Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girl defends Faerie in lively graphic novel sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 ...
Families can talk 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 :
- Illustrator : Mike Cavallaro
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic ) , Friendship
- 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 : December 3, 2025
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