Star cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780141342139. 367p.
Star Cursed is the sequel to Born Wicked, making it the second volume of the Cahill Witch Chronicles. Jessica Spotswood's alternate history of New England, USA, chronicles the secret society of witches. We follow Cate's recruitment to the big city convent school, but the religious order is a front for the 'Sisterhood' of witches in the same manner that 'Hogwarts' is really a school for English witches and wizards.
Cate could be the witch prophesied to lead the Sisterhood next when Sister Cora passes away. Or is it one of her sisters - Maura or Tess? When all sisters are forced to join the Sisterhood, Maura plots to overthrow Cate as the favourite candidate.
The puritan society of New England is a dangerous place for these witches who are capable of illusions, erasing minds and healing. These skills cannot be used haphazardly without arousing suspicion because the brotherhood is arresting and torturing any innocent woman suspected of witchcraft or visions.
Finn is still Cate's romantic interest and he has joined the Brotherhood. Will he understand why she ran away to the convent instead of accepting his marriage proposal?
Maura's alliances and attacks threaten to incite the Brotherhood to persecute witches like never before, whereas Cate and Tess prefer less risky resistance and rescue operations. The next instalment should see the conflict resolved and a true leader emerge.
Deb Robins