"Cursed Ever After" by Andy C. Naranjo

 

Cursed Ever After by Andy C. Naranjo is a charming YA fantasy debut where assassins run rampant, curses abound, and adventure awaits.

Risa Porto was born on a Bad Day—the worst day of the year—and is believed by all in Barrow, including herself, to be cursed with bad luck. She is lonely, friendless, an outcast, and can’t wait to leave a village where every calamity is blamed on her. On her seventeenth birthday, her wish is granted. The witch Brunhilda comes to collect a debt and sends her on a quest: to escort Prince Javi—the seventh prince and a known flirt—through the haunted Bosque to his wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Madros.

Brunhilda has promised the prince that Risa will be his good luck charm so he will accept her, much to Risa’s unease. Alas, the journey does not go smoothly. From the start, there are assassination attempts on their lives, intrigue, and deadly trials. There are many adventures and mishaps along the way, as well as new companions—a mysterious girl called “wolf” and a cat familiar—who make the journey even more exciting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this whimsical fairytale. With themes of self-discovery, self-worth, acceptance, perseverance, the tension between choice and fate, and, ultimately, love, the author has woven a lovely tale. Though Risa and Javi seem like opposites at first, they have more in common than they realize. I liked the buildup to their relationship and the gradual bond between them. The side storyline of the “wolf” was excellently woven into the main plot. Risa is a more well-rounded protagonist than the others—I loved her growth—but the supporting characters are developed enough to feel real. At times, the two main characters could be a bit thick-headed, and I wanted to shake some sense into them.

Good fairytales rely on world-building, and this book has it in spades. The pace was just right, and the tone strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and perilous moments. The humor adds charm without overshadowing the stakes. I loved the characters, the world, the magic, and the book! Even though it is YA, the plot is quite intricate. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with no steam. The book stands on its own, but I would love to read more set in this world. Cursed or not, I’m all in!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book:  "Cursed Ever After" by Andy C. Naranjo

"Moonbound" by Robin Sloan

 

Sloan's third novel, "Moonbound," follows in the footsteps of his first book, "Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore," which I adored. Naturally, I eagerly seized the opportunity to delve into his latest work. "Moonbound" by Robin Sloan is a delightful fusion of science fiction, fantasy, Arthurian legend, and epic quest, whisking readers away into a world ruled by dragons.

The story revolves around Ariel, a 12-year-old boy residing in a small town governed by a wizard. Narrated by the chronicle, a sentient, record-keeping artificial intelligence, the tale unfolds 11,000 years into the future, where humans are scarce, and the planet is dominated by talking animals.

Ariel's encounter with the chronicle during one of his explorations proves transformative. When he fails to fulfill the wizard's agenda—extracting a sword from a stone—he must flee for his life. Thus begins Ariel's quest to save his home from the clutches of the malevolent wizard and liberate the universe from the control of the dragons. Along the way, he forges new friendships, brave numerous adventures, and unravels mysteries about his world.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Revealing more of the plot would spoil the fun, as half the joy lies in discovering it firsthand. I relished the nods to Arthurian legend, the clever humor, the expansiveness of the author's imagination, and the intricate world-building. Despite a few sluggish moments, they scarcely detracted from my overall enjoyment. Although my copy lacked maps, I anticipate their inclusion will enrich the narrative. As a fantasy tale, it occasionally ventures into whimsical realms, a delightful aspect! The narrator's voice is vivid and effortlessly draws you in.

Particularly memorable were the beavers' unique decision-making process, the realm of Eigengrau and its inhabitants, and the diverse array of quirky characters. The storytelling and writing style are distinctive and skillfully executed. Sloan adeptly intertwines all the narrative elements. This well-crafted and imaginative adventure tale will hold your attention captive. Sloan has conjured a mystical world that effortlessly ensnares the reader. As with the finest tales, the protagonist becomes a cherished companion, and you can't help but root for him as he navigates the most thrilling of locales. All in all, "Moonbound" is a delightful read and highly recommended!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Moonbound" by Robin Sloan