Cursefell

by C.V. Dreesman

Librarian's note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00QFYAMA8.

The coastal town of Stonecrest is an isolated haven for nursing wounds and hiding secrets. It can cure a heart or crush it. When one girl's secret is revealed, a curse she does not even know she carries, the safe haven becomes her monstrous prison.

Seventeen year old Nathera Currey sees her curse as a death sentence, or at the very least a sentence of exile. But Thera has experienced death before and survived it. She has felt alone the last year of her life and endured that too. Accidentally uncovering her secret, she becomes the cold light of hope for some and a monster to be feared by others. If she wants to save herself and those she holds most dear, she will have to balance the scales of who she is against what she must become and life versus love.

Genres: Fantasy

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2014

About the author

CV graduated with a degree in English while married to the amazing love of his life and raising his son. As an author he seeks to take readers' breath away linguistically.

Reviews

[Floryie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The book cover hinted at a mermaid based tale while the blurb didn't give away much about the story. The only clue was that the heroine, Nathera has a secret curse hanging over her. It was all mysterious and that piqued my curiosity. I was right and wrong at the same time, because there are mermaids in it and yet the book is much more. It has an unique plot involving mythical creatures with darker connotation.

The story started off good with the introduction of the other two main characters,Galead and Isabel in addition to Nathera. I found the pace slow at first and the first few chapters were quite descriptive with less dialogues. But the description has a poetic nature instead of being prosy. I found few sentiments were repetitive but it didn't detract much from the story. Almost half of the book was over by the time the true story started. But it was all good since it was leading up to the good part of the book.Then it picked up speed and it was quite hard to put the book down without finishing it first.

The characters have an air of mystery about them which keeps us interested. All their secrets aren't revealed yet. More questions are raised instead of being answered throughout the book. Each character is revealed in steps so they aren't fully developed yet. And I am sure there are more elements to be introduced in the coming books. Nathera is a dreamer who at the same time is willing to make a stand to fight for herself and her friends. Galead is gallant and is in the business of rescuing Nathera which is the only thing revealed about him. Isabel isn't quite the bad character she is portrayed as at first and is the only one whose back story is at least half way written about. Both of them have their own motives to help Nathera.

The world building is pretty cool and mythology is used to a greater degree to build a different world with a negative vibe. This is the second time I am reading about this particular element and that kept me going in spite of the slow beginning. The one thing I didn't like that it ended in a cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the next book to know more.

If you are a patient reader and a mythology lover, this book will appeal to you with its distinctive plot and characters. I will be waiting for the sequel and hopefully it will be out soon!

My one line review : Distinctive mythology based plot makes Cursefell a good start to a promising fantasy series

My rating : 4/5

My reread factor : 4/5

Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursefell by CV Dreesman is a well written, original and unique fantasy story involving mythology as the backdrop for the storyline.

The book has a rather slow beginning after the initial dramatic action of the first chapter, but then the pace picks up and things start to happen as more and more of the story is revealed.

Nathera is the leading female character and I found her to be very likeable. She grows throughout the story and by the end of the book she has gained more of an understanding of who she is and has found her passion to end the curse on her family. Ryan Galead is the leading male character and I loved his interactions with Nathera. I liked his part in the story and I loved his Irishness (if that’s even a word!). Isabel was another great character, hard to tell if she’s good or bad, but she had some choice comedic lines throughout the story which can help to lighten a heavy scene. Nathera’s friends are good minor characters, and I especially liked Anna who has a bit more to do in the story than I was expecting.

Cursefell was a wonderful read. It has romance, mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, and the occasional light hearted funny moment. I felt there was a romantic air to the way in which the author wrote the book and it was very pleasant to read. The ending was a cliff hanger and I was left with a few unanswered questions, but I’m sure these will be addressed in later books in the series.

I enjoyed reading Cursefell and I feel it will appeal to those who like to read books full of myth and fantasy.

[Kaia Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb alone is what drew me to this book and I was thrilled when it was released, and anxious to start reading it. I was thoroughly satisfied with this book all the way around. The main character, Nathera, is a strong female who at the same time recognizes and confronts her vulnerabilities. Independent but still needs people. Mysterious. The character interaction went smoothly yet at the same time had unexpected moments. The storytelling is so vivid, I forgot I was snug in my favorite reading spot and not right there with the characters. The author has a way of pulling you in, grabbing your attention and maintaining it. I was on a ride that I did not want to get off on the next stop.
It has elements of urban and modern fantasy, new and young adult, suspense and mystery, romance, paranormal genres. It really is hard to categorize this book except as a great read, so readers of any specific genre are going to enjoy the story, for the simple fact that is does not remain stagnant.
I look forward to reading more from this author and hopefully, especially, a sequel to this book.

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a good book very interesting but I got confused at the end, I would recommend this book to any of my friends that like Mystery and Greek mythology. The author of this book is a good author and I am hoping that he continues with a sequel to this book I would definitely read it.

[Natasha Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Wholesome Read!

This book was reminiscent of the blockbuster Twilight; except instead of Vampires, Werewolves and Shape Shifters, it is Gorgons, Medusa and Mermaids! The nature of these mythical creatures inhabiting human form and their complex nature was described in exceptional detail thoroughly by the writer. Just when I was thinking to myself I needed to be proactive and perform a quick background research into how these creatures originated, the writer delivered making my need to research obsolete. This book has a heck of a cliff-clinger and I can imagine it as something which can take visual form through another medium. Creative sentimental twist on ferocious creatures.
5 Stars.

If you like Greek mythology you will love reading this book!

Natasha Stone
Pizazz News Author

[Joaquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book, very well writen with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! Amazing job! If you like Fantasy this is definitely a must read!

[Danni Dicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)

I had no idea what to expect, the blurb was incredibly vague despite being detailed (if that makes sense) but I have to admit, this story did more for me in 112 pages than another story did for me in 300.

I was pleasantly surprised with Cursefell, being a lover of Greek Mythology, I was swallowed up by this fantastic world that C.V. Dreesman has created, it was a fresh twist on a theme that has done its rounds, with appearances especially in YA novels.

Galead – ugh, he was so perfect.

Irish, funny and heroic, what more could any girl want in a man? I felt like his character was definitely written amazingly, he was everything you’d want in a male lead and everything you need to liven a story, I can’t fault him. Isabel, I loved her, she’s so sassy it sparks the story with dark humour that warms the comedic cockles of my heart. I could take a big dose of Isabel any day of the week.

Now, for the not so happy bit of my review, I’m sad to say there are a couple.
I needed answers that I didn’t get, what actually happened to Thera’s dad? What do Galead and his brothers have to do with it? What is with Diane, what is she and how does she fit in with it all? A few questions out of the many I have, I wanted them answered at some point, even a small smidgen of an answer, but I felt like I didn’t get them.
I also really wanted a little bit more back story from the original curse, maybe some more insight into the original three gorgons and what the heck Thera’s dreams had to do with it all. And definitely some back story about Isabel; I wanted to know a whole lot more about her and how the hell she’d managed to survive her life being what she was (how even long was her life considering what she could do? – yet another question).

This story held a lot of everything, romance, suspense, comedy, mystery – I felt like it just included everything which I would imagine could potentially appeal to a lot of people. This story definitely exceeded my expectations by far, it was so unique I was almost shocked with every page turned. I’ll definitely be happily anticipating sequels to this well written piece.

My final recommendation would be that you should definitely read this, and also good luck trying not to compare any future suitors in your attempt to find your own real-life Galead.

For a full review please Follow this link

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
Let me start by saying — I love the idea behind the book. It could turn out to be a very interesting story.

There were times when I really enjoyed the story and the authors writing and there were times I was bogged, slowing the story down. Inside the story the author has gone to great effort to be creative in the way they are describing the scenery and the way that people look. Sometimes this was a perfect match and sometimes I felt it would have gone better if it were simplified. This could just be me. Perhaps I prefer books that are not so over the top in the creative description.

There were patches that I couldn’t read it fast enough especially at the end it was written really well to keep the pages turning.

I was just getting into the book and it ended leaving me with more questions as I felt like I had only read part of a book. Yes, with series books there needs to be open endings with some factors, but I felt like no questions or solutions had been tied up at end the book. It felt like a novella ending to me rather than a novel.

I am interested in seeing what happens in the next book in the series.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review through the Goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal. Thank you C. V. Dreesman.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Floryie (check her blog!) and got chosen as read of the month. What made me choose it was that curse mentioned of the summary... I just had to know which kind of curse.

First, this book is soooooo short! It felt more like a short story than a book, seriously. For such a short book I felt like the beginning was a bit slow but then suddenly bibidi-babidi-bu out of nowhere everything happens! She almost dies, gets a boyfriend —a boy she never thought of before but who has been around her for months at least, the curse gets revealed, etc it's like a lot in such a small amount of text that it can be quite overwhelming. Other than that, the story has a hook. It has to do with mythology and for people (like me) who enjoy mythological creatures and stories it has an appeal to it that makes us want more. Sadly I haven't found the continuation... maybe it will come out eventually? I know there has to be another book at least, the end is too open to just finished it like that.

—P.S. I Love That Book!

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cursefell, it an intriguing story that tells of the lineage of the mystical Gorgon Medusa and her blood line. Nathera, the girl who has become the heir to Medusa, problem is that everyone in her life had hidden the truth of what she is to her. All grown up now and finding out from strangers that she has the power to turn humans to stone just like medusa. She finds it hard to comprehend what she is to become or what she is on the inside. The powers within her she must control as she fights the monster within her for normality. Without giving a way the story, I enjoyed the budding relationship between her and Gilead, although I suppose because this is only the first book in a series, we would come to see their relationship develop further. I am looking forward to reading more of the series as the story ended on a cliff hanger.

[Lenita Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Fantasy

The author, in his blurb, gives little away about the book, which is good. He writes just enough to whet our appetites. When the book is finished, it ends on a cliffhanger so the reader wants to read on. Other than one chapter which was a difficult to understand dream sequence the writing was clear. This was a bit too dark, however, and had a definitely negative tone to it.

[January Bennett]

Great read

Slightly reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series. A truly gripping tale. Had me excited from beginning to end. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Rashun Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the entertaining read. C.V. Dreesman’s poetic-like writing intertwined with mystery, mythology, magic and more created a compelling tale.

We venture into the perspective of protagonist, Thera—at the start—where a frigid swim during a field trip nearly claims her life. Hmm... Or should I say something in those murky depths nearly claimed her life? 🤔 nonetheless, the event was only the start of Thera’s fleshed out development.

Prepare to witness mythological creatures like you’ve never read before. Bold words? Sure, but it’s the unique background information of each that makes such a statement stand valid, in my opinion. Additionally, Dreesman took us a step further by supplying spectacular insight of the said character’s origins. It was definitely a twist I didn’t expect.

Personally, I loved Galead’s (Thera’s love interest) instructive and protective demeanor. I felt he was very realistic and a character one would root for. Furthermore, there’s Isabel. Let’s just say she has a particular way with words, and the way she explained their effect was excellent (I can’t go into detail w/out spoiling 😁).

The book’s pacing decelerated quite a bit after Thera’s swim, but certainly made up for it when things gradually came full circle. I was initially going to award this book 4 stars, but the enthralling, action-packed conclusion ended on a high note that sets up book two perfectly. Goes to show what a powerful ending can do for a book 😉

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me

After finishing Cursefell, I feel that I have more questions than answers. Seeing as this is the first in a series, that is to be expected, but I think some of the unanswered questions took away from my immersion into the story.

It seems like everyone has secrets that they are unwilling to share, and everyone has a story that another can't share. Yet the ones who should be sharing aren't sharing either. Hopefully, the sequel will reveal more...


I received a copy of this book from the author and the above review is my honest opinion.

[Desirae Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well....it was different from the other supernatural novels they have floating around these days. However, I'm not sure it was my favorite out of all of them. Because it was so short everything was happening way to fast, especially the relationship between Thera and Galead, who one day he didn't seem interested in here and then the next day he is macking all over her in front of her friends. I do like that they have a good amount of characters based off of Greek mythology, so kudos on that.