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Belador #3
The Curse
With the freedom of an entire race hanging in the balance, Evalle Kincaid has two days to make good on a promise that she suddenly has no hope of fulfilling when demonic Svart Trolls invade Atlanta. She takes a leap of faith, seeking help from the one man who recently put Evalle in his cross hairs--Black Ops specialist Isak Nyght. While trying to stop the bloody troll-led gang wars, Evalle unwittingly exposes a secret that endangers all she holds dear, and complicates her already tumultuous love life with the mysterious Skinwalker, Storm. But when Evalle discovers she's the number one target in the Medb coven's ruthless plan to destroy all Beladors, the deadly Alterant is forced to make a game-changing decision with no time left on the clock.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published September 1, 2012
143 people are currently reading
3138 people want to read
About the author
Sherrilyn Kenyon
243 books30.2k followersOfficial Author site
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New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
November 3, 2012
So when the Belador series started, I wasn't a huge fan of it even though I love Sherrilyn Kenyon and Diana Love as a writing team. They have another series called BAD and I totally loved that series but when they started this one.....let's just say the first book in the Belador series was a bit shaky. They were world building and it's very difficult for a first book to establish a good story, a believable world and let alone be written by two very different authors. I remember 2011 Comic Con when Sherrilyn Kenyon was asked about her joint writing and you kinda got the feeling it wasn't as easy as you might think. Anywho, long story short, I love the team and decided to stick with the series and boy am I glad I did. I actually listened to this one on audiobook because I absolutely love Holter Graham. He reads most of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books and his voice is like sex and chocolate all rolled into one, LOL yep I said it!
So if you don't know anything about the series, it's basically more Urban Fantasy then Paranormal Romance. It has more mythological creatures, goddesses, warriors, shape shifters, a cute pet gargoyle and centers around your heroin Evalle Kincaid. She's a kick-ass chick who shifts into a huge beast and is part of a race called Alterants. There's very few of them around and she's on a mission to have them recognized as a race. She also belongs to a squad of warriors (VIPER) who protect the human race from supernatural threats. There's also a very very very slow romance triangle between Evalle, a shapeshifter/Skinwalker named Storm and a Black Ops specialist named Isak Nyght. This book picks up about 3 weeks after the second book ended.
I actually very much enjoyed this book. I thought the writing finally flowed nicely between authors, made sense and was action packed! I loved that we learned more of the back story of some of the characters. Saw a lot of interplay and interwoven stories that will help take this series and turn it into way more books. I thought the writing was great and basically wiped the first two book under the rug (at least for me). I also loved getting to learn more about Storm. I am totally team Storm BTW (love me some shifters)! We also got to read/hear more about the power plays going on behind the scenes that involve the Alterants/Evalle. Seems everyone has an agenda. We additionally find out what Evalle and Tristin are evolving into (totally won't do spoilers). We also got to learn more about her two partners, Tzader and Quinn. See this is why I need more coffee.
Anyways, If you like the series, you'll love this addition to the story. It's fun, flows nicely and is ultimately a wonderful story!
So if you don't know anything about the series, it's basically more Urban Fantasy then Paranormal Romance. It has more mythological creatures, goddesses, warriors, shape shifters, a cute pet gargoyle and centers around your heroin Evalle Kincaid. She's a kick-ass chick who shifts into a huge beast and is part of a race called Alterants. There's very few of them around and she's on a mission to have them recognized as a race. She also belongs to a squad of warriors (VIPER) who protect the human race from supernatural threats. There's also a very very very slow romance triangle between Evalle, a shapeshifter/Skinwalker named Storm and a Black Ops specialist named Isak Nyght. This book picks up about 3 weeks after the second book ended.
I actually very much enjoyed this book. I thought the writing finally flowed nicely between authors, made sense and was action packed! I loved that we learned more of the back story of some of the characters. Saw a lot of interplay and interwoven stories that will help take this series and turn it into way more books. I thought the writing was great and basically wiped the first two book under the rug (at least for me). I also loved getting to learn more about Storm. I am totally team Storm BTW (love me some shifters)! We also got to read/hear more about the power plays going on behind the scenes that involve the Alterants/Evalle. Seems everyone has an agenda. We additionally find out what Evalle and Tristin are evolving into (totally won't do spoilers). We also got to learn more about her two partners, Tzader and Quinn. See this is why I need more coffee.
Anyways, If you like the series, you'll love this addition to the story. It's fun, flows nicely and is ultimately a wonderful story!
September 18, 2012
I really enjoy the Belador series. I think it's because the heroine, Evalle, is just so damn easy to root for. She has been kicked down, abused, and maligned her entire life. She is considered a monster, even by those she lives to protect. But she never wavers. She never acts dishonorably. She simply accepts those things about herself that she can not change and she soldiers on, always fighting the good fight.
As this third installment of her story begins, she is on the hunt for others of her kind. The goddess who oversees the Beladors has agreed to recognize Alterants as a race within her pantheon. But only if Evalle can bring them forward and they swear their fealty. First and foremost, she wants to find Tristan, but her search has been stymied by a rash of troll attacks in the Atlanta area. She must work with her VIPER team-mates to protect the humans.
On top of that, Storm is missing. And as he slowly reenters the picture, she must continue to come to terms with her feelings for him. (And Isaak too.) There is strain in her friendship with Quinn... let's not forget that he led the Medb to her at the end of the last book. He is trying to deal with his feeling for Kazira --while poor Tzader tries to honor his vow to let Brina go.
Plus... more trolls. Giant, black-ops, demon-infused, bounty-hunter trolls.
It's all part of the Medb plan to breach Brina's sanctuary and vanquish the Beladors. There's a lot of scheming, machinations and betrayals. There's also much violence and bloodshed. You won't find many dull moments.
However, I don't feel like we moved forward much here. Don't get me wrong, I was never bored. I was invested in the characters and deeply ensconced in this very complicated world. But in many ways this installment was almost like a placeholder. There were no huge developments in any of the relationships --and there are a lot of relationships at play. No big revelations about the Alterant race. No big movement in the war with Medb. I mean, stuff happens, it's just nothing game changing.
Did I enjoy the book? Absolutely. I love Evalle. I love Storm. And I am dying for Brina and Tzader to have some happiness. Or at least get on the path to it. It feels a little stalled, though. I wanted more. It all sort of seemed like baby steps. I'm ready for these characters to make some strides.
If you're interested in the Belador series, I strongly urge you to start from the beginning with Blood Trinity. I just don't think this is a series where you want to jump in, mid-way through.
*ARC Provided by Pocket Books
As this third installment of her story begins, she is on the hunt for others of her kind. The goddess who oversees the Beladors has agreed to recognize Alterants as a race within her pantheon. But only if Evalle can bring them forward and they swear their fealty. First and foremost, she wants to find Tristan, but her search has been stymied by a rash of troll attacks in the Atlanta area. She must work with her VIPER team-mates to protect the humans.
On top of that, Storm is missing. And as he slowly reenters the picture, she must continue to come to terms with her feelings for him. (And Isaak too.) There is strain in her friendship with Quinn... let's not forget that he led the Medb to her at the end of the last book. He is trying to deal with his feeling for Kazira --while poor Tzader tries to honor his vow to let Brina go.
Plus... more trolls. Giant, black-ops, demon-infused, bounty-hunter trolls.
It's all part of the Medb plan to breach Brina's sanctuary and vanquish the Beladors. There's a lot of scheming, machinations and betrayals. There's also much violence and bloodshed. You won't find many dull moments.
However, I don't feel like we moved forward much here. Don't get me wrong, I was never bored. I was invested in the characters and deeply ensconced in this very complicated world. But in many ways this installment was almost like a placeholder. There were no huge developments in any of the relationships --and there are a lot of relationships at play. No big revelations about the Alterant race. No big movement in the war with Medb. I mean, stuff happens, it's just nothing game changing.
Did I enjoy the book? Absolutely. I love Evalle. I love Storm. And I am dying for Brina and Tzader to have some happiness. Or at least get on the path to it. It feels a little stalled, though. I wanted more. It all sort of seemed like baby steps. I'm ready for these characters to make some strides.
If you're interested in the Belador series, I strongly urge you to start from the beginning with Blood Trinity. I just don't think this is a series where you want to jump in, mid-way through.
*ARC Provided by Pocket Books
September 18, 2012
If Evalle Kincaid wants to keep the freedom she nearly lost, she must convince a stubborn Alterant to swear loyalty and reveal their kinds origins to a goddess he doesn't trust. As if that wasn't enough on her plate, black-ops like military Trolls are in Atlanta and capturing Alterants for the Medb. Dealing with trolls will take some smart maneuvering but when she learns of the Medb's real plan, she'll have to call forth her deadly beast, an act that can condemn her, in order to stop them.
Evalle is half Belador, warrior race that fights to protect humans, and half Alterant, Belador mixed with unknown blood that shifts into a dangerous beast that's caused them to be feared and hunted. She's allowed to battle alongside the Beladors but is under constant watch and always has someone out to find a reason to lock her away. Evalle was born with the odds stacked against her but she doesn't wallow in self-pity. Instead, she fights for the innocent to show she's not a monster. Evalle isn't perfect, she likes to put herself in situations where she's over her head, but her faults in addition to her many strengths is what makes her a wonderful heroine.
There are a few bumps in the road in Evalle's new relationship with the Skinwalker (shapeshifter) Storm in the form of a human hunter. I'm not a fan of love triangles and I liked with the way things ended in this book but that possibility hasn't been completely dismissed. For now I'm happy with the way things are but that could easily change if the authors push Evalle towards the Alterant hating Isak. The chemistry between Evalle and Storm gets better each time they're together and I'd have a hard time seeing that change.
This book picks up not long after the last one ended. Evalle's to do list is out of control. She needs to find the Belador who sold them out to the Medb (evil witches/wizards), convince Tristen (a free Alternant with his own agenda) to swear loyalty to and reveal secrets to a goddess he hates, stop Trolls from terrorizing Atlanta and capturing Alternants and those are just the things she's aware of. But she's not fighting alone. At her side is Storm and her Belador friends Tzader and Quinn, strong supporting characters that have their own interesting side stories taking place.
Evalle guards herself against outsiders but she's opening up and revealing a little more with each book, adding well developed layers to her character. With Evalle taking the lead, The Curse offers action and a few surprise twists that went great alongside the bit of romance and personal turmoil that takes place. Like with most Urban Fantasy books, to fully understand what's happening in this series you need to go back to book one.
- Stephanie
Evalle is half Belador, warrior race that fights to protect humans, and half Alterant, Belador mixed with unknown blood that shifts into a dangerous beast that's caused them to be feared and hunted. She's allowed to battle alongside the Beladors but is under constant watch and always has someone out to find a reason to lock her away. Evalle was born with the odds stacked against her but she doesn't wallow in self-pity. Instead, she fights for the innocent to show she's not a monster. Evalle isn't perfect, she likes to put herself in situations where she's over her head, but her faults in addition to her many strengths is what makes her a wonderful heroine.
There are a few bumps in the road in Evalle's new relationship with the Skinwalker (shapeshifter) Storm in the form of a human hunter. I'm not a fan of love triangles and I liked with the way things ended in this book but that possibility hasn't been completely dismissed. For now I'm happy with the way things are but that could easily change if the authors push Evalle towards the Alterant hating Isak. The chemistry between Evalle and Storm gets better each time they're together and I'd have a hard time seeing that change.
This book picks up not long after the last one ended. Evalle's to do list is out of control. She needs to find the Belador who sold them out to the Medb (evil witches/wizards), convince Tristen (a free Alternant with his own agenda) to swear loyalty to and reveal secrets to a goddess he hates, stop Trolls from terrorizing Atlanta and capturing Alternants and those are just the things she's aware of. But she's not fighting alone. At her side is Storm and her Belador friends Tzader and Quinn, strong supporting characters that have their own interesting side stories taking place.
Evalle guards herself against outsiders but she's opening up and revealing a little more with each book, adding well developed layers to her character. With Evalle taking the lead, The Curse offers action and a few surprise twists that went great alongside the bit of romance and personal turmoil that takes place. Like with most Urban Fantasy books, to fully understand what's happening in this series you need to go back to book one.
- Stephanie
November 10, 2012
Whenever I read a book that is coauthored by a writer I'm familiar with, I can't stop the internal analysis that tries to pick apart the individual contributions. Now four books into the Belador series, and especially having read this immediately after the latest Dark-Hunter volume, I can only conclude that Love is doing the heavy lifting on this series and it's all to the good. The restraint shown has been one of the things I've most admired about the series, and really it shouldn't even be shelved in the romance section considering how little the romantic element is represented. But I recognize that the romance shelves are where the series' built in audience resides, so I understand why it's not marketed as SciFi-Fantasy. I've been enjoying the developing battle preparation just as much as the developing romantic plot and I love that Evalle didn't immediately jump into bed with either of her potential love interests. That being said, I'm ready to cry uncle. I'm ready for it to go to the next level, already! (And really, that goes for the epic battle that's coming, as much as it does the romance.). So I look forward to the next installment in the hopes that the bad guys get crushed and everybody gets their happily ever after.
June 23, 2019
DNF @31%. Too juvenile and off.. just NO
September 6, 2012
I was very, very, very fortunate enough to be sent an advanced copy of The Curse, the third book of Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love's Belador series which comes out September 18, 2012. I really love this series and if you haven't looked into it yet, you really need to. Each book is better than the last.
I just finished reading The Curse. I would have done so sooner but I got it the week of Dragon*con which slowed me up.
However, the last couple of days I just flew through this story.
The Beladors are pretty much superhumans without actually being human. They look human but they can talk to each other telepathically and have super speed, etc. Many of them work for an organization called VIPER which is made up of nonhumans who are out to protect humans.
We, mainly, follow Evalle who is an Alterant. This is a half-Belador, half-something else. Not even Evalle knows what her fully genetic history is but whatever it is makes it so she can shift into an Alterant form - pretty much a mega powerful monster. The other Beladors fear her for just this reason even though she's spent the past 5 years of her life working to protect mankind and her Belador tribe. This is Evalle's story as she fights for her right to exist.
In The Curse, Evalle has been set on an impossible task, or rather, many tasks. She must find out what the other line of her DNA is, what makes her Alterant. She must also find other Alterants to pledge themselves to the Belador Goddess, Mecha, who is, for a limited time only, offering up the golden opportunity to be protected under Mecha's pantheon and seen as a real race and not just beasts to be destroyed however, the Alterants she knows about aren't really answering her call.
To make matters worst, a special group of black-ops trolls have overrun Atlanta, starting gang wars.
We get to find out what's going on with characters in the previous book, such as the mystery of Storm and the email - is he really alive? If not, who sent that email saying he was? Tzader and his vow to give up his true love, Brina, and if he can really do it to appease his goddess.
I have to say, the story that had me biting my nails the most - other than Evalle's of course, is Quinn and the major mistakes he's made. Oh, and a family member whose decided now is the best time to pop into town. That is a character I really enjoyed and I cannot wait to see more of her in future stories. Of course, this particular relative can't just show up for sight seeing, oh no. She brings with her a whole new slew of problems.
Man I feel greedy. I just finished this book and can't wait for the next one.
I just finished reading The Curse. I would have done so sooner but I got it the week of Dragon*con which slowed me up.
However, the last couple of days I just flew through this story.
The Beladors are pretty much superhumans without actually being human. They look human but they can talk to each other telepathically and have super speed, etc. Many of them work for an organization called VIPER which is made up of nonhumans who are out to protect humans.
We, mainly, follow Evalle who is an Alterant. This is a half-Belador, half-something else. Not even Evalle knows what her fully genetic history is but whatever it is makes it so she can shift into an Alterant form - pretty much a mega powerful monster. The other Beladors fear her for just this reason even though she's spent the past 5 years of her life working to protect mankind and her Belador tribe. This is Evalle's story as she fights for her right to exist.
In The Curse, Evalle has been set on an impossible task, or rather, many tasks. She must find out what the other line of her DNA is, what makes her Alterant. She must also find other Alterants to pledge themselves to the Belador Goddess, Mecha, who is, for a limited time only, offering up the golden opportunity to be protected under Mecha's pantheon and seen as a real race and not just beasts to be destroyed however, the Alterants she knows about aren't really answering her call.
To make matters worst, a special group of black-ops trolls have overrun Atlanta, starting gang wars.
We get to find out what's going on with characters in the previous book, such as the mystery of Storm and the email - is he really alive? If not, who sent that email saying he was? Tzader and his vow to give up his true love, Brina, and if he can really do it to appease his goddess.
I have to say, the story that had me biting my nails the most - other than Evalle's of course, is Quinn and the major mistakes he's made. Oh, and a family member whose decided now is the best time to pop into town. That is a character I really enjoyed and I cannot wait to see more of her in future stories. Of course, this particular relative can't just show up for sight seeing, oh no. She brings with her a whole new slew of problems.
Man I feel greedy. I just finished this book and can't wait for the next one.
January 23, 2020
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** I love it!!!! I like it much more than the first two books!! I got me on the edge the entire book. I laughed sooooooooooo hard with the jealousy of Storm and Evalle for Isak and Adrianna!! Love those scenes. I swear that when Evalle and Isak were kissing I was telling to Evalle to stop! I knew Storm was watching. I knew they would fight over it as they did. I'm so in love with Storm, he's so sweet so hot so... *sighs*
The sad part now is the situation with Tzader and Quinn... poor both of them!!! Tzader thinking that Brina doesn't love him anymore, altho I like her plan to make Tzader fight for her; It doesn't seems to be working as she planned but anyway...
And Quinn in love with Kizira -I'm not sure if i believe her intentions or not. The guilt so huge eating Quinn split between love and his duty :( Poor thing!
But definitely Evalle isn't just a magnet for the other Alterants, is a supermagnet for trouble!! Seriously!!! If I was her i'd have beg for someone to kill me a long time ago! How many deadlines has she to comply?? like 4 or 5? each one from different people and more than one hindering each other.
I can't wait for Rise of the gryphon!!
The sad part now is the situation with Tzader and Quinn... poor both of them!!! Tzader thinking that Brina doesn't love him anymore, altho I like her plan to make Tzader fight for her; It doesn't seems to be working as she planned but anyway...
And Quinn in love with Kizira -I'm not sure if i believe her intentions or not. The guilt so huge eating Quinn split between love and his duty :( Poor thing!
But definitely Evalle isn't just a magnet for the other Alterants, is a supermagnet for trouble!! Seriously!!! If I was her i'd have beg for someone to kill me a long time ago! How many deadlines has she to comply?? like 4 or 5? each one from different people and more than one hindering each other.
I can't wait for Rise of the gryphon!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2015
Evalle Kincaid is a strong, stubborn, kick ass female warrior she has vowed to fight along side the beladors on which she is half of that bloodline. Her other half is alterant a beast that if unleashed is known to cause chaos and kill anything (nonhuman) or (human) in their path. My main interest in this book how both Sherrilyn and Dianna made the focus on this book all about the relationships with all 3 original characters from the book BLOOD TRINITY, Evalle, Quinn and Tzader. Evalle with her love triangle Storm the skin-walker and Issac black ops commander. Then there's Tzader and his warrior queen of the Beladors. Brina and last but least Quinn with the Medb witch Kizira, there are alot of truths and non truths in this book, but also intrigue and deception? Is it so. To add up I found this so much fun to read it even had me holding my breath on some parts, but yes I give this book all 5 stars it had everything I personally expected intrigue, suspicion, mystery and yes even romance. Tristan has a surprise transformation this book is a must to read and really cant wait for the next book RISE OF THE GRYPHON...I look forward to the continuing story, thank you ladies thoroughly enjoy my reads.
October 6, 2012
I literally consumed this book in a day, action packed from start to finish you barely have time to catch your breath before Evalle is thrust into some life threatening situation whether it be killing evil trolls or the goddess Macha demanding impossible results. Evalle is so easy to like, honorable, loyal, she even offers second chances to those she cares about. A kick ass alterant who despite having had a troubled life is still trying to defend those who would imprison her if she changes into her beast. Still dealing with the fallout from Sen kidnapping her and trying to kill Storm, Evalle is searching for Tristan as time is running out on her deal with Macha. Secrets are revealed that have consequences which Evalle may not be ready to acknowledge, add an influx of evil trolls to the list and learning how to navigate the waters of relationships, Evalle is feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. New characters are introduced and familiar faces return plus it was good to see Quinn out of his depth in this book with Lanna and also Kiziera. If you enjoy her other books then is one is a welcome addition to your library.
May 1, 2016
Es genial, me encanta esta historia perfecta de mezcla de amor y ciencia ficción, la unica pega es que como siempre tendré que leer los siguientes en ingles...
April 28, 2013
amazazing!
March 14, 2017
Third in the Belador urban fantasy romance series revolving around Evalle Kincaid, a woman desperately trying to prove her value to her peers. Based in Atlanta, Georgia.
My Take
There's certainly no lack of action in this story even if it is only a bridge novel. Nothing major gets settled and Kenyon/Love simply continue to tease us along. You should really read the first two in the series before you read this one. So much that occurs in The Curse refers back to Blood Trinity and Alterant .
Kenyon and Love have created an interesting alternate world, blending their supernatural setting with our own world. My problem with it is that they have too much going on. Blood Trinity started in the middle of everything and the usual information dumps were neatly slotted in, but they were and are only choppy bits that never fill us in to make us feel as though we grasp their world. Maybe it's intended to keep us on edge just as their characters are on edge; a trend that continues in The Curse.
Evalle makes me nuts. Okay, she's had issues in her past. But the way she's treating Storm is very unreasonable.
Kenyon/Love are so busy setting us up for the future that they've forgotten to take care of the now. They repeat just enough of the characters so that we feel a connection, but their backgrounds, powers, and actions are so chopped and sparse that we can't really settle into them.
The Story
Evalle Kincaid must bring an Alterant before Macha, her goddess or die and too many people are not answering her calls: Tristan is her ticket to life and Quinn and Storm both disappeared three weeks ago. Then there's the doubt Kizira planted in her mind about Quinn.
Meanwhile, Conlan O'Meary is planting his own seeds of doubt everywhere, Quinn has several confessions to make, and trolls and gangs have been tearing Atlanta up. The VIPER agents are stretched too thin and Evalle reaches out to the Nyght Raiders for help. A request that has some unwanted repercussions.
The Characters
Evalle Kincaid is an Alterant. She's free only due to an agreement she has with Macha to bring other Alterants in to swear fealty to Macha. Feenix is her two-foot-tall gargoyle. Tristan is another Alterant who is on the run with Petrina, and two Rías—Watson and Aaron.
Tzader Burke (he's in love with Brina but his father's dying wish made him immortal and prevents him from entering Treoir Castle) and Vladimir Quinn, a witch, are her closest friends. Tzader had to promise Macha he would give up Brina. Svetlanna "Lanna" Brasko is a soft-hearted Russian Gypsy and Quinn's cousin. Seems she's run away from home in Transylvania and refuses to go back. Grendal is a wizard who wants to turn Lanna into his puppet. Devon Fortier is a Cajun Belador who's come to help. Others who work for VIPER include Trey McCree is legendary for his telepathy, Reece "Casper" Jordan is VIPER but not Belador, and Horace Keefer. Sen is a liaison between the Tribunal and VIPER and he hates Evalle. He almost killed Storm in Alterant .
Storm is Ashaninka and a Navajo Skinwalker who turned into a black jaguar in Alterant in an attempt to help Evalle. Kai is his guardian spirit who saved his life. Adrianna Lafontaine is a Sterling witch and it's her aid that has helped Storm survive. Sen had brought him in as a tracker for VIPER and to find Evalle at fault for something, anything. Kell and Kardos are a couple of homeless boys, witches, with whom Evalle is friends. They trusted the wrong people.
Brina is the last living Treoir, the Warrior Queen, and she is trapped forever on Treoir Island as Belador powers only exist if a Treoir is alive and on the island. Macha has forced Brina to agree to give up Tzader. Allyn is her new personal guard, chosen to playact in front of Tzader.
Dakkar is a bounty hunter playing politics. Deek D'Alimonte is an immortal centaur with scary powers who runs the Iron Casket, a club for supernaturals. Grady is a Nightstalker and quite willing to pass on the gossip he hears in exchange for an exchange of life.
Isak Nyght is a human black ops who runs a crew whose sole task is hunting down and killing Alterants. He doesn't know that Evalle is one and he keeps trying to romance her. Kit is his mother and the real force behind Nyght Industries.
Conlan O'Meary is a Belador traitor working with the Medb Coven. Kizira is a Medb witch priestess with evidence implicating Quinn. She's got her own game plan. Queen Flaevynn is the evil mastermind for the coven. She's held Cathbad, a druid and her husband, a prisoner at TÅμr Medb. Roogre is the Svart troll commander.
Svart trolls are black-ops mercenaries who hire out to the highest bidder. But even they wouldn't normally want to attract VIPER's attraction.
Macha is a Celtic goddess who allowed Evalle to go free in Alterant with a deadline to deliver the origin of Alterants. If Evalle can bring in proof about the Alterants, Macha will support them as a recognized race. Varpulis is a Slavic god on the Tribunal;
Beladors are an ancient race that appears human with kinetic and telepathic powers and part of Macha's pantheon. Alterants are part Belador and part other with powers greater than normal Beladors. Rías are similar to Alterants, but they attack without thought or control.
VIPER protects humans from supernatural threats.
The Cover
The cover is an orange and brown collage of metaphor and event with stone crosses, Atlanta's skyline, and a sense of other. An up-close view of a sword's hilt, its guard, and some of the blade is angled in front, a red scarf flying from one end.
The title is The Curse that Flaevynn will die according to a prophecy.
My Take
There's certainly no lack of action in this story even if it is only a bridge novel. Nothing major gets settled and Kenyon/Love simply continue to tease us along. You should really read the first two in the series before you read this one. So much that occurs in The Curse refers back to Blood Trinity and Alterant .
Kenyon and Love have created an interesting alternate world, blending their supernatural setting with our own world. My problem with it is that they have too much going on. Blood Trinity started in the middle of everything and the usual information dumps were neatly slotted in, but they were and are only choppy bits that never fill us in to make us feel as though we grasp their world. Maybe it's intended to keep us on edge just as their characters are on edge; a trend that continues in The Curse.
Evalle makes me nuts. Okay, she's had issues in her past. But the way she's treating Storm is very unreasonable.
Kenyon/Love are so busy setting us up for the future that they've forgotten to take care of the now. They repeat just enough of the characters so that we feel a connection, but their backgrounds, powers, and actions are so chopped and sparse that we can't really settle into them.
The Story
Evalle Kincaid must bring an Alterant before Macha, her goddess or die and too many people are not answering her calls: Tristan is her ticket to life and Quinn and Storm both disappeared three weeks ago. Then there's the doubt Kizira planted in her mind about Quinn.
Meanwhile, Conlan O'Meary is planting his own seeds of doubt everywhere, Quinn has several confessions to make, and trolls and gangs have been tearing Atlanta up. The VIPER agents are stretched too thin and Evalle reaches out to the Nyght Raiders for help. A request that has some unwanted repercussions.
The Characters
Evalle Kincaid is an Alterant. She's free only due to an agreement she has with Macha to bring other Alterants in to swear fealty to Macha. Feenix is her two-foot-tall gargoyle. Tristan is another Alterant who is on the run with Petrina, and two Rías—Watson and Aaron.
Tzader Burke (he's in love with Brina but his father's dying wish made him immortal and prevents him from entering Treoir Castle) and Vladimir Quinn, a witch, are her closest friends. Tzader had to promise Macha he would give up Brina. Svetlanna "Lanna" Brasko is a soft-hearted Russian Gypsy and Quinn's cousin. Seems she's run away from home in Transylvania and refuses to go back. Grendal is a wizard who wants to turn Lanna into his puppet. Devon Fortier is a Cajun Belador who's come to help. Others who work for VIPER include Trey McCree is legendary for his telepathy, Reece "Casper" Jordan is VIPER but not Belador, and Horace Keefer. Sen is a liaison between the Tribunal and VIPER and he hates Evalle. He almost killed Storm in Alterant .
Storm is Ashaninka and a Navajo Skinwalker who turned into a black jaguar in Alterant in an attempt to help Evalle. Kai is his guardian spirit who saved his life. Adrianna Lafontaine is a Sterling witch and it's her aid that has helped Storm survive. Sen had brought him in as a tracker for VIPER and to find Evalle at fault for something, anything. Kell and Kardos are a couple of homeless boys, witches, with whom Evalle is friends. They trusted the wrong people.
Brina is the last living Treoir, the Warrior Queen, and she is trapped forever on Treoir Island as Belador powers only exist if a Treoir is alive and on the island. Macha has forced Brina to agree to give up Tzader. Allyn is her new personal guard, chosen to playact in front of Tzader.
Dakkar is a bounty hunter playing politics. Deek D'Alimonte is an immortal centaur with scary powers who runs the Iron Casket, a club for supernaturals. Grady is a Nightstalker and quite willing to pass on the gossip he hears in exchange for an exchange of life.
Isak Nyght is a human black ops who runs a crew whose sole task is hunting down and killing Alterants. He doesn't know that Evalle is one and he keeps trying to romance her. Kit is his mother and the real force behind Nyght Industries.
Conlan O'Meary is a Belador traitor working with the Medb Coven. Kizira is a Medb witch priestess with evidence implicating Quinn. She's got her own game plan. Queen Flaevynn is the evil mastermind for the coven. She's held Cathbad, a druid and her husband, a prisoner at TÅμr Medb. Roogre is the Svart troll commander.
Svart trolls are black-ops mercenaries who hire out to the highest bidder. But even they wouldn't normally want to attract VIPER's attraction.
Macha is a Celtic goddess who allowed Evalle to go free in Alterant with a deadline to deliver the origin of Alterants. If Evalle can bring in proof about the Alterants, Macha will support them as a recognized race. Varpulis is a Slavic god on the Tribunal;
Beladors are an ancient race that appears human with kinetic and telepathic powers and part of Macha's pantheon. Alterants are part Belador and part other with powers greater than normal Beladors. Rías are similar to Alterants, but they attack without thought or control.
VIPER protects humans from supernatural threats.
The Cover
The cover is an orange and brown collage of metaphor and event with stone crosses, Atlanta's skyline, and a sense of other. An up-close view of a sword's hilt, its guard, and some of the blade is angled in front, a red scarf flying from one end.
The title is The Curse that Flaevynn will die according to a prophecy.
March 20, 2013
Setting:
Theme:
Characters:
E. Valerie Kincaid aka Evalle: ahhhh; half Bellador, half something else – made a pact with god Macha to bring Altarants to him that will pledge fealty and Macha will recognize them as a species, but try though she may, she has trouble with the only Altarant she know (Tristen)… she and Storm share more kisses… she gets caught kissing Izak (she offered a thank you kiss, he turned it into more – she liked, but did not get lost in his kiss like she does with Storm;
Tsader: valiant, Belador warrior; leader; in pain because Macha has called on his honor to walk away from Brina, to allow her to find some worthy to impregnate her;
Quinn: English Belador/VIPER warrior; gentler, loves Kizira, even though she betrayed him, and led him to betray Evalle; defense down for a moment, she got a hold of him… went to him, he thought he was dreaming, she had sex with him, found out where Evalle was; went to retreat for 3 weeks, healed the breech, though can still feel her space; tells all to Tsader, who says keep it from Evalle (why?), and then asks him to use the window, and try to read her mind… he does, and she comes to him, apologizing, and encouraging him to try… she is being compelled, and can’t not do what her mother orders – bringing her to almost climax, and when out of control, invades her mind (somewhat successfully).
Lanna: Quinn’s 19 year old neice; magic talented; untrained, good hearted; left Romania because escaped a horrible wizard, and believes Quinn can protect her – though she does not tell him why she is there… she tries to find a reason for Quinn to let her stay, and follows the wizard boys, who know something about the trolls – and gets captured with them. She uses her magic (earth magic) to try and protect them all… she sees Evalle’s heart, and encourages her to have faith that Storm wants to be with her in spite of her warrior form and to fight for him.
Brina: Belador protector; lives on an island, and only seen as hologram to keep her protected; hereditary position; she argues with Macha about Tsader, and gets the a concession that if Tsader comes to her on his own, she can allow it (Macha is betting on Tsader’s honor); Brina devices a plan to make him jealous, pretending to be sleeping with one of her guards, hoping to drive him over the edge… doesn’t work in this book, maybe the next?
Queen Flaevynn: a prophecy predicts the end of her… and includes Evalle and 5 Alterants, and Brina and her island (where if she can get Evalle to destroy Brina, then she will win) – she wants to make the prophecy on her timetable, where she might control it – she uses Tristan, camouflaging herself to look like a retired Belador who is helping him… and through them, she plants seeds of doubt about Quinn… and then kidnaps Tristan and his sister – in the end puts Tristan in the ring with a wyveryn – who he beats, and his warrior form modifies to be more dragon-like… and she plans to pit Tristan against Evalle… hmmmm… has brougoht in SpartTrolls to distract the Belladors while she setting up for her true trap…they are causing havoc.
Kizira: though wants nothing to do with the Medb witches, her mother compels her… she loves Quinn, and tries to allow herself to be vulnerable to him that he might breech her mind and find out what is going to happen.
Cathbad: powerful wizard, Flaevynn’s consort, though exiled to dungeons because of Flaevynn didn’t think he was cooperating enough. Her time is running out, so she allows him out… He knows the full prophecy, and what might be, and he tells her more, but keeps some back (not sure why)… and he sees that when Evalle’s aura turns gold (as she comes into her powers), the Alterants will be drawn to her… hmmmm
Tristan: Alterant; caged in South America by Brina, even though did not shift and kill anyone ; he escaped – Evalle is trying to get him to meet with Macha; instead he draws her (unintentionally) into a trap. After defeating Flaevynn’s wyveryn, he becomes a Griphandor.
Storm: native American; part shaman, part skinwalker (jaguar), part mystic, part lie detector; lost his soul in an unknown battle, and wants to regain his and his father’s soul; the witchdoctor is looking for him, and for Evalle who is important to him. Close to dying, he tells his god that he needs to return, to protect Evalle… in
Izak: handsome; mercenary out to protect humans from supernaturals (especially Alterants); though learns Evalle is a supernatural – through his mother’s practicality, and Evalle’s humor, and his personal knowledge of Evalle – he accepts her, and even kisses her like he would like more with her.
Kal & Kardos – wizard twins, with small power, living on the streets. Befriend Lanna at the park (one plays chess with her), and she overhears trolls, and she approaches them a 2nd time
Feenix – her pet? Her child? A gargoyle, who loves to eat lug nuts, and farts atrociously if given chocolate; she nurtures him, takes him on her motorcycle, teaches him to talk and have manners; kind of a 3 year old;
Summary:
Ends with Kisira trying to throw her mother off by sending the sparttrolls to the island early – the Beladors get there (with Storm and Lanna ‘hitching’ a ride by touching Evalle during the transport)… Storm wants to protect Evalle, but must leave her at the castle door and fight in the woods… and then when she shifts to her warrior Alterant form, because all have failed to stop the biggest troll… he is angry that she and Tzador stop him from trying to help her… she does defeat the troll, and when sees Storm’s face thinks it is disgust at her form, not that he is mad that he was held back…
With Lanna’s pushing, she does go to his place for dinner (after dressing up a bit, again with Lannt a’s pushing), and he tells her that he loves her in any form…
Memorable scenes:
At Tsader’s prompting, she approaches Izak to request one of his troll killing guns… Izak agrees, takes her to their hideout (blindfolded), she meets his mom (who runs everything), but when one of his crew turns Rias and starts to run down Evalle and Kit – and she throws a kinetic ball to stop him… resulting in all guns aiming at her… Kit has a reasonable discussion with her, and sees that her son is interested in her, that she is a good person, that her warrior form is not a threat… and then extracts a promise tt his mom… and that she come to dinner for the trade of a weapon – and sends Evalle home with Izak… Izak won’t talk to her… but trying different avenues, she gets a bit of a reaction when talking about his mother, and by the time they are back at the bike, he acknowledges that he is her friend (and he kisses her like perhaps he’d like to more than her friend).
Poor Evalle – two men attracted to her and she just doesn’t understand the social rules, or her feelings.
Storm has disappeared for 3 weeks (his soul with his god, while Evangeline is nursing his body) – and when he comes back (for Evalle – to protect her), poor Evalle can’t handle her emotions about Evangeline – she is jealous!
Theme:
Characters:
E. Valerie Kincaid aka Evalle: ahhhh; half Bellador, half something else – made a pact with god Macha to bring Altarants to him that will pledge fealty and Macha will recognize them as a species, but try though she may, she has trouble with the only Altarant she know (Tristen)… she and Storm share more kisses… she gets caught kissing Izak (she offered a thank you kiss, he turned it into more – she liked, but did not get lost in his kiss like she does with Storm;
Tsader: valiant, Belador warrior; leader; in pain because Macha has called on his honor to walk away from Brina, to allow her to find some worthy to impregnate her;
Quinn: English Belador/VIPER warrior; gentler, loves Kizira, even though she betrayed him, and led him to betray Evalle; defense down for a moment, she got a hold of him… went to him, he thought he was dreaming, she had sex with him, found out where Evalle was; went to retreat for 3 weeks, healed the breech, though can still feel her space; tells all to Tsader, who says keep it from Evalle (why?), and then asks him to use the window, and try to read her mind… he does, and she comes to him, apologizing, and encouraging him to try… she is being compelled, and can’t not do what her mother orders – bringing her to almost climax, and when out of control, invades her mind (somewhat successfully).
Lanna: Quinn’s 19 year old neice; magic talented; untrained, good hearted; left Romania because escaped a horrible wizard, and believes Quinn can protect her – though she does not tell him why she is there… she tries to find a reason for Quinn to let her stay, and follows the wizard boys, who know something about the trolls – and gets captured with them. She uses her magic (earth magic) to try and protect them all… she sees Evalle’s heart, and encourages her to have faith that Storm wants to be with her in spite of her warrior form and to fight for him.
Brina: Belador protector; lives on an island, and only seen as hologram to keep her protected; hereditary position; she argues with Macha about Tsader, and gets the a concession that if Tsader comes to her on his own, she can allow it (Macha is betting on Tsader’s honor); Brina devices a plan to make him jealous, pretending to be sleeping with one of her guards, hoping to drive him over the edge… doesn’t work in this book, maybe the next?
Queen Flaevynn: a prophecy predicts the end of her… and includes Evalle and 5 Alterants, and Brina and her island (where if she can get Evalle to destroy Brina, then she will win) – she wants to make the prophecy on her timetable, where she might control it – she uses Tristan, camouflaging herself to look like a retired Belador who is helping him… and through them, she plants seeds of doubt about Quinn… and then kidnaps Tristan and his sister – in the end puts Tristan in the ring with a wyveryn – who he beats, and his warrior form modifies to be more dragon-like… and she plans to pit Tristan against Evalle… hmmmm… has brougoht in SpartTrolls to distract the Belladors while she setting up for her true trap…they are causing havoc.
Kizira: though wants nothing to do with the Medb witches, her mother compels her… she loves Quinn, and tries to allow herself to be vulnerable to him that he might breech her mind and find out what is going to happen.
Cathbad: powerful wizard, Flaevynn’s consort, though exiled to dungeons because of Flaevynn didn’t think he was cooperating enough. Her time is running out, so she allows him out… He knows the full prophecy, and what might be, and he tells her more, but keeps some back (not sure why)… and he sees that when Evalle’s aura turns gold (as she comes into her powers), the Alterants will be drawn to her… hmmmm
Tristan: Alterant; caged in South America by Brina, even though did not shift and kill anyone ; he escaped – Evalle is trying to get him to meet with Macha; instead he draws her (unintentionally) into a trap. After defeating Flaevynn’s wyveryn, he becomes a Griphandor.
Storm: native American; part shaman, part skinwalker (jaguar), part mystic, part lie detector; lost his soul in an unknown battle, and wants to regain his and his father’s soul; the witchdoctor is looking for him, and for Evalle who is important to him. Close to dying, he tells his god that he needs to return, to protect Evalle… in
Izak: handsome; mercenary out to protect humans from supernaturals (especially Alterants); though learns Evalle is a supernatural – through his mother’s practicality, and Evalle’s humor, and his personal knowledge of Evalle – he accepts her, and even kisses her like he would like more with her.
Kal & Kardos – wizard twins, with small power, living on the streets. Befriend Lanna at the park (one plays chess with her), and she overhears trolls, and she approaches them a 2nd time
Feenix – her pet? Her child? A gargoyle, who loves to eat lug nuts, and farts atrociously if given chocolate; she nurtures him, takes him on her motorcycle, teaches him to talk and have manners; kind of a 3 year old;
Summary:
Ends with Kisira trying to throw her mother off by sending the sparttrolls to the island early – the Beladors get there (with Storm and Lanna ‘hitching’ a ride by touching Evalle during the transport)… Storm wants to protect Evalle, but must leave her at the castle door and fight in the woods… and then when she shifts to her warrior Alterant form, because all have failed to stop the biggest troll… he is angry that she and Tzador stop him from trying to help her… she does defeat the troll, and when sees Storm’s face thinks it is disgust at her form, not that he is mad that he was held back…
With Lanna’s pushing, she does go to his place for dinner (after dressing up a bit, again with Lannt a’s pushing), and he tells her that he loves her in any form…
Memorable scenes:
At Tsader’s prompting, she approaches Izak to request one of his troll killing guns… Izak agrees, takes her to their hideout (blindfolded), she meets his mom (who runs everything), but when one of his crew turns Rias and starts to run down Evalle and Kit – and she throws a kinetic ball to stop him… resulting in all guns aiming at her… Kit has a reasonable discussion with her, and sees that her son is interested in her, that she is a good person, that her warrior form is not a threat… and then extracts a promise tt his mom… and that she come to dinner for the trade of a weapon – and sends Evalle home with Izak… Izak won’t talk to her… but trying different avenues, she gets a bit of a reaction when talking about his mother, and by the time they are back at the bike, he acknowledges that he is her friend (and he kisses her like perhaps he’d like to more than her friend).
Poor Evalle – two men attracted to her and she just doesn’t understand the social rules, or her feelings.
Storm has disappeared for 3 weeks (his soul with his god, while Evangeline is nursing his body) – and when he comes back (for Evalle – to protect her), poor Evalle can’t handle her emotions about Evangeline – she is jealous!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2019
The Curse is the third book in the Belador series. It's main character is Evalle, a strong, stubborn, kick ass female warrior she has vowed to fight along side the beladors on which she is half of that bloodline. Her other half is alterant a beast that if unleashed is known to cause chaos and kill anything (nonhuman) or (human) in their path. She must convince a stubborn Alterant to swear loyalty and reveal their kinds origins to a goddess he doesn't trust but she ends up getting side tracked by trolls who are causing havoc all around Atlanta. This book is action packed and keeps the reader attention to the end.
February 18, 2019
2.5 to 3 Stars, This series is starting to fall for me. This book is not as good as the other two and I may not continue with the series at this point. Found it mostly boring and it did not progress the story like the first 2 books. I see that is does have a good rating but it just felt it fell short for me.
November 20, 2019
This book was just as good the second time as it was when I read the first time. There were some things that happened in this book that I did not remember from the first time I read it. I love the characters in the book and how well they’re stories blended together. I think the authors did a very good job at blending the end of the last book with the beginning of this book.
November 9, 2023
I have my finished dates all wrong in this series because I did the audiobooks and hate trying to write reviews on my mobile so I put the reviews off. These books are getting better and better. Love the characters except Evelle; I still have a hard time with her. In real life I don’t think a male like Storm would put up with her waspish ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2017
Great book
This series keeps getting better with every book. There are so many plot twists and turns I just did not want to stop reading. I stayed up most of the night reading. Just could not find a good stopping point.
This series keeps getting better with every book. There are so many plot twists and turns I just did not want to stop reading. I stayed up most of the night reading. Just could not find a good stopping point.
July 12, 2020
Evalle has so much crap going on. She's torn between a couple guys, trying to save her race, defending herself from every angle, and now she's not sure who she can trust. It just keeps getting better and better. Once again she perseveres. It's the journey that's the bomb!
January 23, 2017
The story so far is really interesting this book seems like a filler though, making it seem like its giving the leading up to the best part for the next book.
May 12, 2017
Great love story started #4
May 24, 2017
Love this series.
October 1, 2017
this series gets better with each book. The plot thickens. The characters grow into their roles. cannot wait for the next one.
January 4, 2018
I have a problem with this series I can never get into it. It is well written but lacks reality as a fantasy novel.
August 30, 2018
Character detail puts you in the middle of the story. Love it!
March 4, 2018
narrator wasn't so great story was about the same
May 28, 2018
The title is 'The Curse' but they don't really explain as much as I would have liked about the curse. I like Evalle's developing relationship with Storm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2018
Love love Love! This series is so damn good and I love Storm!
November 10, 2018
Got tired of story, good enough writing, moves well. Just depressing.
November 21, 2019
I don't know how a book this big can be so packed with action. I am really digging this series. So sorry I'm late to the party
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