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Curse of the Lianshi
When a beautiful young gypsy falls in love with the son of the Hammer of Anjou, the right-hand enforcer for the French throne, things are bound to get complicated. Add a love spell, a blood curse, and a shapeshifting dragon and what could possibly go wrong?
- GenresFantasy
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2018
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Ben Wolfe
6 books51 followersBen Wolfe is an American writer of Slovenian-Polish descent. He is one of six children, has one daughter, and divorced in 2012. Ben attended a federal service academy and served as an engineering cadet during the first Persian Gulf War. He studied creative writing under the American novelist, John Dufresne and obtained an MBA in Global Management in 2003. Ben has traveled extensively and has been to twenty-five countries on four continents, and traveled through thirty-five states in the US.
Ben is an avid reader and a prolific writer but also considers himself an activist and advocate for child refugees of war. Ben Wolfe is a pen name. He has written as a photojournalist in Chicago for Streetwise Chicago magazine and prefers to use his real name when writing as a journalist and uses Ben Wolfe when writing fiction. He also does screenwriting under the name Anton Skolezar.
Ben is an avid reader and a prolific writer but also considers himself an activist and advocate for child refugees of war. Ben Wolfe is a pen name. He has written as a photojournalist in Chicago for Streetwise Chicago magazine and prefers to use his real name when writing as a journalist and uses Ben Wolfe when writing fiction. He also does screenwriting under the name Anton Skolezar.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 6, 2020
The legend story Curse of the Lianshi is a mix of romance, tragedy, and fantasy. When Francesca, Gypsy woman is declared as an undesirable match for nobleman Jean Claude, it will start a bloody tragedy. After her loss, Francesca will turn in Lianshi, an immortal girl who takes things in her hands. She is a woman warrior, a leader of her new tribe, and her pain is now her motivation. An excellent writing style that hits the heart of the reader, I sympathized with injustice.
July 1, 2021
I was surprised at just how quickly I was able to get through this. Barring it being a novella, the writing is fast-paced, engaging, and forward-moving. The story tells about how the main character, Francesca, undergoes a drastically huge change in her life. A reckless decision born of infatuation and passion snowballs into events that forever will change the course of her life, as well as many others in the future it seems. The world is very rich in both atmospheric and historical detail, and the revelation behind Francesca’s ‘change’ was an interesting one. A riveting origin story!
Read
December 4, 2025Amazing intro to an exciting new fantasy realm!
The story starts as historical fiction, plausibly accurate until the fantastic occurs. It suspends disbelief and sucks you into the world of these characters!
*Goodreads Review* Author and new series that just catches your attention and draws you in!
"A little bit of old speech mixed with gypsies and, a fantasy twist! This author and new series just catches your attention and draws you in, will be one of the next best sellers..."
*Goodreads Review* Well written and executed beginning to a world of women seeking freedom.
"She tried to ensnare a nobleman's son, which backfired raining destruction on her tribe. Waking in a world not her own after being cursed was not what she wanted. Good story telling."
*Amazon.in Review* Fantastic Read!
"Excellent reading. It transports you to a different world. Absolutely addictive and thrilling, this book is going to stay with you forever."
The story starts as historical fiction, plausibly accurate until the fantastic occurs. It suspends disbelief and sucks you into the world of these characters!
*Goodreads Review* Author and new series that just catches your attention and draws you in!
"A little bit of old speech mixed with gypsies and, a fantasy twist! This author and new series just catches your attention and draws you in, will be one of the next best sellers..."
*Goodreads Review* Well written and executed beginning to a world of women seeking freedom.
"She tried to ensnare a nobleman's son, which backfired raining destruction on her tribe. Waking in a world not her own after being cursed was not what she wanted. Good story telling."
*Amazon.in Review* Fantastic Read!
"Excellent reading. It transports you to a different world. Absolutely addictive and thrilling, this book is going to stay with you forever."
May 16, 2019
Author & new series that just catches your attention and draws you in!
A little bit of old speech mixed with gypsies and, obvious, a fantasy twist! This author & new series just catches your attention and draws you in, will be one of the next best sellers, and, you just might want to grab it while you can. You won't know until you try!
A little bit of old speech mixed with gypsies and, obvious, a fantasy twist! This author & new series just catches your attention and draws you in, will be one of the next best sellers, and, you just might want to grab it while you can. You won't know until you try!
October 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW / “Curse of the Lianshi“/ Ben Wolfe
___
Genre: Story (Fantasy)
Pages:34
Language: English
Publisher: KDP
Release date: 2018
____
🔮Reading this book was like being hypnotized by a magic dance of raven haired stunning lady in a torrential rain that falls in a reverse direction.
____
🔮The plot: “Curse of the Lianshi” is Book One from “Tales of the Lianshi”. Amazing gypsy lady Francesca falls in love with Jean Claude Martel, the son of the Hammer of Anjou. The point is that the gypsy lady isn’t an ordinary girl, her soul and body are infiltrated with magic that spreads around gently like a dense fog covers the ground. Events are getting tense step by step, in particular, when shapeshifting dragon appears on pages and spell love gains strength.
____
🔮The characters: The number of the main characters and those who play the second violin isn’t numerous. Every single character is depicted in a perfect way. The description absolutely corresponds to a fantasy genre - unique, extraordinary, unbelievable, magic and fantastic.
____
🔮The writing style: I adore the writing style of Ben Wolfe. Easy and enjoyable reading includes a lot of tense moments and unexpected twists. Moreover, the writer manages to describe the scenes of some unreal events in totally jaw dropping manner.
____
🔮Would I read other books of this author:
Absolutely yes!!!
____
🔮My fave quote: “But if this was death, it was not unlike an inescapable dream into which the horrors of her life had passed”
My humble rating: 5/5⭐️
P.S. One more thing that I do want to mention is that I’m not much into fantasy genre, BUT Ben Wolfe is the writer who succeeded in changing my point of view concerning this case. ‘Cause his creations are unbelievably captivating, enticing and mesmerizing!
_____
#AmReading #BenWolfe #CurseoftheLianshi #bookishlovegroup #unitedbookstagram #bookstagram #betterreadschallenge #bookreview
___
Genre: Story (Fantasy)
Pages:34
Language: English
Publisher: KDP
Release date: 2018
____
🔮Reading this book was like being hypnotized by a magic dance of raven haired stunning lady in a torrential rain that falls in a reverse direction.
____
🔮The plot: “Curse of the Lianshi” is Book One from “Tales of the Lianshi”. Amazing gypsy lady Francesca falls in love with Jean Claude Martel, the son of the Hammer of Anjou. The point is that the gypsy lady isn’t an ordinary girl, her soul and body are infiltrated with magic that spreads around gently like a dense fog covers the ground. Events are getting tense step by step, in particular, when shapeshifting dragon appears on pages and spell love gains strength.
____
🔮The characters: The number of the main characters and those who play the second violin isn’t numerous. Every single character is depicted in a perfect way. The description absolutely corresponds to a fantasy genre - unique, extraordinary, unbelievable, magic and fantastic.
____
🔮The writing style: I adore the writing style of Ben Wolfe. Easy and enjoyable reading includes a lot of tense moments and unexpected twists. Moreover, the writer manages to describe the scenes of some unreal events in totally jaw dropping manner.
____
🔮Would I read other books of this author:
Absolutely yes!!!
____
🔮My fave quote: “But if this was death, it was not unlike an inescapable dream into which the horrors of her life had passed”
My humble rating: 5/5⭐️
P.S. One more thing that I do want to mention is that I’m not much into fantasy genre, BUT Ben Wolfe is the writer who succeeded in changing my point of view concerning this case. ‘Cause his creations are unbelievably captivating, enticing and mesmerizing!
_____
#AmReading #BenWolfe #CurseoftheLianshi #bookishlovegroup #unitedbookstagram #bookstagram #betterreadschallenge #bookreview
October 1, 2019
Well written and executed beginning to a world of women seeking freedom.
She tried to ensnare a nobleman son, which backfired raining destruction on her tribe. Waking in a world not her own after being cursed was not what she wanted. Good story telling.
She tried to ensnare a nobleman son, which backfired raining destruction on her tribe. Waking in a world not her own after being cursed was not what she wanted. Good story telling.
January 16, 2021
Blown away
I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this novella. This is a great start to a new series. And I can't wait to read the next book.
This started as forbidden love and a tragedy that changes the out come of their lives. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn't wait to see where the story was going.
It has everything you want in a magical world.. I loved it!
I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this novella. This is a great start to a new series. And I can't wait to read the next book.
This started as forbidden love and a tragedy that changes the out come of their lives. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn't wait to see where the story was going.
It has everything you want in a magical world.. I loved it!
June 11, 2021
A Powerful Read
A very well-written book as words weave actions and you can visualize the magic and mystery with characters in thoughts. My poetic mind was put in a trance and I felt like having a live audience to love spells and blood curses! This book is a page-turner and hard to put down. Don’t miss it!
A very well-written book as words weave actions and you can visualize the magic and mystery with characters in thoughts. My poetic mind was put in a trance and I felt like having a live audience to love spells and blood curses! This book is a page-turner and hard to put down. Don’t miss it!
July 12, 2021
Spells, curses and dragons!
Curse of the Lianshi is a blend of fantasy, romance and tragedy. Francesca, a gypsy, is besotted with French noble, Jean Claude. Spurred by passion, she casts a spell which has devastating consequences for all. Curses, murder, and transportation to another realm, or is it another time? Who knows?
This is the origin story of a human girl becoming an immortal, one with a heart filled vengeance, and a growing army of female warriors to do her bidding. We only get to see a glimpse of her potential, but believe me, it’s scary!
Overall, this story is really well written. There were a couple of mid-scene character point of view shifts which I found jarring, but to be fair the head-hopping wasn’t overdone.
This is a great read with imaginative word-building and skilful characterisation. I’m keen to know more about the shape-shifting dragon who presents as a human. Fans who love the blending of historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy this one.
Curse of the Lianshi is a blend of fantasy, romance and tragedy. Francesca, a gypsy, is besotted with French noble, Jean Claude. Spurred by passion, she casts a spell which has devastating consequences for all. Curses, murder, and transportation to another realm, or is it another time? Who knows?
This is the origin story of a human girl becoming an immortal, one with a heart filled vengeance, and a growing army of female warriors to do her bidding. We only get to see a glimpse of her potential, but believe me, it’s scary!
Overall, this story is really well written. There were a couple of mid-scene character point of view shifts which I found jarring, but to be fair the head-hopping wasn’t overdone.
This is a great read with imaginative word-building and skilful characterisation. I’m keen to know more about the shape-shifting dragon who presents as a human. Fans who love the blending of historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy this one.
October 24, 2020
THIS IS THE BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD MUST READ!
Ben Wolfe is makes an excellent top notch!! What an amazing 35 page book 🤗. Really loved all the chapters of this book!!!
Finished this book in ONE STOP- NO BREAK!
I'M ON TO NEXT FROM THIS 5 BOOK SERIES 🤗
Ben Wolfe is makes an excellent top notch!! What an amazing 35 page book 🤗. Really loved all the chapters of this book!!!
Finished this book in ONE STOP- NO BREAK!
I'M ON TO NEXT FROM THIS 5 BOOK SERIES 🤗
October 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers...
After reading "Curse of the Lianshi," it is very clear to me that Ben Wolfe is a strong writer. His world-building descriptions are one of the strongest parts of this book. In the first three chapters, I was enraptured by this medieval story of forbidden love between a young knight and a gypsy woman. The violence that ensues after Jean-Claude tells his father about his bride was a well-paced and engrossing story, especially since it brought the story back to the beginning of chapter 1, where we learn that Francesca may have the ability to bend time. I was locked in during this part of the story. My one comment would be that some moments during the battle repeated themselves, especially in reference to Esmerelda's death and falling on her husband. This seemed to have been in error, but it may have been intentional for emphasis.
When the story shifts to include the dragons and Dravin, this shift was a bit abrupt to me. It took me a few pages to catch up to what was happening in the story. This may have been intentional for the reader to feel the confusion Francesca was feeling, and if so, it was masterfully done. As previously stated, Wolfe's worldbuilding is impressive. The following chapters that depict the Dravin and dragons are incredibly descriptive and the story is strong, once I got my bearings.
Overall, I stand by giving the story a 4. It is a strong fantasy story and Ben Wolfe is definitely a great writer. My final critique would be that some of the dialogue didn't match the tone of the story. The intensity of what was happening throughout the story makes it such an absorbing read; however, some quick statements such as "I am not having baby dragons with you" felt a little cheesy and punctuated the overall strong writing style.
For lovers of fantasy, dragons, and new worlds, I recommend this story!
After reading "Curse of the Lianshi," it is very clear to me that Ben Wolfe is a strong writer. His world-building descriptions are one of the strongest parts of this book. In the first three chapters, I was enraptured by this medieval story of forbidden love between a young knight and a gypsy woman. The violence that ensues after Jean-Claude tells his father about his bride was a well-paced and engrossing story, especially since it brought the story back to the beginning of chapter 1, where we learn that Francesca may have the ability to bend time. I was locked in during this part of the story. My one comment would be that some moments during the battle repeated themselves, especially in reference to Esmerelda's death and falling on her husband. This seemed to have been in error, but it may have been intentional for emphasis.
When the story shifts to include the dragons and Dravin, this shift was a bit abrupt to me. It took me a few pages to catch up to what was happening in the story. This may have been intentional for the reader to feel the confusion Francesca was feeling, and if so, it was masterfully done. As previously stated, Wolfe's worldbuilding is impressive. The following chapters that depict the Dravin and dragons are incredibly descriptive and the story is strong, once I got my bearings.
Overall, I stand by giving the story a 4. It is a strong fantasy story and Ben Wolfe is definitely a great writer. My final critique would be that some of the dialogue didn't match the tone of the story. The intensity of what was happening throughout the story makes it such an absorbing read; however, some quick statements such as "I am not having baby dragons with you" felt a little cheesy and punctuated the overall strong writing style.
For lovers of fantasy, dragons, and new worlds, I recommend this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews