Title: A Remarkable Curse
Author: Lawrence Burk
Publisher: Book Art Press
ASIN: B07N7SBT6X
Pages: 193
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-fi
Reviewed by: Tara Mcnabb

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The sequel to Alien Within, the first book in this series, author Lawrence Burk’s A Remarkable Curse follows Lisa and her best friend Jack as they try to decipher the true nature of Lisa’s increasing paranormal abilities.

Still reeling from the tragic and sudden death of her father, Lisa does what she can to keep her fragile emotional state in check. With a mother that became dependent on therapy, things are tough for twenty-two year old Lisa. Although she tries not to think about it, she is constantly living in fear that she will end up just like her mother; living each day in pain and sorrow, unsure of even her own sanity. Who’s to say that her intense dreams aren’t the beginning of a terrible descent into insanity? As Jack does his best to comfort her, their relationship begins to transform from just platonic into something more. But when Lisa becomes pregnant, she begins to realize that there is more in store for her baby then she could have possibly imagined, and both her and Jack must do everything in their power to protect their unborn child.

As this sequel takes hold of readers’ curiosity, it is exciting to see where this series will take us. While it is true that there are countless works of fiction which focus on our relationship with extraterrestrial life, there are few that tend to bring that focus inward, giving it a more intimate sense of personal reflection. The aliens in this story are not out for blood, vengeance, or domination. Instead, they are guardians of humanity, spiritual messengers that care deeply about our fate. Such a view is only rarely seen, and so it is refreshing to read a story that turns the tables on the genre. Lisa’s sense of despair is real and palpable, and we are exclusive witnesses to her inner torment; “It left a void in her life that she did not know how to fill. All she knew was her universe was out of balance and something had to change.” Her struggle to understand herself and what is happening to her are starkly authentic, and it is hard not to relate to her confusion regarding the world around her, at least a little.

The Burke’s unique portrayal of the aliens in this story leaves much to ponder over, and there are vivid correlations depicted between the aliens and humanity’s destiny. They can see our future and our fate; they can also see the worst that will happen if things do not go as planned. Much depends on the characters themselves to meet the aliens halfway, and this kind of cooperation between two different species is both touching and poignant. The next generation is a strong focus theme throughout the story, and the meaning of destiny and life itself are also explored with perceptible fervor.

For sci-fi readers that are tired of the same-old tropes in the genre, give this one a try for a deeper and more intellectual reading experience.