Curses! Foiled Again
Teen girl defends Faerie in lively graphic novel sequel.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Curses! Foiled Again continues the adventures of Aliera Carstairs, Defender of the Seelie Court, begun in Foiled. Celtic and other folklore is used as a springboard for a charming contemporary fantasy that features magic and swordplay. The violence is generally cartoonish, with no human fatalities. The language is unlikely to offend anyone, and there's only the vaguest hint of romance between any of the teen characters.
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What's the Story?
Recently appointed as the Defender of Faerie, high school fencing whiz Aliera Carstairs must learn to walk the border between the magical and the mundane. She is hampered by the presence of Avery Castle, an annoying troll-boy who has sworn allegiance to her. When Aliera's aunt is attacked and her wheelchair-using cousin, Caroline, disappears, Aliera must journey back to Faerie to rescue her.
Is It Any Good?
This is an engaging new volume in the fantasy graphic novel series begun with Foiled. Aliera Carstairs is a well-designed protagonist: capable yet not overconfident, caring but with an edge. Her adventures in contemporary suburbia and Faerie are both exciting and well observed. Mike Cavallaro's artwork is expressive and clear in its storytelling, with a nice use of color to distinguish the magical aspects of the tale. Although Curses! feels much like a middle volume in a series, it has sufficient plot development and reversals to satisfy return readers and new ones alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Why do stories from world folklore still retain their power in modern times?
What does it feel like to know that someone is more interested in you than you are in him or her?
What does is take to excel at a sport like fencing?
Book Details
- Author: Jane Yolen
- Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Adventures, Fairy Tales, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: First Second
- Publication date: January 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 11 - 17
- Number of pages: 176
- Available on: Paperback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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