Cursed: A Netflix Original Series

Whoever wields the sword of power shall be the one true Queen.’Based on the Arthurian legend, written by Thomas Wheeler and illustrated by Frank Miller. This book is a must-buy for fantasy fiction lovers!I listened to the Audiobook (narrated by Katherine Langford), but I also purchased the hardback. (It was well worth it for the awesome illustrations).Primarily, ‘Cursed’ is aimed at young adults. However, as an adult, I loved this book and I think it’s highly suitable for anyone teenager and above. (It can be quite violently graphic in places).Nimue (our lead heroine) is an outcast to her people, until the day the red paladins slaughter Nimue’s entire village. As her mother’s last dying wish, Nimue is entrusted to deliver the Sword of Power to Merlin the Magician.As I listened to Katherine Langford’s wonderful narration (and I must say, I was very impressed!) it was easy to imagine ‘Cursed’ as a tv series. And awesomely, Netflix are working on a tv adaptation right now! Wheeler writes with pace - something I particularly enjoy. Each chapter has a scene (or several!) which plays out just like a scene you would expect to see in a movie or tv series. Supporting this further, we are introduced to an entire cast of vivid characters, again, it’s easy to imagine them all in a tv series.When I think of King Arthur and Excalibur, I always think of a sword embedded in a stone, with only the ‘true King’ strong enough to free the sword and wield it. In ‘Cursed’, the true strength to wield the sword takes on a new, interesting form. And freshly, perhaps a ‘King’ isn’t strong enough to control the dark, violent power of the sword? But perhaps a Queen is?I think ‘Cursed’ offers something for everyone. Fantasy. Action. Romance. Friendship. Heroics. Swords. Death. Gore. Magic. Amazing characters. And a couple of brilliantly executed twists.I didn’t want ‘Cursed’ to ever end. Especially with the way it ended. (I won’t give anything away, but the last few chapters will leave you yearning for the tv series, or a sequel...Mr Wheeler??)All in all, I loved ‘Cursed’. And if you’re a fan of King Arthur, or fantasy, or strong female heroines, then this book is just for you

Like the TV series, I really wanted to like this much more than I did. I'm a fan of King Arthur stories and it's always good to see reimaginings (let's face it, it's a tale that had been reimagined since The Middle Ages) and I am not a purist. However there is only so far you can take a classic story from it's source before it becomes something else entirely.Had it not been a very loose retelling of part of the Arthurian legend, it could have been a very effective first book in a new fantasy series.The illustrations are not Frank Miller's best work and are unnecessary and at odds with the imagery created in the narrative.It's not unreadable. It's entertaining. However I like to reread books but I think once was enough for me where Cursed is concerned.

First of all, this series needs to be seen more than once. Only then can you appreciate the clever storytelling. Some people have complained that parts of it were 'boring' but in fact the writers and director took their time at creating a strong and compelling story with amazingly complex characters. The entire series gradually builds up to a stunning climax that left this viewer very much wanting more.For those who prefer 'canon' this is a fresh re telling of a legend, which means you absolutely have no idea what comes next. At the heart of the story is the powerful but refreshingly vulnerable Nimue, played with warmth and a genuine appeal by Katherine Langsford, but there is also an excellent supporting cast. Everyone did a good job but the standout characters were Peter Mullen's sadistic Father Carden, Gustaf Skarsgaad's world weary Merlin, and most of all Daniel Sharman's mysterious Weeping Monk, a character whose arc makes possibly the most spectacular about turn I've seen for a long time in the final couple of episodes. Gentler than Game of Thrones, but far more mature than many fantasy series, Cursed is at once chilling, heartrending, tender and at times surprisingly humorous. It not only begs for a second series, it demands it.And also thank you for in the last but one scene delivering a revelation that rivals the Darth Vader reveal at the end of The Empire Strikes Back!

Loved the book the series wasn’t that good as the book

I really enjoyed the book and the Netflix show, and I hope for a sequel for both! A great fantasy storyline with a modern take on the Arthurian legend. Highly recommend.