The curse of shadows and thorns is a dark and mysterious phenomenon that haunts those unfortunate enough to encounter it. It is said to have originated in the depths of ancient forests, where twisted trees and thorny shrubs thrive. Those who fall victim to this curse often find themselves enveloped in an eerie darkness that follows them wherever they go. Shadows seem to morph and writhe around them, causing an unnerving sense of fear and unease. These shadows are said to be sentient, taking on a life of their own, haunting the cursed individual relentlessly. In addition to the shadows, the curse also manifests in the form of thorns.
As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs.
Book 1 is not the standard for the heat of the romance and I hope, if that s your jam, you ll come along and blush with these sexy Vikings and fae for the long-haul. The man she allowed into her heart reveals his own secret plans with the return of magic-and he has every intention of using Elise to see them through.
In addition to the shadows, the curse also manifests in the form of thorns. These sharp and menacing spikes emerge from the ground, seemingly targeting the cursed individual. They can suddenly appear without warning, causing painful wounds and hindering movement.
Curse of Shadows and Thorns (Hardcover)
As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs.
When her uncle holds the life of her deathly-ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can't ignore.
As their attraction grows, so do the dangers: attacks from black-eyed people, a cursed enemy who is more beast than man, and rumors of fae returning for the crown they believe was stolen from them long ago.
After a bloody coup upends the kingdom, Elise flees with Legion, but nothing is as it seems. The man she allowed into her heart reveals his own secret plans with the return of magic-and he has every intention of using Elise to see them through.
With war between magic and mortal on the horizon, Elise must pick a side to protect her kingdom. Does she stand with her people who stole the throne? Or with a man who lied his way into her heart and whose secret past could bring her destruction?
Filled with luscious world building, banter-filled romance, and epic battles, this first book in the Broken Kingdoms series is part Viking, part Beauty and the Beast. One-click to start reading today.
*Author Note* Be prepared, these fairy tale retellings might begin as a slow burn romance, but the series progresses with the spice and steam. Book 1 is not the standard for the heat of the romance and each book gets spicier.
- Fantasy - Dark Fantasy
- Fantasy - Romance
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Filled with luscious world building, banter-filled romance, and epic battles, this first book in the Broken Kingdoms series is part Viking, part Beauty and the Beast. One-click to start reading today.
*Author Note* Be prepared, these fairy tale retellings might begin as a slow burn romance, but the series progresses with the spice and steam. Book 1 is not the standard for the heat of the romance and each book gets spicier.
Legends surround the origin of this curse, with some claiming it was placed upon a vengeful sorcerer or a powerful ancient deity. Regardless of its origins, the curse is said to bring misfortune and despair to those who cross its path. Breaking free from the curse of shadows and thorns is said to be a challenging and arduous task. Many have tried various rituals and spells, but the curse persists, haunting them until their last breath. Some believe that only a true hero, with pure intentions and a selfless heart, can break the curse. Those who find themselves cursed must be constantly vigilant and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. They must navigate treacherous forests, avoiding the shadows and thorns that seek to harm them. It is a lonely and perilous journey, with few who understand the torment they face. The curse of shadows and thorns serves as a reminder that darkness and danger can lurk in the most unexpected places. It is a cautionary tale, warning against the pursuit of forbidden knowledge or the temptation of dark forces. Once ensnared in its grasp, escape becomes an elusive goal, forever out of reach..
Reviews for "The Thorny Curse: From Myth to Reality"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Curse of Shadows and Thorns" to be a disappointing read. The plot felt disjointed and the pacing was inconsistent. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them or root for their success. Additionally, the world-building was lacking and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, the book failed to capture my attention and failed to deliver on its promising premise.
2. Mark - 1 star
I really struggled to get through "Curse of Shadows and Thorns". The writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which made it hard to engage with the characters. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. Additionally, the world-building was inconsistent and poorly explained. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and underwhelming read.
3. Emily - 2 stars
Unfortunately, "Curse of Shadows and Thorns" didn't live up to my expectations. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real growth throughout the story. The plot was predictable and lacked the necessary twists and turns to keep me engaged. I also found the pacing to be sluggish, with long periods of inaction interspersed with brief moments of rushed action. The writing style was average at best, failing to evoke any real emotion or create a sense of immersion. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Alex - 3 stars
"Curse of Shadows and Thorns" had potential, but it fell short for me. While the premise was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked complexity, making it difficult to empathize with their struggles. The pacing was slow and the plot felt disjointed at times. Additionally, the writing style was simplistic and lacked depth. While it wasn't a complete waste of time, I found myself craving more from this book.