4.5 starsThe GoodCursed is the first of five short stories from the Touched series. The Touched series is actually one of three series of The Sidhe, a linear set of stories that interweave the Champion of the Sidhe, Rise of the Unseelie, and Touched series. In Cursed we meet London, an investigator of paranormal problems, who may have bitten off more than she could chew with her next assignment. After Rico curses London to crave his Touch, London has no choice but to let Rico drag her into a war among the parahumans. It is her job to gain the information Rico desires because without his Touch, London may be forced to make some decisions that will change her life...or cause her death. I don't even know where to begin. This book was brilliant. I was sucked into this dark world of magic and paranormal creatures and pretty much didn't want to leave. I don't know how he did it, but Archer created an amazingly fantastical story that said so much in so little words. London is a tough chick who's been put in a rather crappy situation. But she takes it all in stride as she does what needs to be done to save her bacon. She kicks ass and takes names, then kicks more ass. It's awesome!Oh, and the Fey. The creepy, beautiful Fey that have no limits and will doing anything for their brethren. I both hate and love them. I hate what Rico did to London, but I soon found myself seeing his side of things and understanding why he takes such drastic actions. I loved the action in this book. The fights were fast and gritty. London not only utilized her amazing skills with a gun, she also knew how to use her body as a weapon. A girls gotta be multi-talented this day in age. Especially living in the world London does. I loved the assortment of creatures and species. A dash of mischievous wizards, a trickle of crazy changelings, a dollop of sexy Fey, and a drop of blood thirsty vampires. It was all so very exciting and terrifying at the same time. I don't know how Archer had me so nervous and eager to continue reading with such a short story. He even had time to supply us with some important history that helped the world building. Oh, and I can't forget the writing. Archer knows what he is doing when it comes to a flawless writing style and structure. Cursed was a seriously dark adventure, and I can't wait to see what happens next.The BadThe only part that bothered me was how short it was. But I can't really fault the author since that was his goal the whole time. But it does take some time getting use to the abruptness of some of the scenes in the novelette. The SnugglyWe definitely get some sexy scenes but no real sex. Expect some bumpin' and grindin'.OverallEven though it was very short, something I will have to get use to, I really loved this story. No doubt in my mind, I will be reading this whole series and the two companion series that go with it. If you like urban fantasy, adventure, and some good fighting scenes, then you will love this novelette. Highly recommended. QuotesThe scuttling sound of claws and scales against stone came from above. London searched the shadows overhead. As the creature hung upside down from the rafters, its huge eyes glistened wetly. Humanoid in basic anatomy, the thing was skeletal thin. Arms legs half again as long as a human’s and oddly jointed so the knees and elbows angled backward like a mosquito. The flesh, as best as she could make it out, was a nearly black green. The ears pointed a full hand span above the top of its bald head. The rows of teeth it bore in its gaping mouth were needle sharp and inches long. Show… No… Fear…http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....