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Seven Curses
She will have her revenge.
Xi Fei was orphaned at a young age in China, and has been alone ever since. When she visits Japan and meets Akio, the pair become inseparable. They travel together—first to Paris, then to England, each studying their chosen artistic interests, but never straying far from one another.
But while enrolled in the University of the West Midlands, Xi Fei falls victim to bullying, abuse, humiliation, and outright negligence from not only her peers, but even the university staff meant to protect her. When Akio dies under suspicious circumstances, Xi Fei is yet again left alone. Bereaved, traumatized, and shouldering the weight of grief all on her own, her breaking point has been reached.
Xi Fei’s unbridled rage releases a curse, and its victims are those she holds personally responsible for Akio’s death and her own unhappiness at the university. From the professor who mocked her in front of the class, to the security guard who assaulted her, and even her old flat mate… These seven people will go their separate ways and may hardly remember the young woman they ruined, but they all have one thing in common…
None of them are safe.
Xi Fei was orphaned at a young age in China, and has been alone ever since. When she visits Japan and meets Akio, the pair become inseparable. They travel together—first to Paris, then to England, each studying their chosen artistic interests, but never straying far from one another.
But while enrolled in the University of the West Midlands, Xi Fei falls victim to bullying, abuse, humiliation, and outright negligence from not only her peers, but even the university staff meant to protect her. When Akio dies under suspicious circumstances, Xi Fei is yet again left alone. Bereaved, traumatized, and shouldering the weight of grief all on her own, her breaking point has been reached.
Xi Fei’s unbridled rage releases a curse, and its victims are those she holds personally responsible for Akio’s death and her own unhappiness at the university. From the professor who mocked her in front of the class, to the security guard who assaulted her, and even her old flat mate… These seven people will go their separate ways and may hardly remember the young woman they ruined, but they all have one thing in common…
None of them are safe.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2024
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 28, 2024
JC Lee's "Seven Curses" is a fascinating supernatural revenge story, essentially a book in seven parts. Each part felt like a standalone short story, with its own pacing, setting, and characters. It could have easily turned into a sort of 13 Reasons Why, but the author (actually two co-authors) does not neglect the cultural elements of this story, providing thus a unique tale of Asian horror, with a main character I rooted for, once it became clear to me what had happened to her. I eagerly recommend the book to every horror reader who appreciates atmosphere, excellent writing, fantastic dialogue, and exotic supernatural elements in a story.
January 6, 2025
Love a good vengeance story, although I felt this fell a little short. My favourite pieces are the descriptions of different Asian cultures and locations, and there are some good creepy elements here as well.
However, the writing seemed incoherent in its voice as I was reading, and I realised at the "About the author" part that the book was written by two different people under a shared nom de plume. This makes the inconsistencies more understandable, but I would have liked it better if the voice was more coherent.
I also would have preferred a more "obvious" thread through the stories, a stronger connection between the curses and/or the cursed people. A few were very obvious in what they were being cursed for, others were more unclear or were being punished a little too harshly (unless I missed something).
Well worth a read if you're into revenge and (mostly) subtly supernatural/folktale horror.
However, the writing seemed incoherent in its voice as I was reading, and I realised at the "About the author" part that the book was written by two different people under a shared nom de plume. This makes the inconsistencies more understandable, but I would have liked it better if the voice was more coherent.
I also would have preferred a more "obvious" thread through the stories, a stronger connection between the curses and/or the cursed people. A few were very obvious in what they were being cursed for, others were more unclear or were being punished a little too harshly (unless I missed something).
Well worth a read if you're into revenge and (mostly) subtly supernatural/folktale horror.
October 15, 2024
This story, co-written by an Anglo man and Asian woman, brings a unique blend of Western and Eastern flare to this horrific tale. The book is told in seven sections and a brief epilogue. Each curse unravels more and more of the mystery of Xie Fei and the injustices she's suffered at the hands of others. This is absolutely a revenge story, and a delicious one at that.
Each curse has its own unique little quirks and can almost stand alone. However, there are certain threads that weave throughout the entire book to pull it all together, themes that reappear again and again. (The certain flowers like the rose and the peony, for instance. And, of course, the white fox.)
All in all, a beautifully written novel with a fantastic blend of cultural significance, plot twists, satisfying revenge, and beautiful imagery.
Each curse has its own unique little quirks and can almost stand alone. However, there are certain threads that weave throughout the entire book to pull it all together, themes that reappear again and again. (The certain flowers like the rose and the peony, for instance. And, of course, the white fox.)
All in all, a beautifully written novel with a fantastic blend of cultural significance, plot twists, satisfying revenge, and beautiful imagery.
October 16, 2024
Full disclosure: I am the Acquisitions Manager at Graveside Press, where this book was published.
When I first read this book, hand to god, I went around to the rest of the team and just repeated, "Seven Curses, Seven Curses, Seven Curses," until they agreed to read it, as well. That's just how good of a book it is. My most favourite kind of horror in the world is Asian horror and this is just... that. So perfectly. I felt like I was watching some of my most favourite films but in book form and it was a really neat, exciting experience to me.
I would recommend this for anyone who is a fan of Asian horror, revenge and just plain good books.
When I first read this book, hand to god, I went around to the rest of the team and just repeated, "Seven Curses, Seven Curses, Seven Curses," until they agreed to read it, as well. That's just how good of a book it is. My most favourite kind of horror in the world is Asian horror and this is just... that. So perfectly. I felt like I was watching some of my most favourite films but in book form and it was a really neat, exciting experience to me.
I would recommend this for anyone who is a fan of Asian horror, revenge and just plain good books.
October 8, 2025
Hang on, how come this book is written in 2024 but only has 4 reviews?! It's brilliant and needs to get in front of a larger audience!
J C Lee has been very modest in their blurb - this is no mere fairy tale, it is a sweeping epic, which is told in several contexts, all scenarios leading back to an important moment in time, which will have serious consequences later.
It's like a magical, cerebral Final Destination (apologies to the author!) and the characters wholly believable and fascinating in turn.
I loved every word, smiled and cried in turn (which I DON'T do normally) and I would fight for another book by this author - give it a try, you will not be disappointed!
J C Lee has been very modest in their blurb - this is no mere fairy tale, it is a sweeping epic, which is told in several contexts, all scenarios leading back to an important moment in time, which will have serious consequences later.
It's like a magical, cerebral Final Destination (apologies to the author!) and the characters wholly believable and fascinating in turn.
I loved every word, smiled and cried in turn (which I DON'T do normally) and I would fight for another book by this author - give it a try, you will not be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews