A review by stardust_heidi
Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

Yesssssssss, I LOVED this!!!! Engaging characters, delightful plot twists (I’m gullible, okay), a fun magic system, fake dating with pining idiots that still make me want to pull my hair out…

I love it when a main character gets held accountable for their actions by people close to them.

You know how in ToG, Aelin is very much a single player who never includes anyone else in her batshit plans? Well, Marlow is like that to some extent. And right as I was starting to get really frustrated with her character and actions, Swift lay it on her and told her how selfishly she acted. And other straight facts. It’s refreshing to have a story in which the FMC does not get away with her carelessly brilliant but toxic independent behavior. Sure, she probably could do it all alone; but as we’ve learned, better together is always a thing. Anyway, I hated what she basically forced Swift to do, but I was so relieved that he didn’t let her get away with it.

I probably should have seen the

daddy bad guy

plot twist coming, but I was so sure it was the other way around. LOL. 

Also, I just love this world! It’s bright, vibrant, and queer! The magic system is unique (the cards are so fun). I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series.