I couldn’t stop listening???

This is such a hard review for me to write since I really can’t explain why I kept listening to this one. I think I have a love/hate relationship with this book. There were so many things I didn’t like about the main character and many of her choices/actions were unrealistic for someone her age. I usually don’t have an issue with suspending my belief when it comes to paranormal romance but I struggled with this one. All the negative comments aside, I just couldn’t stop listening to this one. What was it about this book?? I suppose I really enjoyed the mystery and just had to know everyone’s deep dark secrets. Although not all the secrets were revealed in this book. I’m sure I will purchase the next one because the price is right and I apparently need some answers.

3.5 stars

19 people found this helpful

A must read!

What made the experience of listening to Cursed the most enjoyable?

The story is fantastic. The characters are amazing!

What did you like best about this story?

I definitely loved the story the best. S.J. West tells a vivid story that captures the reader and holds you captive until the very end!

Which character – as performed by Christa Lewis – was your favorite?

Brand Cole was my favorite character performed by Christa Lewis. She did a great job making all the characters sound different and unique.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I read this in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down! I've already picked up the ebooks for the 2nd and 3rd book.. I just wish they were available on audiobook as well!

Any additional comments?

I'm new to S.J. West's books but I'm a fan!!

13 people found this helpful

College student with Tween mentality

I downloaded this from the romance package because it was a runner up in March Ab-ness. I am always leery of books in the Romance package with young adults and I don't really want hear about steamy sex with young people under 20. That's just my personal preference. I have read the 1st 3 books in the Relentless series by Karen Lynch and they were well done so I took the risk.
I have not made it past chapter 4. I am tired of hearing a supposedly grown woman go on and on about a boy. way too much filler for me. Chapter 4 and we are still hearing about back story? Give me a bit of plot direction and then add in your filler nuggets of the past. It's like reading a teenagers diary. I didn't pay full price and if someone can convince me that it's worth it to finish I may try again. However I have read some of the reviews and they say book 2 is the same so thanks to those that took the time to spare me the time!

10 people found this helpful

Wow, and I say that not in a good way.

First off, not all narrators can do the voice of black women convincingly. With that being said the narrator was horrible! In fact all the voices were horrible and if the story would have been good it would have made the difference. I give it one star and that is because the last hour the story started to make sense it was a painful listen. A odd story with no real direction the last hour an half the story got better, but by that time it was almost over. Not well written, no direction and the little life it had quickly died with the horrible narrator, I hope that if they do the other two books in the trilogy they use a better narrator. Such a Tavia Gilbert a women who is truly capable of making any book come alive. She can do any voice and draw you in. If you are seeking a good series check out the Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol

9 people found this helpful

Very pleasantly surprised

Would you listen to Cursed again? Why?

I don't reread books unless I need to remember a previous book before reading the next in a series. I finished the trilogy, so I won't reread.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cursed?

I loved Tara's interrogation of Bran.

Which character – as performed by Christa Lewis – was your favorite?

It was a tie between Tara and Malcolm.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lily's vulnerability and innocence when she tried to entice Will.

Any additional comments?

This was the best narrated book I've ever listened to.

7 people found this helpful

I just ADORE this book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cursed to be better than the print version?

This was my first audio book and I loved it. I am one of those love to feel and smell my books, but the audio version of this one was amazing. I think the print version and the audio version of this book are equal in my eyes. I think the narrator really captured the spirit of the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character in this version had to of been Tara. In the print format it is Lily. I just loved hearing the narrator's impersonation of Tara and her sassy ways.

Have you listened to any of Christa Lewis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time listening to Christa's performance and I think she did a fine job. You can tell she took her time and got to know the character's before narrating.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

These books always make me laugh and cry. The way SJ took these fictional characters and brings them to life is amazing. I have read the print version four times and have the same reaction every time. I laugh when they laugh then cry when it is time to cry lol.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this as an audio read, or listen because it is one all of her fans ADORE. We love the watchers and I know anyone who ventures into these books will love them too!

7 people found this helpful

Can someone say amazing!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cursed to be better than the print version?

Honestly, I love to read the print version of a book before I listen to the audio version of it. I like to have a feel of the characters on my own. It's more personal in a way. After I have read the book, I love listening to the audiobook while I cook, clean, shower, just about anything, really.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cursed?

I loved when Lilly first met Malcolm. I love when Tara gets sassy. And I love when Brand mans up and realizes that Lilly and him belong together and that they need each other.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Lilly learns what Brand is and who Will really is.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it sure is.

Any additional comments?

I love SJ West's books, all of them. Cursed introduced me into a world of so much love and understanding. It's how I picture my child's life to be as she grows older and experiences these things for herself. It's a beautiful place that I like to get lost in from time to time.

6 people found this helpful

Loved this well written YA Paranormal!

Lily's had a tough childhood. With a mom who wasn't really much of a mother, and a father she's never known, growing up in a trailer park could have been hell. Fortunately, her best friend, Tara, and Tara's grandmother, are her true family. Without them, she doesn't know what she would have done. The dialogue between these lovely characters is snappy and loving, and I completely enjoyed their world.

One of Lily's best friends growing up is Will, a gorgeous guy that she fell in love with. But when she tried to declare her love, Will dumped her hard and disappeared from her life. Hurt but determined to get on with her life, Lily starts college with Tara, only to discover that Will goes to the same school. Ouch!

Then a new gorgeous guy comes into Lily's life, and he is everything she could ever want in a soul mate, but is he too good to be true? In fact, he isn't what he seems to be, at all.

Angels, good and bad, populate this inventive paranormal, and the writing is top-notch.

Still, I think the best part of this book may be the narration. Christa Lewis kept me listening past the beginning when the h read like a bit of a goodie two shoes, which I typically find dull. Happily, the story picked up, and the pacing was very good, giving a sense of something not quite right without going overboard. When the badness comes along, you've already sensed it, even though you don't know what to expect.

Having read book one, I can't wait to pick up book two.

5 people found this helpful

Love this audiobook!

Where does Cursed rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

If you liked Twilight this is better! Especially the writing style and Christa.

What did you like best about this story?

I love Brand and Malcolm! Cursed and all of the watcher books are my favorite books of all time (and I have read many (more like a ton) books).

What does Christa Lewis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Christa brought the characters voices to life. She brought expression to the words.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Everytime I had to push stop I would get so mad. I have read the book multiple times, but I think hearing it made me get the little nuances that SJ West put in her writing.

5 people found this helpful

Another good YA Paranormal

I really liked this beginning book of a series. I'm just sorry Audible doesn't have the next ones. I have already bought the Kindle versions to read. After this series there are the watcher chronicles and then Callyins ( not sure of spelling) story and then the redemption series which starts with a book about Malcom who is an ancillary character in this series. I will admit this reminds me of a previous series I listened to by Amy Bartol which I loved. I am game to delve into this one also. I thought the narrator was great. I have said this before, but I think the best writing right now is in the YA genre-- so all of us old fogies are reading it too!

4 people found this helpful