The final book of the Curse Keeper's series has left me with a mix of emotions, but overall, I am thrilled with The Curse Defiers! It exceeded my expectations in every way and gave me the conclusion I had hoped for and more. The story is exceptional, and Ellie's character development is truly remarkable. As the layers of secrets are revealed, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the story. The final battle was electrifying and left me on the edge of my seat. While I would have loved a more definite ending, I am confident that this series will continue to captivate readers for years to come!

I have conflicting feelings about this finally book in the Curse Keeper’s series. Let me begin with The Curse Defiers was epic! The story is incredible and author Denise Grover Swank really outdid herself here. The conclusion was everything and more. On the flipside I feel gipped – I’ll get back this this in a moment.

First off, what a rush! All the lingering questions that have kept me on the edge of my seat finally get answered. It made this book very hard to put down. Ellie has really grown on me. She went from being this whiny character to a woman who is forging her own destiny. Collin, his story comes out and I love how he mans up. I get it. I totally understand why, and I don’t blame him. David, I had my good/bad moments with him. No matter how big or small all the characters shine through in this one and they bring there best, or worse, to the table.

The story itself is amazeballs. The onion layers are peeled back one by one as truths come out and secrets are revealed. Holy cow so many I did not see coming, especially Ellie’s final answer. The final battle is electrifying as Ellie owns it. None of this flying off and making crappy decisions. She is done and standing up to it all. And that ending was just….

And that is why I feel gipped. I thought this was supposed to be a trilogy and yet, not all the ‘I’s have been dotted nor the ‘T’s crossed. It’s just too open-ended. I get it. The author left the ending as she did just in case she wanted to come back and continue on with Ellie, Collin and David’s story. But after two books in a trilogy ending in cliffys, it would have been nice if this one hadn’t left me lingering.

Stars: 3.5

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Curse Defiers is the third book in the Curse Keepers series by author Denise Grover Swank. I loved the first two books in the series. I thought it was so unique. How many times do you get to read a book about ancient Algonquin spirits that are tied together with the reappearance with the lost colony of Roanoke. This is the second series that I have read about the Roanoke colony and it is still a unique subject to me because both series are so different. (Roanoke Vanishing by Auburn Seal is great as well.) I absolutely loved the Curse Defiers. I thought it was fast paced and fascinating. This series is a great supernatural mystery. I was really pleased with how this ended, but it does leave some things up in the air, which opens us up to the possibility of more books in this world, which I love.

This book is all about Ellie trying to decide between David and Collin. I honestly like them both so I was just as torn as Ellie was. In my last review, I wasn't really sure where I fell on the whole David V. Collin thing and honestly I'm still not sure. I was really glad that David became so important in Ellie's quest, because he turned out to be such a sweetheart. And very helpful. I can't imagine having to go through this big bad scary all alone like Ellie, so it was nice to see someone there for her- helping her out.

The Curse Keepers series is a really interesting series. But the overall mystery answers and advancements were great. The first book is still my favorite in the series, but this series is still very much worth a read if you enjoy paranormal books and are interested in the Lost Colony of Roanoke. .I'm interested to see if there will be more books set in this world or following these characters. I def want some of the other characters to get their own story! (coughcouighcollincough)

This series is terrific! I love all of Denise Grover Swanks books and all of her series. You will not be disappointed!

Ellie, the main character, has certainly come a long way with me. In the first book, she frustrated me with her naivety and ignorance. By the end of this book she is one to be proud of. Strong-willed, independent and has lost her ignorance is bliss attitude.

This book is more violent than the last books in the series. Ellie, David and Collin need to step up to the plate to survive. New twists are thrown at the reader. Sides are taken but which side is good. Or, for that matter, less evil? Ahone, Okeaus and other spirits have all made their moves and so far our human heroes have just been pawns. But in this last installment, it is their turn to make the moves.

Claire's character becomes more vital in this one and lives will be lost. Each of our main characters will experience loss. And Ellie still has some major decisions about where she stands with both men.

Most questions are answered but the ending is a bit open-ended for my taste. Still, I am reasonably satisfied. This book is by far my favorite of the series. From disgust and anger, to heartbreak to cheering on Ellie and the team, this book left me feeling very involved which I love in a book.

The third book of the Curse Keepers series is just as good as the first two. The growth of the characters from the start of the series to this book has been great. The use of the Lost Colony of Roan0ke, along with the demons and spirits makes this a unique kind of book. Even through all the loose ends were not tied up with a pretty bow, it does leave it open for another book if the author wants to.

Ellie has discovered that she has been played for a fool. The gods see her as nothing more than a mere pawn in their games. Struggling to figure out who she can trust and who she can't, she continues on her journey to get rid of the demons that surround her and cause terror once and for all.

The series itself is great. I learned to love it. I really did. Book two was my favorite overall. However, I'm very upset with the ending. I will not go into details because I do not believe in spoiling books for others, but yeah. Cliffhangers are okay. Really. They are. I've never been one to hate them. They draw attention to the next book. If there is no next book, there should be no cliffhanger! It's really that simple.

This book wasn't really as good as the second one. It was still better than the first one though. I've already pointed out my biggest flaw with this book and I don't want to be redundant. There were places that kind of drug on and places that I felt needed more detail. Either way, I adored it until the end.

The transformation and growth of two of the main characters are amazing! I absolutely loved it. I can't say I really cared for certain character's attitude changed. And I predicted something about one of the characters right off. Either way, it was nice to see Ellie focused and determined. She shows a lot of remorse and self-blame, but that's to be expected with what she has gone through. At least she's not the bratty self-absorbed person she was in the first two.

Because of the ending, I had to knock my rating of this book down to three out of five stars. I was very disappointed in how it ended in a big way. I have many questions. I just don't get how anybody would end a series on a cliffhanger. I still recommend it, but I think anybody who hates cliffhangers as much as I should consider passing on it.

I was unable to finish the book, but thank you for the opportunity.

I liked it and have told my followers to get themselves a copy for themselves as it is a really good read.
recommended to not only my followers but friends and family

The Curse Defiers (Curse Keepers #3)
by Denise Grover Swank (Goodreads Author)

Kindle Edition, 382 pages
Published September 30th 2014 by 47 North

Goodreads synopsis:
For centuries the gods have waited—for the betrayal that will release them, for the traitors who will defend them, for the warrior who will challenge them. Now at long last the gate between the human and spirit worlds is open, and with it, an army of vengeful demons poised to swarm the earth. Only the Curse Keepers, Ellie Lancaster and Collin Dailey, can stop it…if they can break free from a tangled web of treachery, jealousy, and lies.

Torn between two men—her heart belongs to David, yet her soul is bound to Collin’s—Ellie no longer knows who she can trust. Demons slipping through the gate are leaving a trail of bodies in their wake, each death a chilling reminder of the power of the ancient spirits to bring humanity to its knees. Faced with an unimaginable future, Ellie realizes the time has come to turn her back on prophecy and choose her own destiny—even if it means defying the gods themselves.

***

4 Stars

This final installment of the Curse Keepers series did not disappointment. I found this series well thought out and filled with so much research that it boggles the mind. But all that research paid off because it made the plot so plausible, realistic and believable.

The backstory of the main character’s parents came to light in this book revealing just how long this curse keeper tradition has been in place.

The crux of this story revealed around Ellie and David and their relationship. I was kind of happy the appearances of Collin were few and far between. I was Team David. This roller coaster ride kept us not only entertained but answered many off the questions posed in book one. A lot of series disappoint and leave you hanging, this totally did not do that. All questions were answered in some way.

In the middle of the book Ellie discovered where her true power came from and found out she was more powerful than she even realized. The ending was left open when makes me think there could be other books in the future for this book series.But this book was touted as the finale.

If you love supernatural, fantasy and sci-fi, you will definitely love this. It is unputdownable.


I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGally, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I enjoyed the first two book of this series, but found the love triangle to be unnecessary and annoying. I did not finish the book and have no desire to continue with the series at this point.