it was done to me what they did to her, I'll probably scheme my own way out too while pretending to be in jam with them,ha! Hayden is a totally swoon-worthy character. Though the stalking thing was creepy, but if it was done by him, by all means, stalk all you want! Lol. but seriously, there's something about his curious and persevering character that will make you like him even more. Plus, he was really kind to Ember when no one else was. The other characters I like were Olivia, Ember's sister, though I kind of hated her when she immediately attached to everyone esp because of the material things, but I can't really blame her since she's just a kid. I also like Adam, when he went to follow Ember all the way, it really made me cry. I wonder if my friends will do the same for me too. (A bit of spoiler alert: it really made me extremely sad how their friendship ended.) 

In the plot, there were some things that were left open and hanging or in some cases they were not right. As in no justice was served. Like with Adam and Ember's friendship. Then with Phoebe's actions, she did not even apologize to Ember. And I don't get why Hayden and Phoebe must stay so close when he's helping her with her gift? Anyway, I'm just blabbing I know. But I must say, I like the story. The mystery/speculative part of the novel made up for the thrill I felt when reading it. I love how simple the answers really are to every dilemma they had, when you think about it. I mean compared to all their hassles and bustles. I thought it might have involved a greater villain, but then I realized it being a standalone wouldn't compensate a big story with bigger plots. Then there's Jennifer's writing. It was not super flawless as there were times when you have to read a scene over and over just to get it right, but it was good. Really good. 

I really admire Jennifer's ability to create interesting characters, and everyone has this comfortable fluidity among them (hate/love). This is a fast and fun read that made me cry and giggle a lot. :)