Cursed

August 19, 2019
In this loose reimagining of the Arthurian mythos (companion to a forthcoming Netflix series), a teenage member of the Fey Kind becomes the epicenter of momentous events after she receives the fabled Sword of Power from her dying mother. Charged with taking the sword to the wizard Merlin, Nimue, oft judged for “the scars on her back,” uses it instead to avenge and protect her people, who are being persecuted by religious zealots known as the Red Paladins. Along the way, she allies herself with roguish sell-
sword Arthur and establishes herself as the figurehead of resistance against the Red Paladins and King Uther Pendragon’s court. Wheeler (The Arcanum) retains names from the Arthurian stories but little else: Merlin is a magicless fraud, Sir Bors is a thug, and Lancelot and Percival are nigh unrecognizable. The story takes place in an anachronistic England in which Fey Kind and humans dwell in an ill-defined time period after the fall of Rome, and no attempt has been made toward historical accuracy or verisimilitude. Flat dialogue, gory combat scenes, and a sprawling plot will likely better suit the small screen. Stylized illustrations by comic book artist Miller punctuate the narrative. Ages 14–up.

September 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-England was a land of warriors and kings, but it was also home to the fey-elusive, intelligent beings who had inhabited the green isles long before mankind settled there. Sadly, human beings tend not to assimilate well, and this novel opens with warfare as humans, egged on by the church, drive the fey from their homes and execute them in increasingly gruesome and merciless ways. When Nimue's village is destroyed and her people murdered, she wanders the land until she comes across the Sword in a pond of water. Nearly alone in the world, she avenges and protects her people as best she can. All the heroes of the Arthurian tales are represented in this novel as they were before they became the legends we are familiar with today. Arthur is a teenager, abused by his uncle. Merlin is a drunk, ridiculed by king and court. But together they just may become legendary. The flaws, fears, and failures of all-too-human characters will endear readers to those who will one day become heroes. VERDICT Illustrator Miller is best known for his work in graphic novels, comics, and film. This dramatic retelling of the Arthurian legend has been picked up to be a Netflix original series, heightening reader interest.-Jane Henriksen Baird, formerly at Anchorage Public Library, AK

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2019
Grades 7-12 As Nimue's druid mother lies dying, she charges her daughter with delivering something to the mage Merlin. The package contains the fey-created Sword of Power, aka the Devil's Tooth, whose possession marks the One True King?or queen in Nimue's case. Nimue, Arthur, Morgan, and their allies seek peace and a home for her people, but the Pendragon King Uther, among others, is intent on claiming the sword for himself, and Nimue knows the sword is both weapon and curse for those who own it. Straightforward storytelling, dotted with seemingly unintentional twenty-first-century idioms, helps Wheeler update the Arthurian Lady of the Lake legend for both print and planned Netflix series audiences. Fabled characters like Arthur and Morgan are presented as regular people, with few hints as to their future talents or abilities. Miller's artwork, some in black and white and some in color, which is reminiscent of his Xerxes series, is edgy and dark and welcomes a more diverse audience by referencing many ethnicities and cultures. This is a natural if less complex fit for fans of Game of Thrones.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This collaboration by beloved comics-creator Miller and Empire series creator/producer Wheeler will be getting an extra promotional push from Netflix on top of royal treatment from the publisher.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)