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To Slay a Curse
A parasitic monster. A timid young woman. A deadly inner world.
Giselle is cursed. A monster lives within her, preying upon her mind. She sees no hope for her future when thoughts disappear as they form, and every small pleasure is met with a fit of pain. Then her closest friend offers her a single, harrowing chance at freedom. Terrified that failure is inevitable, but desperate for the life stolen from her, she sets out to slay her curse armed with a magical talisman. Now, the girl who can’t do anything right must defeat the beast within before her dreamsnare fills, or risk dying trapped in her own mind.
Giselle is cursed. A monster lives within her, preying upon her mind. She sees no hope for her future when thoughts disappear as they form, and every small pleasure is met with a fit of pain. Then her closest friend offers her a single, harrowing chance at freedom. Terrified that failure is inevitable, but desperate for the life stolen from her, she sets out to slay her curse armed with a magical talisman. Now, the girl who can’t do anything right must defeat the beast within before her dreamsnare fills, or risk dying trapped in her own mind.
- GenresFantasy
282 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Rae Graham
5 books20 followersResident Hufflepuff-Hobbit, tea addict, and YA author weaving fantasy tales with heart and hope.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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May 26, 2023Listen now! Available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
April 10, 2021
“Giselle, you are braver than you think (...). When you decide to do something, you stick it out, no matter how hard the road becomes. That, in itself, is a form of bravery not many can boast of.” R. Graham, ‘To Slay A Curse’
Do you know what ‘synaesthesia’ means? It’s a neurological condition that merges two or more senses together, connecting senses that aren’t normally so; and, while it is not pathological per se, it does result in a different, wholly unique experience of the world. When someone has synaesthetic experiences, they may hear a colour, or smell a texture, or see a flavour.
Reading TSaC was a synaesthetic experience in itself. As I dove further into the forest with Giselle, Lord Elden, Ami, and Leal, I could hear the leaves crunching under my feet. I could smell the sweet, musky scent of the woods. I could taste the rivers’ fresh water, I could see the small ink bottle beings running around my feet, and I could hear Leal’s tales. This book excels at feeling cozy, heartwarming, and altogether lovely!
The story follows Giselle, a young lady who has been cursed for as long as she can remember. Inside her head lives Devoron, a demon that won’t allow her to do anything but obey her abusive uncle and stay away from her friends Ami, Eaimon, and Gilpin. But that’s no way to live, and Giselle doesn’t know how much longer she’ll survive in Devoron’s claws. So she journeys into the depths of her mind, with the intention of finding a way to free herself of Devoron… At the risk of never coming back.
If you have read Margaret Rogerson’s “An Enchantment of Ravens”, then this book is right up your alley! It’s got the fairytale vibes, the unlikely heroine, and her struggle to love and accept herself as he is. I found myself crying (ME! CRYING! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? Me neither) when the book finished, because it was just so, so sweet! I’m going to get myself a paperback copy ASAP, so I can get back to TSaC anytime I’m feeling lost and untethered. Thank you, Rae, for trusting me with an ARC of your firstborn. Here’s to many more quests!
Do you know what ‘synaesthesia’ means? It’s a neurological condition that merges two or more senses together, connecting senses that aren’t normally so; and, while it is not pathological per se, it does result in a different, wholly unique experience of the world. When someone has synaesthetic experiences, they may hear a colour, or smell a texture, or see a flavour.
Reading TSaC was a synaesthetic experience in itself. As I dove further into the forest with Giselle, Lord Elden, Ami, and Leal, I could hear the leaves crunching under my feet. I could smell the sweet, musky scent of the woods. I could taste the rivers’ fresh water, I could see the small ink bottle beings running around my feet, and I could hear Leal’s tales. This book excels at feeling cozy, heartwarming, and altogether lovely!
The story follows Giselle, a young lady who has been cursed for as long as she can remember. Inside her head lives Devoron, a demon that won’t allow her to do anything but obey her abusive uncle and stay away from her friends Ami, Eaimon, and Gilpin. But that’s no way to live, and Giselle doesn’t know how much longer she’ll survive in Devoron’s claws. So she journeys into the depths of her mind, with the intention of finding a way to free herself of Devoron… At the risk of never coming back.
If you have read Margaret Rogerson’s “An Enchantment of Ravens”, then this book is right up your alley! It’s got the fairytale vibes, the unlikely heroine, and her struggle to love and accept herself as he is. I found myself crying (ME! CRYING! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? Me neither) when the book finished, because it was just so, so sweet! I’m going to get myself a paperback copy ASAP, so I can get back to TSaC anytime I’m feeling lost and untethered. Thank you, Rae, for trusting me with an ARC of your firstborn. Here’s to many more quests!
December 27, 2020
This book is wonderful. It takes an abused girl and puts her on a journey-not to self-reliance, but the discovery that you need God to heal you. That message is effortlessly woven through the pages as the main character struggles with her inner darkness. And that message is one that many need to hear right now.
This book is very fast-paced once the initial introduction was done. And at times, I wished it would slow down, just a little, to let the characters breathe a bit. But, for the most part, it built the tension well and I didn't feel like I was missing parts of the world. As for characters, they were interesting and funny. The only dynamic character is the narrator, which is fine, because her tale alone was worth reading.
This is a standalone novel, so if you are looking for something to read for encouragement and entertainment without worrying about whether another book is going to come, you should read this one.
Well done, well written. A lovely, lovely, read.
This book is very fast-paced once the initial introduction was done. And at times, I wished it would slow down, just a little, to let the characters breathe a bit. But, for the most part, it built the tension well and I didn't feel like I was missing parts of the world. As for characters, they were interesting and funny. The only dynamic character is the narrator, which is fine, because her tale alone was worth reading.
This is a standalone novel, so if you are looking for something to read for encouragement and entertainment without worrying about whether another book is going to come, you should read this one.
Well done, well written. A lovely, lovely, read.
January 2, 2025
This book was so good! Such a beautiful story of rising above your own feelings of self-worth and trusting a higher power. I loved the main character. She was so relatable and real. A great read for those who enjoy fantasy with Christian themes
January 14, 2021
This book reminded me a lot of one of my WIP's. Same curse idea, almost, and with the same intention of bringing to light mental health struggles.
I liked this book, but I can't say that I loved it. Maybe it's because of the first person present tense, which I'm personally not a fan of. I guess I expected a lot of depth to this story that wasn't there. It's nice for an easy read, though it deals with deep topics, but it was hard to really get into the story. The characters were challenging to keep apart due to lack of physical description and while dialogue was easy to follow, none of them really had a distinct voice except for Ami, Deveron of course, and the Creative One. The main aspects that stood out to me when reading were the inkwell spiders and the dream snare. I missed a lack of world-building and the descriptions were mediocre. Many times when reading, I was given a brief description of a place without more details to truly satisfy me. However, I know that there are a lot of readers out there who prefer that style, so it's fine. Just personally I was disappointed in that. And I would have liked to see more characterization, something to make the characters stand out sharp in my mind. But, I did like the allegory, especially towards the end, though in real life mental health isn't necessarily something that goes away forever, it's something you have to keep fighting. For the book's sake, though, it made sense and the ending made me happy. :) I can't give more details about why because spoilers, but I enjoyed it. Honestly the book reminded me of one of my best friends' style of writing and it was hard to keep straight in my head that it was Rae writing it, and not my other friend. xD
I might read this book again and try to see if I enjoy it more the second time around, but I had difficulty, personally, really getting into the story because there was a lack of depth. However, as a debut, it is a good start for a writer and I look forward to seeing more from Rae!
I liked this book, but I can't say that I loved it. Maybe it's because of the first person present tense, which I'm personally not a fan of. I guess I expected a lot of depth to this story that wasn't there. It's nice for an easy read, though it deals with deep topics, but it was hard to really get into the story. The characters were challenging to keep apart due to lack of physical description and while dialogue was easy to follow, none of them really had a distinct voice except for Ami, Deveron of course, and the Creative One. The main aspects that stood out to me when reading were the inkwell spiders and the dream snare. I missed a lack of world-building and the descriptions were mediocre. Many times when reading, I was given a brief description of a place without more details to truly satisfy me. However, I know that there are a lot of readers out there who prefer that style, so it's fine. Just personally I was disappointed in that. And I would have liked to see more characterization, something to make the characters stand out sharp in my mind. But, I did like the allegory, especially towards the end, though in real life mental health isn't necessarily something that goes away forever, it's something you have to keep fighting. For the book's sake, though, it made sense and the ending made me happy. :) I can't give more details about why because spoilers, but I enjoyed it. Honestly the book reminded me of one of my best friends' style of writing and it was hard to keep straight in my head that it was Rae writing it, and not my other friend. xD
I might read this book again and try to see if I enjoy it more the second time around, but I had difficulty, personally, really getting into the story because there was a lack of depth. However, as a debut, it is a good start for a writer and I look forward to seeing more from Rae!
May 26, 2023
UPDATE: Read for a second time (this time via audiobook) and I still love the heart in this book! A line near the end even made me tear up when the author/narrator read it. 🥰
A charming tale of faith, loyalty, and true strength. Giselle is a very relatable protagonist, stuck in a terrible situation she had no control over yet learning to rise up and conquer it. The allegory element of this story hit just the right balance for me—conveying truth I need to be reminded of in my life, yet not heavy-handed in its delivery. Also the creativity of this world, the creatures the characters encounter, and the premise itself—a monster living inside the protagonist's own mind—astounded me. I never knew what to expect in Giselle's mind-world, making for a delightful journey of discovery. Definitely recommend!
A charming tale of faith, loyalty, and true strength. Giselle is a very relatable protagonist, stuck in a terrible situation she had no control over yet learning to rise up and conquer it. The allegory element of this story hit just the right balance for me—conveying truth I need to be reminded of in my life, yet not heavy-handed in its delivery. Also the creativity of this world, the creatures the characters encounter, and the premise itself—a monster living inside the protagonist's own mind—astounded me. I never knew what to expect in Giselle's mind-world, making for a delightful journey of discovery. Definitely recommend!
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January 16, 2021I enjoyed this brief, heartfelt fairy-story with its unusual premise and themes of worth and forgiveness. Giselle's journey is one many have faced, under its trappings of gem-hued wolves and enchanted glades, and one whose message of hope for the downcast will never be amiss. The writing, while not the strongest prose I've encountered, shows inspiration from the masters of classic literature and definite promise, and the characterization is strong and unique.
Giselle spends considerable time in the mind-world, where it is her goal to vanquish her demonic foe. However, my opinion as the reader is that Giselle's most important confrontation does not take place in the mind-world at all. Without going too deep for the sake of spoilers, the curse was never truly a part of her, and she is able to experience periods of reprieve. It is apart from its influence, facing the person who gave her that pain and destroyed her life, that the book reaches its true apex and brings the denouement home.
I'm not usually one to complain about plot, but I did feel that this book was lacking in impetus. The sequence of events tended to seem a little loose-jointed, as if the author wasn't sure how to transition, and I never felt like the action scenes reached their full potential in terms of stakes and buildup. This contributed to an overall sense of dissatisfaction while reading, as if I were always waiting for more but never being given it. A part of that is the slower, contemplative nature of the book; still, I feel that it would have benefited from a more intense handling of the crisis moments.
To sum up: a good read for anyone ages 10+ who likes fairy tales and doesn't mind (or perhaps prefers) a narrative without too much intensity.
I'm not rating this book. I read it as an ebook, which isn't my most comfortable reading format and has in the past adversely affected my opinion. Rather than do a disservice to anyone by attempting to define my indefinite feelings, I'm opting to forgo a starred review and letting my thoughts stand for themselves.
I received an e-ARC courtesy of the author, and these reflections are my own.
Giselle spends considerable time in the mind-world, where it is her goal to vanquish her demonic foe. However, my opinion as the reader is that Giselle's most important confrontation does not take place in the mind-world at all. Without going too deep for the sake of spoilers, the curse was never truly a part of her, and she is able to experience periods of reprieve. It is apart from its influence, facing the person who gave her that pain and destroyed her life, that the book reaches its true apex and brings the denouement home.
I'm not usually one to complain about plot, but I did feel that this book was lacking in impetus. The sequence of events tended to seem a little loose-jointed, as if the author wasn't sure how to transition, and I never felt like the action scenes reached their full potential in terms of stakes and buildup. This contributed to an overall sense of dissatisfaction while reading, as if I were always waiting for more but never being given it. A part of that is the slower, contemplative nature of the book; still, I feel that it would have benefited from a more intense handling of the crisis moments.
To sum up: a good read for anyone ages 10+ who likes fairy tales and doesn't mind (or perhaps prefers) a narrative without too much intensity.
I'm not rating this book. I read it as an ebook, which isn't my most comfortable reading format and has in the past adversely affected my opinion. Rather than do a disservice to anyone by attempting to define my indefinite feelings, I'm opting to forgo a starred review and letting my thoughts stand for themselves.
I received an e-ARC courtesy of the author, and these reflections are my own.
December 20, 2020
The story is great, and you can feel the struggle that the MC is going though. I really appreciated the way it handled sensitive topics while encouraging love and forgiveness.
August 8, 2023
An inspiring fantasy best described as a conglomerate of the adventure of Tolkien’s LOTR, the allegory of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and the psychological exploration of the film Inception; it’s a combination that inevitably makes a fantastic noblebright narrative.
The plot itself centers around Giselle who must go on a journey to defeat a demon within herself—a demon who was placed through a curse brought forth with dark magic. Though she is asleep in her own world, the quest is very real in her mind’s reality and the consequences are grave.
My favorite elements of this book include Giselle’s personal growth, the parallels of biblical truth rooted in the trials, tribulations, and means to get through them, Shadowgleam the horse companion, the theme of redemption, the found family and friends to lovers tropes, and the reminder that light will always prevail over darkness.
The story is a bit slow to start, and I found the dialogue stiff at times, particularly leading up to Giselle’s quest, and, as such, might not intrigue younger or less independent YA readers. Further, there is physical and verbal abuse depicted on page that may be unsettling for some readers. Personally, I was a bit disappointed to see the book promoting mental health representation but then within the story the mental health struggles seemed to resolve completely through resolute faith in the Creative One—though it is a gentle reminder that in our reality God can help us overcome struggles including those related to those presented with mental illness, I want to iterate that having mental health struggles while being a believer doesn’t make you less than; it is okay to have Jesus and a therapist, too.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more works by the author! Fans of Christian fantasy, a unique approach to an adventure quest, and hope-filled fantasy stories will enjoy this book.
The plot itself centers around Giselle who must go on a journey to defeat a demon within herself—a demon who was placed through a curse brought forth with dark magic. Though she is asleep in her own world, the quest is very real in her mind’s reality and the consequences are grave.
My favorite elements of this book include Giselle’s personal growth, the parallels of biblical truth rooted in the trials, tribulations, and means to get through them, Shadowgleam the horse companion, the theme of redemption, the found family and friends to lovers tropes, and the reminder that light will always prevail over darkness.
The story is a bit slow to start, and I found the dialogue stiff at times, particularly leading up to Giselle’s quest, and, as such, might not intrigue younger or less independent YA readers. Further, there is physical and verbal abuse depicted on page that may be unsettling for some readers. Personally, I was a bit disappointed to see the book promoting mental health representation but then within the story the mental health struggles seemed to resolve completely through resolute faith in the Creative One—though it is a gentle reminder that in our reality God can help us overcome struggles including those related to those presented with mental illness, I want to iterate that having mental health struggles while being a believer doesn’t make you less than; it is okay to have Jesus and a therapist, too.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more works by the author! Fans of Christian fantasy, a unique approach to an adventure quest, and hope-filled fantasy stories will enjoy this book.
October 17, 2022
Beautiful
Beautiful, lyrical writing with a creative storyline and intriguing characters. Sucks you into a world of magic, darkness, and light and helps you see the world differently. Reminiscent of the Tales of Goldstone Wood.
Beautiful, lyrical writing with a creative storyline and intriguing characters. Sucks you into a world of magic, darkness, and light and helps you see the world differently. Reminiscent of the Tales of Goldstone Wood.
July 20, 2024
I loved this book! The story is simple, but sweet. A refreshing break from what most fantasy writers are producing these days. 10/10, definitely recommend!
July 21, 2023
4.5 RTC!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews