Cursed be the treasure

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

75790

Title

Cursed be the treasure

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling tale of mystery and adventure, this novel follows a boy ensnared in a family feud involving pirates, smugglers, and a cursed treasure. With atmospheric tension and dramatic storytelling, it explores themes of fate, redemption, and the enduring power of love against a backdrop of supernatural fear and historical intrigue.

Summary up to 500 words

In H. B. Drake's *Cursed Be the Treasure*, the narrative follows Tommy, a young boy whose childhood is defined by a constant flight from a mysterious pursuer known as 'Shadow-of-Fear.' His father, a charismatic storyteller of pirates and smugglers, leads him through a life of evasion across England, framing their dangerous existence as a thrilling game. As Tommy matures, he grapples with the tragic reality behind his father's tales. He discovers that his father was a victim of a deadly rivalry with Captain Field, stemming from a stolen manuscript and a generational curse. Believing he has killed his father, Tommy is haunted by guilt and the ghost of his father's death. The story shifts to Tommy's adulthood, where he navigates betrayal, mistaken identity, and a harrowing confrontation with Captain Field. Through a series of revelations, Tommy learns the truth: his father died protecting him, while Captain Field, driven mad by the curse and the memory of the crime he was forced to commit, took his own life. The novel is rendered with vivid imagery, balancing gothic horror with romantic adventure. Themes of inherited sin, the weight of fate, and the possibility of breaking generational curses permeate the text. In a climactic act of atonement, Tommy burns the cursed manuscript and the tower, freeing himself and his family from the evil legacy. He reunites with Jenny, the Captain's daughter, reconciling their families' feuds. The novel concludes with Tommy and Jenny sailing away to build a new life, leaving behind the blood-stained past. The narrative emphasizes that while evil gold and ancient maledictions may bind families, the choice to reject the curse and embrace reconciliation allows for a fresh beginning.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75790.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg75790.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-02 05:53 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Romance
• Mystery