project “cursebreaker”
BREAKING curses, REVEALING SECRETS, and DEFYING EXPECTATIONS
About the story
In a Victorian inspired gothic fantasy world shrouded in fog and whispers of the past, Ophelia Maynard is a professional cursebreaker with a talent for unearthing secrets. Called back to her estranged family’s estate after her grandfather’s death, she finds herself entangled in a web of cursed heirlooms, old resentments, and a mysterious music box that haunts the local Earl’s family. As she delves into the mysteries binding her past and present, Ophelia must confront the emotional toll of her work, her family’s expectations, and her own longing for freedom.
key highlights
- A gothic Victorian world, blending the haunting chill of December with the warmth of flickering candles and crackling fires.
- Complex character dynamics and slow-burn romance.
- Themes of legacy, independence, and the cost of emotional labor in a world where magic carries both blessings and curses.
- Magic: subtle yet potent force that leaves its mark—cursebreaking is as much about healing as it is about solving mysteries.
inspiration
Project Cursebreaker was born from my fascination with the Victorian era and its gothic allure, where haunting estates and shadowed halls hide secrets waiting to be unearthed. It draws inspiration from the enchanting collections of oddities and curiosities that reflect the eccentricities of their owners, as well as the bleak, frosted landscapes of December, when fog blankets the world in mystery. At its core, the story reflects my love for slow-burn romance intertwined with the subtle gloom of dark magic, fractured family ties, and a setting so vivid it feels alive—an atmosphere that lingers like a whispered spell.
The haunting scores of Penny Dreadful and Sherlock Holmes perfectly embody the eerie elegance of Project Cursebreaker. Tarja Turunen’s From Spirits and Ghosts adds a wintry chill with its dark twist on Christmas classics, while shadowy reinterpretations of classical pieces like Für Elise provide the perfect backdrop for a tale of curses, secrets, and gothic intrigue.
At the heart of Project Cursebreaker is the duality of its settings. On one side, the frost-draped estates and shadowed halls evoke gothic elegance, where secrets linger beneath dust and grandeur. On the other, the protagonist’s workshop offers a contrasting atmosphere—a cozy haven of curiosities and mysteries, where shelves brim with strange artifacts and faint scent of candlewax linger in the air. Together, these settings craft a world rich in texture and contrast, immersing readers in a tale where every corner holds its own allure.
You’ll enjoy Project “Cursebreaker” if you love:
- Gothic ambiance and layered family drama of The Haunting of Bly Manor.
- Subtle, emotionally charged magic of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke.
- The eerie magic and psychological depth of Penny Dreadful.
- The haunting storytelling and moral complexities of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
- Atmospheres so rich they feel alive, with tension simmering under the surface, like in Crimson Peak.
- Cozy yet mysterious spaces brimming with secrets, like in the game Strange Horticulture.
- Class dynamics and interpersonal intrigue with a gothic twist.