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Oct212010
All Hallows Eve – BOOK REVIEW: ‘Cursed’ by David Wellington
by Carolyn • Posted in 3.5 Star Reviews, All Hallows Eve 2010, Authors U-Z, Book Reviews, David Wellington, Horror, Piatkus, Reviews by Carolyn
Title: Cursed (Werewolf’s Tale #1)
Author: David Wellington
Publisher: Piatkus (UK)
Publication Date: Sept 2010
Paperback: 305 pages
Genre: Horror, Werewolf
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 7/10 – very good
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
When a wolf’s teeth slash Cheyenne’s ankle to the bone, her old life ends and she becomes the very monster that haunts her nightmares. Worse, the only one who understands what Chey’s become is the man – and wolf – who’s doomed her to this fate. But he also wants her dead . . .
REVIEW:
‘Cursed’ is the first book in a new werewolf series by David Wellington. I have had my eye on this book for what feels like ages so I was thrilled when Piatkus sent me a review copy. And I wasn’t disappointed, ‘Cursed’ is a very good werewolf tale.
We meet Cheyenne Clark, “Chey”, out in the wilderness of the Arctic Circle. We’re not sure why she’s there but she’s heading towards something. The first chapter begins with a bang as Chey is violently carried away by a flash flood, but fortunately she walks away alive except for a few cuts and bruises.
After walking for sometime, Chey feels eyes boring into her, and as she realises it’s a pack of wolves her only savour is to climb a tree. Suddenly the wolves smell and hear something that frightens them away and Chey looks down to see another wolf staring up at her. But this wolf is different, he’s huge with shiny green eyes. The wolf jumps to try and take a bite but can’t quite reach her. He does manage to damage her ancle, tearing through to the bone.
After the wolf leaves in frustration, Chey climbs down and walks for days until she finally comes across a strange man called Dzo who at first isn’t concerned by the fact that she’s freezing, injured and almost starved to death. Eventually he concedes after Chey shows him her bite wound, which is healing somewhat quickly on her ancle. He takes her to a cabin where she meets Powell.
Chey’s own particular story unfolds over the course of the book, which is frustrating as well as fun all at the same time – my fault entirely, I’m just too impatient.
Quite a lot of the story is in flashbacks giving the history of Powell and Chey and although it’s mostly telling us rather than showing, it was still very absorbing. Chey and Powell both have interesting backgrounds and as Chey’s story unfolds, everything builds to a very exciting climax and an ending that was satisfying and had me wanting to read book two.
However, I did have one issue. I found the writing a little repetitive at times and the author’s apparent affinity for the word ‘though’ was very distracting. This was added at the end of almost all of the characters’ dialogue. I’m sure it was to give the dialogue a more natural and authentic style, but it just didn’t work for me. It bugged me no end! If it was a trait one character had, then I would have let it pass but it didn’t matter which character was speaking, it was added anyway. After a while this became more and more noticeable and increasingly irritating.
VERDICT:
For me, ‘Cursed’ is more of an urban fantasy than a horror. I will admit I was expecting something more horrific in nature, more visceral, but the fact that it isn’t didn’t diminish my enjoyment. The story moves along at a good pace and there aren’t many moments where the story dragged.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book and I’m sure both urban fantasy and horror fans would enjoy it.
You can find out more about the author here:
10 Comments
I'll have to look out for this one! I'm not one for werewolf books, but it sounds interesting (I'll just ignore the "thoughs").
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Curious about this one! Great review. =)
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I like the sounds of this one
Good review!
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I am definitely an urban fantasy fan, but I find the cover of this one a little off putting, though the story sounds very interesting. The "thoughs" would most likely annoy me as well, but I think I will still pick up a copy of this one.
Great review!
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Ooh the cover does look horror-ish! I'm too much of a wimp to read this :S
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Oooh! I think I will check that out!
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Aelwyn – It is an interesting book, so I would definitely try it!
Dazzling Mage – Thanks!
Laura – I think you'd like it
Justpeachy36 – The cover says more horror than UF, but you should definitely pick up a copy!
Dwayne – The cover does say horror but it really isn't. As I mentioned in my review the content for me was more UF than horror, so you down't have to be scared
Kelly – Yes, I'm glad as it's a good read
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Sounds very interesting and I love the cover – I enjoy books where you are just dumped into the middle and learn why the characters are where they at as a mystery slowly unfolding.
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Yup. I'm sold. Sounds like a perfect read for Halloween — and the cover! WOW reminds me of the old classic horror movies
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Cheshire-Cat – I like the cover too, I just wish it reflected the story a bit more with regards to the 'horror' aspect. It is a good book though so would recommend it.
Jo-Anne – It does a bit I agree – I love old classic horror movies!
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