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Twice Cursed
Ketayl, an arcane investigator, is sent to Ghost Forest to head a team investigating the deaths of newly turned werewolves being left in the territory of the Alpha Prime's pack. Her team continues to have more questions than answers until tragedy strikes. She has to quickly figure out how to lead her team, learn to deal with werewolves, and find out who is behind all of this before more people are abducted and forcibly turned.
254 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2018
3 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Jackson
10 books7 followersJ.C. Jackson is the author of the Terra Chronicles series. Writer of fantasy and science fiction, wife, mother, gamer, and a bunch of other stuff, but if she told you everything, where would the fun be?
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 18, 2021
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Since it's been a while (too long) since I posted about this series, I thought it'd be a good idea to copy a bit of the introduction to this series I posted back in 2018 (slightly edited):
I had a brief conversation a couple of weeks ago with J.C. Jackson and she described the book as "Science Fantasy" and told us a little about the series. Something about fantasy characters but with modern technology, but phrased better. Not really getting what she said, I asked why not just call it Urban Fantasy, and she gave a decent answer—basically that she didn't have enough vampires or werewolves in the books so readers told her she couldn't. I was a chapter or two into the book when I figured out what she was saying.
In your mainstream Urban Fantasy, you have fantasy creatures—wizards, druids, werewolves, fae—popping up in our world. On the other end of the spectrum (or an other end, anyway) you have things like the Eddie LaCrosse novels or the Dragon Precinct books that have modern ideas (police squads, private investigators) used in a fantasy series. Jackson takes a different tack—it's a typical fantasy novel in that there's a lot of magic, elves, halflings, Dark Elves, etc. living next to humans—very standard kind of thing, but their technology matches ours (actually, it's slightly more advanced). I loved this approach and there's a good chance that I'd have had nice things to say about the book just because of this idea.
WHAT'S TWICE CURSED ABOUT?
Ketayl and her Paladin partner, Silver, are sent off to do fieldwork, bringing along another lab tech to look into a rash of werewolf deaths in the territory of the Alpha Prime's pack (he's sort of like the Marrock of this world). The local Terran Intelligence Organization office is primarily full of recent graduates from the Academy, most still learning the ropes—they're not up for dealing with both the investigation and dealing with the Alpha. So, instead, they throw Ketayl into leading her first team because of her investigative abilities and to get her to grow into leadership.
She interacts better with the pack than anyone (except maybe her boss) expected—certainly better than she assumed. She and Silver quickly decide that this is another example of the rise in Necromancy that they've been chasing.
Through a combination of good procedure and being in the right place at the precisely right time (or wrong place/wrong time, depending on their perspective), they make great strides in the investigation—even if it essentially puts multiple lives on the line. Through it Ketayl gets a crash course in juggling personalities, abilities and unprepared-for team members.
A GRIPE RESOLVED
Something that bugged me through a lot of the first book, and that really got on my nerves in the second book was (to cite that post) that most characters treat Ketayl "with the kind of care usually reserved for glass on the verge of shattering, they only tell her as much of the truth as they want—all the while, wanting the benefit of her intelligence, abilities, and magic. It feels condescending and manipulative. And for that to be the way those closest to her to treat her? I can’t stomach it." There were characters throughout that didn't treat her that way, but they were the distinct minority.
None of them were around this time—only those who saw her strength, who believed in her when she didn't really believe in herself (which is still going on ), and those who didn't have preconceived notions about her. Despite herself, she responded to that kind of confidence well and is able to rise to the occasion.
I do wonder what it'll be like when they spend more time around some of those other characters—will they see the growth in her?
A QUIBBLE EXASPERATED
I do have another quibble with the series—Jackson has two story arcs that she appears to be taking a "slow burn" approach to. I'm all for that, but while she's letting the development of those arcs build deliberately—she's telegraphed where they're both going in a way that takes away the deliberate, careful way she's going about it.
It's hard to talk about that without getting into plot specifics, but hopefully, that paragraph makes sense.
Now, that's a quibble—not a full-on gripe or criticism. It's a thought I have every so often while reading (and when writing about it), but I shrug it off and move on with a fun read.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TWICE CURSED?
I really dug it. The Alpha and his crew were a lot of fun (I hope we get to see them in a book or two). Ketayl's growth was great—both in leadership and social interaction, but she has a few places where she's able to flex the magic muscle that she's long kept under wraps, and...yeah—I really loved those scenes.
I've been kicking myself for getting behind on this series—I had this and the next book on my shelf for years untouched—and I'm so glad I got back into this world and with these characters. The mix of tech and Fantasy, and characters you can't help but want to befriend makes for a fun time. I'll be back for more soon.
(Over the weekend, I bought the next two books, so even after reading this, I'm more behind).
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Since it's been a while (too long) since I posted about this series, I thought it'd be a good idea to copy a bit of the introduction to this series I posted back in 2018 (slightly edited):
I had a brief conversation a couple of weeks ago with J.C. Jackson and she described the book as "Science Fantasy" and told us a little about the series. Something about fantasy characters but with modern technology, but phrased better. Not really getting what she said, I asked why not just call it Urban Fantasy, and she gave a decent answer—basically that she didn't have enough vampires or werewolves in the books so readers told her she couldn't. I was a chapter or two into the book when I figured out what she was saying.
In your mainstream Urban Fantasy, you have fantasy creatures—wizards, druids, werewolves, fae—popping up in our world. On the other end of the spectrum (or an other end, anyway) you have things like the Eddie LaCrosse novels or the Dragon Precinct books that have modern ideas (police squads, private investigators) used in a fantasy series. Jackson takes a different tack—it's a typical fantasy novel in that there's a lot of magic, elves, halflings, Dark Elves, etc. living next to humans—very standard kind of thing, but their technology matches ours (actually, it's slightly more advanced). I loved this approach and there's a good chance that I'd have had nice things to say about the book just because of this idea.
WHAT'S TWICE CURSED ABOUT?
Ketayl and her Paladin partner, Silver, are sent off to do fieldwork, bringing along another lab tech to look into a rash of werewolf deaths in the territory of the Alpha Prime's pack (he's sort of like the Marrock of this world). The local Terran Intelligence Organization office is primarily full of recent graduates from the Academy, most still learning the ropes—they're not up for dealing with both the investigation and dealing with the Alpha. So, instead, they throw Ketayl into leading her first team because of her investigative abilities and to get her to grow into leadership.
She interacts better with the pack than anyone (except maybe her boss) expected—certainly better than she assumed. She and Silver quickly decide that this is another example of the rise in Necromancy that they've been chasing.
Through a combination of good procedure and being in the right place at the precisely right time (or wrong place/wrong time, depending on their perspective), they make great strides in the investigation—even if it essentially puts multiple lives on the line. Through it Ketayl gets a crash course in juggling personalities, abilities and unprepared-for team members.
A GRIPE RESOLVED
Something that bugged me through a lot of the first book, and that really got on my nerves in the second book was (to cite that post) that most characters treat Ketayl "with the kind of care usually reserved for glass on the verge of shattering, they only tell her as much of the truth as they want—all the while, wanting the benefit of her intelligence, abilities, and magic. It feels condescending and manipulative. And for that to be the way those closest to her to treat her? I can’t stomach it." There were characters throughout that didn't treat her that way, but they were the distinct minority.
None of them were around this time—only those who saw her strength, who believed in her when she didn't really believe in herself (which is still going on ), and those who didn't have preconceived notions about her. Despite herself, she responded to that kind of confidence well and is able to rise to the occasion.
I do wonder what it'll be like when they spend more time around some of those other characters—will they see the growth in her?
A QUIBBLE EXASPERATED
I do have another quibble with the series—Jackson has two story arcs that she appears to be taking a "slow burn" approach to. I'm all for that, but while she's letting the development of those arcs build deliberately—she's telegraphed where they're both going in a way that takes away the deliberate, careful way she's going about it.
It's hard to talk about that without getting into plot specifics, but hopefully, that paragraph makes sense.
Now, that's a quibble—not a full-on gripe or criticism. It's a thought I have every so often while reading (and when writing about it), but I shrug it off and move on with a fun read.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TWICE CURSED?
I really dug it. The Alpha and his crew were a lot of fun (I hope we get to see them in a book or two). Ketayl's growth was great—both in leadership and social interaction, but she has a few places where she's able to flex the magic muscle that she's long kept under wraps, and...yeah—I really loved those scenes.
I've been kicking myself for getting behind on this series—I had this and the next book on my shelf for years untouched—and I'm so glad I got back into this world and with these characters. The mix of tech and Fantasy, and characters you can't help but want to befriend makes for a fun time. I'll be back for more soon.
(Over the weekend, I bought the next two books, so even after reading this, I'm more behind).
January 13, 2019
Addicting!
I am really enjoying this series. I love the main character and experiencing her growth. I do yearn for more details both about the characters and world. Also, there is a lack of tension with the action sequences which improved in this book but can still be enhanced. Typically, these things would frustrate me enough to DNF a series but that isn't the case with this one. I am addicted to the books and can't wait for more revelations and challenges for the heroine.
I am really enjoying this series. I love the main character and experiencing her growth. I do yearn for more details both about the characters and world. Also, there is a lack of tension with the action sequences which improved in this book but can still be enhanced. Typically, these things would frustrate me enough to DNF a series but that isn't the case with this one. I am addicted to the books and can't wait for more revelations and challenges for the heroine.
June 8, 2021
I couldn't put it down. It was fascinating seeing Ketayl interact with her team and take the lead on this one. I love that the werewolves were basically giant puppies when in wolf form. Especially Nikolai who kept demanding pets. It was nice to find out more about Ketayl's past even if it did raise more questions than it answered. I love that this series has such an expansive world. There's always more to learn and uncover.
September 8, 2020
Another enjoyable book
Another enjoyable book in this series. Well written with a fast paced storyline. Lots of action, drama, and of course magic. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
Another enjoyable book in this series. Well written with a fast paced storyline. Lots of action, drama, and of course magic. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
January 14, 2019
These books just keep getting better and better. Need book 4 now
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews