Cursed

Written by Frank Miller and Thomas Wheeler

Narrated by Katherine Langford

Now an original series starring Katherine Langford on Netflix!

The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full-color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.

Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King.

But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen?

Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave…

​That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else.

Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny.

But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781508283188

Reviews for Cursed

[Alyx · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narrator was good, but it took me a bit to get into the story. If you are already a fan of tales of Merlin, Arthur or the Lady of the Lake, you will probably like this more. It can be very brutal at times. I was surprised by the level of gore. I initially thought this was geared toward a more young adult crowd. Maybe not. I can definitely see how this book will fit right into a Netflix adaptation.

[Shaila Mahabier · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

there were things that make so much more sense now after having seen the tv show. However the show for a change was a lot better than the book.

I still will say that this retelling is quite interesting as it is entertaining. :)

[Li Choe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I got this on audible after watching the show and I loved both versions. Yes the show differs slightly as with all adaptations to the screen. I loved this version of the story and how it is different to other Arthurian tales, I love that it's darker and more violent. How it doesn't have a happy ending but I'm still hoping for a sequel so maybe there will be one.

My favorite character is the weeping monk, I'm not gonna lie I'm not a fan of Arthur... He's... kind of annoying... but he plays his role in the story, I also absolutely adore Pym and Squirrel. The characters, are done well in my opinion.

[Purpurara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book; I honestly couldn't put it down. I was going to give it 4 stars, but with that ending, I definitely had to give it 5.
However, due to my preferences, there were things I didn't like. For example, it's true that I enjoyed seeing the different perspectives of both Merlin and Nimue and Arthur, but I would have preferred if they had included the character's name at the beginning of the chapter so I would know who we were seeing.
Another thing I didn't like was the development of the relationship between Nimue and Arthur; I feel it was a bit instant and rushed, and it could have been better. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that I love both of them and their relationship. (Translated from Spanish)

[birdo82 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The characters are hollow, the plot predictable, and the violence puerile; that’s not to say wielding this book isn’t a fiercely good time for Arthur fans and teen readers.

[Cris ¿Qué libro leo? · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Maldits is a story that reinvents the tale of King Arthur, but this time it focuses on Nimue, a brave and powerful girl who is willing to fight for her beliefs. An excellent story full of magic and adventure. (Translated from Spanish)

[conyroussel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A book that I really liked and found very quick to read, the edition is beautiful and it is a very good version of the story of the sword in The Stone. (Translated from Spanish)

[jckphnx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The characters are hollow, the plot predictable, and the violence puerile; that’s not to say wielding this book isn’t a fiercely good time for Arthur fans and teen readers.

[liscarey · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I tried to like this book. I really did.

It's an Arthurian story in which Things Are Different, and the Sword that empowers the True King has gone to Nimue--designating, instead, a True Queen.

I ought to love this.

There are a whole range of Fey peoples, of different types and features and magic. Nimue is one of them.

I ought to love this.

Nimue and Morgan and others are interesting characters.

I ought to love this.

Unfortunately, the bad guy characters are stereotypically, cartoonishly evil. It renders them unbelievable and, in my opinion, not worth the reader's time.

The culture and society we're shown, at least above the village level, is not consistent with any time frame within which it's consistent with any version of the Arthurian myth to picture Arthur, Uther, Merlin, Morgan, and the others existing.

Burning witches as other than an occasional local, small-scale event was not a thing at any point in a plausible range for Arthurian stories, as this presents itself.

Red Paladins were not a thing, ever. The Red Paladins caused me to consider the possibility that this is based on a role-playing game, but I haven't been able to substantiate that. That doesn't mean it isn't, though, and if it is, this might be a lot more fun for people familiar with the game. So if there is a game, bear that in mind. This might have a background that is not the one I expect for Arthurian mythos stories.

As things stand, though, I don't like the book, and can't recommend it.

I do have to say that I do like the interior artwork.

I received a free electronic galley of this book, and am reviewing it voluntarily.