Cursed starts right where the action left on, the stakes high as Serilda submitted to the Erlking’s proposal, become his wife, pretend her unborn child is his and obey almost all his wishes until Percheta returns. Then he could gift his evil huntress Serilda’s baby and dispose of Serilda herself. It will all be worth it to save the five ghost children she had unwittingly led to Erlking’s sights.

But Serilda is more than a mortal, she is the godchild of Wyrdith and with Gild by her side, they are determined to find their original bodies and break the curse before Erlking can wreck havoc on the world with his dark ones and his queen.

The title for this book is a pretty apt description as there is more than one curse to be broken. Yes, the Erlking’s curse binding Gild and Serilda to the castle is the most obvious but there’s also gift from Hulda and Serilda’s perchant or storytelling which are god’s favor but seem more trouble than its worth especially in Serilda’s case as it led to her outcast status back at home, and her lies tricking over themselves faster than she can think.

Nonetheless, they are a helpful stall as Gild and Serilda search the castle for their bodies which thankfully Meyer wraps up quickly instead of dragging it out. In fact Serilda and Gild finding their bodies are only the beginning of this story.

You see, while Gild and Serilda make their plans for escape and for freeing the ghostly court from Erlking’s grasp, the Erlking always remains one step ahead. Each and every time which just adds to his terrifying nature as he seems to be spies everywhere. Also disconcerting is the Erlking’s sudden expressions of nicety and romanticism towards Serilda, almost like he wants her to see him more than a demon.

It builds the tension as the precarious plans Serilda and Gild form always snap at the last moment, and leave them uncertain. It is clear that the Erlking is able to understand Serilda’s gift better than herself and manipulates her into revealing how to find mythical creatures for him to hunt because all stories have some truth to them. Even their mst foolproof plans ends in disarray as it is the exact date the Erlking removes their whole retinue from Adalheid to Gravestone, the original home of the Erlking and his dark ones.

And just as the Erling’s moments of romantic contemplation leaves Serilda on edge, everyone is wary while in Graveston. The castle seems haunted by its monsters and its horrifying because it frightens the dark ones yet nothing bad happens to Serilda or her ghost children. Rather they get good dreams from the drudes rather than screeching nightmares, strange occurances that just feels like Gravestone is one huge trap.

And then. . . well much more happens but as this is a spoiler free blog, I will not divulge. Let’s just say there’s more to the Erlking’s plans than just reviving Percheta and it involves changing the very fabric of the world’s nature.

However, it makes a lot is happening as Meyer keeps a ticking clock in the form of Serilda’s coming pregnancy. One she is disconnected from her physical body yet her love for the unborn baby has no bounds as she is aware of the mercilessness of Percheta and the fate she’d leave it if she accepted the Erlking’s plans. There’s also the additional stress that she hasn’t told Gild yet he is the true father because she fears the Erlking’s wrath will spite the children. Even so, the baby leads to her contemplate her burgeoning feelings for Gild which are approching love but they’ve had had so much to worry about that she hasn’t had time to contemplate if it’s real powerful love if not strong affection considering everything they’ve been through together.

Also important is finding out more of Gild’s past that Meyer builds up in bits and flashes and stories (including a very creative origin story for the name Rumplestilskin) and a cool character in the form of the ghostly ex-weapons master, Agathe that sheds some more light on the Erlking and who Gild had been before. She also provides a foil to Serilda and Gild as she also harbors a guilty feeling of responsibility for the slaughter of Adalheid the night just as Gild does for not protecting his kingdom and Serilda for leading the children into danger.

Readers also learn more about the nature of Serilda’s curse/gifts including the prevailing mystery of her mother that had been just hinted out in the previous novel.

This book also continues Meyer’s overarching message on the power of stories, the refrain that “Every story has some truth and some make believe” is an important one. Serilda also muses on how even as her stories or okay, lies sometimes cause trouble for her, she could never prevent herself from sharing or listening to one. They’re wonderful and changing and deliver epiphanies in their own entertaining way. It is truly for the dreamers, storytellers and artists just as she writes in her dedication.

The world is still distinct with its basilisks and tatzelwurms but also approches a new leve of epicness as Meyer introduces the seven gods into the storyline appearing as unfathomable and ancient as gods are wont to be. They’re larger than life with enigmatic beauty and otherworldly powers and ties, every wish they give needs a price even if that price hurts someone else or the world because they’re bound by their laws that care not for mortal sentiments.

This also applies to Percheta when she does make her final appearance. The Erlking is awful but his dreaded queen almost tops him in crazed ruthlessness as her every words sends chills down Serilda’s and at my spine.

While Gild is an important factor and does show return to his former fprincely bearing he is not as present as in the previous book. Which I did miss him at times but I believe it added to Serilda’s isolation and fear which is a nice touch narratively,

However, I’ll admit I did find Serilda a bit annoying with how she was just reacting to things most of the story. As I said before the Erlking was almost always a step ahead which adds to his danger but makes Serilda feel incompetent and hopeless. But I understand the point as she does feel helpless as she a mere mortal going up against demons and gods who play by different rules so its harder for her to enact change. However, the ending more than makes up for this lack of agency.

This book is a fast-paced story. More of an epic poem like the Odyssy really as it involves routes to the dead, love lost and broken, a massacred kingdom, gods and dark ones playing a long chess game and a hero’s journey at the heart of it all. An epic conclusion to an old tale with plenty of chilling twists that transform it to a whole new fairytale classic.