Have I Been Cursed? Lately, you may have noticed a series of unfortunate events occurring in your life. From sudden illnesses to financial difficulties, it may seem as though a dark cloud is constantly hanging over you. In moments like these, it is not uncommon to wonder, "Have I been cursed?" Curses have been a part of human culture throughout history, often associated with witchcraft, voodoo, or other forms of black magic. These curses are believed to bring harm or misfortune to those who are targeted. While curses may seem like mere superstition, the idea of being cursed can be deeply unsettling, sparking fear and anxiety in those who believe they have fallen victim to one. But how can you determine if you truly have been cursed? The first step is to examine the events and patterns in your life.
But how can you determine if you truly have been cursed? The first step is to examine the events and patterns in your life. Look for any unusual or peculiar occurrences that seem to align with the idea of a curse. Do these events consistently bring negative consequences into your life? It is important to remember that curses are often characterized by a repetition of misfortunes.
Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley (book review)
A witch (Tamsin) and a girl made of magic (Wren) team up together to take down a dark witch and save the land from a plague.
CHARACTERS
The novel's focus is primarily on three characters; Tamsin the banished witch, Wren the source, and Tamsin's less powerful twin sister Marlena. Tamsin and Wren go from reluctant allies to romantic interests throughout the course of the novel so I would classify them in the trope of enemies to lovers. Wren is the sweet in the title as she shows through her actions that she is selfless, sees the best in people, and loves simple pleasures like picking wildflowers. Tamsin, meanwhile, is the bitter as she has been cursed to be unable to feel love and cannot return home. The two are opposites but they work well together because they respect and bring out the best in one another.
Tamsin and Marlena's relationship is explored through the eyes of both sisters despite Marlena being deceased (more on that in the next section). I thought this was smart because it shows how lopsided their relationship was with Tamsin believing them to be extremely close but Marlena actually resenting her sister.
One thing I really loved was how Tamsin and Wren muse that their romance may last forever or may be fleeting but either way its impact and importance is not diminished. So often we see budding romances portrayed in novels as a great, everlasting love and that's not always realistic. It was a refreshing take.
My only complaints were how Wren and Tamsin's relationship could be a tad too cheesy for my taste and also Wren's relationship with her father. Wren tells us she loves her father but we read on page that she feels held back by him and cares for him more out of a sense of duty than anything else. I don't necessarily have a problem with Wren feeling burdened by caring for her father, but don't then try to sell me on the idea that she so values the love she has for him.
NARRATIVE STYLE/PACING The novel is told from the alternating third person perspectives of Wren and Tamsin. There are also excerpts from Marlena's dairy. The inclusion of diary entries is something I see a lot in books and I think that's because it's such an easy way to get to know a character we don't see on page. It's not groundbreaking, but it's used effectively here.
Tamsin's inability to love is shown to impact everything. Not only can she not love people, but she can't taste or smell or see colors like she used to, either. This made the curse feel a lot more nuanced than I at first expected it to be and I applaud Tooley for thinking outside the box when crafting this curse.
This novel is a standalone which is uncommon in the fantasy genre. The story doesn't feel rushed at any point, though. There is enough of the world and its history established to ground the reader in the setting and enough of the characters' pasts explored to get a good understanding of them. Wren and Tamsin's connection doesn't feel sudden and jarring like I feared it might but develops gradually throughout the novel. The ending is open but hopeful which is a good balance to strike. It leaves the reader feeling satisfied but also, if Tooley wanted, she could write a sequel about Wren and Tamsin's futures.
WORLD BUILDING This was my favorite part of the novel. As a fantasy lover I am always on the lookout for novels with world building that feels unlike others I've read before. The idea of there being people made of magic (sources) who can see and hear magic was unlike anything I've read before. It was such a cool concept that worked perfectly with the story Tooley was trying to tell. Another really awesome aspect was how dark magic drained the earth. The idea of magic having consequences is common in fantasy but here we see its devastating effects that serve as the novel's foundation and raise the stakes.
Tooley did a good job of explaining the history of the world and its magic system. I love mirroring in novels and that can be seen here in the rise of a new dark witch much like there was several decades prior to the events of the novel. Just as this fractured relations between the ordinary folks and the magical ones before so too is it damaging trust this time around.
FINAL THOUGHTS While fantasy is my favorite genre I generally don't gravitate towards witch stories. I was drawn in by the pretty cover. When I read the synopsis I was hopeful this could change my perspective on witches. It became one of my most anticipated reads of the last year and I'm happy to say I was not wrong in my faith in this debut. Tooley demonstrates a lot of promise as an author here and I am 100% going to pick out whatever she publishes next.
FINAL RATING: 4.5⭐️
Next, consider any potential sources of a curse. Have you recently crossed paths with someone who may have ill intentions towards you? This person could be harboring resentment, jealousy, or anger, which may lead them to seek revenge through curses. Additionally, curses can be inherited through generations, so it may be worthwhile to explore your family history for any potential curses that have been passed down. Another avenue to explore is your intuition. Sometimes, a deep gut feeling can tell us that something is not quite right. If you have a strong instinct or persistent feelings of being cursed, it may be worth delving deeper into spiritual practices, seeking guidance from professionals experienced in the paranormal realm. When it comes to curses, protection is key. There are various rituals and methods available to ward off negative energy and break curses. Engaging in protective practices, such as meditation, prayer, or energy cleansing, can help create a shield against any potential harm. Consulting with spiritual healers or practitioners who specialize in curse removal is another option worth considering. Ultimately, whether or not you have been cursed is a deeply personal belief. It is important to remember that sometimes, life simply has its ups and downs, and unfortunate events can occur without any supernatural influence. However, if you genuinely believe you have fallen victim to a curse, it may be helpful to seek support and guidance from trusted sources to navigate through this challenging situation..
Reviews for "Cursed Objects: How to Identify and Remove Them"
1. Sandra - 1 star
I found "Have I Been Cursed" to be a complete waste of time. The story was incredibly predictable and the characters were one-dimensional. There was no depth or complexity to the plot, and it felt like a cheap attempt at creating a horror novel. The writing style was also subpar, with clunky dialogue and poor descriptions. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a chilling and engaging read.
2. Mike - 2 stars
While "Have I Been Cursed" had an interesting concept, the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took too long for anything significant to happen. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and were not relatable. The supposed twists and turns in the story were predictable and didn't offer any surprises. Overall, I found the book to be lackluster and struggled to maintain my interest throughout.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
"Have I Been Cursed" had the potential to be a gripping thriller, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The story started off promising, but as it progressed, it became overly convoluted and confusing. The author seemed to prioritize shock value over cohesive storytelling. The characters were also poorly developed, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their fates. While the writing style was decent, it couldn't salvage the overall disappointment of the book.
4. John - 1 star
I regret spending my time reading "Have I Been Cursed." The plot was all over the place, and the supposed twists were incredibly predictable. The writing felt amateurish, with clunky prose and repetitive descriptions. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and would advise others to skip it. There are far better horror novels out there that actually deliver on the promise of a thrilling and captivating story.