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jwhittak05's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and kind of fell down the author’s amazon page to see what else she’s written and added it all to my TBR. I really got into the story of Marlak and Astra and that push/pull of their relationship. They are the epitome of enemies to lovers (then back to semi-enemies). Their insults toward each other know no bounds. Once Astra sees his memories from the death of his parents though and she sees things don’t add up, you start to have lots of questions. So many questions by the end of the book. What really happened that day? Why does Marlak have alliances but his brother seemingly doesn’t? What really happened to Astra’s parents? What kind of power does Astra really have? What does Otavio and others plan for Astra? I really need the answers ASAP.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
It is an open door book with a mild amount of sex scenes 🌶️🌶️ out of 5nasouki's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
staceyguut's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I think this story has a lot of potential but just fell short for me. A couple of things I did not enjoy;
I had a hard time figuring out what setting or time period this story was set in just based on the words or verbage being used "wimp" or "tits." This immediately took me out of the story. The use of "husband" or "wife" being used ironically and non-ironically made the writing seem more infantile as well. I think overall Astra's inner thoughts were too detailed and ramble-y.
Another hard thing to get through was the plot points were scattered, jumbled and hard to follow. The beacon stones, the master, the dreams and the fact that she was a darksoul and only seeing her exhibit that one time in the entire story, were all just dropped into the story and picked up at weird times. All of this made the book feel clunky.
Overall, I think this was a rich idea but too many plotlines and details and not all of them developed enough to really make sense.
I had a hard time figuring out what setting or time period this story was set in just based on the words or verbage being used "wimp" or "tits." This immediately took me out of the story. The use of "husband" or "wife" being used ironically and non-ironically made the writing seem more infantile as well. I think overall Astra's inner thoughts were too detailed and ramble-y.
Another hard thing to get through was the plot points were scattered, jumbled and hard to follow. The beacon stones, the master, the dreams and the fact that she was a darksoul and only seeing her exhibit that one time in the entire story, were all just dropped into the story and picked up at weird times. All of this made the book feel clunky.
Overall, I think this was a rich idea but too many plotlines and details and not all of them developed enough to really make sense.
laurenhylia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
analaigh22's review
Sad ending. Not in the mood. Definitely return later when I want more adventure.
goatsinspace's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.25
This is one of those romantasy novels that is whimsical and easy to read.
This story follows Astra, a royal decoy who finds herself entangled with a disgraced fae prince. The premise of the book is undeniably captivating, offering a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Astra's dreams of a mysterious man drive her to distraction. Especially when that man turns out to be said disgraced prince and he assumes that she's sending them to him rather than sharing in them. It's pretty funny that she continues to just pretend that she has no idea what he's talking about just to mess with him. I love their dynamic and banter. Additionally, the inclusion of wonderful secondary characters like Ziven adds a delightful element of friendship to Astra's story.
It took me some time to get used to the prose and writing style, but this was a fun read. This one has plenty of lighter moments and occasional silliness, which can be a nice change of pace. I did not like the name Cherry Cake, though. It immediately made me recoil every time - because it usually happened during more serious moments. I just can't take it seriously! While Astra's naivety may be frustrating at times, it serves to highlight her growth and development throughout the story.
This is a pretty charming and entertaining novel that will appeal to readers looking for a blend of romance and fantasy with a lot of whimsy.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
This story follows Astra, a royal decoy who finds herself entangled with a disgraced fae prince. The premise of the book is undeniably captivating, offering a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Astra's dreams of a mysterious man drive her to distraction. Especially when that man turns out to be said disgraced prince and he assumes that she's sending them to him rather than sharing in them. It's pretty funny that she continues to just pretend that she has no idea what he's talking about just to mess with him. I love their dynamic and banter. Additionally, the inclusion of wonderful secondary characters like Ziven adds a delightful element of friendship to Astra's story.
It took me some time to get used to the prose and writing style, but this was a fun read. This one has plenty of lighter moments and occasional silliness, which can be a nice change of pace. I did not like the name Cherry Cake, though. It immediately made me recoil every time - because it usually happened during more serious moments. I just can't take it seriously! While Astra's naivety may be frustrating at times, it serves to highlight her growth and development throughout the story.
This is a pretty charming and entertaining novel that will appeal to readers looking for a blend of romance and fantasy with a lot of whimsy.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
happily_undignified's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
“What’s the point in a story that’s not real?”⠀
⠀
He leans back in his chair and brings a ringless finger to his chin. “The feelings are real. There’s something about feeling them while knowing you can’t truly get hurt.”⠀
⠀
“Feelings? Like despair? What’s the fun in it?”⠀
⠀
“Well, if you’re depressed, you look at your own life and say, ‘nevermind. This could be so much worse.’” He chuckles again. “No. It’s about getting out of that dark place, and reading sometimes makes you believe you can do it too.”⠀
⠀
Day Leitao, A Cursed Son ⠀
⠀
⠀
A Cursed Son by Day Leitao is an Adult Romantic Fantasy with a swoon worthy enemies to lovers story that has one of the most unique "dreamy" romances I've read in quite a while! The banter between Marlak and Astra is perfection and I love how they push each other to be more adventurous and hopeful. I absolutely shrieked when Marlak got hurt and Astra went all "who did this" on him!!! The vibes are just so so good! I thought the elemental magic was really interesting and reminded me of Shadow and Bone. The worldbuilding with the different kingdoms and courts as well as the Faelands gave this story a lush feel. I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the epic ending. Like, OMG what are you doing to me! ⠀
⠀
Day is a master at balancing magical fantasy with thrilling romance in a fun and whimsical way. I love her books and this one is definitely at the top of my favorites now! I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories like Fourth Wing, A Kingdom of Flame and Fury, or The Plated Prisoner Series.
⠀
He leans back in his chair and brings a ringless finger to his chin. “The feelings are real. There’s something about feeling them while knowing you can’t truly get hurt.”⠀
⠀
“Feelings? Like despair? What’s the fun in it?”⠀
⠀
“Well, if you’re depressed, you look at your own life and say, ‘nevermind. This could be so much worse.’” He chuckles again. “No. It’s about getting out of that dark place, and reading sometimes makes you believe you can do it too.”⠀
⠀
Day Leitao, A Cursed Son ⠀
⠀
⠀
A Cursed Son by Day Leitao is an Adult Romantic Fantasy with a swoon worthy enemies to lovers story that has one of the most unique "dreamy" romances I've read in quite a while! The banter between Marlak and Astra is perfection and I love how they push each other to be more adventurous and hopeful. I absolutely shrieked when Marlak got hurt and Astra went all "who did this" on him!!! The vibes are just so so good! I thought the elemental magic was really interesting and reminded me of Shadow and Bone. The worldbuilding with the different kingdoms and courts as well as the Faelands gave this story a lush feel. I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the epic ending. Like, OMG what are you doing to me! ⠀
⠀
Day is a master at balancing magical fantasy with thrilling romance in a fun and whimsical way. I love her books and this one is definitely at the top of my favorites now! I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories like Fourth Wing, A Kingdom of Flame and Fury, or The Plated Prisoner Series.
kangrantdanmei's review
3.0
Decided to give this book 3/5 stars and 3.25/5 for its spicy scenes.
Average? Yea. Sadly, it is.
Now, let me break down why I'm handing out this so-so rating.
1) The MC's judgmental, stubborn, and arrogant vibes ruined the greatness of the book for me. About 70% of the book, she's the antagonist in my eyes. While 30% is okay, I get why she did what she did, but still not my favorite. Because this book is from the first POV and the narrator is unlikeable, sadly I can't enjoy this book (until chapter 20 that is).
2) I'm not sure if this applies to all readers or not. But, it seems the writing style in this book involves quite a bit of "information dump" in the middle of the narrative, the plot. For me, this info dump can be quite distracting. Some feelings I build get lost due to this.
3) Too many redundant things, especially about the "disgraced prince" and MC's negative thoughts.
4) I'd say the characters almost have the same personality. What's that called again? Lack of diversity?
5) The world-building is still too messy to understand.
But, despite all that, this book has many great points. Such as:
- It's written with a straightforward style, making it easy to understand.
- Great plot and a strong backstory.
- The action part is excellent, detailed, and in this section, it's more action than talk.
- The ending is so great! I like it!
I've also post this review on my X (@kangrantdanmei2)
Average? Yea. Sadly, it is.
Now, let me break down why I'm handing out this so-so rating.
1) The MC's judgmental, stubborn, and arrogant vibes ruined the greatness of the book for me. About 70% of the book, she's the antagonist in my eyes. While 30% is okay, I get why she did what she did, but still not my favorite. Because this book is from the first POV and the narrator is unlikeable, sadly I can't enjoy this book (until chapter 20 that is).
2) I'm not sure if this applies to all readers or not. But, it seems the writing style in this book involves quite a bit of "information dump" in the middle of the narrative, the plot. For me, this info dump can be quite distracting. Some feelings I build get lost due to this.
3) Too many redundant things, especially about the "disgraced prince" and MC's negative thoughts.
4) I'd say the characters almost have the same personality. What's that called again? Lack of diversity?
5) The world-building is still too messy to understand.
But, despite all that, this book has many great points. Such as:
- It's written with a straightforward style, making it easy to understand.
- Great plot and a strong backstory.
- The action part is excellent, detailed, and in this section, it's more action than talk.
- The ending is so great! I like it!
I've also post this review on my X (@kangrantdanmei2)
teaand_tomes's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
A captivating blend of romance and fantasy. Despite an initially confusing start, the story gains momentum with the meeting of main characters Astra and Marlak. Their evolving relationship forms the heart of the story, with Astra's mysterious powers adding intrigue. The book ends on a cliffhanger, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy, romance, mystery, and suspense.