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The Cursed is a short story companion to A Dark Faerie Tale Series.

The Ancients of Faerie are awakening, and they don't like what they see. Imprisoned and cursed to eternal slumber in chains for centuries, Arthas, the Unseelie King of Faerie, returns to claim his realm back. The world has changed and the thirst for vengeance is all consuming...

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First published March 19, 2013

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About the author

Alexia Purdy

117 books1,094 followers
Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.

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5 stars
172 (43%)
4 stars
122 (30%)
3 stars
83 (20%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia Batista (Addicted Readers).
256 reviews514 followers
September 9, 2013
Review to Come!

I was very lucky to beta read this book for Alexia and I will be waiting until the finished copy to rate and review this. But I can tell you right now it's pretty amazing!
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 2 books60 followers
March 15, 2013
I loved this short. It gives the reader a glimpse of what is going on with Aveta and the ancient Unseelie Arathas. They are both truly evil. Only Arathas is even more so. *shudders*. Alexia is a wonderful writer. She weaves a tale that engages readers and makes her work unputdownable. Even though this story is short it is still packed full of information and gives the back story. I suggest reading this short after you read Ever Winter. It might be spoilerish if read before it.
349 reviews22 followers
April 10, 2013
I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review. Arthas has awoken from a long deep slumber plotting his revenge for those that put him there. He was the king of all the dark things and leader of the Slaugh Armies of the underworld. But he has plans for Shade of his own selfishness and he would do anything to win her for himself.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2016
Rise Of The Cursed King

This series must be read in order. The first book is The Withering Palace. The second book is Evangeline. The third book is Ever Shade. The fourth book is Ever Fire. The fifth book is Ever Winter. This is the sixth book. I can't wait to read Ever Wrath!

Arthas is the Unseelie Ancient. He was cursed by the other three ancients Spring, Summer and Winter into an eternal sleep. Aveta (his however many greats granddaughter) woke him with her blood. Now he is free and plotting revenge. He will stop at nothing to pay back those who betrayed him... And rule all of Faerie and the human world. Will he be avenged? What is so special about Shade? Will he become the supreme ruler of the world as he feel is his right? What would that even look like?

This book is a flashback set between the events of Ever Fire and Ever Winter explaining how and why the things Aveta accomplished were within her abilities. It is best read after Ever Winter to preserve the story lines and avoid major spoilers! Happy reading!


***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy a little horror in their dark fantasy with lots of intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, betrayal and quickly shifting loyalties along with a dash or two of forbidden romance :)
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
April 13, 2013
We we first meet Arthas he sounds like he's in ALOT of pain, "Sitting up, he did the same to the chains digging into his flesh. Imbedded with trace iron, the chains burned, charring his skin where it touched past his clothes. It was a cruel and constant reminder of the intentions of his wardens." That's sad how can people be that cruel to someone. This Kilara person sounds like a real b****, poor Rowan, "Her only duty was to her sister, Kilara. Doing whatever the wretched Seelie Queen needed of her." UGH b****!! I'd tell my sister to screw off and do her own crap! Arthas sounds hot, (of course all the men Alexia writes about sounds hot omg my hormones are seriously out of control like all the time) "A slender build with lean muscle built for speed and agility was evidence of hard training for battle. It had sculpted his body, making his strength unsurpassed as a lethal weapon." So yeah getting into the book I kind of dislike Arthas what an a**! (can't apply quotes to back up my statement may ruin a moment) but yea another must read!
Profile Image for Claire Taylor.
417 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2013
Alexia Purdy
The Cursed
A Dark Faerie Tale #3.5

Things are getting more twisted with this series, and eventually everyone will work out who is really behind the war threatening the faerie realm. Arthas was awoken, and now wants to stake his claim and take revenge on those that put him into an eternal sleep, luckily for everyone else, he can’t get to all of them. His dark magic is definitely going to add another level to this series, and I loved the way in connected some of the dots. Now to patiently wait for the next instalment.

I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Skyye Breeze.
371 reviews
April 11, 2013
As Novellas go this one is my favorite of the series because it really takes you deeper into the character's lives and minds of what happened.. We only got a brief glimpse of the things that went on in Ever Winter but this book really goes a whole lot deeper plus it leaves us wanting more which is great because it kind of sets us up for another book (hint hint lol)..
5,704 reviews39 followers
April 10, 2013
I loved this..it is obviously a short story but it explains a lot of what happened and is happening. I thought the entire thing was very helpful and the characters amazing. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Katherine Barbosa-ariza.
17 reviews
April 16, 2013
This is another short story that helps to provide further insight on the characters that have been introduced and makes you want that fourth installment in the series ASAP! Shade and friends are in for some trouble.
Profile Image for Amy H.
595 reviews22 followers
September 12, 2013
i got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review..


i love love love these little books because it makes me understand the books a lot more, and makes me fall more in love with them


this book is about how the ancients became who they are now. it is about love, lies, and how everyone wants to end up ruling by themselves.

the unseelie king was awaken from his slumber. He was bound and chained by iron so he would be imprisoned in a tomb forever. His blood relative was the only one who woke him up. now he only have 2 things in mind. revenge on all the other 3 ancients, and also he wants to marry Shade. The king sees something about her that he wants. He gets his relative to make a big army and prepare for battle.

also going on in this book the Summer ancient shows her perspective on Corb, and how she got her sister to help with her evil plan. well, it wasn't totally evil, but from reading the stories, to me it seems a little twisted. You finally get is see why this lady ran and hid from Corb, and you feel a little bad for the ice king.

Profile Image for Think.
243 reviews113 followers
November 5, 2013
Originally posted at Thinks Books!

Purdy is an amazing writer! She fills a small story with a full novel worth of excitement and enchantment. Arthas comes across as an absolutely ruthless, bone-chilling character. Arthas is the only Unseelie out of four Ancient Faeries. The others are Kilara, Rowen and Corb. Arthas was betrayed by the other 3 ancients and supposed to be in an eternal slumber as a prison. When he is awoken by the blood of his kin, the trouble really starts! This is a great addition to A Dark Faerie Tale!
Profile Image for zapkode.
1,046 reviews79 followers
September 30, 2015
{my thoughts} – This book is about the back history that isn’t quite explained within the actual books in regards to the Seelie King and Quens. It is primarily focused on the UnSeelie King and what happened to him, why he was in such a deep slumber, and why everyone is looking for the Summer Seelie Queen. It is a short little book/story that helps to answer some of the questions in regards to who these characters are and what their importance is in the Land of Faerie. It is a nice quick read that can only benefit the reader with more information leaving them with a better understanding of the storyline.
Profile Image for Cindy Williams.
123 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2013
Oh no you didnt Alexia......... sigh you did! You left me hanging! However am I going to wait for your next book?????

The cursed was a novella that brought the other three books together for me. Gave me answers to some questions that were niggling in the back of my mind.

All I can say is if you are not reading this series by Alexia you are missing the read of a lifetime!
Profile Image for Emily Walker.
Author 126 books79 followers
April 7, 2013
I enjoy these types of novellas that help me see into the history of the Dark Faerie Tale Series. I love anytime I can get a little insight. This story was sad, but I enjoyed it. I think it sets things in motion which is good and makes for a tasty snack between the big meals the Ever books are!
Profile Image for Sheri.
Author 7 books38 followers
June 26, 2014
Although this was a fast read it gave a lot of insight to events that lead up to where the story has come so far. The added details in this book adds more excitement to the tale. Anyone who reads this series should read this book.
Profile Image for Lavinia Urban.
Author 31 books127 followers
July 13, 2013
The Unseelie King Arthas has risen. He is the grandfather to Aveta and he wants to control both the Faery and Human Kingdom.
Great short story of about the Ancients which shows what is happening behind the scenes that Shade can only sense and not see.
Once again, Alexia did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Sheena.
Author 9 books408 followers
July 11, 2014
This was an awesome little tid bit into the lives of the Ancients! You get a real feel for each of their characters, how they operate, who's deceiving who, who is a pushover, and leaves you with so many questions about whether Shade should even wake the Summer Ancient or not...
Profile Image for Stacey.
968 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2014
about the Anchient Arthas who seeks revenge on his fellow Anchients one of which is Shades great grandmother .. the question is will he succeed or fail time will tell
Profile Image for Kirsty Mcewan.
102 reviews26 followers
July 24, 2015
Nice little short story. Smoothes the transition in to the 4th book :)
Profile Image for Barbara Senteney.
494 reviews42 followers
March 13, 2018
I like this continuing story.But I hate that it has so many parts, It would be a fine 3 book series, instead of 6, plus the added novella. If this had been a total of 3 books I would have given it 5 stars across the board, but since it's so chopped up I can only give this tiny piece 4 stars.
I love the characters , the storyline is somewhat stale in parts tho, to much like other tales. The battles are too short so they seem insignificant. But when you put all the parts together as a whole it's a great story.
Profile Image for Trisha.
1,089 reviews17 followers
September 5, 2021
A short story where those that have been bound to sleep in the faerie world are awaking, and they are waking up early and not happy about what they see, especially the king.

I can't say much else without giving a bunch away but this really is a great short story and I hope you all like it as much as I do. Narrator Talia Carver brings Alexia Purdy's book to life. I really liked this story and can't wait to get to more.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
933 reviews27 followers
April 5, 2023
A brief look into the ancient Unseely King. Good backstory to have.
Profile Image for Gerald Sessions.
1,467 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2025
I guess it was mostly lost in translation to me since it was a companion to a series. Parts of it were good. Other parts were just a waste and when it really got going, it ended.
Profile Image for Megan.
80 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2013
In my humble opinion, one of the greatest (and most under-utilized) types of storytelling is the novella. Though novellas are definitely gaining in popularity especially amongst authors of paranormal fiction, they still don’t get the spotlight they quite often deserve. It is due to this overwhelming lack of acknowledgement, that I bring the 3rd and 4th novellas to the Year In Books.
You’ve all heard my rave about Alexia Purdy’s Dark Faerie Tale in three previous posts – those were books 1, 2, and 3 in the series (linked here if you missed them). Within those three well told stories, there are several characters that have back stories hinted at, but never revealed.

Those stories are told for 2 of them in Purdy’s Evangeline and The Cursed (books 0.5 and 3.5 respectively). I wish I had read Evangeline before reading Ever Shade because in those just 29 pages, I got a back story that would have helped me acclimate much faster to the world brought forth in the first book. The reader learns what Evangeline was like growing up and is given insight into how she turned out the way she did – lending a better understanding to the way in which she is introduced.

Book 3.5 – The Cursed – gives readers another perspective with which to view events in Ever Winter and definitely make me anxious to read book 4 (Ever Wrath) when it comes out. Instead of sticking to just the “good guys” side of the story, we are handed a magic mirror of sorts to see what’s going on in the court of the Unseelie. I actually came away from it feeling a little bad for Queen Aveta and the Unseelie King Arthas.

This brings me to the magic of the novella – authors are able to advance their narratives while also telling the stories of characters that don’t necessary warrant a full length novel. It’s the best of all worlds of writing. Characters don’t have to be denied a story just because they’re not a main character.
Profile Image for Tanya Johnson.
268 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2014
Arthas is awaken after a very long nap. Once awoken he wants to take revenge on the others that have put him that way however he can’t get to them (I mean why make it easier for him? ;) )



I love these short stories that take place in between the novels. It gives the reader a little more in depth look into other characters and supply a little more information that wasn’t given in the other stories. I am a huge fan of Alexia Purdy and she doesn’t disappoint with this one! If you have not read any of the other Dark Fairiebooks, you will need to start at 0.1 (A Withering Palace, another novella that will set everything in motion). I am looking forward to reading Ever Wrath to see what happens with Arthas, Shade and everyone else involved.
Profile Image for Wanda Hartzenberg.
Author 5 books73 followers
December 10, 2013
The Cursed (A Dark Faerie Tale #3.5) by Alexia Purdy
An interesting short introducing the Unseelie court and it's King. The story is written to serve as a memoir of agenda and the start of the true battle to follow and serves in this with exemplary accuracy. Many main characters are introduced while the emphasis in this story lies on the dark powers.
A nice short read which should serve to entice all who love this genre to want to read more.
WaAr
Profile Image for Td.
291 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2014
4 1/2 stars

The Unseelie King is awake, mad, ready for some revenge, and ready to find his long lost/hidden love. Destruction and decimation will be left in his wake. Even his family is not safe inf they get in the way of his plans. It is going to be extremely interesting to see what he brings into Ever Wrath.
Profile Image for Mike.
149 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, Alexia Purdy manages to pack quite a punch into a little story. It answers several questions, spills out some very interesting information, and yet at the same time raises so many more! I’m very interested to see how any of this will change my perception of things to come in book four!
Profile Image for Brian Bigelow.
Author 36 books59 followers
January 14, 2014
If you haven't read the other books in the series, as I haven't, you'll probably get a little lost. Anyway, you'll probably want to read the first two books before reading this one. There's an emphasis on dark magic and why the king is sleeping for so long. All in all, very well written and there's a lot of story there.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
January 20, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I love this series and appreciated this companion novel which gave a little more insight to what happened when Aveta woke Arthas, and what happened between the ancient's. Great background leading to the next book in the series as long as you read them in order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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