Curse the Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "Next time," Sergei muttered out of the corner of his mouth, not taking his eyes off the security guard leaning against a wall several paces..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sergei Didier, Cosa Nostradamus, Andre Felhim (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Do you believe in magic? You will when Gilman's done with you." -- Edgar Award-winning author Dana Stabenow

"Gilman's spin on modern 'techo magic' is fantastic; sharply defined and endlessly entertaining . . . I couldn't put this one down." -- Lynn Flewelling, bestselling author of The Bone Doll's Twin

"What's a girl to do now that Buffy's been canceled? Read Laura Anne Gilman, of course!" -- Rosemary Edghill, author of Met by Moonlight --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

Once more Wren Valere's game plan has taken an unexpected direction. She'd agreed to a bargain with one supersecret magic-watching outfit to protect her and her partner on their last job. But now the Silence is trying to wedge them apart.

On the one hand, ever since she and Sergei began to talk about their "relationship," things have been tricky. On the other, though… Well, no one better try to stand between Wren and Sergei when danger is near!

So now they are off to Italy in search of a missing artifact, without any information other than the fact that it's very old, very dangerous and everyone who gets too close disappears. Still, when compared with what's going on at home (lonejacks banding together, a jealous demon, tracking bugs needing fumigation, etc.) maybe disappearing wouldn't be so bad.…

As if!

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Luna; Reprint edition (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373802951
• ISBN-13: 978-0373802951
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,950 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Retrievers Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but doesn't live up to the potential of "Staying Dead", July 29, 2005

By	R. Kyle (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Curse The Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) (Paperback)

Last year, "Staying Dead" got a 5-star rating. I thought it was an excellent fantasy novel with an interesting romance angle thrown in. In her second book, Laura Ann Gilman isn't making either the fantasy or the romance angles work that well for me.

The concept: Wren is a Retriever. Basically, she goes and steals back items that are taken by others. Sergei is her manager/partner. He's in his 40's, about 20 years older than she. They're in love, though neither is actively acknowledging it til this novel.

"Curse the Dark" sends the two of them after stolen Catholic Church relics. We get a better explanation than the initial one about the 'CosaNostradamus' the organization that controls mages and the 'Silence' the organization that makes sure the 'Cosa' is on the up-and-up.

"Curse the Dark" crosses a few more barriers than "Staying Dead" by introducing a mystery line--just what are the relics, what do they mean, and why are they protected so strongly against mages? And, finally, who but a mage could steal them? Gilman's good at setting up mystery, but her explanations are somewhat muddy.

"Curse" answers a few of the questions I had from "Staying Dead" but doesn't leave me looking forward to the sequel or as excited about new-author Gilman as I previously was.

I'm not sure I will read #3 next year. Will definitely have to sit down and make sure I can get through the first chapter or two before I commit to it. Feels as though Gilman is trying to please too many audiences at once and not doing very well at any of it.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read for a first time author......................, October 30, 2005

By	R. Hoover (north lewisburg, ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Curse The Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) (Paperback)

I just happened to find this book at my local book store and what a great read. I could'nt find the first book of this series,but Laura blended both books so well together that I felt that I diddn't miss anything. Sergie and Wren are so great together that it was a joy just to see their reactions together. Also enjoyed how the electric current worked so well with the magic. Will have to someday pick up Staying Dead,but eagerly awaiting the next Retriever Novel. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy Jim Butcher,and Laurell K.Hamilton. Enjoyed it Laura,hurry up and finish the next book.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing after the first one, August 23, 2005

By	Susan Davidson "voracious reader" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Curse The Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed "Staying Dead." "Curse the Dark" was much more fractured and confusing. The story isn't nearly as intense, and the actions of the characters didn't make as much sense. It seems as though not much really happened until the end of the story.

"Staying Dead" grabbed me from the first pages. "Curse the Dark" felt like an obligatory read. I had read the first one, therefore, I had to read the second. It wasn't from enjoyment that I finished it. There wasn't any true "whodunit" that had to be solved, and the climax wasn't satisfying to me.

I enjoy Laura Anne Gilman's writing style, and so will look for the third story. I know this author can write a really good story, since she's proven it in the debut novel. I hope she finds that same spark for the third in the series.