Review: Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today we have a review of debut urban fantasy author Cecy Robson's novel, Sealed with a Curse, the start of the Weird Girls series! If you haven't already seen my review of her self-titled prequel novella, you can do so by clicking: here. Enjoy both reviews! Also, don't forget to check out the giveaway at the end of the post!

Synopsis: Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

First Sentences: "The courthouse doors crashed open as I led my three sisters into the large foyer. I didn't mean to push so hard, but hell, I was mad and worried about being eaten. The cool spring breeze slapped at my back as I stepped inside, yet it did little to cool my temper or my nerves. My nose scented the vampires before my eyes caught them emerging from the shadows. There were six of them, wearing dark suits, Ray-Bans, and obnoxious little grins. Two bolted the doors tight behind us, while the others frisked us for weapons. I can't believe we're in vampire court." How can you not love an opening like that? Within the first few paragraphs, Robson has already drawn me into her fictional world. Vampire court? Pretty cool idea, not to mention the tension is already palpable. Celia is in a fierce mood and a pinched situation, surrounded by enemies. That equals badass action!

 

Brownie Points: As I said in my review of the Weird Girls' novella, Robson has an outstanding and superb voice filled with all the right stuff--humor, sass, emotion and a relatable narrative character--and Sealed with a Curse doesn't disappoint. The Wird girls continue to be fun, sympathetic characters, you can't help but love. No matter their perils or mistakes, Celia and her sisters are easy to champion as they battle with werewolves, vampires, and a viscous supernatural vampire virus throughout the course of the novel. What really stood out as a unique trait to me (as a romance writer and reader) was the stronger than usual romantic elements within this urban fantasy. In the UF genre I often find myself craving more romance than I'm given. This wasn't the case in Sealed with a Curse. It walks the perfect line between sexy romance and action packed urban fantasy, so romance readers and urban fantasy lovers alike will enjoy this novel. Besides, who doesn't love a rivalry between two sexy supernatural men? Aric the werewolf and Misha the vampire? I vote both, please! It's clear who is the winner of Celia's heart, but I won't spill the beans ;-)

Beefs: No major beefs. Sealed with a Curse hits the ground running with action and tension, and it kept me hooked and longing for more up to the very last page.

Ending: As with any great novel, I didn't find the plot predictable in any way. I continued to be surprised by it's twists and turns in the best of ways.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I can't say enough great things about The Weird Girls series. Both the self-titled prequel novella and Sealed with a Curse are a fantastic jump-start to what I'm certain is going to be a continuously capitvating and enchanting series. The second novel in the series, A Curse Embraced, cannot come soon enough! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until July 2013 for that one =( But I bet it will be well worth the wait! 

I give Sealed with a Curse a rating of a full moon, the highest rating here at Nocturnal Readings.

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who love urban fantasy, and those who enjoy paranormal romance as well. The novel will be available in both paperback and e-book formats starting December 31st! A reasonably priced awesome read. So get your asses in gear and pre-order, folks! 

 

CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!! Cecy has graciously gifted me with a signed copy to give away to one lucky winner! This giveaway is open to both U.S and international entries!

 

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