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purplehulk713's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A good storyteller knows how to nudge the wheel of fate and fortune just a little further to bring their story to the end that deserves to come to. Serilda Moller, the poor miller’s daughter, twice cursed in her life, reviled for her gifts, unwilling bride of the Alder King, took her mother’s wheel and spun it anew, inking the ending that craved to be written. The only thing I wish at the end of this tale is that we got to learn what Erlen’s real name is, as well as what Serilda and Gild (Ermengild Rumpelstiltskin) named their daughter. But according to the epilogue, a good story leaves us in want, so it is probably fitting. Marissa Meyer crafted a gorgeous finale to a remarkable retelling, weaving German folklore and fairytales, androgynous gods, an underdog heroine, fascinating magic lore and ghostly atmosphere, and themes of fate and motherhood into a glorious tapestry to rival one of Erlen’s (if you know you know). The fate of Erlkönig and Perchta was perfect—cursed with the same fateful arrows as Gild and Erlen to be bound to Adalheid Castle and to Velos in Verloren for all eternity, by none other than Serilda herself. Cursed’s magic claimed my heart, especially the conviction of Serilda despite her lamentable fate. Dark ones, Perchta and Erlkönig particularly, you have made a dangerous foe—the girl with the strange eyes . . . not just a mortal or a storyteller, or the daughter of Wyrdith, she is a mother, and there is nothing more frightening (screw your ghosts, monsters, and assorted demons) than an angry mother. The miller’s daughter is coming . . . .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child death, Blood, and Violence
taryn_g's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Death of parent
kassidyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Violence, and Child death
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The vividly immersive and gorgeously woven sequel to Marissa Meyer’s spectacular reimagining of Rumplestiltskin continues where Gilded left off, returning us to Adalheid, the ErlKing and his malevolently dark court.
Following the shocking turn of events, Serilda now finds herself ensnared in a deadly game with the Erlking, who is determined to propel her deeper into the castle’s lies and secrets.
Determined to free herself—and Gild from the Erlking’s clutches, Serilda works with Gild to help him solve the mystery of his forgotten name and past. But the Erlking’s plans aren’t as clear cut as Serilda first thought, for he doesn’t just want to bring back his dark huntress lover… he also seeks vengeance against the seven gods who (long ago) trapped his court of Dark Ones behind the veil, in a effort to protect the mortal realm.
If the ErlKing succeeds (and Serilda and Gild cannot break the curse that tethers them to the castle, or learn to utilise their unique gifts before the Endless Moon) —then the mortal realm will be forever doomed…
I was absolutely enamoured of the rich and deliciously atmospheric world building we encountered in Gilded and loved how Meyer expands on it in Cursed. Although just as vividly detailed as the first, the tone definitely felt a little darker with it’s hauntingly bleak and slightly macabre imagery that was reminiscent of the Grimm’s original. Though what I loved the most was Meyer’s expansion of the lore, delving into the backstories of the ErlKing, Gild and the Gods he soo despises.
Our loveable protagonist and gifted storyteller, Serilda has really matured since the events in Gilded and watching her progression definitely highlighted her emotional development from her rash and impulsive tendencies.
Likewise, Gild’s roguish charm and mischievousness was offset by several nuanced and emotional scenes surrounding the loss of his memories and an unexplainable sense of guilt, which I felt brought new dimension to his character. The chemistry between the pair was still fairly swoon-worthy but their dynamics were certainly angstier this time around.
We do get to meet some new characters this time around, several of which were super interesting—not the mention all the secrets and intrigue that Serilda manages to stumble into.
I enjoyed getting to see more of the creatures within the menagerie and the inclusion of Serilda’s folktales really helped to flesh out the backstory of the
Gods, beasts and the ErlKing’s nefarious deeds without adding too much exposition to the plot.
Overall, Cursed is another fabulously refreshing, plot twisty and utterly addictive YA fantasy that fans of Marissa Meyer or dark fairytale retellings simply must read! And if you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the series, Gilded.
I also wanted to say a massive thank you to Divya for the giveaway which allowed me to read one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
Following the shocking turn of events, Serilda now finds herself ensnared in a deadly game with the Erlking, who is determined to propel her deeper into the castle’s lies and secrets.
Determined to free herself—and Gild from the Erlking’s clutches, Serilda works with Gild to help him solve the mystery of his forgotten name and past. But the Erlking’s plans aren’t as clear cut as Serilda first thought, for he doesn’t just want to bring back his dark huntress lover… he also seeks vengeance against the seven gods who (long ago) trapped his court of Dark Ones behind the veil, in a effort to protect the mortal realm.
If the ErlKing succeeds (and Serilda and Gild cannot break the curse that tethers them to the castle, or learn to utilise their unique gifts before the Endless Moon) —then the mortal realm will be forever doomed…
I was absolutely enamoured of the rich and deliciously atmospheric world building we encountered in Gilded and loved how Meyer expands on it in Cursed. Although just as vividly detailed as the first, the tone definitely felt a little darker with it’s hauntingly bleak and slightly macabre imagery that was reminiscent of the Grimm’s original. Though what I loved the most was Meyer’s expansion of the lore, delving into the backstories of the ErlKing, Gild and the Gods he soo despises.
Our loveable protagonist and gifted storyteller, Serilda has really matured since the events in Gilded and watching her progression definitely highlighted her emotional development from her rash and impulsive tendencies.
Likewise, Gild’s roguish charm and mischievousness was offset by several nuanced and emotional scenes surrounding the loss of his memories and an unexplainable sense of guilt, which I felt brought new dimension to his character. The chemistry between the pair was still fairly swoon-worthy but their dynamics were certainly angstier this time around.
We do get to meet some new characters this time around, several of which were super interesting—not the mention all the secrets and intrigue that Serilda manages to stumble into.
I enjoyed getting to see more of the creatures within the menagerie and the inclusion of Serilda’s folktales really helped to flesh out the backstory of the
Gods, beasts and the ErlKing’s nefarious deeds without adding too much exposition to the plot.
Overall, Cursed is another fabulously refreshing, plot twisty and utterly addictive YA fantasy that fans of Marissa Meyer or dark fairytale retellings simply must read! And if you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the series, Gilded.
I also wanted to say a massive thank you to Divya for the giveaway which allowed me to read one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy, Blood, Animal cruelty, Abandonment, and Confinement
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