Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Strong Female Protagonist
• Political Marriage
• Arranged Marriage
• Elemental Magic
• Magical Creatures

The Cursed Son is an engaging romantasy with a compelling mix of intrigue, slow-burn romance, and magic.

While the story had a slow start, it gained momentum around page 50, drawing me in with its intriguing plot and well-paced storytelling. I appreciated the strong, capable FMC, though some of her friendships felt a bit forced. However, the world-building was immersive, and I’m eager to see how it expands in the next book.

The MMC, Marlak, was a fascinating character—mysterious, powerful, and tormented—his dynamic with Astra kept me invested, especially as her defenses began to crumble.

Thank you to @day_leitao for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Segundo libro que leo de la autora y los cambios son super notables!

He encontrado una historia mucho más madura con unos personajes mejor construidos.

Los narradores me han gustado muchísimo y creo que son ideales para esta historia

✨ Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to check this book out! ✨

Unfortunately, this did not go well. Since the beginning I struggled with it. I ended up DNF @ 44%. It’s really rare that I don’t finish a book, but I really couldn’t.

By the time I had finish, nothing had happened. I can’t believe that at 44% we still have the same things we had in page one: Astra and her dreams, Marlak and his mysterious stolen weapons, and a constant overuse of the words “husband” and “wife”. They mean nothing to me anymore, those words.

I really disliked the POV. Astra is not a great FMC. She’s annoying, there’s no other way to put it. Her dreams show her one thing and then she says she wants the opposite, however while she’s awake (which at times is confusing and the reader doesn’t know) she’ll say things that make us think she does want it. Constantly internal dialogue in which she fights herself. Tiring. Frustrating.

I love some nice smut but in this case it isn’t great because Astra is fighting it and doesn’t want it. It seems forced. And I don’t like the way it’s delivered.

The characters don’t have any depth and unfortunately there’s not a lot of info on back story to understand why they’re like that.

Like I said, I appreciate the opportunity but in this case is a no from me. I wouldn’t recommend.

I went into this audio book blind, not 100% sure what to expect but safe to say I really enjoyed it!

A slow burn enemies to lovers with banter, forced proximity and characters with secrets they want to keep to themselves at all costs.

A strong & stubborn FMC and a MMC who's brooding and finds her intoxicating, ticks a lot of boxes for me!

Looking forward to book 2 👀

🌶️🌶️.5
This book is a wild ride of twists through horny jail with top tier banter. From the very beginning you know Astra is smart, deadly and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I really enjoy her whole character, especially because she is fully devoted to the fact that letting anyone truly know her is dangerous. Her inner monologue is eerily relatable and adds another level to the story. I really expected this to just be another fae story and while some elements are similar to others, it has so many more things that set it apart. I really searched my mind for parts or things I didn't enjoy and struggled to find any beyond the ending, which just made me need to read book 2. This is a must read for fans of ACoTaR and Blood, Iron and Bone.

🗡️Enemies to lovers
👑Slow burn
🗡️Forced proximity
👑Snarky banter
🗡️Dream connection
👑Fae Courts
🗡️Hidden identities
👑Political intrigue

The audiobook was narrated by Caitlin Kelly and I wouldn't have it any other way. Her voices for other characters were distinct. Her flow was immersive. She made me enjoy the story that much more. The banter felt as though I had a front row seat to it. I was very happy to learn she will be back for the audiobook for book 2!

I was provided an ALC from Victory Editing Co-op via Netgalley so I could provide this honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️ A Cursed Son by Day Leitao. This was quite the adventure with a lot of great world building and characters. You’ve multiple species of fae, nymphs, humans, unicorns, and more. A really interesting magic system as well. #ACursedSon

I think the only reason this wasn’t a five star read is that the FMC was immature at times and that grated on me. She needs some character development to push her out of it. I’m anxious to read the next book in the series!

*𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤. 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +

Okay, *A Cursed Son* had me hooked from the first scene—a royal decoy trained to replace a princess, a *dangerous* fae prince who’s haunted her dreams, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is 🔥🔥🔥. Astra and the prince’s dynamic is so intense, shifting from dreamlike tenderness to real-life danger, and I loved every second of it.

And can we talk about Caitlin Kelly’s narration?! She nailed the tension, the longing, and the icy danger between Astra and the prince. Her voice brought this world to life —the emotions, the chemistry, the magic, all of it. If you love audiobooks, this one is a full experience.

If you’re into steamy romantasy with fae magic, high stakes, and an “I love you in my dreams but hate you in reality” dynamic, This book is everything. Just be prepared to swoon, scream, and stay up way too late listening! 💫🔥

This fantasy romance is the perfect combination of plot, steam, and banter! The dream connection aspect was intriguing. I loved the complexity of the characters, even several side characters have many layers to them. I felt Astra’s struggle to figure out what is right and wrong when she’s grown up indoctrinated as a royal guard and not given the full truth about who she is. Marlak is a brooding book boyfriend and I’m here for it! The end was gut-wrenching and I am excited to continue on in the series.

Caitlin Kelly did a wonderful job narrating the audiobook! Most of the book is in Astra’s POV, but for the chapters in Marlak’s POV she was able to completely differentiate her voice to narrate the male character.

Thank you to Sparkly Media & NetGalley for the audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

I quite enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a slow burn enemies to lovers story with a bit a magic and spice. The characters are likeable and you start rooting for them early in the book but also get to unravel the mystery of the FMC Astra’s background in a believable timeline. I can’t wait to dive into the second book

Addictive and an interesting world!

Slightly torn on how I feel about this book. I loved the premise, with the decoy princesses and the initial characters in the palace. But quickly it moved onto the forced marriage plot, focusing on Marlak, with only some minor side characters.

I think I became too invested in the earlier characters and then was sad to not see them, but hopefully they reappear later in the series.

👑🗡️👑🗡️

Astra lives amongst human royalty, training her whole life as a stand in for the Princess. All the while hiding a dark secret of who she really is.

When her carriage is attacked by a notorious disgraced fae prince, who just so happens to be the man see has dreams a dream connection to, she is forced into a marriage with the cruel prince.

👑🗡️👑🗡️

I adored the decoy plot! I'm not sure I’ve seen a premise like that before and was so excited as to where it would go. I also became very invested in the other trainee decoys and their little plots and drama. As well as the princess’ cousin, Ziven, who I was convinced would be a love interest and spent the whole book waiting for him to return. I think this is what prevented me from really getting into Marlak right away.

Marlak did grow on me though, especially the more tender moments towards the end. I also looked up fan art which helped 😅 He’s scarred and burnt, and since I didn't think he was the endgame love interest at first, my brain pictured this in a rather gruesome way. Turns out he's hot 🤣

And I LOVE the dream connection! Despite the awkwardness it presents for Astra and some of the ridiculous things she says!! I also love Marlak’s probing of trying to get her to admit the dreams are happening and the banter around it.

The plot is fun, especially the visiting of the other magical creatures and fae kingdoms. (Side note: I loved her leaf dress!!). And whilst some elements were predictable, it was still an addictive ride. And I'm intrigued by the ending and what comes next with Renel.

I'd say, the writing does kind of read like YA with smut! But I think that is what makes it so easy to get through.

But my main grievance, is WHY did she keep describing Ziven as attractive and making him all tortured…?? (I think he gave me Cardan energy, so I obviously fell in love) He better have a side plot romance later on or i’ll riot!!

But 100% continuing despite my tantrum!

[Audiobook review - NetGalley]

Audionotes:
I liked the narrator and was especially impressed with her voice for Marlak, as I think it can be challenging to do a strong make voice. Her Astra seemed fitting as well!

Astra is an elite guard for the crown princess. The catch: She is also a body double. If the need ever arises, she is sent on political outings, any dangerous activity, and may be used for any political marriages. Astra has long accepted her fate to never have a life of her own, except in her dreams. Her mystery man envelopes her in love and affection every night, and Astra thinks this could be enough. When Astra is sent on a trip, a shortcut through the Faelands turns into an ambush by the disgraced Prince Marlak. To her horror Marlak is the man in her dreams, but there is no love for her outside of her dreamland in his eyes.

A Cursed Son is the most fun I have had with a romantasy in a long time. I loved the characters and it was a fresh take on many tropes that have become overdone. I loved the idea of the royal body doubles. This created such an interesting monologue in Astra’s mind about becoming her own person or living to be someone else. I also really enjoyed the disgraced prince idea. So often MMC characters are princes that fit the typical moody rich prince mold. Marlak, our MMC, as the fugitive cursed prince is so interesting to follow. His character feels very multilayered. You are always finding more and never know if you are getting the whole truth from him. I like that we see the characters grow together amidst the high action and tension scenarios of a fugitive on the run. A Cursed Son is also a TRUE enemies to lovers trope. They truly do not trust each other and watching them unravel their paths and grow together is captivating.

I listened to the audio version of A Cursed Son and Caitlin Kelly fits the Astra very well. She was very easy to listen to at normal speed or sped up. Also if you are an avid audiobook listener you know sometimes a narrator's “man voice” can be very distracting. Kelly has a great voice for Marlak that did not take me out of the book at all!

This is my favorite read of 2025 so far and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!

3.5 stars

A Cursed Son tells the story of Astra, who, in spite of her objectionable drink preferences, is a pretty standard fantasy FMC - she has secrets and powers and she understands neither of them - and her soulmate slash mortal enemy Marlak, a dark (but ultimately misunderstood) and extremely powerful fae prince.

The writing here is not perfect, but the plot was fun and you know I love an MMC who is so overprotective that it makes him literally insane.

You can also look forward to: sexy dreams, banter, flying leather-skinned unicorns, and a truly distracting amount of chuckling.

This was my second read of this audiobook. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time, and I appreciated the opportunity to refresh what happens in the first book in this series ahead of the release of the second. This romantasy was again really fun to read with interesting, memorable characters I am excited to read more about. From my original review:
A Cursed Son is a fun romantasy with layered world-building to rival Sarah Maas. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Caitlin Davies, who brought the stream-of-consciousness narrative style alive. While much of this book suffers from the dreaded miscommunication trope, I still found the story compelling. I really enjoyed reading this, and I very much look forward to the next in this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Sparkly Wave for this advanced audio copy to review!

Book 1 of Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom

Astra, a young woman trained to be a substitute who impersonates the kingdom’s royal family to protect them in dangerous situations, is the main character and the book is written in her POV. After an encounter, she’s forced/arranged to marry the king's evil brother, Marlak. As she lives with him, secrets, magic, and love unfold. I wanted to like this book more, but it felt very YA trying to be more of an adult read. The book did end up on a cliff hanger and the next read is “A Traitor Sister” which is published on Feb 12. I will read the next book because I’m curious as to how this ends!

Thank you to Netgalley and Sparkly Wave for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Cursed Son gripped my attention from the very beginning, as soon as I learned what Astra was and that she had to hide who she was or be killed. I felt better about the forced marriage with fae King Marlak when I learned that he was only 24. I'm starting to get weirded out by other books with 500 year age gaps, so learning Marlak and Astra were only a couple was a huge relief to me. Astra and Marlak are both complex characters that have so much depth to them that I felt like I was always learning more about them (them by themselves and them as their relationship together). Nothing about this book was predictable to me. It was so well written and the ending was a HUGE surprise to me. I never even suspected that that was going to happen and I still can't wrap my head around it. I had intended to start the second book right away to see what happens after that cliff hanger and realised it wasn't out yet. I am highly anticipating the release of book 2, A Traitor Sister.

My new obsession!

Caitlin Kelly did a phenomenal job narrating this story and I hope she's doing the sequel as well! This series is officially up there with Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and The Kindred's Curse Saga for favorite romantasy series. I don't want to summarize the story because I think it's best to go in blind with these types of books. So if you enjoy romantasy, uncovering secrets, and strong FMCs do yourself a favor and read A Cursed Son by Day Leitao.

This was confusing at times and felt a bit chaotic. The characters are pretty young and they definitely are written young in personality and reactions. I liked the mystery of Astra’s magic but was upset that we didn’t get to actually see it put to use, something I’m hoping we get in the next book.

The ending felt a bit forced and unplanned but it did shock me. I wanted more world building and less spicy dreams, but it did like this book. I’m curious where it goes from here.

Thank you Netgally for the advanced listeners copy.

Thank you to Sparkly Wave for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

➖

Simple one line blurb: A stand in for a princess is forced to marry the evil Fae Prince.

This was a quick little romantasy. The magic involved was interesting and easy to understand. I also loved the idea of how the guards for the Princess did their work. It did look like a good way to start a war, but it was interesting!

The main characters were great and their connection was easily felt. It’s great reading a book and actually feeling the chemistry.

I really enjoyed this audiobook narrator! Her voices were pretty solid minus a few of the male who weren’t major characters. I was able to listen to the book at 2.5x with ease!

Communication. I hate the lack of communication trope. So much can be solved if they’d COMMUNICATE.

This would have been 4 stars but I knocked off a star for the talk of sexual assault. It seemed like it was a whole joke during that scene and it didn’t sit right with me.

If you’re looking for an open door romantasy then definitely check this book out! It does end on a cliffhanger and only book out at the moment!

While this book explored intriguing themes, I loved the idea of royal "stunt doubles", I had a hard time with the pacing story. I recognize that it has great potential to appeal to other fantasy. readers and I encourage others to try it out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

I really wanted to love A Cursed Son by Dey Leitao but, this book just didn’t pull me in.

I love listening to a good audiobook, especially when I’m out walking the dogs but, I just couldn’t connect with the FMC and struggled to get into this world.

I don’t know if it was the narration and maybe I’d have enjoyed it more if I’d read it in written format.

I think that there’s a really interesting world here but, I struggled to engage with it.