Eric Linnaeus - The Witch's Curse

by Kikito Lynn

Pain burned through my veins like wildfire, electrifying each nerve ending and searing through every thought I had ever had. I was sure this was how I would die, and I wished it would hurry up. - Charles Walsh. Deep in the woods a darkness stirs and impossible, horrifying, creatures exist. Deputy Charles Walsh had always held a healthy level of skepticism. However, when he meets Eric Linnaeus, a man marked by the fae and trained to kill, he is forced to accept a new reality. Facing supernatural creatures and cursed objects, he discovers that everything is not as it seems. If he hopes to survive, he must learn from Linnaeus, yet he can’t help but wonder - is this man’s word to be trusted? Book one in the dark fantasy horror series Eric Linnaeus.

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Horror, Enemies To Lovers, Fae, M M Romance, LGBT

418 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2023

Reviews

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this from the author's Tiktok, haven't really tried dark romance yet, but their little artistic interpretations on the app drew me in. It's the only place I've been seeing people use tags outside of fanfiction. I would love to see that become more popular.

Tags from me about this individual book: Gay character (Outed), POV everyone except the main character, Flashbacks, Fae, Manipulation, Humans are food, kidnapping, torture, possession, child grooming (it is portrayed as appropriately horrifying imo)
Tags from the Author about series: M/m dark romance, Enemies to lovers

There's little to no romance in the first one. The enemies are still enemying. Although maybe friends to enemies to lovers is more correct??? Anywho, thank fuck because I hate when it's like "enemies to lovers" and that lasts all of a half a page. At LEAST be half the book! Come ON! So this might be setting a standard for that now. Although, I will admit, I would prefer a different ship. But hey, fanfiction amiright?

[S. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've picked up in over a decade that wasn't a manga—and honestly, I was surprised by how much it pulled me in. Eric Linnaeus: The Witch’s Curse is a unique storytelling experience that doesn’t follow a typical linear path. Instead, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of various characters who cross paths with Eric, the book’s enigmatic namesake. Each chapter shifts perspectives, sometimes circling back to familiar scenes but from a new lens, revealing more pieces of the puzzle.

Pro: If you have a scatterbrain like mine, this kind of storytelling scratches an itch you didn’t even know you had. It’s chaotic in the best way. I loved slowly assembling the bigger picture and getting to know characters in layers. Seeing the same events through different eyes made the world feel more alive and complex.

Con: That said, the writing itself leaves something to be desired. It feels more like a bare-bones outline of what could be a fully fleshed-out story. There were scenes I wanted to bask in—tense moments or emotional beats that were dropped in just a few lines when they deserved a whole page. The potential is definitely there, but I often found myself wishing for just a little more depth.

Still, despite its rough edges, I’m continuing the series. The first book left me wanting more, and I’m eager to see how the tangled threads come together in the next installment.

[♧Bri♧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. I found it thanks to the videos on Kikito Lynn tiktok and youtube channel, and i was immediately intrigued. It’s dark, intricate, and written with a unique structure that constantly kept me guessing. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, and each chapter adds another layer to the mystery surrounding Eric and to try to understand his story.

The characters are flawed, complex. I especially enjoyed how we see the scenes from different perspectives, helping to understand how every character feels in that moment.

And i already adore the constant bickering between Eric and Nathaniel haha.

The blend of horror, fantasy, and slow-burn (really slow, but you can see they have chemistry and really care about each other in some scenes) enemies-to-lovers romance hit all the right notes for me.

Also easy to understand, english is not my first language but i read it swiftly.

Now i just have to read the others ✨

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you mean that if I didn’t that one day years ago after vehemently opposing it donwloaded that stupid video app I would never discover this masterpiece?

I really enjoyed myself (in a good and in a this keeps breaking my will to live way). The story telling is amazing. The words flow was so natural and the way you’re told the story out of place and some things explain themself only way later was so much fun. I was never bored and I usually hate when a good POV ends and the less entertaining one starts – but not here, because even though we get multiple POVs they all focus on the same person. Eric is the MC and we (at least in this book) get to only see him through the eyes of others – some like him, some hate him, some are only now getting to know him just like us and that was certainly a choice but a very good choice. I can’t wait to read Nathaniel’s POV.. T-T

And the horror-ish vibe was a bonus. I wasn’t sure if this would work for me - it did.

Read it and weap. You won’t regret it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже цікаво написана книжка. Оповідання ведеться від імені різних персонажів, які розповідають історію головних героїв. Завдяки цьому можна спостерігати за розвитком подій і відносин з різних точок зору — цікава й оригінальна концепція.

Ерік спочатку здавався серйозним і недоторканим, але виявився просто булочкою з корицею. А от Натаніель… ну, що ж, 7/10 — був би 10/10, якби не був канібалом, але що вже поробиш. Обов’язково спостерігатиму за розвитком їхніх стосунків в наступних частинах, бо між ними вже зараз відчувається ✨tension✨

[Vinx Selene · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4/5 — Here’s Why:

(Not gonna lie — I found this book through social media, and I have zero regrets.)

Writing Style:
Simple and accessible. It’s not overly complex, but it delivers the emotions and intent effectively.
8.5/10

Characters:
Intricately crafted with solid, believable dynamics. Their interactions are layered and natural.
9/10

Narration & Structure:
The POV and timeline shifts can get a little confusing at times, but the chapter dates make it easier to follow.
8/10

Worldbuilding:
Clear, well-established power systems and an unflinching portrayal of brutality. It’s easy to grasp but never feels shallow.
9/10

Romance:
Very slow burn, almost nonexistent in this book — but important for future development. It’s subtle but meaningful.

Plot:
Focused more on backstory and foreshadowing. Later books tie things together in a satisfying way, revealing the significance of what you didn’t fully catch in book one.


So it is worth the read. Eric and Charles were the most entertaining characters for me.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This world has me utterly enamored. The way this book is written in outside perspectives of people's meetings with Eric - and the way their stories gradually tell you things about who he is, his past, and various other things about him - it's such a refreshing way to read a story like this. How characters you've never met before can pull you in so beautifully with the stories they tell of Eric, the Fae, and other creatures is so addicting to read. It's the biggest reason as to why I devoured this book so quickly. The book had me keeping notes of the characters and events, keeping me on the edge, trying to figure out what is going on and who these people are. I have to know more!! I really enjoyed the time I spent with these characters, and with a promise for more with this being a series - I can't wait to continue with volume two soon.

[Saturn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the perfect world building to plot ratio to help me out of my reading slump 🙏

[Paulette Ondara · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter read this book first and then ask me to read it; and it was surprisingly good. The story line flowed well, going back in forth in perspective and timelines. The characters were well written and not alot of fluff characters. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.

[yasi (◍•ᴗ•◍) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been in a reading slump for about two months and this book single handedly got me out of it. I easily got invested in the world and the characters and I really enjoyed all the different povs.
all the connected little plots and mysteries reminded me of reading danmei which I really enjoy.
over all I had a good time and now I'm emotionally attached to a former child eating monster...ヽ（´ー｀）┌

[Lisa Tobleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

so confused

This reads like someone saw Promised Never,and and went, yes, that’s a great idea, let’s Hansel and Gretal it up and add evil fae. Like actually evil. And add diary journal entries from the past. As curious as I am about how this horror novel is going to continue, I just can’t with the time skips and different points of view every other chapter. And by different I mean Not even the main characters pov. There’s a jailhouse interview, a nun, different fae. Just to name a few, it’s interesting just definitely not my cup of tea. Also, this is more a horror book than romance.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warnings: Partially very disturbing - torture, mind control, human slaves "pets", not cannibalism but similar, BAD injuries, alcoholism mentioned but not detailed, violence against children - can feel uncomfy to read

Short:
- really enjoyed it, not in a "fun" way, but everything was interesting, with tension, never boring
- well made disturbing horror, psychological and paranormal
- partially confusing with many (1st person) POVs and time jumps, but I didn't mind, I think it works and was mostly clear by the start of each chapter
- no cliffhanger or unfinished feeling ending!
- unclear main character and pairing at first, no romance in the first book
- not the typical dark/horror fantasy (especially for romance), in a good way!
- easy to read

Long:
(I'll try not to give any spoilers)
English isn't my first language, but somehow this book was very fluid and easy to read. I haven't seen that kind of formatting with so many paragraphs in physical books before, though it's more normal in digital writing. I was a bit confused at first, but I think that might make it easier to read too?

I really enjoyed it. It wasn't what I expected, I knew it was horror, but...I did not think it would be like this. Maybe a bit creepy, but parts were actually really disturbing. I really like that kind of horror though and it's not all just supernatural and much is psychological too. It's definitely not a comfy or relaxing book to read.

I'm always a bit careful because I usually don't like romance books or how a lot of them are written. In the first book there wasn't really anything, but I saw there will be later. But I do like the character interactions and how it turned out to be towards the end, so I think it might be fine.
Especially with the focus so much on other things now and knowing everything that happened. I will just keep reading and see, I guess, because I like the writing in general and there wasn't anything off-putting to me.
It's funny though how the pairing is not clear at first, so I'm not gonna spoil it, but it gets more obvious later in the book. It's probably because Charles just stares a lot at Eric...

At first I was pretty confused who even the main character was, it should be obvious with the title, but I somehow expected Charles would be it...but I think many people get confused about that.
I don't think I've read any story with so many things being told from outside perspective, especially with first person, but I feel like it was really well done and the character voices were really distinct.

I like the pacing, I don't know if it was exactly fast, probably faster than many books, but it doesn't seem like it with the time switches and different POVs.

The time jumps were fine to me and made sense, also because the year and characters were before every chapter. Just at the end it was a bit confusing when Calla thought back on something and it was present -> past -> present.

The ending in general felt a bit odd to me, I'm not sure why. Everything it was a bit faster than the rest of the book and I feel like it could have been longer? But maybe I just expected it to go somewhere else, probably a cliffhanger. So I am glad there wasn't one though, I feel like too many book series have really bad ones.

At first I also thought I really wouldn't like Nathaniel at all, he seemed so bad, but with everything towards the end I am a bit calmed...maybe.
I don't like Markos though, I don't know why, I mean because how he thinks of Calla and humans...but he just feels off to me in general. I don't trust him at all. He just really should not be a doctor...

[Shaunae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a weird one. I liked it but it’s really puzzling.
There were parts of this book that I just couldn’t figure out. It’s told from multiple POV’s, even from minor characters. It’s mainly in dealing with Eric’s life, his childhood and how he grew up. His fae “family” is something from nightmares but Eric is a very strong, mental and magically, capable and resilient. I really enjoyed reading about him but he was the only character with any sort of development. We learned bits and pieces about the other characters, but nothing like Eric. I’m guessing that’s for later books.
Charles is someone, again I’m guessing, who is going to play a larger role in later books. He’s one that we get bits and pieces on so I can’t say that I care anything for him. I couldn’t figure out if he’s a cop or forest ranger. His sister is a massive annoyance. There’s no romance in this book, so I have no idea who’s going to be paired with who. I feel like Eric has 2-3 possibilities. Charles is sweet, in a bumbling side kick sort of way. I really hope Eric doesn’t like him. I don’t feel like they are suited at all.
Eric’s story was really flushed out but other parts of the story have not been. I couldn’t figure out if the humans in this story are aware of the super natural creatures in their presence or not. Whenever a human would see one, it was met with curiosity, not fear. No one ran away screaming in fear of these monsters. At one point, there’s a line of a character wondering if a human could tell if the fae in front of him wasn’t human. He has white hair, pointed ears and lime green eyes. Who’s thinking that is human and why does no one react to him? Do they fae use magic to disguise their features? There were discussions where the humans know something was different in their town but I guess nobody cared to look into it? They just knew to get in the house at night. Without any decent world building, there were a ton of fuzzy bits in this book. There are several creatures in this story. Eric knows what they are and what they do but the readers are not privy to that knowledge. Just something else the reader is not told.
Eric is very stand offish due to his physical differences. He is not talkative and doesn’t seem overly friendly. He rescued Charles a couple of times but never had a conversation with him. Next thing I know, Eric is staying with Charles, walking around in his boxers. How in the world did we get to that point of familiarity between the two of them?? I thought I missed a chapter somehow. Eric cared a lot for Charles throughout the book and I was left feeling that I missed something. It’s never explained where this friendship came from.
I never read a book that ended mid conversation.
This book has me curious enough to keep going at least one more book to see if there’s some answers to this.

[Mrs Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binged all 4 book over the space of 3 days.

ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING

I’ve read books before that jump timelines between past and present but the way this author does it, it soothes something in my brain.
Eric is obviously the main protagonist but we get very few POV from him, most are told from side characters. Eric’s backstory is told from others around that time that all point towards a very unreliable narrative, and obviously other characters are learning things as we go. The jump between time lines and characters I thought would do me in, as it’s not like a traditional novel and I thought I would get impatient, BUT I ATE THIS SHIT UP. I was never bored with the story, and it was fascinating to sometimes see the same scene but from different perspectives.
The review, while on Book 1s profile, stands for all 4.
THEY ARE THAT GOOD.
I stumbled across these books on a book recommendation facebook page, looked them up and thought ohh that sounds interesting, then stumbled across their TikTok page (🥵🥵🫣 check out their art work, you’ll thank me later) and DEVOURED these book. I ignored my husband, my kids, and my responsibilities for 3 days. And have not a single regret.
I now have 11 days until ALTERNATIVE is released and I don’t know what to do with my life.

[Kiki✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobooked this one so have left a few notes on how I found the narration too!

Shout out to the author as well, I had a lovely chat with them via their socials. They answered all of my questions and were so lovely.

✨You’re hooked from the get go!
✨Really vivid descriptions of settings
✨A fun compilation of supernatural mysteries with Eric’s backstory teaser throughout
✨ All the main characters are so interesting and well rounded
✨We love gay boys 🏳️‍🌈
✨Alternative writing style. I love the non-linear way the story was told. Fantasy is my genre of choice and I’ll admit I got comfortable with the usual formula, but this threw me off that in the best way!

🎙️ Fantastic narrator
🎙️Fun use of editing. The narrator added in the sounds we hear in the book such as talking over the radio, really immerses you in the story.
🎙️Enjoyed the voices the narrator gave each character. However once or twice he did the wrong one for characters which could be confusing

🪄Lacks character descriptions for some of the characters. I made up what they looked like but for me personally I’m indecisive and I like being told what to do by an author. However when characters descriptions were given they were very vivid and picturesque. (Eric and Nathanial I’m talking about you.)

🪄 Not really legitimate feedback but I need Eric and Nathaniel’s pov so bad, I feel like it was deliberately held back from us which makes me crave it more!

[Zephyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first came across this book from the live illustrations done on TikTok by the author. Can’t remember when but I never thought anything of it.
Then I see it’s a book series which I definitely had to check out and here we are.

I like how the author lowkey mind reads in the sense of when I have a moment of wait hang on I’m confused it gets cleared up right in that instant as I keep reading!

It is quite a slow read and did take me time to genuinely get into but I’m glad I didn’t give up as now I’m genuinely enjoying the mystery and what’s going on.

When it’s Charles POV at the beginning it’s very slow paced and not that interesting to read.

However, reading the POV of Stacey interviewing Molly and finding about Eric’s past really hooked me and it started to get more fun and interesting to read as Eric has such a gripping back story which became such a enjoyable chunk of a read, to get to know him and why he looks and is the way he is.

Chapter 27 Claire really pissed me off when she was shooting her mouth about Eric but I’m so happy when Calla put her in her place. Claire thinks she’s knows what’s going on and because Markos has been friendly with her that’s enough for her to doubt Eric. Definitely not liking Claire’s character anymore.

The ending was kinda abrupt not sure how I feel about it. Overall it was a good read, something different entirely and I am looking forward to read more about Eric’s life and his past.

[Sey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think the CP would be nathaniel x eric, kinda dissapointed 😔✊️

Still, this was a very enjoyable read, the narration is easy to follow and I never once got bored while reading it. The paranormal events are quite unique, and it was so funny to see how Charles was getting in trouble over and over again, my poor boy lol. The worldbuilding is also well done/built and different from other books of the genre I've read.

Not sure if I will continue tho, probably not cause I'm not a big fan of the couples where one got to see the other one growing up, let's the future decide.

Great work! 🌷🌷

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's Instagram page came across my algorithm a few months ago and kept popping up. Usually when that happens I take it as a sign that I should check out the series. However, for this one I dragged my feet because I knew it was horror themed and I don't really like horror. Finally I caved and read it.

OMH MY GOD I LOVED IT. I honestly wouldn't be able to pin point just one thing that stood out to me. The characters where so intricate and complex, the setting and world was masterfully done. I understood the Fae governance perfectly with how the author explained it and with little effort.

I think my only complaint was that I had trouble at times keeping all the time jumping straight. I know the author had the POV and date at the top of each chapter but if it was a longer chapter I sometimes forgot what time period we were in. That however, was not enough for me to give this book anything less than a 5 star review.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book!

I love all the adventure, mystery and monsters. I also love how the story is not necessarily told chronologically but instead giving you the information you need when you need it.

I love Eric and can’t wait to read more about him, and knowing Nathaniel is the love interest from spoilers must say that I am enjoying his screentime too. I can’t wait to learn more about their past (and might have skimmed some scenes from book 2 already 😅). I also really like Calla and can’t wait to see more of here, and Charles is a fun narrator.

Claire is a bit annoying (sorry) but I’m sure it will get better when she gets more fleshed out in the next books.

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADORE ADORE ADORE

Beautifully written, amazing characters, gripping plot. I'm obsessed.

I couldn't put it down and absolutely loved how the story was told across multiple povs and timelines.

I'm so excited to read the next book - I can't wait to see how Nathaniel and Eric's relationship progresses!

note: How - HOW has this only been rated 25 times? I'm so confused - mm fantasy readers, can we please give this book the recognition it deserves 👏👏

[Athieen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!

This was my first time reading a book of this genre and to say i am pleased this was my introduction is an understatement. The writing is captivating and is easily understandable.
The characters are all likable. As the dynamics between them had me giggling or waiting on the edge of my seat!
I was quite pleased too as this book does have a little implied spice but don’t depict anything beyond it. Overall a 10/10 and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Linda Paola Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book on tiktok, I didn't know what to expect but it caught my attention so I decided to read it. It's not the genre I usually read but it caught me completely from the beginning, it had me completely intrigued, I got fond of the characters wanting to find out more about them.

I liked the way it is written, English is not my first language but I had no problem understanding the text. 4.5 ⭐️ good book :)

[carmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

i very much appreciated the writing style and humor but the pov changes did begin to grate…. i just wanted to see charles and eric’s storyline. once i got into the other povs i was definetly engaged but each shift took me out of the story. loved the darkness and finally getting some actual proper fae who felt like they operated outside human morality and dynamics!!! so excited to see this found family develop.

also claire girl please what are you doinggggg, im begging you

[Stephani · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved every minute of this book

I don’t even know where to begin with this book… I’m enthralled, amazed, shocked, horrified, and mystified… this is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. The writing was phenomenal and the multi pov were entertaining and thrilling… 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️ running to go devour the next installment ❤️

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

J’ai beaucoup aimé cette histoire !! Au début, j’ai eu du mal à m’habituer aux nombreux changements de narrateurs mais au bout d’un moment je me suis retrouvée emportée par l’univers.

For me, this book was a cosy/spooky/funny and lovely story ! And I am really exited to dive into the second volume ! (I want so much more of Nathaniel and Eric interactions >.< !!)

I need to say that I really loved Calla !

And Charles was such a victim in this volume 😭 (he had all of the disgusting experiences)

[eveel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i need more

[Be Poon Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it.
I'm curious as to how it goes on.
but I like the characters

[Celine Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an insane story, I was HOOKED

[Jona Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

You deserve an award for this.

[Sondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and interesting read and I enjoyed the jumps through time and point of views. This series deserves more hype