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Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Wolf's Curse by Jessica Vitalis is a stunning portrayal of grief, death, and belief. Gauge has a problem. Ever since his grandpapa died, he's been cursed and no one believes him, which drives him to uncover shocking revelations. A Great White Wolf has prevented his grandpapa's soul from being able to find peace in the Sea-in-the-Sky and the only person he can turn to is his new ally named Roux. To prove the truth to everyone in the village, he embarks on a journey and engages in a plan to go up against the Wolf. The journey allows the two to explore their grief and find healing as they discover a startling truth.
The writing style has a stunning elegance and attention-catching charm with a setting that is a literary treat. The rich backdrop has in-depth culture and history woven into the plot, bringing this world to life through the eyes of the Great White Wolf. The Sea-in-the-Sky is the afterlife that Grandpapa was unable to journey to after the Wolf steals his soul and has a presence throughout the story. This moment is a catalyst and sparks Gauge on the journey to understand and work through his grief. The story is told from the perspective of the Great White Wolf who has a consistent commentary throughout and provides insight, humor, snark, and weariness. The perspective allows for a chance to connect with the Wolf and understand the humanity of the character. Rumors about the Wolf create this almost bogeyman-like figure for the villagers. Jessica Vitalis creates a perspective on the Wolf through its heart and emotions for a sympathetic character.
The Wolf is an ethereal character with heaviness and weariness in its presence that creates a sorrowful tone. The story weaves between the first-person perspective of the Wolf's insights and the third-person perspective of Gauge's journey, creating a dynamic between the characters even when they're not together. Gauge's journey is rooted in his grief and explores his need to heal, understand, and prove himself to the village. Grief is an essential part of the story and seen in each of the character's stories with the Wolf, Gauge, and Roux facing loss in their lives. The Wolf's Curse is a beautifully written story with an emotional core, an exploration of grief, and an adventure about friendship.
