Read this now! A Curse Dark as Gold

So. You guys. I have a new favorite book—nay, new favorite author. You know that feeling you get when you’re completely blown away by a book? When, days later, you can’t stop thinking about it? Can’t stop returning to the book to study it as a master class in “How To Write a Novel?”*

This is how I feel about A CURSE DARK AS GOLD.

This wickedly creative retelling of Rumpelstiltskin centers on Charlotte Miller, a teenaged girl desperately trying to keep the family mill up and running after the death of her father. At first Charlotte ignores the mysterious hex signs that crop up all over the mill, turns a blind eye to its inexplicable accidents. But soon Charlotte has to face reason—the mill is cursed—but why? And when the mysterious Jack Spinner shows up with an offer to help solve all of Charlotte’s problems, should she trust him no matter the cost?

I flew through this book, mostly because I simply could not put it down. Elizabeth Bunce is a frighteningly good writer. By the second page, you know you’re in good hands, and Ms. Bunce does not disappoint, weaving a complex but seemingly effortless tale that leaves you guessing at every turn. In addition to plotting, the author is a master at characterization. Even the most minor of characters are completely fleshed out (no one notes here). And then there’s Charlotte, who is everything a good protagonist should be—strong, fully developed and flawed. I won’t spoil anything, but if you have read this book, you know the flaw I’m talking about. And if you have not read this book, go! Now! Read!

I cannot recommend this book enough.

*(Am I the only person who does this?)