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A Timely Curse
For William Danver, High School was a breeze, academically that is. Although he wasn't popular, at all, his real problem was at home.
His father Gary Danver was an abusive, sadistic man, who also happened to be the sheriff in their small town. Unable to get any help from the authorities, William vowed to protect his mother and little sister by any means necessary.
His wish to protect his family came in the form of a mysterious stranger, Alexander, who would change the boy's life forever. Was it a curse or a blessing he granted William with? And did he do this to help the boy protect his family or did he have his own selfish reasons?
His father Gary Danver was an abusive, sadistic man, who also happened to be the sheriff in their small town. Unable to get any help from the authorities, William vowed to protect his mother and little sister by any means necessary.
His wish to protect his family came in the form of a mysterious stranger, Alexander, who would change the boy's life forever. Was it a curse or a blessing he granted William with? And did he do this to help the boy protect his family or did he have his own selfish reasons?
- GenresHorrorParanormalFantasy
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2013
2 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Joseph DiBartolo
8 books321 followersJoseph DiBartolo is a new author, avid reader, and film enthusiast who resides in South Florida. After many years wasted in other lines of work he decided to follow his long time dream of becoming a writer. A Timely Curse is his first publication and is of the paranormal variety at novella length.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 12, 2014
Suspenseful!
This is a great book from beginning to end! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book, just waiting to see what would happen next. I wish the relationship between William and Rebecca would have had a little more time to grow. All in all a great book for those who like the paranormal.
This is a great book from beginning to end! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book, just waiting to see what would happen next. I wish the relationship between William and Rebecca would have had a little more time to grow. All in all a great book for those who like the paranormal.
March 10, 2013
Please note: This is a novella, not a full sized novel, so I'll keep the outline light, so as not to give away too many elements of the story..
This is a solid debut novella by Author Joseph DiBartolo. The writing is well-thought out and the elements & visuals are realistic and well-described.
Mr. DiBartolo pulls us into his world by introducing us to William, a physically abused teen, stuck in his own personal hell as his father Gary, a local police officer & the true nightmare in his world, continues to inflict pain & terror on William, his mother & his younger sister..
The story leads William into the clutches of Alexander, a man who has been watching William and his situation for quite some time... Alexander will either turn out to be Williams saving grace... Or an even bigger nightmare than the one he is already living in....
William makes the decision to seek out Alexanders type of help.. And before he knows it, William now has the ability to save himself and his family...
But will Williams untimely curse come too late? Or will Williams father, his thugs & his excessive firepower end up being even too much for a being of superhuman powers?
Pick up this novella and find out! It's a quick & exciting read and I was genuinely interested in how such an abused child would deal with saving himself & his family through something that would be a horrendous curse upon anyone else... Mr. DiBartolo knows how to to keep the reader wanting more & I'm looking forward to his next release.. Head to Amazon & grab this compelling story today!
PLATINUM GIVES JOSEPH & "A TIMELY CURSE":
4 PLATINUM RINGS!
~Vicki Rose
Platinum Book Reviews
http://platinumbookreviews.blogspot.com/
This is a solid debut novella by Author Joseph DiBartolo. The writing is well-thought out and the elements & visuals are realistic and well-described.
Mr. DiBartolo pulls us into his world by introducing us to William, a physically abused teen, stuck in his own personal hell as his father Gary, a local police officer & the true nightmare in his world, continues to inflict pain & terror on William, his mother & his younger sister..
The story leads William into the clutches of Alexander, a man who has been watching William and his situation for quite some time... Alexander will either turn out to be Williams saving grace... Or an even bigger nightmare than the one he is already living in....
William makes the decision to seek out Alexanders type of help.. And before he knows it, William now has the ability to save himself and his family...
But will Williams untimely curse come too late? Or will Williams father, his thugs & his excessive firepower end up being even too much for a being of superhuman powers?
Pick up this novella and find out! It's a quick & exciting read and I was genuinely interested in how such an abused child would deal with saving himself & his family through something that would be a horrendous curse upon anyone else... Mr. DiBartolo knows how to to keep the reader wanting more & I'm looking forward to his next release.. Head to Amazon & grab this compelling story today!
PLATINUM GIVES JOSEPH & "A TIMELY CURSE":
4 PLATINUM RINGS!
~Vicki Rose
Platinum Book Reviews
http://platinumbookreviews.blogspot.com/
March 23, 2013
Joseph DiBartolo has brought us back to the era of Universal monsters, when werewolves were bloodthirsty creatures that were feared. As true horror purists, we've felt that there's been a real lack of "old school paranormal" in literature and it seems Joseph DiBartolo has answered our call. William Danver is a refreshing hero that stands out in this current assembly line of main characters in literature. A nerdy underdog with an abusive father, William gets the oppurtunity of a lifetime when he is given the curse of lycanthropy. We loved not only the physical transformation, but the mental one as well. Once he is bitten, William becomes a wonderfully spirited hero with the capabilities to finally right the wrongs in his life. But, our favorite character had to be his creator, Alexander, the father figure that William never had. He brings a civilized feel to the barbaric nature that is at the base of William's anger. The gore was artfully placed and beautifully done, mirroring the animalistic chaos of a true werewolf. A Timely Curse is a dark, gritty tale of consequences in all spectrums, but at it's core has heart and real world problems that anyone can relate to. In a sea of docile paranormal romances, we have to say that Joseph DiBartolo has risen above the pack by having the courage to bring fear back to the werewolf and let the blood flow.
June 7, 2013
This book was very well written given it was the author's first book. The rating is based more on my feelings about the gore of book and not how well the book was written. Sorry! It was just a bit bloody for me so although it was well written and will definitely rate 5 stars from others who like this genre, I rated it based on how much I liked the story in general and in no way meant to offend the author or have anyone think it is a bad book.
Some background:
William is raised in a home where his father is abusive, but even worse, he is the sheriff so the family has no where to turn for help. Alexander is a werewolf who turns William so that he has a way to protect himself and those he loves. William is not a bad kid, but he does embrace his new life and immediately seeks to avenge / stop any future abuse by killing the crooked police officers, including his dad. It was just a bit blood thirsty for my taste and as much as I can understand how he feels toward his dad, I have a hard time seeing any teenager ok with all of the killing, especially with little to no remorse for taking a life.
However, as I said, I think others who are ok with the above will love the book. For a short story, it was well done and did not feel rushed which is usually the case with most short stories.
Some background:
William is raised in a home where his father is abusive, but even worse, he is the sheriff so the family has no where to turn for help. Alexander is a werewolf who turns William so that he has a way to protect himself and those he loves. William is not a bad kid, but he does embrace his new life and immediately seeks to avenge / stop any future abuse by killing the crooked police officers, including his dad. It was just a bit blood thirsty for my taste and as much as I can understand how he feels toward his dad, I have a hard time seeing any teenager ok with all of the killing, especially with little to no remorse for taking a life.
However, as I said, I think others who are ok with the above will love the book. For a short story, it was well done and did not feel rushed which is usually the case with most short stories.
May 14, 2015
A young man's desire to protect his family from an abusive father, the town sheriff, comes to fruition in the form of a mysterious stranger, and an ancient curse. William must learn to control his new found power and savagery to stop a damaged man who will do anything to stay in power.
Who doesn't love a good werewolf yarn? A Timely Curse brings the bloodletting in a quick and entertaining read. The action and tension is here, as is the gore, in spades. But what is lacking is solid character development. William Danver and his father are fleshed out well, and I could relate to their relationship easily. Their interactions fell honest and heavy and Mr. DiBartolo squeezes out some great tension between them. The rest of the cast have a lack of development and I just wasn't able to connect with many of them. Anyways, small gripes.
A Timely Curse is a fun read and I think that you'll get a kick out of it.
*3.5/5
Who doesn't love a good werewolf yarn? A Timely Curse brings the bloodletting in a quick and entertaining read. The action and tension is here, as is the gore, in spades. But what is lacking is solid character development. William Danver and his father are fleshed out well, and I could relate to their relationship easily. Their interactions fell honest and heavy and Mr. DiBartolo squeezes out some great tension between them. The rest of the cast have a lack of development and I just wasn't able to connect with many of them. Anyways, small gripes.
A Timely Curse is a fun read and I think that you'll get a kick out of it.
*3.5/5
April 28, 2013
I can only imagine what it's like to have your first work published, but for author Joseph DiBartolo, his imaginings have now been fulfilled in a most amazing way.
A Timely Curse is fast paced, intense, and forward moving! Joseph puts a unique spin on the paranormal world of shape-shifters, making them hero instead of villain. And the combination of youthful innocence and aged understanding between the two main characters is heartwarming.
This is a good story of childhood abuse in an impossible situation that can often be resolved only in a fictional world. It is easy to connect with the main character as he battles, not only bullying at school and in his community, but in his own home as well. Luckily for him, he has help!
Congratulations, Joseph, on your first success!
A Timely Curse is fast paced, intense, and forward moving! Joseph puts a unique spin on the paranormal world of shape-shifters, making them hero instead of villain. And the combination of youthful innocence and aged understanding between the two main characters is heartwarming.
This is a good story of childhood abuse in an impossible situation that can often be resolved only in a fictional world. It is easy to connect with the main character as he battles, not only bullying at school and in his community, but in his own home as well. Luckily for him, he has help!
Congratulations, Joseph, on your first success!
March 10, 2013
Karma gets some help!
Wow! I just finished this fast-paced, well written book! Joseph takes a unique spin on werewolves in his debut novel. And, what a spin! A werewolf as vigilante! Alexander is a werewolf with a desire to help William and his family get free of his abusive father. Since the father is a cop, the family has no options for help. So, Alexander turns William into a werewolf also. In this book, werewolves change at will, not by the light of the moon. William scares his dad by changing in front of him and attacking. What happens when the father calls in his buddies to help? Well, buy this wonderful book and find out! Well done, Joseph!
Wow! I just finished this fast-paced, well written book! Joseph takes a unique spin on werewolves in his debut novel. And, what a spin! A werewolf as vigilante! Alexander is a werewolf with a desire to help William and his family get free of his abusive father. Since the father is a cop, the family has no options for help. So, Alexander turns William into a werewolf also. In this book, werewolves change at will, not by the light of the moon. William scares his dad by changing in front of him and attacking. What happens when the father calls in his buddies to help? Well, buy this wonderful book and find out! Well done, Joseph!
June 13, 2014
Very Timely Indeed
Joseph Di Bartolo crafts a suspenseful story with well developed characters in his first novel about werewolves and revenge. William Danvers makes a great protagonist - an awkward teenager who must bear the burden of living with an abusive father who works in law enforcement feels inept at keeping his mother and sister safe. With nowhere to turn, he jumps at the opportunity presented by Alexander, a mysterious stranger but is it worth the cost?
I’m a big fan of the genre and Joseph Di Bartolo breathes new air into a classic monster with his descriptive writing and unforgettable characters. Kudos!
Joseph Di Bartolo crafts a suspenseful story with well developed characters in his first novel about werewolves and revenge. William Danvers makes a great protagonist - an awkward teenager who must bear the burden of living with an abusive father who works in law enforcement feels inept at keeping his mother and sister safe. With nowhere to turn, he jumps at the opportunity presented by Alexander, a mysterious stranger but is it worth the cost?
I’m a big fan of the genre and Joseph Di Bartolo breathes new air into a classic monster with his descriptive writing and unforgettable characters. Kudos!
April 7, 2013
What a wonderful story,can't believe this is his first book. I hope there are many more to come. I'm a big fan of the paranormal, and this is a very refreshing take on werewolves. A 'normal' family of 4, a son coming of age, his beautiful sister and mom, and then there's the abusive dad(who's also a local cop). I don't want to go into much more detail, except to say that I couldn't put it down.
March 17, 2013
loved it! Once I started could not put it down. Very easy reading kept me interested the entire time. Loved the vigilante concept.....cannot wait to read his next book...Congratulations and well done...continued success!!!
October 24, 2014
What a fun story -- love it when the Karma Bus gets their person. It left me wanting to know more but all in all, a very good story.
September 25, 2013
Very good story..I enjoyed the other side of werewolves and enjoyed the story and characters. Very nicely written and thought of.
September 21, 2014
***A worthy twist to the story of werewolves***
This is my first book by Mr. DiBartolo, and I was pleasantly initiated into the story of a werewolf shifter. A Timely Curse is an easy read, but it is nonetheless engaging and thoughtful. It reminds me of another 'hero' --- The Incredible Hulk, due to the physical description of the shifters, and the motivation of the main character.
I enjoyed the underlying story that prepared me for why the protagonist becomes who he is, and why he does what he does. Though at times bloody, the story was never gory just for the sake of it. If anything, I found the author quite restrained in his narrative when it came to describing certain scenes, and for this, I was thankful. I would rather use my own imagination to visualize the horror. By not over-describing these key scenes, the author actually does a stellar job of stimulating readers' imaginations.
The book is based on a simple parable. Monsters may be horrible, but in this case, they are only horrible to those who deserve it. A worthy read for those who want a new twist on the story of werewolves.
This is my first book by Mr. DiBartolo, and I was pleasantly initiated into the story of a werewolf shifter. A Timely Curse is an easy read, but it is nonetheless engaging and thoughtful. It reminds me of another 'hero' --- The Incredible Hulk, due to the physical description of the shifters, and the motivation of the main character.
I enjoyed the underlying story that prepared me for why the protagonist becomes who he is, and why he does what he does. Though at times bloody, the story was never gory just for the sake of it. If anything, I found the author quite restrained in his narrative when it came to describing certain scenes, and for this, I was thankful. I would rather use my own imagination to visualize the horror. By not over-describing these key scenes, the author actually does a stellar job of stimulating readers' imaginations.
The book is based on a simple parable. Monsters may be horrible, but in this case, they are only horrible to those who deserve it. A worthy read for those who want a new twist on the story of werewolves.
January 24, 2014
William is a book smart teen who suffers at school and at home (thanks to his alcoholic father, Gary.). All the while a stranger watches the teen with a plan and a cure for the teen's problems
While "A Timely Curse" is a good read, I feel it could have been better. The fact that the main character is a bookish character who comes upon power and uses it for revenge is entertaining, but cliche. Also the motivation behind Alexander helping the boy is a bit glossed over.
True the author mentions it but I feel if more insight(besides witnessing Gary's accident) was given into this mystery man's reason for helping maybe it would have added to the bond between William and Alexander.
Overall it's an entertaining read and clocking in at eighty eight pages makes it a quick read.
While "A Timely Curse" is a good read, I feel it could have been better. The fact that the main character is a bookish character who comes upon power and uses it for revenge is entertaining, but cliche. Also the motivation behind Alexander helping the boy is a bit glossed over.
True the author mentions it but I feel if more insight(besides witnessing Gary's accident) was given into this mystery man's reason for helping maybe it would have added to the bond between William and Alexander.
Overall it's an entertaining read and clocking in at eighty eight pages makes it a quick read.
July 4, 2013
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. William is a "geek" and even though he gets picked on in school it's nothing compared to his home life. His father is a drunk and abusive man and William can't report him to the sheriff because he is the sheriff. He is tormented about his inability to protect his mother and sister until he meets someone who helps him turn the tide in his favor. This is a well written book for a first book and I really like how the characters interact. I hope there will be another one to finish telling William's story about what happens to him after he deals with his father and moves on with his life.
December 26, 2013
Although this book is DiBartolo's debut work, it is well written with a convincing plot.
I particularly enjoyed how the author explored and developed his protagonist's character. The story is the tale of a werewolf helping a desperate high school student to provide safety for his mother and sister while fighting for justice in their town. The story flows very well, and I like DiBartolo’s writing style.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, you will definitely want to read this book!
I particularly enjoyed how the author explored and developed his protagonist's character. The story is the tale of a werewolf helping a desperate high school student to provide safety for his mother and sister while fighting for justice in their town. The story flows very well, and I like DiBartolo’s writing style.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, you will definitely want to read this book!
June 2, 2014
I got this book from the Author as a gift and I enjoyed it very much. It was a fast paced book that kept me at the edge of my seat until the very end and I found it very entertaining and also bloody, which did not bother me. I would love to find out what happens next to the main characters, so maybe we can talk Joseph DiBartolo into writing a sequel.
March 22, 2015
This book is incredible, exciting and unique (in my opinion) for a werewolf story! This book puts a whole new meaning to the word Karma!!
I can't help but love when the 'underdog' wins!!!
Joseph DiBartolo is an extraordinary writer when it comes to his genre!
I am looking forward to finding out what happens to William and Alexander next!!
I can't help but love when the 'underdog' wins!!!
Joseph DiBartolo is an extraordinary writer when it comes to his genre!
I am looking forward to finding out what happens to William and Alexander next!!
November 21, 2013
Captivating! The characters come to life.=)
July 15, 2016
Love thid
Joseph DiBartolo does it again. His story about a werewolf that takes evil out. A must read if you like werewolves. Great story and awesome characters
Joseph DiBartolo does it again. His story about a werewolf that takes evil out. A must read if you like werewolves. Great story and awesome characters
August 26, 2016
What's the ultimate way to get revenge on the father that has abused you and your mother and sister your whole life.... Becoming a wear wolf... :)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews