Be prepared to meet a Warrior Queen!

Whoever wields the sword of power shall be the one true Queen.’

Based on the Arthurian legend, written by Thomas Wheeler and illustrated by Frank Miller. This book is a must-buy for fantasy fiction lovers!

I listened to the Audiobook (narrated by Katherine Langford), but I also purchased the hardback. (It was well worth it for the awesome illustrations).

Primarily, ‘Cursed’ is aimed at young adults. However, as an adult, I loved this book and I think it’s highly suitable for anyone teenager and above. (It can be quite violently graphic in places).

Nimue (our lead heroine) is an outcast to her people, until the day the red paladins slaughter Nimue’s entire village. As her mother’s last dying wish, Nimue is entrusted to deliver the Sword of Power to Merlin the Magician.

As I listened to Katherine Langford’s wonderful narration (and I must say, I was very impressed!) it was easy to imagine ‘Cursed’ as a tv series. And awesomely, Netflix are working on a tv adaptation right now! Wheeler writes with pace - something I particularly enjoy. Each chapter has a scene (or several!) which plays out just like a scene you would expect to see in a movie or tv series. Supporting this further, we are introduced to an entire cast of vivid characters, again, it’s easy to imagine them all in a tv series.

When I think of King Arthur and Excalibur, I always think of a sword embedded in a stone, with only the ‘true King’ strong enough to free the sword and wield it. In ‘Cursed’, the true strength to wield the sword takes on a new, interesting form. And freshly, perhaps a ‘King’ isn’t strong enough to control the dark, violent power of the sword? But perhaps a Queen is?

I think ‘Cursed’ offers something for everyone. Fantasy. Action. Romance. Friendship. Heroics. Swords. Death. Gore. Magic. Amazing characters. And a couple of brilliantly executed twists.

I didn’t want ‘Cursed’ to ever end. Especially with the way it ended. (I won’t give anything away, but the last few chapters will leave you yearning for the tv series, or a sequel...Mr Wheeler??)

All in all, I loved ‘Cursed’. And if you’re a fan of King Arthur, or fantasy, or strong female heroines, then this book is just for you!

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2 people found this helpful

Let down by narrator

Although she's a really good actress I struggled with Katherine Langford as a narrator, it was hard work to listen to and I lost interest.

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1 person found this helpful

great book read very well

saw the show first (netflix) years ago, was disappointed at premature end (like so many shows on netflix).

was read very well, great story and a nice variation from the typical Arthurian tale

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good story horrible narration

I was recommended this book by my friend and whilst I'm sure its a good book as the blurb seems interesting however the narrator's voice is horrible! just 37 seconds into the book I had to click away as it was unbearable to listen to, can't believe i wasted my money on this!

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