Cursed: A Prequel Story

The Entian Curse #0.5

by Kay Ross

Who do you trust?

Nuss needs a new life, one she hopes will bring better opportunities and solitude. With that motivation alone, she’s traveled weeks with a caravan that is full on judgment and empty on safety.

Now, only days away from her goal, the unwelcome arrival of two sorcerers threatens to stop her. And if they don’t, then the silent creature they've tracked to the caravan might. A creature far too capable of hiding in plain sight and wearing any face.

As the sorcerers search brings them close to her, Nuss realizes the creature may be even closer. In a world where any connection with other people could get you cursed and executed, Nuss must determine who, if anyone, can be trusted. Failure may end her old life before her new one can even begin.

Cursed is a stand-alone (short story) prequel to Whisper, the first book in The Entian Curse Trilogy!

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2024

About the author

When not at work, Kay Ross is finding new stories, discussing old stories, or writing her own. If she's not thinking about stories, she's either trying not to be too invested in sports or climbing up a mountain so she can run down it. She lives in Utah but considers any open space with a view home.

To receive a free short story (a standalone prequel to my fantasy, Whisper) sign up for my newsletter at authorkayross.com!

Reviews

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuss, a young woman seeking a fresh start, joins a caravan bound for a new life. Her journey, however, is far from peaceful. Judgment and danger lurk within the group, and the arrival of two sorcerers only escalates the tension. A mysterious creature, capable of deception, poses a sinister threat. As Nuss navigates this treacherous world, she must decipher who to trust and who to fear. Her survival hinges on her ability to unravel the web of deceit and danger surrounding her.

This standalone prequel to "Whisper" offers a glimpse into the world of The Entian Curse Trilogy. It introduces Nuss, a compelling character whose determination and resilience shine through in the face of adversity. The author skillfully crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, keeping readers on edge as the plot unfolds. The setting, a world where connections can lead to curses and executions, adds a unique and intriguing dimension to the story.

While the narrative is concise, it effectively establishes the overarching themes and introduces the key elements that will likely play a significant role in the main trilogy. The ending leaves a satisfying sense of closure while also hinting at the potential for further exploration in the future.

Overall, "Cursed: A Prequel Story" is a well-crafted and engaging tale that provides a satisfying introduction to the world of The Entian Curse Trilogy. Fans of dark fantasy and character-driven narratives will find much to appreciate in this standalone prequel.

[Hyrum Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you know the world from the main story, or this is your first time exploring the author's creation, this is a delightful story. The dialogue is top notch, the plot is riveting, and the entire world is somewhere to explore (though only in story, as I like to avoid dying). I recommend it entirely.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 STARS! This audiobook is a fun one. Such an interesting concept & I enjoyed how it was fast paced & got started off right away. A great prequel that introduces just enough of the story & makes you want more. Can’t wait to check out book 1 to see where the plot takes us next.
Thank you to the author for the free copy!