A Cursed Son

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.

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.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the audiobook ARC of A Cursed Son in exchange for an honest review.**
●This review is posted to Goodreads as of 6/25/2024.●
5⭐️
2.5 🌶
☆Review may contain SLIGHT spoilers!☆

I have been waiting for forever to read this one, and I am so glad that I listened to it for my first read-through!! The narrator wad very engaging and it was easy to distinctly identify characters.
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I loved this book. I am so excited for the next one to release and for Astra and Marlak to be reunited.
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What I liked:
•character relationships
•dream sequences and the tension it created between the two main characters
•the unfolding plot
•Cherry Cake
•Astra being able to take care of herself
•Marlak for being the biggest "secret" simp

I knew 40% in I was going to be obsessed with this series! I absolutely LOVE Astra & Marlak.
I saw another review saying this book was perfect for ACOTAR &A Court this Cruel and Lovel fans and I strongly agree!
Impatiently waiting for book 2! (:

Publisher's summary
In her dreams, he envelops her in love. In real life, he imprisons her in ice. Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer.
As a royal decoy, trained to replace the Krastel princess even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love?
And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth.
But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince. Banished for heinous crimes and armed with powerful stolen relics, he’s a wielder of mighty magic and can even infiltrate minds.
It turns out that he is the man in her dreams.
And this is about to get very, very awkward...

Thanks to NetGalley & Sparkly Wave for the ALC of this book!

A Cursed Son
By: Day Leitao
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
Publisher: Sparkly Wave
Series: Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom, Book 1
Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 06-25-24