The Hidden Dangers of Power: When Gifts Become Curses
Recently, I read an article about the responsibility that comes with power. It got me thinking—power, in all its forms, has always fascinated me. The dynamic between those who have power and those who don’t is a central theme in Cursed Gift and continues to drive the second book in the series.
Power comes in many forms. The obvious ones—money, wealth, fame, influence, and political power—are well-explored in fiction. Cursed Gift, however, delves into different, often overlooked, but equally potent power dynamics. Below are just a few that shape the story.
Victimhood / Moral Authority – The Power of Suffering and Sympathy
In many ways, Miguel is shaped by his victimhood. While his supernatural abilities make him dangerous, his real power comes from the unresolved trauma that fuels his actions.
Victims—because, at some point, we all experience victimhood—can hold immense power over others. Society reacts strongly to perceived injustice, often excusing behavior that might otherwise be questioned. False accusations, for example, can ruin reputations, careers, and lives.
But victims are not always "right." Miguel is a genuine victim, deserving of compassion. However, his actions—driven by real pain—are not to be excused or tolerated (spoiler alert… they weren’t!).
Fear / Terror – The Power of Intimidation and Violence
Fear is a central force in Cursed Gift—fear of the unknown, fear of what others are capable of, and fear of what might happen next.
Fear can push people beyond their moral limits. LJ’s intentions might be good—she wants to know who she can trust—but her fear of what might happen leads to questionable choices in the present.
Love / Devotion – The Power of Emotional Bonds
Love, or the fear of losing someone, is one of the most compelling forms of power. Think about Alex’s actions in the second-to-last chapter. In isolation, what he does is terrifying and extreme. But when viewed through the lens of love and devotion to a friend, it suddenly becomes more understandable.
Love can justify almost anything—from small sacrifices to life-altering decisions. The line between loyalty and destruction is often razor-thin.
Oh, and as I was researching this topic, I realized that Spider-Man popularized the quote, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Maybe there’s a way to work him into a future book. 😉
Till next time,
Len
