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Curse of Lanval #1
Mirrors
You probably won’t like my story. Heck, I’m not sure if I even like it myself. Between getting burned at the stake and being drowned, almost twice, it’s quite a lot to swallow. But this is the story of how I bedded a queen and married a poet, all to end the family curse. My name is Guillaume, but you can call me Gill, and despite what you hear, this story is all my sister’s fault.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2016
28 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Dodson
75 books308 followersRebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 9, 2017
I have just recently gotten to know Rebekah Dodson online, and I offered to review this one because the third book in her series, Magic, has just come out, and I wanted to support her. But this turned out to be an excellent decision! I really enjoyed this book!
The Curse of Lanval is a historical fantasy centered around time travel. The protagonist, Gill, is a new adult in his freshman year at college, studying history and bucking for an arts degree. This is a terrible betrayal to his family, who are all in the medical field. Gill himself was an EMT before this radical career change. I think that younger adults will find the character extremely relatable. He has a snarky sense of humour that makes the story especially fun to read. He's a bit of a cad, but don't let that deter you; I think that might be part of his character arc. *does not count as spoiler because I haven't read ahead yet, I'm just guessing.*
Dodson has a history degree and a penchant for medieval history, and it shows. When Gill finds himself in medieval France, you can see, hear, taste and smell the setting. It has a very A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court sort of feel to it, except with more action. Even though Gill (fortunately) is relatively educated about the realities of the Middle Ages, he's still very much a fish out of water, trying to make sense of it all, and his reactions sound to me like exactly what a modern person confronted with this scenario would say and think! I love it! I found myself laughing out loud frequently.
As a former member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I cannot praise Dodson's accuracy highly enough! For example: just because he speaks French fluently, does not mean that Gill instantly understands medieval French! The language has drifted considerably (though not as much as English) and he finds himself resorting to pantomime to communicate because the difference is enough that each side probably only understands about every third word. He regards the typical building construction as "childish" before he realizes what's going on and cannot bring himself to drink the horribly brackish, literally tinny, (and probably dysentery-infested) water that is the norm of the time. There's lots more, but I don't want to give anything away. The setting lives and breathes and I believe it, and I believe Gill. I think it adds to the dramatic tension because it allows you to understand the stakes: Gill is a modern person stuck in the Middle Ages, and this is George R.R. Martin's grimy, dangerous, realistic Middle Ages. How's he going to survive? I strongly recommend it to any medievalists out there who are looking for a quality historical fantasy.
Traditional publishers may not have published these three books as separate novels, even though they are each full-length novels (though on the smaller side). If I have one complaint about the book, it's that it seems to end just as it feels to me like the story is really getting going! And once it does, it's a real page-turner too.
But the second book is available and I'm going to pick it up. Then again, I'm used to reading fat paperweights by people like David Weber. I understand that shorter fiction does better on Kindle, so when Kindle readers are your target audience, it makes sense to publish these as three separate books. And you really can't argue with the price! All three Kindle books together cost a little more than half the price my publishers set for my e-book of The Witch's Eight Paths of Power: A Complete Course in Magick and Witchcraft.
I'm really looking forward to book 2, Marie. I'm excited about it! I will keep you posted.
The Curse of Lanval is a historical fantasy centered around time travel. The protagonist, Gill, is a new adult in his freshman year at college, studying history and bucking for an arts degree. This is a terrible betrayal to his family, who are all in the medical field. Gill himself was an EMT before this radical career change. I think that younger adults will find the character extremely relatable. He has a snarky sense of humour that makes the story especially fun to read. He's a bit of a cad, but don't let that deter you; I think that might be part of his character arc. *does not count as spoiler because I haven't read ahead yet, I'm just guessing.*
Dodson has a history degree and a penchant for medieval history, and it shows. When Gill finds himself in medieval France, you can see, hear, taste and smell the setting. It has a very A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court sort of feel to it, except with more action. Even though Gill (fortunately) is relatively educated about the realities of the Middle Ages, he's still very much a fish out of water, trying to make sense of it all, and his reactions sound to me like exactly what a modern person confronted with this scenario would say and think! I love it! I found myself laughing out loud frequently.
As a former member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I cannot praise Dodson's accuracy highly enough! For example: just because he speaks French fluently, does not mean that Gill instantly understands medieval French! The language has drifted considerably (though not as much as English) and he finds himself resorting to pantomime to communicate because the difference is enough that each side probably only understands about every third word. He regards the typical building construction as "childish" before he realizes what's going on and cannot bring himself to drink the horribly brackish, literally tinny, (and probably dysentery-infested) water that is the norm of the time. There's lots more, but I don't want to give anything away. The setting lives and breathes and I believe it, and I believe Gill. I think it adds to the dramatic tension because it allows you to understand the stakes: Gill is a modern person stuck in the Middle Ages, and this is George R.R. Martin's grimy, dangerous, realistic Middle Ages. How's he going to survive? I strongly recommend it to any medievalists out there who are looking for a quality historical fantasy.
Traditional publishers may not have published these three books as separate novels, even though they are each full-length novels (though on the smaller side). If I have one complaint about the book, it's that it seems to end just as it feels to me like the story is really getting going! And once it does, it's a real page-turner too.
But the second book is available and I'm going to pick it up. Then again, I'm used to reading fat paperweights by people like David Weber. I understand that shorter fiction does better on Kindle, so when Kindle readers are your target audience, it makes sense to publish these as three separate books. And you really can't argue with the price! All three Kindle books together cost a little more than half the price my publishers set for my e-book of The Witch's Eight Paths of Power: A Complete Course in Magick and Witchcraft.
I'm really looking forward to book 2, Marie. I'm excited about it! I will keep you posted.
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August 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/15/2020)! 🎁
December 31, 2018
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was a pretty funny time travel book, and it was an easy listen. It’s a bit upsetting that it ends on a cliffhanger because now I want to read book 2 to know what happens.
I wasn’t a fan of Gill, the main character, who spends most of the book talking about sex and women’s features. Like... get on with it. He felt like he was slowing down the novel.
This was a pretty funny time travel book, and it was an easy listen. It’s a bit upsetting that it ends on a cliffhanger because now I want to read book 2 to know what happens.
I wasn’t a fan of Gill, the main character, who spends most of the book talking about sex and women’s features. Like... get on with it. He felt like he was slowing down the novel.
February 17, 2020
One of the most unlikable main characters I've ever seen!
I don't even know what to say - I disliked the main character from the beginning but decided to give it some time because maybe the whole point was that he'd redeem himself and become a better person. But when I gave up at about 60-70% into the book, he was still an absolutely jerk.
He comes across as an entitled brat in the way he was written, like he was supposed to be a cool guy, but ended up just being an asshole.
The writing was okay(mediocre) at times, bad at others, and there were a few odd mistakes. A lot of times I noticed that conversations just jumped around and made little sense, and characters reacted in strange ways, just absolutely non-relatable.
I felt no immersion despite trying.
No idea what the author was thinking while writing this.
I don't even know what to say - I disliked the main character from the beginning but decided to give it some time because maybe the whole point was that he'd redeem himself and become a better person. But when I gave up at about 60-70% into the book, he was still an absolutely jerk.
He comes across as an entitled brat in the way he was written, like he was supposed to be a cool guy, but ended up just being an asshole.
The writing was okay(mediocre) at times, bad at others, and there were a few odd mistakes. A lot of times I noticed that conversations just jumped around and made little sense, and characters reacted in strange ways, just absolutely non-relatable.
I felt no immersion despite trying.
No idea what the author was thinking while writing this.
November 23, 2016
This book is going straight to my favorites shelf. The main character Gill will be inside your head from the first line he utters. This story is told in the first person and is both hilarious and imaginative. The characterizations are spot on, and the descriptions paint a perfect picture of the world you are moving through. This is all done in an amusing way that is sure to endear this character and this series to your heart! I can't wait for the next one!
December 10, 2018
Gill says he hates his sister and they’re nothing alike, but they actually converse amicably and work together, even if they chide each other. They both get transported back to 1154 AD after his sister touches a mirror in a chapel. It took 2/3rds of the book before this happened. They arrive during a battle, cross paths with a prince and queen, then all try to escape. He does get burned at the stake, drowned, bed a queen or marry a poet- at least not in this book. This is not a stand alone book - it ends without any resolution and leads into the next book.
The issue I had with the book was that Gill’s ego was a bit much. I’m not sure the point to his womanizing. I’m sure some guys can’t go through life without putting a sexual twist on every situation, but I don’t necessarily want to read about it. At least not that much. This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author. Still, I enjoyed the concept of the story. I am curious to see how things play out in the next book.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Matthew DeWolf) and I would listen to another. He had different voices for the characters. His English, spoken with a French accent, needs some work. His narrating style is good and he does arrogant and snarky well.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There is a lot of talk about boobs, etc. - Gill is a womanizing, lusty, young adult. There is no excessive violence. There is quite a bit of swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 3/5
Narration 4/5
The issue I had with the book was that Gill’s ego was a bit much. I’m not sure the point to his womanizing. I’m sure some guys can’t go through life without putting a sexual twist on every situation, but I don’t necessarily want to read about it. At least not that much. This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author. Still, I enjoyed the concept of the story. I am curious to see how things play out in the next book.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Matthew DeWolf) and I would listen to another. He had different voices for the characters. His English, spoken with a French accent, needs some work. His narrating style is good and he does arrogant and snarky well.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There is a lot of talk about boobs, etc. - Gill is a womanizing, lusty, young adult. There is no excessive violence. There is quite a bit of swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 3/5
Narration 4/5
January 26, 2020
I'm calling this a 2.5 star rating, but bumped up to a 3 because I felt bad for going down.
I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it just didn't meet my expectations.
The main character annoyed me. A lot. It seems like this is a common thing (one that's even intentional), but I just couldn't find a redeeming quality for him. I had so many eyeroll moments that I was worried they might actually roll out of my head. Perhaps I just haven't given him enough of a chance yet. But alas, my quick annoyance with him ruined any excitement for later in the plot.
I also didn't care for the pace - it took way too long to get to the actual plot and excitement, in my opinion. Likewise, because the book is so short, it's over as soon as things really get going. As soon as the action began, I already knew how it was going to end.
I feel like if the lead-in had been shorter (getting to the action quicker), I might've even liked the main character more (having less time for eye rolling annoyance).
Likewise, I feel like this could have been one longer book, instead of a series of shorter ones.
Lastly, there were some flaws in the writing - typos and such (I even caught a character's name change at one point! Probably a case of auto correct) that probably would've been caught with another edit or two. I tried not to let these cloud my opinions, but did notice they became increasingly more prominent as the book wore on.
All in all, I'm unsure if I'll continue with the series or not. I didn't hate it, but I also think I'd have to be in just the right mood before I took another chance with it.
I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it just didn't meet my expectations.
The main character annoyed me. A lot. It seems like this is a common thing (one that's even intentional), but I just couldn't find a redeeming quality for him. I had so many eyeroll moments that I was worried they might actually roll out of my head. Perhaps I just haven't given him enough of a chance yet. But alas, my quick annoyance with him ruined any excitement for later in the plot.
I also didn't care for the pace - it took way too long to get to the actual plot and excitement, in my opinion. Likewise, because the book is so short, it's over as soon as things really get going. As soon as the action began, I already knew how it was going to end.
I feel like if the lead-in had been shorter (getting to the action quicker), I might've even liked the main character more (having less time for eye rolling annoyance).
Likewise, I feel like this could have been one longer book, instead of a series of shorter ones.
Lastly, there were some flaws in the writing - typos and such (I even caught a character's name change at one point! Probably a case of auto correct) that probably would've been caught with another edit or two. I tried not to let these cloud my opinions, but did notice they became increasingly more prominent as the book wore on.
All in all, I'm unsure if I'll continue with the series or not. I didn't hate it, but I also think I'd have to be in just the right mood before I took another chance with it.
April 17, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the first book in the series Curse of Lanval. It is not a standalone book and ends on a cliffhanger.
This story takes a very, very, very, very, very long time to get moving. The first two-thirds of the book focuses on the MC Gil, who is a horndog [to be nice] and uninteresting. The book is too short to focus so much time on these types of antics and then to end on a cliffhanger once the action actually started. At the end, I was left indifferent about the whole thing and with no interest in continuing.
The narrator provided good character voices and has a pleasant voice.
This is the first book in the series Curse of Lanval. It is not a standalone book and ends on a cliffhanger.
This story takes a very, very, very, very, very long time to get moving. The first two-thirds of the book focuses on the MC Gil, who is a horndog [to be nice] and uninteresting. The book is too short to focus so much time on these types of antics and then to end on a cliffhanger once the action actually started. At the end, I was left indifferent about the whole thing and with no interest in continuing.
The narrator provided good character voices and has a pleasant voice.
April 7, 2021
A trip through time
This is a story about NA siblings who travels through time to the 12th century. It’s well written, but I am not a big fan of the main character. He comes off as obnoxious and self centered, only thinking about women’s bodies. I hope this isn’t the norm for college boys, but who knows. It’s a series starter, so it ends at a cliffhanger. I think that teens might like this story though.
The narrator isn’t one of the best I have heard. His voice often sounds like it was computer generated, and he isn’t very good at changing his voice to fit the characters.
All in all, it’s still worth to listen too, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes.
I received this book for free, and are now leaving a voluntary review.
This is a story about NA siblings who travels through time to the 12th century. It’s well written, but I am not a big fan of the main character. He comes off as obnoxious and self centered, only thinking about women’s bodies. I hope this isn’t the norm for college boys, but who knows. It’s a series starter, so it ends at a cliffhanger. I think that teens might like this story though.
The narrator isn’t one of the best I have heard. His voice often sounds like it was computer generated, and he isn’t very good at changing his voice to fit the characters.
All in all, it’s still worth to listen too, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes.
I received this book for free, and are now leaving a voluntary review.
April 7, 2021
This is a story about NA siblings who travels through time to the 12th century. It’s well written, but I am not a big fan of the main character. He comes off as obnoxious and self centered, only thinking about women’s bodies. I hope this isn’t the norm for college boys, but who knows. It’s a series starter, so it ends at a cliffhanger. I think that teens might like this story though.
The narrator isn’t one of the best I have heard. His voice often sounds like it was computer generated, and he isn’t very good at changing his voice to fit the characters.
All in all, it’s still worth to listen too, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes.
I received this book for free, and are now leaving a voluntary review.
The narrator isn’t one of the best I have heard. His voice often sounds like it was computer generated, and he isn’t very good at changing his voice to fit the characters.
All in all, it’s still worth to listen too, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes.
I received this book for free, and are now leaving a voluntary review.
April 30, 2019
A truly magical read! I highly recommend this book and for a number of reasons. Firstly, I love the main character Gill and the narrative being in his voice - it's probably my favourite part of the story. I absolutely adore him already and his arrogance, and I can see that there's plenty of room for some character development later in the series, too.
The story is written beautifully, the words just seem to flow and the descriptions are magical. I love historically based stories and this one is the perfect blend of time-travel, modern day and history. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this goes and cannot recommend it enough!
The story is written beautifully, the words just seem to flow and the descriptions are magical. I love historically based stories and this one is the perfect blend of time-travel, modern day and history. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this goes and cannot recommend it enough!
January 11, 2020
~AUDIO REVIEW~
This is just the beginning of a fast-paced time travel story. I did enjoy it. I found both Gill and his sister, Jules, to be realistic and their relationship very natural. As the two start their journey I’m excited to know more.
Amazon has it under the LGBT category, but it isn’t LGBT. Gill’s sister is a lesbian and they talk about that some, but Gill, who this story follows, is completely straight. That is very clear in the story.
Matthew DeWolf is a new narrator to me and I thought he did a great job. I was able to clearly understand him and follow along.
This is just the beginning of a fast-paced time travel story. I did enjoy it. I found both Gill and his sister, Jules, to be realistic and their relationship very natural. As the two start their journey I’m excited to know more.
Amazon has it under the LGBT category, but it isn’t LGBT. Gill’s sister is a lesbian and they talk about that some, but Gill, who this story follows, is completely straight. That is very clear in the story.
Matthew DeWolf is a new narrator to me and I thought he did a great job. I was able to clearly understand him and follow along.
April 14, 2021
The background laid out, and we’re given a good look at what the main character, Gill, is like. Just when things start to really take off, we’re left with a cliffhanger!
I really enjoy Rebekah Dodson‘s writing style. She provides great descriptions and really builds her characters. My interest is definitely piqued to check out the rest of this series.
Matthew DeWolf did a great job with the narration. His different accents sounded quite believable to me.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
I really enjoy Rebekah Dodson‘s writing style. She provides great descriptions and really builds her characters. My interest is definitely piqued to check out the rest of this series.
Matthew DeWolf did a great job with the narration. His different accents sounded quite believable to me.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
March 14, 2022
VERY colloquial – took me back to my university days when the guys were full of raging hormones. A lot of sarcasm, profanity, and casual sex talk, but it all fits right in with the story and characters.
Loved the relationship between the main character and his older sister, very realistic for their ages. I kept crackin’ up at their verbal sparring. Makes me miss my younger brother and our carefree adolescence.
No spoilers: the protagonists’ future skillsets flow right into their time-travel-to-the-past roles and the transition was pretty seamless.
GOTTA read the next one!
Loved the relationship between the main character and his older sister, very realistic for their ages. I kept crackin’ up at their verbal sparring. Makes me miss my younger brother and our carefree adolescence.
No spoilers: the protagonists’ future skillsets flow right into their time-travel-to-the-past roles and the transition was pretty seamless.
GOTTA read the next one!
May 9, 2022
This was my first experience with Rebekah Dodson's work, and I enjoyed it. The first book introduced the main characters and established the time travel. Although the first book only gave a taste of the time period of the past, I am wondering what twists and turns the author will create in her books. I am looking forward to the next book in the series as this one did end on a cliffhanger. I recommend this series to others who enjoy this genre. Matthew DeWolf's narration was fine and entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
October 22, 2018
Here we have a short story intro to a new series. Guillaume, or Gill, and his sister Jules are transported back to 1154 A.D. while visiting a chapel in an old castle. They arrive in the midst of a medieval fire fight and must make a hasty escape. With the castle in flames how will they get back home? Sounds like it might be an interesting series. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
April 1, 2021
You start out with a guy named Gill who is a EMT going to College Majoring in History. He is a bit of a Jerk at the start of this Short Story. He has a sister, and his Mother is originally from France. He and his sister, starting at young age were sent to France to visit Anut & Uncle.
The end of this story Definitely leaves you wanting more of the story. Narrator does a good job on this Story.
The end of this story Definitely leaves you wanting more of the story. Narrator does a good job on this Story.
April 15, 2021
You start out with a guy named Gil who is a EMT going to college Majoring in History. He is a bit of a Jerk at the start of this short story. He has a sister, and his Mother is originally from France. He and his sister at a young age were sent to France to visit Their Aunt and Uncle for the summers. The end of the story definitely leaves you wanting for more. Narrator does a good job on this story.
October 26, 2018
Gill wants to do the normal college thing be a history major much to his dads disapproval and have fun without any commitments. Than the person who was like a father and around more suddenly passes and he’s thrown into France where a lot of his heritage comes from. His sister decided to take a trip and before they know it they are back in time. Beyond fast paced action with a cliffhanger ending.
April 20, 2020
Hmmm.... Feel like I‘ve only read the first five chapters of a longer adventure—the MCs are quite entertaining, but the initial scene is left unresolved so that’s a bit of a let-down... On the plus side, the premise hasn’t collapsed, so there is always the chance that the series will actually hold up—guess I have to wait and see!
May 12, 2020
91 pages
I bought this book on a recommendation. Found it to be a fast paced interesting story line with an interesting historical theme. But at 91 pages I had finished it in half a day thinking that was a waste of money. I would love to read more but won't on a point of principle. Good marketing ploy.
I bought this book on a recommendation. Found it to be a fast paced interesting story line with an interesting historical theme. But at 91 pages I had finished it in half a day thinking that was a waste of money. I would love to read more but won't on a point of principle. Good marketing ploy.
May 31, 2022
Rebekah Dodson did a good job with this story. Good characters, a decent plot, but short overall. 100+ pages written and 2+ hours of audio. Would read and listen to again and I look forward to the next 4 books in the series. Audio Version: Matthew De Wolf does a good job with this story and the characters.
September 7, 2025
The premise behind this book is solid. It has good bones for a decent story but I could not get behind the writing and the characters. It felt like the author didn't know who these characters were and couldn't decide if Gill was supposed to be a raging incel or a hero. There was a lot of telling rather than showing in this book. If I didn't already own the rest of the series I would be dnfing it.
February 26, 2017
Truly enjoyed reading this and was surprised when I realized I would have to wait to read what would happen next. Looking for a fun engaging story with a little history thrown in? This is a book to do it.
December 5, 2018
Audible:This was a really good short story.I am looking forward to more parts of the story!Matthew DeWolf was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
March 27, 2019
The book is a time travel mystery. I found the story interesting, although with more than its' share of bad language. Guillaume Lanval, known as Gill, is headed to a different place and time in the first book in what looks to be an intriguing series.
December 30, 2019
Loved this story! Love time travel! Can’t wait to see what happens next! Made me have a glimpse of A discovery of witches type of time travel and ‘long life’ type story.
Narration was excellent.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator
Narration was excellent.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator
April 10, 2021
This is why they say curiosity kills the cat. In this case, it might take you and your sibling along on that same road.
June 22, 2022
A wonderful start to a series. All the characters are real and flawed like in the real world.
March 27, 2017
Gill is a jerk. Don't let that put you off - he grows on you slowly. This first part of Rebekah Dodson's "Curse of Lanval" series is the set up. We need to learn about the world Gill and his sister are leaving in order to appreciate their journey.
Give it a whirl - as much as you'll want to slap Gill you'll want to continue onto the next installment to find out what happens next.
Give it a whirl - as much as you'll want to slap Gill you'll want to continue onto the next installment to find out what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews