This book had potential, but unfortunately it didn’t hit the mark for me.

I know it was kind of a slow burn enemies to lovers type deal, but I don’t feel like they ever really treated each other like enemies and it was the slowest burn ever.

The plot had potential but I found myself getting confused on why things were so important and what the danger really was, even in the end I don’t think we see it.

The cliffhanger at the end felt way too abrupt and felt like it came out of no where, it just didn’t flow well for me!

Thank you to the Author Day Leitao, and the Narrator Caitlin Kelly for sharing your work with us!

Huge thanks to Sparkly Wave and NetGalley for my free audiobook copy of “A Cursed Son”.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In A Cursed Son, Astra is a royal decoy trained to impersonate the Krastel princess. She finds herself entangled in a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a disgraced and banished fae prince. Despite their antagonistic real-life encounters, Astra secretly shares romantic dreams with this very prince. This romantic fantasy with fae magic, arranged marriage, and witty banter is perfect for fans of dream connections and elemental magic.

This book instantly hooked me. To start with it was Astra's personality - I really enjoyed how the author showcases Astra's thought processes and logic, and how she assesses the actions and thoughts of Marlak. I felt like I really understood who she is and how she thinks. So it was Astra and her steamy dreams that hooked me initially but then the mystery of Marlak's history and the developing plot completely got its claws into me, and I finished this book in one day, desperate to see where it went!

I listened to the audiobook and I loved it. The narrator was really good throughout the whole book at bringing Astra and the other characters to life, but where she really outdid herself was during those steamy dream sequences and the hilarious dream aftermath scenes. Because Astra doesn't admit to Marlak that she's experiencing the dreams too, it results in genuinely funny scenes once they wake up that had me laughing out loud today while listening to the audiobook.

I think the audiobook format was fantastic for this book, and obviously the narrator performed it way better than my own voice in my head would have done! She really brought Astra in particular to life, and had me laughing a lot! I can't wait for the second book - it was such a strong ending that sets up lots of drama and secrets to be revealed as the story continues. I'll definitely be picking up the audiobook for book two as well!

Disclaimer: I received an ALC/ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

Wow ok, this was actually so good. So I fit this in to my TBR because I was in the mood for a fae love story, you know, as one does, and I was really captivated by this from chapter 1. I loved the premise and I loved the main characters! Chefs kiss. I felt like this was just the right amount of romance/tension/spice and I loved the visits in the dreams, if you know you know..

I also want to mention I consumed this book via audio vs reading and the narrator was really really good. She had a very easy to listen to voice and acted out all the characters really well.

My only note is that... I tend to dislike books where the FMC, specifically, just lies to herself and convinces herself that things that are patently obvious are false, and this book had a lot of that. Like at some point, when a man is CLEARLY obsessed and in love with you, you're visiting each other in each other's dreams, he protects you, provides for you, MARRIES YOU - he OH I DON'T KNOW, maybe DOES love you? Like, what do you need? Do you need it in writing signed with blood? Come on now friend, let's get out of the land of the delulu.

The FMC was insufferable at first, but then she grew on me. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy romance because it did read young. All in all solid book!

A Cursed Son by Day Leitao is book one in her new series, Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom. I was fortunate to receive both the audio and ebook ARC, so this review will be for both copies. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sparkly Wave for the digital ARC.

The narrator for the audiobook, Caitlin Kelly, was incredible and a perfect choice for this role. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sparkly Wave publishing for the audiobook ARC.

What I loved:
- Lush worldbuilding with complex magic systems and intricate political landscapes
- Tricky and nefarious fae - my fae-vorite (haha)
- Personable, fleshed out, well thought out characters!!
Complicated and intertwining love - maybe fated mates???
- Excellent supporting cast of characters
- Pacing that makes sense and seems consistent through the plot
- Hard to put down - I finished this within 36 hours of starting

Usually I’d write what I didn’t love here, but I truly don’t have any criticisms of this title. You can check my other ARC reviews to see that I usually do write something here :)

I am rating A Cursed Son 5/5 stars with an extra 3.5/5 spice rating. This title is perfect for fans of Song of the Marked, ACOTAR, A Court this Cruel and Lovely, and similar titles.

Great world building, well described fascinating characters & captivating plot full of emotions, anguish, sacrifices & love. All highlighted by the amazing narration.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ALC.

Thank you NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
4⭐️ narrator

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fae romances like ACoTaR.

The FMC was really relatable and showed a lot of growth throughout the story. It was sad in the beginning watching her not realize that she’s essentially lived her whole life as a slave and her being so devoted to her lifelong captors.

The MMC is hot and grumpy, which I’m always a huge fan of. He’s also very flawed and has a low opinion of himself which makes him seem more realistic than a lot of MMCs who are cocky and a little too sure of themselves.

The tension between them, and neither of them willing to admit what they are to each other was super frustrating, but I loved it.

The end of this book had me SHOOK. I very much loved it and am excited to read the sequel when it comes out

“You’re not your trauma. You’re the person who overcame it.”

4.2 🌟
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𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
•enemies to lovers
•fantasy world
•elemental magic
•forced proximity
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This book premise is very good, the audiobook is done very well. The narrator did a great job. She changed her voice when it was different characters, so I was never confused about who was talking.
My biggest ICK is why are the chapters 30 minutes long? No chapters should be that long, that along almost made me want to stop listening to this book.
The storyline did hold my attention, so I will be continuing the series. This book does end on a cliffhanger.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 July.5
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Thank you, Netgalley and Sparkly Wave, for the (ALC)-audiobook for my honest review.