First published 2010
Five children disappear from cities across Europe on the same night. Years later, they arrive at an exclusive Manhattan party with their mysterious governess, then enroll at the prestigious Marlowe School. These Faust teenagers possess extraordinary abilities that let them dominate their new environment. One reads minds while another erases memories. A third stops time itself. The fourth steals power from others, and the fifth wields artificial beauty as a weapon. Their rapid rise draws suspicion from classmates and faculty alike. But their supernatural gifts come with a price. Each student becomes addicted to their power, suffering dangerous side effects as they climb higher. When they discover they must make additional deals with their demonic benefactor, they uncover secrets that surpass even their own terrible sins. The students face a choice between their ambitions and their souls in this modern retelling of the classic Faustian legend.
Genres: fantasy, supernatural, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Europe, Manhattan, Marlowe School
Period: contemporary
Audio CD · Candlewick on Brilliance Audio
Content warnings: violence