This was absolutely jam packed full of plot! I think this would have benefitted a bit from maybe splitting this into two books rather than one, however, then I would probably be impatient for the final installment if it were split.

I enjoyed the conclusion of this, but also felt like Serilda's gift was very under-utilized and should have played a bigger part.

If you enjoyed the first one, you will no doubt enjoy this one as well. I also highly recommend the audiobook!

Marissa Meyer’s Cursed (Gilded #2)

This is my first Marissa Meyer read, though I am aware that she’s written several other popularly read series.

I requested and was approved by NetGalley and MacMillan Audio to access an ARC of the audiobook being released as of tomorrow (November 8, 2022). Thank you to them both for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The cover image for this audiobook is dramatic and vivid—the blood-red full moon behind the castle’s thrusting turrets and the figure standing in front of the castle, who is swathed in a red coat/dress which bleeds into a scarlet river which tumbles down the rocky landscape—fantastic!

I haven’t yet read Gilded, which is the first book in this duology, a Rumpelstiltskin retelling. However, I felt that Meyer was careful in Cursed to reiterate what had happened in book 1 where it was necessary for narrative continuity & for the reader/listener to easily comprehend what was happening and why.

As this was a dark retelling of a popular fairytale, I really appreciated listening to it via audiobook—especially since this would have been the way that the original tale would have been experienced by its earliest listeners. I’m not sure I would have been as engaged with the tale if I’d been reading it in print.

The narrator was skilled at representing the various character’s voices and was effective at emoting—they did a very good job at bringing the tale to life.

This was a solid YA read, so I’m awarding it 4-stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

TW: frequent depictions of violence and death.

#Cursed #NetGalley #MacMillanAudio #MarissaMeyer #Gilded #Fiction #DarkFairyTales #DarkFantasy #Rumpelstiltskin #FairyTales #YAFiction #BookReviewer #ReadingCommunity #WhatToReadNext #Bookstagram #BookRecommendations #BooksOfIg #BookCommunity #BookBlogger #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #ReadersOfInstagram #BooksOfInstagram #BookLove #BookWorm #Bibliophile #Bookish

I'm sorry to say that Meyer has knack for making the buildup to the finale really boring. Like the first book,the first 3/4 of this book was meandering and served no greater purpose to the story. That last quarter, though, was impeccable. The tension, the stakes, the interpersonal drama... *chefs kiss*

What am amazing conclusion to Cursed. The action, the stories, the characters - all wonderful and heartbreaking and so entertaining.
This was so much more than a Rumpelstiltskin retelling. There was love, and action and family. There were different mythological beast and gods all wrapped into a delightful adventure..

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audiobook for review

This book was an amazing sequel. The way Marissa Meyer can tell a story with such details, it pulls you into her world and makes you feel like you are there. She is my favorite author, and it's no surprise to me how wonderful the story ended up being. In my opinion, Meyer is the queen of fairy tale retellings - every single one she does amazes me more than the last. I also love that she chose Rumpelstiltskin, which is a less commonly known fairy tail and not one that authors retell very often. She kept the bare bones of the tail, while going a fantastic job of creating a new story that was interesting and felt totally new. Even though this story has its dark and sad moments it's still outstanding and the ending was just superb. Not to mention Rebecca Soler does an amazing job - I've listened to all the books she's done with Marissa Meyer and has to be one of my favorite narrators.

Thanks to #NetGalley for an advance copy of this audiobook.
#gilded #cursed @rebeccasoler1 @marissameyerauthor

3.5 Stars

Not as good as the first novel.

I devoured the first novel in a day, this novel on the other hand took a little be longer to finish. It didn't have the same oomph or spark as the first novel. There were parts of the novel where not much was happening. While the ending felt rushed. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good novel and I love the author's creative take on this classic fairy tale. I just wasn't a fan of the pacing or flow of the novel.

Overall, not as enchanting I would have liked but still entertaining enough.

***I would like to thank NetGalley, Marissa Meyer (the author), and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.*

Title: Cursed
Author: Marissa Meyer (@marissameyerauthor)
Narrator: Rebecca Soler (@rebeccasoler1 )
Rating: 5 ⭐️

This story follows Serilda immediately after the events of gilded. Meyer works her craft like no other when it comes to retelling fairytales, and Soler brings life to the characters like no other.
The story was very well done and kept me at the edge of my seat until the end. There are family reunions, betrayal, death, and love and friendship. Everything you could want from a story you get it in this sequel and series.

Meyer really is a master of craft!

I received an early copy of this audiobook from @macmillan.audio via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

#netgalleyaudio #netgalleyshelf #audiobook #gilded #cursed #rumplestiltskin #retelling #fantasy #love #friendship #family #fairytale #marissameyer

Another wonderful installment in the Gilded series! Marissa Meyer can do no wrong in my eyes. She has created such a lush, fantastical world and likeable, well-rounded characters. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

In the sequel and finale to the story begun in GILDED, Serilda and Gild race to undo their curses before the Erlking and his court of demons can enact their own plans to end an ancient imprisonment and rain evil upon the mortal realm.

I listened to the well-narrated audiobook (performed by Rebecca Soler) which highlighted Meyer's rich, Gothic world-building, steeped in oral storytelling tradition. Twists were abundant and surprising, yet well-founded and throughly satisfying, both as a story on its own and a conclusion to the duology. I would highly recommend this novel (and audiobook) to fans of dark fairytale retellings and would suggest starting with GILDED.

Did you enjoy Gilded? Then you have to read Cursed!

I read this in one day. I was captivated, exactly what I signed up for.

The story recaps & then it’s a fast paced adventure with a satisfying ending. I wouldn’t have minded if it were longer but as-is it’s the perfect length.

I was happy with the Erlking’s resolution! Serilda & Gild are the romance Rumpelstilskin could have been!

Marissa Meyer's fairy tale retellings are such a delight! This Rumplestiltskin duology does not disappoint! I love the lore of the land and the setting. I bit long at times, but near the end I wanted more. Not to the plot, but to the world! Great read

4⭐️This book was so cool and magical! The world had many unique creatures and even with the classic fairy-tale elements this was a crazy story that was so fun to read. Marissa Meyer does a fantastic job of describing and telling the story so well!

The conclusion to the Gilded duology, a Rumplestiltskin re-telling. Marissa Meyer really knows how to take it down to the wire. It feels like the villains were winning the entire story. And that they would continue to win until the very end. I feel very lucky to have listened to this novel as it is very long (almost unnecessarily so) and Serilda and Gild are fighting their way through curses just to have the Erlking thwart them once again. However, as in most fairy tales, this one does end happily so there is that and I have to give it Meyer; no one does a fairytale re-telling the way she can!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio file.*

It was an absolute to honor to be able to read and review this book. I’m a huge fan of the first book, and I’ve always loved retellings of fairytales. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Rumplestiltskin story, and this duology tops the list. It’s such a magical story with fantastic characters, from the heroes to the villains to the monsters, with a very satisfying end to the story. It was darker than I expected, which just made the story even more engaging. I’ve read almost everything Meyer has written, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this book to listen to in exchange for my review.

Marissa Meyer is the amazing at reimagining your traditional fairy tales and Rebecca Soler, brings them to life with her narration. Listening to the story gave such a unique way to experience the tale.

This sequel could stand alone. "When all is forgotten by history, a good story can still live on..." This is one of those good stories that I have will continue to make me think and make me smile. The story of Serilda along with Guild and the Erlking are truly magical. Serilda and her story's take us on a journey that shares all of the emotions, happiness, and laughter, anger, surprise, sadness and tears. Above all the hope that brings the desire for a "happily ever after." Above all the love of a story.

#NetGalley #Cursed #Fairytalereimagined #thereispowerinaname #happilyeverafter #orisit

I was so excited when I got approved for this one because I loved Gilded, and this one did not disappoint! Loved it!

Cursed is the second book in a duology that is a retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairy tale.

Serilda is again pitted against the Erlking, but this time she has discovered his true intent and desire for revenge at all costs. The world building is spectacular, as they travel to the Erlkings original palace where Serilda is able to discover his true nature. Fast-paced, exciting, great characters, and an HEA conclusion.

I love the cover. Rebecca Soler is one of my favorite narrators and is well-done as always.

I'd give this book 3.5 stars, maybe 3.75, if fractions were allowed.

I don't have any major complaints about the story overall, or how it was wrapped up. It definitely helped that I listened to this during Halloween-time; it was certainly seasonally-appropriate!

I'm glad this was an audiobook that could be sped up slightly (only 1.25x for me, not full double-time like some reviewers mentioned) to help compensate for the length; I feel I would have struggled to get through it if I had to read it with my eyes. It's hard to pinpoint exact scenes that could/should have been cut, but it frequently felt longer than it needed to be.

Another criticism I've noticed from other reviewers is that Serilda just makes a lot of frustratingly bad choices. While I generally agree, I'd wager that younger readers might be more forgiving; I reminded myself many times that Serilda is only supposed to be 18-19 years old, and had a pretty sheltered upbringing, and it's therefore fairly reasonable/realistic that she WOULD make some bad decisions.

I loved the Lunar Chronicles for their new take on the classic fairy tales. Cursed and the Gilded series continues that. Like the other stories, I was more interested in the action than the romance of the thing. But what is a fairy tale without a romance? The heroines are more well rounded and independent than traditionally, which is what makes them so interesting.

(Big thank you to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for giving us this eARC in exchange for an honest review!)

We were so excited to see that we were able to get a Marissa Meyer ARC because we are a big fan of Marissa Meyer, especially for her Renegades and Lunar Chronicles series. First off, we love the idea of a Rumpelstiltskin retelling and we were excited to dive into the second book for the Gilded series. The plot for this was super creative still helped ease us into the world building and fantasy. The scenes that happened in this book was a bit different than I expected when I finished Gilded. The scenes were very dramatic and super descriptive, I remembered listening to the audiobook and it did feel a tad bit dreading, but I still really enjoyed it. It got pretty dark towards the second half of the book, but the end still had the twisted ending and enthralling reading experience as the first book. This was a great ending to the Gilded duology and spotlighted Meyer's brilliance and beautiful writing style. This was super enjoyable and would highly recommend this series!