The adventure is back as Rose and Wren continue on their individual and joint journeys to unite their kingdom, working to bring peace and freedom to all, while the past of their ancestors looms behind them. And all the while, looking to tune into the inner workings of their hearts.

This was a sweet, fun, mostly light-hearted ride. There were somber moments, and angst along the way; both of which added a welcome level of high stakes to the narrative. Through and through— this is an adventure of delight and smiles. This series has truly become a comfort read for me, and I am so pleased that the sequel is just as enjoyable as the first, but this time ending with an extra level of exhilaration that has me clamoring for more and more.

》Rose《

Rose, my soft, sweet, strong flower girl. It’s so interesting to have her POV, without it one may easily view her differently. In the beginning of the book we are in Wren’s head and it’s easy to write Rose off as haughty and spoiled, but the second we have her POV we see this wonderfully dynamic protagonist who is trying her hardest to keep firmly on her mask of expected wise queen and calm leader, while privately working through her fears, doubts, and worries. She cares so deeply. She genuinely loves her people and country, and now, with her understanding the truth of witches, wants more than anything for all to unite and to be free to be just as they are. Together. The love she possesses is truly her greatest strength.


》Wren《

Wren has a really intriguing arc. I loved Wren since Twin Crowns, but I didn’t always like her. I am so glad to say I both loved and liked her in Cursed Crowns. Her arc was a very strong one: just as in the first book, it propelled the plot forward, but along with it, I found her romantic arc much stronger than the first book. And it leaves me incredibly excited for what’s to come for her.


》The Twins《

I was greatly anticipating seeing how the twins' dynamic would be like in this book. There's immediately a sense of closeness, affection, family-- and that traditional sibling ribbing of one another.
My heart did go out to Rose at times, because it felt she cared more about her sister, about sticking together, than Wren did. However, it is clear these girls love each other infinitely. They are sisters. And although they spent much time apart, the moments we get between the sisters are so lovely. There is true camaraderie and trust between them.

That said, I am eager to spend more time on the page together, to face what is coming next. As a team, in full trust and heart. What’s coming for them will be their grandest test, and I will be there cheering for them the whole way through.


》The Romance Part I《

I was very curious to see how the romance would continue to evolve with Rose and Shen. Obstacles are placed in front them throughout the journey, at times I grew frustrated with both, especially at Shen during a very specific scene, and I’m glad for that frustration— because their romance was allowed space to see if it could stand the test of hardship. It doesn’t stay static.

Do they stay together or crumble? You’ll have to read to find out!

All I will say is that I adore them together, and will always root for them to make it through.

I also consider Shen to be part of the main cast, along with the twins. While we don’t get his POV we do get a lot of story from him this go around, Rose’s arc in many ways circles around Shen learning who he is and what his future may (and may not) hold. A surprising reveal about Shen is made, and it’s a bold move by the authors. There’s enough foreshadowing to see it coming, but it still presents surprise and curiosity, while unequivocally changing the course of Shen’s story.


》The Romance Part II《

One of the facets I can’t say I was wholly immersed in during the first book was Wren’s romantic arc with Tor. Now I wonder if that was on purpose. I won’t say too much, but let’s just say there is potential for Wren’s heart to open to another. Will it happen? Only time will tell. But if it does, I am surprising myself by saying I wholly welcome it.

Love triangles are one of my most disliked tropes and yet here I am wanting it. Just the tease of it has strengthened Wren’s romantic arc. This new addition was unexpected, but I so quickly embraced it, especially the person this is due to. The chemistry between this person and Wren was instant, electric, and most importantly— meaningful. Tor, for me, always felt surface level. There’s something potentially deeper with the third party. I think it’s noteworthy we, in Wren’s POV, spend more time learning backstory on this person than we do Tor. I really think if the authors go for it, and leave Tor behind for this surprising character, it will continue to strengthen Wren’s arc. I welcome it. I want it. And now I’ll be wishing for it until the next book comes. I didn’t think Wren’s (potential) love story could rival the love I have for Rose/Shen, but suddenly I see her having one that will easily match it.

Fingers crossed!


》The Supporting Cast《

I do enjoy how friendship continues to be important in this series. That said, I selfishly wish we had a bit more Celeste. I love how she is so brave and will put herself on the line to protect others— she is wonderful. But considering she is Rose's best friend, I would love to see more of that dynamic explored.

Also Elske! That wild pup has a rather prominent role, but not in the storyline expected! I absolutely adored her role though, and thought she fit brilliantly in the arc she featured.

Then we have the newbies— the new supporting cast that brought forth formidability, danger, laughs, and surprise. Some feature more than others, but all helped to lift and move the narrative in a very positive direction.

》Run Around the World《

For whatever reason, I tend to find my attention waning during the middle of fantasy reads, with plot pacing to drag and/or be riddled with an info dump that loses me. So it’s to my pleasant surprise that when the middle arrived in Cursed Crowns, the narrative went full throttle ahead and I felt like a giddy, excited passenger along for the ride.

The entire book is wonderful, but that second half was especially perfect.

And the world-building was gorgeous. It brilliantly expanded upon the first book wonderfully. The new settings brought a new richness in storytelling, as well as new layers to characters. We see different sides to certain character, which can lead to new perspectives. And I find that fantastic!

The excellent run on pacing and the carefully crafting of the world are harmoniously brought together in this sequel.


》Growing Pains《

If there’s any facet of this story that gave me pause, and I do consider this simply a slight nitpick, it was in feeling the twins’ slightly regressed in the growth they accumulated over the first book. Rose went back to frequent feet stomping with her spoiled, judgmental attitude; and Wren isolated herself with her misguided stubbornness, and know-it-all stance. It didn’t overly bother me, but more so perplexed me. I expected more maturity on their part, rather than a retread of what I assumed they already learned in their first arc of growth. Rose should know now not to judge a book by its cover, and Wren should know to slow down and think, rather than to impulsively act.

Nevertheless, I do feel they each, especially Rose, has wonderful growth in this sequel and I hope it sticks this time. And the way things ended, with the main plot looming, I do think it absolutely will. At the end of the day, they're young girls who have taken up leadership roles, so I think leniency should be allowed. Growing up hurts, but I know these girls have what it takes to pull through.


》Ready for the Next Adventure《

Without a doubt, this was another happily worthwhile tale, it brought the same delightful fun from its predecessor, but added a layer of angst and exhilaration that leaves you at the edge of your seat. It left me needing to know what will happen next, and desperately hoping for a happily ever after to be found at the end of it all.

Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc as a member of the street team.