Frances Hardinge

Verdigris Deep Frances Hardinge

Verdigris (n.): a blue-green rust that tarnishes ageing and forgotten copper coins, altering them entirely ...

One evening, Ryan and his friends steal some coins from a well. Soon after, strange things begin to happen. Peculiar burn marks appear on Ryan's knuckles and light bulbs mysteriously explode. Then the well witch appears, with her fountains for eyes and gargled demands. From now on the kids who've stolen from her must serve her--and the wishes rotting at the bottom of her well.