YA Paranormal Fantasy: Book review & BONUS interview! "The Triplet's Curse: Hope's Story"

"She gasps as a glow surrounds each child. Glancing out the window, she notices that there's a full moon..."
-"The Triplet's Curse: Hope's Story"

Fast Facts:

Title: "The Triplet's Curse: Hope's Story"
Author: Marsha Black
​Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars

A day in the life of a high schooler.

Wrong.

It’s more than that! Once new student, Bryce, enters the picture, Hope’s life twists and bends in crazy directions. The premise of the novel is intriguing: the author sets up a dark prophesy, and you watch it unfold in one of the three triplets. The stakes of Hope's powers and decisions can lead to devastating consequences should she fail, leading the reader to sit at the edge if his/her seat page after page.

[Side note: If you like shojo manga or anime, you will receive this novel well. Those mysterious transfer students…]

Characters: Although it may sound cliché, but the author did a great job with the protagonist, Hope, and she swiftly became my favorite character. While Hope is down to earth and sarcastic, each of the sisters has a different personality, and I’m intrigued to see what happens with them in future releases. The casual writing style is a direct hit in the YA category, and I feel the audience can connect with Hope on a deeper level. As far as Bryce is concerned: he is cute, cocky, and there is good chemistry between Hope and him. Yes, he irritates her, but it’s endearing.

When Hope discovers her power, I was a little surprised on how well she handled the news (I certainly would’ve panicked or something), but the pace really picks up as she trains for whatever "evil" is coming her way. I love the mystery behind what that evil is and what form it would take. In fear of spoilers, I won’t say what it is, but I was surprised. The ending was action-packed and kept me engaged, although I wish it stretched out a bit longer. So, the final word? It follows the YA paranormal/fantasy formula, yet the author has set her debut series in a way that makes it completely her own!

In sum:
I recommend this novel for YA paranormal fans who are looking for a long term series to follow… and a character with lots of spunk!

*********** BUT WAIT THERE'S BONUS CONTENT***************

After reading the novel, I had the pleasure of asking the author follow up interview questions. Check 'em out to get an intimate look at "The Triplet's Curse".
**NOTE** I framed questions to be mostly spoiler free, but proceed with caution :)

(1) The triplets are Hope, Faith, and Destiny. Was there a particular theme or message when it came to naming these characters?
I felt that with what their abilities entail as far as leading up to the battle with evil that the Triplet's being named Hope, Faith and Destiny were pretty apt :)

(2) What made you chose Hope’s story first over her other sisters?
Hope's story was first because what happens throughout her story leads into what happens with her sisters. Destiny's story will do the same for the final story which is Faith's.

(3) Why did you choose to include Bryce’s point of view?
 I personally enjoy reading both perspectives. I like to know what's going on and why the other person is doing what they do, so I felt it was nice to add into these stories.

(4) Why do you think Hope seemed to take the news of her powers and challenges as well as she did?
Hope is the more mature triplet, and with everything she has occurring with her before even finding out about the curse, just led up to a more easier acceptance.

(5) You kept this “evil” a mystery up toward the end: what’s your rationale for holding the specifics back?
I felt that holding it towards the end gives it that extra something to keep the reader interested to find out what is actually going on, and to make their own guesses.

(6) *Spoiler Warning*: What inspired choosing the shape shifter as “the first of those to come”? Will future battles be with shape shifter or will we be surprised with other forms of evil?
There will be a different evil in each book :) Will have to read them to find out what comes next!

(7) How did you go about selecting and creating your cover to match the theme of your novel?
The covers will be colored according to the spark of each sister. Each sister will appear on their own cover. I feel that this makes the books more personal to the characters.


Does this capture your interest? 
*Peace*
JE