Every once in a while, a young storyteller emerges whose imagination feels far older than their years. Shruti Mukherjee, author of “Cursed: The Smira Archives,” is one such voice — a Class 8 student whose debut fantasy novel reads like it was written by someone who has lived a thousand lives. Bold, emotional, and steeped in mythic tension, her story speaks not only of monsters and destiny but of identity, courage, and the human heart.
At the center of “Cursed” stands a young human girl — ordinary on the outside, extraordinary by birthright. She discovers she is the heir to the only person the monsters could never kill. Now, burdened by an inherited destiny, she’s expected to be just as unbreakable. But all she really wants is her old, ordinary life back. Her struggle — between the world’s expectations and her own longing for peace — becomes the emotional heartbeat of the novel.
Yet, what truly elevates “Cursed” is not just its heroine, but the haunting moral conflict of her would-be killer — a creature born from nightmare, created for destruction, but torn by the last spark of humanity left within him. His loyalty and love wage war within his soul, blurring the line between enemy and protector. The story unfolds as an epic battle not only between humans and monsters, but between duty and compassion, fate and free will.
Through her layered characters and intense emotional undercurrents, Shruti Mukherjee proves herself to be more than a young writer — she is a natural storyteller. Her writing balances the grandeur of fantasy with the sensitivity of human emotion. The world she builds feels vast yet intimate, its magic rooted in the same struggles we all face: belonging, purpose, and love that defies logic.
What makes Shruti’s journey particularly remarkable is how it began. She didn’t grow up surrounded by shelves of books. Her love for reading arrived unexpectedly — and within five months, that spark transformed into storytelling. The very first story she ever wrote became “Cursed.” That leap — from reader to creator — speaks volumes about her imagination and drive.
Beyond her writing desk, Shruti is a vibrant, curious teenager. She spends her time listening to Stray Kids playlists, diving into fantasy lore with her sister Shreya, and expanding the imaginary worlds that already live vividly in her mind. Her youth gives her writing a sense of wonder; her discipline gives it depth. Together, they make her a force of creativity well beyond her age.
With “Cursed – The Smira Archives,” Shruti Mukherjee has not only launched her literary journey but also set the tone for what’s to come — a world where dark magic meets tender humanity, and where monsters may have more heart than heroes.
At just thirteen, she has created a universe worth exploring — and this is only the beginning. Cursed is not merely a debut; it is a promise of many stories waiting in the wings, from a writer who has found her calling far sooner than most.
