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The Curse of the Nine: Laline's Ascension
Long ago, nine powerful men walked the Earth; each with their own specific magical attributes. They joined forces with the intention of improving the world, but one of them had a different agenda. When their travels took a destructive turn, The Aprīcōrum (ancient elders and acolytes of the Light God) intervened. The nine men were all cursed—sentenced to walk the Earth as one of its other inhabitants to teach them to respect the sanctity of life.
Centuries later, Augustus mopes about, his heart wrecked with despair and loneliness like most nights since his curse began. He trolls the stone walls of En Tutum, a luxurious rustic tourist attraction where he is forbidden to leave. Suddenly he hears a faint whisper, “Mother,” as a jeep pulls into the property. He sees Selina Horton, a college student and visitor to En Tutum. He immediately senses an ancient magic in her—a power—that, if detected by the property owners, will put her in grave danger.
This newcomer may be the key to answering the prayers his soul has sought. Therefore, he must protect her from those that are close to discovering her gift. However, his curse comes with many limitations. Can she trust Augustus, a cursed man, with his own motives, to protect her? Does she really possess the magical gifts he’s willing to risk his life for? The answer is drawing near.
Centuries later, Augustus mopes about, his heart wrecked with despair and loneliness like most nights since his curse began. He trolls the stone walls of En Tutum, a luxurious rustic tourist attraction where he is forbidden to leave. Suddenly he hears a faint whisper, “Mother,” as a jeep pulls into the property. He sees Selina Horton, a college student and visitor to En Tutum. He immediately senses an ancient magic in her—a power—that, if detected by the property owners, will put her in grave danger.
This newcomer may be the key to answering the prayers his soul has sought. Therefore, he must protect her from those that are close to discovering her gift. However, his curse comes with many limitations. Can she trust Augustus, a cursed man, with his own motives, to protect her? Does she really possess the magical gifts he’s willing to risk his life for? The answer is drawing near.
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Luna Stone
5 books7 followersBooks were a constant in this author's home growing up. The local library was visited as much as the supermarket. Luna Stone was a child of the Berenstain Bears and Curious George. “Nothing enchants the spirit more than a great story,” Stone wrote in a recent blog. She supposed her love for writing began early too. Stone wrote her first story at age eight entitled, “Tall Like Me.” The twelve-page book consisted of loose-leaf paper stapled together. In it amongst the crooked illustrations made with color pencils existed a tale about a girl being bullied because of her height. Through out Stone’s school age years and well into college she enjoyed the works of Paulo Coelho, Stephen King, Angela Carter, James Baldwin, and hundreds more. The Curse of the Nine: Laline’s Ascension is her first published novel. She is currently working on the sequel at home in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 7, 2020
Overall, I really enjoyed the plot line as it is very unique! The characters are intriguing, and I loved how Selina is one of those girls who doesn’t care if she fits in to societal norms, as it made her someone I could really relate to. At first the start of the story confused me and made me feel like I had been plopped into the middle of a plot line, but now I see that the timeline was more strategic. By the time I got to the end of the book it all made sense, and now I’m dying to know more!!
November 29, 2020
Luna Stone’s “The Curse of the Nine: Laline’s Ascension,” is quite the original tale that is beautifully written, and an overall pleasure to read.
Selina, the main character, is easily likeable. She grew up with wealth but has a level of humility difficult to find outside of fiction books. As to not give too much away, I will add that she is relatable and easily memorable. Her feelings leak out the page during both subtle and dramatic events in the story.
Meanwhile, Augustus is quite the enigma. Stone does an excellent job of conveying this through the written word that he is a tormented character longing for an end to his suffering. However, he is not willing to sell his soul to make that happen. Based on his interaction with Selina, he is someone who would easily give his life for those he cares for. This dedication is quite admirable, but not so fast! While his circumstance is quite unfortunate, Stone sets us up to question the pity readers might have for him. There may be a dark underlying secret behind his predicament.
In any event, I highly recommend this book for those who love urban fantasy and a diverse cast of characters in their story. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the sequel.
Selina, the main character, is easily likeable. She grew up with wealth but has a level of humility difficult to find outside of fiction books. As to not give too much away, I will add that she is relatable and easily memorable. Her feelings leak out the page during both subtle and dramatic events in the story.
Meanwhile, Augustus is quite the enigma. Stone does an excellent job of conveying this through the written word that he is a tormented character longing for an end to his suffering. However, he is not willing to sell his soul to make that happen. Based on his interaction with Selina, he is someone who would easily give his life for those he cares for. This dedication is quite admirable, but not so fast! While his circumstance is quite unfortunate, Stone sets us up to question the pity readers might have for him. There may be a dark underlying secret behind his predicament.
In any event, I highly recommend this book for those who love urban fantasy and a diverse cast of characters in their story. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the sequel.
December 13, 2020
It starts in the middle, but completes the tale so perfectly by the end. I really enjoyed this book. It's rich in description and at times supremely poetic. Stone captures Augustus's torment well. It made his bouts of happiness joyful. Honestly, I found myself smiling and laughing out loud to myself. Give it a chance, its the perfect escape. And I need to know more about Jackson!
December 20, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this book.
The beginning confused me once she got to the estate because everything happened so fast but it was all explained later.
So Saline is an introvert who has the privilege of being the adopted daughter of celebrities and a sister to a social media influencer. She hated the attention that comes with it so she stays away from media - no pictures please.
She is an avid outdoors woman thanks to her dad and enjoys the peace that nature provides.
Her dad hijacks her solo trip and sends her to Canada to stay at an estate in the forest which is right up her alley. While there she immediately feels uncomfortable and doesn’t like her camping tour guide. She is also suspicious of her host of the estate. She starts having visions, dreams and hearing things. Then she encounters Augustus the cursed.
This sets off a series of events that leads to danger, revelations, new relationships, loyalty and more.
If you like books about magic, fairies, legends and curses then you’ll like this book.
Looking forward to reading book 2.
I enjoyed this book.
The beginning confused me once she got to the estate because everything happened so fast but it was all explained later.
So Saline is an introvert who has the privilege of being the adopted daughter of celebrities and a sister to a social media influencer. She hated the attention that comes with it so she stays away from media - no pictures please.
She is an avid outdoors woman thanks to her dad and enjoys the peace that nature provides.
Her dad hijacks her solo trip and sends her to Canada to stay at an estate in the forest which is right up her alley. While there she immediately feels uncomfortable and doesn’t like her camping tour guide. She is also suspicious of her host of the estate. She starts having visions, dreams and hearing things. Then she encounters Augustus the cursed.
This sets off a series of events that leads to danger, revelations, new relationships, loyalty and more.
If you like books about magic, fairies, legends and curses then you’ll like this book.
Looking forward to reading book 2.
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May 27, 2021Fantastic!
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this as I've never really been interested in fantasy... But after reading this book I have to say it was an enjoyable read.
The descriptions were not too long but beautiful and the plot kept me reading.
Will definitely be reading the next installment!
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this as I've never really been interested in fantasy... But after reading this book I have to say it was an enjoyable read.
The descriptions were not too long but beautiful and the plot kept me reading.
Will definitely be reading the next installment!
December 29, 2020
Great read
January 13, 2021
This book was by far a must read!!! I enjoyed it from beginning to end, it actually had me in a rush to finish it because I couldn’t put it down!!
November 3, 2021
DNF @ 8% - Not for me
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews