“Curse of Shadows and Thorns” is a romantic fantasy novel that unexpectedly made its way into my reading plans. It is a book inspired by Beauty and the Beast and serves as the first installment in the author’s series.
Book Review: Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- Author: L.J. Andrews
- Series: The Broken Kingdoms
- Publisher: Bowker
- Format: 348 pages, Paperback
- Published: September 24, 2021
- Language: English
- Available on Kindle Unlimited
Plot
Elise is the younger niece of the king— not important enough to live comfortably, yet free enough to taste happiness. But everything changes when the king suddenly announces an auction for her hand in marriage and assigns the negotiations to the attractive yet mysterious Legion Grey. Elise knows there’s no way out of this situation, but how can she become an obedient wife when she desperately craves freedom?
As the preparations and selection of her suitor force Elise and Legion to spend time together, she realizes he is unlike the other nobles she knows. In turn, Grey sees something more in his charge than just a noblewoman concerned with wealth and fine dresses.
Review
The story unfolds in a world that doesn’t shine with originality and is typical of classic romantic fantasy. The author lays only a basic foundation, and I hope she expands on its potential in the next books since the series is quite lengthy. There is a hint of magic in this world, but it is nearly extinct, and unfortunately, little depth is given to it. We know it is called “fury,” which I’d personally translate as rage, as it seems fitting for the plot’s concept. Apparently, elves and some of the Ethan people once had this gift, allowing them to do various things—from controlling nature to influencing people. Meanwhile, the Timoran conquerors, who now rule the land, fear magic and its power so much that they have ensured its disappearance. I definitely missed a more in-depth exploration of how the magic works and what it can do.
The romance between Elise and Legion was sweet at times, but it progressed too quickly, which made it difficult for me to fully enjoy it.
Since the majority of the plot revolves around them and their relationship, I found it harder to immerse myself in the story, as I was more intrigued by the mystery surrounding the magic and the enigmatic raging attacker.
At the beginning of the book, I had some difficulty adjusting to the author’s writing style, but I got used to it by the middle. In the final part, there were a few twists and the big mystery was revealed, though I can’t say I was genuinely shocked or surprised by any of them. I had suspected the major revelation for a while, but it was still a decent twist. After all, the book is only 348 pages long, and I flew through the events quickly enough to not expect a highly intricate plot or a complex magical system.
Although I wasn’t particularly impressed by the story, I am intrigued enough to continue the series. The books aren’t too long, and I also plan to read the spin-off series, which follows the children of the characters from this one and is set to be published in Bulgarian by Artline this year. I simply needed to understand where it all began.
My rating is 3 stars for this light and unchallenging romantic fantasy.
A rebellious princess. A cursed rogue. A forbidden love that will bring a kingdom to its knees.
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 dark, fantasy romance series, The Broken Kingdoms, part Viking, part fairy tale. One-click to start reading today.
