Gilded Curses

The Shadow Realms #9

by Brenda K. Davies

The continuation of Orin and Sahira's story. The release date will most likely move up.

Return to the Shadow Realms. A world where vampires feast, lycans love deeply, dark fae seduce, witches cast their spells, dragons rule the skies... and treachery lurks around every corner.

Due to sexual content, violence, and language, this book is recommended for readers 18+ years of age.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fae, Paranormal, Audiobook, Vampires, Dragons

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

About the author

Brenda K. Davies is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Vampire Awakening Series, Alliance Series, Road to Hell Series, Hell on Earth Series, and historical romantic fiction. She also writes under the pen name, Erica Stevens. When not out with friends and family, she can be found at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

”But she didn’t weaken him, if anything she made
him stronger, cause he’d savage this world and
everyone in it to ensure her happiness.
She was fuel for the fire already inside him.”

the setting in this one was so.. unsettling. the amount of random bloodthirsty people the characters have met while trapped in this cursed realm was killing me. i’ve already stated that im obsessed with Sahira and Orin and this book had them more in the doting stage. I’m so glad Orin did come to his senses when it came to Sahira, she wouldn’t have settled if he didn’t step up. i honestly didn’t know what to expect when i first learned they’d be a couple eventually, but now i couldn’t have seen it any other way and it makes so much sense.

[Brenda Davies]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲! 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱!

💀 Amazon: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCam
💀 Apple Books: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCab
💀 Barnes and Noble: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCbn
💀 Kobo: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCko
💀 Google Play: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCgp
💀 Smashwords: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCsm
💀 Paperbacks: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCpb
💀 Hardcover: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GChc
💀 Audiobook: To Be Announced

[denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

~5⭐️~
This is so freaking creepy lmao I love it

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved this one!!! I was so happy to finally get to be here for Orin and Sahira's conclusion. Or semi-conclusion I guess since I feel like it was more of a HFN. There was a lot that happened in this one, but I'm so glad these two figured out how they felt pretty quickly. Or sorted it out.

There was one point in this book where I literally yelled, Holy Crap, because I was completely shocked at what Orin did. He's grown so much and I just loved it. I loved how protective he is over Sahira. And I loved how much he put her feelings above his several times.

This series is so good! Can't wait to read Brokk and Kaylia's story.

[Ana Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orin and Sahira finally admit they fell for each other. And it was about time! Everyone knew it, except themselves…🙄
It’s sweet to watch Orin growing as a person and all because of Sahira’s love. This story is a praise for love, friendship and resilience.
This installment is another great story in The Shadow Realms Series. Loved it and had fun, as usual.💟

[Audrey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This portion of the Shadow Realm series follow Orin and Sahira. Their portion finds them in the cursed realm that is ruled by some seriously twisted weirdos. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this book follows similar quality as the previous books. There are some repetitive aspects of the writing which can get irritating but the spicy scenes are good and not the entire book, there is actually a plot. A twisted plot but still a plot.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so right in my assessment from the very beginning. I absolutely love Orin. There was no convincing otherwise. And this story just sealed it. What a journey they all took to escape the Cursed Realm. Just when you think they are so close to getting out, it all changes. These Elites were not what I expected. Did they ever play games. To quote Brenda “treacherous game” was definitely what it was. Orin, Sahira, Elsa, Pip, Fath, Loth, and Zeth traveled these lands and over came so many obstacles that tried to ruin them and instead made them all so much stronger. Each had their end goal that kept them moving forward no matter what was thrown their way. This story had such a plot twist that I never saw coming and that is what I love most. Sahira and Orin throughout these stories bickered, fought not knowing/ denying what was happening between them, “made up” to begin their battle with each other again it was quite entertaining. Sometimes your feelings just smack you in the head to wake up. Lol. I feel like Orin and Sahira’s rubbed off on each other so much that when it all starts to unravel, that part of them just kicked into gear. In the end, No one should ever underestimate this group of Dark Fae, vamp/witch, demon, witch and Brownies (who by the way are small and mighty). What a way to end this part of their story. The worlds this author creates is captivating from the very first introduction. I am so ready for Brokk, Kaylia and Doomed Valley.

[Kim White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books 7-9 were a real struggle to get through after absolutely loving 1-6. The stakes are pretty low (they don’t have to save the world or anything) and it’s mostly just a forced proximity frenimies to lovers trope; which would have been fine for a book, maybe two, but definitely not three. The author repeated herself so much it filled an extra book. Please, no more repetitive inner monologue 🙏

[Erica Stevens]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲! 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱!

💀 Amazon: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCam
💀 Apple Books: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCab
💀 Barnes and Noble: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCbn
💀 Kobo: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCko
💀 Google Play: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCgp
💀 Smashwords: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCsm
💀 Paperbacks: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GCpb
💀 Hardcover: https://www.brendakdavies.com/GChc
💀 Audiobook: To Be Announced

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of few series that's still enjoyable as it goes on. This is book 9 and I'm still not bored. This is the final book in Orin and Sahira's story and it did not disappoint.

In this book, the gang have managed to make it to the end of their journey and find out why they're stuck in that realm and by whom. This book was action packed from the beginning to the end. The dagadon elites were evil as hell. I can't explain the joy I got when Desmond and Sheree got the ending they deserved. They deserved to suffer. I was even glad when Aurora died. She was too stupid.

However, by far the best part of this book for me was Orin's growth. When we first met him, Orin was a hot ass mess. Always manipulating, causing chaos, and being selfish and irritating. In this book, the Orin we used to know is gone. We got a man who finally admitted he loved Sahira and went above and beyond to protect her and the rest of their friends. I was so proud of Orin. I felt like a proud parent seeing their kid grow up to contribute to society in a positive way. His character growth over the course of not just the series as whole but especially in the trilogy of his and Sahira's story has been very rewarding. The Orin from Wicked Curses is vastly different from the one in Gilded Curses. My boy grew up and proved his worth. Him and Sahira were too cute.

I can't wait to read about Brokk and Kaylia next.

[Alicia Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

these books are so silly but so good

this was the last book with the aunt and the brother

and they traveled from the first village to the next to the next until they got to the end were they found these people who were like we created this game of all these villages and u jsut won. they wanted to but then realized they couldn’t which is why they embarked on this thing was trying to leave the relearn. so then the guy went and killed the rulers while the girl got rid of the stones and then was able to create portals for them to return. during all of this they finally were like yah we like each other and now they’re together.

finally they got home found out they’ve been gone for 3 months. the whole thing was they left because they need to get this grass that would save the aunts niece, the dragon queen. but ofc they didn’t get the grass - in the other books it was the king, the other brother who get it from the mermaids ( that was all weird). but the other brother who went on the same mission he hasn’t come back in these 3 months. so now even tho the aunt and brother are back they’re gonna go to find the missing brother.

the end of the book jumps 3 months back to this brother and this brother is with another girl whose one of there friends. so now book 10/11 are gonna be aboht this brother and the girl and what they did for the past 3 months.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book quick enough. I have the under eye raccoon circles to prove it! I regret nothing. Sahira and Orin are so awesome. Brenda does such an excellent job making her characters feel real. This story is different from her others. You all will enjoy it.
There is terror in the story, I found myself covering my eyes as I didn’t want to know what was going on. Some characters, who you thought were good guys, OMG, weren’t! Won’t say which ones, no spoilers. If you live for gore ( umm I do ) there is plenty of it. Releasing this around Halloween, brilliant.
There are such wonderful ancillary characters. Some sweet, some funny, some characters you will hate! I hated quite a lot of them. I will say this, as a child survivor of many forms of abuse, the story line of brutal ending of some characters was a release of tears for me. To get rid of some of those feelings through her story arc was brilliant. Thank you Brenda for that. I read it with fisted hands and felt so good.
I highly recommend this book. The love story was lovely, the friendships brought tears. Grab it, you have the weekend to recuperate.

[Cynthia Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually more into these three books (7,8,9) than I was for the first 6. Still written very juvenile but I enjoyed the cursed land that they were in, I enjoyed the big twists and even though it was very repetitive in the writing I enjoyed the story of the two main characters. Books 7 8 and 9 were very different from books one to six. To understand who these characters are you'd need to know what came before them but I think more or less they're good standalone trilogy. I think in all of these books so far the author is very confused as to what time period everyone is living in: they wear tunics, there's no electricity, they carry swords, but there's reference to Harry Potter, the wizard of oz and other very modern day things like tv shows, which is very confusing as a reader

Think of maze runner, The hunger Games, almost enemies to lovers, and minus spicy scenes and adult themes it would be a young adult fantasy style book trilogy.

Good to note for readers that there are trigger warnings of manipulation, suggested rape, abuse, lots of sexual references and course language.

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great ending to Orin and Sahira’s story.

It was probably the only end that would have made any sense, and for the most part, it went exactly how I assumed it would. No twists and no turns, just a perfect conclusion all wrapped up in a nice little box.

I loved the growth that Orin and Sahira went through together in this one. And that they finally had a together instead of fighting it constantly; I was absolutely more than ready for the dynamic to change between them.

I liked the cursed realm. I liked the villains. They were the perfect villains. The storyline and plot in these three books of the series really had me, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

I will say again that the side characters were all pretty boring and bland. I didn't care much for any of them, and to be honest from time to time I completely forgot about them, so I was disappointed in that, considering the side characters in the first six books were almost better than the main characters.

Other than that, this was a great installment to the series, and I'm really excited to read Brokk’s story.

[Meg Easton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is definitely a guilty pleasure for me. I loved Orin’s and Sahira’s storyline. I had a long break between the last book and this one, so it could be that I accepted some things about the writing before that I forgot. There was a lot of over explaining and endless repeating of the characters personality traits or their complicated feelings. I still enjoyed the story and the conclusion of the cursed realm plot, but the books could have probably been a 1/4 to a 1/3 shorter without the amount of unnecessary exposition and rehashing of feelings and quirks that were clear without the 3rd retelling in each chapter. It’s definitely impacted my rating but I still love the series. I plan to continue to read Brokk’s storyline in the doomed valley but Orin and Sahira’s journey has been a favourite.

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orin stands out as the undisputed hero of this captivating tale, demonstrating unwavering courage in defense of his loved ones, sparing no effort to ensure their safety. Despite Sahira's initial resistance, Orin's unwavering determination eventually wins her heart, and together, they will defy the barren and hostile world they inhabit.

As they confront numerous obstacles, they stumble upon the truth about their harsh surroundings and realize that their only hope for survival lies in mutual trust and resilience.

Author Benda K Davies has created a thrilling series filled with unexpected plot twists, love, passion, and everything else required to keep readers hooked. The characters are mesmerizing, and their love story is truly inspiring. Brace yourself for a captivating read!

[Michelle Koker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to Orin and Sahira's story! Or was it the end? Well, you will just have to read "Gilded Curses" to see. This story was a wild ride that began in Belda's Town, then entered into The Barren Lands and all through the Cursed Realm. What Orin and Sahira and their crew experienced in this new realm is nothing short of surprising and shocking. And NOTHING shocked me more than Orin, at one point, where my jaw about dropped to the floor. I was so stunned I must of re-read that one part about ten times until I could move on and finally get a grip on my self. This series is a MUST read. This author is in a league of her own. Way to go Brenda K Davies, you knocked it out of the park once again!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning of Sahira and Orin’s story Orin was not very likable he was playing a game and the game was to get Sahira in his bed but the game didn’t end at that and he realized it wasn’t a game anymore he had actually came to care for her. In this conclusion of Sahira and Orin’s story he finally becomes a character that is likable you really see how he’s grown and became someone that is reliable and cares for others outside his family. Sahira Orin Zeth Elsa and the brownies have made it farther than anyone else, after destroying the spiders they’re hoping nothing else comes at them but than they get to a new town and a new danger when all they want is to get home.

This is the conclusion of Sahira and Orin’s story but not the end of rhe series.

[AnnaMeansFun · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two issues I have with those books:

1. the supposedly big moments don’t have a big enough build up, they are quite anticlimactic;
2. the amount of repetitive inner monologue is exhausting.

Other than that, I think I enjoyed that portion of the series more than the first two books, mostly because the characters and the dynamics between them were just way more entertaining. The plot premise was also quite unique and it kept me on my toes, I never knew what was gonna happen next.

I wish we got more of them “on the outside”, though. I’d like to see what happened with their friends, I’d like to see the way their relationship works back in their regular life, surrounded by friends and family.

Nevertheless, it was more entertaining than I expected.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished! Where do I start?! I’m so sad that Orin and Sahira’s story has come to an end…but all I can say is that I had the biggest smile as the story came to an end. And I hope that we’ll get to hear about everyone again at some point as the series moves along!

Lastly, Orin had me crying in this book and has made me love him so much. It’s interesting how we grow attached to characters, and I’ve done so with him since the start of the series, and happy for how his journey has come to an end.

Thank you Brenda for this amazing story! And the amazing friendships that came out of it! Looking forward to the next book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-turning excitement.

Going with 5 stars because the last 30 percent of the book was page turning. We still followed Orin and Sahira’s journey in the Cursed Realm, but now they are with the Golden One’s who are psychopaths. The storyline was intriguing and entertaining. Sahira and Orin finally got to a good, stable point in their relationship. Thank goodness! They had a battle to get through with the dagadon and Orin and Sahira did not disappoint. I loved the brownies and Zeth. Elsa as well. They were good side characters. I absolutely loved how everyone came together towards the end to settle their grievances.

[Lisa Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an Advanced Reader Copy of Gilded Curses, and all I can say is "simply amazing!"

Another great addition to "" The Shadow Realms " series! Sahira, Orin, Elsa, Zeth and the Brownies journey through the Cursed Realms continues as the end is almost at their grasps, or so they think. This leg of the journey will take all their knowledge, strengths, will to live, love, and teamwork to survive.

An action packed paranormal story with plot twists left and right, as nothing is what it seems! I highly recommend this book and the whole Shadow Realms Series!

[Nikki Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin.
I completely devoured every word in this amazing finale to Orin and Sahira’s journey. I have to say I think this is the best one for me.
Oh the secrets all come out.
The twists and turns this book takes keeps you on your toes and immersed in the sensational storyline.
Orin is becoming the male he should be.
Sahira is just amazing. The two together are breathtaking. But can they find the secret behind Desmond’s power before he destroys them?
I cannot express how brilliant this series is. One of my all time favourites for sure.
Can’t wait for the next couple.

[Connie Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series, but this book almost tore me to pieces! I hated Orin when I first started this series and now I am so in love with him just like Sariha! She changed him for the better and I love her for it. BUT there are things in this book I never dreamed Orin would do and he is now my rock star! Will not spoil this book, but it is definitely a must read.
Brenda is one of the greatest authors I know! She will make you laugh, cry and yes sometimes scream at these characters, but it is totally worth it. Thank you for another amazing book. Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sahira and Orin, as well as their traveling companions, find themselves in what appears to be a beautiful place. Against hope, they discover it is fraught with new layers of intrigue and danger, and is another level of the Hell games played in the Cursed Realms. Facing deadly challenges and dastardly evil characters, Sahira and Orin continue to work both alone and together to find a way home for all of their group.

Can they escape the deadly dangers, corrupt characters, and rise to the challenges they face in this gilded and cursed realm, finally finding their way home and to each other?

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How seriously amazing was this story!!!!
Gilded Curses, is it the end of the road for Orin, Sahira and their little rag tag group or will they find a way out of the Cursed Realm?
Who really is behind the magic of the Cursed Realm?
What other challenges await them?
The previous book left me filled with questions, this one answers them then set me up for new questions and a new adventure but no spoilers!!!
Just note if you love supernatural, magical, fantasy, action, adventure stories full oh intrigue and mystery with a side of romance then this series is for you.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride! The book masterfully captures the essence of 'out of the frying pan, into the fire.' Every time you think Sahira and her team are safe, they're thrust into another nightmare. The analogy of a gilded cage is perfect here, especially with a monster lurking within.

The games and trials in this book are nothing short of genius. Each one is intricately designed to test the characters in unique, breath taking ways. And let's talk about Orin - I did NOT see that twist coming! I had to reread parts just to make sure I got it right.

[Micaela Kuietauskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every single book in this series, and this is no exception. The story, the character development, the relationships, the unexpected twists, everything is just SO good. I think my favorite part is getting to see Orin continue to grow and change, especially in his relationship with Sahira. I’m usually pretty good at predicting what happens next, but this book kept me on my toes and there were definitely a few things I absolutely did not see coming!

[Jodi Bigane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilded Curses is book 9 of the Shadow realms and it was so awesome. Brenda did an amazing job with this book that I was on the edge of my seat at times! I always love the banter between Orin and Sahira but I also love how much they have grown with their feelings for each other. I was so surprised with some of the ordeals they all had to go through. This series is an epic journey and I can't wait for book 10. If you haven't started yet, what are you waiting for??

[Kendra Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re reading this review, I’m assuming you’ve read the other eight books in the series. I’m here to tell you right now that this book does not disappoint! It was a puzzle, mystery that kept my mind sharp and on the look out, but I tried my best to figure it out as it went. I love the two main characters and I’ve honestly been rooting for them from the beginning because the chemistry and potential has been there the whole time. I absolutely loved Gilded Curses!