Unraveller

Frances Hardinge's Unraveller is a dark young adult fantasy set in the richly imagined world of Raddith, where extreme hatred can manifest as devastating curses. The story follows Kellen, a teenager with the singular ability to undo these curses, and his loyal friend Nettle, a girl he once freed from a bird transformation. Together, they are drawn into a complex conspiracy involving a curser group known as Salvation, orchestrated by a corrupt official. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, justice, and the burden of power, as Kellen races against time to understand and control his own curse before it consumes him and those he cares about. It's a challenging, immersive read perfect for mature young readers who appreciate intricate world-building and moral complexities.

A dark YA fantasy about learning to use your power and finding peace, from award-winning author Frances Hardinge In a world where anyone can create a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them. Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but helps those transformed maliciously--including Nettle. Recovered from entrapment in bird form, she is now his constant companion and closest ally. But Kellen has also been cursed, and unless he and Nettle can remove his curse, Kellen is in danger of unravelling everything--and everyone--around him . . .