It’s funny how your life can change in the blink of an eye.
I thought I was doing the right thing.
That I was on the right side.
Living after the world ends is difficult, but I had managed to find a new sense of normalcy.
I had friends, an ex who I still worked with and occasionally checked out.
Nate.
We may have had our issues but when push came to shove, we had each other’s backs.
Until I really needed him.
Until his faith in me was truly tested.
I can’t be too mad at him.
My parents turned on me too.
I went from being a soldier for the humans, to an imprisoned monster overnight.
Then my old life officially came to a close, and I was thrust into the new without a clue of what to do.
Without any notion of who I was.
Or am.
I used to be Avery Winters, human soldier with honors and daughter of the infamous Dr. Winters. My family lived safely behind the walls of Eglin Air Force Base while the rest of the world lay in destruction and darkness.
I had love.
Protection.
Security.
Now, I have nothing.
But my eyes are open.
Everyone I love in this world now thinks I’m a monster.
The enemy.
But as I run for my life in the dead of night I know one thing for certain.
It’s easier for them to call me a monster.
Because if I wasn’t, that would mean one thing.
The blood on their hands isn’t in the name of righteousness.
It’s in the name of evil.
Join Avery and Mattias in this dark paranormal fantasy based in a post-apocalyptic world!
This is book two in the Cursed Origins series and is best if the books are read in order. Be mindful of the trigger warnings and mind the cliff!
The Cursed Origins Series
Survive the Cursed Become the Cursed Transcend the Cursed The Cursed Origin Series is intended for a mature audience 18+. There are graphic scenes depicting situations that can be triggering for some. Please read the trigger warnings before reading!
Ashton 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!
This is book two of the These Cursed Origins series and Avery Winters life has changed from being a human soldier fighting against monsters, to becoming one of these monsters herself and trying to save another, Mattias, who is a vampire chained up in her father’s lab. After returning from the horror she and her team found on that ship, they have all apparently changed, but into what is the question. The very witches that were supposed to be hunting her, have now set her and Mattias free and they are running for their lives. Mattias is in charge of the direction they are heading in and now they move at night and sleep if they can during the day, due to him avoiding the sun at all costs. Avery has a few surprises come her way about what she is and even has opposing voices talking or shouting to her in her head, not just the Source that other supernaturals seem to have. She still has her sense of humanity, but both of them are starving, him for blood but refusing hers, and Avery for who knows what, as yet. She soon finds that one out and is horrified by what she does!
Her humanity still shines through when she tries to save humans over monsters, even though Mattias keeps trying to remind her that she is now one of those monsters, and their directive is to kill humans, to wipe out all of humanity! She can’t agree with that and will only kill those who are trying to kill them or other innocents. When she does, Mattias is knocked out as such and only comes to afterwards, until near the end when she figures out a different way of killing without pain and suffering. She is given pushes by the voices within her, to do more and to test out her powers, but she refuses to leave Mattias, the first one to make her question whether she and others like her were actually in the right, to kill all monsters on sight, or if what she had been taught was completely wrong. Mattias finds her decision making difficult to understand, having spent much longer as a monster, until he finally understands her at the end, when they end up in a horrific situation with a whole load of vampires and their human prisoners. Avery saves the life of a human fighter, Tyler, whose group has already worked with some other supernaturals. Another twist at the end of this story, but it just leaves you waiting for more and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Full of action and some difficult decisions about what to do next, as they have to escape the situations they find themselves in. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
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.
Damn. Become the Cursed wasn’t just a sequel—it was a gut-punch wrapped in betrayal, identity crisis, and rage-fueled clarity. I went in thinking I was ready after book one, but Ashton Abbott does not hold back. This one burns. This isn’t just about surviving anymore. It’s about becoming. Becoming something feared. Hunted. Cast out. And in Avery’s case? Misunderstood to the bone. Watching her unravel everything she thought was true about herself, her family, and her purpose—it hurt. I felt every ounce of it. Because when people you love—people who raised you, fought beside you, kissed you—turn on you the second you stop fitting their mold? Yeah… that cuts deep. And let me tell you, I wanted to shake Nate so damn hard. That man had the chance to stand by her, to prove he was more than just a pretty face from her past, but nope. Coward. Self-righteous coward. (Do I still secretly want him to grovel on his knees later? You bet.) What I wasn’t prepared for, though, was the way Mattias quietly dug his way under my skin. Dark, brooding, patient—he sees Avery for what she’s becoming and doesn’t flinch. There’s no trying to “fix” her. Just this steady, quiet belief that she’s more than what they all say she is. And that? That kind of love, the kind built on ash and ruin—it hits different. The writing? Haunting and visceral. I swear, I could feel the cold dirt under Avery’s fingers as she crawled from one identity into the next. The pacing had my heart in my throat. I was rooting for her, screaming for her, cursing the world she used to defend. By the end of this book, Avery isn’t broken. She’s remade. Sharpened. And I was right there with her, ready to burn down everything that dared call her cursed. This series isn’t light. It’s brutal, messy, and claws at your soul. But it’s real—for anyone who’s ever been betrayed by their own, doubted their worth, or had to rebuild from the wreckage. I’m hooked. I’m hollowed out. And I need book three like the air in my lungs. Brace yourself—Become the Cursed isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to awaken you.
Potential spoilers, so don't read this until you've read the book.
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Okay, some people might be upset with where this went, but not me! Not everything is or should be a HEA. Especially in a world like this. Great job to the author for taking risks and keeping it gritty.
This is a very high-level read. It doesn't go deep into emotional detail. It's dark, it's a bit gorie, but it's not overly explicit in the major trigger warning aspect of this book. You definitely know things happen, and you definitely know it's not gentle. I think the author did a good job of that, not getting grossly explicit, but not entirely shielding it, either. It definitely could trigger someone, though, so take her trigger warnings to heart.
This book was much better than the first for me. There are still a lot of editing issues. She put her ears over her hands at one point. I'm not sure how that one came about, lol.
There's not a lot of action still. And it's still mostly told to you. Very little dialogue, so you don't get to know the characters very well. And that is the big issue for me here. A major character was killed, and I didn't feel anything for them. Though the way it happened was sad, I'm not devastated about losing that character because I didn't know them.
These are short. They feel like short stories, too. They're more about the end goal than they are about the journey, at least for me. Still, it's interesting.
First off, I definitely recommend this book and the one before it. With that being said, I am honestly a little saddened by this book. I definitely don’t want to put spoilers out there, but I almost feel like I want to cry on this ending. I was not expecting that and I honestly was hoping for the development of a good relationship for Avery. I mean, I understand that in a way it needed to happen, and that there would always be the past to contend with, but ugh! 😩 The emotion! Avery continues to struggle in this book. But her struggles are different than from the 1st book. She is free from the conflicts from before and is on a journey away from all she has known. In this one, she is trying to figure out how to live with her new self, really figure out where she belongs and try to find a definite balance between good and evil. In a way, to me, it seems like regardless of what you are; Supe or human, you have the ability to be good or evil. I think maybe she is capable of really seeing that. Or at least I hope so. I really like this world, the different aspects and elements of creatures and post apocalyptic earth, and I really like the personalities and depths of the characters. If you are debating on reading this, stop and just do it.
Picking up right where book one left off, the reader is thrust into a mystifying and complex story.
Avery’s entire world is turned on it’s head. She is no longer the Avery of her past but who is she supposed to be now? What side is she supposed to support and defend? Who is good? Who can she trust? And the questions continue. Nothing is the same and the hunt for what is right and truthful is paramount.
The excellent world building continues in book two and can be quite visceral at times. This series will challenge you and intrigue you for sure. I’m absolutely captivated and need to know how this story will end!
A couple special notes:
Book one and two end on cliffhangers so be prepared to read the entire series in order for full understanding and enjoyment.
This series contains graphic material that could be triggering to some. The author has trigger warnings available for your consideration.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Become the Cursed takes a decidedly darker turn from book one as we get into the grittier side of the war between humans and supes. Avery is struggling with what she has become and doesn’t know how to control her powers. I am disturbed by the voices in her head trying to control her. The ones who have given her powered and changed her to a supernatural. On one hand it’s a unique twist on becoming a supernatural but in a demented way. I’m not sure I like the aspect that free will is not necessarily on the table and your constantly battling voices trying to force you to murder spree all the time. I’d much rather see the characters fight the temptation of using there powers in harmful ways then trying not to go insane and be controlled. Avery battles to stay herself at great cost. This book is dark violent and possibly triggering. As Avery is tortured to the brink of insanity and loses herself in a spree of vengeance. Can Avery be redeemed does she want to be? Only book three holds those answers.
The second part of the series is darker than the first, but just as compelling. The story picks up where the previous book ended, so it is required to read them in order. After losing not only her human life but also family and friends who have turned their backs on her, Avery must not only find out what she has become but also choose who she wants to be in the war between humans and the Supernaturals. However, this is not easy, as the Reapers are expected to fight the human plague. Additionally, her species is one of the most mysterious and deadly to both humans and the Supernaturals. In this part of the series we will not find a happy ending, but only more pain, which will determine the further fate of Avery. As before, the book ends on a cliffhanger. I am curious what the author has prepared in the final part of the series and I regret that I have to wait so long for its publication.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two 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.
This is a dystopian fantasy that really pacts a big impact. I loved the first book and this second one has left an equal feeling but for a different reason. The strong connections of the characters, the emotional pull, the introspection and self reflection are amazing but most of all the fight they all go through. The fight to keep going. This made me cry and only great stories can do that for me! Wow what a story this is!! This is a palette cleanse every reader needs. A strong series that makes you need a minute to digest it all. What a story, what an amazing writer! You need this. It’s dark and violent with a good cap to that, it immerses you in their world and makes you feel it all. Amazing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Become the Cursed is a fascinating return to the Cursed Origins series that takes a darker turn from the first book, diving deep into the dark realities of the war between humans and supernatural's. Avery grapples with her transformation, struggling to control her newfound powers while being haunted by the disturbing voices in her head. The challenges and character growth from book one to book two is amazing.
This unique twist on becoming a supernatural is both intriguing and unsettling, adding layers of complexity to Avery’s journey. I’m thoroughly enjoying the direction the series is taking and can’t wait to dive into book three!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoy reading anything by Ashton Abbott she just grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. And with this book she took us on a journey that was just as enjoyable as you would expect and she threw Avery into some darker places than I was expecting. But the way she wrote it makes you not put the book down until it's over. Please read the trigger warnings and be prepared for something that you won't expect. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone. Now we just have to wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second instalment from this haunting story was thrilling and it kept me on my toes. Every twist and turn was exciting and not what I was expecting from it. I loved the camaraderie between Avery and Mattias and how they supported one another throughout their struggle and vulnerability. Then a new character comes into play and I cannot wait to keep reading it and find out what's next in store for Avery's journey. It's thrilling the many upcoming possibilities of her self discovery and the hope of a new and better world.
I highly recommend this book and plot to everyone into this genre :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in These Cursed Origins series, Become the Cursed picks right where we left off in book one. Questions are answered while others arise to keep you hanging in suspense in the gloriously beautiful apocalyptic/dystopian setting of a new world. Avery continues to develop as a character you’ll love. I love the way Abbott is able to write so you’re always surprised by what comes next, holding you prisoner till the climatic cliff she’s so fantastic at!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars. Avery becoming transformation ,and dealing with powers and voices of the Source. Mattias is there to help,but then both of them are captured by humans.Vampires find them and they want Avery, she's something they never seen and stop at nothing to understand her power.
Trough abuse and torture, will Avery save herself and her friends? Will she be a savior or humans worst nightmare?
It was fast paced and engaging read,check warnings as there is some heavy stuff. Moving on to book 3. Thank you booksprout and author for free copy.
This was so good! This story just keeps getting better. And Avery is one amazing character. Her growth is amazing. I loved the twists in this one. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this one. As time goes on, the story is just so in depth. She’s a monster on the run now. She’s what she used to hunt. O. M. G! What a turn! My header was pounding while I read this one. I’m so excited to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a captivating second book in this series! Exciting and interesting storyline that will make you not want to put the book down. I love the growth and development of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really longed to get this book to keep up with Avery‘s story and her journey and I wasn‘t disappointed or let down. It‘s a wonderful continuation of the story and a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is most definitely a page turner. It’s a really good book and I really enjoyed reading it. It really just draws you in and keep you captivated during the whole book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to say this was a very go0d read for me and I enjoyed it and would recommend it. I thought the characters from the previous story was in this one and added to their stories very nicely and this is my opinion.