The Cursed City

[PhormlessPhorm]

Just finished reading The Cursed City by Xunaira J.and although it was touching I found it a bit short (only 24 pages). I like the overall message of the book but the message would have had more power if there was more detail and more development of the narrative.

The story involves a boy named Ali who is born on the day that an evil witch curses a city and is therefore blamed for the curse. He is determined to reverse the curse even though he is only ten years old. He wonders how he can do it and is eventually led to some elders of the cursed city where he is equipped with special amulets. He has to enter dangerous territory but this is the only way. Can Ali, a ten year old child, avoid Hilda, the powerful witch, who has the power to cast darkness over a whole town? What will prevail, the light or the darkness?

I think it is a good start but I did expect more. This could involve developing the plot and including more detail. I think the overall writing was good and there were some nice scenes painted but I think it definitely needs more.

I found it a bit confusing how he crossed over into the other world. That section seems to be a major segue and could use elaboration. Was it a parallel world or what? Why did he have to go there to face the witch? I think some good examples to help open up the story more would be Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. It could also include some more archetypes besides the wise elders, the evil witch, and the hero child.

The story could include some twists and turns as the story line was fairly predictable. Again, it was touching but the message would have more of a punch with more suspense and some more breadth. This could include having some allies for the main character and maybe some betrayal. I think it is good for a short story but as far as a book goes I’d have to give it a 1. I think it has the potential for a book but it’s not quite there.