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3.63 AVERAGE


This is the first book that I read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.

The plot was well thought out with all the fun twists and turns and all scenes and environments were well detailed and well described, making it very easy to stay within the story.

The characters were well written, each with his or her own issues, past, hopes, and fears. You walk alongside them along their journey, each with their own agendas. You see and feel them grow more into themselves, closer to each other, or well.. just the opposite.

While the start of the book was pretty slow, once it picked up the slack there was a really nice balance between action and conversation, a smooth continuation of the story.
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable for me) errors. There is no sex described in the book (if that is important to you).

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, I enjoyed it, it was a nice read if a tad too slow at the start. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it really makes me want to start the second installment as soon as possible! How is Ayala going to handle everything thrown her way?

This book was so enjoyable! I especially loved the main character, her past and her overall character arc. The banter in the book was EVERYTHING. I laughed out loud a couple of times, which rarely happens!
However, it took me a while before I was really into the story, and even then, it kept losing me at times. The pacing was a little slow for my taste, and I wished for a little more intrigue and action.
Still, I can definitely recommend this book!

I started this series because I loved [b:The Song of the Marked|53902073|The Song of the Marked (Shadows and Crowns, #1)|S.M. Gaither|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1591650173l/53902073._SY75_.jpg|84251140]. so when I found out this was the same universe I couldn't wait.

this book switches between POV's and normally I don't really like it, but in this book, I didn't mind it.
the characters and story are interesting. I'm curious where the series takes us.
adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is such a rich world. I picked it up after falling in love with the Shadows and Crowns series - I wanted to get that extra understanding of the world S.M. Gaither created. The story is incredible (and obviously still unfolding) and I begged for the moments when the characters interacted with each other. That sort of dynamic is only just beginning and I look forward to picking up the next!
adventurous dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’m conflicted. I honestly feel like my low rating is related to my book slump and/or current book-mood. I just can’t seem to find a book that a enjoy or that drags me in. For some reason, little aspects of the story turn me off and it ruins the story for me. One of them for me was the initial meeting between Alaya and Emerys. It should have been a meet-cute but I was just annoyed by it. It just seemed like Alaya forgot her purpose and Sade because of the prince. I honestly know that my mood/slumpiness affected my reading of this book. I honestly think this is a good YA book, just not for me. Maybe I’ll continue the series to see if my opinion is the same or changes.
adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

100% underrated read 
admittedly I found the character relationships to be a little underdeveloped and lacking of any substantial depth. although I can't deny the premise of the story was brilliant and clearly full of ideas and plot twists but lacking in execution. 

Alaya unlocks a curse and has powers her mother keeps telling her to hide since she developed them as a child and when they are found out she doesnt know what to think. People left and right are wanting to use her and or get rid of her. Queen of Cursed Things is a unique book full of twists and turns that will leave you wanting more and more.

I loved this book! It’s very well written and the world it’s set in is very detailed. I really liked the main character Alaya. I also found the system of clans based on the mark that appears on your palm that ties to you one of the gods to be very interesting. I was intrigued by the story and didn’t want to have to put the book down! There are plenty of twists and turns throughout that keep you guessing!

I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.