A review by atrailofpages
Of the Curse or the Crown by V.B. Lacey

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

It’s been eight months since Clarissa took over as Empress of the Veridian Empire after the late evil emperor was defeated. 

She’s been improving much within the kingdom and trying to fix alliances with other kingdoms when they receive notice from the new king of Mysthelm to gain an alliance. 

Clarissa agrees to meet the new king in Mysthelm, when she’s blindsided by her council who states this new king also now proposed a marriage arrangement with Clarissa, and they agreed. 

Now, Clarissa must travel to Mysthelm and stay there for five weeks getting to know the king and his people and strengthen their alliance. 

I loved this so much more than the first book, and I enjoyed the first book! But the tension in this book, the secrets, the twists, the revelations, the ROMANCE, everything was too notch in this book! 

I always loved Clarissa, and I still love her. I love how strong she is. She’s such an admirable person with how she rules people, is a leader, and yet has a vulnerable side to her with her panic attacks and always wondering whether she’s worth it. It made her seem more human and more relatable. She was selfless and approachable and I think she’s definitely worthy of that Empress and Queen title 😏 I wanted to defend each time someone spoke against her, but she knew exactly what to say and I was like “get it girl!”. 

The world and the story was unique. With them traveling to a land with no magic, like literally. Having to learn to cope without it while still being the same strong people. I loved the relationships developed in this book, especially with Clarissa and her mother, I loved their relationship so much. 

Thorne was also absolutely adorable and so endearing with his daughter. Like what?! I about swooned every time. 

Then don’t get me started on the tension filled romance. I mean, give me a forbidden romance any time. They are the best slow burned tension-filled romances, I love every moment, and this one delivered. The banter between the two, the subtle(or not so subtle) glances or hand grazes, like eeekkkkk!!!! It was everything. 

The story itself had a bit of a mystery with a curse and made for such an intriguing plot, especially with everything else that was happening and trying to help everyone be happy. It was definitely an all around tension-filled book 😆 

It was such a wonderful read! And I am OH SO EXCITED for the next book because it’s about my personal favorite…Nox. I canNOT wait!

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.