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Curse Corvus
A flock of birds fallen from the sky. A wedding dress, billowing with the specter of its deserter. On a hike that brings much more than stunning views and peace of mind, Lindsay and Val stumble on the secret to unadulterated happiness.
Val is willing to pay the price. Lindsay is willing to do anything to stop her.
In CURSE CORVUS, the fevered pursuit of happiness comes at a cost, and toxic positivity has never been more lethal.
Val is willing to pay the price. Lindsay is willing to do anything to stop her.
In CURSE CORVUS, the fevered pursuit of happiness comes at a cost, and toxic positivity has never been more lethal.
166 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
3 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 7, 2023
This isn’t typically how I’d start a review, but please hold tight. While writing my upcoming release I did a significant amount of research into crows, ravens and their respective roles in different cultures and stories passed down. As you may have seen, there are two dark, feathered birds on that cover.
So, when Alex Ebenstein announced his debut novella and was looking for reviewers, I was all over it. Huge thanks, Alex for sending me a digital ARC. Alex has always been super kind and supportive, and I’m always excited to see what folks are coming up with.
The synopsis was intriguing, especially the ‘A flock of birds fallen from the sky’ line that opens the description. Just what is going on? And what takes place between these two friends, Val and Lyndsay?
What I liked: The novella starts out super eerie and never lets up. The two friends go for a hike, in a place they often go, when they start to discover hundreds of dead birds. Then they find a discarded wedding dress that appears to be wrapped around something.
Val reaches forward but stops. Lyndsay keeping her back. But soon, subtle changes begin to occur with Val. Alex does a great job of keeping it minimal at first, before ramping it up. We get key points involving work, relationships and most importantly, the relationship between these two best friends. It’s an interesting dynamic, especially as a power shift begins to occur.
Lyndsay’s character seemingly both grows and shrinks within the story arc, which made the ending that much more powerful and also almost an unexpected reaction from this character.
Alex deftly ties everything together from the beginning as well as what he weaved together leading up to the climatic moment.
What I didn’t like: The one piece I wish was expanded upon more, I think at least, would’ve been seeing more of Val and Lyndsay’s friendship prior to the discovery of the birds. Without that, it was tough at first to really see a difference in their relationship because that was simply how Val acted the entire time. So, having some sort of aspect to compare against would’ve been great.
Why you should buy this: Alex has crafted a really engaging, compulsive debut novella, one that was very hard to step away from, which is ultimately what you want when reading. The characters are all great, even the secondary ones that pop up here and there and he does a great job of pulling us along to get to the horrific ending. This was a home run from start to finish and I’m excited to see what else we’ll get from him in the future.
So, when Alex Ebenstein announced his debut novella and was looking for reviewers, I was all over it. Huge thanks, Alex for sending me a digital ARC. Alex has always been super kind and supportive, and I’m always excited to see what folks are coming up with.
The synopsis was intriguing, especially the ‘A flock of birds fallen from the sky’ line that opens the description. Just what is going on? And what takes place between these two friends, Val and Lyndsay?
What I liked: The novella starts out super eerie and never lets up. The two friends go for a hike, in a place they often go, when they start to discover hundreds of dead birds. Then they find a discarded wedding dress that appears to be wrapped around something.
Val reaches forward but stops. Lyndsay keeping her back. But soon, subtle changes begin to occur with Val. Alex does a great job of keeping it minimal at first, before ramping it up. We get key points involving work, relationships and most importantly, the relationship between these two best friends. It’s an interesting dynamic, especially as a power shift begins to occur.
Lyndsay’s character seemingly both grows and shrinks within the story arc, which made the ending that much more powerful and also almost an unexpected reaction from this character.
Alex deftly ties everything together from the beginning as well as what he weaved together leading up to the climatic moment.
What I didn’t like: The one piece I wish was expanded upon more, I think at least, would’ve been seeing more of Val and Lyndsay’s friendship prior to the discovery of the birds. Without that, it was tough at first to really see a difference in their relationship because that was simply how Val acted the entire time. So, having some sort of aspect to compare against would’ve been great.
Why you should buy this: Alex has crafted a really engaging, compulsive debut novella, one that was very hard to step away from, which is ultimately what you want when reading. The characters are all great, even the secondary ones that pop up here and there and he does a great job of pulling us along to get to the horrific ending. This was a home run from start to finish and I’m excited to see what else we’ll get from him in the future.
May 28, 2023
When Lindsay and Val stumble upon an ominous discovery - a flock of dead birds and a discarded billowing wedding dress while out hiking, strange things begin to happen.
The weird and interesting premise along with the cover immediately drew me to the novella but, unfortunately, it was a very disappointing read.
What I liked:
The premise, the cover and the illustrations in the book. I can also appreciate the exploration of toxic positivity.
What I disliked:
Despite the book being short, it still felt drawn out and felt like there was barely anything happening. Most of it was banter between the two characters or Lindsay’s monologue/narration while she constantly just sits around and drinks beer or whiskey rather than things actually happening.
The characters are completely unlikable and felt rather immature. The dialogue and narrative felt cringey at times and it feels like the author simply opted to use constant swearing in the text rather than using any kind of descriptive language to describe a scene or convey emotion.
And then after a long and weird rant about Reddit, the character, of course, stumbles about the answer on Reddit when a user just casually explains the curse to her and how to end it.
The ending was ok. Nothing too interesting but at least things were happening. Overall, the book had an interesting premise but a disappointing execution.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
The weird and interesting premise along with the cover immediately drew me to the novella but, unfortunately, it was a very disappointing read.
What I liked:
The premise, the cover and the illustrations in the book. I can also appreciate the exploration of toxic positivity.
What I disliked:
Despite the book being short, it still felt drawn out and felt like there was barely anything happening. Most of it was banter between the two characters or Lindsay’s monologue/narration while she constantly just sits around and drinks beer or whiskey rather than things actually happening.
The characters are completely unlikable and felt rather immature. The dialogue and narrative felt cringey at times and it feels like the author simply opted to use constant swearing in the text rather than using any kind of descriptive language to describe a scene or convey emotion.
And then after a long and weird rant about Reddit, the character, of course, stumbles about the answer on Reddit when a user just casually explains the curse to her and how to end it.
The ending was ok. Nothing too interesting but at least things were happening. Overall, the book had an interesting premise but a disappointing execution.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
March 9, 2023
Two best friends on a secluded hike. A pile of dead ravens. A wedding dress hanging on a sign post with a strange object, wrapped up tightly, sitting right beneath it. What could possibly go wrong? This is Alex Ebenstein's "CURSE CORVUS".
"Curse Corvus" is a whirlwind of horror that brings with it a fresh concept to its genre: Unadulterated Happiness. Each sentence is carefully crafted to spark paranoia in its readers and let me tell you, it doesn't miss the mark one bit. Alex goes over and beyond to flesh out characters and plot lines reminiscent of the very people that tend to show up in our own lives. With flowing dialogue and a decreasingly rational narrator, Curse Corvus leads readers down a winding path of interlocking dread and shock, culminating in an ending you won't see coming, and by then, it's too late. Vivid setting descriptions set the tone right from the start, creating an all consuming reading environment. It sinks its claws into its readers, dragging us so far into the story, you can't possibly fathom ripping yourself away for even a second. With no end to his brilliance, Alex even left a little secret in the acknowledgements for readers to discover like buried treasure. I'll just leave that right here.
"Curse Corvus" is a whirlwind of horror that brings with it a fresh concept to its genre: Unadulterated Happiness. Each sentence is carefully crafted to spark paranoia in its readers and let me tell you, it doesn't miss the mark one bit. Alex goes over and beyond to flesh out characters and plot lines reminiscent of the very people that tend to show up in our own lives. With flowing dialogue and a decreasingly rational narrator, Curse Corvus leads readers down a winding path of interlocking dread and shock, culminating in an ending you won't see coming, and by then, it's too late. Vivid setting descriptions set the tone right from the start, creating an all consuming reading environment. It sinks its claws into its readers, dragging us so far into the story, you can't possibly fathom ripping yourself away for even a second. With no end to his brilliance, Alex even left a little secret in the acknowledgements for readers to discover like buried treasure. I'll just leave that right here.
May 23, 2023
Dead birds, a wedding dress, and best friends start this novella, and things get weirder from there.
Can a curse really be a curse if it brings happiness to the one cursed? That question gets answered before this fun little horror story concludes.
Lindsey and Val are best friends. But when Lindsey notices changes in Val's behavior, and then is asked to help cover the ultimate crime, she decides to fight for the friendship no matter the costs.
Can a curse really be a curse if it brings happiness to the one cursed? That question gets answered before this fun little horror story concludes.
Lindsey and Val are best friends. But when Lindsey notices changes in Val's behavior, and then is asked to help cover the ultimate crime, she decides to fight for the friendship no matter the costs.
June 5, 2023
The cover is what initially caught my eye. I thought it was unique and I was curious to know the significance of the dress and the bundle near it. Best friends Val and Lindsey stumble upon this dress during one of their hikes and ultimately it changes everything in their lives.
This took a while to get going for me. I struggled to stay interested but eventually things began to pick up some. I liked the idea of the story but felt more could have been mentioned about how Val was before her transfiguration. It was hard for me to pick up on any major differences, especially seeing how upset Lindsey was. I really didn’t feel any sort of attachment to either of the girls, which was a bit of a letdown. Even though this book didn’t really grip me, I would still check out other works by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This took a while to get going for me. I struggled to stay interested but eventually things began to pick up some. I liked the idea of the story but felt more could have been mentioned about how Val was before her transfiguration. It was hard for me to pick up on any major differences, especially seeing how upset Lindsey was. I really didn’t feel any sort of attachment to either of the girls, which was a bit of a letdown. Even though this book didn’t really grip me, I would still check out other works by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2023
The best novellas grab your attention and don’t let go until the closing chapter. Ebenstein’s story is a gripping tale of broken friendships and the occult, and one you won’t put down.
April 28, 2023
This horror novella starts with an appropriately enigmatic and atmospheric series of events. Best friends Val and Lindsay embark on what is supposed to be a relaxing hike, but the day takes a sinister turn when they stumble across a flock of black-feathered birds fallen to earth in death and an abandoned wedding dress swinging in the breeze from a post that has a mysterious bundle at its foot.
After returning from their walk, Lindsay watches in dismay as Val undergoes an alarming personality change, becoming obsessed with the pursuit of happiness at any cost. Ever the skeptic, Lindsay struggles to make sense of what is going on. There has to be a logical explanation, doesn’t there? Most of the story concentrates on Lindsay’s slow realization that not only is there possibly something supernatural happening, but that the “new” Val is a danger not only to herself but to everyone around her.
This is a quick read and a page turner as events rapidly escalate leading up to the twisted ending. I felt at times that the action was moving almost too fast. The tale might have benefited from more leisurely pacing to allow the reader to become invested in Val and Lindsay’s relationship before the inciting incident as well as more time for the tension to ratchet up. Having said that, there’s no doubt this is an entertaining read for fans of eerie folk horror with a touch of murder mystery/thriller, and I loved the cleverly-handled central conceit that happiness isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
After returning from their walk, Lindsay watches in dismay as Val undergoes an alarming personality change, becoming obsessed with the pursuit of happiness at any cost. Ever the skeptic, Lindsay struggles to make sense of what is going on. There has to be a logical explanation, doesn’t there? Most of the story concentrates on Lindsay’s slow realization that not only is there possibly something supernatural happening, but that the “new” Val is a danger not only to herself but to everyone around her.
This is a quick read and a page turner as events rapidly escalate leading up to the twisted ending. I felt at times that the action was moving almost too fast. The tale might have benefited from more leisurely pacing to allow the reader to become invested in Val and Lindsay’s relationship before the inciting incident as well as more time for the tension to ratchet up. Having said that, there’s no doubt this is an entertaining read for fans of eerie folk horror with a touch of murder mystery/thriller, and I loved the cleverly-handled central conceit that happiness isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
May 25, 2023
“But…did that really matter? Regardless of how or why, Val was happy—happier than ever, and I wasn’t. I was miserable, really. So who, then, was winning? Was it even possible to have a winner?”
Everyone wants to be happy right? But really, what is happiness, how do we define it? Isn’t that definition subjective how far would you go to be happy? Lindsay, Val, and you are about to find out the true cost of personal happiness, and it could be deadly. And is it truly attainable?
I highly recommend reading Alex Ebenstein’s novella Curse Corvus to find out. It’s an Occult Horror and Crime, Mystery genre mashup that had my eyes glue it’s pages from start to finish. Alex’s writing is a combination of beautiful written text filled with the uncanny and has the ability to provide the reader with a sense of pace, urgency and anxiety that the characters are experiencing within the narrative. For example when Lindsay is driving to meet Val at the nature preserve for a second time, the formatting of the novell and actual text itself emulates for the reader the anxiety and emotions of Lindsay perfectly while carrying the reader on in the narrative.
This is an indie novella, so I didn’t expect anything fancy but you can tell this novella was made with so much love, care and attention to detail. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations, formatting to enhance readers experience. No spoilers but the ending is beyond perfect. Huge Thank you Alex for the opportunity to read this Arc as I reached out to him wanting to read it. This is one haunting narrative that has stuck in my head and left me wanting more:
Alert: check out my ig page/twitter to see what I really mean about the beautiful illustrations within this text. I can’t post pictures on here or I would!
Everyone wants to be happy right? But really, what is happiness, how do we define it? Isn’t that definition subjective how far would you go to be happy? Lindsay, Val, and you are about to find out the true cost of personal happiness, and it could be deadly. And is it truly attainable?
I highly recommend reading Alex Ebenstein’s novella Curse Corvus to find out. It’s an Occult Horror and Crime, Mystery genre mashup that had my eyes glue it’s pages from start to finish. Alex’s writing is a combination of beautiful written text filled with the uncanny and has the ability to provide the reader with a sense of pace, urgency and anxiety that the characters are experiencing within the narrative. For example when Lindsay is driving to meet Val at the nature preserve for a second time, the formatting of the novell and actual text itself emulates for the reader the anxiety and emotions of Lindsay perfectly while carrying the reader on in the narrative.
This is an indie novella, so I didn’t expect anything fancy but you can tell this novella was made with so much love, care and attention to detail. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations, formatting to enhance readers experience. No spoilers but the ending is beyond perfect. Huge Thank you Alex for the opportunity to read this Arc as I reached out to him wanting to read it. This is one haunting narrative that has stuck in my head and left me wanting more:
Alert: check out my ig page/twitter to see what I really mean about the beautiful illustrations within this text. I can’t post pictures on here or I would!
February 20, 2023
I bought this book after meeting the author at a convention and was sold when he explained the cover art. This was a quick read that I devoured in one sitting. If you are into creepy curses from a unique angle and scary birds then this book is for you!
May 21, 2023
This was a fascinating dark read from start to finish. Occult fiction has always been intriguing to me as long as it doesn't get too cliché, and Curse Corvus was wildly unique as anything I've come across lately.
The story follows Lindsey and her best friend Val as they take a casual hike at a nearby nature reserve. The gentle sounds of nature and the scenic beauty lose their attention shortly into the hike though. What does keep their attention is the amount of dead birds they encounter, culminating to their discovery of an abandoned wedding dress in the remote wilderness, hanging upright from a post.
As unnerving as all this is, it's the next few days of Val's absence that worries Lindsey the most until Val gets back in touch with her a few days later. Val simply states she had been sick, and was now all better. As out of character as that was, Lindsey couldn't help but agree that Val did seem okay...better than okay, as a matter of fact. Val seemed the happiest she had ever been.
As the story progresses, we learn that happiness comes at a cost, and perhaps complete happiness isn't all its cracked up to be.
This strange little tale is wonderfully woven, and it held my attention all the way through. It's a true page turner. It leaves you pretty sure what's going on...kinda...but the build up is what keeps you turning page after page to hurry up and find out if you're right or not.
There are some great twists and turns with this story, and the characters carry the story well.
We follow Lindsey and her first person POV as she tries to uncover what has caused the sudden change in her best friend. Sometimes, people can be too happy, it seems. Lindsey's love for her best friend and and her moral struggles throughout the plot keeps the reader anxious to what Lindsey may uncover.
This is a shorter read, coming in under 200 pages. Even with my limited reading time as of late, I was able to finish it over a couple days, and I loved every minute of it. There weren't any slow points, and everything presented was relevant to the unfolding story in some fashion or another.
The writing style and imagination here has me very interested into what else Mr. Ebenstein has to offer up. A quick cursory glance gave me a good amount of short stories included in various anthologies, but Curse Corvus seems to be the writer's only solo work available at this time, but a new novella is slated for the summer of 2023. I will keep my eyes out for that one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Lindsey and her best friend Val as they take a casual hike at a nearby nature reserve. The gentle sounds of nature and the scenic beauty lose their attention shortly into the hike though. What does keep their attention is the amount of dead birds they encounter, culminating to their discovery of an abandoned wedding dress in the remote wilderness, hanging upright from a post.
As unnerving as all this is, it's the next few days of Val's absence that worries Lindsey the most until Val gets back in touch with her a few days later. Val simply states she had been sick, and was now all better. As out of character as that was, Lindsey couldn't help but agree that Val did seem okay...better than okay, as a matter of fact. Val seemed the happiest she had ever been.
As the story progresses, we learn that happiness comes at a cost, and perhaps complete happiness isn't all its cracked up to be.
This strange little tale is wonderfully woven, and it held my attention all the way through. It's a true page turner. It leaves you pretty sure what's going on...kinda...but the build up is what keeps you turning page after page to hurry up and find out if you're right or not.
There are some great twists and turns with this story, and the characters carry the story well.
We follow Lindsey and her first person POV as she tries to uncover what has caused the sudden change in her best friend. Sometimes, people can be too happy, it seems. Lindsey's love for her best friend and and her moral struggles throughout the plot keeps the reader anxious to what Lindsey may uncover.
This is a shorter read, coming in under 200 pages. Even with my limited reading time as of late, I was able to finish it over a couple days, and I loved every minute of it. There weren't any slow points, and everything presented was relevant to the unfolding story in some fashion or another.
The writing style and imagination here has me very interested into what else Mr. Ebenstein has to offer up. A quick cursory glance gave me a good amount of short stories included in various anthologies, but Curse Corvus seems to be the writer's only solo work available at this time, but a new novella is slated for the summer of 2023. I will keep my eyes out for that one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2023
(Rounded up from 4 1/2)
I was so excited to see this and accept an ARC when this title showed up on my BookSirens page. This was one I had seen popping up on my Twitter feed a lot, and obviously the art is gorgeous.
One thing I didn't know is that there are interior illustrations as well, and that's always such a pleasant surprise.
The story was also fantastic. It was a very unique balance of show and tell with a style that always kept you on your toes as more information was filled in. The visuals offered were also incredibly strong. There are a couple mental images from this book that I know I'm going to carry with me for a long time.
I did have a couple pet peeves in the latter half of this book, but they were all so hyper-specific to my preferences and interests that I feel confident in recommending this title to someone else.
Specifically, there was one Reddit conversation that rubbed me the wrong way. The pacing felt very off in an otherwise flawlessly paced story, and the formatting of the conversation itself felt very counter-intuitive. There was also an allusion to the dark web that piqued my interest, but I felt like it was used more to handwave away exposition than it was to add depth to the situation and that was a little disappointing.
BUT!
From there, I think the story got right back on track, and the first half of the book had been immaculately executed. It was unsettling, it was personal, and I loved the distinct style of the prose. The characters were believably flawed and their tale was compelling.
In particular, I enjoyed that the curse had so much allure. It added a layer to the story overall that is going to keep me thinking back to this one.
If you are looking for something truly eerie in a modern setting, I think this should be in your TBR pile.
I was so excited to see this and accept an ARC when this title showed up on my BookSirens page. This was one I had seen popping up on my Twitter feed a lot, and obviously the art is gorgeous.
One thing I didn't know is that there are interior illustrations as well, and that's always such a pleasant surprise.
The story was also fantastic. It was a very unique balance of show and tell with a style that always kept you on your toes as more information was filled in. The visuals offered were also incredibly strong. There are a couple mental images from this book that I know I'm going to carry with me for a long time.
I did have a couple pet peeves in the latter half of this book, but they were all so hyper-specific to my preferences and interests that I feel confident in recommending this title to someone else.
Specifically, there was one Reddit conversation that rubbed me the wrong way. The pacing felt very off in an otherwise flawlessly paced story, and the formatting of the conversation itself felt very counter-intuitive. There was also an allusion to the dark web that piqued my interest, but I felt like it was used more to handwave away exposition than it was to add depth to the situation and that was a little disappointing.
BUT!
From there, I think the story got right back on track, and the first half of the book had been immaculately executed. It was unsettling, it was personal, and I loved the distinct style of the prose. The characters were believably flawed and their tale was compelling.
In particular, I enjoyed that the curse had so much allure. It added a layer to the story overall that is going to keep me thinking back to this one.
If you are looking for something truly eerie in a modern setting, I think this should be in your TBR pile.
February 9, 2023
4.5 stars
I got a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
So, what initially drew me to Alex's debut novella was the cover. It's gorgeous! Then came the synopsis which allured me with a weird, creepy mystery of dead birds and the value of friendship between two women.
I gotta hand it to Alex, I felt like he really nailed the bottling jealousy we as humans tend to have when another is experiencing some amount of happiness. I at least related with Lindsay's emotions where she struggled to be happy for her best friend Val's sudden changes in her life.
The weird creep factor is present at the very beginning with the wedding dress and the dead bird bundle, and I loved the visuals. I loved it even more when I discovered it's based on a real story!
After the bizarre discovery, things get even weirder from there and I found myself flipping through the pages, eager to find out what other crazy stuff was going to happen.
It's a fast-paced novella with an interesting concept of curses and a relatable MC, and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more from Alex!
I got a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
So, what initially drew me to Alex's debut novella was the cover. It's gorgeous! Then came the synopsis which allured me with a weird, creepy mystery of dead birds and the value of friendship between two women.
I gotta hand it to Alex, I felt like he really nailed the bottling jealousy we as humans tend to have when another is experiencing some amount of happiness. I at least related with Lindsay's emotions where she struggled to be happy for her best friend Val's sudden changes in her life.
The weird creep factor is present at the very beginning with the wedding dress and the dead bird bundle, and I loved the visuals. I loved it even more when I discovered it's based on a real story!
After the bizarre discovery, things get even weirder from there and I found myself flipping through the pages, eager to find out what other crazy stuff was going to happen.
It's a fast-paced novella with an interesting concept of curses and a relatable MC, and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more from Alex!
February 13, 2023
What caused me to ask Alex Ebenstein for an advanced review copy of Curse Corvus initially was this badass cover. It's mysterious and foreboding, and let me tell you the story inside this cover did not disappoint. What I found was a story about a friendship between two women laced with the occult and mysterious bird deaths. The book starts out strong with a creepy hike through an eerie landscape and finishes just as strongly.
What I appreciate is how the author gives the reader just enough background information to make the story work but also doesn't info dump. I don't need to know in excruciating detail why the protagonist doesn't like her job, and the info I was given was just enough. Alex really hit the sweet spot of just enough background info here. And not every author is able to do this.
Overall, this is a very fast-paced and entertaining read.
Thank you for the arc, Alex!
What I appreciate is how the author gives the reader just enough background information to make the story work but also doesn't info dump. I don't need to know in excruciating detail why the protagonist doesn't like her job, and the info I was given was just enough. Alex really hit the sweet spot of just enough background info here. And not every author is able to do this.
Overall, this is a very fast-paced and entertaining read.
Thank you for the arc, Alex!
July 23, 2023
This story had such an eerie start!
A bunch of dead birds, a creepy wedding dress, and an obscene package are found by besties Lindsay and Val on their hike. It’s unknown at first if they’ve stumbled on a ritualistic site, an art project, a bunch of bizarre coincidences, or something else. Then Val begins to change, for better and worse….
There’s a great pace to this tale, and the characters (well until Val changed) were relatable and well written. I kept reading way past my bedtime to find out what happens to these two friends.
Thank you to BookSirens & the author for a copy.
A bunch of dead birds, a creepy wedding dress, and an obscene package are found by besties Lindsay and Val on their hike. It’s unknown at first if they’ve stumbled on a ritualistic site, an art project, a bunch of bizarre coincidences, or something else. Then Val begins to change, for better and worse….
There’s a great pace to this tale, and the characters (well until Val changed) were relatable and well written. I kept reading way past my bedtime to find out what happens to these two friends.
Thank you to BookSirens & the author for a copy.
October 23, 2023
Curse Corvus is a creepy tale about two friends who find an abandoned wedding dress while on a hike, along with a bag holding a dead crow. After this encounter Lindsay, the narrator of the tale, sees many changes in her friend Val.
Once this gets going, which doesn't take long I struggled to put the book down. Seeing things through Lindsay's eyes give it a very personal feel and the writing is excellent at creating a slightly off kilter view of the friendship. It also makes it difficult to see if the changes are real or if Lindsay is an unreliable narrator
I do think that the story may have suffered from not showing more of the relationship prior to changes taking effect as we don't really know what Val was like before and so the changes don't have quite the same weight as they might
Overall a very compelling and entertaining read
TW: Animal Death
Once this gets going, which doesn't take long I struggled to put the book down. Seeing things through Lindsay's eyes give it a very personal feel and the writing is excellent at creating a slightly off kilter view of the friendship. It also makes it difficult to see if the changes are real or if Lindsay is an unreliable narrator
I do think that the story may have suffered from not showing more of the relationship prior to changes taking effect as we don't really know what Val was like before and so the changes don't have quite the same weight as they might
Overall a very compelling and entertaining read
TW: Animal Death
February 24, 2023
Curse Corvus immediately throws readers into the uncanny and then holds the promise of a curse to their throats. This fast-paced, dread-inducing novella is an unrelenting examination of the insidious nature of jealousy in friendships and the lengths we’ll go to guarantee our own happiness. Ebenstein is a talent to watch!
February 13, 2023
Ebenstein’s mastery of pacing, his ability to maintain tension, and his fine-tuned understanding of when to build and when to unravel mystery make Curse Corvus a truly brilliant book. Things go from not quite right to so completely wrong seamlessly, making everything that happens feel unexpected but also inevitable. It is fun, fully absorbing, and filled with dread. Even the slowest readers will find themselves flipping the last page, shocked at how easily it all went down.
Read
April 25, 2023A woman must outsmart a hellish hex to try and save a friendship that's rapidly turning toxic in CURSE CORVUS by Alex Ebenstein. This compelling, spooky tale will grab you in its claws (talons?) from the start- and have you keeping a wary eye out for birds, long after you've finished.
February 17, 2023
An enjoyable, quick read about best friends who stumble onto an ancient curse that puts their friendship to the test.
The characters were fleshed out and felt real, and Alex's prose was wonderful. Highly recommend for any horror fan, anyone interested in a unique take on the curse trope, or if you're just into stories about ravens.
The characters were fleshed out and felt real, and Alex's prose was wonderful. Highly recommend for any horror fan, anyone interested in a unique take on the curse trope, or if you're just into stories about ravens.
May 14, 2023
Have you ever found some thing so out of place that you can’t help yourself from checking it out and making up stories of how it came to be?
In Curse Corvus, Lindsay and Val discover a wedding dress on a trail sign while hiking to their favorite beach. Now Val has changed and will do anything to stay happy. Nothing will stand in her way. But while Val calls her change a gift. Lindsay is a bit more skeptical of her best friends, sudden change and fears her toxic positivity is going to be the death of them both.
Is Val’s pursuit of happiness a blessing, a curse, or is it just jealousy on Lindsay’s part?
This was a twisted way to put a negative aspect onto what is usually considered a positive trait. Alex did a great job in transitioning Val into what she becomes, keeping the ambiguity going as to how the story was going to play out and what was the cause of the stories overtone; blessing, curse, or jealousy.
“I just feel like I can do anything. And, more importantly, I want—no, need—to be happy. I know I need to rid my life of any negative force.” — Val
In Curse Corvus, Lindsay and Val discover a wedding dress on a trail sign while hiking to their favorite beach. Now Val has changed and will do anything to stay happy. Nothing will stand in her way. But while Val calls her change a gift. Lindsay is a bit more skeptical of her best friends, sudden change and fears her toxic positivity is going to be the death of them both.
Is Val’s pursuit of happiness a blessing, a curse, or is it just jealousy on Lindsay’s part?
This was a twisted way to put a negative aspect onto what is usually considered a positive trait. Alex did a great job in transitioning Val into what she becomes, keeping the ambiguity going as to how the story was going to play out and what was the cause of the stories overtone; blessing, curse, or jealousy.
“I just feel like I can do anything. And, more importantly, I want—no, need—to be happy. I know I need to rid my life of any negative force.” — Val
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
This was a really good read! A cool idea, executed very well. Read it in a day.
February 24, 2024
Sigh…. I lost access before I was able to finish. It’s a solid four stars but I need to have the end spoiled or re buy to know what happens in the last chapter which is where it cut off for me! I’ll review then…
April 24, 2023
Lindsay and Val are best friends. After one of their hikes is disturbed by dead birds on the ground and the scene of an apparent ritual, Val starts to change. Is something sinister going on or is Lindsay just envious of Val’s newfound happiness? And if there are occult circumstances, is Lindsay in danger from Val?
Most books I’ll really swoon to you about will fall into the category of “mindfuck”. Weird, genre-bending stuff like The Locked Tomb series, Last House On Needless Street, or Indigo Voss.
Stories that are more or less inside the parameters of their genre, that tell a straight forward story, and just try to do it very well, have a hard time with me. They have to do what they do very well in order to impress me. Curse Corvus does it very, very, VERY well.
Curse Corvus is the platonic ideal of a classic horror story. The writing style is beautiful while nearly never venturing into the overwritten. The plot isn’t full of surprises - neither is the “twist” - but the precision of its crafting and execution keeps it tense anyway. Even the length of this novella is chosen perfectly so not to overstay the story’s welcome. If you like the old tales by Poe and Lovecraft, but would like a 21st century version of them, modernized and free of bigotry, Alex Ebenstein wrote it for you.
And while the beauty of Curse Corvus relies on its polished simplicity, it is in no way simplistic. In fact, if you’re a teacher who’s looking for a horror story to discuss with your class, this novella is worth considering. It isn’t too long, held even my ADHD-riddled attention effortlessly, and most importantly, asks some interesting questions. Both in Watsonian and Doylist ways. I’d start with asking if Lindsay acts more out of concern for her friend or envy of her happiness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Most books I’ll really swoon to you about will fall into the category of “mindfuck”. Weird, genre-bending stuff like The Locked Tomb series, Last House On Needless Street, or Indigo Voss.
Stories that are more or less inside the parameters of their genre, that tell a straight forward story, and just try to do it very well, have a hard time with me. They have to do what they do very well in order to impress me. Curse Corvus does it very, very, VERY well.
Curse Corvus is the platonic ideal of a classic horror story. The writing style is beautiful while nearly never venturing into the overwritten. The plot isn’t full of surprises - neither is the “twist” - but the precision of its crafting and execution keeps it tense anyway. Even the length of this novella is chosen perfectly so not to overstay the story’s welcome. If you like the old tales by Poe and Lovecraft, but would like a 21st century version of them, modernized and free of bigotry, Alex Ebenstein wrote it for you.
And while the beauty of Curse Corvus relies on its polished simplicity, it is in no way simplistic. In fact, if you’re a teacher who’s looking for a horror story to discuss with your class, this novella is worth considering. It isn’t too long, held even my ADHD-riddled attention effortlessly, and most importantly, asks some interesting questions. Both in Watsonian and Doylist ways. I’d start with asking if Lindsay acts more out of concern for her friend or envy of her happiness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2023
I was hooked from start to end. Very captivating. I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 26, 2023
The cover is what initially drew me to this book. I really enjoyed the story, the overall feeling you got while reading was creepy, and foreboding. It kept me engaged wanting to see what the heck was going on, and every time I thought I knew how things were going to go the author surprised me.
Not sure if the intent was for me to dislike Val during her “transfiguration” but I really didn’t. 😅
Could see this being done into a film. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not sure if the intent was for me to dislike Val during her “transfiguration” but I really didn’t. 😅
Could see this being done into a film. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2023
Devoured this in two sittings. Curse Corvus isn't just a great horror novella, it's a clear announcement that there's a new, exciting voice in the horror scene -- a voice that is accessible, visceral, eerie, and damn good.
Get a copy for yourself. You won't regret it.
Get a copy for yourself. You won't regret it.
April 3, 2023
This book was an enormously pleasant surprise. I was fortunate to buy an advanced copy from Alex at a signing event and the cover caught my eye. Alex gave me a bit of the context for that haunting cover image (including the true events that spawned his book) and I was hooked by the intriguing concept.
The story delivered on that concept and was a quick, exciting read. I think what struck me most was the originality in the curse that’s central to the narrative. Give this one a try, you’ll be glad you did.
The story delivered on that concept and was a quick, exciting read. I think what struck me most was the originality in the curse that’s central to the narrative. Give this one a try, you’ll be glad you did.
May 12, 2023
I’m always suspicious when men write books in women’s voices. We can joke about “bouncing breastily,” but real talk: cis-het men have forever written our dominant narratives, and when they adopt a female voice, they tend to sound . . . off, even if they manage not to make us look like Barbie dolls. Alex Ebenstein pulls off a convincing first-person woman in Curse Corvus, available from Dread Stone Press April 25th. That’s a feat in itself—and it’s not nearly the best part of the novella.
Curse Corvus is creepy as hell (content warning, it features a lot of very dead ravens. If you, like me, are on a mission to befriend your local crow population, you may find this upsetting). Lindsay and her BFF Val go hiking near Ebenstein’s real-life Lake Michigan stomping grounds, where they encounter yes, dead ravens, along with some other weirdly unsettling stuff. Immediately, Val goes bizarro. Lindsay, stalwart bestie-for-life, has to save her before, you know, it’s too late.
That’s a simplistic teaser, because I don’t want to spoil this one. If I spill too much, I’ll ruin it—yes, Val goes bizarro, but that’s an easy term for something super-creepy. One of Curse Corvus’s strengths lies in its deep strangeness. This is an unsettling book, one which takes a simple idea and twists it in unexpected, strange ways. It’s not a predictable narrative, but the friendship at its center maintains its authenticity.
And no: I didn’t see that ending coming. *Shivers*
Dread Stone’s known for its innovative horror, and Curse Corvus fits the bill. Said it before, will say it again: we’re living in the golden age of horror. A book has to stand out to find traction in this market full of indie gems. Curse Corvus has what it takes. This swift current of a narrative will catch you and tug you from its first shivering image to that twist of a conclusion; Ebenstein’s indelible images are propulsive, and they’ll stay etched in your brain-cave. Promise.
Curse Corvus is creepy as hell (content warning, it features a lot of very dead ravens. If you, like me, are on a mission to befriend your local crow population, you may find this upsetting). Lindsay and her BFF Val go hiking near Ebenstein’s real-life Lake Michigan stomping grounds, where they encounter yes, dead ravens, along with some other weirdly unsettling stuff. Immediately, Val goes bizarro. Lindsay, stalwart bestie-for-life, has to save her before, you know, it’s too late.
That’s a simplistic teaser, because I don’t want to spoil this one. If I spill too much, I’ll ruin it—yes, Val goes bizarro, but that’s an easy term for something super-creepy. One of Curse Corvus’s strengths lies in its deep strangeness. This is an unsettling book, one which takes a simple idea and twists it in unexpected, strange ways. It’s not a predictable narrative, but the friendship at its center maintains its authenticity.
And no: I didn’t see that ending coming. *Shivers*
Dread Stone’s known for its innovative horror, and Curse Corvus fits the bill. Said it before, will say it again: we’re living in the golden age of horror. A book has to stand out to find traction in this market full of indie gems. Curse Corvus has what it takes. This swift current of a narrative will catch you and tug you from its first shivering image to that twist of a conclusion; Ebenstein’s indelible images are propulsive, and they’ll stay etched in your brain-cave. Promise.
October 5, 2023
Having read and loved Alex’s previous book, Melon Head Mayhem, I was excited about Curse Corvus. However, the two stories are poles apart in their execution, even though horror is the central theme for both.
Where Melon Head Mayhem was a thrilling creature feature that left me with very little time to breathe once I started reading, Curse Corvus is more slow-paced, descriptive, and psychological. Sadly, it’s also relatively more predictable.
The plot primarily revolves around Val and Lindsay, two friends, the former bestowed upon by a happiness-giving curse. However, evil lurks behind all good things, and eventually, it comes down to Lindsay to try and save her friend.
Alex spends a good amount of pages on the characterization of Lindsay, delving a little into her past. But it is the commentary on modern life, of isolation faced by individuals in cities who hang on to a few friends no matter what, that interests me the most about the plot. While this arc gives the story depth, it also slows it down.
The last act, though, is when things pick up favorably. Unfortunately, a straightforward line (one last message from a critical yet short-lived character) gave away the ending. In a perfect world, I would have loved to know about the message and not its content (even though partial), keeping the mystery alive until the big revelation at the end.
Nevertheless, the last act is also the book’s saving grace, adding much-needed danger, suspense, and action to the plot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where Melon Head Mayhem was a thrilling creature feature that left me with very little time to breathe once I started reading, Curse Corvus is more slow-paced, descriptive, and psychological. Sadly, it’s also relatively more predictable.
The plot primarily revolves around Val and Lindsay, two friends, the former bestowed upon by a happiness-giving curse. However, evil lurks behind all good things, and eventually, it comes down to Lindsay to try and save her friend.
Alex spends a good amount of pages on the characterization of Lindsay, delving a little into her past. But it is the commentary on modern life, of isolation faced by individuals in cities who hang on to a few friends no matter what, that interests me the most about the plot. While this arc gives the story depth, it also slows it down.
The last act, though, is when things pick up favorably. Unfortunately, a straightforward line (one last message from a critical yet short-lived character) gave away the ending. In a perfect world, I would have loved to know about the message and not its content (even though partial), keeping the mystery alive until the big revelation at the end.
Nevertheless, the last act is also the book’s saving grace, adding much-needed danger, suspense, and action to the plot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2023
Curse Corvus opens with such an eerie calm. As gorgeous as it is bleak. Lindsay is shocked – who wouldn’t be? – but her narration is calm and controlled, her care for Val superceding all else. I appreciated that. It allowed the horror to be horror without sliding into schlock or undermining it with too much detail.
Perhaps out of surprise, when I saw the first illustration I gasped. Even knowing what I did of what they’d witnessed it shocked. There are only a handful scattered through but the placement – and choice – of illustrations is pure perfection.
There’s an unease which proliferates through the entire work which is both enjoyable and unnerving. It’s a slow, creeping horror. One that leaves you helpless. Until it’s not. I especially love how that sense of wrongness comes to a crescendo. My utmost appreciation goes to the masterful tension which doesn’t abate even when you know what’s coming.
Lindsay’s love for Val makes for great motivation and momentum. And that love is only matched by the tension that simmers, that boils between them. The eerieness of Val’s changes and the spikes of Lindsay’s vicious jealousy. It’s as effective when they argue as when the gulf yawning between them is as wide as it is cold.
The end is utterly perfect.
Many thanks to Book Sirens and the author, Alex Ebenstein, for this free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perhaps out of surprise, when I saw the first illustration I gasped. Even knowing what I did of what they’d witnessed it shocked. There are only a handful scattered through but the placement – and choice – of illustrations is pure perfection.
There’s an unease which proliferates through the entire work which is both enjoyable and unnerving. It’s a slow, creeping horror. One that leaves you helpless. Until it’s not. I especially love how that sense of wrongness comes to a crescendo. My utmost appreciation goes to the masterful tension which doesn’t abate even when you know what’s coming.
Lindsay’s love for Val makes for great motivation and momentum. And that love is only matched by the tension that simmers, that boils between them. The eerieness of Val’s changes and the spikes of Lindsay’s vicious jealousy. It’s as effective when they argue as when the gulf yawning between them is as wide as it is cold.
The end is utterly perfect.
Many thanks to Book Sirens and the author, Alex Ebenstein, for this free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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