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The Cursed Artifacts: Starweaver Academy Young Reader Series Book One
The Cursed Artifacts
A Starweaver Academy Young Reader AdventurePerfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Treasure Island!
Captain Millie Swiftwind has a by day she's a model student at Starweaver Academy, but by night she leads a crew of young smugglers trading mysterious artifacts across dangerous waters.
When her cousin Joshua touches a cursed statue, gray patches begin spreading across his skin like living stone. Now Millie must rally her loyal crew; sarcastic first mate Brynlee, ever-smiling medic Elliot, superstitious Arthur, weather-wise Lachlan, and silent guardian Odin; to save the person they all love before the ancient corruption claims his life forever.
Racing their ship The Twilight Siren through treacherous seas, Captain Millie and her crew
Stay one step ahead of corrupted ships hunting them through the fogAdapt when Joshua's determined younger brother Jamison stows away to helpTrust mysterious information broker Molly Nightshade with deadly secretsUncover the truth behind the artifact network they unknowingly helped createFind a legendary healing spring that may not existBut when their desperate search leads to an ancient ship with the power to save Joshua, Millie faces her greatest test as risk everything for one friend, or sacrifice him to save thousands of others threatened by the spreading darkness.
What readers are
"My daughter loves Captain Millie- such a strong leader!"
"Every crew member has their own personality. My son's favorite is Arthur with his lucky knots."
"Perfect blend of friendship, magic, and high-seas adventure."
✓ Brave girl captain leading a diverse crew of friends
✓ Fast-paced adventure perfect for reluctant readers
✓ Each crew member has unique skills and personality
✓ Strong friendship themes and loyalty under pressure
✓ Magical healing and ancient mysteries
✓ Age-appropriate tension without nightmare fuel
Meet the
Millie - Fearless captain willing to break any rule for her friendsBrynlee - Sharp-tongued first mate who plans for everythingOdin - Quiet protector who speaks through actions, not wordsElliot - Brilliant young medic who never loses hopeArthur - Careful observer whose "superstitions" often save the dayLachlan - Weather predictor who sees storms coming from miles awayJoshua - Talented artist fighting for his lifeJamison - Determined younger brother who won't give upMolly - Information broker with her own mysterious pastIdeal
Ages 10-13 (Lexile 650-800)Fans of ensemble casts and found family storiesReaders who love nautical adventuresKids who enjoyed The Wild Robot, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue DolphinsAnyone who dreams of sailing with their best friendsSet sail with Captain Millie's crew in this stan
A Starweaver Academy Young Reader AdventurePerfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Treasure Island!
Captain Millie Swiftwind has a by day she's a model student at Starweaver Academy, but by night she leads a crew of young smugglers trading mysterious artifacts across dangerous waters.
When her cousin Joshua touches a cursed statue, gray patches begin spreading across his skin like living stone. Now Millie must rally her loyal crew; sarcastic first mate Brynlee, ever-smiling medic Elliot, superstitious Arthur, weather-wise Lachlan, and silent guardian Odin; to save the person they all love before the ancient corruption claims his life forever.
Racing their ship The Twilight Siren through treacherous seas, Captain Millie and her crew
Stay one step ahead of corrupted ships hunting them through the fogAdapt when Joshua's determined younger brother Jamison stows away to helpTrust mysterious information broker Molly Nightshade with deadly secretsUncover the truth behind the artifact network they unknowingly helped createFind a legendary healing spring that may not existBut when their desperate search leads to an ancient ship with the power to save Joshua, Millie faces her greatest test as risk everything for one friend, or sacrifice him to save thousands of others threatened by the spreading darkness.
What readers are
"My daughter loves Captain Millie- such a strong leader!"
"Every crew member has their own personality. My son's favorite is Arthur with his lucky knots."
"Perfect blend of friendship, magic, and high-seas adventure."
✓ Brave girl captain leading a diverse crew of friends
✓ Fast-paced adventure perfect for reluctant readers
✓ Each crew member has unique skills and personality
✓ Strong friendship themes and loyalty under pressure
✓ Magical healing and ancient mysteries
✓ Age-appropriate tension without nightmare fuel
Meet the
Millie - Fearless captain willing to break any rule for her friendsBrynlee - Sharp-tongued first mate who plans for everythingOdin - Quiet protector who speaks through actions, not wordsElliot - Brilliant young medic who never loses hopeArthur - Careful observer whose "superstitions" often save the dayLachlan - Weather predictor who sees storms coming from miles awayJoshua - Talented artist fighting for his lifeJamison - Determined younger brother who won't give upMolly - Information broker with her own mysterious pastIdeal
Ages 10-13 (Lexile 650-800)Fans of ensemble casts and found family storiesReaders who love nautical adventuresKids who enjoyed The Wild Robot, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue DolphinsAnyone who dreams of sailing with their best friendsSet sail with Captain Millie's crew in this stan
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Connelly
7 books7 followersShawn Connelly weaves tales of magic and adventure inspired by the wondering eyes of his children and the bold spirits of his grandchildren. A lifelong storyteller whose imagination is fueled by family movie nights and travel expeditions with his wife, Shawn crafts young adult fantasy that bridges generations. Blessed with cherished friendships that span decades, his stories celebrate the unbreakable bonds that shape our journeys through life. When he's not writing, you can find him collecting story ideas during adventures with his beloved wife Anne or jotting down notes while watching his grandchildren play. His work celebrates the enduring power of love, friendship, and the thrill of discovery that makes young adult literature so enchanting. Shawn lives with his wife in their own real-world story, surrounded by books, imagination and the endless possibilities that family brings.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 5, 2025
Book Review: The Cursed Artifacts by Shawn Connelly
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉The Cursed Artifacts marks an impressive start to the Starweaver Academy series—an adventurous, emotionally resonant tale that blends classic fantasy elements with modern storytelling. This is a story of daring escapes, magical mysteries, deep-rooted friendships, and impossible choices—all told through the eyes of young characters who must grow up faster than they ever expected.
👉At the center of the story is Millie Swiftwind, a brilliant student at Starweaver Academy who secretly leads a double life as the fearless captain of a smuggling ship. Her world is turned upside down when her cousin Joshua comes into contact with a cursed artifact that begins to turn him into living stone. From that moment on, what began as secret smuggling missions becomes a race against time to save a life and uncover a hidden network of magical corruption.
👉Millie is not alone. Her crew is one of the book’s strongest elements—each member distinct, vibrant, and full of personality. First mate Brynlee is sharp and sarcastic, Elliot brings joy and healing, Arthur is ruled by superstition, Lachlan is wise with the weather, and Odin guards in silence but with strength. These young characters feel real, flawed, and deeply connected. They’re not just shipmates—they’re family, bound together by loyalty, shared purpose, and the challenges they face.
👉Their journey aboard The Twilight Siren is filled with danger: cursed ships stalking them through the mist, the mystery of an information broker named Molly Nightshade, and the growing fear that the artifacts they once traded may have caused far more harm than they ever imagined. As the crew searches for a legendary spring that might heal Joshua, Millie is confronted with a heart-wrenching choice—risk everything for someone she loves, or sacrifice him to prevent an even greater catastrophe.
👉Highly recommended for readers who love magical quests, sea-bound journeys, and found-family dynamics. A promising beginning to what looks to be a meaningful and memorable fantasy series.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉The Cursed Artifacts marks an impressive start to the Starweaver Academy series—an adventurous, emotionally resonant tale that blends classic fantasy elements with modern storytelling. This is a story of daring escapes, magical mysteries, deep-rooted friendships, and impossible choices—all told through the eyes of young characters who must grow up faster than they ever expected.
👉At the center of the story is Millie Swiftwind, a brilliant student at Starweaver Academy who secretly leads a double life as the fearless captain of a smuggling ship. Her world is turned upside down when her cousin Joshua comes into contact with a cursed artifact that begins to turn him into living stone. From that moment on, what began as secret smuggling missions becomes a race against time to save a life and uncover a hidden network of magical corruption.
👉Millie is not alone. Her crew is one of the book’s strongest elements—each member distinct, vibrant, and full of personality. First mate Brynlee is sharp and sarcastic, Elliot brings joy and healing, Arthur is ruled by superstition, Lachlan is wise with the weather, and Odin guards in silence but with strength. These young characters feel real, flawed, and deeply connected. They’re not just shipmates—they’re family, bound together by loyalty, shared purpose, and the challenges they face.
👉Their journey aboard The Twilight Siren is filled with danger: cursed ships stalking them through the mist, the mystery of an information broker named Molly Nightshade, and the growing fear that the artifacts they once traded may have caused far more harm than they ever imagined. As the crew searches for a legendary spring that might heal Joshua, Millie is confronted with a heart-wrenching choice—risk everything for someone she loves, or sacrifice him to prevent an even greater catastrophe.
👉Highly recommended for readers who love magical quests, sea-bound journeys, and found-family dynamics. A promising beginning to what looks to be a meaningful and memorable fantasy series.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
September 2, 2025
Underneath the silver tides and roving stars, bravery often takes the guise of a girl with a ship, a secret, and an impossible choice-filled heart.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Shawn Connelly sails into The Cursed Artifacts where friendship, magic, and danger set sail on the same breeze. Millie Swiftwind, stellar Starweaver Academy student during the day and fearless smuggler captain by night, has her precisely ordered life turned upside down when her cousin Joshua handles a cursed statue. While stone spreads its slow crawl across his skin, Millie and her crew of misfits, each with their own snags, talents, and unwavering loyalty, pilot The Twilight Siren through perilous seas in pursuit of a cure. Haunted by haunted ships, enmeshed in a dark artifact web, and led only by hope and one another, they pursue the myth of a restorative spring. But the ultimate decision for Millie may cost her either the friend she cares most about or the lives of many others.
Why This Young Reader Fantasy Rocks:
• A courageous girl captain commanding a vibrantly diverse, lovable crew.
• Loveable characters with special skills and personalities—each reader will have a favorite.
• Thrilling high-seas adventure filled with magic, mystery, and maritime tension.
• Deep found-familial relationships that withstand storm and shadow.
• Hard choices that add emotional richness to the action.
• Paced quick but sweetly, making it an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fantasy fans alike.
Final Thoughts
The Cursed Artifacts isn’t just a tale of cursed treasures and daring voyages—it’s a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and the bittersweet bravery of growing up. With its rich world-building, charming ensemble cast, and a story that balances action with emotion, this book earns its place among the best middle-grade adventures. You’ll close the last page wanting to hoist the sails and follow Millie into whatever seas she dares to cross next.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Shawn Connelly sails into The Cursed Artifacts where friendship, magic, and danger set sail on the same breeze. Millie Swiftwind, stellar Starweaver Academy student during the day and fearless smuggler captain by night, has her precisely ordered life turned upside down when her cousin Joshua handles a cursed statue. While stone spreads its slow crawl across his skin, Millie and her crew of misfits, each with their own snags, talents, and unwavering loyalty, pilot The Twilight Siren through perilous seas in pursuit of a cure. Haunted by haunted ships, enmeshed in a dark artifact web, and led only by hope and one another, they pursue the myth of a restorative spring. But the ultimate decision for Millie may cost her either the friend she cares most about or the lives of many others.
Why This Young Reader Fantasy Rocks:
• A courageous girl captain commanding a vibrantly diverse, lovable crew.
• Loveable characters with special skills and personalities—each reader will have a favorite.
• Thrilling high-seas adventure filled with magic, mystery, and maritime tension.
• Deep found-familial relationships that withstand storm and shadow.
• Hard choices that add emotional richness to the action.
• Paced quick but sweetly, making it an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fantasy fans alike.
Final Thoughts
The Cursed Artifacts isn’t just a tale of cursed treasures and daring voyages—it’s a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and the bittersweet bravery of growing up. With its rich world-building, charming ensemble cast, and a story that balances action with emotion, this book earns its place among the best middle-grade adventures. You’ll close the last page wanting to hoist the sails and follow Millie into whatever seas she dares to cross next.
August 23, 2025
Book Review: The Cursed Artifacts by Shawn Connelly
Shawn Connelly’s The Cursed Artifacts is an incredibly fun first book in the Starweaver Academy series that combines sailing adventure, magical mystery, and the joy of found family. Focal to the story is Millie Swiftwind, a talented student who secretly commands a smuggler's ship, The Twilight Siren, with a merry little band of friends as her crew. When Millie's cousin Joshua becomes cursed by an artifact that magically starts to turn him into stone, she and her friends find themselves in a dangerous race against time to locate a legendary underground spring rumored to cure his ailment.
The characters are the strength of this novel--each member of the crew really shines, with unique individualities and layers of personality from Brynlee, with her fierce banter links, to Odin, the quiet ball of strength, each added delight and depth. The bond these friends share comes to life in the story, and because Millie and her crew face not only cursed ships and shady informants, but also their own burden of truths about the artifacts' realities we really feel the level of jeopardy they are facing and care about what happens to them.
In terms of style, Connelly talks about humor, danger and heart as functional parts of her writing -- and this allows readers of all ages (including some adults) to access the story. Connelly's dives headfirst into themes of responsibility, sacrifice and friendship, and underpinned the action with some serious emotional weight.
The Cursed Artifacts is a fun adventure! Its quick-paced, emotional journey, and imaginative world make it a charming start to a series with potential intended for readers who enjoy magical adventures on the sea and stories where you make your family and not just find them.
Shawn Connelly’s The Cursed Artifacts is an incredibly fun first book in the Starweaver Academy series that combines sailing adventure, magical mystery, and the joy of found family. Focal to the story is Millie Swiftwind, a talented student who secretly commands a smuggler's ship, The Twilight Siren, with a merry little band of friends as her crew. When Millie's cousin Joshua becomes cursed by an artifact that magically starts to turn him into stone, she and her friends find themselves in a dangerous race against time to locate a legendary underground spring rumored to cure his ailment.
The characters are the strength of this novel--each member of the crew really shines, with unique individualities and layers of personality from Brynlee, with her fierce banter links, to Odin, the quiet ball of strength, each added delight and depth. The bond these friends share comes to life in the story, and because Millie and her crew face not only cursed ships and shady informants, but also their own burden of truths about the artifacts' realities we really feel the level of jeopardy they are facing and care about what happens to them.
In terms of style, Connelly talks about humor, danger and heart as functional parts of her writing -- and this allows readers of all ages (including some adults) to access the story. Connelly's dives headfirst into themes of responsibility, sacrifice and friendship, and underpinned the action with some serious emotional weight.
The Cursed Artifacts is a fun adventure! Its quick-paced, emotional journey, and imaginative world make it a charming start to a series with potential intended for readers who enjoy magical adventures on the sea and stories where you make your family and not just find them.
September 8, 2025
The Cursed Artifacts: Starweaver Academy Young Reader Series Book One by Shawn Connelly is an adventurous and emotional read. It follows Millie Swiftwind, a bright student who secretly captains a smuggling ship. Her world changes when her cousin Joshua touches a cursed statue and begins turning to stone. Millie and her crew set sail on The Twilight Siren to save him, facing danger at every step. This is not just a journey across the sea — it’s a race against time filled with magic, mystery, and hard choices.
The crew is the heart of the story. Millie is a brave and determined leader, Brynlee is clever, Elliot brings hope, Arthur trusts his instincts, Lachlan can read the skies, and Odin protects quietly but strongly. Together, they feel like a family who would do anything for one another. Their loyalty and teamwork make every moment meaningful, and their bond is what keeps the story full of heart.
The challenges they face are not easy. Cursed ships chase them, strangers test their trust, and Millie must decide if she can risk everything to save one person she loves — even if it could put many others in danger. This part gives the story real depth. It shows that courage is not about being fearless, but about choosing to fight for what matters, even when it hurts.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy magic, sea adventures, and stories about friendship and sacrifice. It is full of action but also full of emotion. It reminds you that true family is the people who stand with you, no matter how big the storm. A strong, meaningful read that stays with you after the last page.
The crew is the heart of the story. Millie is a brave and determined leader, Brynlee is clever, Elliot brings hope, Arthur trusts his instincts, Lachlan can read the skies, and Odin protects quietly but strongly. Together, they feel like a family who would do anything for one another. Their loyalty and teamwork make every moment meaningful, and their bond is what keeps the story full of heart.
The challenges they face are not easy. Cursed ships chase them, strangers test their trust, and Millie must decide if she can risk everything to save one person she loves — even if it could put many others in danger. This part gives the story real depth. It shows that courage is not about being fearless, but about choosing to fight for what matters, even when it hurts.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy magic, sea adventures, and stories about friendship and sacrifice. It is full of action but also full of emotion. It reminds you that true family is the people who stand with you, no matter how big the storm. A strong, meaningful read that stays with you after the last page.
August 28, 2025
The Cursed Artifacts: Starweaver Academy Young Reader Series Book One by Shawn Connelly is an adventurous and heartfelt story. It follows Millie Swiftwind, a student who secretly leads a smuggling crew. When her cousin Joshua is cursed and begins turning to stone, Millie and her friends set sail on The Twilight Siren to find a cure. What begins as risky smuggling quickly becomes a race against time filled with danger, mystery, and tough choices.
The best part of this book is the crew itself. Each member has a unique personality that makes them stand out—Brynlee with her sharp tongue, Elliot’s never-ending hope, Arthur’s strange superstitions, Lachlan’s weather sense, and Odin’s quiet strength. Together, they feel like more than friends—they’re family. Their bond and loyalty make every scene feel alive, even when they argue or face fear.
For me, the story’s theme of chosen family hit the hardest. It reminded me that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you no matter what. Millie’s determination to save Joshua showed the true meaning of love and courage, and that message stayed with me long after finishing the book.
I highly recommend The Cursed Artifacts to young readers who love magical adventures and to anyone who enjoys stories about friendship and loyalty. It has action, danger, and mystery, but at its heart, it’s about never giving up on the people you love. A powerful and enjoyable read that will connect with readers on many levels...
The best part of this book is the crew itself. Each member has a unique personality that makes them stand out—Brynlee with her sharp tongue, Elliot’s never-ending hope, Arthur’s strange superstitions, Lachlan’s weather sense, and Odin’s quiet strength. Together, they feel like more than friends—they’re family. Their bond and loyalty make every scene feel alive, even when they argue or face fear.
For me, the story’s theme of chosen family hit the hardest. It reminded me that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you no matter what. Millie’s determination to save Joshua showed the true meaning of love and courage, and that message stayed with me long after finishing the book.
I highly recommend The Cursed Artifacts to young readers who love magical adventures and to anyone who enjoys stories about friendship and loyalty. It has action, danger, and mystery, but at its heart, it’s about never giving up on the people you love. A powerful and enjoyable read that will connect with readers on many levels...
September 29, 2025
The Cursed Artifacts instantly gave me Percy Jackson vibes mixed with a swashbuckling sea adventure. From the very first chapter, the idea of a young captain balancing school and secret missions hooked me in completely.
The storyline is fast-paced and exciting, filled with cursed statues, mysterious brokers, and a race against time. Shawn Connelly’s writing is engaging, fun, and perfect for younger readers—he makes every crew member feel alive and unique, while keeping the adventure full of suspense and humor.
At its heart, this book is about friendship, loyalty, and courage.I loved how Millie and her crew stood by each other no matter the danger, and the choices she had to make felt powerful and real. In short it’s a thrilling and heartwarming read that I’d recommend to any young adventurer (and even adults who enjoy a magical sea quest!).
The storyline is fast-paced and exciting, filled with cursed statues, mysterious brokers, and a race against time. Shawn Connelly’s writing is engaging, fun, and perfect for younger readers—he makes every crew member feel alive and unique, while keeping the adventure full of suspense and humor.
At its heart, this book is about friendship, loyalty, and courage.I loved how Millie and her crew stood by each other no matter the danger, and the choices she had to make felt powerful and real. In short it’s a thrilling and heartwarming read that I’d recommend to any young adventurer (and even adults who enjoy a magical sea quest!).
July 26, 2025
The Cursed Artifacts
A very fun story with amazing characters! Loved the strong personality of Captain Millie!! Such a fierce leader!! Incredible storytelling, can’t wait to read the next book.
A very fun story with amazing characters! Loved the strong personality of Captain Millie!! Such a fierce leader!! Incredible storytelling, can’t wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews