A Seductive Coax
This tale is an interesting take on a possible origin of a notable Urban Legend regarding Bloody Mary. It spans hundreds of years, examining the characters and the impact of the lineage in many ways. At the start of the 15th Century, we begin to learn of the Cambelle family and their dark secret, but things take a decided turn rather quickly. It was very intriguing seeing how the situation developed, this early point in history showing its own layering within a well-developed lore that is slowly revealed to us. Within this tapestry, we are treated to the lives of many characters as they experience the consequences of the family’s heritage, not the least of which is the eponymous Mary, for whom a grave tragedy awaits. Before this fully manifests, we are treated to some titillating erotic scenes. The book is noted as being for 18+ readers, and it pulls no punches when it comes to sex and gore. This may serve to lure the reader, sometimes like a seductive coax, other times akin to a deep shock. This book is not for the squeamish.
The narrative spans many years and generations, jumping ahead so we may experience the haunting legacy of those seeds as we visit the 19th and 21st Centuries to fully realize the horrible consequences that have resulted in this legend. This presents many interesting viewpoints as without this context, it might be easy to merely view Mary as a monster.
The ending felt quite sudden, even a touch anticlimactic; however, it left me wanting more. If anything, it seemed it could have been another beginning, even a cliffhanger. I’d like to know more of Mary, the curse, and the descendants of the family and what may further befall them.
Be sure to buy, read, and review this book!
The Curse of Mary: All Legends Begin in Truth by NicolaJayne Taylor (Amazon Link)
Dance of the Butterfly 