About the Book
-
Author:
- Leslie Vedder
Cover Story: Slayer Vibes
BFF Charms: Platinum x2
Talky Talk: Adventure!
Bonus Factors: Character Growth, Witches
Factor: TEABS
Relationship Status: Forever and Ever, Amen
Red alert! The Cursed Rose is the third book in the Bone Spindle series. If you have not read the other books in the series (The Bone Spindle and The Severed Thread), man your battle stations turn away now, as there might be spoilers in this review. If you’re caught up, however, feel free to continue below.
Cover Story: Slayer Vibes
When I see this cover, all I can see is Buffy, Willow, and Tara. Everyone has different hair colors, but I mean …
The Deal:
Filore’s a prisoner of the Spindle Witch. Shane and Red are stuck in a temporary camp with the folks of Everlynd, tiptoeing around their “relationship.” Briar’s not so slowly turning into a skeleton monster who only listens to the Spindle Witch. All told, things aren’t looking to great for the intrepid adventurers, but if anyone can figure out a way out of their various predicaments, it’s Fi and Shane.
BFF Charm: Platinum x2
Although Fi and Shane already have a Platinum relationship between themselves, if I could wheedle my way into that friendship, I would in a hot second. They’re both such badasses, with brains and brawn. They’re smart, funny, loyal (but unafraid to call each other out), dedicated, and passionate. They’re exactly the kind of people I’d want on my side if I were facing a similar predicament, and they’re exactly the kind of people I’d want to be BFFs with.
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
It’s hard for Fi and Briar to have a relationship when he’s slowly turning into a skeleton monster with red eyes, bony wings, and claws; and Red and Shane are up to their old antics of not entirely believing that the other’s in it for the long run. But this isn’t a story without a happy ending. I’ll leave it at that.
Talky Talk: Adventure!
I’ve talked about this in previous reviews of this series, but I love how well Vedder depicts the Indiana Jones-like adventures of treasure hunters Fi and Shane. Even when they’re at odds, they work together like they’ve been doing it their whole lives, and they both bring specific characteristics to the table that mesh so well together.
“It’s okay,” she rasped. “I think there’s something in here—feels like a lever.”
Well, that was luckier than Fi has any right to be. Shane balled up her coat, tossing it angrily aside.
“I’m thinking of revoking your position as the brains of this operation.” … “Your list of offenses is mounting,” she said, fixing her partner with a hard look.
Bonus Factor: Character Growth
One of the secondary characters grows a lot in this book, and although we don’t see their entire experience, it’s wonderful to see how they come into their power. I’d love to read more about them and their future adventures. (‘Cause I’m sure there are more adventures for everyone to come, even though the series is over.)
Bonus Factor: Witches
There is a large variety of witches in this series, and they run the gamut from Wicked Witch of the West to Glinda. They’re a fascinating group of people, and their history/hierarchy/organization is something I’d also love to read more about. (I just want more from this world, what can I say?)
Factor: TEABS
I never know whether TEABS (The End of an Awesome Book Syndrome) is a net positive or net negative. On the one hand, I got to spend three whole books with Fi and Shane and the rest of the great characters in this series, but on the other—I’ll never again get to experience a new adventure with them. (I assume. I could be wrong!) I will miss this series very much, but I’m better for having read it.
Relationship Status: Forever and Ever, Amen
Thanks for an amazing time, Book. We had such fun, even while running for our lives. I’m not nearly as smart or strong as the characters in your stories, but you made me wish I was so that I, too, could save Andar (and the world). This isn’t goodbye!
Literary Matchmaking
Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreakers series also features badass women and the monsters they love.
Sara Wolf’s Bring Me Their Hearts series is about another cursed girl who’s forced to do things she doesn’t want to do—but ultimately triumphs over her oppressors.
Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series is another in which badass ladies fight against evil magic users. Plus: More spice.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Razorbill, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. The Cursed Rose is available now.
