13 Curses
Michelle Harrison
Red's younger brother was kidnapped by fairies when he was a baby and she swore then to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm herself, if she is able to complete the quest given her, the heads of the royal court have agreed to not only find and bring back her brother, but also return them to their home. All that is needed is for Red to find the thirteen silver charms from Tanya's bracelet and present it to the court. Unfortunately, the thirteen charms in question are small and scattered across the real world.
If the title rings any bells, it may well be due to the fact that you've heard of or read the first book [as I did, last summer], The 13 Treasures. Now, to be honest, one of the reasons I picked it up is the cover. Another is the dust flap. Also, and importantly, because it looked to be a good standalone novel. And it was.
Usually, when I later discover that an excellent book [or movie] has an upcoming sequel, I get a touch depressed. Let's be honest-how many of the gratuitous sequels thrust upon the public are actually necessary? How many are the act of lame money grubbers? Then there are the people who create a book, realize they can make it into a series, end the series and then start thinking about revisiting the series. Marketing, marketing, marketing. Argh, argh, argh.
Sorry. End rant.
My point was actually that, upon learning that there was another installment after 13 Curses, I was not overwhelmed by disgust. I was so unexpectedly delighted by the surprise quality of the first one, that I eagerly purchased this one without the usual hemming and hawing. When I began to read it, however, I also began to wonder...
This book starts out quite slowly. Red, who did not really interest me so much in the first book becomes our new lead character as she finally gets a proper shot at finding her brother. She is alone in the forest to start out and it is just plain dull--too slow for a start. As the action picks up, so does the ease of engagement with the story. Because of this, a few chapters in, we're up to being almost as awesome as the first book. Almost.
Altogether and on the whole, 13 Curses is an interesting read. There is action, adventure, mystery, plot, friendship, enmity, trials, tribulations, fairies, people..lots of fascinating things to keep you going. Also I suppose that I am a substantial fan of Harrison's writing.
[Disclaimer: This is actually a terrible review because I waited far too long and worked at 3 in the morning, so my brain might be more than a bit punchy. I think I'll go to sleep now. Much love--Leslie.]
Michelle Harrison
Red's younger brother was kidnapped by fairies when he was a baby and she swore then to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm herself, if she is able to complete the quest given her, the heads of the royal court have agreed to not only find and bring back her brother, but also return them to their home. All that is needed is for Red to find the thirteen silver charms from Tanya's bracelet and present it to the court. Unfortunately, the thirteen charms in question are small and scattered across the real world.
If the title rings any bells, it may well be due to the fact that you've heard of or read the first book [as I did, last summer], The 13 Treasures. Now, to be honest, one of the reasons I picked it up is the cover. Another is the dust flap. Also, and importantly, because it looked to be a good standalone novel. And it was.
Usually, when I later discover that an excellent book [or movie] has an upcoming sequel, I get a touch depressed. Let's be honest-how many of the gratuitous sequels thrust upon the public are actually necessary? How many are the act of lame money grubbers? Then there are the people who create a book, realize they can make it into a series, end the series and then start thinking about revisiting the series. Marketing, marketing, marketing. Argh, argh, argh.
Sorry. End rant.
My point was actually that, upon learning that there was another installment after 13 Curses, I was not overwhelmed by disgust. I was so unexpectedly delighted by the surprise quality of the first one, that I eagerly purchased this one without the usual hemming and hawing. When I began to read it, however, I also began to wonder...
This book starts out quite slowly. Red, who did not really interest me so much in the first book becomes our new lead character as she finally gets a proper shot at finding her brother. She is alone in the forest to start out and it is just plain dull--too slow for a start. As the action picks up, so does the ease of engagement with the story. Because of this, a few chapters in, we're up to being almost as awesome as the first book. Almost.
Altogether and on the whole, 13 Curses is an interesting read. There is action, adventure, mystery, plot, friendship, enmity, trials, tribulations, fairies, people..lots of fascinating things to keep you going. Also I suppose that I am a substantial fan of Harrison's writing.
[Disclaimer: This is actually a terrible review because I waited far too long and worked at 3 in the morning, so my brain might be more than a bit punchy. I think I'll go to sleep now. Much love--Leslie.]
Totally thought you and I had managed to read the same book at the same time. Your's seemed to be better to read :)
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