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Cully Beinn Wolves #1
Blood Curse
An untrained healer’s apprentice.
A shifter pack forced to go to war.
And a curse that could swallow all of them whole. Rini MacIllroy chafes at the responsibilities of being an apprentice healer to her shifter wolf pack. They have stayed safe by keeping separate from humankind, but the American Civil War encroaches on their village, and Rini’s friends and lover are sent down the mountain to fight, while Rini must stay behind. When a deserting soldier attacks a young girl, Rini jumps into action with tooth and claw. But her rage unknowing unlocks an ancient curse that feeds on bloodshed and violence. Now Rini is hunted through her dreams by a shadow made of nightmares and midnight. Even her steadfast friends and mentor, the ancient priestess Sedna, are unable to help her quell the lust for blood that threatens to consume Rini from the inside out. When one of her Pack returns from the battlefield, he is broken in body and spirit. Even Sedna’s considerable power cannot heal him. Rini must sing back his soul, using her healer’s magic to heal the wounds that go beyond flesh. While the curse tightens its hold, calling not just for bloodlust but to claim souls, Rini struggles to keep her own inner wolf at bay. Neighbors turn against neighbors, friends betray friends, and the Pack threatens to rip itself apart at the seams. Can Rini defeat the curse in her own blood, or will she and the Pack she loves be consumed by the beast within? This is the first book in a historical fantasy quartet set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. It ends in a mild cliffhanger.
A shifter pack forced to go to war.
And a curse that could swallow all of them whole. Rini MacIllroy chafes at the responsibilities of being an apprentice healer to her shifter wolf pack. They have stayed safe by keeping separate from humankind, but the American Civil War encroaches on their village, and Rini’s friends and lover are sent down the mountain to fight, while Rini must stay behind. When a deserting soldier attacks a young girl, Rini jumps into action with tooth and claw. But her rage unknowing unlocks an ancient curse that feeds on bloodshed and violence. Now Rini is hunted through her dreams by a shadow made of nightmares and midnight. Even her steadfast friends and mentor, the ancient priestess Sedna, are unable to help her quell the lust for blood that threatens to consume Rini from the inside out. When one of her Pack returns from the battlefield, he is broken in body and spirit. Even Sedna’s considerable power cannot heal him. Rini must sing back his soul, using her healer’s magic to heal the wounds that go beyond flesh. While the curse tightens its hold, calling not just for bloodlust but to claim souls, Rini struggles to keep her own inner wolf at bay. Neighbors turn against neighbors, friends betray friends, and the Pack threatens to rip itself apart at the seams. Can Rini defeat the curse in her own blood, or will she and the Pack she loves be consumed by the beast within? This is the first book in a historical fantasy quartet set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. It ends in a mild cliffhanger.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Brekke Elle
2 books20 followersBrekke Elle is a word tinker, coffee drinker, and has clumsy thumbs (or so she claims to excuse typos!). A Georgia peach living in the heart of North Carolina, Brekke has traveled and lived around the world – including attending the University of Cambridge in England, interning for an NGO in rural Cambodia, and working at a university in Northern California. Along the way she has collected stories (and a bit of bad poetry too). Her first real desire to become a writer (more than just wanting to be Jo March when she was 9) was after reading SABRIEL by Garth Nix. It was the first world she ever wanted to fall sideways into, and she has been recreating those lush worlds for readers ever since.
When she’s not losing herself in her imaginary universes, Brekke spends most of her time chasing her four kids (including twin toddlers!), canning up home cooked chicken broth, and volunteering at a neighborhood community garden. Her favorite color is black (no, really), her favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast (preferable one of Robin McKinley’s retellings), and her favorite drink is coffee until 3pm, then it’s a full bodied Pinot Noir.
When she’s not losing herself in her imaginary universes, Brekke spends most of her time chasing her four kids (including twin toddlers!), canning up home cooked chicken broth, and volunteering at a neighborhood community garden. Her favorite color is black (no, really), her favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast (preferable one of Robin McKinley’s retellings), and her favorite drink is coffee until 3pm, then it’s a full bodied Pinot Noir.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Spice: Not really
Tropes/ Key Points:
🐺 Wolf Shifters
🐺 Love Triangle
🐺 Historial Fiction Romance
🐺 Emotional Scars
🐺 Age Gap
🐺 Loveable Rouge
Trigger Warnings: Death of a Loved One (Mentioned) , Alcohol Consumption
Review:
This was an amazing debut by Brekke Elle. She has captured the historical moment of the American Civil war and sprinkled in romance and magic in a way that makes me appreciate history again. I love this concept of an alternate universe moment in our history.
1) Plot
The book is about a coming of age story of a young girl named Rini as she traverses a fine line of magic and responsibility. She has been chosen as a Healers apprentice much to the chagrin of others in her village and is on track to be one of the best their small community has seen. She is being trained under the guidance of her aunt and quickly realizes that she is out of her depth. War is brewing and while the village elders want to stay out of the fight, the moon gives Rini a vision that will not be ignored of the young men joining the battle.
Rini realizes that there is much she doesn't know as a dark evil begins to plague her. Having potentially broken one of their sacred laws, Rini is thrust into a battle worse than the one her friends are off fighting at the war fronts.
The plot of this book is intriguing and the way that the author sprinkles in the civil war was well done. It acknowledges the time period in brief nods while the majority of the book takes place in her walled off world. It was nice to get to see the barriers that the wolf-clan had erected around them get torn down as the progress of the world comes knocking. The wolf-clan realizes that it just isn't probable for them to remain sheltered as they slowly come to terms with discovery and enemies stumbling upon their community. It goes to show that even the most isolated of places can't avoid the rest of the world forever.
The love-triangle romance was a subplot but it was dusted throughout in a way that the book still feels like a romance. This book is very much young adult/coming of age and I'm not sure how the rest of them will be, but some spice wouldn't be out of place as we advance. We aren't subjected to either love interest too much in this novel, mostly because they both are chosen to go and fight in the burgeoning war. However, the few glimpses we do get of them was enough to, in my mind, cement one in first place and the other trailing behind at a huge distance.
I was left wanting at the end considering that we didn't have more than a taste of the romance and I hope that the author brings it a bit more to the forefront in the coming sequel(s).
2) Characters
We are introduced to a wide variety of cast members right off the bat and it was a big much. I think that something all books struggle with is introducing us to the world and others within the world in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. I haven't had many books pull it off well and unfortunately as a debut author, Brekke seems to have fallen into the same trap like the countless before her.
It isn't hard once you get into the book to begin to tell them all apart as their personalities come out, but as we are strictly within one decent sized village throughout the book, of course we are going to have some come and go with little to no development. It wouldn't make sense for the cast to be isolated down to a specific few, and I do applaud the author for handling it as well as could be expected. I came away from the book with a sense of what the village is at its core and while we didn't meet everyone, I have this feeling that it's a complete settlement.
Rini is my favorite character of this book and no it's not because we have the same name. I'm not biased I swear. (side eye). She is our main character and I love the character growth that we are subjected to. She has her flaws, in fact she has a huge one, but the way that she works to overcome it is inspiring. It isn't instant gratification, she has to work for it, and I feel that the author does better here than some of the others I have read. You can have a fantasy story like this one, and still have realistic moments within it.
Gabriel is one of the love interests and I am here for him. He is quiet, broody, and has a darkness inside that I CAN CURE DARN IT! I can fix him -- I mean, Rini can fix him. I love the moody morally grey love interests and while Gabriel isn't morally grey, he does moody just right. He has damage within him from his past circumstances that, once revealed, feel like a puzzle piece snapping into place that you didn't know was missing. He is also a very well rounded character and I am excited to see more of him in the next one.
3) World Building
One thing that is hard with fantasy novels is the world building. I know some amazing authors who still fall into the trap of the 100 page info dump (Cough --SJM--Cough) and it's such a struggle to handle correctly. Brekke handles it correctly.
Ignoring the fact that it takes place within America and she isn't having to set up a full world, Brekke still is forced to create and introduce us to a colony of wolf-shifters. She is having to not only stage the scene for this isolated settlement, but also give us information on them as a race of beings, their history and their religion/magics. Brekke manages to spread the information out in a way that doesn't feel like a dump or overload, but also quick enough that you aren't left scrambling trying to figure out what's going on.
Overall it was such a great read and I am excited that I was offered an ARC of the book. I am looking forward to book two because I need more Gabriel! Plus, it doesn't hurt that I have the same name as the FMC.
Spice: Not really
Tropes/ Key Points:
🐺 Wolf Shifters
🐺 Love Triangle
🐺 Historial Fiction Romance
🐺 Emotional Scars
🐺 Age Gap
🐺 Loveable Rouge
Trigger Warnings: Death of a Loved One (Mentioned) , Alcohol Consumption
Review:
This was an amazing debut by Brekke Elle. She has captured the historical moment of the American Civil war and sprinkled in romance and magic in a way that makes me appreciate history again. I love this concept of an alternate universe moment in our history.
1) Plot
The book is about a coming of age story of a young girl named Rini as she traverses a fine line of magic and responsibility. She has been chosen as a Healers apprentice much to the chagrin of others in her village and is on track to be one of the best their small community has seen. She is being trained under the guidance of her aunt and quickly realizes that she is out of her depth. War is brewing and while the village elders want to stay out of the fight, the moon gives Rini a vision that will not be ignored of the young men joining the battle.
Rini realizes that there is much she doesn't know as a dark evil begins to plague her. Having potentially broken one of their sacred laws, Rini is thrust into a battle worse than the one her friends are off fighting at the war fronts.
The plot of this book is intriguing and the way that the author sprinkles in the civil war was well done. It acknowledges the time period in brief nods while the majority of the book takes place in her walled off world. It was nice to get to see the barriers that the wolf-clan had erected around them get torn down as the progress of the world comes knocking. The wolf-clan realizes that it just isn't probable for them to remain sheltered as they slowly come to terms with discovery and enemies stumbling upon their community. It goes to show that even the most isolated of places can't avoid the rest of the world forever.
The love-triangle romance was a subplot but it was dusted throughout in a way that the book still feels like a romance. This book is very much young adult/coming of age and I'm not sure how the rest of them will be, but some spice wouldn't be out of place as we advance. We aren't subjected to either love interest too much in this novel, mostly because they both are chosen to go and fight in the burgeoning war. However, the few glimpses we do get of them was enough to, in my mind, cement one in first place and the other trailing behind at a huge distance.
I was left wanting at the end considering that we didn't have more than a taste of the romance and I hope that the author brings it a bit more to the forefront in the coming sequel(s).
2) Characters
We are introduced to a wide variety of cast members right off the bat and it was a big much. I think that something all books struggle with is introducing us to the world and others within the world in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. I haven't had many books pull it off well and unfortunately as a debut author, Brekke seems to have fallen into the same trap like the countless before her.
It isn't hard once you get into the book to begin to tell them all apart as their personalities come out, but as we are strictly within one decent sized village throughout the book, of course we are going to have some come and go with little to no development. It wouldn't make sense for the cast to be isolated down to a specific few, and I do applaud the author for handling it as well as could be expected. I came away from the book with a sense of what the village is at its core and while we didn't meet everyone, I have this feeling that it's a complete settlement.
Rini is my favorite character of this book and no it's not because we have the same name. I'm not biased I swear. (side eye). She is our main character and I love the character growth that we are subjected to. She has her flaws, in fact she has a huge one, but the way that she works to overcome it is inspiring. It isn't instant gratification, she has to work for it, and I feel that the author does better here than some of the others I have read. You can have a fantasy story like this one, and still have realistic moments within it.
Gabriel is one of the love interests and I am here for him. He is quiet, broody, and has a darkness inside that I CAN CURE DARN IT! I can fix him -- I mean, Rini can fix him. I love the moody morally grey love interests and while Gabriel isn't morally grey, he does moody just right. He has damage within him from his past circumstances that, once revealed, feel like a puzzle piece snapping into place that you didn't know was missing. He is also a very well rounded character and I am excited to see more of him in the next one.
3) World Building
One thing that is hard with fantasy novels is the world building. I know some amazing authors who still fall into the trap of the 100 page info dump (Cough --SJM--Cough) and it's such a struggle to handle correctly. Brekke handles it correctly.
Ignoring the fact that it takes place within America and she isn't having to set up a full world, Brekke still is forced to create and introduce us to a colony of wolf-shifters. She is having to not only stage the scene for this isolated settlement, but also give us information on them as a race of beings, their history and their religion/magics. Brekke manages to spread the information out in a way that doesn't feel like a dump or overload, but also quick enough that you aren't left scrambling trying to figure out what's going on.
Overall it was such a great read and I am excited that I was offered an ARC of the book. I am looking forward to book two because I need more Gabriel! Plus, it doesn't hurt that I have the same name as the FMC.
July 21, 2024
Having endured my fair share of underwhelming werewolf tales, I approached Blood Curse with a fair amount of skepticism. But I must confess, Rini's story was surprisingly compelling and well-crafted.
The narrative follows Serenity, a young healer's apprentice under her aunt's supervision. As war looms over her pack's village, Rini, gifted with a prophetic vision from the moon, helps the village council take a critical decision: should the young men go to war? Throughout her apprenticeship, she grapples with the complexities of right and wrong. Potentially violating the blood thirst law, Rini is tormented by a darkness that slowly invades her dreams and threatens her reality and her pack.
🐺One of the book's greatest strengths is the multifaceted portrayal of the main character. Rini seamlessly embodies a healer, daughter, sister, lover, villain, warrior, friend, and more, all explored through profound introspection. This depth makes her incredibly relatable.
🐺While I typically adore love triangles, I found myself unusually divided this time. On one hand, there's Kieran, the embodiment of innocent first love. On the other, Gabriel, with his brooding presence and dangerous allure, represents the ultimate, true love. Alas, the love scenes were so sparse that it was hard to fully invest in either ship.
🐺The magic system was refreshingly unique—this is the first book I've encountered where the heroine fights and heals through singing.
🐺Rini's constant self-recrimination and the haunting darkness keep readers on edge, rooting for her all the way. We grow attached to Cully Beinn and its inhabitants, understanding their motivations, worries, joys, and stubbornness. The ending, where Cully Beinn is safe and Rini comes into her own, brings a satisfying sense of peace.
I eagerly await more of her adventures!
💥A minor gripe: the book has a few small typos, like the occasional mix-up of 'aunt Sedna' and 'aunt Senda.' Perhaps autocorrect played a trick or two on the author.
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
The narrative follows Serenity, a young healer's apprentice under her aunt's supervision. As war looms over her pack's village, Rini, gifted with a prophetic vision from the moon, helps the village council take a critical decision: should the young men go to war? Throughout her apprenticeship, she grapples with the complexities of right and wrong. Potentially violating the blood thirst law, Rini is tormented by a darkness that slowly invades her dreams and threatens her reality and her pack.
🐺One of the book's greatest strengths is the multifaceted portrayal of the main character. Rini seamlessly embodies a healer, daughter, sister, lover, villain, warrior, friend, and more, all explored through profound introspection. This depth makes her incredibly relatable.
🐺While I typically adore love triangles, I found myself unusually divided this time. On one hand, there's Kieran, the embodiment of innocent first love. On the other, Gabriel, with his brooding presence and dangerous allure, represents the ultimate, true love. Alas, the love scenes were so sparse that it was hard to fully invest in either ship.
🐺The magic system was refreshingly unique—this is the first book I've encountered where the heroine fights and heals through singing.
🐺Rini's constant self-recrimination and the haunting darkness keep readers on edge, rooting for her all the way. We grow attached to Cully Beinn and its inhabitants, understanding their motivations, worries, joys, and stubbornness. The ending, where Cully Beinn is safe and Rini comes into her own, brings a satisfying sense of peace.
I eagerly await more of her adventures!
💥A minor gripe: the book has a few small typos, like the occasional mix-up of 'aunt Sedna' and 'aunt Senda.' Perhaps autocorrect played a trick or two on the author.
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 21, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First off, I would say that calling this a “slow burn” is an understatement and calling it a “romance” is giving a little bit of a false idea. There’s not a lot of romance in this book, though there may be later in the series so that may be why it’s marketed that way. However, I went into this expecting romance, maybe some steam or spice, and while there was hints of romance it was just moments sprinkled throughout the book.
That being said, the book itself was wonderful. It’s got great lore behind the wolves and their characters. They are beautifully written and they have great personalities and backgrounds that makes you want to see what happens next with them. The village/Appalachian vibe that they have as well as the history of the time that it is set in is wonderful as well. It does make it a little hard to read, especially since they speak Scottish Gaelic and have thick accents from being Scottish descendants and living in the mountains - specifically Aunt Sedna, but she’s also one of my favorite characters.
I think that the only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read in my opinion was it wasn’t really marketed as what it was. I would have marked it as a coming of age tale, a good versus evil tale, something of that nature. But again the plot may change in the second book and I don’t know the details of the plot yet so I guess I’ll see what’s in store in September!
First off, I would say that calling this a “slow burn” is an understatement and calling it a “romance” is giving a little bit of a false idea. There’s not a lot of romance in this book, though there may be later in the series so that may be why it’s marketed that way. However, I went into this expecting romance, maybe some steam or spice, and while there was hints of romance it was just moments sprinkled throughout the book.
That being said, the book itself was wonderful. It’s got great lore behind the wolves and their characters. They are beautifully written and they have great personalities and backgrounds that makes you want to see what happens next with them. The village/Appalachian vibe that they have as well as the history of the time that it is set in is wonderful as well. It does make it a little hard to read, especially since they speak Scottish Gaelic and have thick accents from being Scottish descendants and living in the mountains - specifically Aunt Sedna, but she’s also one of my favorite characters.
I think that the only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read in my opinion was it wasn’t really marketed as what it was. I would have marked it as a coming of age tale, a good versus evil tale, something of that nature. But again the plot may change in the second book and I don’t know the details of the plot yet so I guess I’ll see what’s in store in September!
July 30, 2024
I want to thank the publisher and Book Sirens for allowing me the opportunity to receive a copy for free in place of an honest review.
Plot: Rating: ★★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️ /5
World Building: ★★★/5
This book was wonderfully written and, the world building was great. I absolutely loved how this took place during the Civil War, and the lengths Rini was willing to go to save her pack. I felt that this book would be great for someone who was looking for a no spice, fantasy-shifter where the main focus is based on strategies, and twist and turns. I loved the growth and strength of our FMC, and truly felt apart of her journey as she watched everything crumble around her.
Honestly, the only reason I am not rating it higher is because it is being marketed as a romance, when there was only hints or small build ups to any form of romance sparsely sprinkled throughout the book. I personally am a strong romance reader, but will dabble into pure fantasy now and then, so I still really liked this book. However, if you're a romance purest this will not be something that interests you.
Plot: Rating: ★★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️ /5
World Building: ★★★/5
This book was wonderfully written and, the world building was great. I absolutely loved how this took place during the Civil War, and the lengths Rini was willing to go to save her pack. I felt that this book would be great for someone who was looking for a no spice, fantasy-shifter where the main focus is based on strategies, and twist and turns. I loved the growth and strength of our FMC, and truly felt apart of her journey as she watched everything crumble around her.
Honestly, the only reason I am not rating it higher is because it is being marketed as a romance, when there was only hints or small build ups to any form of romance sparsely sprinkled throughout the book. I personally am a strong romance reader, but will dabble into pure fantasy now and then, so I still really liked this book. However, if you're a romance purest this will not be something that interests you.
August 1, 2024
Blood Curse is a mystical coming of age tale about a pack of werewolf shifters fighting to survive during the Civil War. Serenity "Rini" is main focus of the story as she fights the forces trying to overtake her and the pack.
There are lots of wonderful things about this book. The characters are well developed and unique, there's a solid plot, and the writing is beautiful. I found I could really relate to Rini as a character, especially in moments of frustration, confusion, and sadness. I loved learning the lore of their pack and how they came to be in the position they're in. And I very much enjoyed the dynamics between all the members of the pack.
I think what held me back from this being a 5 star read was that I was expecting more in the way of romance. Blood Curse is listed as a paranormal romance and slow burn, but reads more like your first middle school crush. It didn't feel like there was any build-up or passion in the romances, which made it hard for me to really believe them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are lots of wonderful things about this book. The characters are well developed and unique, there's a solid plot, and the writing is beautiful. I found I could really relate to Rini as a character, especially in moments of frustration, confusion, and sadness. I loved learning the lore of their pack and how they came to be in the position they're in. And I very much enjoyed the dynamics between all the members of the pack.
I think what held me back from this being a 5 star read was that I was expecting more in the way of romance. Blood Curse is listed as a paranormal romance and slow burn, but reads more like your first middle school crush. It didn't feel like there was any build-up or passion in the romances, which made it hard for me to really believe them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2024
Blood curse is an incredible fantasy book!
The narration and the characters themselves embrace the reader to travel through the pages just like Rini travels through the Medhan.
I love the similiraties with real parapsychological research such as astral projection, which is truly similar to the process some of the healers go through to reach the Medhan, this "limbo" as we say in Spanish.
It's not a usual book about werewolves, but it also has some real historical background that captivated me as the historian I am.
But above all, what I must highlight is my wee and sweet Alba. Although it is not set in the Highlands, perhaps because of the dialogues, I could feel my heart going back to Scotland every time they talked.
I had to say that Gabriel was since the beginning my fav character! I love this kind of mysterious guys. I guess we all have a type!
Pretty recomended! Looking forward for the next part.
The narration and the characters themselves embrace the reader to travel through the pages just like Rini travels through the Medhan.
I love the similiraties with real parapsychological research such as astral projection, which is truly similar to the process some of the healers go through to reach the Medhan, this "limbo" as we say in Spanish.
It's not a usual book about werewolves, but it also has some real historical background that captivated me as the historian I am.
But above all, what I must highlight is my wee and sweet Alba. Although it is not set in the Highlands, perhaps because of the dialogues, I could feel my heart going back to Scotland every time they talked.
I had to say that Gabriel was since the beginning my fav character! I love this kind of mysterious guys. I guess we all have a type!
Pretty recomended! Looking forward for the next part.
June 22, 2024
Blood Curse was the first time that I've read a historical fantasy. I was eager to read it as an avid reader of both fantasy and historical romance. The world-building and setting were truly fantastic - it felt like I was reading a story set during the Civil War, but Blood Curse blended history and fantasy in such a way that it seemed like this version of magic really could be real. It's not just the blending of history and fantasy that makes this book stand apart - the novel's magic system and werewolves were unique and fresh, too. The story itself is mainly a coming-of-age story for the main heroine, Rini, with just a little bit of romance. But it also was about community, family, and friendship, too. I can't wait to read more and hopefully see all of the romantic tension (and potential conflicts) come to fruition in Book 2.
August 29, 2023
I just loved all the werewolf lore and culture in this book!
The plot of this book is intriguing and the way that Brekke Elle sprinkles in the Civil War was very well done. Loved the world-building in this, but would have liked to see more development, the concept of an alternate universe moment in our history is awesome and I wanted more details!
I was left wanting at the end considering that we didn't have more than a taste of the romance and I hope that the author brings it a bit more to the forefront in the coming sequel(s).
But overall I really liked it, it was a fast-paced story with a slow-burn romance. Can’ wait for the next one!
The plot of this book is intriguing and the way that Brekke Elle sprinkles in the Civil War was very well done. Loved the world-building in this, but would have liked to see more development, the concept of an alternate universe moment in our history is awesome and I wanted more details!
I was left wanting at the end considering that we didn't have more than a taste of the romance and I hope that the author brings it a bit more to the forefront in the coming sequel(s).
But overall I really liked it, it was a fast-paced story with a slow-burn romance. Can’ wait for the next one!
October 2, 2024
It took me a few chapters to settle into the rhythm of the book, but I really liked it! I think the world-building was fascinating and the concept of the book interesting enough to make it stand out against other novels of the same genre. I also enjoyed the characters. They were characters you wanted to root for. Although it is a veeeeeeery slow burn romance, I can't wait for more in future books! (Give me all the tension and no spice pls)
August 31, 2023
Blood Curse is a first from this author. It was a good read. Character building with Rini. She is a good character with lots of growth. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2024
Blood Curse was an adventure through the historic Civil War while also submerging yourself into fantasy world of wolf shifters. Brekke Elle effortlessly and seamlessly weaves a story of love, loss, magic and more. I enjoyed Rini and the arc her character took. Each character brought an intensity to the story, that brought it more to life. I really enjoyed it and look forward to book two!
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book, I leave this feedback voluntarily.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book, I leave this feedback voluntarily.
July 24, 2024
It was a slow start but definitely draws you in eventually. A coming of age story with loveable characters, historical threads and a handsome love interest (Gabriel 🥰)!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2024
Wow.
This book had me hooked. I could not turn the pages quick enough. The setting of the civil war was completely different to what I normally read. However, I had every single emotion coming out of me. I cried happily, I cried sadly. My heart was thrown here, there and everywhere.
The magic bonds, the war, everything. I felt like I was there. I could smell the smoke, taste the fear. The trees and nature all having their own songs that Rini can connect with, her internal struggles and unwavering strength. Purely magical. Such incredible writing by Brekke! I cannot wait to dive head first into book 2.
Completely captivated by this book. You just need to read it!
Thank you Brekke!
This book had me hooked. I could not turn the pages quick enough. The setting of the civil war was completely different to what I normally read. However, I had every single emotion coming out of me. I cried happily, I cried sadly. My heart was thrown here, there and everywhere.
The magic bonds, the war, everything. I felt like I was there. I could smell the smoke, taste the fear. The trees and nature all having their own songs that Rini can connect with, her internal struggles and unwavering strength. Purely magical. Such incredible writing by Brekke! I cannot wait to dive head first into book 2.
Completely captivated by this book. You just need to read it!
Thank you Brekke!
October 1, 2023
This was an atmospheric and beautiful read. The narration drops you right into a rural mountain community on the edge of the American Civil War, immersing you in werewolf lore and culture. As someone who enjoys both fantasy and historical fiction, the blend between history and fantasy was fascinating. With a spine-tingling villain and swoon-worthy romantic moments, this novel will grip you with the force of a wolf's jaw.
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