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These Cursed Origins #1
Survive the Cursed
At the end, we only have ourselves to blame.
We focused on pride and what reality should be.
No one could see it until it was too late.
In the end, the darkness didn't have to do much.
We were more than capable of destroying the world ourselves. Now evil roams the earth, killing what's left of us. I don't know why it bothers.
We are fallen.
After the world fell survivors banded together in an attempt to thrive amongst the chaos that evil had unleashed. The only way to make it, to have any chance at all, was to hide from the monsters.
And to do anything we could to bring them down before they turned us to join their cause.
I have been taught how to fight, the weaknesses of each faction of supernaturals, and the cardinal rule my community lives by.
It is us, or them.
Zombies have swarmed me, witches have cursed the land we grow our crops on, werwolves have picked us off, and vampires, they are the worst of them all.
Until him.
Survival tells me not to question what has been drilled into my head since the fall, but his actions show me that maybe, just maybe…
We were wrong.
Do I keep moving forward and focus on surviving in this post-apocalyptic world?
Or do I dare to rise up for his sake, and ask the question that is sure to be my death sentence?
Maybe they aren’t the monsters after all.
Maybe, just maybe, all is not lost and love can still take root in darkened hearts.
We focused on pride and what reality should be.
No one could see it until it was too late.
In the end, the darkness didn't have to do much.
We were more than capable of destroying the world ourselves. Now evil roams the earth, killing what's left of us. I don't know why it bothers.
We are fallen.
After the world fell survivors banded together in an attempt to thrive amongst the chaos that evil had unleashed. The only way to make it, to have any chance at all, was to hide from the monsters.
And to do anything we could to bring them down before they turned us to join their cause.
I have been taught how to fight, the weaknesses of each faction of supernaturals, and the cardinal rule my community lives by.
It is us, or them.
Zombies have swarmed me, witches have cursed the land we grow our crops on, werwolves have picked us off, and vampires, they are the worst of them all.
Until him.
Survival tells me not to question what has been drilled into my head since the fall, but his actions show me that maybe, just maybe…
We were wrong.
Do I keep moving forward and focus on surviving in this post-apocalyptic world?
Or do I dare to rise up for his sake, and ask the question that is sure to be my death sentence?
Maybe they aren’t the monsters after all.
Maybe, just maybe, all is not lost and love can still take root in darkened hearts.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2023
42 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Ashton Abbott
16 books458 followersAshton Abbott is an anxiety ridden hot mess most of the time. I can say that because I’m talking about myself. This is kind of therapeutic.
I write paranormal romance, dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic paranormal romance, and horror in the near future. I like to think I write on the grittier side of things. Is grittier a word? I guess this is my book so I can do whatever I want. Grittier is officially a word according to this book. Geez I’m bad at this. Ok, about me.
I am a Mom to two beautiful hellions. I have a smokin’ hot husband. I love them even though they can have an attitude sometimes. Honestly, it’s karma because so do I. How long does this thing have to be?
I enjoy reading and gaming when I have a moment to actually take a breath and chill. Epson salt baths! I play the shit out of some Minecraft.
I actually genuinely love hearing from my readers so don’t be shy! I post a ton of memes on my Facebook page and am not above getting into best meme contest so feel free to challenge me. BYYYEEEE!
I write paranormal romance, dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic paranormal romance, and horror in the near future. I like to think I write on the grittier side of things. Is grittier a word? I guess this is my book so I can do whatever I want. Grittier is officially a word according to this book. Geez I’m bad at this. Ok, about me.
I am a Mom to two beautiful hellions. I have a smokin’ hot husband. I love them even though they can have an attitude sometimes. Honestly, it’s karma because so do I. How long does this thing have to be?
I enjoy reading and gaming when I have a moment to actually take a breath and chill. Epson salt baths! I play the shit out of some Minecraft.
I actually genuinely love hearing from my readers so don’t be shy! I post a ton of memes on my Facebook page and am not above getting into best meme contest so feel free to challenge me. BYYYEEEE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 12, 2023
This is book one of the These Cursed Origins series and the main character is Avery Winters, whose family was evacuated to a local air force base when the world went dark, mainly because of her father’s work as a scientist. Now survivors must fight back if they are to survive against all of the ‘monsters’, the so called supernatural beings of all kinds, who are feeding on those left behind as the evil was released. She has had to face zombies, witches, vampires. werewolves and more, as part of a team who go out to look for supplies or take down any identified risks nearby. Her team has been losing numbers a lot lately, as have other teams and other groups of survivors, as their numbers are being decimated by these monsters. Her father works in his lab and helps to interrogate any of the monsters they manage to bring in alive, then cuts them up and experiments to see what will kill them, or looks for their weaknesses. None last too long on his metal table and it isn’t a place she is all that comfortable in! Since the fall, they have all been taught that the monsters must be killed and if any of their friends, family or colleagues are bitten or turned, then they would be doing them a favour if they kill them, however hard that might be. Seeing her father cutting up a very vocal young witch, who turns out to be a rare Necro, has her disgusted at the enjoyment her father seems to have with what he does to these monsters.
A couple more trips out with her team and others, soon has her further disillusioned and bone tired, not that she seems to be able to sleep. The witch spoke directly to her when she visited her father in the lab and it seems she has cursed Avery and told her that her coven has her scent and are coming for her! One job has Avery returning to a warehouse where she and her team were attacked by zombies, but had a female vampire on the landing above seemingly controlling their movements. Some of their team died before they could get back out the door, the vampire has whizzed down and closed. Now her father and the council want them to check the place out again, as different factions of supernaturals working with each other has never been seen or documented before. They also want to know what might be hidden in the warehouse, in supplies or anything else useful. In the last room they find a vampire who has been chained to the walls and looks to have been starved for a while. They take him back to the lab and we later learn is called Mattias, but he is different to all other monster she has come across. He is not violent and never fights back, even when he is badly beaten by a number of others and by her father, he also never says a word in reply to all her father’s questions.
Avery wonders when she sees this repeatedly, if maybe the monsters are not all the same and that some have retained a semblance of humanity as such. She tries to get him to speak to her and is amazed when he finally does! Her father isn’t amused and practically bans her from the lab for trying to be friendly towards him. That is not what she has been taught, but it has revealed to her the full extent of her father’s cruelty and enjoyment of what he does! Another incident sees Avery and some others affected by what they saw and with some lingering side effects. Bribes to the lab guard have allowed two strangers to enter and they almost kill Mattias, and when she tries to stop them, everything gets reversed and her father is willing to sacrifice a human for a monster, but even that gets switched about on Avery as she makes a pretty basic error with her gun safety! Mattias’ actions when all this happens, go completely against everything she thought she knew of monsters and finally has her questioning if it is all wrong. Something is about to change and in a very drastic manner and Avery will soon find herself on the other side of the glass wall, learning exactly what others think of her when she feels little different, but obviously altered somewhat. A cliffhanger of an ending as danger comes calling at the base and the voices in her dreams turn to reality. I can’t wait to see what happens with Avery and Mattias, as everything changes or her and she becomes part of his world! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above
A couple more trips out with her team and others, soon has her further disillusioned and bone tired, not that she seems to be able to sleep. The witch spoke directly to her when she visited her father in the lab and it seems she has cursed Avery and told her that her coven has her scent and are coming for her! One job has Avery returning to a warehouse where she and her team were attacked by zombies, but had a female vampire on the landing above seemingly controlling their movements. Some of their team died before they could get back out the door, the vampire has whizzed down and closed. Now her father and the council want them to check the place out again, as different factions of supernaturals working with each other has never been seen or documented before. They also want to know what might be hidden in the warehouse, in supplies or anything else useful. In the last room they find a vampire who has been chained to the walls and looks to have been starved for a while. They take him back to the lab and we later learn is called Mattias, but he is different to all other monster she has come across. He is not violent and never fights back, even when he is badly beaten by a number of others and by her father, he also never says a word in reply to all her father’s questions.
Avery wonders when she sees this repeatedly, if maybe the monsters are not all the same and that some have retained a semblance of humanity as such. She tries to get him to speak to her and is amazed when he finally does! Her father isn’t amused and practically bans her from the lab for trying to be friendly towards him. That is not what she has been taught, but it has revealed to her the full extent of her father’s cruelty and enjoyment of what he does! Another incident sees Avery and some others affected by what they saw and with some lingering side effects. Bribes to the lab guard have allowed two strangers to enter and they almost kill Mattias, and when she tries to stop them, everything gets reversed and her father is willing to sacrifice a human for a monster, but even that gets switched about on Avery as she makes a pretty basic error with her gun safety! Mattias’ actions when all this happens, go completely against everything she thought she knew of monsters and finally has her questioning if it is all wrong. Something is about to change and in a very drastic manner and Avery will soon find herself on the other side of the glass wall, learning exactly what others think of her when she feels little different, but obviously altered somewhat. A cliffhanger of an ending as danger comes calling at the base and the voices in her dreams turn to reality. I can’t wait to see what happens with Avery and Mattias, as everything changes or her and she becomes part of his world! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above
October 9, 2025
Spoilers: There have been many Post-Apocalyptic works of fiction that predict the future will be overrun with supernatural monsters that will destroy humans and become the dominant species. Zombies are the most frequent survivors. Vampires have also had a shot at living forever in the Post-Apocalyptic wasteland. Occasionally, werecreatures and very rarely witches and other magic users come out to play in these future games. Well, Survive The Cursed seems like a novel length explanation that the author , Ashton Abbott couldn't decide which monsters to be the primary antagonists, so she decided on all of them.
In the future, humanity is reduced to living in enclaves on abandoned areas like Avery Winters does with her parents and other assorted humans in what used to be Eglin Air Force Base on the Florida panhandle. On a personal note, my father was in the Air Force and we lived in Eglin for a time from 1985-1987. I attended elementary school grades 2-4 there, so it is a fascinating and eerie experience reading about and imagining a place that I once lived becoming part of a Post-Apocalyptic universe. But I digress.
Anyway, Avery and the other humans hunt for monsters and kill them in brutal attacks. They study the movements, strengths, and weaknesses of witches, zombies, vampires, and werecreatures, find out where they are located, and kill or imprison them before they attack the humans.
It's a difficult life and Avery has grown jaded and used to the constant fight against these monsters. She is old enough to remember life before the monsters, usually through minor things like eating cereal, wearing different clothes, or going to school or friend's houses. That's all gone as humanity has almost completely been wiped out except in small pockets and everyone has to fight and struggle to survive.
Fighting for survival is such a new normal for Avery, that she is deprived of empathy, understanding, or compassion. She is so driven to kill the monsters that she ironically has lost her own humanity. She ignores the medical experiments that her father performs on the monsters that are captured. She vows that if one of her fellow soldiers is transformed into a monster, she would kill them without a second thought. She demonstrates this during an assignment when a couple of her closest friends are attacked by zombies and become zombies themselves.
Avery only sees the monsters as cardboard adversaries until she is assigned guard duty over the imprisoned monsters. She is forced to look her enemies in the eye and converse with them. She particularly captures the interest of Whitney, a saucy temperamental Witch who wants to go down fighting and Mattias, an enigmatic and calm Vampire who wants to plead his case to his captors.
The longer that Avery talks to and listens to her captives' perspective, doubt enters her mind. She questions the purpose of her fellow human’s, particularly her father's motives with his experiments. Avery admires Whitney's defiance and tenacity and is drawn to Mattias’s charismatic personality and almost human appearance.
Before the monsters were a monolith, something easily destroyed and disposed of. Now she has to concede that they have names, identities, families, emotions, personalities, and possess admirable traits that she never considered.
A twist occurs that causes Avery to challenge everything that she once believed. She is ostracized and her concept of friends and enemies have reversed. She sees humanity in those she thought of as monsters and monstrosity in those she thought of as human. It makes one wonder if there is any real distinction between human and supernatural characters and where the monsters begin and end.
In the future, humanity is reduced to living in enclaves on abandoned areas like Avery Winters does with her parents and other assorted humans in what used to be Eglin Air Force Base on the Florida panhandle. On a personal note, my father was in the Air Force and we lived in Eglin for a time from 1985-1987. I attended elementary school grades 2-4 there, so it is a fascinating and eerie experience reading about and imagining a place that I once lived becoming part of a Post-Apocalyptic universe. But I digress.
Anyway, Avery and the other humans hunt for monsters and kill them in brutal attacks. They study the movements, strengths, and weaknesses of witches, zombies, vampires, and werecreatures, find out where they are located, and kill or imprison them before they attack the humans.
It's a difficult life and Avery has grown jaded and used to the constant fight against these monsters. She is old enough to remember life before the monsters, usually through minor things like eating cereal, wearing different clothes, or going to school or friend's houses. That's all gone as humanity has almost completely been wiped out except in small pockets and everyone has to fight and struggle to survive.
Fighting for survival is such a new normal for Avery, that she is deprived of empathy, understanding, or compassion. She is so driven to kill the monsters that she ironically has lost her own humanity. She ignores the medical experiments that her father performs on the monsters that are captured. She vows that if one of her fellow soldiers is transformed into a monster, she would kill them without a second thought. She demonstrates this during an assignment when a couple of her closest friends are attacked by zombies and become zombies themselves.
Avery only sees the monsters as cardboard adversaries until she is assigned guard duty over the imprisoned monsters. She is forced to look her enemies in the eye and converse with them. She particularly captures the interest of Whitney, a saucy temperamental Witch who wants to go down fighting and Mattias, an enigmatic and calm Vampire who wants to plead his case to his captors.
The longer that Avery talks to and listens to her captives' perspective, doubt enters her mind. She questions the purpose of her fellow human’s, particularly her father's motives with his experiments. Avery admires Whitney's defiance and tenacity and is drawn to Mattias’s charismatic personality and almost human appearance.
Before the monsters were a monolith, something easily destroyed and disposed of. Now she has to concede that they have names, identities, families, emotions, personalities, and possess admirable traits that she never considered.
A twist occurs that causes Avery to challenge everything that she once believed. She is ostracized and her concept of friends and enemies have reversed. She sees humanity in those she thought of as monsters and monstrosity in those she thought of as human. It makes one wonder if there is any real distinction between human and supernatural characters and where the monsters begin and end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
I originally planned to review each book individually but ended up devouring the entire trilogy as if it were one big, immersive novel. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Lucky for us, this is a complete, published trilogy—no waiting!
This is my second read by Ashton Abbott (the first was Called by Darkness), and I’m amazed by how unique this one is, even in terms of writing style. Like her previous work, the world-building is phenomenal, set in a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with humans, vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies, angels, and demons.
While labeled as dark paranormal romance, the romantic element is minimal and only builds up in Book 3. Instead, the series focuses on themes of identity, transformation, and empowerment through choice.
That said, serious trigger warnings apply—especially for Book 3. The series tackles trauma, grief, and PTSD in a raw and relatable way, but it may be overwhelming for some readers.
________________________________________
Book 1: At 154 pages, this fast-paced opener sets the stage and ends on a gripping cliffhanger. Avery Winters, a human soldier in a post-apocalyptic world, begins to question what it means to be a “monster” after a mission with devastating casualties. During one of these missions, her life changes forever as she’s transformed into a supernatural “reaper of souls.”
Book 2: Slowing down slightly at 205 pages, this book explores Avery’s self-discovery and acceptance of her new identity. It’s darker, with more frequent (but not overly graphic) violence. The focus is on her internal struggles, making this an emotional yet compelling read.
Book 3: At 213 pages, this is the most emotional installment. Avery’s journey through rage, self-loathing, and PTSD is raw, relatable, and powerfully written. The romance finally appears here but remains mild and secondary to her healing journey. However, readers should approach with caution, as the book delves deeply into trauma, grief, and recovery.
The Ending and MAJOR WARNING: The ending! Ashton Abbott, you’re absolutely right—I HATE YOU. How could you do this to us?! But don’t get me wrong, I have zero regrets about reading this trilogy. It paves the way for a new series, Curse of the Reapers, which I’m already eagerly anticipating.
Ashton Abbott is quickly becoming a favorite author. The covers are stunning, and the artwork inside the books is gorgeous. I hope future installments include even more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my second read by Ashton Abbott (the first was Called by Darkness), and I’m amazed by how unique this one is, even in terms of writing style. Like her previous work, the world-building is phenomenal, set in a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with humans, vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies, angels, and demons.
While labeled as dark paranormal romance, the romantic element is minimal and only builds up in Book 3. Instead, the series focuses on themes of identity, transformation, and empowerment through choice.
That said, serious trigger warnings apply—especially for Book 3. The series tackles trauma, grief, and PTSD in a raw and relatable way, but it may be overwhelming for some readers.
________________________________________
Book 1: At 154 pages, this fast-paced opener sets the stage and ends on a gripping cliffhanger. Avery Winters, a human soldier in a post-apocalyptic world, begins to question what it means to be a “monster” after a mission with devastating casualties. During one of these missions, her life changes forever as she’s transformed into a supernatural “reaper of souls.”
Book 2: Slowing down slightly at 205 pages, this book explores Avery’s self-discovery and acceptance of her new identity. It’s darker, with more frequent (but not overly graphic) violence. The focus is on her internal struggles, making this an emotional yet compelling read.
Book 3: At 213 pages, this is the most emotional installment. Avery’s journey through rage, self-loathing, and PTSD is raw, relatable, and powerfully written. The romance finally appears here but remains mild and secondary to her healing journey. However, readers should approach with caution, as the book delves deeply into trauma, grief, and recovery.
The Ending and MAJOR WARNING: The ending! Ashton Abbott, you’re absolutely right—I HATE YOU. How could you do this to us?! But don’t get me wrong, I have zero regrets about reading this trilogy. It paves the way for a new series, Curse of the Reapers, which I’m already eagerly anticipating.
Ashton Abbott is quickly becoming a favorite author. The covers are stunning, and the artwork inside the books is gorgeous. I hope future installments include even more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Y’all, I picked up Survive the Cursed thinking I’d get your standard supernatural apocalypse survival story. You know—gore, grit, and maybe a few undead limb-chomps for spice. But Ashton Abbott gave me something deeper. Something raw and wrecking. And I loved every second of it.
This book is fierce. It's a war cry from the ashes, wrapped in haunting prose and post-apocalyptic grit. It opens with the world already lost—not falling, not crumbling, but done. Evil didn’t even need to raise its claws; we destroyed ourselves first. That opening hit me hard. I felt the hopelessness, the exhaustion in every step of the narrator's journey. But then—then he appeared, and suddenly hope doesn’t feel so far-fetched.
The way this story grapples with morality? Gave me chills. We’re taught “us versus them” from the start—zombies, witches, werewolves, vamps—they’re the enemy. But then this mysterious vampire enters the story and flips everything on its head. I’m not talking brooding hero in a cape, I mean a genuine maybe-he’s-a-monster, maybe-he’s-not twist that had me second guessing everything I thought I knew. And that’s what I loved—this book doesn’t hand you black-and-white answers. It dares you to sit in the gray and question everything.
The romance? Slow, smoldering, and dangerous. It’s not insta-love, but a crackling ember buried under layers of fear, trauma, and centuries of blood. It feels earned. And trust me, in this brutal world, any flicker of connection feels like a damn miracle.
Also, the world-building? Post-apocalyptic fantasy at its finest. There's a mix of Hunger Games tension, Supernatural-style lore, and a whisper of Midnight Mass dread. You’ve got cursed farmland, factions clinging to survival, and monsters who maybe aren’t the monsters at all.
This book didn’t just keep me up late—it lingered. Made me stare at the ceiling and wonder what side I’d be on if the world fell apart. What truth I’d cling to. And who I’d dare to love.
If you’re into survival stories with teeth, morally complex love interests, found family (with knives), and the kind of writing that punches you in the soul—Survive the Cursed is your next obsession.
Bring on book two. I’m all in.
This book is fierce. It's a war cry from the ashes, wrapped in haunting prose and post-apocalyptic grit. It opens with the world already lost—not falling, not crumbling, but done. Evil didn’t even need to raise its claws; we destroyed ourselves first. That opening hit me hard. I felt the hopelessness, the exhaustion in every step of the narrator's journey. But then—then he appeared, and suddenly hope doesn’t feel so far-fetched.
The way this story grapples with morality? Gave me chills. We’re taught “us versus them” from the start—zombies, witches, werewolves, vamps—they’re the enemy. But then this mysterious vampire enters the story and flips everything on its head. I’m not talking brooding hero in a cape, I mean a genuine maybe-he’s-a-monster, maybe-he’s-not twist that had me second guessing everything I thought I knew. And that’s what I loved—this book doesn’t hand you black-and-white answers. It dares you to sit in the gray and question everything.
The romance? Slow, smoldering, and dangerous. It’s not insta-love, but a crackling ember buried under layers of fear, trauma, and centuries of blood. It feels earned. And trust me, in this brutal world, any flicker of connection feels like a damn miracle.
Also, the world-building? Post-apocalyptic fantasy at its finest. There's a mix of Hunger Games tension, Supernatural-style lore, and a whisper of Midnight Mass dread. You’ve got cursed farmland, factions clinging to survival, and monsters who maybe aren’t the monsters at all.
This book didn’t just keep me up late—it lingered. Made me stare at the ceiling and wonder what side I’d be on if the world fell apart. What truth I’d cling to. And who I’d dare to love.
If you’re into survival stories with teeth, morally complex love interests, found family (with knives), and the kind of writing that punches you in the soul—Survive the Cursed is your next obsession.
Bring on book two. I’m all in.
May 22, 2023
"Survive the Cursed" by Ashton Abbott is a gripping and intense post-apocalyptic tale that explores the consequences of humanity's downfall and the fight for survival in a world overrun by darkness. As the first book in the These Cursed Origins series, this story sets the stage for a thrilling and emotionally charged journey.
The narrative unfolds in a world where evil has unleashed chaos, leaving survivors to band together in an attempt to thrive amidst the lurking monsters. The protagonist, who has been taught the skills to fight and the weaknesses of various supernatural factions, lives by the cardinal rule of their community: it is us or them. From zombies to witches, werewolves, and vampires, the threats they face are relentless and deadly.
However, everything changes when the protagonist encounters a figure who challenges their perception of the world. Amidst the darkness and devastation, this individual's actions and presence begin to evoke doubts about the nature of the monsters and the possibility of love and hope in a seemingly lost world. As they grapple with the choice between self-preservation and rising up for the sake of this mysterious person, the protagonist embarks on a dangerous journey of self-discovery and questions everything they have been taught.
Ashton Abbott skillfully weaves together elements of survival, supernatural beings, and the enduring power of love in this dark and atmospheric tale. The story delves into themes of humanity, loyalty, and the potential for redemption even in the most desolate circumstances. Readers will be captivated by the intense action, the complex dynamics between characters, and the underlying mystery that drives the narrative forward.
"Survive the Cursed" is a thought-provoking and thrilling read that challenges the notion of who the true monsters are in a world consumed by darkness. It sets the stage for an epic series that promises to explore the depths of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
The narrative unfolds in a world where evil has unleashed chaos, leaving survivors to band together in an attempt to thrive amidst the lurking monsters. The protagonist, who has been taught the skills to fight and the weaknesses of various supernatural factions, lives by the cardinal rule of their community: it is us or them. From zombies to witches, werewolves, and vampires, the threats they face are relentless and deadly.
However, everything changes when the protagonist encounters a figure who challenges their perception of the world. Amidst the darkness and devastation, this individual's actions and presence begin to evoke doubts about the nature of the monsters and the possibility of love and hope in a seemingly lost world. As they grapple with the choice between self-preservation and rising up for the sake of this mysterious person, the protagonist embarks on a dangerous journey of self-discovery and questions everything they have been taught.
Ashton Abbott skillfully weaves together elements of survival, supernatural beings, and the enduring power of love in this dark and atmospheric tale. The story delves into themes of humanity, loyalty, and the potential for redemption even in the most desolate circumstances. Readers will be captivated by the intense action, the complex dynamics between characters, and the underlying mystery that drives the narrative forward.
"Survive the Cursed" is a thought-provoking and thrilling read that challenges the notion of who the true monsters are in a world consumed by darkness. It sets the stage for an epic series that promises to explore the depths of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
August 7, 2024
Survive the Cursed is absolutely riveting I love the lead into the savage post apocalyptic world where it had already devolved into us versus them. But as Avery fights the fight she begins to have questions. She sees those she loves blurring the lines between men and monster mire every day m. She has already begun to question who the real monsters are. But ultimately one fateful encounter has her questioning everything even as her own life is about to take an undecidedly turn for better or worse depending on which side you stand. Avery meets Mattias and and every opportunity he dues the honorable thing when he had no just reason to do so. So cannot get the handsome and enigmatic vampire out if her mind as a bid to save her father goes wrong and she is loathed by everyone she loves for trying to save her father.
Days later a catastrophic event leaves her and part of her team oddly changed instead of dead. What dies it mean what is she now? She doesn’t know but she is sure telling anyone means she will take her turn in her father’s lab of horrors.
But what she us soon comes to light as she finds quite moments to talk to both Mattias and a witch necromancer who had truly gone dark. She begins to understand being a monster is in the choices of who you choose to be not you are. In the end with nothing left to hold onto but an escape with those she has never trusted. Avery knows one thing her past is gone only the future she makes stands before her. Absolutely hands down highly recommend!!!
Days later a catastrophic event leaves her and part of her team oddly changed instead of dead. What dies it mean what is she now? She doesn’t know but she is sure telling anyone means she will take her turn in her father’s lab of horrors.
But what she us soon comes to light as she finds quite moments to talk to both Mattias and a witch necromancer who had truly gone dark. She begins to understand being a monster is in the choices of who you choose to be not you are. In the end with nothing left to hold onto but an escape with those she has never trusted. Avery knows one thing her past is gone only the future she makes stands before her. Absolutely hands down highly recommend!!!
March 5, 2023
Dark, unsettling and awesome
This is the first time I am reading Ashton Abbott and I am fascinated by the world created by the author. This book has all the best of the apocalypse paranormal romance genre. We will find humanity fighting for survival and the world of paranormal creatures. This time, however, vampires, werewolves and witches are not presented as people with supernatural abilities, but as bloodthirsty beasts who want to destroy the last settlements inhabited by humans. The world presented by the author is dark and full of dangers. There is no room for love or empathy. Only one thing matters - survival. The most important question, however, is who really is the monster - supernaturals or humans?
The amazing creaction of the characters made the book captivate me from the first page to the last. This is the first book in the series that ends on a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the next part of this amazing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first time I am reading Ashton Abbott and I am fascinated by the world created by the author. This book has all the best of the apocalypse paranormal romance genre. We will find humanity fighting for survival and the world of paranormal creatures. This time, however, vampires, werewolves and witches are not presented as people with supernatural abilities, but as bloodthirsty beasts who want to destroy the last settlements inhabited by humans. The world presented by the author is dark and full of dangers. There is no room for love or empathy. Only one thing matters - survival. The most important question, however, is who really is the monster - supernaturals or humans?
The amazing creaction of the characters made the book captivate me from the first page to the last. This is the first book in the series that ends on a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the next part of this amazing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
Survive the Cursed is an exceptionally good first book in this new series by author Ashton Abbott with a depiction of a world gone mad as it is overrun by legions of supernatural beings in a variety of shapes and forms, a humans worst nightmare. This is one post apocalyptic tale that will surely keep you awake at night as well as reading long into the night.
The MFC of the story is Avery Winters who keeps up the good fight along with her comrades in arms against this scourge in a battle to keep what’s left of humanity thriving.
Big changes are ahead though for this tough but still vulnerable human and not all will be pleasant as truths are revealed.
Filled with action-adventure, intrigue and suspense this well written, highly imaginative narrative takes the breath away with its immersive and intensive storytelling and I CAN’T WAIT for book two as this one ends on a cliffhanger extraordinaire!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The MFC of the story is Avery Winters who keeps up the good fight along with her comrades in arms against this scourge in a battle to keep what’s left of humanity thriving.
Big changes are ahead though for this tough but still vulnerable human and not all will be pleasant as truths are revealed.
Filled with action-adventure, intrigue and suspense this well written, highly imaginative narrative takes the breath away with its immersive and intensive storytelling and I CAN’T WAIT for book two as this one ends on a cliffhanger extraordinaire!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2024
This is book one of these Cursed Origins trilogy. This is an amazing post-apocalyptic world full of zombies, witches, werewolves, vampires, and other paranormal creatures. From the start of the book, you are drawn in and can’t put it down. Each page gives you more hints to the secrets in the story. This book has a strong, well-developed and an interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns that keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, paranormal, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
March 17, 2023
Excellent World Building!!
This is my first book by Ashton Abbott and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by the author’s imagination and writing style. I was very intrigued by the plot and storyline, so I just had to read it! I’m glad I did.
The story is set in a post apocalyptic world full of zombies, werewolves, vampires in addition to some mysterious supernatural creatures! Surviving an apocalypse with just one of these beings would be hard enough, but a world full of supernatural beings all at war with each other creates quite a hostile world. But even in the most hostile of environments, love can break through.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book, especially since book one ends on a cliffhanger. Great start to this series and I can’t wait for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book by Ashton Abbott and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by the author’s imagination and writing style. I was very intrigued by the plot and storyline, so I just had to read it! I’m glad I did.
The story is set in a post apocalyptic world full of zombies, werewolves, vampires in addition to some mysterious supernatural creatures! Surviving an apocalypse with just one of these beings would be hard enough, but a world full of supernatural beings all at war with each other creates quite a hostile world. But even in the most hostile of environments, love can break through.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book, especially since book one ends on a cliffhanger. Great start to this series and I can’t wait for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
4 stars for me. Avery Winters is fighting against the monsters -vampires,zombies,witches,werewolves to name the few.When world went dark 10 years ago,her family and other survivors evacuated to air force base,and they try to survive ever since .Avery father is a scientist,he experiment on monsters to find their weaknesses,as humans numbers rapidly dropping. Not everything is as it seems, and Avery will find out that first hand.
When I start reading this book,in all honesty I didn't expect much.It was a great surprise read and I can't believe that I didn't hear about this series before.Fast, action packed fantasy/dystopia in one book.
If you like post-apocalyptic fantasy mix,fast paced full of betrayal and action that this book is for you.I can't wait to start book 2.
Thank you booksprout and author for free copy.
When I start reading this book,in all honesty I didn't expect much.It was a great surprise read and I can't believe that I didn't hear about this series before.Fast, action packed fantasy/dystopia in one book.
If you like post-apocalyptic fantasy mix,fast paced full of betrayal and action that this book is for you.I can't wait to start book 2.
Thank you booksprout and author for free copy.
May 2, 2023
This book is my first apocalyptic paranormal romance and I truly was immersed by it. It was a tremendous read with wonderful characters.
Avery is resilient with a tough backbone to herself and Mattias is caring and balances her out. I was delighted with the fact that Avery is a strong and powerful female character and everything revolves around her.
This plot is packed with lots of entertaining scenes and twists and turns. Additionally, Avery's monologues were captivating and connected me more to her. I cannot wait to keep reading what's coming next into Avery's and Mattias's doomed world!
Needless to say that I recommend this spectacular first book in this series to everybody!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avery is resilient with a tough backbone to herself and Mattias is caring and balances her out. I was delighted with the fact that Avery is a strong and powerful female character and everything revolves around her.
This plot is packed with lots of entertaining scenes and twists and turns. Additionally, Avery's monologues were captivating and connected me more to her. I cannot wait to keep reading what's coming next into Avery's and Mattias's doomed world!
Needless to say that I recommend this spectacular first book in this series to everybody!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2023
The story is set in a post apocalyptic world full of zombies, werewolves, vampires in addition to some mysterious supernatural creatures who are presented as bloodthirsty beasts who want to destroy the humans and each other. The world presented by the author is dark and full of dangers. There is no room for love or empathy. Only one thing matters - survival. The most important question, however, is who really is the monster - supernaturals or humans? All is not as black and white as the humans in charge will try to portray.
It ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2. This book is so good. You should go read it, you won't be disappointed.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2. This book is so good. You should go read it, you won't be disappointed.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2023
Very Very Interesting.
This was a very quick read and while at the beginning I was trying to figure out where the story was going, by the end, I was completely engaged and wanting more. I want to know more! I want to know what happens with the main character, Avery, and what her future holds. I also want to know more about her dad and what his true role is in this world.
There are so many elements that have me curious for more and so many types of creatures that have me interested in the story. Vampires, witches, zombies, werewolves and angels. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
This was a very quick read and while at the beginning I was trying to figure out where the story was going, by the end, I was completely engaged and wanting more. I want to know more! I want to know what happens with the main character, Avery, and what her future holds. I also want to know more about her dad and what his true role is in this world.
There are so many elements that have me curious for more and so many types of creatures that have me interested in the story. Vampires, witches, zombies, werewolves and angels. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
January 16, 2024
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. The world has gone dark and the line divides the world. Humans on one side and everything else on the other. Avery and her family end up going to a military base because of her father's work. She has been trained as part of a team that goes out to look for supplies. She was also told that all the monsters must be killed and that if anyone in the community is bitten and turned it is a service to kill them. Avery sees that is happening with her father and starts to see not everything is as it seems. This book had me questioning a lot of things but in a good way. Wanting to know what was going to happen next.
September 27, 2024
Survive the Cursed is the thrilling first installment in the series, introducing us to the captivating Avery Winters. I absolutely adore her character! When her family evacuates to a local air force base as the world plunges into darkness, Avery must summon her strength to fight for their survival in this gripping apocalyptic paranormal romance.
The blend of high-stakes tension and emotional depth makes Avery’s journey both compelling and relatable. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes her next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blend of high-stakes tension and emotional depth makes Avery’s journey both compelling and relatable. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes her next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2025
The first book in These Cursed Origins series, Survive the Curse is a dark apocalyptic paranormal fantasy that digs itself into your soul! Ashton has a way with writing that makes everything so vividly real in your mind while taking you on an adventure in a world that doesn’t exist, but feels so intense and intimate. Avery’s character is so dimensional you can’t help but love her. The blend of an apocalyptic world with humans, vampires, witches, werewolves, and zombies was everything I didn’t know I needed in one book! On to the next in the series after that cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2023
From the moment I started Survive the Cursed, it hooked its claws in like one of the zombie characters it portrays. I knew this was book one in a series but I was NOT prepared for that ending. The disappointment was real when I flipped the page and realized the story was done. I anxiously await the next book and highly encourage you to read this!
August 31, 2023
💜🌆💀ORIGINAL!
The young woman's eyes couldn't stop looking at the three empty chairs as the commander continued his briefing.
A new team had joined them...
The young woman focused on the explanations given for the future mission.
Their lives all depended on it...
--------------------
An original fantasy reading, full of action and surprises, with a dark and dangerous universe, quite fascinating to read!
I found the author's writing style full of energy and action, but also sometimes difficult to follow.
A must read for fans of the genre!
The young woman's eyes couldn't stop looking at the three empty chairs as the commander continued his briefing.
A new team had joined them...
The young woman focused on the explanations given for the future mission.
Their lives all depended on it...
--------------------
An original fantasy reading, full of action and surprises, with a dark and dangerous universe, quite fascinating to read!
I found the author's writing style full of energy and action, but also sometimes difficult to follow.
A must read for fans of the genre!
November 20, 2023
All I can say is wow. Post apocalypse and it's humans versus supernatural beings. Avery Winters is a soldier through and though but somewhere in all the chaos that the new world brought, she finally had her eyes opened by none other than a vampire. When a mission goes wrong, she finds herself on the other side of the battle. This book was exciting from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
Uh...wtf
So... where's the plot?
This is dark and gruesome.
Have no idea where this is going or what the goal will be.
So far, I'm not attached to anyone because there's been no reason to be. There is no character development for anyone but Avery at this point.
The editing needs help. Wrong words, extra words, and missing words. Too and to confusion. It's a bit messy.
The writing is VERY choppy. Scene skipping at odd times.
This is a buddy read, and I've been assured it's a wild ride, which is the only reason I'm reading the next book.
So... where's the plot?
This is dark and gruesome.
Have no idea where this is going or what the goal will be.
So far, I'm not attached to anyone because there's been no reason to be. There is no character development for anyone but Avery at this point.
The editing needs help. Wrong words, extra words, and missing words. Too and to confusion. It's a bit messy.
The writing is VERY choppy. Scene skipping at odd times.
This is a buddy read, and I've been assured it's a wild ride, which is the only reason I'm reading the next book.
January 12, 2026
What a fascinating twist on an apocalyptic story. I loved how every monster was tossed in. The twists and turns in this was crazy. It was a pretty wild read for me, as I felt like Avery’s father was the monster. Not the monsters themselves. That man was just sick! And as Avery went forward, she was slowly starting to realize this about him. But she was such a strong FMC. I loved her character. Loved that she still had a heart despite what had taken place in the world. I thought this was dark and addicting. Looking forward to the next one.
January 18, 2026
4.5 stars!! I inhaled this book! Survive The Cursed is a dark post-apocalyptic romantasy. I think this is the first book that I have read that combines these three genres and I am obsessed!!! Very original with its world building, characters, and plot. My only criticism is that it is written a little choppy (doesn’t flow at times) and has grammatical errors that are distracting. BUT that’s just me being picky. The book itself was amazing, and I can’t wait to read book 2, and anything else that Ashton Abbott has written.
February 27, 2023
This was dark and bloody with an intense apocalypse world. Lots of fighting to survive. I would say this was a very slow burn that was a great add to the story. The main character is complex and strong and she was awesome. The little bits of spicy moments were so well done and powerful 🔥. I feel like this was a great first book. I am still thinking about it all. I’d love to read what happens next!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
Great start to a very interesting and captivatingly written series. This is not the first book by Ashton Abbott that I have read. I love her writing style because it makes the world come alive. The worldbuilding is fantastically written, so that you can imagine the world very well. I have learned to love the characters and their character development so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
Interesting take on the apocalypse. I’m interested in seeing where she takes the story in the next book. I was pleasantly surprised, it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be about. Didn’t have a lot of how and the why, just the current events and ongoing of what was happening, but I’m hoping to see what happened to take that world to that point.
September 4, 2023
Ashton Abbott is smoking with the inaugural book of the These Cursed Origins series. Abbott has demonstrated an excellent approach to character development and world building as well as an awesome imagination.
I received an advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2025
A great start of this paranormal series in a post-apocalyptic setting. The characters are well created and easy to emphasise with, the story is fast pathed end exciting - I really look forward to reading the next book to find aut more about Avery and the development of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2023
A different take on the downfall of the world as we know it. Of you like apocalyptic/dystopian future books, this one is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2023
I do appreciate the emergence of apocalyptic stories as they seem to become more real. This book was really good and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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