"Curse of Shadows and Thorns: A Dark Fairy Tale Romance (The Broken Kingdoms Book 1)" introduces Elise, a young woman grappling with the weight of her family's legacy. In this fantasy romance, her ancestors seized power from the Fae King, setting the stage for her family's rule. But Elise, the niece of the current king, rebels against her royal obligations, finding solace in underground gambling halls instead of embracing the life of a traditional princess.
However, Elise's carefree existence shatters when her uncle pressures her into marriage negotiations, using her father's life as leverage.
Bound by duty, Elise encounters Legion Grey, a captivating negotiator hiding his own secrets. Their complex interactions spark both anger and forbidden emotions.
Amidst chaos in the kingdom, Elise and Legion embark on a journey that unravels his haunting curse and raises questions about the rightful ruler.
While I enjoyed various aspects of the book, there were certain highs and lows that stood out to me. Legion Grey's enigmatic persona adds depth to the story, and his relationship with Elise unfolds gradually and realistically, avoiding rushed or inappropriate developments. The storyline maintains a gripping tension and avoids dragging, keeping the plot engaging.
Yet, the predictability of some plot twists and the story's resemblance to "Beauty and the Beast" felt somewhat overused. Personally, I prefer original tales over retellings. Additionally, the ending seemed rushed, especially the final chapters that diverted from the earlier narrative.
Moreover, inconsistencies between the audio and the written version posed a challenge, impacting my overall experience, particularly as a multitasking reader.
Considering these aspects, I'd rate this book 3/5 stars. I recommend it to readers who relish Fantasy Fae Romance, although it leans more toward a "new adult" vibe despite its young adult classification.
If you've delved into this novel or plan to, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Let's discuss!
