In this wild Romantasy you will find Fae princes and humans with magic. A unique world with all kinds of magical creatures. The story was intriguing and engaging. I really had a desire to learn more about Astra and her hidden power. The Narrator, Caitlin Kelly, was phenomenal. I really felt like she brought the story to life.

I felt like the writing in this book was a little immature for the adult nature of some of the scenes. I felt some of the scenes in the book lacked emotion and didn't evoke much feeling. It would have been great for a YA Fantasy, but there was too much spice to be considered YA, in my opinion.

The cover design piqued my interest to see what the book was about and the plot line pulled me in. I received the audiobook arc and enjoyed the narrator. I premise of the book reminded me a bit of The Liars Crown by Abigail Owens. I liked the FMC and the premise of knowing her “captor”/husband in her dreams and the push and pull in their relationship because of that added level of difficulty as well as the uncertainty of what’s causing it and if the other knows it’s happening to both.

At times, I felt the story was dragging on because it was focusing on their dream connection and lack of present day communication about it. However, by the end I was hooked and eager to finish the storyline in the sequel. The world building was easy to understand and the character easy to follow. I appreciated the writing style and the personalities of the characters.

📖 🎧Audio Book Review: *A Cursed Son*
✍️ Author: Day Leitao
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes: Enemies-to- lovers, arranged marriage, forced proximity, Soulmates, fae and great banter

This start to a new steamy romantasy series follows Astra, a princess impersonator, assassin and perfectionist as she navigates a dangerous world of kings fae assassins and allies. The political intrigue and subjects arranged marriage, forced proximity and protective MMC made this book a one-day read for me. While the book offers humor, romance, and action, it struggles with inconsistent world-building and an unclear magic system that makes certain events feel unearned. Additionally, the story's central conflict starts to fade into the background as the dynamic between Astra and Marlak (FMC and MMC) takes center stage, shifting focus from the main plot. This imbalance may frustrate readers expecting a more structured and immersive fantasy narrative.

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Overall, this is a great book! It was a one day read and the narrator did a great job of drawing Astra’s emotions off the page and letting us feel as though we were living jt with her. While I would have looked for more deliberate world building and details to make the magic system easier to understand, the witty banter and general chemistry between the characters gave the story a great place to build to.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Day Leitao for the audiobook ARC!

This was such a fun and easy read! I blasted through it and wish I could immediately binge book 2, especially after that ending!

Astra came off a little too insecure and naive for what I usually look for in an FMC, however, she quickly stole my heart, and I can already see her character growth in the works. She’s also extremely young and sheltered, so I kept that in mind.

This feels like a unique story with an interesting magic system, and I can’t wait for more. After some frustrating reads, this was a breath of fresh air.

dnf ~50%> unfortunately, it was just a huge no for me. the idea itself is interesting. but there was nothing gripping for me to keep me continuing. the first part of the book was just the MFC talking and thinking.

I didn't like the characters at all. I don't wanna know what'll happen to them not further, nor in book 2. the biggest turnoff was the writing. it was so out of place. like it belonged to another book. if the story had been edited it could've been better. the only thing I like is the narrator's voice and the cover. even if one day I decide to finish the story I won't read another book from this series.

A Cursed Son by Day Leitao – A Captivating Tale of Mystery and Magic

I devoured this audiobook in a single day—A Cursed Son is an enthralling story that seamlessly weaves mystery, intrigue, and magic. The premise is both unique and compelling, following a princess’s elite guard decoy as she navigates a world of deception and danger.

Marlac, the disgraced prince, is a particularly fascinating character. Far more complex than he first appears, his depth and mystery add richness to the story, keeping readers engaged. The female protagonist’s inner monologue is equally impressive—her ability to process situations rationally after the initial shock makes her a refreshing and well-developed character.

The novel’s magic system and world-building feel fresh and distinctive, while the fast-paced plot keeps you on edge with its twists and turns. The dialogue is sharp, the banter is engaging, and the storyline is both thrilling and unpredictable.

While I typically prefer dual narration in audiobooks, the single narrator in A Cursed Son does a fantastic job, fully bringing the story to life without detracting from the experience.

Overall, this is a must-read (or listen) for fans of fast-paced fantasy filled with intrigue, strong characters, and a touch of unpredictability.

4/5 spice
romantasy, new adult http
Loved this book, however, I wish it had more worldbuilding. I feel like it had such great potential in a lot of areas, but it assumed a little too much that we understand a fae world, and I just wish the author had described the world itself and the magic structure a little more. I loved the dynamic between the MC and her love interest. The dreams connecting them + the morally grey love interest was very intriguing, and it kept me wanting more! I do look forward to the next book in the series, whenever that may come out!

*sigh* 3.5 stars rounded up.

The plot of this book is so much fun and the premise is so unique, but ultimately the writing was what lost points for me. Diction is so important.

At times the structure felt a bit clumsy and the words choices were a bit on the juvenile side- which is the last way I’d like to describe a book with this amount of spice. Some minor differences in word choice would have made alllllll the difference in the world for me, personally, and brought this story from 3.5 stars to 4.5 easily.

The audiobook is well narrated, the characters are well-written and the tension between the main characters is great. It’s a solid enemies to lovers with an arranged marriage and the pacing is incredibly fast. The story rarely lags. BUT USING THE WORDS ITSY BITSY WEENIE AND MEMBER WERE CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.

I’m still invested and need book 2 now though so do with that information what you will.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

Wow this was an amazing story. I loved the characters, the location, and the magic. This story was well written and so entertaining. I was so mad at the last bit of it but glad she realized what was going on. I can't wait for the next book to be out.

This was so much fun! I thought the world building was done beautifully, and the narrator was truly excellent. I'm super picky about my audiobooks, but I'm really glad I got approved for this one because it was great. I love the world Day Leitao immersed us into, can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

I LOVED this book. It's been a long time since I have finished a book so quickly. I loved Astra and Marlak's banter so much, it was so well done. As well as the choice of Caitlin Kelly for audiobook was PERFECT, i would definitely recommend checking out the audiobook if you haven't already. So excited for the second one. 🫶🏻

Review: A Cursed Son: Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom 1 by Day Leitao (Audiobook)

Overview:
A Cursed Son follows Astra, a royal decoy trained to impersonate a princess—even to the extent of entering political marriages in her place. But her carefully orchestrated life is thrown into chaos when her carriage is attacked by Marlak, a disgraced fae prince banished for unspeakable crimes. To Astra’s shock, Marlak is the same man who has been appearing in her dreams, enveloping her in an intoxicating sense of love and familiarity. This revelation sets the stage for a complex relationship filled with tension, magic, and unexpected connections.

First Impressions:
The beginning of A Cursed Son was absolutely breathtaking. The first third of the book was packed with action, tension, and fast-paced storytelling. I was completely immersed and blown away by how gripping and well-written it was. Every scene had me hooked, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Unfortunately, as the story progressed, the momentum slowed significantly. The narrative shifted its focus more toward character development—especially the evolving relationship between Astra and Marlak. While this provided emotional depth, it made the middle portion feel far less exciting compared to the explosive opening. The intensity and stakes that made the first third so compelling seemed to dissipate, and the story began to plod along. The slower pacing left me feeling somewhat disconnected, as if the story had lost its initial spark.

Worldbuilding & Pacing Issues:
A major issue for me was the way worldbuilding was handled. Instead of being seamlessly integrated from the start, crucial details about the setting and overarching conflicts only emerged midway through the book and even towards the end. This delayed exposition contributed to the overall drop in tension and made it difficult to stay fully engaged. It often felt like key context was missing early on, making it harder to understand or feel invested in the stakes of the story.
Had the worldbuilding been introduced earlier, the pacing might have felt more balanced, and the transition from action to character-driven storytelling wouldn’t have felt so jarring.

Climactic Issues (or Rather, a Strange Resolution):
The climax of the book ended up being a literal “climax” 😏—it existed, but it left me feeling… weird. Unlike a traditional resolution where things snap into place, this one left more uncertainty. And that’s fine—after all, it’s only book one, and unanswered questions are expected. But something about the way it unfolded just didn’t sit right with me.
The characters think they know what’s happening, but they’re not 100% sure if they’ve understood everything correctly. Normally, that kind of ambiguity can add intrigue, but here it felt more confusing than compelling. Maybe I just missed something, but I kept asking myself: Did I zone out? Did I skip a chapter? Because it felt like there were missing puzzle pieces.
Sure, Astra and Marlak are strong and capable, but what exactly led them to their conclusions? What was the tipping point that made them suddenly realize things? The book doesn’t fully connect those dots, which made the resolution feel more like a shrug than a mic drop. And if I, as a reader, am questioning whether I should have understood it, then maybe it wasn’t conveyed as clearly as it could have been.

Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook narration, performed by Caitlin Kelly, was a highlight of the experience. She did an excellent job capturing the personalities of the protagonists and adding emotional nuance to their interactions. Her performance kept me engaged, even when the story’s pacing lagged. However, even a strong narration couldn’t fully compensate for the structural issues within the book.

Strengths:
The first third is an absolute standout—action-packed, tense, and deeply engaging.
The character development, especially between Astra and Marlak, adds emotional depth.
The narrator delivers a strong performance, bringing the characters to life.

Weaknesses:
The story loses momentum after the first third, with slower pacing and fewer high-stakes moments.
The worldbuilding is introduced too late, contributing to a lack of tension in the middle.
The climactic scenes lack impact and feel somewhat unclear.
The resolution feels strange, as if important details were missing or underdeveloped.

Final Thoughts:
A Cursed Son starts off incredibly strong, delivering a gripping and intense opening that had me fully invested. However, as the story progresses, the pacing slows, the worldbuilding arrives (in my opinion) too late, and the tension fizzles out. While I appreciated the character development and emotional depth between Astra and Marlak, the lack of plot progression and an underwhelming climax left me feeling unsatisfied.
I also can’t shake the feeling that I might be part of the problem here. Maybe I just didn’t fully get what the book was trying to do with its climax, but I don’t think I should have to second-guess whether I understood the resolution. That uncertainty made the ending feel frustrating rather than intriguing.
The most frustrating part was how certain key revelations at the end seemed to appear out of nowhere, making the resolution feel forced rather than earned. And while the audiobook narrator did a commendable job, even she couldn’t save the uneven storytelling.

Would I continue the series? I think I would because there is huge potential, but I’d hope for better pacing, clearer worldbuilding, and a more satisfying structure in the next book.

A Cursed Son has me locked in from the beginning. This book was a great romantasy enemy to lovers that kept me on my toes. The audiobook narrator did an incredible job taking you into this world and making each character sound and feel unique. There is tension (that went on for a bit too long but it is the first in a series), the thread of fate, and the power of magic really made this book enjoyable. Cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you to Sparkly Wave, NetGalley, and of course Day Leitao for giving me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of A Cursed Son in exchange for an honest review!

(Full Review will be posted on my goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7262837747 )

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom series.

I read an eARC of this book last year and I wasn't sold on the writing style. It read as if it were meant to be spoken- using words like "haha" or "thingy" made me thing this book would be received better as an audiobook. Unfortunately, it did not. The writing style comes off as juvenile. The story is from the main character's 1st person POV and it reads like a teenage girl's diary. "I don't want Marlak's man thingy" in referring to his male anatomy is a little jarring when reading what you're expecting to be an adult story. In the main character's inner thoughts she thinks words like "haha" which supports my thought that this reads like a diary. When I read the eARC I finished the book because I was invested in the storyline. I listened to the audio with hopes that the writing would make more sense being read aloud, unfortunately it did not and I decided to put it down at 25%.

“What’s the point in a story that’s not real?”⠀
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He leans back in his chair and brings a ringless finger to his chin. “The feelings are real. There’s something about feeling them while knowing you can’t truly get hurt.”⠀
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“Feelings? Like despair? What’s the fun in it?”⠀
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“Well, if you’re depressed, you look at your own life and say, ‘nevermind. This could be so much worse.’” He chuckles again. “No. It’s about getting out of that dark place, and reading sometimes makes you believe you can do it too.”⠀
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Day Leitao, A Cursed Son ⠀
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A Cursed Son by Day Leitao is an Adult Romantic Fantasy with a swoon worthy enemies to lovers story that has one of the most unique "dreamy" romances I've read in quite a while! The banter between Marlak and Astra is perfection and I love how they push each other to be more adventurous and hopeful. I absolutely shrieked when Marlak got hurt and Astra went all "who did this" on him!!! The vibes are just so so good! I thought the elemental magic was really interesting and reminded me of Shadow and Bone. The worldbuilding with the different kingdoms and courts as well as the Faelands gave this story a lush feel. I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the epic ending. Like, OMG what are you doing to me! ⠀
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Day is a master at balancing magical fantasy with thrilling romance in a fun and whimsical way. I love her books and this one is definitely at the top of my favorites now! I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories like Fourth Wing, A Kingdom of Flame and Fury, or The Plated Prisoner Series.

I enjoyed the narrator, Caitlin Kelly, immensely and would love to hear more books by them. They captured the playful banter and inner turmoil of the characters perfectly!

Enemies to lovers, great banter and a cliff hanger ending!

This is classified as new adult which to me is just YA with sex. Spice levels were minimal (in my opinion) and the characters felt very YA. I received an audio copy so it may have been the very young sounding narrator that made the character feel so young? There are also several scenes where they can see inside others minds, or they're in and out of dreams, and it wasn't easy to discern at times with the audiobook. Maybe in print it's easier to catch the shift?

Overall it's not my favorite fantasy read but it gets the job done. I look forward to checking out the second book.

Impeccably performed, this audiobook brings a new and engaging dynamic to an already strong and intriguing story.

Astra has trained her whole life as an Elite Guard ready to step into the role of pretending to be the princess in important diplomatic missions. Her life is changed for life when her carriage is attacked by the disgraced fae prince and he shortly after comes to an agreement with Astra's master to marry her. To add to the confusion, Astra has spent many years dreaming about this prince without knowing that it was him.

I absolutely love this story and the slow-building romance between Astra and Marlak. The story is strengthened by a strong cast of characters who feeling fully realised and add another level of entertainment to the story.

This is a strong start to the series and I can't wait to see where Leitao goes next with it!

HOLY CRAP!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ??? AND REALLY....THAT'S HOW YOU LEAVE ME HANGING???!!

OK...so, I've never read anything else by this author (at least I don't think so....) but how could you do that to me?? I held on for the ENTIRE book. I FINALLY felt like I got some closure...

And then, you ripped the floor right out from beneath my feet!! Just. Like. That!!!

Astra has been raised in the Krastel Kingdom...as a false Princess. Her job is to protect the real Princess...and do anything that is needed....including marrying a nefarious Prince in order to protect the real Princess. This is no problem. (at least for her.... I have a problem with this whole scenario!!) Astra has been trained and trained some more. She is ready. (She is also just a KID at 19!!). As she is traveling, her carriage is attacked...and she comes to find out that the person behind it is none other than the disgraced Prince... Marlak.

She is scurried away and held as a prisoner (kind of....). In the meantime she realizes that this Prince is the one who has been taking over her (very steamy...) dreams! BUT, the man he is during the day seems VERY different than the Prince in her dreams...
As time goes on, she comes to realize that he might not be as bad as she initially thought. PLUS, it is very hard to separate the man in her dreams from the man in front of her...

She gets married in a hurry...with really no other choice. BUT, she does NOT want to consummate the marriage. That is fine with Prince Marlak. And so they decide to form a kind of friendship in order to find out what is really going on out there in the Kingdom...

The more time she spends with him though, the harder it is to separate him from her dreams.
And then, when he accuses her of trying to break into his mind with these awful dreams, well, she is just mortified!!

As time goes on, they become a bit closer...but she still has a really hard time giving any trust to him at all...

🛑🛑 I am going to STOP RIGHT HERE!! 🛑🛑. I don't want to give any more of the plot...but if this sounds like something you might like, please pick it up!! It’s a terrific read!!
Magicks! Magical Realism! Finding your magick! Friends. Love interests. Fae. Magical beings and animals… False realities… Kings and Princes…. And…so much more!!

Oh…and I just Loved the cover too!!

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me!!

#TheCursedSon (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom #1) by #DayLeitao and narrated nicely by #CaitlinKelly (and I have to say that she DID sound like a teenager with the narration!!)

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #SparklyWave for an ARC of the audiobook. This was actually released in July 2024, so you should be able to find 👀 it on shelves now!!

As for me… You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read this if you enjoy:
-Enemies to lovers
-Marriage of convenience
-Slow burn
-Awesome side characters
-Unique magic system
-Unique world-building
-Soulmates
-Hidden identity
-Fae and other creatures

I enjoyed this, and I’m intrigued to see where it goes. I wasn’t expecting the beginning, and it caught my attention right away, finishing it in a day. It was an easy, lighthearted read. The magic system and storyline are unique. The plot is engaging, it is fast paced, and it keeps you guessing on what will happen next. Astra is so positive and bubbly about everything. She is funny, sassy, and a little naïve. She can be a little annoying, but it is fitting for the character who has been confined her whole life. Her internal dialogue made me laugh out loud a few times. She acts and sounds like a teenager (again makes sense with what her upbringing), but this is an adult read. The banter back and forth between her and Marlak is everything, and I’m glad they eventually start to communicate with each other.

I love all the characters introduced so far. There is a dark unicorn named Cherry Cake…need I say more?!

The ending made my jaw drop and I can’t wait to read the next book!