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Rise of the King #3

The Cursed Sword

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An ancient sword. A dark secret. A new enemy.

Tom loves his new life in the Otherworld. He lives with Arthur in New Camelot, and Arthur is hosting a tournament. Eager to test his sword-fighting skills, Tom’s competing.

But while the games are being played, his friends are attacked and everything he loves is threatened. Tom has to find the intruder before anyone else gets hurt.

Tom’s sword seems to be the focus of these attacks. Their investigations uncover its dark history and a terrible betrayal that a family has kept secret for generations.

This secret now puts others at risk, including Tom, and once again, Tom, King Arthur and his friends have to race to solve the mystery of his sword’s past, or he could lose everything.

If you love magic and mystery, and fast-paced Arthurian fantasy, then you’ll love The Cursed Sword.

*Important note - This book was previously released as Galatine's Curse, Tom’s Arthurian Legacy book 3. The story has not been changed.M

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2020

43 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

T.J. Green

79 books698 followers
I'm a writer, a pagan, and a witch, and consequently love all things magical. I write fictional books about witchcraft and the paranormal, and they are jam-packed with fabulous characters, colourful settings, plenty of action, and lots of humour.

I was born in England, in the Black Country, but moved to New Zealand in 2006. I lived near Wellington with my partner Jase, and my cats Sacha and Leia. However, in April 2022 we moved again! Yes, I like making my life complicated… I’m now living in the Algarve in Portugal, and loving the fabulous weather and people. When I’m not busy writing I read lots, indulge in gardening and shopping, and I love yoga.

Confession time! I’m a Star Trek geek – old and new – and love urban fantasy and detective shows. Secret passion – Columbo! Favourite Star Trek film is the Wrath of Khan, the original! Other top films – Predator, the original, and Aliens.

In a previous life I was a singer in a band, and used to do some acting with a theatre company. For more on me, check out a couple of my blog posts. I have also written a blog about how I finally became comfortable about calling myself a witch. It's called Leaning into my Witch.

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5 stars
84 (70%)
4 stars
26 (21%)
3 stars
7 (5%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Lana.
2,780 reviews59 followers
March 19, 2018
First off I would like to highly recommend this series to all those who, like me, love Arthurian fantasy and lore, this is the third book in this magnificent series. Ms. Green has made this series original in that we get to not only meet Arthur, Merlin, Nimue, Morgan le fey, Vivienne and so many others from Arthur's time but also meet with two young teenagers who pass through a portal from England where they lived in our own time to a country of the fae and this is where they all meet up and have their great adventures! We also meet up with satyrs, cervini, sylphs, dragons, shapeshifters, fairies and loads of magic. Tom is being trained by Arthur himself who has decided that Tom must be a direct descendant of his and Beansprout his cousin is discovering she has magic abilities and is being trained by Nimue herself! This adventure is about two brothers, one of who has been turned into a boar by the other through his magic and trickery and needs to be released from the curse which has gone on for thousands of years through Galatine, the sword which now belongs to Tom. Obviously the group of friends get drawn into this and what an adventure this has turned out to be!! Such an enjoyable read, I just wish that Ms. Green can go on writing such great novels about this group and their life in the land of new Camelot for many more adventures as I know I will miss this lovely group she created.
Profile Image for Bookish .
Author 20 books171 followers
April 29, 2018
Outstanding!

It is a fine author indeed who can craft complex and varied worlds and realms, and interweave them seamlessly with the stuff of time-honoured legends so that the reader feels as though this is where those legends must have always taken place. The Other is one such world - connected to ours by portals, vast and incredibly varied and complex. Green has proven her finesse in world building, and in the crafting of unique and interesting races as its inhabitants.

'Galatine's Curse' is the third in T.J. Green's YA Arthurian sword and sorcery fantasy series. Once again, Green takes the reader on a journey through The Other with Tom, Beansprout, Woodsmoke, Arthur and Merlin, where they encounter new challenges and a variety of new characters that bring dangers of their own.

Tom in particular faces bigger, darker threats than previously, providing plenty of heart-in-the-throat moments and tension that drives the story toward its conclusion.

This book delivers plenty of adventure, fun, and heroic action and reminds the reader not only of the importance of friendship and loyalty, but also that there are some challenges and tasks that one has to face and undertake for oneself. Like the best YA novels, it's a ripping read with plenty of depth and complexity to engage teens and adults alike.
6 reviews
February 15, 2018
I love this book and the whole series, Tracey you go from strength to strength with your writing. the attention to detail and the way your characters grow with each book is amazing
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
March 20, 2018
This book was well writen and lovely to read. it is one of the best YA books I have read so far. I will be going back to reread all the books.

I got the book as an ARC but the opinion is my own.
234 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2018
This story begins with a savage wolf pack attacking Tom after he becomes separated from his friends. Non-stop action and adventures abound, and characters continue to evolve. Tom has come into his own as a warrior. His cousin, Beansprout, notices he is no longer a gangly teen but a muscular young man. But Tom still sees her as a younger cousin he needs to protect. Which brings me to the only thing I did not care for in this series, Beansprout's pitiful role, and her name bestowed by Tom but used by all. Let Tom witness her moment in the sun, and give her a name worthy of her power and skill as a magic wielder. Both Nimue and Merlin value her.
But that is for another story. This is about a magical sword, Galatine, a curse, and a mystery. So battle dragons and magic, and enjoy all the pageantry of a tournament.
Discover the power within Tom's sword and put an end to the curse.
Profile Image for B. Fleetwood.
Author 5 books23 followers
April 2, 2018
This is an exciting new adventure for Tom, Beansprout, Arthur and the cast of magical characters in the ‘Other Worlds’. As Tom tries to free Filtiarn from a lifetime’s curse cast by his brother, he must uncover what role his sword, Galatine, plays as he encounters dragons, knights and djinns in a number of magical realms. The pace really picks up in the second half of the book and Tom has many narrow escapes in his quest with his ‘Arthurian’ friends to unravel the mystery. There is a large cast of characters and I would have found it helpful to have an appendix to remind me who was who. The story stands alone but I would recommend reading the earlier two books to fully immerse yourself in Ms Green’s fantasy world. There is no sex, bad language or extreme violence, so this is a good, clean, YA read.
27 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2018
I want more!!!!!!!!!!!! He finally becomes impressive and worthy of great respect and admiration in the eyes of everyone else, and the series ends! I want to read more of his adventures after that! It can't end there, and I don't mean I want the author to continue the story with a second series that takes place ten or twenty years later. No! I hate that! I want to read more adventures with teenage tom, not old Tom and his kids.
I love how he was at the end of the book. I was waiting for him to change like that throughout the whole series.
43 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2018
This is one of my favorite Arthurian reads. The author has done a great job in making the life of the fantastic seem real and touchable. In this story there are two brothers, one has cursed the other and turned him into a boar. The hero on the story, Tom, and the sword, Galantine, must work together to make everything right again, which they do with action, flair and adventure.

Good plot with lots of surprises along the way. This was a great read.
Profile Image for Susan Harrowa.
239 reviews
June 30, 2020
Fun take on the Arthur and Merlin legends

Or more like the return of Arthur and Merlin, with help from Tom and some friends. Mixes bits and pieces of the old lore with all new story lines in a fabulous new world. You'll enjoy the fast pace and the action. But I think mostly, you'll enjoy the characters and their interactions, their relationships. If you enjoy the old legends, then I highly recommend this book!
158 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2018
I received an ARC copy of the book and decided to write this review. it was very good with action and intrigue. There is majic, curses and surprises throughout. It helps to have read the other books in the series as there are references to previous adventures, but it is not absolutely necessary. I had read the first book but not the second book, but I am going back to read it now.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2020
Surely Galatine isn't cursed; is it?
Tom observes an intruder at the wall of the castle and begins to unravel a mystery that is thousands of years old. Danger and mayhem lurk in the shadows as Arthur hosts a 3 day Weapons Championship. The series is fantastic! I can't wait to see what happens next!
1,140 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2018
As Tom's adventures with King Arthur continue, Tom is given a sword by King Arthur. There is a legend about Tom's sword, its maker and the maker's brother that leads all on a merry chase.
This has been an enjoyable read.
483 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2018
A magical action adventure set in a different realm. Join Tom and his friends in this fast moving story with a lot of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. Looking forward to more stories from this realm.
Profile Image for Debra Shaw.
26 reviews
January 15, 2019
Wonderful

It’s so refreshing to have an author focus on the purity of a story rather than delve into the gore and darkness found in many fantasy novels. Kudos to Muir for writing another story that has kept this old lady turning/swiping pages late into the night!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2019
OMG talk about an awesome third book I seriously love this series and book 3 was no exception it actually exceeds my expectations, talks about a magical adventure of epic proportions just wow and anyone who loves all things Arthurian will fall in love with this series too.
1 review
February 18, 2021
Wow!!!

What can I say!?. After thinking these books weren't my thing I finally took the plunge into reading them and was truely blown away with the magic of them all. I 100% recommend this series of books and hopefully Tj will write more.
9 reviews
June 15, 2021
I really love these books you feel that you are actually with them and being a part of their team.
I really hope there are going to be some more stories with Tom and Arthur and the rest of the gang I’m sure there can be lots of other adventures they can all go on. Please....
Profile Image for Tonya  Seel.
36 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2023
The perfect ending for a wonderful new trilogy. Fun adventures with charming characters and beautiful places. This is Merlin and King Arthur like never before with new stories and new friends. Pure reading delight.
2 reviews
March 25, 2018
I was pulled into this story from the first chapter. It was so good I had to buy the previous books in the series. Loved it.
12.7k reviews189 followers
March 29, 2018
Amazing story of Tom’s intriguing adventure with Arthur. A wonderful continuation of the story and hopefully continues in another book. Superb author.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,402 reviews84 followers
March 31, 2018
A pleasing romp with lots of twists and turns; suitable for all ages. Good for a long weekend. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for judith board.
15 reviews
January 20, 2021
Riveting

Again another enjoyable book , well written good story love all the characters. Hard to put down once started .
Profile Image for Vickie Woodford.
5 reviews
May 31, 2025
Listened to the audiobook of this series. Enjoyed the way the author writes in a fashion that could make the reader feel like they saw it for themselves!
Profile Image for T.J. Green.
Author 79 books698 followers
April 15, 2019
Tom is well and truly at home in the Other in this book. He's cemented his friendships, and is learning to fight. The book starts with a tournament, and some of his old friends are back. And of course, Arthur wants to show off his sword fighting skills, and his castle, New Camelot. Coming into this heady mix, is a new threat.

Again, I've drawn on the old legends, and this one is all about Tom's new sword/old sword, Galatine, that used to belong to Gawain. The sword appears in the old stories, but I've invented a whole new backstory, and for Tom, the risks are even greater. He's not a teen anymore, but a young man, and he starts to exert his independence.

All of the other characters are growing too, particularly Beansprout. (I've got plans for her in Book 4!)
And Tom visits the Realm of Fire - that's a bit different!

I hope you enjoy the ride, but it's fast and furious, so hang on to your hats!
Profile Image for Tasha Galvao.
43 reviews
October 21, 2024
Was a fun and enjoyable read/series. I also just love books based on the arthurian legends/myth. Characters were fun and love the sense of friendship/found family.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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