The Curse Breakers by Denise Grover Swank Pages: 407
Published by 47 North, Amazon Publishing on April 29, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Love & Romance, New Adult, Paranormal
Source: eARC from Publisher
For more than four hundred years, the Curse Keepers guarded the barrier between the human and spirit realms. All that changed the day Ellie Lancaster met Collin Dailey.
Prophecy demanded they defend the world from evil . . . even as it ignited a passion that threatened to consume them both. Now Ellie faces a frightening new life, abandoned by the man she loves and tormented by malevolent spirits unleashing their vengeance upon the earth. Her only shot at protecting humanity—and herself—from the demon scourge is to claim the mark of the god Ahone as her own.
Finding it means trusting Dr. David Preston, a handsome professor of Native American studies whose skepticism is surpassed only by his attraction to Ellie.
Together they must finish what the Curse Keepers began, defying the forces of darkness to face hell on earth—and unlock the truth of Ellie's destiny.
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Curse Keepers Series. If you are new to the series, check out my review of Book 1
I was super excited to read the second book in the Curse Keepers series. I loved the first book. I thought it was so unique. How many times do you get to read a book about ancient Algonquin spirits that are tied together with the reappearance with the lost colony of Roanoke. This is the second series that I have read about the Roanoke colony and it is still a unique subject to me because both series are so different. (Roanoke Vanishing by Auburn Seal is great as well.) I absolutely loved the Curse Keepers. I thought it was fast paced and fascinating. I really enjoyed the second book as well, but it was slower paced than the first one. I thought The Curse Breakers was great in terms of the supernatural mystery as well as the ties with the actual mystery with Meriano’s men. But in terms of actual plot advancement it dragged a bit.
Ellie dealt with that awful betrayal and loss of her father in the end of the first book, so she is a little less trustful in this installment, and more than a little hurt. I really felt for her. She is still in the thick of this curse, and she is in constant danger at night. It has to be a lot to deal with all alone. Colin is in this book a lot less. I have a feeling that will change more in the next book, but because of certain events in the story he didn’t have nearly as much page time. Ellie doesn’t know who to turn to, but she needs to figure out a way to put Ahone’s symbol on her so that she will be protected by him. So she seeks out a young professor who is an expert in Native American’s. He became a much bigger character in the book than I was expecting after their first, rather rude, meeting.
I was really glad that David became so important in Ellie’s quest, because he turned out to be such a sweetheart. And very helpful. I can’t imagine having to go through this big bad scary all alone like Ellie, so it was nice to see someone there for her- helping her out. I’m still not sure where I fall in the whole Collin v. David situation, but that is something that I will defer my opinion on until the next book.
The Curse Keepers series is a really interesting series. One that I enjoy and will continue to read. The Curse Breakers was a good installment, but it did suffer a bit from second book syndrome in terms of pacing. It just dragged and felt a little boring in places. But the overall mystery answers and advancements were great. It was a good book in a great series, but it wasn’t as good as the first one, which I completely loved. Still very much worth a read if you enjoy paranormal books and are interested in the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Other books in the series:
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Librarian Lavender
Great review! I’ve never heard of this series, but it sounds interesting. Very helpful review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Thanks Lavender.
The first book in this series was so freakin’ good. You should check it out!
Red Iza
Heading out to review of book #1 !
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I loved the first book. You should totally check it out if you like pararnomal. It’s really good 🙂
kindlemom1
I had a feeling this one would probably suffer with middle book jut a little. With the ending of book one I just didn’t see how it wouldn’t.
I am a little sad about the development of a love triangle. I don’t know what to think about that but either way, it does sound like you still liked this one and are glad you read it.
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Yep, I def still liked it. And I thought all of the mystery stuff with the spirits was super interesting, but it just dragged for me. I wanted to say, ok we get it. Let’s get on with the story.
But I am still so interested in what is going on, and this book added a whole other mystery surrounding the death of Ellie’s mother, that I can’t help but want to continue the series.
Heidi
ARGH>> why do so many books have to do that middle book stumble? I hate that. I have seen this series around, and I like the premise and the setting so despite that it didn’t quite meet expectations it still sounds fun.
Candace
I had just read a pretty negative review of the first book not long ago so it’s good to see a more positive one. I’m not sure if I’ll pick this series up, but I might if I see it on sale or something. 🙂
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!)
I’ve never heard of this one! The cover is sweeeettt! This is a sequel novel? Hmm, I’ll look up the first book. Great review, Michelle!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Andrea @ The Bookish Babe
I really enjoy Grover-Swank’s New Adult romance series, but haven’t given her fantasy books a try yet. I’ll keep the Curse Breakers in mind when I’m looking for a change. Thanks for the review, Michelle!
Jennifer Bielman
Well, the series overall sounds really good, even if this book was slower. Great review.
Kim { Book Swoon }
So, you probably know I loved book one just like you did, and I’m excited to read more about the Ahone’s symbol and David. Oh, and my heart is breaking at the ending of book one (I know I’m a sap when it comes to romance) and despite the middle book syndrome, I’m still looking forward to read The Curse Breakers. Awesome review, Michelle! 🙂
sherry fundin
Glad you are enjoying the series. I love curses and demons.
kimbacaffeinate
Too bad it had a little second book syndrome, but I do have book one on my wishlist. I am glad to hear you find it unique and will continue!
Jaime Lynn
I have wanted to read the first book for a long time, but I have not had the chance yet. And I have only read two reviews, so I am not entirely sure what everyone thinks about it. Still, it sounds awesome. It makes it even better knowing that the second book is a good one, too! I will definitely have to make it a point to get this series, and soon! Thanks for the review!