#BookReview: This Place is Death by Denise Grover Swank - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: This Place is Death 
Series: Curse Keepers 0.5
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Format: Kindle Edition, 53 pages
Published: February 11th 2014 by 47North
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 4/5

It’s one of the most enduring mysteries in American history: What became of the English colony off the Virginian coast on Roanoke Island? Why, and how, did they vanish so completely?
No one suspected an ancient curse…
Ananias Dare and his expectant wife are among the pioneers who have come to brave an uncharted frontier. But conditions are harsh, and hostile natives have already spilled English blood. Only the peaceful Croatan Indians welcome the settlers. But when friend and guide Manteo has a haunting encounter deep in the woods, Ananias fears the colony faces a threat much darker than mortal enemies. As a brutal winter and an Indian massacre loom, Manteo and Ananias—and the dreadful secret they share—may be the settlers’ only hope of survival. But for the salvation they desperately seek, there will be hell to pay.
This Place Is Death is a short story revealing the chilling origins of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank’s urban fantasy series, The Curse Keepers.

Thoughts:


This Place is Death is the prequel to Denise Grover Swank's The Curse Keepers and the urban fantasy Curse Keepers series.  If you have not read The Curse Keepers yet, I would recommend that you read this novella first.  It's a quick read consisting of only 53 pages and it goes in-depth explaining how the curse began.  I have already read The Curse Keepers.  It was an incredible read that I highly recommend.  After reading this prequel, I now have a better understanding of the origins of the curse and about the two families carrying the curse.  

The Curse Keepers series focuses on the story of the lost colony of Roanoke.  That tale has always fascinated me and this take on what happened is based upon the known facts of the lost colony's history.  It is obvious that Swank excels in her research.  Her story and characters are well drawn and detailed to perfection.  

There's a lot of information packed within this these pages.  This book will introduce the reader to the characters who initiated the curse, the origins of the curse, the tribes and gods involved along with the associated ancient mythology and Indian folklore .  Everything is woven together seamlessly to create a heart wrenching tale.  Even though I knew how it ended from having already read the next book, I was still awed and shocked at the surprise ending.   

Bottom line:  The Curse Keepers was an awesome ride.  This prequel is intriguing while remaining entertaining.  It's main purpose is to clarify the back story for the next book and it does that very well.  If you have read or plan to read the Curse Keepers, this is a must-read.