School Library JournalGr 8 Up—From the moment Katy Jessevar, 16, arrives unwillingly at her Massachusetts boarding school, sent there by her father, everyone recognizes her and calls her by another name—Ainsworth—the school's name. Her classmates instantly dislike her, especially cute Peter. Katy learns that her ancestors founded the school and that they were one of the most powerful witch families in town, and that many of the students are descended from these original witches. Her mother was an oracle who saw visions of an evil Darkness. When Katy was six, her mother went crazy and tried to kill Peter's little brother Eric before killing herself. Eric survived but suffered brain damage. Katy discovers that she's inherited magical powers as well.
