The Curse

Penny Black, a girl who can grant any ability she imagines but can never do so for herself, discovers the devastating consequences of her powers as she grapples with the unintended costs and darker truths behind her gifts. Over four books, her journey explores themes of power, guilt, and the legacy of childhood trauma, set against a backdrop of government secrets and moral ambiguity. Narrated from two perspectives—only one of which is truthful—the series delves into complex, adult themes such as sexual violence, coercion, and substance abuse.