Curses and Warfare was different than I was expecting. When I requested the book, I didn’t realize it was part of a series, much less book two. There was a lot of references to the first book, but not so much that I didn’t enjoy this one.

Alexa and Zander are twins fated to save their village. Zander using brute strength and Alexa using her magic, must find a way to work together and save all of those they love. As with all wars, loved ones will be lost, and the battle will be hard fought.

The first half of the book is a bit slow. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to force myself through it, but once I was halfway through it picked up and I finished it quickly.

Perhaps some of the plot development began in the first book, but there was not much in this one. Zander trains the warriors, Alexa is shunned by the fortune teller, mother bakes and father drinks. The first half of the book is almost the same thing, day in and day out.

The characters weren’t horrible but were a bit underwhelming. Zander, who is supposed to be a leader has little self confidence. Alexa and her “magical mishaps” were laughable for some one determined to use magic with the oncoming war.

Zephyr was my favorite character but seemed untrustworthy throughout most of the book. I understand that the untrustworthy narrator tends to be popular, but I never knew if Zephyr was a good guy or bad guy until near the end.

My long time readers know that I enjoy horse books very much. There was some incorrect terminology for horse equipment throughout the book that was more of an annoyance than anything. I feel like if you’re not 100% sure what the item is called, probably ten minutes research online can get you the proper words so that the characters do not come off as not knowing something that would be common knowledge in the time the book is set in.

Overall, I didn’t mind the book, I did finish it. I won’t be continuing the series, or picking up the first book, it’s just not this Moose’s cup of tea.