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The Prison for the Magically Cursed
Stay hidden or be hunted.
Possessing a magical Curse is a criminal offense, making every day a challenge for thirteen-year-old Mason Davis. Blowing up the Christmas tree, tearing off the car door, giving the neighbors' dog three heads-his unpredictable power changes every twelve hours, and he has no idea what it will conjure next.
Mason yearns for a normal life, but when the authorities pay the Davis family an unexpected visit, he is exposed and hauled away to a prison for the magically Cursed.
As he plans his escape from the gloomy corridors, Mason comes face-to-face with a terrifying truth: someone dangerous knew his secret all along.
With help from a shape-shifting boy and a girl with secrets tattooed on her skin, Mason uncovers an ominous prophecy that is either the key to their freedom or the end of Mason and the Cursed forever.
Possessing a magical Curse is a criminal offense, making every day a challenge for thirteen-year-old Mason Davis. Blowing up the Christmas tree, tearing off the car door, giving the neighbors' dog three heads-his unpredictable power changes every twelve hours, and he has no idea what it will conjure next.
Mason yearns for a normal life, but when the authorities pay the Davis family an unexpected visit, he is exposed and hauled away to a prison for the magically Cursed.
As he plans his escape from the gloomy corridors, Mason comes face-to-face with a terrifying truth: someone dangerous knew his secret all along.
With help from a shape-shifting boy and a girl with secrets tattooed on her skin, Mason uncovers an ominous prophecy that is either the key to their freedom or the end of Mason and the Cursed forever.
- GenresMiddle Grade
406 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2022
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 18, 2022
Wow, Brett you really did that!! I’m so impressed, & so incredibly proud of you. This is an INCREDIBLE debut. I can’t even believe it’s a debut. I just ate this up. I love the whole idea of this world. The idea of people with magic being considered “bad”. No matter who they are, age, or what kind of magic. All considered cursed, & put in a prison when found out. Makes you wonder if it would be the same in real life, if magic was real. I think it would, because the truth to this part of the story that applies to real life-people fear what is different or what they do not understand. Also, jealousy causes bitterness & hate as well, & you know some people watching others do something they want but can’t do makes them insane sometimes. The story building was incredible. The magic system was so easy to understand/follow. I love how every “cursed” kid we see had such a unique & different magical ability. I especially loved Mason’s, & how exceptionally unique his was..Mason was such a great character, & I’m glad in a way he went to the prison, because the life he was living before was not living. I loved seeing him make his 1st friends, meet others like him, & embrace who he is & what he can do. Such a brave kid. The friends he makes-Lev & Abigail were so fascinating to me, & such great kids. I can’t wait to learn more about both, especially the mysteries of Lev. Both had been there & alone for so long, so all 3 helped each other in so many ways. They all came such a long way too by the end of the book-phenomenal character growth/development. Such endearing characters that steal your heart. As for Valkyrie & Tallon…wow. I could almost feel the power coming off the page. Every time I read a part with them..it’s hard to explain, but their presence was so strong it radiated off the page as well. Superbly written. Shorter chapters that end leaving you wanting/NEEDING to know what happens next, added to the suspense, danger, & adventure make this a very fast-paced edge of your seat read. Vivid imaginative writing, with incredible details that make up the world/story/characters. Everything we have learned by the end of this, have only made me so eager to learn more. That ending was epic & amazing as well. This is out now, & I highly recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Ricky Gunawan too.💜
May 7, 2022
A phenomenal debut by a brand new voice in Aussie middle grade.
A dynamic new middle grade novel that is brimming with fun, adventure and magic! The Nevermoor series meets X-men, Brett has created a new fantastical world with lovable characters, a wicked magical system, and a gripping plot that leaves you wanting more! Move over Percy Jackson, and make way for Mason Davis!
The last few chapters knock the wind out you! Seriously, I think I choked! The twists that just kept on coming were dynamite! Leaving you with an insatiable want to know what happens next! I cannot wait to get a physical copy for myself so I can read it over and over again.
This read should be on your list if you like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Nevermoor as this fresh and new tale provides the perfect middle grade fantasy retreat that is sure to be your next obsession.
Thank you so incredibly much to the author Brett for letting me be apart of his ARC team
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccbl5KFPa...
A dynamic new middle grade novel that is brimming with fun, adventure and magic! The Nevermoor series meets X-men, Brett has created a new fantastical world with lovable characters, a wicked magical system, and a gripping plot that leaves you wanting more! Move over Percy Jackson, and make way for Mason Davis!
The last few chapters knock the wind out you! Seriously, I think I choked! The twists that just kept on coming were dynamite! Leaving you with an insatiable want to know what happens next! I cannot wait to get a physical copy for myself so I can read it over and over again.
This read should be on your list if you like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Nevermoor as this fresh and new tale provides the perfect middle grade fantasy retreat that is sure to be your next obsession.
Thank you so incredibly much to the author Brett for letting me be apart of his ARC team
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccbl5KFPa...
April 15, 2023
This book certainly was an exciting read! I originally started reading with the intention of deciding if this would be a good book for upper primary aged students but quickly became enthralled in the book myself. Despite this being very different to my usual taste, I absolutely loved it!
Initially we are introduced to a complex array of different characters and the premise of the story ‘those that are magically cursed’. The story then progresses into a captivating and surprisingly sophisticated adventure as Mason battles between escaping the prison for Magically cursed and saving those he grows to care about. Throughout the entire story we are left constantly questioning the intentions and motivations of each character and deciphering the prophesy.
Each character and event, has clearly been very intentionally placed and as the story progresses each connection is cleverly exposed, creating enchanting and mysterious revelations.
My only critique for this book is that I fear the front cover will limit its audience. The book’s plot has potential to cater to a wide age of readers but the cover leans only towards the younger scale of its audience.
I loved this story and am thoroughly looking forward to the sequel.
Initially we are introduced to a complex array of different characters and the premise of the story ‘those that are magically cursed’. The story then progresses into a captivating and surprisingly sophisticated adventure as Mason battles between escaping the prison for Magically cursed and saving those he grows to care about. Throughout the entire story we are left constantly questioning the intentions and motivations of each character and deciphering the prophesy.
Each character and event, has clearly been very intentionally placed and as the story progresses each connection is cleverly exposed, creating enchanting and mysterious revelations.
My only critique for this book is that I fear the front cover will limit its audience. The book’s plot has potential to cater to a wide age of readers but the cover leans only towards the younger scale of its audience.
I loved this story and am thoroughly looking forward to the sequel.
June 25, 2023
This book gave definite Percy Jackson vibes with a hint of extra mystery. Easy read with a unique magical storyline. Excited to see where book two takes the characters.
Also shoutout to whomever did the cover art because I absolutely love it.
*I received this ARC for free and this is an honest review.
Also shoutout to whomever did the cover art because I absolutely love it.
*I received this ARC for free and this is an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Mason Davis wants nothing more than to live the normal life of a thirteen-year-old, but instead he is cursed. Magical curses are illegal, and for Mason it’s an unavoidable and inconvenient part of his life, particularly when his curse is widely unpredictable. When authorities suddenly take Mason to the prison for the magically cursed, he discovers new friends, unique curses, and a terrifying prophecy. Only by teaming up with his friends can Mason hope to regain his freedom and the freedom of the rest of the cursed.
Stories like this one remind me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. The opportunity to escape our own world and temporarily live in a fantastical universe with unique curses is a riveting experience.
The chapters are quick with just enough suspense that I had to keep reading! Witty and unique characters made this story an exciting experience from the first chapter, and the twists were surprising and fun! My own son isn’t even two years old, but this is already going on our family tbr.
Thank you to author Brett Perkins for the advance reader copy for your book! I’m happily leaving this review voluntarily.
Stories like this one remind me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. The opportunity to escape our own world and temporarily live in a fantastical universe with unique curses is a riveting experience.
The chapters are quick with just enough suspense that I had to keep reading! Witty and unique characters made this story an exciting experience from the first chapter, and the twists were surprising and fun! My own son isn’t even two years old, but this is already going on our family tbr.
Thank you to author Brett Perkins for the advance reader copy for your book! I’m happily leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2022
This story follows a handful of characters on a collision course in which a prophecy, their unexpected but delightful magic powers, and villains we don’t know are villains until it’s to late (or are they) work towards mutual destruction. Or maybe they save the world. You’ll just have to read it to find out.
This is a debut novel and you can really feel it when the author hits his stride. The characters are lovable and interesting, the setup is good, and I think the series (at least I assume it will be one) has lots of potential!
It’s a solid middle grade read that might appeal to people who enjoy magical worlds, super powers (think X-Men), sinister villains, and value the power of friendship.
Now please excuse me while I go knit a teal scarf….for reasons.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free of charge in return for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
This is a debut novel and you can really feel it when the author hits his stride. The characters are lovable and interesting, the setup is good, and I think the series (at least I assume it will be one) has lots of potential!
It’s a solid middle grade read that might appeal to people who enjoy magical worlds, super powers (think X-Men), sinister villains, and value the power of friendship.
Now please excuse me while I go knit a teal scarf….for reasons.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free of charge in return for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
August 17, 2022
I've been meaning to write a review for this but I have literally no words, so I will just say this...
If you like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter but don't want to deal with all the stuff happening with HP then I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
It truly does have the best of both worlds and I love it😍
If you like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter but don't want to deal with all the stuff happening with HP then I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
It truly does have the best of both worlds and I love it😍
July 3, 2025
Brett Perkins is a genius!
August 29, 2022
I'm a retired English teacher and have just finished acting in a theatrical production with a talented actor and singer, Brett Perkins. Other cast members kept telling me about his recently published novel . . . Well! If you have not yet read Brett's 'The Prison for the Magically Cursed', make sure you do! It is a young adult fiction tour de force - great in concept and wonderful in execution. A fascinating collection of characters in a complex world of Brett's creation. It is up with the very best of its genre. There are echoes of John Wyndham's 'The Chrysalids' and the power and urgency - and ambiguity - of Orson Scott Card's 'Ender's Game'. It elevates the misfit and the reject to a proper place in the order of things. I will be eagerly awaiting future instalments of this saga.
May 15, 2022
The Prison for the Magically Cursed was the type of book that I just flew through. Before I knew it, the story was over and I was desperate for more. Kids will love this!
Perkins has the magic that middle grade authors are desperate to tap into, and he displays that throughout the book, leaving us with an action-packed story that doesn’t skimp on the emotional beats, either. A celebration of being different, finding your place in a tough world, and learning about the courage that was always there within yourself.
Perkins has the magic that middle grade authors are desperate to tap into, and he displays that throughout the book, leaving us with an action-packed story that doesn’t skimp on the emotional beats, either. A celebration of being different, finding your place in a tough world, and learning about the courage that was always there within yourself.
June 10, 2022
This book was so good I read it in 2 days and couldn’t put it down!! I bought it for my pre teen son and ended up reading it myself.
Such a great story, never a dull moment! It grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end. So many endearing characters with very interesting powers, you’re always wondering what’s next for those kids. I love the many surprises and the end left me wanting for more. Can’t wait for the sequel, I’ll be there!
READ IT!
Such a great story, never a dull moment! It grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end. So many endearing characters with very interesting powers, you’re always wondering what’s next for those kids. I love the many surprises and the end left me wanting for more. Can’t wait for the sequel, I’ll be there!
READ IT!
April 21, 2022
Okay, okay okay...wow where do I begin...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 ( @brett_creates )
𝟭 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
The story is about a society where "magically cursed" children are removed and sent to prison for rehabilitation. But these magical kids won't stay locked up...
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱:
💙Charlie Bone Series by Jenny Nimmo
💙Unwind Series by Neal Shusterman
💙Only a Monster
💙Percy Jackson series
💙Harry Potter
💙(Film) Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar children
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁?
🖤The unexpected
🖤Dystopian fantasy adventure.
🖤Unique magical system
🖤Unexpected heroes and villains
🖤Friendship
I am so overwhelmed and filled with so much joy to read and review this book by Brett 💞
Brett was one of the first authors that I connected with on here and I have been so excited for the release of this book and have been waiting to read it for months (it did not disappoint!)
I literally have not been able to put it down or stop thinking about it. This book is magical. 🤩
Aimed for middle-schoolers (8-15 yo), you guys will absolutely adore this, but so will all you big kids. I am totally entranced by this epic magical adventure book!
It was fast paced, un-predictable, had so many new and original ideas and main characters were totally sweet and lovable!
Brimming with joy,
Keep safe and keep on reading,
😇 Ellie 😇
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 ( @brett_creates )
𝟭 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
The story is about a society where "magically cursed" children are removed and sent to prison for rehabilitation. But these magical kids won't stay locked up...
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱:
💙Charlie Bone Series by Jenny Nimmo
💙Unwind Series by Neal Shusterman
💙Only a Monster
💙Percy Jackson series
💙Harry Potter
💙(Film) Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar children
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁?
🖤The unexpected
🖤Dystopian fantasy adventure.
🖤Unique magical system
🖤Unexpected heroes and villains
🖤Friendship
I am so overwhelmed and filled with so much joy to read and review this book by Brett 💞
Brett was one of the first authors that I connected with on here and I have been so excited for the release of this book and have been waiting to read it for months (it did not disappoint!)
I literally have not been able to put it down or stop thinking about it. This book is magical. 🤩
Aimed for middle-schoolers (8-15 yo), you guys will absolutely adore this, but so will all you big kids. I am totally entranced by this epic magical adventure book!
It was fast paced, un-predictable, had so many new and original ideas and main characters were totally sweet and lovable!
Brimming with joy,
Keep safe and keep on reading,
😇 Ellie 😇
June 1, 2023
If you have young kids who love to read middle grade adventures, then you NEED to get them this book!
Not only is it action packed and super fun, the story is incredibly well written and engaging. I found myself wanting to know what happened and became invested in the storyline after the first few chapters.
I know I’ll be reading this book to my kids as soon as they are old enough to enjoy it.
Not only is it action packed and super fun, the story is incredibly well written and engaging. I found myself wanting to know what happened and became invested in the storyline after the first few chapters.
I know I’ll be reading this book to my kids as soon as they are old enough to enjoy it.
September 21, 2025
Don't read the back of the book; it gives too much away. This is a really good story but it lost a star because it's sooo slow to start. Yes, it's building up the background and the world but it just drags for about a quarter of the book (or more). Once it gets going though, it's a great story! If you like middle grade fantasy books, you'll love this!
Unfortunately not available in a lot places (seems to be only on Amazon/Kindle) which is why it's not more popular.
Unfortunately not available in a lot places (seems to be only on Amazon/Kindle) which is why it's not more popular.
November 2, 2024
Wow! The Prison for the Magically Cursed is one amazing debut novel by this exciting new Australian author, Brett Perkins. Full of adventure, magic, and tension, the story had me hooked from the very first pages.
Love the concept, love the characters, love the writing, and love the short chapters.
Looking forward to book 2.
Highly recommend for ages 10+
Love the concept, love the characters, love the writing, and love the short chapters.
Looking forward to book 2.
Highly recommend for ages 10+
Read
August 17, 2022Highly descriptive and engaging esp for young readers.
Loved it! Characterisation was true to life.
Shifting between character plots made it fast paced and interconnection was well executed.
Can't wait for the next edition.
Loved it! Characterisation was true to life.
Shifting between character plots made it fast paced and interconnection was well executed.
Can't wait for the next edition.
April 25, 2023
I don't normally read middle grade novels but this one might have just changed my mind! The plot was fast-paced, the characters were motivating, and the vibes were immaculate. I can't wait to read book two!
June 1, 2023
A fabulous read. Very fast-paced with wonderful characters that you fall in love with. This is a one sitting read. Once I started the book, I was not able to put it down. The magic system was easy to follow. There were some twists and turns and a few surprises to keep you on your toes.
June 5, 2023
This was an absolutely incredible debut from Brett Perkins. Even though this is targeted for a younger audience, don't let that fool you. I was so enamored by this book and truly enjoyed everything that it had to offer. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 23, 2023
What an incredible story! I read this with my boys, 1 chapter per night and they were so frustrated always wanting to know what happens next. Such a great book for all ages…magic and friendship, what more can you ask for? Loved it!
April 27, 2023
Wow! This well written book was a real page turner! Non-stop adventure throughout. Very creative and it moved at a good clip. I read it quickly the first time and am reading it again. Can not wait for the second book!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews