A Massive Thank You to the Author, the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book prior to its release date.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I’m very pleasantly surprised with how much intrigue it has. The Hardest Beginning is novella length and takes no time to read. Catherine Corry does something pretty unique and, for the most part, pulls it off.

You meet and follow 12 different characters throughout the history of the world as they are cursed for various reasons. I can’t really go too much further into that without diving into spoiler territory. But The Hardest Beginning is the prequel to an upcoming trilogy I will very likely be checking out.

The pacing felt rushed at first, but once you’ve met everyone, it starts to make sense. My one complaint is that there might be too many characters to follow - which is why it felt rushed. It feels like an anthology of short stories at the beginning since you’re following each of these characters as they’re afflicted by the same curse, but these stories converge towards the end. All in all, the prose was interesting and the story far more intriguing. I’m looking forward to reading more from Corry.

This is my first book by this author but after reading this I definitely need more of books in my life. Well written with a compelling sotryline and well developed characters. I couldn't put it down and wanted to read more straight away.

REVIEW: I have to say that I didn't understand the book, I didn't understand why some of the characters were being punished, or why someone could put a curse in others.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

----------

RESEÑA: Tengo que decir que no he entendido el libro. No he entendido por qué algunos de los personajes eran castigados, o por qué algunas personas podían poner maldiciones sobre otros.
Gracias a Netgalley y a la editorial por facilitarme el libro a cambio de una honesta opinión.

The Hardest Beginning was such a unique book. The beginning is a series of short stories following how the characters initially were cursed and then the story proceeds to unfurl from there. I liked the writing style and the addition of Greek gods in this story which kept me reading even though the beginning was somewhat repetitive (multiple curses being retold). I agree with the other reviewer that it ended somewhat abruptly but this is a prequel so I’ll just plan to read the next books!

Quick Summary: Intriguing

My Review: The Hardest Beginning: The Prequel was intriguing, to say the least. The numerous characters stories spanned across the ages (from ancient times to modern times) and culminated in the present in a dramatic way. The epilogue served as a beginning of sorts, introducing two dark people of interest. It ended somewhat abruptly before I could get a sense of what was to be. Still, the author wrote enough to make me want to give book one a chance.

Rating: 3+/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to a digital ARC in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have expressed are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

* A review was posted on Goodreads.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review and here it goes. I have never read anything by Catherine Corry, but the Prequel made me want to start! What an original idea, I will try not to give any spoilers, but I dove right in seeing a snippet from each characters past. I felt immersed when it came to reading how our characters were cursed and the emotions that they felt in becoming less than human, for some more power and other less control on their own lives. I cannot wait to get my hands on The Brethern of The Cathedral and feel more of a prolonged connection to the characters and see if they can conquer themselves.