Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2013 Gr 7 Up—Lucy Scarborough has ended the curse that haunted the women of her family for 400 years and is settling into a happy life after the events of Impossible (Dial, 2008). But Fenella, with whom the curse began, isn't at peace. After being trapped in Faerie for centuries, all she wants is to die, so she strikes a deal with the Faerie queen: if she destroys her family, she can end her own life. She shows up on Lucy's doorstep to begin her three tasks of destruction (the inverse of Lucy's three tasks of creation). However, despite her tortured past, it is difficult to sympathize with Fenella's cruel intentions. Readers who rooted for Lucy's success may struggle with this novel, especially since Lucy's spirit and determination, so much a part of her character in Impossible, are largely absent here so that Fenella can take center stage. They will also have a hard time believing Lucy's family's acceptance of Fenella, even after she begins to destroy their security and love. Mention is made of their suspicions, but Fenella is never asked to leave, and while the ending is somewhat open-ended, it's still more hopeful than seems likely. Even with its flaws and heavy reliance on a suspension of disbelief, Unthinkable may still find an audience among fans of Impossible who liked the blending of real-world and fantasy, the focus on family, and the tale of a young woman overcoming what seem like incredible odds.—Gretchen Kolderup, New York Public Library - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2013 *Starred Review* In this stand-alone sequel to Impossible (2008), Werlin presents a heroic character who has three tasks: to destroy her family’s home, their love, and their hope. The destroyer is Fenella, who has been trapped in the faerie realm for hundreds of years. Like Impossible’s Lucy, she is a Scarborough; Lucy broke the family curse that killed generations of girls; Fenella was the first to be cursed by the despicable Padraig. The only way for Fenella to find release, according to the Faerie Queen, is to destroy, and she agrees before she’s told it is Lucy, her husband, daughter, foster parents, and tormented mother, Miranda, who must be the targets. Werlin pulls off quite a feat, making us care deeply for a character driven by selfish needs, intent on betrayal. The irresistably plotted book, also raises large questions about the nature of security and whether destruction is tied to creation. The tension is palpable as Fenella ponders possibilities for accomplishing her unforgivable tasks, and the reader, though horrified, can’t walk away from her, nor can her love interest, Walker. Fenella’s feline companion, Ryland, the feisty brother of the Faerie Queen, adds some levity to a unique and unforgettable quest. Though the destruction is handled almost philosophically, at its heart, this is a story about the many different levels of love. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.