The 13 Curses
The 13 Curses (Book 2)by Michelle Harrison(I have made a very big attempt to keep this as spoiler-free as I can for those of you who are only just starting the first book now!)As a birthday present to myself, I pre-ordered Michelle Harrison's second book back in the fall so that it would arrive by my birthday (which is today!). It shipped earlier than I thought so I have had it almost all of January so far, though I only got to read it last weekend.I was nervous about this book. I knew that it would focus mostly on Red, whom we only got to meet briefly in The 13 Treasures. She wasn't my favourite character in that book so I wasn't sure how I would enjoy reading about her. But in the end, I found that her story was very interesting and I kept reading just to know more about her. I still don't care much for her personality, though because of her history I understand why she is the way she is and I don't blame her for being difficult and slightly self-centered.The first part of the story is told through alternating views in each chapter. It was not hard to follow at all and the only frustration I had was that each chapter was like a mini-cliff hanger which I would only resolve after the next chapter. I would read and go "Gah! No! What happens next!?" and then it would switch to Tanya and Fabian or back to Red. It wasn't something that annoyed me at all, just amusing frustration!This time around I disliked Nell, the new house keeper in Elvesden Manor. Her and that stupid parrot, General Carver. I knew right from their introduction that they would be high up on my list of literary characters I can't stand. And I have to say I still felt this way at the end of the story. She's just not likable!Mid-way through the book the two stories meet up and become one. I found this merge to be rather flawless and easy to digest. It's the last third of the book that had me holding my breath without even knowing it though. As Red, Tanya and Fabian embark on the quest to find the 13 charms I was at the edge of my seat trying to help them figure out the puzzles and locations. I just HAD to know where the charms would end up and how and why!The 13 Curses is a darker story than its predecessor. There are many events and decisions that surprised me and there is death as well. Like in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series I am yet again impressed with the way death was written into the story in a natural manner. I might not have agreed with some of the decisions that Red made along her path but I understand why they were made and where she was coming from. I'm just not used to stories for young readers not always being sunshine and rainbows. I enjoyed the fact that all faces of human emotion are shown. It was well done.I don't know if or when we'll be seeing more from Michelle, but I certainly hope we do! She writes like she's painting a really intricate picture. The colours are vivid and exciting and alive.Michelle was also kind enough to participate in another 5 Questions interview for the launch of this book! So click here for the interview or just scroll up the page!13 Treasures trilogy
My first 5 Questions interview with Michelle!