1000 years ago, the Elves nearly destroyed their species… and the Furies punished them with a terrible curse. Can a single Elf set them free? Priscilla Forester is a 500-year-old Cursed Elf, who makes her home in Houston, Texas. Her abilities are far different from most, and she does everything she can to keep others from treating her like a monster because of it. She knows there’s some secret … her like a monster because of it.
She knows there’s some secret about her origins, but has given up thinking she’ll ever discover the truth.
However, Fate was only waiting for the right moment to reveal its secrets.
As Priscilla and her lovers battle against warring Elf Houses, her true nature begins to emerge, and it is more than anyone had bargained for.
Endure the suspense, and live the romance in this modern day mythic fiction saga.
You’ll love this fantasy series, because it combines real-world mythology and modern times. Start it today!
*Content warnings: Contains adult situations, violence, and cursing.*
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Urban Mythological Fantasy at its best!
„Cursed by Furies“ by Diedra Drake is the first installment in the brand new “Cursed Elves Series”. The main character, Priscilla, is an old elf, suffering the curse of the Furies (yes! “the three” furies, but still has a lot to discover about herself, the very idea of cursed fairies is unique and a welcome breath of fresh air in book-wold inhabited by arrogant fairy folk with limitless power. Drake’s fairies are as true to mythology as you might expect, but at the same time they are complex characters, with own motivations and expectations driven by their instincts and desires. While Priscilla has to deal with the consequences of the old curse, she behaves in no way like a victim, but on the contrary she embodies one of the most powerful female heroines in urban (mythological or not) fantasy, in a subtle but positive way.
This is urban mythological fantasy as its best, I possible coined a new term, this story deserves a new definition anyway, combining elves and Vikings is a fairly easy task, adding Greek gods and vampires to the mix in an organic way not so much. Diedra Drake excels at it! The book is very good written, easy to read, with full developed characters and unexpected twists, while remaining absolutely credible. I cannot wait to read how the story develops throughout the series.
I usually do not comment on book covers, as I am a firm believer in the old saying “do not judge a book by its cover”, this time however I have to make an exception, as this cover is really unique, not only conveys a feeling for the story, but also shows how Diedra Drake carefully execution of the series extend beyond the mere narrative.
Drake’s world of Vikings, Elves and Gods is world-building at its finest. Even when I like the author, I get upset when their world does not hold to its logic. That is not true here. It all makes sense, and you find yourself saying to yourself, “Well, yeah, of course.” Without giving anything away, she beautifully blends threads that include –
1. Elves are warrior demi-gods;
2. Vampires are their creation and servants;
3. Greek Gods still exist and affect the world;
4. Vikings and banshees!
On top of that, you have great battle sequences and sex that results in great releases of energy. Is there anything else that you could want in a fantasy novel.
Okay, if that doesn’t get you, the plot twists are insane. Characters that your sure are traitors turn out to be allies and good guys. Traitors and villains come from the least expected quarters. My only criticism relates to this. I would have liked more long term villains, But I love a good conspiracy.
Now for the boring parts of every review. The characters are great and well developed. While their actions may are questionable, their explanations for what they did is in line with their nature (skirting plot points here). Dialogue is tight and reflects the way the character’s background. If they are a few hundred years old, they don’t approach the language as those turned more recently.
Bottom Line for a great fan of fantasy novels – This is another series that I will be following and have already tweeted the author about when the next book in the series will be released. If you like strong females, blood and sex (sometimes at the same time) then you need to buy and get hooked.