Book Review: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke, paperback edition book cover

The Assassin's Curse

by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Series: The Assassin's Curse #1

Genre: YA, fantasy, sci-fi

Editions available: Paperback, ebook, Kindle

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Date of publication: October 2, 2012

Source: Netgalley

Pre-order: Amazon * Book Depository

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an allying pirate clan: she wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to her handsome yet clueless fiance. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns the scorned clan has sent an assassin after her. 

And when the assassin, Naji, finally catches up with her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse — with a life-altering result. Now Ananna and Naji are forced to become uneasy allies as they work together to break the curse and return their lives back to normal. Or at least as normal as the lives of a pirate and an assassin can be.




My Thoughts:

I first came across this book while browsing on my first day in Netgalley. I noticed the cover and got interested then read the blurb. It is a kind of story I've never read yet, but seen only in movies. Assassins, deserts, pirates. My, it reminds me of Aladdin and Prince of Persia. (I know. I'm not much fan of movies before that's why I've only seen a few.) At first I've hesitate in reading (or requesting) it. But still, I requested because I think it'll turn out to be a really great read. Just imagine my excitement when I got approved!

The Assassin's Curse was told by Ananna's POV. Like the summary you've read above, she ran off because her pirate parents are planning wedding for her. Ananna is indeed a strong young lady who tried to live by herself without knowing anyone, without any money or food. And I liked her. Naji, the assassin hired to kill her was another story. The tables turned when he's suddenly tied into an unbelievably impossible curse with Ananna.

I really liked the uniqueness of the story (though I must remind you again, this is the first time I read this kind of story, I'm not sure--though possibly--if there's one or two you've read about assassins and pirates and curses) and the two main characters. They maintain what and who they are until the ending. It is also an adventure book that's set in different locations, with different supporting characters that I did not get bored, the antagonists remained mysterious and scary. Although there's an annoyed part of me--like Ananna felt--when all the hard work's done and still couldn't receive an award. (Ooh, you have to find that out by yourself.) The ending, however, made a promise of another exciting journey--and I can already see: greater journey--for the book two.

You see, I'm already excited for the second book when this one is just about to publish! How long will it take??

Recommendation:

Sci-fi, fantasy lovers, books or movies. Well, another given things: Pirates. Assassins. Magic. Who couldn't resist that?

Book cover comment/s:

I have told you that it reminds me of Aladdin and Prince of Persia, just the text alone. But I haven't told you how much I loved it!