Cursed

The Guardians #2

by Wendy Owens

Book Two in The Guardians Series
This is a super clean novel that is appropriate from age 12 up

Some people are born into love, some people are born into war, when Gabe discovered he was a Guardian Angel, his life was suddenly thrust into both. If this hidden war wasn't enough to deal with, Gabe learns he is fated to be the great protector who will one day deliver the last prophet to either safety or death. All of these revelations didn't matter for Gabe, he only cared that his new life included Sophie.

Sophie and Gabe grew closer over the summer. She is now a fixture in his life that keeps him moving forward. Evil doesn't stop stalking him just because he found happiness. This time darkness finds it's way into Rampart manor and Gabe will have to decide if he is willing to risk everything to try and stop it.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Demons, Ebooks, Magic

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2012

About the author

Wendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.

If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I am at a loss for words!! I loved the first book and I am always a little afraid that second books and beyond will not be quite as good or as entertaining as the first, but that was definitely not the case here. I read the whole thing in a just a few hours. I just couldn't stop. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending might leave some heartbroken. The only thing I can find possibly wrong, for me, is the ending! I am not sure if I like the direction it went, but I know it's probably a good thing for the progression of the story!! With that being said, I still found this to be an amazing follow up to the first and cannot wait until the next one!!

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book begins with Gabe's tests happening. The description of the demons really gives a good visual and you can just picture their ugliness. I also like how Uri is announcing it all along the way. It draws you right into the world of The Guardians once again. I think it showcases the action that these books have in them. I got really annoyed with how Gabe starts acting after the test. Like he should have a fan club or something, um no. I was a little frustrated with Michael's reaction to Gabe's victory but it did seem like his victory was starting to go to his head. That begins a festering dislike for his mentor. It made me worry that he was going to fall victim to the evil as well.

The kind of anger he was hanging onto with Michael is never good.

When everything goes haywire with his friends it becomes clear that something is going wrong and fast. I like that it was unexpected though.

I thought it was odd how they were behaving, well except Sophie at least until she snapped.

Jealousy is pretty normal for two people who haven't spent much time apart since getting together. If I would have been her and seen him all cozy with Neru I would have been peeved too.

But then the red glimpsed in her eyes and my stomach dropped. It was the beginning of the end I suppose.


Things are going really bad really fast at Rampart Manor, Gabe and Uri have to set out to try and get to the bottom of it.


All the while he has to dodge Baal's pursuit to kill him before he can fulfill his destiny. (Way to freak me out with the FROGS) *shivers* He may have sent Mammon back to hell but now he has the most powerful Prince of Hell after him. Baal has infiltrated Gabe's dreams and there's nothing he can do to stop it.


After returning from Iron Gate escorted by Michael after dealing with Artis and Patina, Gabe comes home to a very disturbing situation and will do whatever it takes to save the one he loves. He makes some hard choices and it changes everything.


The skip forward was just crazy, but I get it, no need to dwell on the unchangeable. I was glad that Uri found him, albeit five years late,r but glad nonetheless. I am so excited going into The Prophecy, I have a feeling it will be more grown up because he is now a grown up. I'm curious to see what happened to his friends or if there will be new friends.


I really do love this series. and I have yet to be disappointed!






My Thoughts:


I am digging the new character introductions and the different scenery for this book. I liked Iron Gate and the people there though I was leery. I like the plot and how it played out even though it made me sad. I really felt bad for Gabe but I am glad he found some solace in his life even if solitude was the key. I'm most definitely looking forward to the new chapter unfolding and moving us into book 3!


I really like this series and am getting a big dose of YA just the way I like it! I like how the places and people are very well detailed. My visualizations are on full blast when I read these books!


There's mystery, intrigue, betrayal, friendship, love and pain all smashed together into a great read.


I read half of the book in one sitting and had to make myself sleep! The next day the rest was history.


I truly loved this book!

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THESE BOOKS BY THE PUBLISHER, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **

Book – Cursed: The Guardians Book 2
Author – Wendy Owens
Star rating - ★★★★★
Would I read it again – Yes, definitely
Plot – well explored, intriguing
Characters – exciting, funny, relateable
Movie Potential - ★★★★★
Ease of reading – Very easy.

Book 2 was even better than the first book in so many ways that I can't even count them. And the first book was excellent, so that should give you an idea of how good this one was. This one had me in tears. It completely broke my heart.

Gabe is a little older, a little wiser and a little more in love. Everything seems good for a while, until suddenly everything goes kind of to Hell. One incident after another, turns his world upside down and puts him in the position where he's left with the most heartbreaking choice: does he stay or does he go? Will he fulfill his destiny, or will he choose not to? Gabe has so much to contend with in this book and it all seems to crash in on him at once, which is the worst part.

The whole storyline with Sophie (I'm not saying more because it will ruin the surprise) was gutting because of what it did to Gabe. (Can you tell I'm a little obsessed with Gabe? :) ) To be honest I never really liked Sophie and this book reaffirmed that for me. Uri and Michael were great in this book, as expected. I have a minor crush on both of them equally. What surprised me was the time gap near the end that totally moved the story along and changed everything. (Again I'm not ruining it with spoilers)

I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'm not going to say much more. Except that if you haven't read this book, READ IT! It's fantastic. The whole series is, so far and I bet it will continue to be. Be prepared to fall in love, laugh out loud, cringe and root on the good guys. Be prepared to get your heart broken! Most of all, be prepared to sit for a whole day and night reading, because once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down.

[Mike Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the first. Enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to more.

[Gabriel Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Heart-Wrenching, intense, amazing, passionate, unexpected. Amazing doesn't cover how good i felt this book was out of 5 i would give it a 6. Just too amazing to pass up.

[Beckie Rousseau Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

second book was as good as the first. another all nighter.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Loved it and it was very good and going to read the 3rd book soon. Great book keep up the work.

[Venita Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good YA Read

This book has an interesting storyline. Plenty of magic along with some magical creatures. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Michelle Willms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed by Wendy Owens
Book Two in The Guardians Series (It is advisable to read this series in order)
Cursed begins in an arena with Gabe taking his tests. He must pass his first and second year exams so he can begin as a third year student and be in classes with most of his friends. Unlike others who’d had years to learn and practice, Gabe learned he was a Guardian only that summer; so he’d had only weeks to learn what he needed in order to pass his exams.
Michael is no longer the doting leader he’d been when Gabe had first moved to the Manor; he’s hypercritical of Gabe when he’s around, and that isn’t often.
When classes start, Gabe and Sophie have half of their classes together, allowing them to spend even more time together. Yet Michael seems opposed to everything Gabe wants, including his relationship with Sophie. Soon, her schedule is suspiciously changed. After that, things go wrong surprisingly quickly.
Some of the classes and references to school activities in this book in the series sound a bit “Harry Potter-ish”, while other parts sound like battle prep for Armageddon, which is precisely what author Wendy Owens aims for in most cases.
Owens continues to expand upon the adventurous theme set forth in the first book of this series. Her imagination is astounding as she sends her characters on ever expanding quests into more dangerous territory. Her work is believable, frightening, yet hopeful. She writes with both passion and integrity. It is definitely a series worth reading.
This ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jo Notary]

188p Book 2 of The Guardians Series
Gabe thought finding out that he was a Guardian Angel was difficult. To learn that he is destined to be the great protector, who will one day deliver the last prophet to either safety or death, was almost too much to handle. Just in case those revelations weren't enough to drive him over the edge, Gabe must always be on guard. He is being hunted by Baal, the most powerful demon in the earthly realm, who will stop at nothing until Gabe is dead.



All of these prices are ones he is willing to pay though, because with all the dangers he must face, his new life also includes Sophie. They grew closer over the summer and now every day seems unimaginable without her in it. Evil doesn't stop though just because Gabe has found happiness. Only this time the evil finds it's way to Rampart manor and Gabe must risk everything to try and stop it.

***Reviews***
*Cursed is an absolute must read! Don't forget to read Sacred Bloodlines for the back story first. I could not put Cursed down. It keeps you engaged throughout the book, giving you twists and turns you will never expect. I can't wait for book #3!

*this book is amazing nothing else like it, it is just a must read for anyone with a love of magic and amazing story-lines. This book was so amazing i found myself tearing up, shaking with excitement, dying to read more, and filled with dread that it would end. Amazing doesn't cover how great this book.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. Packed full of action, some intrigue, a little suspense, a touch of angst and drama. Then a whole lot of overly complicated stuff goes down for seemingly good reasons that end up completely invalidated by the things at the end of the book.

Cursed seemed better paced than Sacred Bloodlines, and I was so curious as to where the plot was going but it was a bit frustrating as all the action after the beginning takes place off page (that’s like off screen, but it’s a book ya dig?), people are getting thrust into the story who don’t seem to have any part of anything and get discarded(at least in this book), important seeming plots just don’t really go anywhere. It all ends up feeling like a clip show, interesting sure, but ultimately just filler. Until we get to the end when things start hitting the fan.

OK, now we’re getting to the good stuff I say to myself as we hit the last part of the book, which reads more like an epilogue for reasons which you will find out for yourself! The heavy stuff gets laid out on the table which nicely sets the stage for the next book.

Overall Cursed had its moments especially near the beginning and could have been better but the ending hints to a more promising continuation of the series. I’m still hooked!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Wow! At times I felt like I was on a twisty crazy roller coaster. That’s a good thing.

I actually like this one better than the first book. I like this one better because it has a faster pace. The things I enjoy about this book;-I like how it picks up after a period of time after the first book, and mentions how his relationships with Uri and Sophie had grown. I liked how Gabe questioned his relationship with Michael. I also like the way it describes the scene and what characters are thinking and going through.

There is one thing that I found frustrating about the book. Gabe seems so insecure. He always seems to be questioning himself. That seems frustrating to me. I think I’d like to have seen him more confident than he was in book 1, so show more growth in him. I keep yelling at my kindle to Gabe to “grow a pair.” lol. :)

There was only one thing I did not like. There were a couple times where something was happening and I turn the page, to find it’s hours or more later and did not really see what happened, as it happened.

The end of the book was good. It pleased me to see the growth that Gabe had accomplished. I look forward to reading book three.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Owens! What were you THINKING?

Disappointed isn't the word people. I think this is a first. Book 1 gets a big 5 stars and this one just about scrapes 1!

I'm so sad. Let down and teary. This book Sucked.. BIG TIME.

Gabe has gone from hot, funny and loveable 16 year old Gabe to a broken, miserable, heart-broken, lonely 21 year old. No just no. Sophie's character was completely destroyed and so was Gabe and everyone else's.

You take Michael, you take Sophie, you take Uri and you take Gabe, Sorry Wendy, but you messed up on this book. It was AWFUL.

the 5 year gap was the worst. I hated that. Sophie going for Uri and ending up with Peter? Hell no.

What should've happened was Sophie should have kissed Uri and realised no sparks, there wouldn't be any sparks unless she was with Gabe. Then they get back together they kiss and her memories return.
OR..

They should be gone back to school and Neru comforts him and they get together.

But definitely no 5 year gap. No gap at all. I hate time gaps! Eugh.

I hated this book with a passion, detest it In fact. Another one of my 'favourite' series down the drain.

[Danielle Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so loved the idea of this series, after I read Sacred Bloodlines I just couldn't wait to read the rest of Gabe's story, but after reading this one I am not sure I want to. The book started out so strong and I was reminded why I loved this series. The world is very imaginable and you really feel connected to the characters. However, once the story jumped to five years in the future I was disappointed. I really loved Gabe's world and looked forward him developing as a Guardian and really learning how to use his abilities.

Unfortunately for me I had a hard time believing that Gabe could go five years without a major incident from the underworld. I thought he was wanted by every demon out there. I guess it just didn't make sense to me how a person who just discovered this world not that long ago and is still in training could have lasted those five years.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people are born into love, some people are born into war, when Gabe discovered he was a Guardian Angel, his life was suddenly thrust into both. If this hidden war wasn't enough to deal with, Gabe learns he is fated to be the great protector who will one day deliver the last prophet to either safety or death. All of these revelations didn't matter for Gabe, he only cared that his new life included Sophie. Sophie and Gabe grew closer over the summer. She is now a fixture in his life that keeps him moving forward. Evil doesn't stop stalking him just because he found happiness. This time darkness finds it's way into Rampart manor and Gabe will have to decide if he is willing to risk everything to try and stop it.

**

[Emily M Genther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should say that I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. As I writer,I keep my reviews honest.

I'm impressed by the way this series takes off and keeps going. Cursed is a bit more somber than the first book, which says something since the first book it quite full of challenges for the MC. The ending sort of took me for a loop. I'm going to spoil a little here and say the last chapter takes place five years later and the series continues from there. Wendy Owens did an excellent job keeping up character development. She didn't shy away from letting ugly things happen to her characters, which is the marking a great story. I really did enjoy this book, and dove right into number three.

[Joy Findlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy, that was horribly mean of you! You had me, boot laces and all, anticipating your every move, then, when I am finally starting to believe that Gabe is safe, and that he might make it in his own special place called Haven, you go and pull a stunt like that. Then i'm sitting here, trying to figure out why my ebook version of your latest book wont turn the page and it hits me, ITS THE END OF THE BOOK! Noooooo, that was so mean. I've invested too much emotional energy in these characters that I can't believe you left it there, oh and it was just starting to get so good.... please hurry up the publishing of your next book in this series.

[Sylvia Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Wendy's Guardian series was the biblical knowledge in the storylines, and I also loved how she described the emotions of the characters. They were very well-developed. Wendy did an EXCELLENT job describing the settings, developing the characters, researching the history of Christianity and angels, and her grammar was good. I related with Gabe emotionally in a lot of ways. Keep up the good work!

[Hannah Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing but different

It was a good book that got me excited, but it was different because of all the twist and turns. my mind was blown more then once. It was also surprising because this book changes everything, especially through out the series. My mind is literally blown, but it's still a good book.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

second of the series. left the mythology a bit and spent more time on the young adult side. still compelling. I like the first in the series better- but read this in a day. I admit , I am eager to read Book 3 , which is due out fall 2012

[Janell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand the appeal. I read the first one and it was... eh. This one? Terrible. The writing is juvenile and the plot is so cheesy ridiculous, I just couldn't get past it. Sorry. Not my cuppa.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series. It was pretty good, though short. But this is a story I didn't figure out ahead of time so that's a plus. I do want to read the rest of the series. This is kind of a YA story but I am enjoying it just the same.

[Connie Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story.

The second installment of the Sacred Guardians took me by surprise. the continued development of these characters is spectacular. it's been a long time since I've been so taken with a YA series. can't wait to read more!!!

[Sarah Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG another ending that has me curious to what happens next! Can not WAIT to start number 3!!!!

[Lee-Anne To · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book finished, keeps you intrigued, very gripping fantasy novel! On to book 3 now :-)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

interest storyline great to read

[Dixie LoCicero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good reading, no "slow" parts, held my interest.

[janie love]

adoooooooore it