Sweet Far Thing

Once again, don't read this unless you've already finished Rebel Angels. Unless you like to ruin things for yourself, in which case, go right ahead.
Bray, Libba. The Sweet Far Thing. New York: Delacorte Press, 2007.
[Book cover credit: www.librarything.com]

Awards:
Books With Bite: Teen Read Week, Teen Picks (2008)
New York Times Bestseller, Children's Series (2008)

Teaser:
When Gemma, Ann and Felicity return to Spence, construction has begun on the East Wing to restore it to its past glory. This has brought many protests from Mother Elena, which would usually make Gemma rush to the realms to check on things, but she hasn't been able to make the door of light appear since she bound the magic to herself and trapped Circe in the Temple well. Added to this frustration is a new recurring vision. One of a woman in lavender that will not speak, but whose horror and urgency are communicated to Gemma regardless.

But, as always, there are more pressing matters, such as perfecting one's curtsy for her debut before the queen, a feat which, if unaccomplished, has the potential to rob Felicity of her inheritance and her freedom. Ann must face her future life of servitude and torture at the hand of her young charges as her time at Spence comes to an end. And Gemma, who feels so trapped in her destined future of debut->balls->marriage->endless tea, must sort out her feelings. Does she desire Simon, who is still so handsome, especially now that he no longer desires her, or does she have the courage to admit that she truly desires Kartik, who is still the star of her dreams even though he has not honored his pledge of allegiance to her by returning to the woods behind Spence to be near her, woods that seem to be suddenly overfull with crows.

P.S. - The real teaser, at the end of Rebel Angels (in paperback), is a complete and utter lie. Completely and utterly. I loved The Sweet Far Thing anyway, so much so that I finished its 848 pages in roughly two days.