Cursed

This young adult fantasy novel, "Cursed," is the thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's Gilded series, a dark and romantic retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Protagonists Serilda and Gild are bound by curses to a haunted castle and must race against the Endless Moon to thwart the Erlking's plan to capture seven gods and unleash dangerous Dark Ones. The narrative weaves together romance, adventure, and Serilda's powerful journey of self-discovery as she embraces her roles as a woman, mother, and partner, while also solving the mystery of Gild's forgotten name and rescuing his sister. Parents should note the themes of peril, magic, and intense fantasy conflict, suitable for mature young adult readers aged 12-18.

Serilda and Gild attempt to break the curses that tether their spirits to Adalheid’s haunted castle before the Endless Moon, when the Erlking means to capture one of the seven gods and make a wish to return his lover, Perchta, from the underworld. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear he doesn’t want just one god—he wants to capture all seven, and force them to bring down the veil that keeps the Dark Ones separate from the land of the mortals. Serilda and Gild must try to thwart his plans, all while solving the mystery of Gild’s forgotten name, freeing his younger sister who is trapped inside Gravenstone Castle, and trying to protect their unborn child. Romance, adventure, and Serilda’s journey to finding her power as a woman, a mother, and a partner make this a retelling that Meyer fans—old and new—will treasure.