Curse Painter

Book excerpt: Art is magic. Art is a curse. Briar can curse with the flick of a paintbrush. Her paintings maim, bewitch, and—most effectively of all—destroy. But Briar doesn't want to hurt people anymore. She has fled her family's deadly curse business to start a new life peddling nonlethal jinxes and petty revenge. Briar’s destructive powers catch the eye of a charismatic young outlaw called Archer, who hires her to help him save a kidnapped friend from a ruthless baron. Briar thinks this is her chance to make amends for her crimes, but the family business won’t let her go so easily. When her violent past jeopardizes Archer’s rescue mission, Briar must confront the dark arts she left behind—and decide what she’s willing to destroy in order to be good. Read the new fantasy adventure inspired by Robin Hood from the author of Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, and the Fire Queen’s Apprentice! "Richly detailed, artistic, hopeful, and an instant classic, Curse Painter is everything you could hope for in a bright fantasy novel - perfect for all ages but most especially those who adore a powerful story of goodness and magic." - Sarah K. L. Wilson, USA Today Bestselling Young Adult Author "I could not stop reading this book." - Chrissie Weselake "This book is easily one of the best YA fantasy books of the year. Engaging, witty, and full of action, Curse Painter is a phenomenally enjoyable book guaranteed to delight readers of all ages." - Sophia Lee Delorey