The Cursed Heart

Curse Words: Spellcasting for Fun and Prophet #1

by Derin Edala

Kayden was six months old when the doctor found the curse in his heart. From then on, his life was a struggle to manage it, to keep it locked away and dormant and above all secret, dreading the day that it would finally break free and wreak havoc. Now he's fourteen, and that day has come.

Things look bad, but there's hope — the world's most prestigious magical school is willing to take him in, keep him safe, and pay his legal fees to avoid bankrupting his family. Most importantly, they can teach him to control his curse, to avoid ever hurting anyone else. It sounds far too good to be true, but what other option does he have?

Kayden quickly finds himself embroiled in a large political game he doesn't understand. But he'd better learn fast. Because the secrets of his new school run deeper than he ever expected, and his actions have far more dangerous consequences than he could ever have known.

Genres: Fantasy

710 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic magic school adventure romp. I already adored "Time to Orbit: Unknown", the novel the author is currently writing, but this one may actually be even better.

I am pleased with everything: the characters, the plot, the banter, the cool setting and unique magic system, how the action never falters and everything stays exciting right until the end. I was a bit unhappy how some plots points were handled closer to the end, but it's a minor gripe.

Kayden, the protagonist of the book is trans, but even more importantly, he is an extravert. It's really fun to see a brash, confrontational protagonist who doesn't take shit, but also is very good at surpressing his emotions, mostly dealing with conflicts using humor or withdrawal. It's a great joy to see him enjoy his time in the school and proactively searching for cool stuff to do. At times it leads him to risky situations, at other times it benefits him.

I really like his almost boundless curiosity and desire to see more of this world. I can definitely emphatize with that and it just makes his viewpoint a fun one to follow.

At times Kayden and his peers are a tiny bit too rational. I mean, 14 year old teenagers are gremlins with horrible conflict resolution skills. I could complain about lack of realism, but, frankly, I don't want to read about realistic teenagehood. I already lived through that, I will take my unrealistically mature teenagers with a minimum of bullying, ostracism and random silent treatments.

There is really not that much to say aside from that. I think in terms of magical school books Scholomance is still my favorite, but that is because I love edgy teenagers. Cursed Heart is still a very strong second favorite and I am ultra hyped to read the next book.

[Nicki Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book series in years that has me staying up late, reading at lunch, just utterly absorbed. I read this series in a few days and it's an incredible work. The imagination and writing style are captivating

[River · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Kayden is a dramatic beast and, despite his flaws, I love him deeply. And all of his friends! The story balances incredible wordbuilding with a really fun plot and amazing characters, and I'm honestly not sure how Derin does it all.

[A. P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful read, extremely fun, and nicely thought out.

[Anna]

I got hooked on Derin Edala’s SF serial Time to Orbit, then found their YA fantasy. I enjoyed the first book and plan to start the second. One more pass by a copy editor would have been good.

[Oluś Wolska · Rating 5 out of 5]

great deconstruction of magical school wonders and acceptance