Cursed

In this loose reimagining of the Arthurian mythos (companion to a forthcoming Netflix series), a teenage member of the Fey Kind becomes the epicenter of momentous events after she receives the fabled Sword of Power from her dying mother. Charged with taking the sword to the wizard Merlin, Nimue, oft judged for “the scars on her back,” uses it instead to avenge and protect her people, who are being persecuted by religious zealots known as the Red Paladins. Along the way, she allies herself with roguish sell- sword Arthur and establishes herself as the figurehead of resistance against the Red Paladins and King Uther Pendragon’s court. Wheeler (The Arcanum) retains names from the Arthurian stories but little else: Merlin is a magicless fraud, Sir Bors is a thug, and Lancelot and Percival are nigh unrecognizable. The story takes place in an anachronistic England in which Fey Kind and humans dwell in an ill-defined time period after the fall of Rome, and no attempt has been made toward historical accuracy or verisimilitude. Flat dialogue, gory combat scenes, and a sprawling plot will likely better suit the small screen. Stylized illustrations by comic book artist Miller punctuate the narrative. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)