As most of you know, I was working on an audiobook early last year that life put on hold. Well, I’m back at it! Taking a quick pass to finalize those previous chapters. Then I’ll be cranking out new 😊Shooting for an April release 🎉
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I have this unfortunate habit with the really good ones where I not only binge, but am constantly skimming ahead and giving myself all the spoilers. Much to the chagrin of my author side 😅 Wishtress was one such read! And I’m already itching for a re-read.
She didn’t ask to be the Wishtress.
Myrthe was born with the ability to turn her tears into wishes. It’s a big secret to keep. When a granted wish goes wrong, a curse is placed on her: the next tear she sheds will kill her. She needs to journey to the Well and break the curse before it claims her life–and before the king’s militairen track her down. But in order to survive the journey, she must harden her heart to keep herself from crying even a single tear.
He can stop time with a snap of his fingers.
Bastiaan’s powerful–and rare–Talent came in handy when he kidnapped the old king. Now the new king has a job for him: find and capture the Wishtress and deliver her to the schloss. But Bastiaan needs a wish of his own. When he locates Myrthe, he agrees to take her to the Well in exchange for a wish. Once she’s fulfilled her end of the deal, he’ll turn her in. As long as his growing feelings for the girl with a stone heart don’t compromise his job.
They are on a journey that can only end one way: with her death.
Everyone seems to need a wish–the king, Myrthe’s cousin, the boy she thinks she loves. And they’re ready to bully, beg, and even betray her for it. No one knows that to grant even one of them, Myrthe would have to die. And if she tells them about her curse . . . they’ll just kill her anyway.
Atmosphere: It’s a perfect wintery tale with Germanic vibes and a brilliant magic system!
Characters: The characters are so complex. Heroes and villains alike! I honestly can’t decide who I’m drawn to more, Myrte or Bastiaan. They’re both such burnt little cinnamon rolls with beautiful healing journeys. (But honestly, Runt is my favorite character on the whole 😉) Also, I’m a very sensitive person and often tears come as easy as breathing. So I very much admire the control Myrte has over her emotions.
Themes: As always with Nadine books, I loved the subtle use of allegory and redemptive themes. Especially the themes of motherhood and unconditional love.
I talk a lot about the mental health aspects of Giselle’s curse, but not enough about the closely related chronic illness. A topic just as important! And very personal to me.
See, I was born at 25 weeks and spent months in the NICU. But I grew into a healthy child. Sure a little thin and needed a fair amount of orthodontics. But nothing major.
Then puberty hit and it was like being a passenger in a slow motion train wreck. Hypothyroid, hypoglucose, scoliosis, a cycle that wouldn’t stabilize… By the time I started working on this book, I was juggling several medications, battling frequent fainting spells, and working through regular bouts of insomnia.
Enter another diagnosis: Hypotension. Another medication: take by mouth three times daily. And I remember thinking as I wrote “At least none of my symptoms include unceasing pain. Poor Giselle. She’s going to hate me 🤣 I sure hope I’m portraying this right!”
Well, Giselle got her revenge this year 😝 I now know what chronic headaches feel like. She still got the short end of the stick. But I’m very much not a fan.
For everyone who’s daily routine involves a minor freak out over “Did I take my medication and was it the right one?”
For everyone who cries when the alarm goes off because they’re already exhausted and don’t know how they’re possibly going to make it through the day.
For everyone who pops pills like candy and still can’t find relief.
For everyone who feels like a failure because the to do list keep growing but their capacity shrinking.
I SEE YOU. GISELLE SEES YOU. And I hope her story makes you feel a little less alone.
Go with hope, friends 💛
‘Same same, but different.’ ~A Thai colloquialism.
Often used in the market to sell you something not the same at all 
But also used for subtle nuance and drawing connections cross-culturally.
Comp titles. As a reader, I love them! But as an author… let’s just say it’s complicated.
Maybe I overthink the process. Wouldn’t be the first time
But I always worry it’ll end up misleading. Especially for stories that are a bit more niche. Or comping very well known works.
Is some basic allegory and one chapter heavily inspired by the Lucy/Aslan dynamic really enough to compare my debut with one of the most beloved Christian Fantasy novels of all time? 
So, instead of sharing comps I’ve come up with, here are some connections my brilliant readers have felt strongly enough to comment on!
Looking for a good summer read? How about this Aztec inspired Fantasy!
Thrust into leadership upon the death of his emperor father, young Prince Ahkin feels completely unready for his new position. Though his royal blood controls the power of the sun, he’s now responsible for the lives of all the Chicome people. And despite all Ahkin’s efforts, the sun is fading–and the end of the world may be at hand.
For Mayana, the only daughter of the Chicome family whose blood controls the power of water, the old emperor’s death may mean that she is next. Prince Ahkin must be married before he can ascend the throne, and Mayana is one of six noble daughters presented to him as a possible wife. Those who are not chosen will be sacrificed to the gods.
Only one girl can become Ahkin’s bride. Mayana and Ahkin feel an immediate connection, but the gods themselves may be against them. Both recognize that the ancient rites of blood that keep the gods appeased may be harming the Chicome more than they help. As a bloodred comet and the fading sun bring a growing sense of dread, only two young people may hope to change their world.
Atmospheric: Lani’s rich, vivid, atmospheric style and gripping plot are a riptide, pulling unsuspecting readers under and holding them captive till the very last page.
Bingable: I fly through books on a regular basis, but I’ve never before binged so hard I went numb. Honestly, I made it through the whole set in about two days and need a re-read to properly process all the gorgeous prose and twisty feels.
Worldbuilding: I love the worldbuilding! Always been interested in ancient cultures, so the influence from lesser known myths is a big plus, while the magic system is one of the most unique and well thought out I’ve seen in quite a while.
Characters: The character development is so well done! I like Mayana and Yamania best, but every character is well fleshed out. I especially appreciate how characters react differently to similar trauma, sometimes putting them at odds and sometimes bringing them closer together.
There is so much truth and hope woven through these books! Lani’s heart really shines through her words with beautiful passages on worth, belief, courage, love, and life. I dare anyone to read this and say they didn’t feel seen at least once.
To Slay a Curse is getting an audiobook! And I’m doing it myself!
I’ve always liked reading aloud. But gotta admit the idea of narrating and producing a whole audiobook totally intimidates me 😅 It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’m finally getting the hang of it. And pretty proud of the results😊
Projected Release: September 2022
Today is To Slay a Curse’s first birthday 🥳 Giselle asked me to make a wish for her when I blew out the candle. Any guesses what it was?
And it happens to be a beautifully cozy Sunday afternoon. So why not grab yourself a cupcake and curl up with this free e-book? Yes, you read that right! My book baby is FREE ON KINDLE for the next five days! Click the image below to get your free ebook. Happy reading everyone!
I’ve got a Christmas surprise for you! I’m starting a NEWSLETTER! Get quarterly updates, early access to big news, exclusive content, and more! Plus, a free short story just for subscribing!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
As shipping is expected to be a nightmare this holiday season, I’ve decided to run my Black Friday sales just a bit early!
November 19-21
Kindle: $0.99 & free in KU
Paperback: $10.00
My shop: 30% off
Got some fun updates for you today!
First off, To Slay a Curse is now free to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription! And it looks like they’re running a two month special right now. So if you’ve been debating whether or not to try it out, now would be a good time. But if you don’t have/want KU, don’t worry! The Kindle e-book is for sale and the paperback is still up on most major retailers.
Second, I’ll be doing my first book signing next month! If you live close, or just really enjoy road trips 😝, stop by the Cape Girardeau Library on October 16 between 2-4 and pick up a signed copy of To Slay a Curse, character art, or some of my custom bookmarks! If you’ve already got a copy, you are more than welcome to bring it for signing.
Writer Rae Graham 