The Thousand Year Curse by Taylor Lavati

Nov 06, 2014 T.B. Markinson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Ryder doesn’t have it easy in high school. She’s being bullied and she doesn’t have many friends. How could anything get worse? How about finding out she’s a cursed half goddess with two boyfriends. Ryder decides to make the perilous journey to the Underworld to speak with Hades and hopefully have the curse lifted.

This is a fun read. I’m not that familiar with mythology, and I loved learning about some stories I vaguely recalled from school. And seeing it all through Ryder’s eyes added to the e ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Feb 09, 2014 L rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

An exciting new YA fantasy series that combines Greek mythology with sparkling teenage romance

“We are brought up being told tales of love and triumph…
I was brought up being told that there is always a happily ever after, but what if there isn’t?
…this curse is my fault”

Being a teenager is tough and 17 year old Ryder faces all kinds of challenges, including bullying and (slightly more unusually) being a cursed half-Goddess. After the first month of senior year she faces dilemmas such as havin ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 28, 2013 Taylor Lavati rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

I'm the author so obviously I love it. :) ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 24, 2013 Lauren rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, mythology

3.5 stars

Ryder aka Eurydice just wants to live a normal life and go to high school and be accepted by those around her. Little did she know she was a reincarnation of the real Eurydice from Greek mythology and is in a hot and steamy love triangle with Ollie and Ari (also from Greek mythology). Now she wants to try and break the thousand year old curse from hades so the past doesn't keep haunting her.

The high school setting is spot on and I found the class schedule to be interesting. We didn't ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 08, 2014 Natalie Coelho rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

“I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”.

Such an amazing book I loved every minute of it from start to end it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I could not stop reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Such a wonderful story can't wait to find out what happens next :)
...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Feb 02, 2015 Jo ann boothby rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

awesome read could not put down received as a gift to read and review and love it can't wait to see where the crew goes next ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Aug 27, 2013 Heather rated it really liked it · review of another edition

(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl towards the end of September).

When I first found out about this book, I was very interested. I couldn't wait to read it! Luckily, it totally delivered.

Ryder is a 17 year old high school student who isn't very popular. Her ex-best friend makes her life a living hell at school. When Ollie arrives, he takes an immediate interest. Ryder is thrilled and feels as if Ollie is her soul mate. Not much later, Ari ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 19, 2013 Fran rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Thousand-Year Curse: Taylor Lavati

High school tends to be a challenge at times but to one 17-year-old girl named Ryder each day is nightmare waiting to happen. With no one to protect her at times she is the subject of ridicule of a girl named Becca and her minions. At times all Ryder wants to do is runaway or hide. Surviving her senior year might be her goal but that is just the tip of what some might say the iceberg when you hear the rest.

Sometimes things happen for a reason and the people ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 21, 2013 Steph And Dani {A Walk on Words} rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mythology, ya-fiction, romance, paranormal-fiction, 4-stars, arc-s

The Thousand Year Curse by Taylor Lavati (ARC)
Dani's rating: 4 stars

This review can also be found at:
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/

Dani's Review:
Before I say anything about my opinion of this novel, I would like to make a few points. 1) This is a SELF-PUBLISHED novel. 2) This is a DEBUT novel. 3) The author is very, very young to be publishing a book. 4) She wrote this novel for the NaNoWriMo writing contest! For those of you who don't know what it is, it is a challenge to write a full-length ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 06, 2013 Regan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So, I kind of really enjoyed this book. I was supposed to read it months ago, but as mentioned, my e-reader gave up the ghost. It then became a struggle to find a new reader and recontact all the author's who gave me copies of their books for reviews. Taylor Lavati was one. She contacted me a couple of weeks ago letting me know part 2 of her "The Curse" series. I reminded her that I did not have a chance to finish part I, so she resent it in a format I can read.

I am so glad she did. This is a fi So, I kind of really enjoyed this book. I was supposed to read it months ago, but as mentioned, my e-reader gave up the ghost. It then became a struggle to find a new reader and recontact all the author's who gave me copies of their books for reviews. Taylor Lavati was one. She contacted me a couple of weeks ago letting me know part 2 of her "The Curse" series. I reminded her that I did not have a chance to finish part I, so she resent it in a format I can read.

I am so glad she did. This is a first book from a young, up and coming, author. She has a gift, a knack in writing. I cannot wait to read book II. For a first time author, Taylor has me intrigued. She has me captured and eager to find out more about the lives of her characters. She is a strong author when it comes to character buiding and detailing. She has done phenomenal research to assist in her character development. I am usually turned away by young adult or over sexualized stories, but Taylor does a fantastic job of keeping it "real" and not so over the top.

The Thousand Year Curse follows Eurydice, aka Ryder, through her trials and tribulations as senior in high school. Relentlessly bullied by a previous best friend, Ryder wants to just get through this last year of school without troubles. She only has her father to lean on as well as her best friend Junior; the only one who has ever stood up to her bully Becca.

In comes Ollie, aka Orpheus, who falls for Ryder, and Ryder falls for him. Things seem to going stellar, well kind of.

Ryder starts having some pretty strong visions and dreams. Compile the odd visions with her new strength and abilities, she is at a total loss as what has come over her. In her visions she sees a handsome man with green eyes. In comes Ari, aka Aristaeus, to teaches her and tells her who she really is. Ryder sets out to confront Hades, God of the Underworld, in hopes to find out who she is, and more importantly who her mother is.

Overall View:
I really enjoyed this book! I definitely look foward to book II. I NEED to know what's going on with Ryder. Who she chooses as her soul mate. If she can actually change her fate. Who the heck her mother is. Does Becca ever get what's coming to her? ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

May 19, 2014 Guy Estes rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The plot of the book has already been expressed in the synopsis and other reviews, so I won’t dwell on it here. I’m coming at this from the perspective of a middle aged man who doesn’t normally read young adult or romance. Indeed, there are aspects of both genres that annoy the daylights out of me, but I enjoyed this book. The author perfectly expresses the thoughts of a teenage girl with the emotional issues Ryder has. I’ve raised daughters and taught middle school and high school, so I’ve seen The plot of the book has already been expressed in the synopsis and other reviews, so I won’t dwell on it here. I’m coming at this from the perspective of a middle aged man who doesn’t normally read young adult or romance. Indeed, there are aspects of both genres that annoy the daylights out of me, but I enjoyed this book. The author perfectly expresses the thoughts of a teenage girl with the emotional issues Ryder has. I’ve raised daughters and taught middle school and high school, so I’ve seen these thought processes and emotions in action. It was very nice to watch Ryder become an actualized person. She starts out as needy, but as the story progresses, so does she. By the end of the story she has made significant progress in strengthening herself, though she still has a way to go. But since this is the first book in a series, that’s how it should be. As the story progressed, I got to where I liked Ari better than Ollie. Ari was willing to trust Ryder with the truth while Ollie tried to shield her from it. Ollie came across as overprotective, but maybe he had a good reason that will be revealed in subsequent stories? We’ll just have to wait and see. One thing this story really opened my eyes to was how condescending it can be when guys try to “protect” women. Seeing it through Ryder’s eyes showed how maddening it can be. As a guy raised with Victorian values, that was something I’d never really understood before, but by seeing Ollie try to protect Ryder, I could see how stifling it is and felt Ryder’s frustration, and I cheered when she told both guys to pound sand, she was going to do what she’d made up her mind to do. As others have pointed out, there are punctuation and spelling errors, and as a grammar nazi I can’t ignore them. There are a few areas that could be polished up, where the wording could be a bit smoother. But overall I liked the story, and since I’m not really a fan of the genre, I think that says something very positive about Ms. Lavati’s story. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 12, 2015 Kimberly Vanderbloom rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.

This is the first book of the series. We meet a girl named Ryder. She is an outsider who has big anxiety issues. She also has a best friend named Junior who is a great character. She goes through high school trying to be unnoticed and staying under the radar from the local bullies. Weird things began happening such as super strength. She finds out that she is a cursed half goddess. She is now stuck in a never ending bizarre love triangle.

I loved ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2013 Mercedes Roth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Review: This is a new take on the Eurydice/Orpheus myth, which as a fan of Meg Cabot's Abandon series I have to say I enjoyed.
Starting out I was greatly confused because the main character, Ryder/Eurydice falls hard for one of the main guys, Ollie Orpheus. I mean, that just tripped me up because the the curse isn't introduced much later which explains why she was so draw to him & fell so hard so fast. I have to say, at the beginning of the book I was not a fan of Ryder because she was pretty dep ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2013 Linda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: teenagers, young adults

Recommended to Linda by: Author

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the plot was very well done. There were some loose ends that I figure will be tied in the following books but it wasn't a complete cliff hanger. Although I was sad when the book ended, knowing there's two more helps.

PS. When are those coming out?!

I felt bad for Ryder in the beginning of the book but towards the end I can see how she's changing. I think it will be a long journey for her to be a likable, bubbly girl but in the end, I hope I like her. I wa ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 25, 2014 Valerie rated it really liked it

Good book

Ryder is a quite,shy girl who is being bullied by her ex best friend and she don't know why. She's also having freaky things happen to her. Weird dream blackout spells. She easy breaks things when she touch them. She notice a new guy in school she's seen in her dreams. Then another guy just comes and force a friendship with her. Now this is where I start to have a Twilight flashback. She sleeps with Ollie and the next day she's having feelings for Ari. But it starts to get more interest ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 10, 2014 Trista Priest rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading what the author has in story next for Ryder, Ollie, and Ari. The author has given us a different spend on greek gods. There was a perfect amount of suspense, romance and drama. Ryder is a not so popular high school student who has suddenly caught the eyes of not one but two HOT new students. She quickly finds out that there is so much more to her life than she could ever possibly imagine. Hats off to this talented young author on her debut n ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

May 18, 2015 Paige Smith rated it really liked it · review of another edition

After reading a couple of Taylor Lavati's other works, I jumped into The Thousand Year Curse, especially once I discovered its ties to Greek mythology. High school senior Ryder Mason is being bullied by her ex-best friend and just wants to make it through her last year. As the story progresses, two guys enter her life, both vying for her attention. From there, the story is filled with angst, love, and drama.

The Thousand Year Curse is a fast-paced novel that carries readers on a whirlwind ride. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 13, 2015 Melissa ownsbey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

what a book i was blown away
the cover was cool
i was hooked on it
i didnt like the fact
ryder was bullied
the supernatrul feel and elments
it had was so good
this is my kinda book
i hope everyone gets them selves a copy

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 26, 2016 Nancy (The Avid Reader) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, romance, read-2016, read-august-2016, taylor-lavati, greek-mythology, mythology, spunky-n-sassy

Ryder Mason is a seventeen year old high school student who doesn’t have many friends. She does have her best friend Junior whom she has been friends with since they were little kids. Ryder use to have more friends until the day her best friend Becca started bullying her calling her names and trying to start rumors about her by saying things that were not true. Ryder has no clue as to why she woke up one day and she no longer had a best friend. Ryder hated walking down the halls at school afraid Ryder Mason is a seventeen year old high school student who doesn’t have many friends. She does have her best friend Junior whom she has been friends with since they were little kids. Ryder use to have more friends until the day her best friend Becca started bullying her calling her names and trying to start rumors about her by saying things that were not true. Ryder has no clue as to why she woke up one day and she no longer had a best friend. Ryder hated walking down the halls at school afraid she was going to run into Becca.

But then one day this new guy shows up at school and Ryder is amazed when he wants to hang out with her. Ryder and Ollie hit it off right away. Ryder falls fast and hard for Ollie. It is as if they are soul mates. They start to spend lots and lots of time together and when they are not together Ryder misses him very much. Junior and Ollie hit off as well and become good friends.

Then a few days late another new guy shows up at their school and starts showing up wherever Ryder may be. At first Ryder wants nothing to do with him but as time goes on Ryder starts to enjoy his company as well and she feels as if she has known him all her life. Of course Ollie is very jealous when he sees the two of them together. Junior doesn’t seem to like the idea of Ari and Ryder being together either. But little ‘ole Ryder is very confused as she likes both guys. What is a girl to do when she has two boyfriends? Which one will she choose?

While dealing with all the boyfriend issues Ryder learns that a curse was placed on her a long time ago and that it also involves Ollie and Ari as well. Hades put a curse on her and she is very tired of it and wants to go to visit him to ask him to remove the curse. But Ollie tells her no she cannot go visit Hades it is too dangerous. But after talking to Ari and asking him to take her he agrees. Ari can never tell her no. When Ollie finds out he is very upset with Ryder and she thinks she has lost her Ollie.

Ryder finds out that her mother is a Goddess and she is also hoping that visiting with Hades; he will then tell her who her mother is. Her mother left her and her Dad a long time ago. Ryder is hoping that her mother may be able to help her with the curse in some way among other things that she would like to talk with her about.

It is kind of amusing to watch her with the guys both of them want nothing more than to please her and make her happy. They both want to keep her safe but they both have a difference of an opinion as to what keeps her safe. You know it’s like Ollie is the kind of guy that wants to keep everything on the low side, calm so to speak and Ari is wants to step things up a bit and fly with the wind. Ari seems like the kind of person that likes to take risk but not Ollie.

This has been one amazing ride that Ryder, Junior, Ollie and Ari have taken me on and I have enjoyed ever last minute of it. I love the change that Ryder is making in her life finally standing up for herself and putting some of her fears behind her or maybe she has just gotten fed up with everything.

I can’t wait to get started on the next book in the series The Curse of Betrayal to see what adventures Ryder, Ollie, Ari and Junior take us on. When I first started reading The Thousand Year Curse I was leaning toward Team Ollie and now after finishing is I am not sure if I am Team Ollie or Team Ari. I am with Ryde how do I choose? But seriously if you have not read The Thousand Year Curse then I would like to recommend that you do.
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 02, 2015 Darlene rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: ya/adult paranormal readers

Recommended to Darlene by: Taylor Lavati

Shelves: first-reads

I received a gifted e-book from Taylor Lavati in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey very honest opinion of her book THOUSAND YEAR CURSE. I am very honored to have been asked to read her book.
This is the very first time I have read anything that Ms. Lavati has written. With that being said, I am so looking forward to reading more of her books. I found this book so filled with excitement and never knew what to expect next. She made the reading so exciting and thrilling.
Ms. Lavati h I received a gifted e-book from Taylor Lavati in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey very honest opinion of her book THOUSAND YEAR CURSE. I am very honored to have been asked to read her book.
This is the very first time I have read anything that Ms. Lavati has written. With that being said, I am so looking forward to reading more of her books. I found this book so filled with excitement and never knew what to expect next. She made the reading so exciting and thrilling.
Ms. Lavati has a very unique way when she picks up her pen and takes it to paper. She creates a fantasy you’re able to see in your mind. Her story is so breath taking – she is able to sweep you away once you open her book. Ms. Lavati has you on the edge of your seat with this page turner paranormal. It keeps your attention all through the entire book. Thousand Year Curse is a fast read, as you will want to know what happens next to our young friend on her journey.
Ms. Lavati is a young author, and has written only 6 books thus far. Currently she is busy writing another one and hopes to have it soon. Thousand Year Curse is book 1 in a three part series. So, yes you will find this book to have a cliff hanger in it. You will need to continue reading the next book in the series which is “CURSE OF THE BETRAYL “
As we start this book we find our young friend Ryder on her way to school. She stops to see if Junior needs a ride. Only to find out that he has caught the school bus. She heads to school- as she arrives the bottom falls out in the sky. The only thing she has to attempt to keep her dry is her backpack.
Ryder gets to class only have her name called over the loud speaker. She is called to the office. Her guidance counselor wants to speak with her. It seems she skipped class. And that is so unlike her- why did she? What caused her to skip and because she has now she has to write a paper on why skipping class is not a good thing. They him will speak more about it later.
Ryder meets up with Junior in the band room after school. Ollie is there with him. He is the new guy. She doesn’t trust him- but Jr says to. The next day at school – Ollie ask her to tutor him. She agrees to and they will meet in the library during 8th period. Now Ollie has her back will not let any harm come to her. He makes sure that all the bulling stops towards Ryder.
But there is so much more going on in this story. As there is a Thousand Year curse. Who does it involve?? How will it be solved?? Does Ryder find out about the curse??
This is a must read for all readers- both young and old. Especially those of you who love a OMG AN OUT OF THIS WORLD HOT PARANORMAL READ!! Mismousey gives this a very rating of 60 out of 5 stars!!!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? THE BOOK IS IN OUR WORLD GET YOUR COPY OF IT NOW!!! RUN –DON’T WALK TO GET IT TODAY !!!! IT’S A HOT & MUST READ!
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 10, 2014 S. Policar rated it really liked it · review of another edition

*I received this book from the Author in exchange for an Honest Review*

This book follows "Ryder" Mason. A girl who's not as normal as she thinks, with a best friend just as much an outcast as she is, and the two hottest new guys at school (Ollie and Ari) wanting to date her.
I will begin by saying that this book has a lot of editing errors in it. There were several times I had to go back and reread to make sure I'd read correctly and then let my brain replace what needed to fixed. This book c

*I received this book from the Author in exchange for an Honest Review*

This book follows "Ryder" Mason. A girl who's not as normal as she thinks, with a best friend just as much an outcast as she is, and the two hottest new guys at school (Ollie and Ari) wanting to date her.
I will begin by saying that this book has a lot of editing errors in it. There were several times I had to go back and reread to make sure I'd read correctly and then let my brain replace what needed to fixed. This book can without a doubt use an editing overhaul.
However, despite the amount of errors I noticed within the work, the story itself is amazing. I love the topic of Greek Mythology and when you have two hot gods taking precedence in a story, I'll definitely read it!
The contrasting differences between Ollie and Ari don't just stop at their looks, it goes further to include that even personality wise, the two are polar opposites in everything. Ryder is pretty much your typical outcast girl. Emotional, broken, petrified, and despite having her best friend Junior, she's pretty much alone.
Junior I found to be quite an amusing character. I'd like to see more of him in upcoming books in the series.
Even with all the errors, I found the story engaging, and was absolutely drawn into the world Taylor built for Ryder. The sex scene, there's only one, isn't as steamy as some will like, but it's an emotional scene and one I found myself smiling through. The reader will definitely feel the electricity flowing between Ryder and her boys and will have a hard time figuring out who to root for.
I think anyone that enjoys Greek Mythology, Romance, and stories about people discovering their true worth, will enjoy this book. I know I did and I look forward to getting to read The Curse of Betrayal, the second book in this series.
While I want to give this book a 5, there are just too many errors to overlook. If the author gets them corrected I will adjust my rating. For now though...
I give this book 4 of 5 paws

...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 16, 2015 Celeste rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: made-me-mad, annoying-main-character, annoying-insta-love, y-a-book, writing-style-needs-work, un-relatable-characters, average, gods-goddesses, hot-alpha-males, mythology

So this book has a ridiculously high rating, unfortunately not one that I think is deserved. If you liked this book, you are completely entitled to your own opinion but I do suggest you stop reading this review now because I’m probably going to rant a little. It will also contain spoilers from here onwards.
(view spoiler) So this book has a ridiculously high rating, unfortunately not one that I think is deserved. If you liked this book, you are completely entitled to your own opinion but I do suggest you stop reading this review now because I’m probably going to rant a little. It will also contain spoilers from here onwards.
(view spoiler)[
There were a large number of typos in the copy I read. So many, in fact, that it thoroughly pissed me off, and I have a high level of tolerance for those. This is not a pet peeve for me, and for the most part im used to ignoring them. However, with a large number of incorrectly used words, repeating of sentences and awkward conversation writing, it got to me. For example, the line where Ryder is talking about Ollie’s eyes and she says, “baby blue but more piercing” could have been revised to ice blue perhaps? There were also a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies that I noticed and im pretty derrr brained about stuff like that. For example, when Ryder has her vision on the bench at school she says she falls flat on her face but somehow has to stand up and dust her butt, not her knees? How does her week long detention not get in the way of her life? I now am deeply attached to the strike through feature my e-reader has and have decided I’d make a scary ass teacher.

Ryder also annoyed me a great deal. Perhaps because I respect strong, smart, focused women as opposed to weak willed, silly, contradictory ones. She can’t make up her mind between Hot and Hotter, which would be fine if I could relate to the chemistry she had with both of them. I mean in order for me to like her as a character I need to feel the struggle she’s going through which I couldn’t. plus I didn’t really understand her behavior a lot of the time. The first day she meets Ollie she’s already yelling at him for talking to her nemesis. Who does that really? She feels threatened by him one second and then is going on about how secure he makes her feel the next. Ollie himself is the good guy in the start and later he’s not, and this makes no sense to me because his character hasn’t been developed over a period in the book. As far as im concerned this whole insta-love triangle happens within the span of a week even though it’s supposedly longer. Ari was my favorite tbh. But then towards the end they both ignore her. I mean really.
(hide spoiler)]
Im probably going to read the next book because I have all 3 and im incapable of saying no (much like Ryder apparently), but also im hoping the characterization and writing style improves.
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 02, 2014 Rachel Barnard rated it liked it · review of another edition

Ryder has to overcome more than her real name Eurydice when she is tossed into the dog house of high school and tormented almost every day by her previous best friend. She feels alone and vulnerable and just wants to make herself disappear, but within the very first month of school the new boy makes her his object of affection. Not too soon after, a second new transfer student gets the hots for her and she gets stuck in a love triangle of mythic proportions.

Integrating mythology into a romance s Ryder has to overcome more than her real name Eurydice when she is tossed into the dog house of high school and tormented almost every day by her previous best friend. She feels alone and vulnerable and just wants to make herself disappear, but within the very first month of school the new boy makes her his object of affection. Not too soon after, a second new transfer student gets the hots for her and she gets stuck in a love triangle of mythic proportions.

Integrating mythology into a romance story is a great idea, and Lavati starts out integrating the story of love and curse well into her present day character Ryder. Lavati gives the deepest of reasons for Olli and Ari (the two love interests) to be obsessed with Ryder, which gives the book more intrigue and more grounding.

Then Lavati goes paranormal. The story gets more myth and less reality all the while keeping the love triangle going strong. It is a story of highs and lows in each of Ryder’s relationship and Lavati keeps the reader wondering who this girl will end up with and who is best for her in the end, both according to the curse and according to how each of the boys’ feel about her.

I was entranced by Lavati’s beginning. She hooked me in with the story and the underdog character of Ryder who definitely has some great things coming for her. I was disappointed when Lavati abandoned the underdog altogether to give Ryder some unnecessary superpowers while she is learning to fend for herself in the ultimate battle of her soul. I didn’t think it was necessary for Ryder to have these great powers, but perhaps they will come into more play further in the series. I also thought the love triangle started to become too stereotypical, like that in Twilight, but I’m very glad the guys had a real reason behind their instant attraction.

One plot comment I would make is that the adult situations contained in chapter sixteen weren’t necessary for the story line and could have been left out.

Overall the author does quite well at involving a myth as a motivation and interweaving the past and present to make an epic of higher than normal proportions with greater consequences and greater possibilities. If romance, especially love triangles, and deepening paranormal leaps is your thing, then this could be the book for you.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the steamy love triangle of Twighlight or integrating myths into a novel. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 19, 2013 a_tiffyfit rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-2013, author-publisher-offerings

Review to come. 3.5 stars
I adore Greek mythology based books. When the author asked if I would like a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review, I totally jumped at the chance after reading the synopsis.

Ryder Mason is about to enter her senior year. For reasons unknown to her, her best friend has turned into her enemy and is a total schmuck hellbent on making Ryder's life miserable. And Becca does a damn fine job at being a malicious tart. Enter the new kids, Ollie & Ari, both handsome, Review to come. 3.5 stars
I adore Greek mythology based books. When the author asked if I would like a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review, I totally jumped at the chance after reading the synopsis.

Ryder Mason is about to enter her senior year. For reasons unknown to her, her best friend has turned into her enemy and is a total schmuck hellbent on making Ryder's life miserable. And Becca does a damn fine job at being a malicious tart. Enter the new kids, Ollie & Ari, both handsome, both alluring, both showing up in Ryder's dreams...

Suddenly, this bullied girl who has collapsed on herself has two hot guys vying for her attention. Her best friend, Junior, sides with Ollie who shares his love of music. But it's Ari that seems more honest with her, who answers her questions...

This was an excellent start to what should be a promising series. Steeped in Greek mythology, Ryder (real name Eurydice) discovers that not only is she an old soul re-incarnated over and over again, but this time, she's a demigoddess or Nephilim. It changes the game as this time she could live as long as 500 years and have a long life with either Ari or Ollie...which will she choose? Who is her mother, who ran off after she was born? What other powers will she be developing as a Nephilim? She is already becoming faster, stronger, and having premonitions when she sleeps...

I enjoyed this tale by debut author Taylor Lavati. There were several grammatical/spelling mistakes (mostly homonyms) that interrupted reader zone a bit, but nothing too bad. I was annoyed at Ryder and how easily she goes from boyfriend to boyfriend, but that's a judgement call on my part. Since she is a reincarnated soul, she may have residual feelings from other lives she has shared with both Ollie (Orpheus) and Ari (Aristeus) as she has loved both, she's inexplicably attracted to both, etc.

I hope demi-goddess school treats her better than human high school and I look forward to reading more about her journey to discover her mother and if those prophetic dreams regarding her mother come true! And who will be by her side? Ollie or Ari? They are very high-handed when it comes to Ryder and the decisions that they make! Geesh! ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2013 Lisa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I recently read a book that involved Greek Mythology, and the Underworld etc. so when I read the synopsis I was worried that I would find this book similar and struggle with it – but I was so wrong! The Greek Mythology connections were the only similarities between the two books, and I found myself flipping so quickly through the pages of this one I enjoyed it so much,

Ryder is a kind of loner, with one best friend, and an ex best friend who is now a vicious bully. She lives alone with her dad af I recently read a book that involved Greek Mythology, and the Underworld etc. so when I read the synopsis I was worried that I would find this book similar and struggle with it – but I was so wrong! The Greek Mythology connections were the only similarities between the two books, and I found myself flipping so quickly through the pages of this one I enjoyed it so much,

Ryder is a kind of loner, with one best friend, and an ex best friend who is now a vicious bully. She lives alone with her dad after her mother abandoned her and lives a pretty quiet life. Until Ollie and Ari start at the school.

I really enjoyed the relationship Ryder and Ollie had, and I get the Ari was the bad boy, and lets face it, ladies can’t resist a bad boy! But the reason I knocked a star off my review was because of the way Ryder accused Ollie of being too controlling – it didn’t really come across that way to me. More could have been done to make him look more controlling, he came across as just a concerned boyfriend to me, and given the history I couldn’t blame him. The fact Ryder actually has the soul of Eurydice and Ollie and Ari are the sons of Greek gods who fell in love with the original Eurydice who then had a curse put on her, I can understand the concern!

I also found that Ryder didn’t seem to put up as much of a struggle when it came to fighting her feelings as she tried to make out she did. I liked the fact that she was a strong, feisty character and this was a real flaw for me and it was a slight let down.

Other than that the rest of the story was pretty good, and I really enjoyed their journey into the Underworld, I could have read a few more chapters of that, it was pretty good.

I was going to suggest this book to my daughter and her friends, until I got to a sex scene! For a book that I would have classed as a YA until then, I was quite shocked at just how steamy it was! I would now hold off on my daughter reading this book until she is about 16!

I also just read that the author is only 22 and this is her first, and self published, book, and I think she has done a great job and I look forward to reading the next instalment!
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 09, 2014 Rob Gregson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

One for readers at the older end of the YA spectrum, The Thousand Year Curse is clearly the work of a gifted young writer. The plot and the basic premise have already been spelled out by other reviewers but what struck me most about the book was the deft and surprisingly mature touch of the author.

Whereas other writers might have been swift and heavy-handed with their hints that all is not as it seems with Ryder's life and background, Taylor Lavati builds the interest by keeping a tight focus o One for readers at the older end of the YA spectrum, The Thousand Year Curse is clearly the work of a gifted young writer. The plot and the basic premise have already been spelled out by other reviewers but what struck me most about the book was the deft and surprisingly mature touch of the author.

Whereas other writers might have been swift and heavy-handed with their hints that all is not as it seems with Ryder's life and background, Taylor Lavati builds the interest by keeping a tight focus on human feelings. She makes Ryder someone who feels alien for very human reasons - not as a result of harbouring something obviously supernatural. It makes her very believable and someone for whom the reader can feel. The light narrative touch is excellent. There are some subtle suggestions that something peculiar is going on but these are developed only gradually as the plot progresses.

Structurally, I think there is some room for improvement - I felt that this first book needs more of a sense of denouement in order for it to work as a novel in its own right, so it ends with the key questions unanswered. However, many YA readers will doubtless welcome this; I'm confident that lovers of teen romance and magical fantasy will be delighted to know that there is much more to come.

It's also arguable that Ryder lacks a certain forcefulness of character - that the plot only really ever moves on when one or both of her suitors are on the scene - but given that this is only the first part of her story and that exceptionally strange things are happening to her, it seems to me only natural that she is still finding her feet. We do not yet see her transformed into some wonderfully empowered and self-assured young woman, but there are strong signs that this transformation will come in time.

For me, the best aspect of this novel was the author's portrayal of the feelings of her characters. The dialogue was spot-on, as were Ryder's reactions to the events that unfolded around her, so in human terms, I felt the story always remained credible and compelling. That's an impressive achievement and one that augurs well for the sequel. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 12, 2015 Angelica Lichtner rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book and the story that is very well written and is in some case uniqueue, or at least I havent read book with some of the elements of it. I dont want to give any spoilers so Im not gonna say more.

The characters are very well created and feels real. The main character is Ryder and I must confess I dont like her, she is a 17 year old spoild girl and one day things gets taken away from her and instead of growing up, she starts moaning and blaming the world. But sure she grows I really enjoyed this book and the story that is very well written and is in some case uniqueue, or at least I havent read book with some of the elements of it. I dont want to give any spoilers so Im not gonna say more.

The characters are very well created and feels real. The main character is Ryder and I must confess I dont like her, she is a 17 year old spoild girl and one day things gets taken away from her and instead of growing up, she starts moaning and blaming the world. But sure she grows a little bit on me but most of the time I get so annoyed and she I really hates the way she acts. I screamed at my phone while reading it because I really felt she was stupid.

The main story itself isnt unique and I have read tones of similar stories. A love story about a girl and 2 guys and she dont know who to choose. Sounds familiar? just like that I can name at least 2 huge books that has become movies or TV shows. Parts of it felt like it was a bit of copy cat from other work like The Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries. Even if it is inspired from that, I dont know, but its is still delievered in a good way and in a way that makes it different from above mentioned books/moviestv shows...

The language is good but I have read better from this author, and I know this is her first published novel and for being that, its good job but I do want more from it. This book is for young adults and I think it is very noticable but still there is no problem reading it as an adult. I am an adult reading and enjoying the book.

It is very hard to put down the book when you have started reading it and that is a good thing. I like books that has a natural good flow in them. The length of the book is perfect and I wouldnt add anything to this, the first book in the seriest or even take anything away from it.

I can recommend the book. It is very nice and the story is good. I cant give the book 5 stars because I feel there is something missing in it, and it is to similar to other work. But still a very readable and enjoyable book that I really can recommend to other, both adults and young adults. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2016 Spunky N Sassy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star

SNSBAH Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Do you believe in immortal gods? If so read this series. Ryder is just trying to get through school without been bullied. She was keeping her head down until she met Ollie, he made things worse.

Ollie has been waiting to find Ryder again he has waited so long for her. She likes spending time with Ollie and Junior her best friend as they both make her feel safe.

There is a new boy at school and Ryder gets the job of showing him around, she ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 11, 2016 Reviews from the Heart rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is a great young adult love story about a teenage girl named Eurydice, who goes by Ryder, who is trapped in the middle of a wretched curse that has her doomed to repeat the difficult situation of being tragically torn between two boys and having to make the choice of who she wants to be with. She goes from living a normal and fairly boring life to finding out that she’s part goddess and a legend amongst her kind. Every time Ryder is reincarnated into a new life she ends up back in the same ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2016 Tina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book is quite different from my usual, but I was pulled in and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to continue the series and see what is yet to come.

Ryder's school year was going awful. She was picked on mercilessly by the girl that used to be her best friend. She had panic attacks all of the time. The only thing that could calm her down was her best friend Junior. He was always there for her and shunned the rest of the school to he her rock.

Ryder began having very vivid dreams about the st ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review