The Dream Spinner

Annalise Meriweather is cursed.  She was born with one hand twice the size of the other, and the big hand is marked with a broken black heart.  The hand also has a mind of its own, sometimes even shooting sparks or flames. 

This is not the only reason people despise her.  On the day Annalise was born, her town was also cursed.  The fields and the sky blackened.  People are killed by roving bands of wolves, and the people blame Annalise.  Her parents have even built a cage around the house to keep people away.

Annalise is caught up in an epic tale of conflict and betrayal.  Twin sisters were born to a king and queen.  One would be the Dream Spinner, beloved of all.  The other would be the Fate Spinner, despised by everyone and always jealous of her sister's happiness. 

The broken heart on Annalise's hand is a sign she is cursed by the Fate Spinner.  One day Annalise decides it's time for her to take her fate into her own hands.  In order to do so, she will have to defeat a terrible maze filled with challenges and pain.  If she can survive, she has a chance to meet the Dream Spinner and make her dream a reality.  All she wants is the ability to control her hand and her own destiny, but achieving her dreams is more dangerous than she could have imagined.

This new fantasy by K.A. Reynolds is a story about mental health wrapped up in a quest tale.  There were so many things I loved about this book.  Give me a story about a weakness becoming a strength any day!  Plus, magic dream cats who help you on your path?  Yes, please!  And that cover?  Beautiful!  However, I think this could have been edited down by at least 100 pages.  This could have easily been a 4 or 5 star book for me with a tighter plot, but I would still recommend it because of its message about mental health.