A review by its_justine
Lyrics & Curses by Candace Robinson

4.0

A true testament to the communicative power of music, Lyrics & Curses is the latest dazzling novel from author Candace Robinson, book one in her Cursed Hearts duology. Robinson has perfected the recipe for this superb treat – part Contemporary YA, part Paranormal, part Thriller, with a dash of romance and a healthy pinch of nostalgia. Within its pages the lives of two teens become entwined by forces unknown, while unnatural, and at times terrifying, happenings lurk in the periphery. This is a tale of searching for that one person that understands you even if you don't yet understand yourself. Someone to put your complete trust in, believing wholeheartedly they'll see past the flaws and be there waiting to catch you when you fall. It touches upon some of the darker aspects of life, including mental illness and death, but it never loses sight of the bright light at the end of the tunnel. This book was a thoroughly entertaining and refreshing read for me, and I'm looking forward to seeing where we're taken in the second and final book of the series.

Lyrics & Curses is very much a character-driven narrative, revolving around a cast of characters that wonderfully exemplifies life as a young adult. The story itself is told through alternating points of view; one belonging to Lark, a young woman determined to go against the grain who's unable to let go of the pains of the past, and Auden, a man timid of attachment due to his fear of inheriting the violent nature of his father. Both are plagued by memories shadowed by heartache, and both are afraid to let their emotions surface. The only way they can properly express how they truly feel is through their love of music, scribbling lyrics to each other and sharing their favorite vinyls and cassettes. As the story progresses readers witness their hardened shells begin to crack from the barrage of snark and solidarity until they're laid bare with only each other to depend on. There's something special about this awkward, yet genuine bond between the two, and I'm excited to see where their relationship takes them next.

At the heart of this story lies a collection of curious ongoings stemming from the mysterious appearance of a strange duo while eerie music drifts upon warm summer winds. Robinson crafts a captivating tale with psychological thriller flavors, keeping you on your toes anxiously awaiting for the other shoe to inevitably drop. An unsettling encounter that carries along some harmless poltergeist behavior simmers for a bit, then explodes into a deadly whirlwind of misfortune touching upon the lives of all. Filled to the brim with riddles and the supernatural, this is a story that starts with a light and lively air, but transforms into a deeply emotional yarn, which I found to be a lovely surprise.

When the author promoted this book as “Stranger Things meets Pretty in Pink”, how could I possibly say no? Taking place in an oppressively hot Texas summer in the 1980s, Robinson perfectly captures the vibes of one of the most colorful decades in recent history. Everything from fashion – complete with leotards, teased hair, and an endless supply of bangles – to the inclusion of music and oddity shops (remember these?!) to the CHOICE period-specific terminology, diving into this book was like entering a portal in time. Each chapter heading contains a hit song from the decade, and I couldn't help but hum the tunes each time I came across one. While I was born at the tail end of the 80s, the nostalgia is too real, and I absolutely adored how she included all these perfect little tidbits.

Lyrics & Curses was a book that immediately piqued my interest as soon as I was invited to participate in the cover reveal earlier this year, and while it's a bit different from what I usually read, I had a blast with this one. The main story arc ties up nicely, but the epilogue opens a whole new can of worms, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Though the book is directed towards a younger audience, it's one that could definitely be enjoyed by adult readers – the 80s references making it the perfect vehicle to bring back memories of simpler times. The uniqueness of its paranormal concepts is only shadowed by the authenticity Robinson imbues in this lovely little tale of hers. If you're on the hunt for a fun romp filled with the unknown, as well as the best music the 80s had to offer, then Lyrics & Curses is the one you're looking for. I highly recommend.

––

My Rating: 4*

Note: A huge thank you to the author for a complementary advance copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

––

For this review and others, visit Whispers & Wonder