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Cursed #1
Cursed
With his life now divided between myth and reality, Garrick Elliott struggles to learn what it truly means to be human. As a fledgling lycanthrope, Garrick battles his own dark thoughts and the impending threat of hunters, as well as the ever-growing willpower of the beast within. Despite those around him accepting what they are, Garrick desperately clings to the hope of one day returning to his life as a normal teenager. His obsession with ridding himself of the wolf may just be the drive he needs to find a cure—or the fatal error which puts him and his pack in danger. As he vies for control of his own mind, Garrick questions if fighting his affliction is worth the sacrifices he must make, or if he is destined to live the rest of his life Cursed.
- GenresFantasyWerewolves
422 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2021
18 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Brent Miller
13 books10 followersBrent Miller has enjoyed writing since childhood. At thirteen, he wrote his first novel, and he was first published at sixteen. With that experience, he was able to appear on the news, speak to groups, and hold multiple book signing events - and he fell in love with the idea of being an author.
Since then, Brent attended college and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering. After college, he obtained a black belt in Tang Soo Do and started an Engineering career. Those life experiences, and any set for the future, fuel his writing and bring his stories to life.
Since then, Brent attended college and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering. After college, he obtained a black belt in Tang Soo Do and started an Engineering career. Those life experiences, and any set for the future, fuel his writing and bring his stories to life.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 29, 2019
To put it simply, Cursed is a beautifully crafted masterpiece, and it deserves no more meager of an accolade. Miller quickly plunges the reader into a fantastical and thought-provoking new reality, drawing you in closer at every turn with his masterful character development and subtle plot twists. This book is destined to be a classic, with every chapter leaving you wrestling with your own assumptions and ideals alongside the protagonist. Unlike any other paranormal fantasy novel on today's bookshelves, Cursed showcases the author's genius in its consistency and elegance. Miller seamlessly weaves new life into the forgotten realm of lycanthropy, building a lore where every minor detail has a backstory. Truly a work of art – a must-read indie opus.
June 29, 2019
I truly loved this book! The suspense, the different relationships, and the perfectly set time jumps (that were very easy to get used to) constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing allowed me to jump into the book and live through each moment with the amazing characters. I definitely recommend Cursed to anyone!!
June 30, 2019
Although what enjoyed most was following the mental and emotional struggles the main character experiences throughout the book as he fights to retain his humanity, there is plenty of action and fantasy to satisfy readers looking for a unique take on the werewolf genre.
January 9, 2025
This story had a way of captivating me. The way Miller uses past and present in alternating chapters was a very interesting way to reveal information to the readers. Most books that do time jumps like this get very confusing, but Cursed used it in the perfect balance of info drop and action. It really helps you understand the mind of Garrick.
This is a very detailed story and it reminds me of the writing style of classics like J.R. Tolkien or George R. Martin. It really gives this story the feel of a classic fantasy novel.
The lore of the lycanthropes goes deep and I can tell there is so much more to uncover in this series.
I enjoyed Garrick, but my favorite characters were Tyler and Aldric. Ironically, these two symbolize the two waring sides of the main character. Tyler is the happy playful reminder to stay human and enjoy life. His loyalty to his best friend is admirable. Everyone needs a BFF like Tyler.
Aldric, on the other hand, is the epitome of power, strength, and leadership. An Alpha wolf. He may come off rough but his loyalties are too his family and pack. He does what must be done despite the cost to himself.
The story has a great pace and the characters feel real. The struggle inside Garrick grows as threats from outside put him in a position to choose between two not great outcomes. His character development is well paced as he grows into a more mature person, I mean, wolf.
I'm excited to discover what is next for him, Hayden, Cailean, Tyler, and the others.
This is a very detailed story and it reminds me of the writing style of classics like J.R. Tolkien or George R. Martin. It really gives this story the feel of a classic fantasy novel.
The lore of the lycanthropes goes deep and I can tell there is so much more to uncover in this series.
I enjoyed Garrick, but my favorite characters were Tyler and Aldric. Ironically, these two symbolize the two waring sides of the main character. Tyler is the happy playful reminder to stay human and enjoy life. His loyalty to his best friend is admirable. Everyone needs a BFF like Tyler.
Aldric, on the other hand, is the epitome of power, strength, and leadership. An Alpha wolf. He may come off rough but his loyalties are too his family and pack. He does what must be done despite the cost to himself.
The story has a great pace and the characters feel real. The struggle inside Garrick grows as threats from outside put him in a position to choose between two not great outcomes. His character development is well paced as he grows into a more mature person, I mean, wolf.
I'm excited to discover what is next for him, Hayden, Cailean, Tyler, and the others.
Want to read
February 6, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2020)! 🎁
October 16, 2019
Cursed is the standalone introduction to the author’s world. This story follows Garrick Elliott, a highschool student in a smallish town who also happens to be, very reluctantly, a werewolf. We’re told Garrick’s story in two timelines: one timeline follows events in the present-day while the other begins 2 years prior to the present, and gradually catches up. In the “past” timeline, we see the events leading up to Garrick being bitten as well as his early changes and the effect of lycanthropy on his life. Meanwhile the “present” timeline follows his current difficulties with accepting his werewolf side, disagreements with his pack and alpha, and the human challenges of highschool. Garrick struggles to accept the facts of his life as a werewolf, trying to prevent the change for as long as possible on each full moon night and searching for a cure for what he considers the ‘curse’ of lycanthropy. The story is well-written, and the cast of characters is fairly well-rounded. Garrick is surrounded by his fellow pack- and classmates, as well as his human best friend, Tyler.
Perhaps my only complaint with the story was the all-too-common trope of Poor Communication Kills - huge problems that could have been avoided or resolved with a few in-depth conversations. In this story, failure to communicate seemingly basic information leads to some rather grim consequences, which I found a frustrating plot device that decreased my investment in the rest of the story. Garrick’s obsession with finding a cure and his reluctance to accept his change, while well-written and meaningful, did begin to grate on my nerves after a while.
Readers who enjoy werewolf stories, particularly those interested in themes of coming-of-age or self-acceptance should check this out.
4/5, Cursed was a well-written and overall enjoyable story, with believable characters and an engaging plot. I did struggle a bit through the middle to end, where the pacing slowed down a bit and I felt a little exasperated with Garrick.
Perhaps my only complaint with the story was the all-too-common trope of Poor Communication Kills - huge problems that could have been avoided or resolved with a few in-depth conversations. In this story, failure to communicate seemingly basic information leads to some rather grim consequences, which I found a frustrating plot device that decreased my investment in the rest of the story. Garrick’s obsession with finding a cure and his reluctance to accept his change, while well-written and meaningful, did begin to grate on my nerves after a while.
Readers who enjoy werewolf stories, particularly those interested in themes of coming-of-age or self-acceptance should check this out.
4/5, Cursed was a well-written and overall enjoyable story, with believable characters and an engaging plot. I did struggle a bit through the middle to end, where the pacing slowed down a bit and I felt a little exasperated with Garrick.
July 14, 2022
What's different about this book from the others in the genre (and why you should read this) is that Miller puts a greater effort into the realism, or pragmatism if you want to call it that, of lycanthropy, making the experience more personal.
By looking at the cover, my first impressions of the book drew me to the stories of True Blood or Twilight where, while the adventures were unique and surreal, had little depth. But the more I read and fell into the Cursed Universe, I began to pick up subtleties that routed my thoughts in a different direction. The way Miller weaves the perspective of the reader into the shoes of Garrick and then takes us through the protagonists cringe-worthy judgments and justifications were not unlike my own when I was around the same age. This mechanic allowed me to settle in deeper than I had originally thought and connect to the character in a way I had not predicted.
His writing style is a bit immature, but given that this is the first book of the series (and possibly of his career), it is understandable. The timeframe switching adds an interest effect, but fails to resolve into something surprising like what one would expect (akin to "Momento").
Aside from this, the story is thrilling, and the descriptions of events (e.g. breaking of bones during transformation) are gruesomely delightful!
By looking at the cover, my first impressions of the book drew me to the stories of True Blood or Twilight where, while the adventures were unique and surreal, had little depth. But the more I read and fell into the Cursed Universe, I began to pick up subtleties that routed my thoughts in a different direction. The way Miller weaves the perspective of the reader into the shoes of Garrick and then takes us through the protagonists cringe-worthy judgments and justifications were not unlike my own when I was around the same age. This mechanic allowed me to settle in deeper than I had originally thought and connect to the character in a way I had not predicted.
His writing style is a bit immature, but given that this is the first book of the series (and possibly of his career), it is understandable. The timeframe switching adds an interest effect, but fails to resolve into something surprising like what one would expect (akin to "Momento").
Aside from this, the story is thrilling, and the descriptions of events (e.g. breaking of bones during transformation) are gruesomely delightful!
January 7, 2024
Cursed, by Brent Miller, follows a Garrick Elliott, a teenager who is looking to find any cure for his lycanthropy. His quest will endanger those around him, and force him to understand the wolf now inside of himself.
I enjoyed the set up of the book, with the hook of the dead hiker being found (I wish this had been more of an aspect of the story). I liked Garrick’s continual probing of his nature and self-discovery as the book progressed. I liked the climatic ending.
Aspects of the book I struggled with – structurally, the novel begin each chapter with a flashback of Garrick’s pre-werewolf life and then goes into the present day. I honestly didn’t feel like these flashbacks added to or amounted to anything. The tension from those scenes are sapped because we already know the outcome to it all. I wish perhaps these flashbacks had been more sporadic and judiciously used. Garrick Elliott was not a super fun character, to the point that another character even comments on how morose he is. It’s also frustrating watching characters make self-destructive choices (like Garrick going to the funeral). Finally, I struggled to reconcile Garrick’s experience in high school to my own experience in high school. It seemed that Garrick had endless time, never seemed to be in class, and could do whatever he wanted (which is just polar from my experience). It made me wonder if Garrick had been in college if that would have been less of an issue for me.
Overall, this book was middle of the road for me, but I appreciate the author providing it for free via reddit (I believe) for me to read and try it.
I enjoyed the set up of the book, with the hook of the dead hiker being found (I wish this had been more of an aspect of the story). I liked Garrick’s continual probing of his nature and self-discovery as the book progressed. I liked the climatic ending.
Aspects of the book I struggled with – structurally, the novel begin each chapter with a flashback of Garrick’s pre-werewolf life and then goes into the present day. I honestly didn’t feel like these flashbacks added to or amounted to anything. The tension from those scenes are sapped because we already know the outcome to it all. I wish perhaps these flashbacks had been more sporadic and judiciously used. Garrick Elliott was not a super fun character, to the point that another character even comments on how morose he is. It’s also frustrating watching characters make self-destructive choices (like Garrick going to the funeral). Finally, I struggled to reconcile Garrick’s experience in high school to my own experience in high school. It seemed that Garrick had endless time, never seemed to be in class, and could do whatever he wanted (which is just polar from my experience). It made me wonder if Garrick had been in college if that would have been less of an issue for me.
Overall, this book was middle of the road for me, but I appreciate the author providing it for free via reddit (I believe) for me to read and try it.
October 5, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 Cursed by Brent Miller
I have to admit I am not a big fan of the werewolf genre. I can't really explain why. I just don't like them. I don't hate them. I understand that just because I don't like something doesn't mean it is bad. In fact, Cursed may have helped push me toward a little lycanthropic love.
This book (part one of a series) is a lot of fun. It has one of the more interesting transformation scenes and is written in a manner that the reader doesn't get lost in the process.
Well-paced, characters you care about etc.
Mr. Miller is a newer author and it shows sometimes. The clunky dialogue here and there. Some odd word choices and more. But, this doesn't take away from the enjoyment, unless you're a grammar stickler.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 NNR Says 3 1/2 Stars - A howling good time, if you're a werewolf fan, check this one out.
I have to admit I am not a big fan of the werewolf genre. I can't really explain why. I just don't like them. I don't hate them. I understand that just because I don't like something doesn't mean it is bad. In fact, Cursed may have helped push me toward a little lycanthropic love.
This book (part one of a series) is a lot of fun. It has one of the more interesting transformation scenes and is written in a manner that the reader doesn't get lost in the process.
Well-paced, characters you care about etc.
Mr. Miller is a newer author and it shows sometimes. The clunky dialogue here and there. Some odd word choices and more. But, this doesn't take away from the enjoyment, unless you're a grammar stickler.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 NNR Says 3 1/2 Stars - A howling good time, if you're a werewolf fan, check this one out.
August 10, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed the story and Garrick's struggles with his curse. I thought the alternating time jumps worked very well to build tension up to a certain point. I was certainly on edge waiting to see if there would be clues to who had cursed Garrick. It was an entertaining story and had some good worldbuilding.
The writing can be repetitive and clunky in spots, especially toward the end of the book. It was enough to break the flow and take me out of the story at times. This also leads to issues with the plot being unevenly paced. The biggest sin of this book for me though, was after a certain point Garrick made so many terrible choices that didn't seem believable. If a character is going to do something reckless or ill-advised, I'd like to at least believe there was some reasoning behind it that made sense to that character.
The writing can be repetitive and clunky in spots, especially toward the end of the book. It was enough to break the flow and take me out of the story at times. This also leads to issues with the plot being unevenly paced. The biggest sin of this book for me though, was after a certain point Garrick made so many terrible choices that didn't seem believable. If a character is going to do something reckless or ill-advised, I'd like to at least believe there was some reasoning behind it that made sense to that character.
July 9, 2022
I've never read a book quite like this one. As an avid young adult fantasy reader, I am very happy with this book. The storyline is intriguing, the characters seem lifelike, and the world feels like it could actually exist. I have recommended this book to friends and will continue to do so. I cannot wait to continue reading to see what comes next!
February 3, 2025
Cursed established itself twisting the werewolf genre, focusing deeply on humanity growing with our power within, and how it may affect people differently, without the lead being cautiously aware of it as he challenged established systems. A humble lead quickly becomes a brave hope, wishing for change in this secret underground world of lycanthropy.
Read
March 3, 2020Good story, annoying time shifts.
The constant shifts in time reference irritated me to no end. The technique has merit sometimes, but in this case, a more direct approach would have served much better. No great reveals just a jumpy point of reference
The constant shifts in time reference irritated me to no end. The technique has merit sometimes, but in this case, a more direct approach would have served much better. No great reveals just a jumpy point of reference
January 30, 2023
Great Read
This book is such a good read and very well written, suspenseful all through out. I love how the writer keeps your attention. I differently would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
This book is such a good read and very well written, suspenseful all through out. I love how the writer keeps your attention. I differently would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
May 1, 2020
Hard to follow in spots, particularly in dream sequences. The plot also dragged. Honestly, the whole story could use some editing to tighten it up a bit, but on the whole I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews