Wednesday, April 30, 2014

*Gizmos Book Reviews* The Curse Breakers (The Curse Keeper #2) by Denise Grover Swank

**I received this book for free from NetGalley/47North in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

*My Thoughts* 

The Curse Breakers picks up several weeks after the end of The Curse Keepers. 23-year old Ellie Dare Lancaster is still coming to an understanding about what it means for her to be one of two Curse Keepers and also a very unique soul who has never been recycled, and who witnessed the creation of the universe. 

Ellie experienced the painful loss of her father, and unwittingly helped Collin Daily open the gates to Popogusso because she wrongly trusted him to guide her in what it means to be a Curse Keeper. Now, demons, and "good" spirits are running around killing animals to take away their Manitou, and taunting her every night in her dreams and awakened state. They demand that she make a choice between Okeus (who has already marked her as his), and the mysterious Ahone who is apparently as devious as he is secretive. 

I will say this for The Curse Breakers, I liked the addition of Dr. David Preston and the fact that he helps Ellie uncover hidden secrets. I liked how he and Ellie interact, and was happy that they didn't just automatically jump into bed right off the bat. I liked how there was a trust factor (I hope!) that wasn't there between Ellie and Collin Daily, and really, really hope that Swank doesn't shove a dagger into my heart by doing something shocking like betraying Ellie yet again. I don't think MINE, nor ELLIE could handle another betrayal. 

I still have questions, of course, in regards to Ellie's mothers death. What really happened that day? Why was the killer specifically looking for Ellie? Why did her father hold on to so many different secrets including the Ricardo Estate's disappearance, and the expectation that Ellie would just understand her role as Curse Keeper with Okeus and Ahone playing mind games with her? What will really happen to Ellie's soul should she pick either Okeus or Ahone? I mean, if she is pure in spirit, she shouldn't go to hell, am I right, or am I wrong?

You could, in a way, twist The Curse Keepers into being a historical paranormal romance series set in modern times instead of what the author is calling Urban Fantasy. Especially since the story remains focused on the factual Lost Colony of Roanoke, the curse between Ananias Dare and Croatan Indian Manteo, and the fact that there is plenty of romance and sex scenes to carry readers through some slower times.

I need to say this though, I am absolutely nervous when Swank writes scenes that take Ellie to the brink of being violated which she does TWICE. I just wish this wasn't necessary in any form, but will probably go to my grave knowing that my bucket list will never be completed. That is, the complete removal of rape, incest, and child abuse from any and all future novels, & TV shows. 

I have one little complaint about the story that will probably have everyone rolling their eyes at me. So, you just lost your husband of X many years, and all of a sudden you are rushing head first into another relationship because you and he may, or may not have had a connection in the past? Huh, uhm, no. Just no. And, I don't fully trust him anyway since he knew Ellie's parents at one time before it all went to HADES.

I will say that I am happy that Swank has given Ellie some very supportive secondary characters like her best friend Claire, and her step-mother Myra. I haven't come to a conclusion yet about Police Officer Tom who seems intent on protecting Ellie from herself. I do look forward to the next installment, and am anxious as to what happens to Ellie, David, and Collin next.

*Recvd via NetGalley 04/23/2014* Published: April 29th 2014 by 47north

Author - Denise Grover Swank
Title - The Curse Breakers (The Curse Keeper # 2)
Published by 47 North
Released: April 29, 2014
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Format: E-Book 394 pages



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