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A Cursed Son
In her dreams, he envelops her in love—in real life, he imprisons her in ice.
Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer.
As a decoy princess, trained to replace Her Highness even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love?
And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth. But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince.
Exiled for horrific crimes, not only he’s a wielder of powerful magic, he can also penetrate minds.
It turns out that he is the man in her dreams.
And this is about to get very, very awkward…
A Cursed Son is a fun, sexy, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance for fans of fae, elemental magic, forced proximity, dream connection, and snarky banter.
Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer.
As a decoy princess, trained to replace Her Highness even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love?
And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth. But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince.
Exiled for horrific crimes, not only he’s a wielder of powerful magic, he can also penetrate minds.
It turns out that he is the man in her dreams.
And this is about to get very, very awkward…
A Cursed Son is a fun, sexy, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance for fans of fae, elemental magic, forced proximity, dream connection, and snarky banter.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2024
About the author
Day Leitao
19 books1,846 followers🪄 Magic, 💜 heart, 🗡️ action, and 😆 fun!
You can get a special edition of A Cursed son at The Signed Bookshop
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
You can get a special edition of A Cursed son at The Signed Bookshop
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
February 20, 2024
"A Cursed Son" by Day Leitao is an enthralling journey into a world of magic and intrigue that earns a solid 4.5-star rating from me. From the very first page, the story sucked me in, refusing to let go until the final word. Astra, the protagonist, is a character I adored from the beginning. Her depth and complexity, coupled with her intriguing magical abilities, make her a standout figure in the realm of fantasy.
What truly sets this book apart is its exceptional character development. Watching Astra evolve throughout the story was a delight, and I eagerly anticipate seeing how she continues to grow in future installments of the series. Additionally, the dynamic between Astra and Marlak, the unconventional antagonist-turned-ally, is brilliantly written. Their relationship, fraught with tension and complexity, adds a layer of depth to the narrative that kept me thoroughly engaged.
As a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, I was thrilled with how it was executed here. The gradual shift from adversaries to allies to something more was expertly crafted, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already captivating plot. And while Marlak may not fit the mold of a typical fantasy villain, his unique appearance and backstory only serve to make him all the more compelling.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the way the story ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to dive into the next installment. While I felt there were moments where more information about the world could have been provided, it only heightened my curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.
"A Cursed Son" is a spellbinding read that promises an enchanting series ahead. With its richly developed characters, gripping plot, and tantalizing hints at a larger world waiting to be explored, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. I can't wait to continue Astra and Marlak's journey and uncover the secrets that lie ahead.
What truly sets this book apart is its exceptional character development. Watching Astra evolve throughout the story was a delight, and I eagerly anticipate seeing how she continues to grow in future installments of the series. Additionally, the dynamic between Astra and Marlak, the unconventional antagonist-turned-ally, is brilliantly written. Their relationship, fraught with tension and complexity, adds a layer of depth to the narrative that kept me thoroughly engaged.
As a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, I was thrilled with how it was executed here. The gradual shift from adversaries to allies to something more was expertly crafted, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already captivating plot. And while Marlak may not fit the mold of a typical fantasy villain, his unique appearance and backstory only serve to make him all the more compelling.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the way the story ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to dive into the next installment. While I felt there were moments where more information about the world could have been provided, it only heightened my curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.
"A Cursed Son" is a spellbinding read that promises an enchanting series ahead. With its richly developed characters, gripping plot, and tantalizing hints at a larger world waiting to be explored, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. I can't wait to continue Astra and Marlak's journey and uncover the secrets that lie ahead.
April 5, 2024
This new NA romantasy release is SO GOOD and perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, fae, royalty and forced proximity ❤️
Astra has been trained since she was an infant to be the Princess’s decoy. Even to be her in a marriage alliance if necessary. I love to read about brave and witty female-leads and Astra makes it easy to relate to her. I LOVE the hidden identity trope and the author pulled it off in a way that kept us on our toes as we don’t know the full extent of how different Astra is… 👀
The worldbuilding is super intriguing and I also enjoyed that we get to slowly discover as the story progresses about the fae and the different courts. The spicy dreams were such a fun twist I kept imagining this in my head and loving it 😂❤️
A Cursed Son is the perfect mix between fun laugh out loud moments (like the cave scene between Astra and the Fae Prince), intense and action packed storyline and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance! 😍 their dynamic was banter-filled and fun and I found myself giggling while reading. Now I must read all books by this author because I am obsessed!!
Astra has been trained since she was an infant to be the Princess’s decoy. Even to be her in a marriage alliance if necessary. I love to read about brave and witty female-leads and Astra makes it easy to relate to her. I LOVE the hidden identity trope and the author pulled it off in a way that kept us on our toes as we don’t know the full extent of how different Astra is… 👀
The worldbuilding is super intriguing and I also enjoyed that we get to slowly discover as the story progresses about the fae and the different courts. The spicy dreams were such a fun twist I kept imagining this in my head and loving it 😂❤️
A Cursed Son is the perfect mix between fun laugh out loud moments (like the cave scene between Astra and the Fae Prince), intense and action packed storyline and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance! 😍 their dynamic was banter-filled and fun and I found myself giggling while reading. Now I must read all books by this author because I am obsessed!!
February 5, 2024
Thank you for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
I'm so glad I found this book! Once I started, I couldn't stop reading and finished it in two days. The world-building was very interesting and managed to pull me in without revealing too much, so there's still a lot to uncover in the following book(s?).
I really liked the characters. Marlak wasn't the "standard" romantasy villain but had a unique appearance and backstory. Astra wasn't the "damsel in distress" but an elite guard with an intriguing magical power. The relationship and tension between them was very well-written and their shared dreams added some extra spice and confusion, which was great. The ending made me feel all types of emotions and I liked that it ended with such a cliffhanger, because now I'm even more interested in the series. I can't wait to see how it'll continue and I hope that there'll be more world-building and insights into Astra's power and where she comes from.
Read this book if you like:
– unique world-building
– fae and magical powers
– soulmates
– slow burn and spicy dreams
Also, there's a dark unicorn named Cherry Cake...I mean who wouldn't want that?
I'm so glad I found this book! Once I started, I couldn't stop reading and finished it in two days. The world-building was very interesting and managed to pull me in without revealing too much, so there's still a lot to uncover in the following book(s?).
I really liked the characters. Marlak wasn't the "standard" romantasy villain but had a unique appearance and backstory. Astra wasn't the "damsel in distress" but an elite guard with an intriguing magical power. The relationship and tension between them was very well-written and their shared dreams added some extra spice and confusion, which was great. The ending made me feel all types of emotions and I liked that it ended with such a cliffhanger, because now I'm even more interested in the series. I can't wait to see how it'll continue and I hope that there'll be more world-building and insights into Astra's power and where she comes from.
Read this book if you like:
– unique world-building
– fae and magical powers
– soulmates
– slow burn and spicy dreams
Also, there's a dark unicorn named Cherry Cake...I mean who wouldn't want that?
March 17, 2024
A Cursed Son is one of those books that once you start reading, you can't put it down. Did I mention it is enemies to lovers - my favorite trope. I loved the premise of a dream connection and a false princess. Marlak is my new favourite book boyfriend - the artwork is absolutely stunning! He is so dreamy 🫠 From banter, to magic, to carriage rides and Astra climbing walls, even some Reylo vibes - this book is has it all. I definitely recommend this to fans of fantasy romance and who loves arranged marriage. Be sure to add it to your TBR.
Thank you MTMC Tours and the author for a gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you MTMC Tours and the author for a gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
Wow, what a fantastic story! I really enjoy how the main character speaks to the reader, and I feel like she’s personally telling me her story. That ending about nearly ripped my heart in half, and I TRULY appreciate the last chapter as a reprieve for my tattered heart. 5/5, absolutely loved A Cursed Son.
February 7, 2024
6th february:
- spoiler free review -
thank you so much Day Leitao for providing me with an ARC to read and review!
2.7⭐
I'm still feeling unsure about this book. there were some parts I enjoyed but also definitely some things I really didn't enjoy... but let me tell you a bit about the plot first.
➥ plot
the story follows the main character astra, who grows up in a kind of school where she and other people get trained to be a substitute who will pretend to be the princess and the prince of their kingdom to save them in specific situations. additionally, she has to keep her true heritage (which i won't spoil) hidden.
astra isn't really happy with her life since she wants to have a kindred one (kind of like a boyfriend but on a deeper level), who she also dreams about but isn't able to figure out who he is. after an incident where she already met him, she is forced to get married to the king's evil brother, marlak. now, she has to live with him, which leads to secrets being uncovered, discoveries of magic and other kingdoms, friendships being formed and love being found. that's kind of it.
I don't really have an issue with the plot, I liked the overall story line. I do feel like it's more of a character-driven story, since there weren't many plot twists and the main ones were solely ar the end. instead, i learned more about the characters' background story - not suuuper much though - , followed the development of different feelings, and saw them turn into the people they were in the end and followed.
I have to mention that it sometimes felt more like I was told what would happen or what was happening in a way too descriptive style, not really giving me the chance to fully dive into the moment and experience the same feelings as the characters. kinda like "more tell than show".
the big plot twist in the end wasn't extremely surprising since part of it got explained right away, but it still opens the opportunity for another book.
➥ world
the story is set in a fantasy world rather similar to for example the acotar world: there are different courts with different beings, such as fae people, nyxes and humans for example, and different rules. i enjoyed discovering that, however didn't learn that much about the courts since the story mainly played in two to three different ones.
what I liked the most about the fantasy aspect were the different magical powers. It was fun to discover them and their various divisions. sadly, I feel like I again only got "surface information", never really having the chance to get a deeper understanding of how they worked and which existed.
➥ writing aka my biggest issue
as I already said in one of my updates, my biggest issue was the way this book was written. while reading, I made a little list of the things that bothered me along the way:
- repeated words, especially a constant use of "(and) then", "well", "perhaps", "and yet", "the truth is"/"in truth". from beginning to end, these words followed me. sometimes, a word would be repeated numerous times on only one page. this got annoying extremely fast and sadly ruined my complete reading experience.
also, there was an unnecessary amount of words like "ugh" and "wow". luckily, that got better in the end.
additionally, the endearments "wife" and “husband" were extremely (!!!) overused.
- the way this was written also kinda felt more like a stream of thoughts than like an organised text, which just made it feel somewhat inexperienced.
- fitting to what I just talked about is that astra's inner thoughts were constantly full of questions. while this was entertaining in the beginning, it just got annoying the more i read. it felt like an excuse to not answer the questions, maybe wanting to build suspension but then never really answering them. i think that's also the reason why I don't know much about the magic etc, I only read her questions but those just didn't get answered.
- I don't really know how to put this next thing into words because I myself don't totally understand what's happening but sentences like "Why didn't I run with Otavio? I know why, and yet..." or "your power is quite impressive. quite impressive. doesn't impress me, ..." just felt extremely contradicting, which was bothersome. why would you say something only to answer it with the opposite?!
- lastly, some parts of the writing felt lazy, such as "There's just something so comforting about it, so... I don't even know how to explain it". like, just explain it or don't mention it at all, right?!
so, as you can see, there were quite some things that irked me and made it impossible for me to completely dive into the story. I think it got better in the middle - or i just got used to it HAHA...
➥ characters
while Astra was the main character and I experienced everything through her pov, my feelings toward her aren't many or deep. I think I like her, despite sometimes not really enjoying her inner monologue (there was just so much of it). I mostly liked her braveness and will to fight for herself while also being okay with showing some vulnerability.
however, my favourite character was marlak - but I also don't have many thoughts about him. I really enjoyed his sweetness and utter politeness, which he showed from beginning on. he cares a lot about those he loves and tries to always protect them. his sarcasm was funny and i liked discovering his traumatic past - not because i like that he has experienced those things, but because it brings depth into his character. he's also quite hot, honestly, and wears fancy rings hihi.
the side characters were nice, but not very memorable since they don't play a big role at all.
➥ AstraMarlak
since their marriage was a forced one but they still learn to love each other, I got a great enemies to lovers story, which was the book's strongest aspect. I liked the sexual tension between astra and marlak, which was supported by the dreams, and their bantering. to observe them slowly accepting that tension was fun and I especially enjoyed all the small moments where marlak showed his soft spot for astra.
➥ conclusion
okay, now that I've said all that, I think I can say that this was a book with a lot of potential, but sadly didn't meet my expectations. I'd still say that you should give it a try, especially if you don't really mind the negative things I said about the writing style. because, as i just said, the book definitely has potential!! I don't know if I'll read the next book, but since I don't want to leave all my questions unanswered, I probably will.
-------------------
having mixed feelings rn
rtc!
--------------------
got another arc hihi 🤭
hope it'll be good 🤞🏻
- spoiler free review -
thank you so much Day Leitao for providing me with an ARC to read and review!
2.7⭐
I'm still feeling unsure about this book. there were some parts I enjoyed but also definitely some things I really didn't enjoy... but let me tell you a bit about the plot first.
➥ plot
the story follows the main character astra, who grows up in a kind of school where she and other people get trained to be a substitute who will pretend to be the princess and the prince of their kingdom to save them in specific situations. additionally, she has to keep her true heritage (which i won't spoil) hidden.
astra isn't really happy with her life since she wants to have a kindred one (kind of like a boyfriend but on a deeper level), who she also dreams about but isn't able to figure out who he is. after an incident where she already met him, she is forced to get married to the king's evil brother, marlak. now, she has to live with him, which leads to secrets being uncovered, discoveries of magic and other kingdoms, friendships being formed and love being found. that's kind of it.
I don't really have an issue with the plot, I liked the overall story line. I do feel like it's more of a character-driven story, since there weren't many plot twists and the main ones were solely ar the end. instead, i learned more about the characters' background story - not suuuper much though - , followed the development of different feelings, and saw them turn into the people they were in the end and followed.
I have to mention that it sometimes felt more like I was told what would happen or what was happening in a way too descriptive style, not really giving me the chance to fully dive into the moment and experience the same feelings as the characters. kinda like "more tell than show".
the big plot twist in the end wasn't extremely surprising since part of it got explained right away, but it still opens the opportunity for another book.
➥ world
the story is set in a fantasy world rather similar to for example the acotar world: there are different courts with different beings, such as fae people, nyxes and humans for example, and different rules. i enjoyed discovering that, however didn't learn that much about the courts since the story mainly played in two to three different ones.
what I liked the most about the fantasy aspect were the different magical powers. It was fun to discover them and their various divisions. sadly, I feel like I again only got "surface information", never really having the chance to get a deeper understanding of how they worked and which existed.
➥ writing aka my biggest issue
as I already said in one of my updates, my biggest issue was the way this book was written. while reading, I made a little list of the things that bothered me along the way:
- repeated words, especially a constant use of "(and) then", "well", "perhaps", "and yet", "the truth is"/"in truth". from beginning to end, these words followed me. sometimes, a word would be repeated numerous times on only one page. this got annoying extremely fast and sadly ruined my complete reading experience.
also, there was an unnecessary amount of words like "ugh" and "wow". luckily, that got better in the end.
additionally, the endearments "wife" and “husband" were extremely (!!!) overused.
- the way this was written also kinda felt more like a stream of thoughts than like an organised text, which just made it feel somewhat inexperienced.
- fitting to what I just talked about is that astra's inner thoughts were constantly full of questions. while this was entertaining in the beginning, it just got annoying the more i read. it felt like an excuse to not answer the questions, maybe wanting to build suspension but then never really answering them. i think that's also the reason why I don't know much about the magic etc, I only read her questions but those just didn't get answered.
- I don't really know how to put this next thing into words because I myself don't totally understand what's happening but sentences like "Why didn't I run with Otavio? I know why, and yet..." or "your power is quite impressive. quite impressive. doesn't impress me, ..." just felt extremely contradicting, which was bothersome. why would you say something only to answer it with the opposite?!
- lastly, some parts of the writing felt lazy, such as "There's just something so comforting about it, so... I don't even know how to explain it". like, just explain it or don't mention it at all, right?!
so, as you can see, there were quite some things that irked me and made it impossible for me to completely dive into the story. I think it got better in the middle - or i just got used to it HAHA...
➥ characters
while Astra was the main character and I experienced everything through her pov, my feelings toward her aren't many or deep. I think I like her, despite sometimes not really enjoying her inner monologue (there was just so much of it). I mostly liked her braveness and will to fight for herself while also being okay with showing some vulnerability.
however, my favourite character was marlak - but I also don't have many thoughts about him. I really enjoyed his sweetness and utter politeness, which he showed from beginning on. he cares a lot about those he loves and tries to always protect them. his sarcasm was funny and i liked discovering his traumatic past - not because i like that he has experienced those things, but because it brings depth into his character. he's also quite hot, honestly, and wears fancy rings hihi.
the side characters were nice, but not very memorable since they don't play a big role at all.
➥ AstraMarlak
since their marriage was a forced one but they still learn to love each other, I got a great enemies to lovers story, which was the book's strongest aspect. I liked the sexual tension between astra and marlak, which was supported by the dreams, and their bantering. to observe them slowly accepting that tension was fun and I especially enjoyed all the small moments where marlak showed his soft spot for astra.
➥ conclusion
okay, now that I've said all that, I think I can say that this was a book with a lot of potential, but sadly didn't meet my expectations. I'd still say that you should give it a try, especially if you don't really mind the negative things I said about the writing style. because, as i just said, the book definitely has potential!! I don't know if I'll read the next book, but since I don't want to leave all my questions unanswered, I probably will.
-------------------
having mixed feelings rn
rtc!
--------------------
got another arc hihi 🤭
hope it'll be good 🤞🏻
February 24, 2024
This book took me so much longer than I thought, and I’m so glad that I finally finished it.
This book ended in a cliffhanger, and mostly when I read books with a cliffhanger at the end, I always want to know what happens next and have the urge to write down all my thoughts and theories about what could happen in the next book, but sadly, I didn’t have this feeling with this book.☹️
Will I read the second book? Who knows?
Maybe I will.
౨ৎᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
Astra, the woman that you are, I have loved her since page one.🥹🤞🏼
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯."
I want this quote printed on a t-shirt.
Thank you very much.🤗
What I also really enjoyed is that unicorns existed in this book. My 10-year-old would sure eat this up. So please, authors, add a little cute unicorn to your fantasy books. It doesn’t hurt anyone, right?🥹
𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 ����𝚜 𝙼𝚈 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝.🫂
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
જ⁀➴ My arc got approved yayyy🥹🤞🏼
This book ended in a cliffhanger, and mostly when I read books with a cliffhanger at the end, I always want to know what happens next and have the urge to write down all my thoughts and theories about what could happen in the next book, but sadly, I didn’t have this feeling with this book.☹️
Will I read the second book? Who knows?
Maybe I will.
౨ৎᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
Astra, the woman that you are, I have loved her since page one.🥹🤞🏼
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯."
I want this quote printed on a t-shirt.
Thank you very much.🤗
What I also really enjoyed is that unicorns existed in this book. My 10-year-old would sure eat this up. So please, authors, add a little cute unicorn to your fantasy books. It doesn’t hurt anyone, right?🥹
𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 ����𝚜 𝙼𝚈 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝.🫂
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
જ⁀➴ My arc got approved yayyy🥹🤞🏼
September 14, 2024
2.5 stars
This reads like a YA book that inappropriately has way too many spicy scenes in it. In the very first couple of pages, the FMC becomes an accidental voyeur and it made me so uncomfortable reading it that I almost DNF’d right there. I wish I did because all of the characters are either too immature or cookie cutter for me to bother continuing this series.
This reads like a YA book that inappropriately has way too many spicy scenes in it. In the very first couple of pages, the FMC becomes an accidental voyeur and it made me so uncomfortable reading it that I almost DNF’d right there. I wish I did because all of the characters are either too immature or cookie cutter for me to bother continuing this series.
Read
September 1, 2024This is my first adult fantasy and I'm super excited about it, and can't wait for you all to read it.
There was a Kickstarter for a special edition and you can still get special editions at The Signed Bookshop
There was a Kickstarter for a special edition and you can still get special editions at The Signed Bookshop
Shelved as 'd-n-f'
February 25, 2024post-read review:
arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review. this in no way changes my rating or review.
dnf @ 30%
i just could not get into this reading style :((. i've read other books by the author and i don't remember having this trouble... so either the style has changed or my taste has changed. either way, i found myself confused, bored, and very non-addicted to this one, which was disappointing. might try again one day, but not sure. either way, i've put it down for now.
~~~
pre-read review: arc acquired woo!! this sounds too addictive, and the author marketed it as both fun & steamy, which is always a win for me. we need more fun romantasies!
arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review. this in no way changes my rating or review.
dnf @ 30%
i just could not get into this reading style :((. i've read other books by the author and i don't remember having this trouble... so either the style has changed or my taste has changed. either way, i found myself confused, bored, and very non-addicted to this one, which was disappointing. might try again one day, but not sure. either way, i've put it down for now.
~~~
pre-read review: arc acquired woo!! this sounds too addictive, and the author marketed it as both fun & steamy, which is always a win for me. we need more fun romantasies!
March 12, 2024
1.5⭐️ there were so many issues with this book honestly.. the writing was just not good, using ‘ugh’ or ‘thingy’ and ‘or whatever’ throughout made the story feel lazy and juvenile.
I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters- they were both very much one dimensional. The premise of this had sounded so interesting but the execution of it just felt.. silly? I ended up skimming the last 30 pgs or so because I was just done at that point.
.5 because some scenes I felt had potential but this desperately needed another round of editing.
I don’t think this author is for me💫
I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters- they were both very much one dimensional. The premise of this had sounded so interesting but the execution of it just felt.. silly? I ended up skimming the last 30 pgs or so because I was just done at that point.
.5 because some scenes I felt had potential but this desperately needed another round of editing.
I don’t think this author is for me💫
February 21, 2024
The premise of this was so good, it was giving Ruhn Danaan fanfic vibes, but the writing was terrible. I could barely get through it. I wanted to love this! I wish an editor or beta had taken a look at this. There’s so much promise here! It just needs to be refined!! I was also very frustrated with all of the back and forth miscommunication dialogue. It was reminiscent of iron flame’s “I can’t trust you!” Recurring fights. The ending where he fake betrays her was also very tired and mid.
February 6, 2024
Just got done reading the ARC for this book and just wow! There are a lot of fae romantasy books out there and this one blew me away. I was hooked from chapter one the characters just draw you in the strong FMC and grumpy MMC have an amazing chemistry together. This book is a slow burn, forced proximity enemies to lovers romance with plenty of funny banter and spice.
A Cursed Son has a unique story that keeps you interested and wanting to know what happens next Leitao does an great job creating an emersive world. I will anxiously be awaiting the next book in the series!!
A Cursed Son has a unique story that keeps you interested and wanting to know what happens next Leitao does an great job creating an emersive world. I will anxiously be awaiting the next book in the series!!
January 22, 2024
Thank you to Day Leitao for the opportunity to beta read this book!
I loved everything about this book! Such a beautiful enemies to lovers slow burn. The way the narration moves from glimpses of the future, back to the present, via dreams the FMC and MMC are having helps so much with the tension!
I cannot want to read and review the finished copy.
I loved everything about this book! Such a beautiful enemies to lovers slow burn. The way the narration moves from glimpses of the future, back to the present, via dreams the FMC and MMC are having helps so much with the tension!
I cannot want to read and review the finished copy.
July 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this magical world. It was captivating and honestly hard to put down. The fantasy aspects of this story were easy to follow. It was nice to be able to listen to a fantasy and not have to stop every five seconds in order to figure how one thing connected to another.
I also loved the two main characters, Astra and Marlak. Forced into a marriage, Astra handled being stuck with Marlak (the disgraced prince) perfectly. She didn’t whine or beg to be let go. She knew what she had to do to serve her kingdom and she did it. It was absolutely refreshing not having to listen to an FMC whining about being taken the entire book.
The relationship between Astra and Marlak was nicely developed. They went from enemies, to friends, to lovers. It was the perfect slow burn. While I typically like graphic smut, I didn’t at all mind the flowery way the smut was written. I believe it perfectly fit how the characters were feeling at the moment and just the overall vibe of the book.
Just a heads up…the ending will hurt for a good few minutes but I promise it’s worth it!
Thank you so much Day Leitao and Books of Matches Media for the audioARC!
I also loved the two main characters, Astra and Marlak. Forced into a marriage, Astra handled being stuck with Marlak (the disgraced prince) perfectly. She didn’t whine or beg to be let go. She knew what she had to do to serve her kingdom and she did it. It was absolutely refreshing not having to listen to an FMC whining about being taken the entire book.
The relationship between Astra and Marlak was nicely developed. They went from enemies, to friends, to lovers. It was the perfect slow burn. While I typically like graphic smut, I didn’t at all mind the flowery way the smut was written. I believe it perfectly fit how the characters were feeling at the moment and just the overall vibe of the book.
Just a heads up…the ending will hurt for a good few minutes but I promise it’s worth it!
Thank you so much Day Leitao and Books of Matches Media for the audioARC!
February 6, 2024
An emotionally gripping, adventure-filled, magical-induced enemies to lovers romance centered around political turmoil, action, secrecy, betrayal, banter, devotion, and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the overall plot. So much so that I'm anxiously awaiting book 2. Strong, well-developed characters who face one struggle after another. Detailed world building to draw the reader into the book. Intriguing storyline to maintain interest. Astra finds herself a pawn in a political game where she longs for answers, freedom, and love. Marlak plays his own dangerous chess game to strive toward his ultimate goal of clearing his name and claiming his throne. In dreams they find their true selves, but reality proves more difficult to navigate.
"Trust your heart."
"I think old love is better, love that survives the passage of time, survives tribulations. It's the kind of love I want."
"Love makes you strong, not weak."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the overall plot. So much so that I'm anxiously awaiting book 2. Strong, well-developed characters who face one struggle after another. Detailed world building to draw the reader into the book. Intriguing storyline to maintain interest. Astra finds herself a pawn in a political game where she longs for answers, freedom, and love. Marlak plays his own dangerous chess game to strive toward his ultimate goal of clearing his name and claiming his throne. In dreams they find their true selves, but reality proves more difficult to navigate.
"Trust your heart."
"I think old love is better, love that survives the passage of time, survives tribulations. It's the kind of love I want."
"Love makes you strong, not weak."
February 5, 2024
Stop reading this review and go get this book!
Oh my goodness- this book sucked me in right from the start. Elemental magic, a BA FMC and, Grumpy but sweet MMC. Sign me up! But seriously I know those things sound like any other romantasy, but this book was so different from anything I’ve read. I loved loved loved the sloooooow burn and the spicy dreams vs the hard reality.
The main character banter (heck even internal banter) was so well done and literally made me laugh out loud at times.
I need the second book now ☹️🥰🙂
Oh my goodness- this book sucked me in right from the start. Elemental magic, a BA FMC and, Grumpy but sweet MMC. Sign me up! But seriously I know those things sound like any other romantasy, but this book was so different from anything I’ve read. I loved loved loved the sloooooow burn and the spicy dreams vs the hard reality.
The main character banter (heck even internal banter) was so well done and literally made me laugh out loud at times.
I need the second book now ☹️🥰🙂
February 5, 2024
A very unique story that will keep you guessing all the way through the book.
Astra is an orphan that is raised by the enemy. She thought she had a good life. That is until she met Marlak.
She begins to unravel her past and realize that the things she thought were the truth are a long way from the truth.
Will Astra be able to find her way to true happiness? Will she and Marlak find a future together? Come read this fast paced story to find the answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Astra is an orphan that is raised by the enemy. She thought she had a good life. That is until she met Marlak.
She begins to unravel her past and realize that the things she thought were the truth are a long way from the truth.
Will Astra be able to find her way to true happiness? Will she and Marlak find a future together? Come read this fast paced story to find the answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2024
Ooh this book is glorious! ✨ It took me a minute to get hooked but then I didn’t want to do anything else with my weekend but live in this book. I read every chance I got. Clever turns, a multi-layered sarcastic protagonist, fae secrets, cherry cake, magical dreams and duplicitous layers. Well done Day Leitao — Looking forward to more!
February 5, 2024
I got my ARC from NetGalley and I just want to say thank you Day Leitao for give me a chance to read the book early.
This book was amazing.. had great plot great spice and we love morally grey men who fall first and harder for the FmLi this was all around an amazing book and I can’t wait to buy it when it comes out!!!
This book was amazing.. had great plot great spice and we love morally grey men who fall first and harder for the FmLi this was all around an amazing book and I can’t wait to buy it when it comes out!!!
February 8, 2024
Posting review on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Run date February 6, 2024 for posting review.
I ate this book up! I enjoyed every character and their individual personalities. It was a fun read with parts that made me chuckle. I was probably smiling more than half of the book! I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you Day Leitao and NetGalley, for allowing me to read the ARC!
Run date February 6, 2024 for posting review.
I ate this book up! I enjoyed every character and their individual personalities. It was a fun read with parts that made me chuckle. I was probably smiling more than half of the book! I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you Day Leitao and NetGalley, for allowing me to read the ARC!
February 8, 2024
Dnf @ 14% I couldn’t force myself to read after “Ugh. I don’t want Marlak’s man thingy.” I really tried to get into this book, but I could not stop cringing.
February 7, 2024
5 stars read, with the stars going to: the banter, the DREAMS, a dark unicorn named Cherry Cake, a purple haired princess, and for all the giggles this book gave me, especially from the Nameless!!
This book has literally everything I'm looking for in a romantasy book, especially a slow burn enemies to lovers romantasy at that!! Astra is living her best life (maybe) as a substitute for the princess of Krastel (living at the perfectly named Krastel Castle), hiding her identity, and hoping for a chance to get out of the walls of the palace. She gets an opportunity to go out on a mission disguised as the princess, but a wild turn of events lands her captured by the disgraced, alleged family murdering former maybe-human-maybe-fae prince Marlak. It's best if you discover how through reading this book, but let's just say that the two recognize each other but won't tell each other this... The following week, once she's returned to the castle, Marlak arrives, trades some trinkets to the king, and makes her his bride (how romantic) and takes her to a hidden island hideout.
I absolutely ATE THIS UP. I loved the dynamic between Astra, so worried about her truth coming out and wnating to hate Marlak so so sooo badly, and Marlak, king of the wife guys just trying to hide his affections under deep, deep cut insults. The magic in this world is really cool and I'm excited to see it develop in future books- and also to learn more about this very interesting and dynamic world full of warring human and fae and a secret third thing factions.
I need The Traitor Sister...as soon as possible
Thank you so much to Day Leitao and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. A Cursed Son comes out on March 6, 2024!
This book has literally everything I'm looking for in a romantasy book, especially a slow burn enemies to lovers romantasy at that!! Astra is living her best life (maybe) as a substitute for the princess of Krastel (living at the perfectly named Krastel Castle), hiding her identity, and hoping for a chance to get out of the walls of the palace. She gets an opportunity to go out on a mission disguised as the princess, but a wild turn of events lands her captured by the disgraced, alleged family murdering former maybe-human-maybe-fae prince Marlak. It's best if you discover how through reading this book, but let's just say that the two recognize each other but won't tell each other this... The following week, once she's returned to the castle, Marlak arrives, trades some trinkets to the king, and makes her his bride (how romantic) and takes her to a hidden island hideout.
I absolutely ATE THIS UP. I loved the dynamic between Astra, so worried about her truth coming out and wnating to hate Marlak so so sooo badly, and Marlak, king of the wife guys just trying to hide his affections under deep, deep cut insults. The magic in this world is really cool and I'm excited to see it develop in future books- and also to learn more about this very interesting and dynamic world full of warring human and fae and a secret third thing factions.
I need The Traitor Sister...as soon as possible
Thank you so much to Day Leitao and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. A Cursed Son comes out on March 6, 2024!
February 9, 2024
thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an amazing read! I am very much a reader that LOVES books with vibes and this just hit the spot for me
The beginning chapters of the book felt a tad bit messy, where I was fumbling in the dark trying to make sense of the setting/premise of the story, but the book picks up better afterwards and had me immediately immersed. I did find that while I liked Astra, she did have a bit too much of monologue and it made me feel like we were both spinning in circles. Astra had absolutely no filter and I love it, her intrusive thoughts and speech reminds me of Serpent and Dove, but better. My absolute favourite character in the book, which is no surprise to anyone is Marlak. I love love love him so much. Its the fact that he has always remained respectful to Astra from the very beginning, upholding the promises he made to her, and making sure she had everything she needed even if he was an exiled prince and only had so much to offer her!! This book had me in such a chokehold I wasn't even aware of the time as I read it.
I'm so excited for the release so I can get a physical copy and annotate the heck out of it like I did with my kindle, and also waiting with bated breath for book 2 to come out!!
This was an amazing read! I am very much a reader that LOVES books with vibes and this just hit the spot for me
The beginning chapters of the book felt a tad bit messy, where I was fumbling in the dark trying to make sense of the setting/premise of the story, but the book picks up better afterwards and had me immediately immersed. I did find that while I liked Astra, she did have a bit too much of monologue and it made me feel like we were both spinning in circles. Astra had absolutely no filter and I love it, her intrusive thoughts and speech reminds me of Serpent and Dove, but better. My absolute favourite character in the book, which is no surprise to anyone is Marlak. I love love love him so much. Its the fact that he has always remained respectful to Astra from the very beginning, upholding the promises he made to her, and making sure she had everything she needed even if he was an exiled prince and only had so much to offer her!! This book had me in such a chokehold I wasn't even aware of the time as I read it.
I'm so excited for the release so I can get a physical copy and annotate the heck out of it like I did with my kindle, and also waiting with bated breath for book 2 to come out!!
February 6, 2024
I snagged an ARC from NetGalley – feeling like a bookish VIP! 📚
First things first, the beginning of the book was like trying to dance with two left feet. Awkward. I tried to like the FMC, but I just couldn't.
I really wanted to like this book. Romantasy is right up my alley and enemies to lovers.... Swoon. But alas, it was just not meant to be. The side characters felt a bit like the supporting act desperately waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
Maybe it's just a warm-up, a teaser for the grand show that's about to unfold in the sequels? But from what I read, IDK if I will finish this book and read the sequels.
First things first, the beginning of the book was like trying to dance with two left feet. Awkward. I tried to like the FMC, but I just couldn't.
I really wanted to like this book. Romantasy is right up my alley and enemies to lovers.... Swoon. But alas, it was just not meant to be. The side characters felt a bit like the supporting act desperately waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
Maybe it's just a warm-up, a teaser for the grand show that's about to unfold in the sequels? But from what I read, IDK if I will finish this book and read the sequels.
February 2, 2024
Thank you Day Leitao for the opportunity to read this book before its official release!
I loved everything about this book! I loved the writing style, the characters, the way how naration moved me through time via dreams.
Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and this is perfectly executed. I love how the tension between the two main characters builds-up with every page.
I was so captivated by the story that I finished the book in less than 24 hours.
I loved everything about this book! I loved the writing style, the characters, the way how naration moved me through time via dreams.
Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and this is perfectly executed. I love how the tension between the two main characters builds-up with every page.
I was so captivated by the story that I finished the book in less than 24 hours.
March 5, 2024
3,5⭐️
Aaahhh Marlak 🥰 What a nice MMC! Communication isn’t his strong suit, but who cares? He will protect Astra with everything he has and die trying. I just love him and want to hug him until his dark past fades away.
So I really liked my read! Fae, political intrigues, forced marriage; it had a lot of great tropes.
The only thing I deplore is that there are too many things happening and it gets confusing. Like the Darksoul thing, the substitute thing, the Mother Almighty/Light thing, the kindred soul thing, the Crisine thing (what happened to her??)… I’m telling you, too many things.
Still a good story annnnd I might need to read the next book 🙈🙈
**This book was given to me as an ARC, thanks to Netgalley 💛 All opinions are my own.
Aaahhh Marlak 🥰 What a nice MMC! Communication isn’t his strong suit, but who cares? He will protect Astra with everything he has and die trying. I just love him and want to hug him until his dark past fades away.
So I really liked my read! Fae, political intrigues, forced marriage; it had a lot of great tropes.
The only thing I deplore is that there are too many things happening and it gets confusing. Like the Darksoul thing, the substitute thing, the Mother Almighty/Light thing, the kindred soul thing, the Crisine thing (what happened to her??)… I’m telling you, too many things.
Still a good story annnnd I might need to read the next book 🙈🙈
**This book was given to me as an ARC, thanks to Netgalley 💛 All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
You can find this review of A Cursed Son on my blog, Heart's Content!
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
There was something about this book that drew my attention immediately. Was it the blurb, or the title or the cover? I can’t answer that. But I do feel everything about this book you see on the outside might be very very different from what the book actually is.
A Cursed Son was… a real surprise in some ways. From page one, I sunk right into the world the author created. I would say the book built page by page, but that doesn’t mean you sense a lack of pace. The book remains even throughout—maybe even a little fast—filled with emotion, character development and world building.
The world-building in this book is hard to separate from the narrative itself. The book reads in first person, single POV (my favourite) and the FMC who is the primary narrator, has been kept separate in many ways from the real world and she’s slowly finding her way and understanding the rules of the world along with the readers. There’s still… a lot to learn. I wonder if the author did that on purpose, or if it was a consequence of how much needed to be built in this book so the world building takes a small step back for now. Either way, there’s an evident flow that’s fairly clear to follow.
The writing itself is so easy to fall into. It was intertwined with the FMC’s personality so well and brought to light a lot of her emotions, growth, fears, faults and strength. I’m aware that all narratives are suited to the voice and personality of the FMC, but I couldn’t tell the writing apart as a strategy from the character here. They’re both one. There’s no strategy. There’s just vulnerable and jagged truths of who Astra is, was and also… glimpses of who she will be.
The characters are… interestingly many, but the focus remains primarily on the FMC and MMC; with situations tossing them constantly together and keeping them from running away from growing together and trusting one another. The FMC and MMC are interesting mirrors of one another, I wonder if the author intended to do that or if it just happened—the writing Gods have deemed it so and all that. The set-up between the protagonists is very interesting. It’s almost a two sided coin, one of being strangers and another of strange familiarity. The author’s work is to bridge that gap and I think it’s not an easy task. It’s a hard trope to define, but it’s a mix of
strangers to friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers?
Forced marriage/proximity
Kindred souls
The many other secondary characters were interestingly present and absent at the same time, I’m very curious to watch how the author’s going to take this series forward.
The plot is still behind a curtain of secrets that the author is yet to reveal. That doesn’t mean this book is aimless; not at all, in fact there’s something happening every single page of this book. It’s extremely interesting and draws you in and I find it very surprising, that I’ve read a nearly 500 page book without knowing 100% what secrets the actual story-line holds. I don’t know what’s being hidden or what’s going to be revealed. This book was the treasure map to find the key that opens the door to the truth. That’s the best way I can describe it.
There’s still a LOT the series has to give, I can tell. The book reads with a certain innocence that I associated to a new author, but looking at Leitao’s page, she’s not! Again, is the book written so to match the voice of the narrator? Maybe. The book is not YA, so definitely don’t walk in with that thought. But it’s not fully adult either. It’s this sweet space between YA and NA, that’s how I would categorise it at least.
Four and a half stars! Check trigger warnings and happy reading. This book, when it releases, will go onto KU! So for KU subscribers, this book is absolutely freeeee!
Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
There was something about this book that drew my attention immediately. Was it the blurb, or the title or the cover? I can’t answer that. But I do feel everything about this book you see on the outside might be very very different from what the book actually is.
A Cursed Son was… a real surprise in some ways. From page one, I sunk right into the world the author created. I would say the book built page by page, but that doesn’t mean you sense a lack of pace. The book remains even throughout—maybe even a little fast—filled with emotion, character development and world building.
The world-building in this book is hard to separate from the narrative itself. The book reads in first person, single POV (my favourite) and the FMC who is the primary narrator, has been kept separate in many ways from the real world and she’s slowly finding her way and understanding the rules of the world along with the readers. There’s still… a lot to learn. I wonder if the author did that on purpose, or if it was a consequence of how much needed to be built in this book so the world building takes a small step back for now. Either way, there’s an evident flow that’s fairly clear to follow.
The writing itself is so easy to fall into. It was intertwined with the FMC’s personality so well and brought to light a lot of her emotions, growth, fears, faults and strength. I’m aware that all narratives are suited to the voice and personality of the FMC, but I couldn’t tell the writing apart as a strategy from the character here. They’re both one. There’s no strategy. There’s just vulnerable and jagged truths of who Astra is, was and also… glimpses of who she will be.
The characters are… interestingly many, but the focus remains primarily on the FMC and MMC; with situations tossing them constantly together and keeping them from running away from growing together and trusting one another. The FMC and MMC are interesting mirrors of one another, I wonder if the author intended to do that or if it just happened—the writing Gods have deemed it so and all that. The set-up between the protagonists is very interesting. It’s almost a two sided coin, one of being strangers and another of strange familiarity. The author’s work is to bridge that gap and I think it’s not an easy task. It’s a hard trope to define, but it’s a mix of
strangers to friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers?
Forced marriage/proximity
Kindred souls
The many other secondary characters were interestingly present and absent at the same time, I’m very curious to watch how the author’s going to take this series forward.
The plot is still behind a curtain of secrets that the author is yet to reveal. That doesn’t mean this book is aimless; not at all, in fact there’s something happening every single page of this book. It’s extremely interesting and draws you in and I find it very surprising, that I’ve read a nearly 500 page book without knowing 100% what secrets the actual story-line holds. I don’t know what’s being hidden or what’s going to be revealed. This book was the treasure map to find the key that opens the door to the truth. That’s the best way I can describe it.
There’s still a LOT the series has to give, I can tell. The book reads with a certain innocence that I associated to a new author, but looking at Leitao’s page, she’s not! Again, is the book written so to match the voice of the narrator? Maybe. The book is not YA, so definitely don’t walk in with that thought. But it’s not fully adult either. It’s this sweet space between YA and NA, that’s how I would categorise it at least.
Four and a half stars! Check trigger warnings and happy reading. This book, when it releases, will go onto KU! So for KU subscribers, this book is absolutely freeeee!
February 25, 2024
A Cursed Son is one of the books that I wanted to and have read through for hours on end. Everyone says that they miss the lover they had in their dreams but Astra gets to meet her in reality and boy is it different! The concept of the dreams between Astra and Marlak kept me entranced and keeps me wondering if they are perhaps a glimpse of the future or a past life. The book is well written and truly keeps me in the perspective and thinking of the characters. I especially enjoyed getting a glimpse of Marlaks point of view at the very end. I am on the edge of my seat to find out Master Octavios plans, what does he want from Astra and does he really care about her. Where has Marlak been taken and what really happened that fateful day. Marlak and Astra finally established a connection, a true one, and now once again they must find a way back together after being ripped apart. I thought this was a delightful take on starting the process on becoming comfortable with who you are, finding oneself and making real bonds with others. This magical world leaves me wanting more and I can’t wait for the next book in this series, HOWEVER THAT TWIST AT THE END SHOULD HAVE BEEN ILLEGAL. Hello! Ms.Leitao! Can I have my heart back that you ripped out of my chest. In total this ARC was a golden NetGalley find and is another vote in turning me into an enemies to lovers fan. This book contains enemies to lovers, scary ainnamon roll mmc 😏, fun banter and steamy dreams. Also when you read let me know if you also see actual silver ducks in your mind as their currency! 🤣
Spoiler Note : I love that he starts giving her more kisses after Astra and Tarlia’s conversation 😭😍
Quotes I loved :
“Love makes people stupid. And irresponsible. Barefoot, standing on a thin ledge ten floors above the ground, I’m glad I praise intelligence above all else. But then, perhaps love is what drove me here. A different type of love, the best type of love.”
“Love, or rather, the possibility of love, is like a strange hot iron. You touch it, get burned, but then want to touch it again.”
“ See, there are two versions of me. One of them is giddy with excitement, willing to do whatever it takes to go on this trip, while the other is horrified, facepalming and shaking her head. I’m both of them, so I have the awful experience of being stupid and aware of my stupidity at the same time.”
“I can’t belong to something unfamiliar, and yet I feel that I belong to a group that would never accept me.”
“In theory, I trained to eat spicy food back in the castle, but it must have been some fake chili peppers because it was nothing like this.“
“When you have no future, you have no love.”
“I think old love is better, love that survives the passage of time, survives tribulations. It’s the kind of love I want.”
“ Want. It’s an odd thing, a luxury we don’t always have. What can I want?”
“ Soon I find azalee, which is indeed a Tiurian word. Odd for me to remember it, when I studied so little of this language. I can’t believe the meaning I read. Wife. But it says it’s wife used as an endearing word, a loving word.”
“ I’m lost and found in his touch.”
“ What I know is that his brother took him, and I’ll have to find a way to free him. Then I’ll yell at him. Oh, I’m going to yell so much.”
How they started :
Astra POV :
“ A young man stands outside. Human, not fae, wearing a black tunic, his shoulder length curly black hair parted on the side with some of it shaved around his left, round ear, showing tattoos and a scar on his head. A long burn scar, in fact, going down to his neck, then his exposed forearm and continuing until his left hand, which is adorned with rings.“
Marlak POV :
“ “You. You tried to kill me.” At least his voice is not like the one in my dreams. It’s anything but soft or smooth.”
Spoiler Note : I love that he starts giving her more kisses after Astra and Tarlia’s conversation 😭😍
Quotes I loved :
“Love makes people stupid. And irresponsible. Barefoot, standing on a thin ledge ten floors above the ground, I’m glad I praise intelligence above all else. But then, perhaps love is what drove me here. A different type of love, the best type of love.”
“Love, or rather, the possibility of love, is like a strange hot iron. You touch it, get burned, but then want to touch it again.”
“ See, there are two versions of me. One of them is giddy with excitement, willing to do whatever it takes to go on this trip, while the other is horrified, facepalming and shaking her head. I’m both of them, so I have the awful experience of being stupid and aware of my stupidity at the same time.”
“I can’t belong to something unfamiliar, and yet I feel that I belong to a group that would never accept me.”
“In theory, I trained to eat spicy food back in the castle, but it must have been some fake chili peppers because it was nothing like this.“
“When you have no future, you have no love.”
“I think old love is better, love that survives the passage of time, survives tribulations. It’s the kind of love I want.”
“ Want. It’s an odd thing, a luxury we don’t always have. What can I want?”
“ Soon I find azalee, which is indeed a Tiurian word. Odd for me to remember it, when I studied so little of this language. I can’t believe the meaning I read. Wife. But it says it’s wife used as an endearing word, a loving word.”
“ I’m lost and found in his touch.”
“ What I know is that his brother took him, and I’ll have to find a way to free him. Then I’ll yell at him. Oh, I’m going to yell so much.”
How they started :
Astra POV :
“ A young man stands outside. Human, not fae, wearing a black tunic, his shoulder length curly black hair parted on the side with some of it shaved around his left, round ear, showing tattoos and a scar on his head. A long burn scar, in fact, going down to his neck, then his exposed forearm and continuing until his left hand, which is adorned with rings.“
Marlak POV :
“ “You. You tried to kill me.” At least his voice is not like the one in my dreams. It’s anything but soft or smooth.”
September 5, 2024
This is one of my #SPFBO reads as a judge and it’s an enemy to lovers romantasy with a splash of fae and magic thrown in. We’re following Astra, a decoy double of the princess. Her life has been all about training and rules since she was just a child, but she knows from her tutors that she’s serving a great need and she will be able to gain power and influence.
Astra’s story and turmoil about who she is and what she should do when events occur is a major crux of the story. She’s always trying to decide how she truly feels and when a new character starts to throw a very big wrench into her plans, she starts to wonder what her purpose really is or was at all.
The romance in this book is very much enemies at the beginning, and in fact a lot of the story focuses on the two main characters butting heads and having a hard time understanding one another’s motivations. There’s quite a lot of repeated dialogue where they have the same arguments or accusations to throw at one another (not entirely unrealistic of a relationship I’m sure) and that did feel a little monotonous to me at times.
The magic of this world is very much rooted in the idea that fae have different powers and they are able to manipulate and do things based on their particular branch of power. Naturally there’s a journey that our characters go on when it comes to power and learning about it over the course of the book.
In the end, for me this felt like it wasn’t quite as well written as I wanted it to be and although there were some good moments which I enjoyed, I felt a little bit like the writing and characters were a bit weaker than I wanted. I will add that enemy to lovers relationships aren’t always my particular taste so that may weigh in on my personal rating. I gave this a 2*s so 4/10 for the purposes of #SPFBO.
Astra’s story and turmoil about who she is and what she should do when events occur is a major crux of the story. She’s always trying to decide how she truly feels and when a new character starts to throw a very big wrench into her plans, she starts to wonder what her purpose really is or was at all.
The romance in this book is very much enemies at the beginning, and in fact a lot of the story focuses on the two main characters butting heads and having a hard time understanding one another’s motivations. There’s quite a lot of repeated dialogue where they have the same arguments or accusations to throw at one another (not entirely unrealistic of a relationship I’m sure) and that did feel a little monotonous to me at times.
The magic of this world is very much rooted in the idea that fae have different powers and they are able to manipulate and do things based on their particular branch of power. Naturally there’s a journey that our characters go on when it comes to power and learning about it over the course of the book.
In the end, for me this felt like it wasn’t quite as well written as I wanted it to be and although there were some good moments which I enjoyed, I felt a little bit like the writing and characters were a bit weaker than I wanted. I will add that enemy to lovers relationships aren’t always my particular taste so that may weigh in on my personal rating. I gave this a 2*s so 4/10 for the purposes of #SPFBO.
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