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sofirifi5's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
anotherstoryreader's review
4.0
I loved book #1 The prince and the Cup last year. It was one of my favorite reads and really helped me in the middle of a book slump. So when Day Leitao offered me a chance to read and review her new book I JUMPED at the chance. I'm so very grateful!
So in book 2 The Curse and the Prince we see things change a bit. Zora won the cup but things became extra sticky for her and the handsome cursed prince. The beginning of the book sees the pair fleeing for their lives and wounded. On the hunt for the cup that could end the curse on the prince.
One of the things I loved about the first book was the court intrigue and scheming of the brothers. There were fewer plotting brothers in this book and more relationship development between Zora and Griffin. So yeah to more romance!
I was a little confused in the beginning when Tris was introduced. I COULD NOT remember her from the first story and how she ended up a prisoner. Well, I wasn't meant to remember her because she was a new element to the story. A very interesting one at that! But that leads me to note there was some confusion for me with changing perspectives. The chapters change perspective without noting who we are reading beforehand. It did slow down my progress a bit.
Overall I enjoyed this continuation of Zora's story. I loved seeing her weald Butterfly and fight beside her handsome prince. Just when you think they have a clear path in front of them you get a big surprise conclusion.
I should note there IS a cliffhanger so if you are one who hates those you might wait a bit to read. I believe the third book comes out later this year. Fingers crossed!
So in book 2 The Curse and the Prince we see things change a bit. Zora won the cup but things became extra sticky for her and the handsome cursed prince. The beginning of the book sees the pair fleeing for their lives and wounded. On the hunt for the cup that could end the curse on the prince.
One of the things I loved about the first book was the court intrigue and scheming of the brothers. There were fewer plotting brothers in this book and more relationship development between Zora and Griffin. So yeah to more romance!
I was a little confused in the beginning when Tris was introduced. I COULD NOT remember her from the first story and how she ended up a prisoner. Well, I wasn't meant to remember her because she was a new element to the story. A very interesting one at that! But that leads me to note there was some confusion for me with changing perspectives. The chapters change perspective without noting who we are reading beforehand. It did slow down my progress a bit.
Overall I enjoyed this continuation of Zora's story. I loved seeing her weald Butterfly and fight beside her handsome prince. Just when you think they have a clear path in front of them you get a big surprise conclusion.
I should note there IS a cliffhanger so if you are one who hates those you might wait a bit to read. I believe the third book comes out later this year. Fingers crossed!
nite0wl29's review
4.0
I want to thank the author for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! This book picks up right where The Cup and the Prince left off—and oh boy, the family drama revolving around Griffin’s brothers is never ending. Poor Zora for getting herself tangled up in their mess.
Speaking of Zora and Griffin...I loved their scenes as they continue working together to find the Blood Cup in hopes of ending Griffin’s curse as well as the possibility of freeing Zora’s village from its dark magic. And of course, their inevitable budding romance. ;)
While The Cup on the Prince focused solely on Zora and Griffin’s POVs, this book offers a couple new POVs. Which, unfortunately, is the main reason I docked a star. I appreciated the fact that we get a better glimpse inside these characters’ heads, but the mid-chapter POV changes made the storytelling feel a little clunky and confusing in spots. Other than that, I enjoyed this book! I’m excited to see how it all ends.
Speaking of Zora and Griffin...I loved their scenes as they continue working together to find the Blood Cup in hopes of ending Griffin’s curse as well as the possibility of freeing Zora’s village from its dark magic. And of course, their inevitable budding romance. ;)
While The Cup on the Prince focused solely on Zora and Griffin’s POVs, this book offers a couple new POVs. Which, unfortunately, is the main reason I docked a star. I appreciated the fact that we get a better glimpse inside these characters’ heads, but the mid-chapter POV changes made the storytelling feel a little clunky and confusing in spots. Other than that, I enjoyed this book! I’m excited to see how it all ends.
haileydonna's review
4.0
In the second book of the Kingdom of Curses and Shadows series, Zora and Griffin are on the run after being declared enemies of Gravel. They're also trying to defeat shadow creatures, find a hidden magical artifact, break not one, but two curses and maybe figure out their relationship in the meantime. Back in the castle, Larzen discovers the true identity of a certain "princess" and forms an uneasy alliance in a bid to save the royal family from certain doom.
The Curse and the Prince was another really fun read from [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg]. The writing was definitely more polished than the first book and there was deeper exploration of the characters and the world they inhabit. I'm thoroughly enjoying this YA fantasy series and looking forward to continuing the journey in the final book.
Many thanks to the author, [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg] for providing a copy of her book for review.
The Curse and the Prince was another really fun read from [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg]. The writing was definitely more polished than the first book and there was deeper exploration of the characters and the world they inhabit. I'm thoroughly enjoying this YA fantasy series and looking forward to continuing the journey in the final book.
Many thanks to the author, [a:Day Leitao|17839874|Day Leitao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612117914p2/17839874.jpg] for providing a copy of her book for review.
trin_ney18's review
1.0
1/5 Stars
DNF'd at page 52 or 17%
The reason I struggle so much with reading books on my kindle is that I never really seem to process them correctly. Or at least that's one of my reasons for why I think I liked this book so little. It could very well be that there was a noticeable difference in writing quality. Whatever it is, I genuinely cannot read any more of this. It's just not doing it for me.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this so much. I enjoyed the first book so much and I wanted this to be a new favorite, underground series. I love the concept and all the different parts. But I think there's too many different parts and they just weren't meshing together well. I also didn't care for much of the character dialogue both internal and external. It felt young and stilted.
DNF'd at page 52 or 17%
The reason I struggle so much with reading books on my kindle is that I never really seem to process them correctly. Or at least that's one of my reasons for why I think I liked this book so little. It could very well be that there was a noticeable difference in writing quality. Whatever it is, I genuinely cannot read any more of this. It's just not doing it for me.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this so much. I enjoyed the first book so much and I wanted this to be a new favorite, underground series. I love the concept and all the different parts. But I think there's too many different parts and they just weren't meshing together well. I also didn't care for much of the character dialogue both internal and external. It felt young and stilted.
chateauofbooks's review
4.0
First of all, i want to give a big thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
Day Leitao did it AGAIN!!
THAT ENDING!! WOW
The Curse and the Prince kept up to my expectations and didn't dissapoint at all. She knows how to keep her readers entertained and hooked in the story, there's plot twists that i didn't see coming, the characters are amazing and i never got bored.
I was so excited to read this sequel since i really liked the first book, i'm glad the wait wasn't much. I binge read it, it was so addictive, i have to admit that i was kinda in a reading slump and this book made the difference, personally i like the plot because it involves magic, action, adventure, romance, some mystery and fierce protagonists with a touch of humor, so basically all the elements i like in one book, i felt like if i was reading Throne of Glass which is one of my favs.
I kinda like this one better than The Cup and the Prince, since the story is more unfolded, it has new and different povs, the plot twists catched my interest and the worldbuilding is great. I really enjoyed Riadne's pov, she's def my fav. her backstory is interesting, also Allegra's there's still much to know about her and her intentions. I liked Larzen more, and the fact that Zora's and Griffin's relationship didn't feel rushed, i like how Day Leitao dealt their realationship. The whole stuff about the cup, the ancient curse, other kingdoms, dark magic and creatures, family secrets, they're all entwined somehow and i love it. Lastly, that ending killed me! i didn't even saw THAT coming either!.
I definetely enjoyed this book, i'm more than excited to read the final book and to know how it all will unfold and end. Hoping for the best! :D
Day Leitao did it AGAIN!!
THAT ENDING!! WOW
The Curse and the Prince kept up to my expectations and didn't dissapoint at all. She knows how to keep her readers entertained and hooked in the story, there's plot twists that i didn't see coming, the characters are amazing and i never got bored.
I was so excited to read this sequel since i really liked the first book, i'm glad the wait wasn't much. I binge read it, it was so addictive, i have to admit that i was kinda in a reading slump and this book made the difference, personally i like the plot because it involves magic, action, adventure, romance, some mystery and fierce protagonists with a touch of humor, so basically all the elements i like in one book, i felt like if i was reading Throne of Glass which is one of my favs.
I kinda like this one better than The Cup and the Prince, since the story is more unfolded, it has new and different povs, the plot twists catched my interest and the worldbuilding is great. I really enjoyed Riadne's pov, she's def my fav. her backstory is interesting, also Allegra's there's still much to know about her and her intentions. I liked Larzen more, and the fact that Zora's and Griffin's relationship didn't feel rushed, i like how Day Leitao dealt their realationship. The whole stuff about the cup, the ancient curse, other kingdoms, dark magic and creatures, family secrets, they're all entwined somehow and i love it. Lastly, that ending killed me! i didn't even saw THAT coming either!.
I definetely enjoyed this book, i'm more than excited to read the final book and to know how it all will unfold and end. Hoping for the best! :D
andervic000's review
4.0
We got lots more answers in this book, which I appreciated. I also feel like the characters had more depth and the writing was clearer. I liked seeing more of Larzen and some budding relationships
bookwyrm96's review
3.0
Loved this continuation! The story is captivating and the exchanges between characters reel you in. The cliffhanger at the end had me wanting to throw the book across the room (which means you know it's a good one).
Thank you to Day Leitao for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I don't know if I could have waited much longer to find out what happened to our protagonists - and antagonists for that matter.
Like I said the story is well thought out and the world she has created makes sense and you want to know more and see more. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is the writing itself, the language is still inconsistent (sometimes slipping into modern-day slang and sometimes using a more formal, elevated speech you expect in fantasy), and there are many odd word choices (like using "guy" instead of "boy" or "man") that pull you out of the story. However, I think with a little bit of elevating (and some checks for typos) this series will become a must-have for every fantasy-lovers shelves!
Thank you to Day Leitao for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I don't know if I could have waited much longer to find out what happened to our protagonists - and antagonists for that matter.
Like I said the story is well thought out and the world she has created makes sense and you want to know more and see more. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is the writing itself, the language is still inconsistent (sometimes slipping into modern-day slang and sometimes using a more formal, elevated speech you expect in fantasy), and there are many odd word choices (like using "guy" instead of "boy" or "man") that pull you out of the story. However, I think with a little bit of elevating (and some checks for typos) this series will become a must-have for every fantasy-lovers shelves!
the_b00kreader's review
4.0
**TW**
Death, possession, threats, violence
I have never loved an author more. This book is a fantasy book. A fantasy book whose main character has her period like a normal person. Um..Hello!? This is amazing and so validating. I don't believe I've ever read a fantasy book where the main character has their period and this really made it feel real.
This book follows from the ending of book 1, The Cup and the Prince...and let's just say things got heavy.
Zora and Griffin are still at their usual bickering and, in some way, still in competition with each other.
I did personally feel this book held more plot than book 1 which seemed to contain more world building than plot. This, I quite liked.
We felt more for the characters, could relate to them, feel for them and therefore believe this to be quite a good story.
Day Leitao's writing style is very easy to read and to understand. The story runs smoothly yet sometimes seems to flow a little too quickly. The tension that seems to be woven into her words really adds to the books and pulls me, as the reader, in.
We are once again left on a similar cliffhanger as book 1, being centered on the same character with a *slightly* different issue. The repeated ending does not really annoy me as much as I believed it would. Instead, I'm more intruiged and understand that this was the author's way of telling this story.
It seems we have much to unpack in the next book but honestly...I don't know whether I'm going to be happy or feel hurt. One thing I hope is that the basin is really a truth basin. Griffin's vision made me tear up and if they don't get that then I don't want it✋
With all that being said, I'm loving this story and am not mentally prepared for book 3.
I keep preparing to be emotionally damaged...just in case.
Death, possession, threats, violence
I have never loved an author more. This book is a fantasy book. A fantasy book whose main character has her period like a normal person. Um..Hello!? This is amazing and so validating. I don't believe I've ever read a fantasy book where the main character has their period and this really made it feel real.
This book follows from the ending of book 1, The Cup and the Prince...and let's just say things got heavy.
Zora and Griffin are still at their usual bickering and, in some way, still in competition with each other.
I did personally feel this book held more plot than book 1 which seemed to contain more world building than plot. This, I quite liked.
We felt more for the characters, could relate to them, feel for them and therefore believe this to be quite a good story.
Day Leitao's writing style is very easy to read and to understand. The story runs smoothly yet sometimes seems to flow a little too quickly. The tension that seems to be woven into her words really adds to the books and pulls me, as the reader, in.
We are once again left on a similar cliffhanger as book 1, being centered on the same character with a *slightly* different issue. The repeated ending does not really annoy me as much as I believed it would. Instead, I'm more intruiged and understand that this was the author's way of telling this story.
It seems we have much to unpack in the next book but honestly...I don't know whether I'm going to be happy or feel hurt. One thing I hope is that the basin is really a truth basin. Griffin's vision made me tear up and if they don't get that then I don't want it✋
With all that being said, I'm loving this story and am not mentally prepared for book 3.
I keep preparing to be emotionally damaged...just in case.
tamj96's review
3.0
Griffin and Zora have just escaped and are on the run when it is revealed that Griffin is in dire need of help to release him from his curse. The two find themselves on an adventure to undo more than one curse in the Kingdom.
Firstly I did love this continuation from The Cup and The Prince. It was very fun and full of twists! There were sweet moments and moments full of suspense. I really enjoyed seeing Zora and Griffin's relationship grow stronger and delving deeper into the other Prince's stories.And the ending OH MY GOD! What a Cliffhanger, I am definitely going to continue on with the series.
However there was just something about it, that made me not enjoy it as much as the first. And after a week of trying to figure out what it was, I still can't put my finger on it.
Firstly I did love this continuation from The Cup and The Prince. It was very fun and full of twists! There were sweet moments and moments full of suspense. I really enjoyed seeing Zora and Griffin's relationship grow stronger and delving deeper into the other Prince's stories.And the ending OH MY GOD! What a Cliffhanger, I am definitely going to continue on with the series.
However there was just something about it, that made me not enjoy it as much as the first. And after a week of trying to figure out what it was, I still can't put my finger on it.