Weather Witch (YA)

Book #11 Read in 2013
Weather Witch by Shannon Delany (YA)

This is the first book in a new series by Shannon Delany.  Weather Witch is set in Philadelphia in 1844.  The culture is one of fear of the paranormal. . . those thought to be weather witches are imprisoned and tortured.  

Jordan is taken into custody for being a weather witch, though she swears she is not one.  She is taken to the Maker, a man named Bran, who tortures the witches until they show their power.  But Bran cannot get Jordan to unleash her power, and he begins to doubt whether or not she really is a Weather Witch.  Meanwhile, Jordan's possible match, Rowen, is trying to get to the prison to rescue her.  The cliffhanger ending of this book will leave readers begging for book two.

Jordan is a great heroine--though a lady, she finds a strength that she did not know she had when faced with the horrid prison conditions and the horrific torture.  She is caring, bonding with her fellow prisoners.  She is compassionate, especially when it comes to Meggie, the Maker's daughter.  Rowen is a compelling flawed hero.  He seems to be after fun at the beginning of the book, then comes into his own and when suffering a loss, he realizes that even if he dies, it will be worth it if he saves Jordan's life.  

Readers will root for the couple to be safely reunited.  Book two will have many ends to tie up and I cannot wait to read it.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for a review.