A Curse of Ash and Iron

Book excerpt: All The World's A Stage, As They Say... In 1876 Philadelphia, Benjamin Grimm knows real life is much like the theater-people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives and never revealing their secrets. When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, his delight turns to dismay. On learning she has been under a spell for the past seven years, forced to live as a servant in her own home, he realizes how sinister some secrets can be. Ellie has spent the long years since her mother's death under her stepmother's watchful and unforgiving eye. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seemed no one could help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, likewise bespelled. When she encounters Ben one evening, he seems immune to the magic that binds her. Her hope rekindles along with their friendship. But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the curse before midnight on New Year's Eve, both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.