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The Ozero Curse #1
A Curse of Tooth and Claw
Unleash the darkness with A Curse of Tooth and Claw, the thrilling first installment in the Ozero Curse series. Shadow and Bone fans will love this mature YA/NA Dark Fantasy Romance filled with rich Aztec mythology and a Latin-American-inspired world.
Meet Kiki Xochicale, a Slayer in the Demoncorps of Ozero, who patrols the dangerous Cicatrix with the mission of protecting her kingdom from demons. But when her best friend goes missing, Kiki embarks on a journey into the heart of the Cicatrix to uncover the truth. With the help of her fellow Slayers and a group of cursed princes, she sets out to save her friend and break the ancient curse that plagues Ozero.
This book is not for the faint of heart and contains mature and graphic content. Dark romance at its finest, this novel explores the complexities of love and desire. If you enjoy fated mates, forced proximity, and bad@ss female leads, then A Curse of Tooth and Claw is the book for you. Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and is only the first in the series. For a detailed trigger warning, visit Get to know Nicolette Elzie, the author of Babydoll and a master of grimdark poetry. Follow her on TikTok @authornicoletteelzie and immerse yourself in her love for folklore and dark fantasy. Read A Curse of Tooth and Claw today and join Kiki on her journey to break the Ozero curse!
Meet Kiki Xochicale, a Slayer in the Demoncorps of Ozero, who patrols the dangerous Cicatrix with the mission of protecting her kingdom from demons. But when her best friend goes missing, Kiki embarks on a journey into the heart of the Cicatrix to uncover the truth. With the help of her fellow Slayers and a group of cursed princes, she sets out to save her friend and break the ancient curse that plagues Ozero.
This book is not for the faint of heart and contains mature and graphic content. Dark romance at its finest, this novel explores the complexities of love and desire. If you enjoy fated mates, forced proximity, and bad@ss female leads, then A Curse of Tooth and Claw is the book for you. Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and is only the first in the series. For a detailed trigger warning, visit Get to know Nicolette Elzie, the author of Babydoll and a master of grimdark poetry. Follow her on TikTok @authornicoletteelzie and immerse yourself in her love for folklore and dark fantasy. Read A Curse of Tooth and Claw today and join Kiki on her journey to break the Ozero curse!
285 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2023
63 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Nicolette Elzie
12 books82 followersNicolette is an international-selling author known for her grimdark poetry book Babydoll. Her stories range from folklore to dark fantasy, but the root of all her novels is fierce love. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book, spending time with her family, or exploring the National Capital.
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February 8, 2023this sounds so interesting!
January 10, 2023
I received an ARC of this story for review.
A Curse of Tooth and Claw, by Nicolette Elzie is a dark fantasy and the first book in (what I hope is) The Ozero Curse series. It’s what the author deems a fractured fairytale based on Mexican folklore and written for the Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) audiences.This book will quickly become a favorite for those fans like myself who as children loved the friendship in books like Harry Potter, and later found themselves enraptured by the same qualities in series like Crescent City (by Sarah J. Maas). Add to that the quirky banter, and no bullshit ass kicking female characters, and you’ve got A Curse of Tooth and Claw.
At first glance, we’re thrown into Kiki’s world of demon slaying, complete with bitchy commanders on power trips. However, we as readers quickly realize that this story isn’t just about her, and we’re given third person views from numerous other characters within the Ozero realm, adding a depth and sense of wonder I wasn’t anticipating. In Elzie’s rag tag group of heroes, you’ll be sure to find one or more characters that you relate to; from the meek mousey friend, to your “overly confidant-emotionally charged- road dog for life,” or even the nice guy who gets passed over.
As forewarned, the story is loosely based on the Mexican folklore of the Bear Prince with slight sentiments of other fairytales, and tons of favorite book tropes thrown through out (can we say fated mates AND forced proximity, swoon!) Elzie does a great job at building the story up and reeling us as the reader in with breadcrumbs of what’s to come, leaving us (100%) wanting for the next book in the series.
If you’re like me, you realized too late that each chapter had a song as its namesake, and that there was a whole Spotify playlist that accompanied the novel. After realizing that, the chapter names made way more sense! I think indicating the song information, or even including a link to the song at the start of each chapter would be awesome, and then just the chapter number and character’s POV as the chapter headings. Either way, you DEFINITELY want to listen to the playlist as you go along. It adds a dimension and tone to the story building in your head as you read, understanding the characters from the authors writing view and setting the mood for what you are in for.
If you are a fan fractured fairytales and YA/NA books, this book is definitely for you. Ms. Author… I’ll take that second book in the series now!
A Curse of Tooth and Claw, by Nicolette Elzie is a dark fantasy and the first book in (what I hope is) The Ozero Curse series. It’s what the author deems a fractured fairytale based on Mexican folklore and written for the Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) audiences.This book will quickly become a favorite for those fans like myself who as children loved the friendship in books like Harry Potter, and later found themselves enraptured by the same qualities in series like Crescent City (by Sarah J. Maas). Add to that the quirky banter, and no bullshit ass kicking female characters, and you’ve got A Curse of Tooth and Claw.
At first glance, we’re thrown into Kiki’s world of demon slaying, complete with bitchy commanders on power trips. However, we as readers quickly realize that this story isn’t just about her, and we’re given third person views from numerous other characters within the Ozero realm, adding a depth and sense of wonder I wasn’t anticipating. In Elzie’s rag tag group of heroes, you’ll be sure to find one or more characters that you relate to; from the meek mousey friend, to your “overly confidant-emotionally charged- road dog for life,” or even the nice guy who gets passed over.
As forewarned, the story is loosely based on the Mexican folklore of the Bear Prince with slight sentiments of other fairytales, and tons of favorite book tropes thrown through out (can we say fated mates AND forced proximity, swoon!) Elzie does a great job at building the story up and reeling us as the reader in with breadcrumbs of what’s to come, leaving us (100%) wanting for the next book in the series.
If you’re like me, you realized too late that each chapter had a song as its namesake, and that there was a whole Spotify playlist that accompanied the novel. After realizing that, the chapter names made way more sense! I think indicating the song information, or even including a link to the song at the start of each chapter would be awesome, and then just the chapter number and character’s POV as the chapter headings. Either way, you DEFINITELY want to listen to the playlist as you go along. It adds a dimension and tone to the story building in your head as you read, understanding the characters from the authors writing view and setting the mood for what you are in for.
If you are a fan fractured fairytales and YA/NA books, this book is definitely for you. Ms. Author… I’ll take that second book in the series now!
July 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I think this was a really cool take on The Bear Prince story.
I do think that there were a few too many POVs in such a short book. There was just a little too much going on at one time. I wish each fated pair had their own novel so that there could be more character development and less context switching.
Outside of that I loved this book and I can't wait to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review.
I do think that there were a few too many POVs in such a short book. There was just a little too much going on at one time. I wish each fated pair had their own novel so that there could be more character development and less context switching.
Outside of that I loved this book and I can't wait to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
I truly loved the idea of the curse turning these princes into bears, it’s certainly a plot line I haven’t experienced and it had my attention from start to finish. I’m SO excited to get book 2… especially after those bonus scenes!! I definitely suggest picking up the audio for this series (I can already tell the rest will be good!)
The narrators did a fantastic job with all of the points of view. I couldn’t have pictured it better in my head especially the way Kiki sounds!! She could be quite juvenile and petty at times and it definitely sounded the same internal monologue or dialogue!!
The narrators did a fantastic job with all of the points of view. I couldn’t have pictured it better in my head especially the way Kiki sounds!! She could be quite juvenile and petty at times and it definitely sounded the same internal monologue or dialogue!!
August 3, 2023
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
I actually really enjoyed this book. It’s a great recreation of a fable/fairy tale and I liked the ways Elzie ran with the story.
- Badass FMC
- Women shown to be strong in different ways
- Fated mates storyline
I do agree that there were a few too many POVs for such a short story and a couple of spelling mistakes slipped past the edits but nothing too distracting. A great novel to read quickly and easily, but I wish each pair had a different book!
I actually really enjoyed this book. It’s a great recreation of a fable/fairy tale and I liked the ways Elzie ran with the story.
- Badass FMC
- Women shown to be strong in different ways
- Fated mates storyline
I do agree that there were a few too many POVs for such a short story and a couple of spelling mistakes slipped past the edits but nothing too distracting. A great novel to read quickly and easily, but I wish each pair had a different book!
July 1, 2023
I had the opportunity to ARC read this book and I’m so grateful I did. The only reason I gave it four stars is because of how slow it starts at the beginning (granted, the world building will make any book start slow), otherwise I loved it. The storyline is written greatly and I love the main character, Kiki.
As a Latina woman it’s so hard to find representation in fantasy books and I’m so glad I was able to finally find that representation.
As a Latina woman it’s so hard to find representation in fantasy books and I’m so glad I was able to finally find that representation.
May 21, 2023
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and this book is definitely 10/10! From the very beginning Nicolette transports us to an amazing world that you’ll think about for days after you’ve put the book down. I honestly can’t wait for the next book and to see what happens next.
January 14, 2026
If you’re curious about a Mexican-mythology-inspired romantasy with cursed beastly princes, women who take down demons, and a sweet found family friend trio, then you’ll enjoy A Curse of Tooth and Claw. I wasn’t quite the right reader for this book, but I hope it finds its people!
We’re following Quirera - Kiki for short - who is working her way through the ranks of the Demon Corps to become a full Slayer. In her home of Ozero, the wall in front of the Cicatrax is the only border between safety and violent demons. And for orphans like herself and so many others who lost their families when the dark split took over the land, the army is their best bet.
But when her less-of-a-fighter friend Yarixa goes missing and her bosses won’t let Kiki venture into the Cicatrax to bring her home, she can’t accept those orders. Along with her other friends - a magical healer and a young man who has always loved her - she has to follow the trail and figure out what really happened.
The world itself interested me; I’ll always lean in when I hear about a dark cavernous mysterious divide (thinking about standing on the wall at night and staring into the blackness is always freaky) and demons. There were some elements pulled from existing mythology and stories (The Bear Prince and Beauty and the Beast mostly), but the author also threw in lore that was very unique to this book.
The writing itself never quite gripped me. There’s exposition and info-dumping that felt a bit clunky, and everything was very plainly stated. I did like the dialogue between the main trio of friends (their language felt more natural), but the flow overall wasn’t quite there for me.
Overall, this is a romance book. The fantasy is mostly background and ornamental, and it felt like all the energy was put into this frenetic rush towards the couplings. It’s a fated mate situation, and the plot was just conveniently laid out to get all of these different pairings together (everyone knows each other and everyone runs into each other). If you’re into insta love, only one bed, touch her and die, forced proximity, and other fated mates tropes like those, you’ll be into this I think.
I did find the characters interesting overall. Kiki is continually called out for a lack of empathy, but I felt as though her actions showed she cares SO much for her friends and everyone in her circle. If anything, she’s just immature and rash and doesn’t think about the full breadth of consequences for her actions - she’s young and has that youthful selfishness - but she’s not really a jerk.
Overall, I wanted way more mythology and way more twists and turns. I was hoping for a folkloric vibe and we didn’t get that at all. If anything, we leaned a little TOO close to a copy + paste of Beauty and the Beast at times. A suspended magical rose and a scene where the prince leads his love interest (eyes closed) into a private, gorgeous library that he doesn’t use and she loves … it was just the same scene.
I do want to give a shoutout to the detailed playlist at the start of the book! And I’m sure there’s a lot more to come in the rest of the series. I think people who love romance-centered stories will enjoy this one, too.
CW: murder, death, war, kidnapping, drugging, injury, fire, gore, child abuse, sexual assault, sexual content
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
We’re following Quirera - Kiki for short - who is working her way through the ranks of the Demon Corps to become a full Slayer. In her home of Ozero, the wall in front of the Cicatrax is the only border between safety and violent demons. And for orphans like herself and so many others who lost their families when the dark split took over the land, the army is their best bet.
But when her less-of-a-fighter friend Yarixa goes missing and her bosses won’t let Kiki venture into the Cicatrax to bring her home, she can’t accept those orders. Along with her other friends - a magical healer and a young man who has always loved her - she has to follow the trail and figure out what really happened.
The world itself interested me; I’ll always lean in when I hear about a dark cavernous mysterious divide (thinking about standing on the wall at night and staring into the blackness is always freaky) and demons. There were some elements pulled from existing mythology and stories (The Bear Prince and Beauty and the Beast mostly), but the author also threw in lore that was very unique to this book.
The writing itself never quite gripped me. There’s exposition and info-dumping that felt a bit clunky, and everything was very plainly stated. I did like the dialogue between the main trio of friends (their language felt more natural), but the flow overall wasn’t quite there for me.
Overall, this is a romance book. The fantasy is mostly background and ornamental, and it felt like all the energy was put into this frenetic rush towards the couplings. It’s a fated mate situation, and the plot was just conveniently laid out to get all of these different pairings together (everyone knows each other and everyone runs into each other). If you’re into insta love, only one bed, touch her and die, forced proximity, and other fated mates tropes like those, you’ll be into this I think.
I did find the characters interesting overall. Kiki is continually called out for a lack of empathy, but I felt as though her actions showed she cares SO much for her friends and everyone in her circle. If anything, she’s just immature and rash and doesn’t think about the full breadth of consequences for her actions - she’s young and has that youthful selfishness - but she’s not really a jerk.
Overall, I wanted way more mythology and way more twists and turns. I was hoping for a folkloric vibe and we didn’t get that at all. If anything, we leaned a little TOO close to a copy + paste of Beauty and the Beast at times. A suspended magical rose and a scene where the prince leads his love interest (eyes closed) into a private, gorgeous library that he doesn’t use and she loves … it was just the same scene.
I do want to give a shoutout to the detailed playlist at the start of the book! And I’m sure there’s a lot more to come in the rest of the series. I think people who love romance-centered stories will enjoy this one, too.
CW: murder, death, war, kidnapping, drugging, injury, fire, gore, child abuse, sexual assault, sexual content
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
June 29, 2023
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review and here it is. This book is a fun and quick read! What I really like about Kiki, the FMC, is that she starts out already being a badass! Many times the FMC starts out weak or struggling and then becomes a fierce warrior or close to that. But Kiki is already warrior and a demon slayer! So what I think is that this story will definitely be about her character, and love story, which who doesn’t love that too! Her best friend disappears and she believes she was kidnapped, so she begins looking for her. Now the demons that are described are creepy lol. I’m fine reading it but when I picture how they might look like in real life 😰 they are scary!
Now, from here on out there will be **SPOILERS**, so if you don’t want to know anything then 🛑STOP READING🛑. I also love the story about the curse. I’ve never knew about the folklore this story is based on but within the story I want to know what happens! And I also want to know about the brothers’ story!!! Why are the twins enemies? Who is really the bad one? Whats going to happen to Yari? What’s going to happen now?
This story is a multiple POV and even though at first I wasn’t sure if I was gonna like it, I’ve been reading too many first POV lately and love them, I liked it. It felt like a tv show in a book. The only thing that I might not like about the multiple POV is that there is one of the characters POVs that I would’ve wanted a whole book on them!! Sol’s story! Beginning, middle, End! Where they came from, how they started, how they ended up where they are, the slow burn of their love interest!!!!! I hated her at first but then I wanted to know more about her. Ughhhh.. pero ok.
I give it 4 stars because this book was a fun read AND I want to know what’s going to happen next! I can’t wait for book 2!! It does have a spice scene, in case you were wondering.
Now, from here on out there will be **SPOILERS**, so if you don’t want to know anything then 🛑STOP READING🛑. I also love the story about the curse. I’ve never knew about the folklore this story is based on but within the story I want to know what happens! And I also want to know about the brothers’ story!!! Why are the twins enemies? Who is really the bad one? Whats going to happen to Yari? What’s going to happen now?
This story is a multiple POV and even though at first I wasn’t sure if I was gonna like it, I’ve been reading too many first POV lately and love them, I liked it. It felt like a tv show in a book. The only thing that I might not like about the multiple POV is that there is one of the characters POVs that I would’ve wanted a whole book on them!! Sol’s story! Beginning, middle, End! Where they came from, how they started, how they ended up where they are, the slow burn of their love interest!!!!! I hated her at first but then I wanted to know more about her. Ughhhh.. pero ok.
I give it 4 stars because this book was a fun read AND I want to know what’s going to happen next! I can’t wait for book 2!! It does have a spice scene, in case you were wondering.
July 7, 2023
Oooohhhhh this was such a fun read I enjoyed every aspect of the fairytale retelling, the fantasy, demons, action, passion, spice and soooo much more. If you’re a fan of fantasy please give this a read and it’s just the beginning of this series. Kiki is an extremely strong, independent woman who will do anything and everything for the ones she loves. This world she’s in is plagued with demons who love to cross barriers and try to destroy their world. Kiki is a highly gifted Demon Slayer but often doesn’t play by the rules. She will do anything to protect Luna and Yarixa and she can’t wait until they are assigned somewhere warmer. Unfortunately Luna and Yarixa are harboring secret’s because they don’t want to hurt Kiki. Right when their lives are about to change for possibly the better everything seems to fall apart. Kiki makes the craziest decision in everyone’s eyes however to her there was no choice her sister by choice is in trouble she must save her. Erasmo is a prince who resides on the other side of the Cicatrix which essentially is what divided Kiki’s world from his. Neither knows that the other exists and Erasmo just wants to live his life. Erasmo and his family have been cursed and slowly they seem to be losing their humanity and just becoming the beasts that live inside them. Erasmo will do anything to keep his humanity intact. Potential War for control of the realm is ever present. Arlando might be the older twin by a few minutes however he’s not safe from Erasmo and the curse. However what happens when missing twins are found again? What if Erasmo and Arlando find their mates? Will the curse win in the end? These are just some of the things I questioned while reading this fantastic book and I’m so excited to read the next one!!!
June 14, 2024
So much was going on in such a short amount of time that everything felt rushed. Have you ever seen one of those movies where they jump through time, giving you a 30-second view of the surroundings before whisking you away to another scene? This is how I felt reading this novel.
Kiki was supposed to be the FMC, but I only knew that from the synopsis. About a third of the POVs were from her, while the rest were from around ten other characters. Honestly, it wasn't until Solana's POV appeared about two-thirds of the book that I realized she was my favorite character. I wished she had been the FMC instead.
Kiki drove me crazy with how single-minded she was throughout the story, which made it hard to see her as the FMC. It felt like there was an outline of the plot, and Kiki was just moving through it, being inserted here and there without any actual development, while the focus shifted to other characters.
I really liked the idea of the Bear Prince, and I loved that the story had a rich cultural base inspired by Mexican traditions. However, I just wish it had more substance. I wanted more depth so I could get invested in the story and its characters. Unfortunately, it felt more like meeting someone at a store, having a random chat, and then a week later remembering the conversation but not the person or their face. This is how this book made me feel.
I don't know if I want to read the second book because I ended up skimming the end of this one. I might just jump to the last book to see how it all ends. I'm really on the fence about this.
Kiki was supposed to be the FMC, but I only knew that from the synopsis. About a third of the POVs were from her, while the rest were from around ten other characters. Honestly, it wasn't until Solana's POV appeared about two-thirds of the book that I realized she was my favorite character. I wished she had been the FMC instead.
Kiki drove me crazy with how single-minded she was throughout the story, which made it hard to see her as the FMC. It felt like there was an outline of the plot, and Kiki was just moving through it, being inserted here and there without any actual development, while the focus shifted to other characters.
I really liked the idea of the Bear Prince, and I loved that the story had a rich cultural base inspired by Mexican traditions. However, I just wish it had more substance. I wanted more depth so I could get invested in the story and its characters. Unfortunately, it felt more like meeting someone at a store, having a random chat, and then a week later remembering the conversation but not the person or their face. This is how this book made me feel.
I don't know if I want to read the second book because I ended up skimming the end of this one. I might just jump to the last book to see how it all ends. I'm really on the fence about this.
June 16, 2023
The Kingdom is split in two by the darkness of the cicatrix and the demon horde which attacks Ozero. The demon Corps, a group of slayers patrol the wall ready to kill the demons as they attack to protect the rest of the people on their side of the darkness. Kiki is known as the Sicario and she is fearless when facing demons, she is also very protective of her two best friends, Luna and Yari so when Yari disappears and is said to have been taken into the cicatrix she decides to follow no matter what. Others count Yuri off as dead, however she won't ever give up on her friend and she never breaks a promise. However once she attempts to cross the cicatrix she is joined by her ex-boyfriend Turi also a slayer, by Luna who is a healer but not a warrior, and an assassin called Aurelia who promises she can take them safely through the darkness. But can they trust this stranger who they free from the dungeon? What happens once they cross is surprising and very dark, Turi has his own secrets, and Kiki soon realises that they had all been living a lie as what they all feared was just an illusion to hide the curse. This is a very intriguing dark fantasy tale in which friends do not give up on one another no matter how dark the path gets! And I loved this book and need to read book 2 ASAP.
August 13, 2023
2.5/5 stars
This book was very up and down for me. There were aspects of the story that I really loved, but then I felt that some things were very derivative. For example, I loved the way this book adapted The Bear Prince (which I looked up and read an translation of), and I was very interested in the way the book handled different family dynamics (found family/family of choice, discovering new family, estranged family relations), however there were two specific back to back scenes that were almost directly out of Disney's Beauty and the Beast down to the dialogue, and the Cicatrix seemed like an offshoot the Unsea/Shadow fold in the Grishaverse novels.
The bigger issue for me came from the large number of typos and gramatical errors throughout the text (I was reading an ebook copy that was a .epub file). Each time I came across one of these, it took me out of the story a bit. I also noticed some inconsistencies in details like a character "dropping to a knee" when the character had already knelt down earlier in the scene, or the eyes of one of the bears being described as black in one scene, then blue in the next.
Ultimately, I liked the story, but the editing issues hindered my enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was very up and down for me. There were aspects of the story that I really loved, but then I felt that some things were very derivative. For example, I loved the way this book adapted The Bear Prince (which I looked up and read an translation of), and I was very interested in the way the book handled different family dynamics (found family/family of choice, discovering new family, estranged family relations), however there were two specific back to back scenes that were almost directly out of Disney's Beauty and the Beast down to the dialogue, and the Cicatrix seemed like an offshoot the Unsea/Shadow fold in the Grishaverse novels.
The bigger issue for me came from the large number of typos and gramatical errors throughout the text (I was reading an ebook copy that was a .epub file). Each time I came across one of these, it took me out of the story a bit. I also noticed some inconsistencies in details like a character "dropping to a knee" when the character had already knelt down earlier in the scene, or the eyes of one of the bears being described as black in one scene, then blue in the next.
Ultimately, I liked the story, but the editing issues hindered my enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2023
A Curse of Tooth and Claw is a multi POV and has fated mates, who did this to you, touch her and 💀, one bed, one horse, and a curse!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and dove right in. Honestly, it took me a little bit to get into it. It could have just been my head space at the time but as the story progressed there were moments where I was really invested. At first there were some point of views that I didn’t think were necessary but as I kept going it made more and more sense. My favorite part of the entire book were the last 2 chapters because I am such a sucker for some tension and I love that Kiki pushes back and isn’t all about instalove. The whole can I or can’t I trust you is my vibe. I wish I would have gotten more of that and now I need more of it. I love a good curse and the role of the “villain” in this book is intriguing.
I’m also a sucker for playlists with books and after reading the book the playlist was a vibe and made me reflect on everything I just read and it all made so much sense looking at the story as a whole.
I would definitely read book 2 to see where this journey takes us. I need more Erasmo and Kiki!
Overall:
4 ⭐️
🌶️ 1.5
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and dove right in. Honestly, it took me a little bit to get into it. It could have just been my head space at the time but as the story progressed there were moments where I was really invested. At first there were some point of views that I didn’t think were necessary but as I kept going it made more and more sense. My favorite part of the entire book were the last 2 chapters because I am such a sucker for some tension and I love that Kiki pushes back and isn’t all about instalove. The whole can I or can’t I trust you is my vibe. I wish I would have gotten more of that and now I need more of it. I love a good curse and the role of the “villain” in this book is intriguing.
I’m also a sucker for playlists with books and after reading the book the playlist was a vibe and made me reflect on everything I just read and it all made so much sense looking at the story as a whole.
I would definitely read book 2 to see where this journey takes us. I need more Erasmo and Kiki!
Overall:
4 ⭐️
🌶️ 1.5
July 1, 2023
A Curse of Tooth and Claw by Nicolette Elzie is book one in The Ozero Curse Series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am a fan! This was so well done that I couldn’t put the book down once I started… I was so invested. I will say this book does end on a cliffhanger as there are other books in the series coming. Also, check your trigger warnings just to be on the safe side.
This book is phenomenally written and Nicolette does a fantastic job with the descriptions that you can clearly picture everything as you are reading. The book starts a little slow but it does pick up the pace as you go. Also, there’s not a bunch of spice in this but I think it’s coming. I love the play on the beauty and the beast vibes and all the amazing trope such as fated mates. (Which I’m always a sucker for!) A big bonus with me is it deals with Aztec mythology; and I LOVE a story with good lore! The characters are so well done they have such depth and feel to them. I absolutely loved them!!! (They’re all pretty badass in their own way) I cannot wait to read the next book! This is highly recommended!!!
“One curse to destroy them all.”
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
This book is phenomenally written and Nicolette does a fantastic job with the descriptions that you can clearly picture everything as you are reading. The book starts a little slow but it does pick up the pace as you go. Also, there’s not a bunch of spice in this but I think it’s coming. I love the play on the beauty and the beast vibes and all the amazing trope such as fated mates. (Which I’m always a sucker for!) A big bonus with me is it deals with Aztec mythology; and I LOVE a story with good lore! The characters are so well done they have such depth and feel to them. I absolutely loved them!!! (They’re all pretty badass in their own way) I cannot wait to read the next book! This is highly recommended!!!
“One curse to destroy them all.”
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
July 7, 2023
First, A Curse of Tooth and Claw is written in third person and for some reason this always throws me. It's not my favorite perspective, especially when there are multiple POVs but the third person perspective grew on me very quickly.
The story telling in ACOTAC is beautiful. From the moment we meet Kiki and Yari, to the very end. I found myself actually devouring this book.
ACOTAC is very YA/NA. There are adult themes in the books but nothing extremely descriptive actually.
I will say the twists and turns in the book are spot on. I thought I knew one thing and then Nicolette made an absolute fool of me. I finished ACOTAC and IMMEDIATELY jumped into A Curse of Blood and Bone, and in just 3 hours I am almost finished with book two. I was ruthlessly pulled in and I haven't been let go yet.
The story telling in ACOTAC is beautiful. From the moment we meet Kiki and Yari, to the very end. I found myself actually devouring this book.
ACOTAC is very YA/NA. There are adult themes in the books but nothing extremely descriptive actually.
I will say the twists and turns in the book are spot on. I thought I knew one thing and then Nicolette made an absolute fool of me. I finished ACOTAC and IMMEDIATELY jumped into A Curse of Blood and Bone, and in just 3 hours I am almost finished with book two. I was ruthlessly pulled in and I haven't been let go yet.
September 18, 2024
𝐴 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑜𝑛𝑒
Tropes ♡‧₊˚
dark romantasy, touch her and die, forced proximity, bad@ss female leads, demons/shifters, multiple pov
“ 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒌. 𝑫𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔. 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚.”
Ugh the way Nicolette transported me into this fantasy world was amazing! The start was a bit slow but that’s common in fantasy books, especially the first book in the series, so that didn’t bother me and once I got past that, I couldn’t stop reading! I also loved all the Mexican representation in the book since I don’t see many books with Mexican representation🤍
Tropes ♡‧₊˚
dark romantasy, touch her and die, forced proximity, bad@ss female leads, demons/shifters, multiple pov
“ 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒌. 𝑫𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔. 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚.”
Ugh the way Nicolette transported me into this fantasy world was amazing! The start was a bit slow but that’s common in fantasy books, especially the first book in the series, so that didn’t bother me and once I got past that, I couldn’t stop reading! I also loved all the Mexican representation in the book since I don’t see many books with Mexican representation🤍
August 9, 2025
Great, clever and smouldering! This is a multiple POV story and this first book in the series is a lot of character and world building.
It’s a slow burn in respect to the characters romantic relationships but it’s action packed with demon slayers and shifter bears.
The story is brilliantly written and I loved the plots that gradually uncovered along the way. The FMC is a badass, a real warrior, both emotionally and physically.
This is found family, magic realms, fated mates and touch her and die tropes, the last one being one of my favourites! ;)
When the smut does kick in, it’s beautiful! The scenes are described so well and it really paints a picture.
The book is enthralling and leaves you wanting more. And the bonus scene….. mmmmmm just mmmmm!
Can’t wait to read the second and third books to see where their stories end up!
It’s a slow burn in respect to the characters romantic relationships but it’s action packed with demon slayers and shifter bears.
The story is brilliantly written and I loved the plots that gradually uncovered along the way. The FMC is a badass, a real warrior, both emotionally and physically.
This is found family, magic realms, fated mates and touch her and die tropes, the last one being one of my favourites! ;)
When the smut does kick in, it’s beautiful! The scenes are described so well and it really paints a picture.
The book is enthralling and leaves you wanting more. And the bonus scene….. mmmmmm just mmmmm!
Can’t wait to read the second and third books to see where their stories end up!
July 19, 2023
ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED!!!
When I saw that this was a Beauty & The Beast retelling with a Mexican FMC, I ran to download!!! I was so excited! This book was so much fun! I was entertained and immersed into the story as soon as I picked it up! We get povs of almost all the side characters and even more than one couple! I was not expecting that! I really enjoy getting to see all the different relationships growing! And the b^d@ss women! The Mexican food being mentioned throughout made me so happy! I’ll never get tired of seeing the representation 🥹 also EVERY SINGLE theory I had was SO WRONG 😂 but I loved it! Kept me surprised the whole time! There is also a mix of Brave (Disney movie) in here and I was here for it!!! Starting book 2 immediately! I need to know what happens!
When I saw that this was a Beauty & The Beast retelling with a Mexican FMC, I ran to download!!! I was so excited! This book was so much fun! I was entertained and immersed into the story as soon as I picked it up! We get povs of almost all the side characters and even more than one couple! I was not expecting that! I really enjoy getting to see all the different relationships growing! And the b^d@ss women! The Mexican food being mentioned throughout made me so happy! I’ll never get tired of seeing the representation 🥹 also EVERY SINGLE theory I had was SO WRONG 😂 but I loved it! Kept me surprised the whole time! There is also a mix of Brave (Disney movie) in here and I was here for it!!! Starting book 2 immediately! I need to know what happens!
March 6, 2023
This book was an intriguing idea but I think there's just too much going on in too few pages. I really like the premise and the couplings but the characters don't feel developed enough and the relationships feel extremely rushed. Also there was a mistake left in where Yari is replaced with Kiki for one sentence when talking to Alejandro during their first encounter.
To me this book read like a really good middle of editing book draft. I had a nice read but I wish there were more development of relationships, more focus on the couples and maybe slightly fewer storyline/povs introduced all in one book.
Note really romance focused book.
Spice lvl 1/5, some kissing, one sex scene at 90%
To me this book read like a really good middle of editing book draft. I had a nice read but I wish there were more development of relationships, more focus on the couples and maybe slightly fewer storyline/povs introduced all in one book.
Note really romance focused book.
Spice lvl 1/5, some kissing, one sex scene at 90%
January 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I enjoyed this, but there’s not a lot of twists and turns like I was hoping for. It’s enjoyable but I don’t think I’m quite the ideal audience and I’m not going to continue the series.
I don’t personally love when two people see each of her and know unquestionably that they are mates and are immediately obsessed and in love. It’s basically insta-love, which I really hate. I think you have to like or at least be ok with that to enjoy this series because there are multiple mate pairs. I want a build up and angst and this series just isn’t that. Which is fine but not for me. The writing and story are good otherwise.
🌶️🌶️/5
One sex scene
I enjoyed this, but there’s not a lot of twists and turns like I was hoping for. It’s enjoyable but I don’t think I’m quite the ideal audience and I’m not going to continue the series.
I don’t personally love when two people see each of her and know unquestionably that they are mates and are immediately obsessed and in love. It’s basically insta-love, which I really hate. I think you have to like or at least be ok with that to enjoy this series because there are multiple mate pairs. I want a build up and angst and this series just isn’t that. Which is fine but not for me. The writing and story are good otherwise.
🌶️🌶️/5
One sex scene
February 7, 2023
Love love love!
I got this arc for an honest review and I fell in love with it. It’s strays off a little slow but in my opinion it works because it gives you that world building experience, and introduces the characters. That is probably the only negative thing I have to say was the pacing in the beginning but I love the tropes associated with it, you have fated mates, touch her and die vibes,a great MMC and FMC that grab your heart. It’s just an overall great story. I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book. I need more!
I got this arc for an honest review and I fell in love with it. It’s strays off a little slow but in my opinion it works because it gives you that world building experience, and introduces the characters. That is probably the only negative thing I have to say was the pacing in the beginning but I love the tropes associated with it, you have fated mates, touch her and die vibes,a great MMC and FMC that grab your heart. It’s just an overall great story. I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book. I need more!
July 15, 2023
A Curse of Tooth and Claw is being compared to a cross between A Court of Thorns and Roses and Shadow & Bone, it’s this comparison that drew me in and probably will others too, because I love both of these series, but to simply compare this to existing books is an injustice and I thought A Curse of Tooth and Claw was so much more than that.
This does start off a touch slow, however it’s setting the scene, introducing characters and well overall world building, so it’s bound to be a little slow, most books in the first of a series, are always a little slow to start, it’s never a major criticism, especially if the book is a really good read, which this is. I love a strong heroine one that thinks for herself, isn’t a walkover has a great personality and steals your heart with being both snark and kickass. Kiki definitely hits my tick list for favourite lead women.
Erasmo, what can I say about him without giving too much away ? Not much really, I guess you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out what makes him so interesting, so very much elusive, secretive, broody, morally grey, my kind of MMC that I really do love, but as I say are you going to have to read if you want to find out more. Although I will say, I always love the touch her and die attitude, love it. There isn’t that much space in this one, I have a feeling most of the romance and more will be in the next book, but we’ll have to wait and see.
I really did enjoy this fast paced and addictive story, I really can’t wait to see where this is going to go next and what Nicolette has in store for us. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. A big five stars from me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This does start off a touch slow, however it’s setting the scene, introducing characters and well overall world building, so it’s bound to be a little slow, most books in the first of a series, are always a little slow to start, it’s never a major criticism, especially if the book is a really good read, which this is. I love a strong heroine one that thinks for herself, isn’t a walkover has a great personality and steals your heart with being both snark and kickass. Kiki definitely hits my tick list for favourite lead women.
Erasmo, what can I say about him without giving too much away ? Not much really, I guess you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out what makes him so interesting, so very much elusive, secretive, broody, morally grey, my kind of MMC that I really do love, but as I say are you going to have to read if you want to find out more. Although I will say, I always love the touch her and die attitude, love it. There isn’t that much space in this one, I have a feeling most of the romance and more will be in the next book, but we’ll have to wait and see.
I really did enjoy this fast paced and addictive story, I really can’t wait to see where this is going to go next and what Nicolette has in store for us. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. A big five stars from me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2023
I found this book on tiktok and decided to give it a try because indie authors need more support. I was excited to try out something new. However, it seemed like there were two different stories that didn’t fit well together. It was also hard to like one particular character because of how she treated everybody. It was hard to relate to any of the characters. But I was kept guessing about who the main girl was until the end of the story. There were some grammatical things that could be fixed. All in all though, not horrible for a first book.
April 20, 2025
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours!!! I couldn't put it down!! I met Nicolette during Apollycon, and she sold me on the story saying it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling with Mexican influence!!! I loved all the multiple POVs. I enjoyed the added translation of the Cursed Bear Prince in my copy. I loved learning that extra folklore. I loved and hated some characters, but then they grew on me once I got their story. The world is so descriptive I could envision it in my head. It did end on a cliffhanger and I dove right into book 2!! The story is gripping and action packed!!
February 1, 2023
As a kid I heard about the bear prince from my aunt's. I always loved the culture surrounding it and the story itself. This book has been compared to Brave and it does match that as well. I loved all the characters even though Kiki can be a stubborn woman, I do not blame her for it. The world is torn and broken and each character reflects that in some way and that is a beautiful thing to me. The slow burn to the big meeting killed me, but I can not wait to see where this story goes from here.
February 5, 2023
Spice 2/5
This is book 1 in the Ozero Curse series and I could not put it down. Starting the book, you think that this will be all about Kiki and the Prince. Quickly, you see that this is not the case. This book has multiple points of view, but it all works well together. I really enjoyed it all being together instead of each person having their own book. It helps to keep everything on the same timeline. Great book! I can't wait for the next one!
This is book 1 in the Ozero Curse series and I could not put it down. Starting the book, you think that this will be all about Kiki and the Prince. Quickly, you see that this is not the case. This book has multiple points of view, but it all works well together. I really enjoyed it all being together instead of each person having their own book. It helps to keep everything on the same timeline. Great book! I can't wait for the next one!
June 30, 2023
An amazing book can't wait to see how the story unfolds in the next two books of the series I love how all the characters are intertwined mysteriously and excitingly and I am excited to see how everything will turn out for everyone!!
IMPORTANT: Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and is only the first in the series. For a detailed trigger warning, visit https://nicoletteelzie.com/content-wa...
#ACurseofToothandClaw #ACOTAC #KU #TwistedFictionPR #NicoletteElzie #DarkFantasy #Books #bookseries #ReleaseBlitz #DarkRomance #BookRecs #bibliophile #readnow #BookTour #DualPov #RomanticSuspense @Twistedfictionpr @nicolette.elzie
IMPORTANT: Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and is only the first in the series. For a detailed trigger warning, visit https://nicoletteelzie.com/content-wa...
#ACurseofToothandClaw #ACOTAC #KU #TwistedFictionPR #NicoletteElzie #DarkFantasy #Books #bookseries #ReleaseBlitz #DarkRomance #BookRecs #bibliophile #readnow #BookTour #DualPov #RomanticSuspense @Twistedfictionpr @nicolette.elzie
June 30, 2023
Holy Surprised
Wow!
I am thoroughly enjoying this book. The multiple view points brings so much to the story.
Kiki is a fierce yet uncertain warrior. Trying to find her place, focusing on keeping her best friends safe, and being the best slayer.
Erasmo a prince trying to save his people and stop his twin brother hell bent on destroying everything.
There is so much action and reading the different view points of each character brings more in-depth reason on what is happening.
Can't wait to dive into book 2
Wow!
I am thoroughly enjoying this book. The multiple view points brings so much to the story.
Kiki is a fierce yet uncertain warrior. Trying to find her place, focusing on keeping her best friends safe, and being the best slayer.
Erasmo a prince trying to save his people and stop his twin brother hell bent on destroying everything.
There is so much action and reading the different view points of each character brings more in-depth reason on what is happening.
Can't wait to dive into book 2
July 7, 2023
Imagine getting a slice of your favorite pizza, with gooey melted cheese, flavorful sauce, and toppings of your choice. With every bite, the savory taste explodes in your mouth, and you savor each moment. However, once you finish the slice, you immediately crave it again. - that is exactly how I felt about this amazing book!! 🖤
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The writing style was engaging and the plot was well-crafted.
The characters were relatable and their development throughout the story was impressive. I particularly appreciated the themes of love, friendship, and redemption that were beautifully woven into the narrative.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a captivating and uplifting read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The writing style was engaging and the plot was well-crafted.
The characters were relatable and their development throughout the story was impressive. I particularly appreciated the themes of love, friendship, and redemption that were beautifully woven into the narrative.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a captivating and uplifting read.
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