Book 3), The Curse Defiers (Curse Keepers Series

Just finished reading The Curse Defiers and I'm feeling underwhelmed. I thought this book was the third and last of a trilogy but it doesn't appear to be the case. I'm left feeling that there were so many unanswered questions and I'm confused as to what really happened.

Honestly, the characterizations were great. I liked how spunky and kindhearted Ellie is, how unpredictable and street-smart Collin is and how intelligent and dependable David is...the story was also fast paced, if a bit predictable. All in all, it wasn't that bad.

But reader beware, this book will not give you closure. Many things will be left up in the air. There will be lots of action, some twists but that's basically it. There won't be answers like who Ellie ends up with or what will be the fate of their world or anything remotely concrete. Because of this, I can't really recommend this book especially if, like me, they expected a cool ending to an interesting series.

For me, I just feel like I bought the middle chapters of a long book. I don't know if that was the intent so the series can be prolonged or if this was just the author's style of writing...either way, i don't like it. If there will be future books, I doubt my participation and I'll even rethink starting any series by this author. Too bad really because Ms. Swank is a talented writer. I just don't know what happened with this one and I guess I'm not willing to find out.

Was pleasantly surprised by this one. I read the first two books in this series and was grabbed and held right away,this one not so much. It kind of had a slow start. But once it got going, I was off and running with Ellis,David and Collin.There were some game changers in this book that really threw me. Needless to say I was rather impressed with the way things came around. By the end of this book, I was on the edge of my seat. There were some things there that I really didn't see coming but probably should have. I'm hoping there will be another one.

she's annoying in this book. (( the main character )) she keeps secrets from boyfriend although she agreed not too! another annoying thing is she so powerful.............................yet can't defend herself from a little demon. same ol' same ol' ending left you with yet another book to continue.

I did not really enjoy this series, because for some reason I have trouble believing that everything life changing can happen and be resolved within a week... I just can not relate to characters that fall in love (after a small triangle) AND save the world in five days...

Ellie, the main character, has certainly come a long way with me. In the first book, she frustrated me with her naivety and ignorance. By the end of this book she is one to be proud of. Strong-willed, independent and has lost her ignorance is bliss attitude.

This book is more violent than the last books in the series. Ellie, David and Collin need to step up to the plate to survive. New twists are thrown at the reader. Sides are taken but which side is good. Or, for that matter, less evil? Ahone, Okeaus and other spirits have all made their moves and so far our human heroes have just been pawns. But in this last installment, it is their turn to make the moves.

Claire's character becomes more vital in this one and lives will be lost. Each of our main characters will experience loss. And Ellie still has some major decisions about where she stands with both men.

Most questions are answered but the ending is a bit open-ended for my taste. Still, I am reasonably satisfied. This book is by far my favorite of the series. From disgust and anger, to heartbreak to cheering on Ellie and the team, this book left me feeling very involved which I love in a book.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *

This series must be read in order. The first book is The Curse Keepers (Curse Keepers Series Book 1). The second book is The Curse Breakers (Curse Keepers Series Book 2). This is the third book.

Ellie is at a loss. She loves David but her soul is bound to Collin's. She has no idea who to trust. Claire is distancing herself from her ever since she came back from being on her honeymoon. Myra has been doing the same ever since she took her new job. She still trusts Claire and her husband but maybe Myra doesn't love her anymore? The Gods definitely can't be trusted and neither can Collin as he is always hiding something. How is she supposed to save the whole of Creation if she has no one to back her up? David is there and he is an invaluable asset but he is only human with no powers to protect himself. Above all else she must protect the people she loves as she does not think she can bear another loss without breaking completely! How will she keep everyone safe? Is there another way other than choosing one of the Gods? Is she destined to be a broodmare to monstrous offspring? Is she salvation or the apocalypse?

David loves and trusts Ellie. She is his soul mate. Too bad he isn't hers! He HATES Collins and distrusts him with every fiber of his being. His only goal right now is to help Ellie find a way she can fight on her own WITHOUT Collins. He understands that they are more powerful together he just wants Ellie to not be hurt anymore. Sure he hides it well but he is jealous of the bond Ellie and Collin share and wishes Collin were gone for good. He is conflicted and torn about Ellie but no matter what he will stand by her side until the end. Will he find a way for Ellie to stand on her own? Will he be able to keep Ellie? Or will she go running to Collin as Fate decrees?

Collin loves Ellie. He only cares about protecting her above all else. Screw the world. Ellie is all that matters! Well and him of course. But Ellie is all that is good and he would gladly lay his life down if it would save hers. Too bad he betrayed her and lied to her enough times that she no longer trusts him. He is willing to do anything to get her back. Even if that means standing aside and watching her be with David. He wants to protect Ellie even from herself and he is resolved to make things right between them so if she calls he will always be there. Can he find a way to keep Ellie safe? Will he ever win her trust back? How will he keep her womb free of Okeus' monster children? Will they ever be free from the Curse and its responsibilities?

Full of intrigue and suspense this book brings an end to this trilogy ( but not the series) with all the paranormal thrills and chills it has become famous for. The action and adventure have taken a wider world into consideration now that the curse has been broken and their powers are growing. The love triangle just gets more complicated as the group desiring to help Ellie becomes larger and more varied even as her enemies become more aggressive and greater in number. Telling more people about reality blurs some of the lines between the mortal and immortal and opening up more options for ways to fight back. Many minds are a heck of a lot better at solving riddles , puzzles and myriad mysteries! I can't wait for the new series to begin!

***This series is suitable for adult readers

Review by Lorraine Helgeson Leatham of Rainey Day Book Reviews

5 of 5 stars! Wish I could rate this book higher.

This is the thrilling conclusion to the Curse Keepers trilogy, humanity faces its final battle for survival! This is no joke. The gate between the spirit and human worlds have been opened and with that being said some very vengeful demons swarm the earth. These aren't garden variety demons that cause havoc. Oh no, these baddies have been locked up for over 400 years and they are hungry and very angry for being locked up for so long. Only the Curse Keepers, Ellie Lancaster and Collin Dailey, can stop them... with a little help from some friends both from the spirit and human worlds. They must break free from a tangled web of jealousy, lies and treachery that goes back to the beginning of time. As time goes on the characters come to find what their true purpose in the survival of both the human and spirit worlds.

While all this is going on Ellie is torn between two men - her heart belongs to David, yet her very soul has been bound to Collin's. Ellie struggles with who she can trust. Demons leaving a trail of bodies in their wake and picking off those she loves one by one. Could David and Collin be next? Ellie is one of the Curse Keepers but she is far more than that, as she is the Witness to Creation and has far greater powers than she even knows!

If all books in this genre were like this I would regularly read them but until then I will stick with reading any and all books release by Denise Grover Swank. This series is one that I will be sure to read again and again because I am sure there are things that I missed. If you want to read a book that is full of action then this is it! This book is truly amazing! Never fear, it may be the end of this trilogy but it is far from the end...

Books available in this series:
The Curse Keepers (The Curse Keepers, #1)
The Curse Breakers (The Curse Keepers, #2)
The Curse Defiers (The Curse Keepers, #3)

The Curse Defiers by Denise Grover Swank

When a lost colony reappears a month and a half ago it can only mean one thing, a four-hundred-year-old curse has been broken. With the curse broken the gate to hell is cracked, giving evil the means of escape.

Elinor Dare Lancaster is one of two Curse Keepers, a responsibility passed down from generation to generation. As if being a Curse Keeper was not enough to handle, Ellie is also the witness of creation.

Collin Dailey, the other Curse Keeper is linked to Ellie. He has proven to not be entirely trustworthy in the past and he is reluctant to share what he knows.

Ellie is linked to Collin but her heart be longs to her boyfriend.

David Preston is a college professor whose specialty is North American studies. He helps her find information, piece it together and then try to come up with a plan to keep her and the rest of humanity safe.

One evening while walking home from work a demon in the form of an elderly woman approached her. When Ellie asked the woman what she wanted the woman replied, I am here to tell your future.

As Ellie was in a hurry to tell David what happened he had some information of his own to share.

David's ex girlfriend Allison who is also a history professor is an expert on old weaponry, was invited to examine a collection. Allison informs him that she believes she has something that he will want to see.

Just as Ellie was packing to leave town she receives a call from Tom Helmsworth, a police officer insisting that she meet him at the police station to talk. Officer Helmsworth informed her that people with non serious illnesses were coming up dead. After a second patient had died an autopsy was performed and shockingly there was no heart.

Tom had called her in having his own suspicions of supernatural involvement. After reassuring him that this is the first time of hearing of the incidents He told her to find out what was doing this and to take care of it.

Will Ellie be the salvation or the destruction of the world?

I really enjoyed this book! The story is original with twists and turns, mystery and action. This book held my interest keeping me up late in the evening, turning page after page!

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With Ahone and Okeus still waiting on an answer from Ellie regarding who she will pledge her allegiance to, things are looking decidedly more sinister. The longer she waits, the angrier the gods grow and the more destructive the demons become. Demons are now murdering innocents, both in Manteo and as far away as Charlotte. Pledging herself to one or the other has the potential to stop the destruction and save humanity, but there's one small problem - gods are notoriously untrustworthy. Self-serving beings to the core, Ellie is at a crossroads. The gods promise many things, but the outcome of tying herself to one or the other could lead to empty promises and a bleak eternity. Giving herself to one or the other also has the potential to save the world as they know it, but even that's uncertain at this point. With the Curse threatening all of humanity, now is not the time for both Keepers' to be at odds with one another but since this is Ellie and Collin, things are never that simple.

Naturally, the situation regarding the Ricardo Estate heats up as well. Ellie and David learn about certain objects that could prove very instrumental in taming the gods, but anything concerning the Estate is risky business. There seems to be another curse of sorts tied in to the collection so seeing it, let along recovering objects from it, is a battle all its own. Without the items in question, Ellie's chance at taking down the gods and closing the gates is looking very slim.

In this installment, Ellie learned many surprising things concerning the previously lost memories surrounding her mother's murder. A small bit of it proves useful, but the majority is just heartbreak. She is also learning, albeit slowly, how to harness her different powers. Being the Daughter of the Sea and the Witness to Creation brings her great power and if she can learn to channel and harness it, she will have a greater chance of survival. The fate of humanity rests with her so failure is not an option.

What I've loved about this series from the beginning is that Swank writes her urban fantasy around a piece of American history and folklore. She took the legend of the Roanoke Colony, put a paranormal spin on it, threw in some demons while still incorporating many of the elements present in the original legend. There are no werewolves, there are no vampires. Swank's urban fantasy revolves around a curse involving Native American spirits, gods, demons, and of course, the disappearing city. Fantastic storytelling, very unique, and I've become such a huge fan of this series. While this is slated as the end of a trilogy, it certainly doesn't appear like an end, but more like the beginning of a new series. I'm predicting quite a future for Ellie and crew and while they may or may not be constantly battling gods and demons, I have a sinking feeling that the fight will never be truly over.

As with all of the previous books in this trilogy, I also highly recommend this one. But let it be known - these are not standalones, they really need to be read in order, from the beginning, for full comprehension of the events of the curse.

**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Curse Defiers by Denise Grover Swank is book three in the Curse Keepers series. Ms. Swank has done it again with this book. It is full of history, demon magic, love, lies and deceit, and one tough curse keeper determined to save the world and all those she holds dear to her heart.

Ellie is sick and tired of being pushed around by Ahone and Okeus. They are both determined to own her and both are manipulating events to bend her to their will. The demons are loose and people are dying.

David has pledged his love to Ellie and is helping in any way he can to unravel the mysteries of the curse. Ellie’s feelings are growing for David every day but she is in constant turmoil as to whether she can justify keeping him with her since this puts him in constant danger. Can she let him go in order to protect him? I have actually loved David from the start. I have to admit, though, that he lost a few points when he and Ellie experienced a particular tragedy and I didn’t care for the way he reacted towards Ellie. He does become known by the good demons, though as: The One Who Guides the Curse Keeper!

Then there is Collin Daily, oh dear Collin. Collin is Ellie’s other half, the other Curse Keeper. Where Ellie is the daughter of the sea, Collin is the son of the land and earth. Ellie needs him whether she likes it or not. Collin has done everything wrong in the previous books. He has betrayed Ellie at every turn. But in this book, he won me back. He really does love Ellie and wants to make things right, even though he knows that part of that is letting her be with David. But he has made a promise to Ellie to be there now. To be honest with her and help her in any possible to right the wrongs he has created.

Ellie really comes into her own in this book. She realizes the power she has and that she doesn’t need Colin to find it. She also finally is able to tap into her childhood memories which explain so much. We also come to understand more of what made Collin do some of the things he did.

Hang on to your hats because the ending of this book will give you a heart attack. Intense is nowhere close to describing what happens. I love how Ellie, David, Collin and Claire have become a team and are united in their effort to send the demons back to where they came from. It is obvious that D.G. Swank has done a tremendous amount of research for this series to get all of the historical details correct. If I had one complaint, I would say that at times I kind of felt my brain just kind of zoning out when there were a lot of details. Still, though, I am completely invested in this story and these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next. Even though there seems to be some confusion as to if this was a conclusion or not, I recently read a post from Ms. Swank promising that there are more books to come. So I will be first in line when the next book is released. Thank you so much to Denise Grover Swank, 47 North, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

The Curse Defiers, Curse Keepers Series Book 3, Denise Grover Swank
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, YA
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Well, this is one of those YA trilogies that’s suited to adults too – well written, and with an exiting plot. I really enjoyed books one and two and now its the conclusion – or is it? The way it ends it’s the finish – for now...but its left open for more, and I’m pleased about that as I think there’s life yet left in the story.
I like David, he’s a great character but somehow he seems so ...good...whereas Collin, he’s the bad boy, the one who we all want to reform and come good. So I’d love to read more of them and Ellie of course. She’s grown so much in the short time the books cover – I guess fighting Demons and Ancient Gods will do that to a girl! Its an action packed instalment, where some of the threads introduced earlier and left open have reached the point where they close sections in the story. I love to re read books such as this just to see on second reading how I missed some of the clues. Once again Ellie is left wondering if she can trust Collin – he seems sincere but then he seemed like that before, and what happened then. She meets some new characters, finds out more information about the curse and how to deal with it but of course where did the info come from and can she trust it to be true? Once again she’s placed in life-threatening danger. The deaths are stacking up, and she’s distraught that she can’t protect her friends and family. She needs to make a decision on what to do sooner rather than later, and then – a new group appear who force her hand.
Its a fantastic finish and I love the way its a completion for now and not a total ending, so we could get more from the group in future books. Some stories end naturally and there isn’t room for more, but this trilogy can be read as just that – or can be the start of a longer running series.
Stars: Five, a well written, exciting read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.

The Curse Defiers by Denise Grover Swank is book three in the Curse Keepers series. Ms. Swank has done it again with this book. It is full of history, demon magic, love, lies and deceit, and one tough curse keeper determined to save the world and all those she holds dear to her heart.

Ellie is sick and tired of being pushed around by Ahone and Okeus. They are both determined to own her and both are manipulating events to bend her to their will. The demons are loose and people are dying.

David has pledged his love to Ellie and is helping in any way he can to unravel the mysteries of the curse. Ellie’s feelings are growing for David every day but she is in constant turmoil as to whether she can justify keeping him with her since this puts him in constant danger. Can she let him go in order to protect him? I have actually loved David from the start. I have to admit, though, that he lost a few points when he and Ellie experienced a particular tragedy and I didn’t care for the way he reacted towards Ellie. He does become known by the good demons, though as: The One Who Guides the Curse Keeper!

Then there is Collin Daily, oh dear Collin. Collin is Ellie’s other half, the other Curse Keeper. Where Ellie is the daughter of the sea, Collin is the son of the land and earth. Ellie needs him whether she likes it or not. Collin has done everything wrong in the previous books. He has betrayed Ellie at every turn. But in this book, he won me back. He really does love Ellie and wants to make things right, even though he knows that part of that is letting her be with David. But he has made a promise to Ellie to be there now. To be honest with her and help her in any possible to right the wrongs he has created.

Ellie really comes into her own in this book. She realizes the power she has and that she doesn’t need Colin to find it. She also finally is able to tap into her childhood memories which explain so much. We also come to understand more of what made Collin do some of the things he did.

Hang on to your hats because the ending of this book will give you a heart attack. Intense is nowhere close to describing what happens. I love how Ellie, David, Collin and Claire have become a team and are united in their effort to send the demons back to where they came from. It is obvious that D.G. Swank has done a tremendous amount of research for this series to get all of the historical details correct. If I had one complaint, I would say that at times I kind of felt my brain just kind of zoning out when there were a lot of details. Still, though, I am completely invested in this story and these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next. Even though there seems to be some confusion as to if this was a conclusion or not, I recently read a post from Ms. Swank promising that there are more books to come. So I will be first in line when the next book is released. Thank you so much to Denise Grover Swank, 47 North, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

The Curse Defiers, Curse Keepers Series Book 3, Denise Grover Swank
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, YA
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Well, this is one of those YA trilogies that’s suited to adults too – well written, and with an exiting plot. I really enjoyed books one and two and now its the conclusion – or is it? The way it ends it’s the finish – for now...but its left open for more, and I’m pleased about that as I think there’s life yet left in the story.
I like David, he’s a great character but somehow he seems so ...good...whereas Collin, he’s the bad boy, the one who we all want to reform and come good. So I’d love to read more of them and Ellie of course. She’s grown so much in the short time the books cover – I guess fighting Demons and Ancient Gods will do that to a girl! Its an action packed instalment, where some of the threads introduced earlier and left open have reached the point where they close sections in the story. I love to re read books such as this just to see on second reading how I missed some of the clues. Once again Ellie is left wondering if she can trust Collin – he seems sincere but then he seemed like that before, and what happened then. She meets some new characters, finds out more information about the curse and how to deal with it but of course where did the info come from and can she trust it to be true? Once again she’s placed in life-threatening danger. The deaths are stacking up, and she’s distraught that she can’t protect her friends and family. She needs to make a decision on what to do sooner rather than later, and then – a new group appear who force her hand.
Its a fantastic finish and I love the way its a completion for now and not a total ending, so we could get more from the group in future books. Some stories end naturally and there isn’t room for more, but this trilogy can be read as just that – or can be the start of a longer running series.
Stars: Five, a well written, exciting read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.

I cannot believe how great this book is!! The series is such an amazing series and I have loved every single one of the books so far, but the events in this book, the writing, the action, the mystery, the suspense, and the twists and turns, have absolutely left me shocked and amazed!! I did not see any of this coming at all but it was such a great finale for this three-book series! I hope to see more of the Curse Keepers books in the future because I know their story is not over yet and I can’t wait to read more!!

Book 3 has blown away all my preconceived thoughts on who I thought Ellie should be coupled with. "Curse Defiers" builds on the relationship of Ellie and David, as Ellie develops and grows into her powers. David is the perfect match for Ellie and helps to keep her grounded, focused and open to new ideas and thoughts.

Ellie's best friend, Claire, is a big surprise in this book when she admits to Ellie that she sees and hears ghosts. These ghosts are giving her messages for Ellie.

So much happens in Book 3, Ellie's growth into her magical powers, her willingness to admit her love for David, inclusion of Claire and Collin into her fight against the evil beings that are attacking and killing the local residents. The magical beings from American Native legends who form a blood oath with Ellie to protect and serve her as she works to save humans and non-humans.

Denise Grover Swank continues to amaze me with her writing ability and how she just grabs your attention and doesn't let go to the very last word.

I can't wait for the next book in this series. I look forward to seeing where this author takes this amazing journey of Ellie, David, Collin and Claire on a quest to save humankind and other entities.

A pulse pounding final installment of a great paranormal series. The one thing I love about all of Denise's books are the strong female characters. It is refreshing to see women do the but kicking and saving the world!

Ellie, Ellie, Ellie. We have watched you grow up from a selfish, somewhat whiny, girl. To a strong, kick but women. It has been great to watch Ellie grow throughout this series and to see her blossom into the women she was created for to be. Ellie refuses to bow down to any of gods and is determine to make her own way.

As she fights to strike out on her own, she will have to make hard choices, make some additional sacrifices and finally decides who she loves. As choices are made, new alliance are formed in Ellie's decisions to defy the gods who have created the curse that has controlled her whole life.

I love this series! This is my favorite Curse Keeper book so far. Ellie is turning into a total badass, defying God's and killing demons. She keeps digging for information from the past and She recovers her memories from the night her mother died. She has lost so many people and continues to try to save her friends and the world. Ellie is torn between David and Collin. Which is a difficult position when she needs them both. Hopefully together they can save the world.

Ellie grows so much through this book, and this is by far the most stressful of all three thus far (more to come, so says the word on the street!).

Ellie continues to become a champion, but not in the way that the God's may have intended, but she continues to fight to be one in her own way. She defies destiny, defies the curse, and grows stronger in her self with every passing moment.

This book, heck the whole series, will leave you on the edge of your seat, anxiously turning each page to see what happens next. You will be surprised, worried, maybe a little teary eyed, and may or may not think of ways to kick some sense into a fictional character or two. But, in the end, we all know that means you just read an amazing book.

Best book ever. I was sweating wondering if there would be another book...I was so nervous...I think there is..if there's not I'm going to crawl in a hole but Denise really made me feel ok about Ellie Collin and David.I was so mad Ellie and Collin weren't together but this book have me a happy feeling about it.I NEED ANOTHER BOOK I'm not going to be able to live without another one I'm right now pretty much dying inside because I'm so scared that there won't be another book but if you read from the author it said no need to worry this isn't the last you'll see of Ellie Collin and David, so my hopes are high... when SPOILER news
Myra died I wasn't sad, I was...surprised...but that's not how to describe it...it was...something I don't know. But I will miss Myra , so...um I need to know what happens with "the team" I'm super excited to hear more about them.but I will now give more of a official review.when Collin is trusted by Ellis again I was happy but sad.at first I wanted them to get back together but on the other hand I wanted to know what happened between Ellie and Collin. Really good read. At the end you will be very satisfied with the way things turned out.take my word

This is definitely my favorite book in the series! It was PACKED full of revelations and was non-stop action. There seemed to be something new we were learning at every turn. Ellie continued to grow into her Curse Keeper role and became a heroine you can't help but love. We were introduced to some interesting new "other worldly" characters throughout the installment as well. I especially loved how Collin came back into the story and redeemed himself in my eyes. I can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold and how the characters continue to work together to save the world!

Just when you think you have things figured out.... NOPE
Just when you decide you're team Collin or David.... NOPE
Just when you realize you need to get to sleep because you work in 6 hours... NOPE
Book 3 in the Curse Keepers series was absolutely amazing. I can not wait to see where Ellie and her growing entourage will take us next!!
I absolutely LOVE the changes in the characters as they are maturing and finding their way. (also the addition of Tsagasi, I kinda love this little dude) Now that Ellie has become more comfortable and created her own rules.... Watch out demons and gods, you pushed too many buttons!
Denise has constructed quite the delicate web of a love triangle... I may need some sort of therapy!

This is a definite "re-read" book!

This is the third book in the Curse Keepers series, it is best if you read this series in order. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. It is full mystery and suspense and had a lot of questions answered from the first two books. The gate between the human and the spirit world is open and an army of demons are ready to swarm the earth. Only the Curse Keepers, Ellie and Collin can stop it. They must work together to rid earth of these demons. Ellie is torn between David and Colliln, and she must decide her own destiny. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.