A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan presents itself as a dark and gripping fantasy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of its ambitions. It leaves one feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
The Details
One of the main issues with the novel is its lack of originality. The story follows the tired tropes of the fantasy genre without bringing anything new or innovative to the table. From the brooding anti-hero to the predictable plot twists, A Curse of Blood and Wolves feels like a rehash of countless other fantasy novels, failing to carve out its own identity.
Furthermore, the characters in the novel are thinly developed. They do not inspire any real emotional investment from the reader. The protagonist comes across as a generic archetype rather than a fully realized individual. This makes it difficult to empathize with their struggles or root for their success.
The world-building in A Curse of Blood and Wolves is similarly lackluster. While the author attempts to create a rich and immersive fantasy world, the setting feels flat and uninspired. It lacks the depth and complexity needed to truly captivate readers. As a result, the story fails to transport readers to a new and exciting realm. It instead leaves them feeling disengaged and uninterested.
Additionally, the pacing of the novel is inconsistent, with long stretches of exposition and world-building interspersed with brief moments of action. This uneven pacing makes it difficult for readers to stay engaged with the story. There is a sort of teeter-totter nature of moments of boredom and frustration.
One more thing: I really do appreciate retellings of classic fairy tales, but I can’t really warm up to the idea of making it a smutty retelling, when I have not been forewarned. I felt a little tricked, to be honest.
The Verdict
Overall, A Curse of Blood and Wolves fails to deliver on its promise of a dark and gripping fantasy tale. With its lackluster characters, uninspired world-building, and inconsistent pacing, the novel ultimately falls flat, leaving readers searching for a more compelling and original fantasy experience.
