The Curse of the Specter Queen is a fantasy novel written by Jenny Elder Moke. The story revolves around Samantha Knox, a teenage archaeology enthusiast who embarks on a thrilling adventure to unravel the mysteries of an ancient curse. The tale is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and draws inspiration from the rich history and folklore of the country. Samantha Knox, or Sam as she prefers to be called, discovers an old journal written by her deceased mother, revealing a hidden family legacy. In her quest to uncover more about her heritage, Sam stumbles upon an ancient artifact that has the power to curse or bless its possessor. Unfortunately, she falls victim to the curse and finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of supernatural occurrences and paranormal entities.
The dangerous city of Ketterdam is governed by the Merchant Council, but in reality, large sectors of the city are given over to gangs who run the gambling dens and brothels. The underworld's rising star is 17-year-old Kaz Brekker, known as Dirtyhands for his brutal amorality. Kaz walks with chronic pain from an old injury, but that doesn't stop him from utterly destroying any rivals. When a councilman offers him an unimaginable reward to rescue a kidnapped foreign chemist—30 million kruge!—Kaz knows just the team he needs to assemble. There's Inej, an itinerant acrobat captured by slavers and sold to a brothel, now a spy for Kaz; the Grisha Nina, with the magical ability to calm and heal; Matthias the zealot, hunter of Grishas and caught in a hopeless spiral of love and vengeance with Nina; Wylan, the privileged boy with an engineer's skills; and Jesper, a sharpshooter who keeps flirting with Wylan. Bardugo broadens the universe she created in the Grisha Trilogy, sending her protagonists around countries that resemble post-Renaissance northern Europe, where technology develops in concert with the magic that's both coveted and despised. It’s a highly successful venture, leaving enough open questions to cause readers to eagerly await Volume 2.
The story is quickly paced and well written The cryptology and mystery aspect will appeal to older readers who enjoyed Blue Balliett s Chasing Vermeer or Trenton Lee Stewart s The Mysterious Benedict Society. To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual a bowl carved from the tree of life.
Unfortunately, she falls victim to the curse and finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of supernatural occurrences and paranormal entities. As the plot unfolds, Sam must navigate the realm of the supernatural, facing numerous challenges and deadly adversaries. Along the way, she forms alliances with other individuals who possess unique abilities and knowledge about the mystical world they inhabit.
CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, this is the first entry in a series starring puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox.
Sam, whose father was killed during the Great War, has remained in her rural Illinois town to work in an antiquarian bookshop owned by the father of her childhood friends, siblings Joana and Bennett Steeling. One day, a package from Ireland with a mysterious book containing a coded letter is delivered. Before Sam can properly examine it, two Irishmen try to steal it, in the process setting fire to the shop. Sam, wisecracking sidekick Joana, and love interest Bennett learn that a centuries-old club is trying to enact an ancient curse to call forth Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war and death. Traveling by train and steamship, the trio make their way to Dublin, encountering an array of additional characters along the way. With each chapter ending in a cliffhanger, the plot unfolds quickly. Classic elements include hidden clues, narrow escapes, a magical ritual object, and a fearsome mythical creature. Sam is an appealing heroine: smart, well-read, gutsy, and introspective. While solving the mystery (and discerning friend from foe), Sam comes to terms with the lingering effects of her grief, a plot element that provides unexpected emotional depth. However, repetitive bickering among the main characters proves tedious. All characters appear White.
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal. (Adventure. 13-18)
Pub Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-06398-2
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
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Together, they embark on a treacherous journey to break the curse and restore balance to the world before it's too late. Set against the backdrop of ancient legends and secret societies, The Curse of the Specter Queen seamlessly blends history, mystery, and adventure. Moke's vivid storytelling and well-developed characters immerse the reader in an atmospheric and magical world. The book incorporates elements of Scottish folklore and mythology, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. One of the strengths of the novel lies in its portrayal of strong female characters who defy gender roles and expectations. Sam, in particular, is an admirable protagonist who is clever, independent, and determined. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment serves as a compelling backdrop to the overall plot. The Curse of the Specter Queen is a gripping and fast-paced read that appeals to fans of both fantasy and mystery genres. The intricate plot, well-crafted world-building, and engaging characters make it an enthralling and enjoyable read for audiences of all ages. Moke's writing style is captivating, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets of the curse and its origins. Overall, The Curse of the Specter Queen is a captivating and enchanting novel that seamlessly weaves together adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements. Its strong female protagonist and captivating storytelling make it a must-read for fans of the genre, leaving them eagerly anticipating future works by Jenny Elder Moke..
Reviews for "The Witches' Connection: Magic and the Specter Queen Curse"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Curde of the specter kueen" based on the reviews and synopsis, but I was sorely disappointed. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many subplots that never seemed to tie together. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to feel engaged in their journeys. Overall, the story felt disjointed and unsatisfying, leaving me with more questions than answers. Perhaps other readers will enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I have to say, "Curde of the specter kueen" was one of the most poorly written books I've ever read. The grammar and spelling mistakes were abundant, making it difficult to even understand what was happening. The dialogue was clunky and unrealistic, and the pacing was all over the place. It felt like the author had rushed through the writing process without proper editing or revision. I couldn't connect with the story or the characters, and I ended up abandoning the book halfway through. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Curde of the specter kueen" as it had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was overly pretentious and filled with unnecessary metaphors that took away from the plot. The world-building was lacking, leaving me confused about the setting and the rules of the universe. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry. I found myself struggling to finish the book due to a lack of engagement and interest. Overall, it was a disappointing read and not one I would recommend to others.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars - While "Curde of the specter kueen" had a promising concept, it failed to deliver on execution. The writing was mediocre and lacked any real depth or creativity. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were unclear. The plot felt predictable and lacked any surprising twists or turns. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never really did. Overall, it was a forgettable book that didn't live up to its potential.