Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book

She’s got green skin, twisted tusks, and a ferocious love of canned pineapple. And her high-stakes day job just landed her a do-or-die mission…

Pepper Sterling relies on her gifts to hide and stay safe. Born with the ability to manipulate stone with ease and disappear at will, the young troll left her unwelcoming clan and found work running messages between Earth and Faerie. But after fleeing a nasty band of elves who slapped a slave rune on her arm, she’s left with a broken wrist and a testily ungrateful tiger-shifter guest in her hidden lair.

Confused by powers that are inexplicably growing after the confrontation, she’s stunned when the snarly cat accuses her of illegal magic use and knocks her out with a spell. With rising tensions attracting the attention of the Lord of Winter and news of a dryad in danger only Pepper can rescue, she’s staggered by a shocking revelation about her true nature…

Will she have to confront Death himself to save the day?

Cursed Fae is the fifth standalone book in the action-packed Creatures of the Otherworld urban fantasy series. If you like unique heroines, emotional rollercoasters, and feel-good tales, then you’ll adore Brogan Thomas’s suspense-filled story.

Buy Cursed Fae to bend rocks and fates today!

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2024

727 people are currently reading
2617 people want to read

About the author

Brogan Thomas

61 books423 followers
Brogan lives in Ireland with her husband and their eleven furry children: five furry minions of darkness (aka the cats), four hellhounds (the dogs), and two traditional unicorns (fat, hairy Irish cobs).


In 2019 she embraced her craziness by writing about the imaginary people that live in her head. Her first love is her husband followed by her number-one favourite furry child Bob the cob, then reading. When not reading or writing, she can be found knee-deep in horse poo and fur while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
817 (65%)
4 stars
294 (23%)
3 stars
119 (9%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Leigh Taylor.
58 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2024
Yet another fantastic book for the Creatures of the Otherworld series. I would say this one is my favorite but it seems like I say that about every one of these that I read. I do identify with Pepper, the adorable troll, as feeling like a big dumb idiot every time I interact with people. Love Pepper!
Profile Image for Cherry Mischievous.
597 reviews290 followers
March 1, 2024
My Thoughts:
Love to see Forrest again!! It's like meeting a long lost friend! Character development? Can never go lower than 4! Having said that, I was not impressed with Pepper trying to face up to the bad guys and then let them beat her again just so that her tiger can save her again. I'm sorry, but, that is lame... However, the story telling quality is so wonderful that this book whizzed by.

On the first round of reading before the audiobook was released, I tried to read the ebook as slowly as possible and savour it as long as I could. But it still went too fast for me!

I am an old fan of this author and this series and can't wait for Cursed Dragon!

Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 4

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Profile Image for Lauren.
543 reviews40 followers
August 3, 2024
In the fifth book of the Creatures of the Otherworld series, we are introduced to a troll who is on the run and in hiding. I love Pepper, the adventures and that we got to see some of the other characters from previous books. This can be read as a standalone, but it really resonates if you have read the other (amazing) books.
1,308 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2024
Pepper is a troll but a very unusual one, too small, strange powers, gets forgotten by everyone including her family. She lives alone in the tunnels beneath the subway.
When escaping from elf slavers she steals a bag full of magical items but before she can do anything she ends up rescuing the hellhound Corbin, who is actually a tiger shifter.
Life changes dramatically for Pepper, some for the good, some not so good.
This book has action, interesting characters including some from previous books, obviously some slow romance, humour, and a big surprise.
This is a great world and series and in two weeks when the next book comes out I will definitely be reading it.
324 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2024
Can things begin with an ending? When everything is broken and you’ve hit rock bottom? This is a beautifully heartbreaking question that Pepper asks herself at the beginning of this book and as the amazing story teller thay Brogan is, she spends time exploring this flawed character and showing her how strong she really is. Learning of Pepper's unusual magic has people hunting her and putting her in vulnerable positions, but Pepper won't allow herself to be just vulnerable. As the story weaves thru familiar characters and the intricately beautiful magic and personalities, Pepper is a wonderful addition. I binged this book in a night, as I tend to do with Brogan's work, bringing me tears and laughing out loud moments. I hope to see more of her antics in the future.
Profile Image for Nina.
156 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2025
Hook, line and sinker

I really enjoy reading books by Brogan Thomas. With a fresh new world (Otherworld), truely kick ass heroines, exceptional characters and sneaky ties to their other Otherworld books. The story telling is absolutely captivating. I am hooked!
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,575 reviews104 followers
December 26, 2024
How does this author do this???? I'm agog...These standalone books in this series are so powerful, they start powerfully, enticing me, captivating me from the git go! Amazing! Just amazing that Brogan manages within a few sentences to have me riveted, my adrenaline at high alert, my mouth dries up! Although I shouldn't be surprised, her storytelling is unparalleled fantabulousness!

Just the first chapter alone entices me to know more about Pepper, what her deal is, why she's escaped the Fae Realm, why she's hurt. She has some really awesome magic though, that much is clear from the onset, and she's a troll, cool right? Anyhoo, she's hiding out in a subway tunnel, that's her "home", away from prying eyes. Then, yep, there's a then... stumbling on a fight between shifters changes everything. Oh and when she opens a bag she "appropriated" she finds loads of delectable magical items, even a beithioch, a kind of magical huge cat except this one's a wolf called Eurus, a rather arrogant, articulate wolf. And guess what else she discovers??? Forrest! I was doing a happy jig that Forrest was featured quite prominently in this book and next thing I knew, I was scrounging around for tissues! Why? Well heck, when you read what Pepper went through, what she endured, trust me, you'll need tissues too! Not only were my eyes leaking, I felt as though someone had punched me in the gut! I have mentioned in every review of the previous books in this series that Brogan tears me apart with her incredible prose and pencraft, the realism infused by mere words speak to a magic this author possesses, a magic she spins around me until it's imbued into my heart, my soul, my flipping DNA! Like a toy top, Brogan spins my emotions wildly, capturing all the torment and then she gently brings it to a halt, easing me to a gobsmacked stillness of awe.

I mean, take Corbin and example, Ms Thomas has all my radars going "d*ck", he was soooo dogmatically a real asshat to Pepper but moments of kindness and compassion had me questioning him, which is precisely how this magnificent author turns it around. Oh and good grief, talk about turning it round, when Pepper discovers truths about herself, my jaw dropped to the floor! I had a feeling there was more to her than her awesome magic but geez, THAT I didn't expect, THAT made me do a double take! And then there's the fabulous characters from previous books who make an appearance, I've mentioned Forrest, there's Tilly, Trudie, Tru and Story, how magnificent is that? But most of all, the beauty that is Pepper, the resilience that is an integral part of her, the fullness of her character, indeed, all the characters, stand out like beacons of light in a very dark dinky tunnel.... this last sentence will make a whole lot of sense once you've read the book, I just couldn't help myself...As this elaborate, intricate, and at times heartbreaking tale takes shape, it plays out to a spectacular zenith of hope, of friendships and the incredible realisation that one CAN embrace what one is. Another winning combination from this illustrious author!
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,209 reviews27 followers
May 13, 2025
I think this fifth book in this series has been my favourite one so far. I loved Pepper and all her magical powers and secrets, which get revealed throughout the book. I loved the fact that the romance didn't really take place at all - just a smidgen at the end, so the focus was more on Pepper and her discovery.

Pepper is a troll, but not a strong or powerful one at all, living a lonely existence. Her family back in the Fae realm ignore her for the most part, so she now spends most of her time on Earth (illegally as well) working as messenger between the fae on Earth and their families in Fae. Until she is caught by elf slavers, determined to sell her to the highest bidder. Luckily for her, she makes her escape, but not before stealing an elf's back, full of magical items. Some of these magical items are triggered by Pepper and have interesting and amusing results.

However, when she steps in to help a tiger shifter from what could have possibly been a dangerous situation, things change for her and not necessarily for the better. But this doesn't stop Pepper - she becomes much more determined to do what she feels is right, to put herself in harm's way if necessary in order to stop the bad guys from getting what they want. You could definitely see the change in her - she became more confident and courageous when standing up against those who had come for her.

My only gripe was that she had to be rescued by a man! I really would have loved it even more if Pepper had been able to defeat the elf leader herself.

This series is a great, fun read, with lots of twists and turns, lots of action and a touch of romance. I love how the previous characters in the other books pop in to all of them, entwining all their stories together!

Looking forward to reading the next book, Cursed Dragon, soon!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,821 reviews182 followers
March 24, 2024
I love this author and this series, though I found this book a bit weaker than the other parts of the series - a little too formula-driven and insta-love. I'm wondering if she was forced to condense or rush to meet deadline. I love the world building and characters, but this specific book could have been even better with more work on creating believable attraction and by straying from the abused and abandoned formula of other books in this series. There have got to be other experiences of femininity in this world.

This story is about a troll girl who is very forgettable (even to her own parents), can talk to and manipulate stone, and can turn invisible when she wants to. We meet her having just escaped from fae slavers who recently grabbed her while she was acting as a messenger. Just after she gets to safety, she is awoken by a brawl outside her hidden cave/tunnel and decides to help the tiger shifter who is being attacked by a whole pack of wolves. That really backfires on her, as he ends up being a hellhound/hunter and works for the leader of a fae court and takes her into custody. (The slavers had been trying to sell her to a different fae leader who liked exotic bedmates.) But, she meets Forest (book one) and the half vampire/half unicorn from one of the books and they help her. Then she meets the fae leader who drops a bombshell on her. And it also turns out not all the slavers were captured. She ends up embracing her power and winning, of course, but it's interesting along the way as she does. And the tiger shifter does an about-face out of nowhere and professes love. (That needed a lot more build up to make sense.) I liked the story and recommend the series to urban fantasy fans.
731 reviews16 followers
April 8, 2024
Another great book in the Creatures of the Otherworld series. Pepper is a troll who has been ignored her entire life. Even her family acted like she wasn’t there. Leaving and living on her own at the age of 8, she made a life for herself on the human world. Being a troll, she should not have magic, but she is able to be invisible and can manipulate stone. Somehow, the elf warriors find out and kidnap her. She manages to escape and shortly after finds a shifter being beaten and tries to save him. And that’s where her real troubles begin. Corbin, the tiger shifter is a Hellhound who believes she is dangerous and ends up kidnapping her and nulling her magic.
Poor Pepper has to try to save herself (yet again) from Corbin and an elf lord. But she meets Forrest, Tru, Story and Jodie. And she has been working with Tilly as a messenger her entire life in the human Realm. It was so nice to see so many of the other characters from the other books!
Pepper is another character who has had a tough life but doesn’t let that drag her down. She is determined to do what she can to help when she can. And while she is initially attracted to Corbin, she doesn’t just throw herself at him and steps back and thinks about how he is treating her. I’m not sure how I feel about Corbin, while he did the right thing eventually, he does some stupid stuff thinking he is helping. And the Behio is a surprise as a wolf, but definitely lazy like a cat!
And the ending! I did not see any of that coming and I am so proud of Pepper for really finding her confidence! I hope we get to see more of her and her able to interact with the other characters in this series! I would love to find out if she is able to keep her friendship with Forrest after changing the threads of fate. And I'd love to see her stick around Tru and Story as well!
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,575 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2024
Cursed Fae is another home run and I am so fascinated with Pepper and Corbin. I absolutely loved seeing Pepper grow fast take the hard hits and keep on going she was doggedly determined to thrive, survive and do it on her terms. One of the worst things to happen to Pepper leaves her with a few magical items that I can’t wait to learn more about and I love her multiple furry friends including Corbin 😂.

Wasn’t sure at first after what he does I’m positive he’s an asshat. But then he goes and does his best to be redeemable. So nice to see and honestly unexpected he seemed to just be the man after the paycheck but he was highly regarded by both Forest and Tru who don’t trust easily and it was what Pepper felt he was capable of being all along. So Corbin for the win I hope he keeps it up.

I was really riveted to the quickly growing cast of allies Pepper collects on her mission to be free of slavers and her true nature wow 😮! I can’t wait to see what she becomes capable of as she embraces her powers. Absolutely amazing addition to the series and I highly recommend it! I’d give it a ten if I could!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
March 1, 2024
Good

Pepper is a troll, one with an unusual magic that might just be causing her an inordinate amount of trouble.
With a Tiger shifter intent on finding out her secrets, it’s not long before Pepper finds herself in trouble…

We’re back in Brogan Thomas’ incredibly fascinating world. This time, we have a new and intriguing heroine in the person of Pepper, whose childhood and youth have been bad enough to cause her a great deal of trauma.
Corbin, our tiger, is another fascinating character, strong and determined. He’s definitely a good match for Pepper, even if his reasons and motives are questionable.

We are fortunate enough to see a few familiar faces in this book, which makes for a fun interaction, and it was an enjoyable journey to see where Pepper’s story lead. I enjoyed watching her come into her own, and claim the future she needed.

This was an engrossing tale, just as enjoyable as the other stories in the universe. I highly recommend it to the urban fantasy fans out there.
Profile Image for Zoe.
169 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2024
Welp, the author learned a couple things since the first book, but really this is two stars and a smidge, generously rounded up. To be fair, I erased all of book one from my brain because it was stupendously bad, and have not read 2-5. I picked this up because I liked the idea of a troll FMC subverting the usual too-pretty-for-words fantasy shit that’s popular right now.

What’s wrong with having a big nose? A couple moles, lopsided boobs, crooked teeth? Tusks? Make ‘em realistic or at least make them imperfect, and not just in terms of character, please…

Anyway. It wasn’t throw-my-phone-terrible, but it definitely wasn’t great. Barely decent is the best I can muster. Some super original ideas, some enormous plot holes, fewer grammar errors and typos, moderately improved pacing. The ending was still too convenient and the fixes to various problems felt contrived and easy.

Someone write a good troll book, please! Gremlin? Orc? Anything.
6 reviews
March 1, 2024
Cursed Fae for the Win

I love this book series. Creatures of the Other world have heroines that overcome every obstacle. Cursed Fae doesn't disappoint. Her family slowly forgetting her is so heartbreaking, yet Brogan Thomas writes perseverance and resilience into every character.

My only problem is that I read each of these books so fast. But while I wait for the author to write more I reread my favorites over and over again.

This book has a theme of forgiveness that is endearing. Forgiveness is a gift to the person giving grace not to those you forgive. I love that Pepper learns what she needs to do to move on and be happy. Lessons like this make these books have me sharing them with my family and friends.
1 review
March 13, 2024
Cursed Fae - Creatures of the Otherworld series

Pepper a troll who has had to struggle her whole life just to survive. She tries so hard to understand what fate has planed for her as she tries to evade elves chasing her. It seems that the only thing going for her is her stone magic. I enjoyed this story line, different magical abilities & personalities making up the different realms. The author brings individuals from other books in the series but does a great job keeping each books story line different, interesting making you want to see how it can resolve. Even though each book can be read as a standalone, you want to read the whole series to discover what happens to each heroine. Definetly want to read more from this author.
732 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2024
Cursed Fae

I'm torn on how I feel about this story and Pepper. I am left with too many unanswered questions. Following Pepper who feels lonely and has such self loathing gets old fast. If it wasn't for the cute comments and thoughts sprinkled in I don't think I could have enjoyed her character. Yes, by the end of the book you have a better understanding of some of the why, but while reading it made it difficult to get into her. The ending leaves me with countless questions in a way that doesn't leave me feeling closure. I found this was original and different than what I have read before. This is the first book I have read by Brogan and after reading now I see that even though it is a stand-alone it is also a part of a set. .
423 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2024
Quick fun dip back into creatures of the other world!

Ok first off, it better to know time line wise that this book fits in between Tru's rebel unicorn and rebel vampire books. This one was a super fun and different slice of the other world pie in that it deals so much more with the fae than before. The wrap up was also a little quick, I would have enjoyed Pepper and Corbins trip to faire to check on the hopefully freed slaves. Maybe that adventure will be in a future book. Loved the pop up appearances of Forrest, Tru and Story . can't wait for the next book. August seems to be forever to wait.
Profile Image for Jo.
Author 2 books
March 4, 2024
Pepper is a troll and she’s on the run from some slaver elves. On the way, she meets a Corbin, a hunter/tiger hellhound. Pepper has a few more powers than a normal troll and we get to find out more of her background through the book.

I loved this book. The story moves along so well and smoothly. Pepper is charming and loves her some pineapple. She’s not got it all together but that adds to her story. There’s a few mysteries about her history to unfold and let’s not forget Dora.

Though a standalone, a few of the characters from the other books make cameo appearances. Pepper’s story is nicely rounded off in a satisfying way, but I can see that there could be future stories with her in.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,347 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2024
I wanted to love it because this has been a favourite series of mine since I stumbled across Cursed Wolf by chance several years ago but it was just ok. I didn't dislike Pepper but I didn't love her either. And Corbin was nothing to write home about. Many of BTs Cursed hero's are kind of jerks who don't deserve the heroine with the exception of Owen who is an utter delight but there is enough going on between them that you can see where the relationship develops. But this time I wasn't invested in them as a couple. Then there was no real sense of connection between them as their interaction was lacking (beyond what is effect one meeting) it just all felt a bit flat.
Profile Image for Cindy.
97 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2024
Fun series

I really liked this book! With its’ unexpected twists and turns, the story kept me engaged and guessing about what would happen next for the whole story. This is the 2nd in the Otherworld Creatures series by this author, each book loosely connected by the secondary characters and by the world in which it takes place, but with a new main character for each story. It’s fun to revisit some old friends from books that I have read before and see them interacting with new characters. I love it when authors keep adding to their worlds with great new magic and intriguing new adventures.
60 reviews
January 25, 2025
Best New Author I've found

I have binged all of her books and she's so amazing. The human/magic/creature/fae combination makes me swoon. Just when you think you've found your favorite book/magic combination you need to read Brogan Thomas. Her male characters are so sexy and smooth. EEEEeee! Her female characters are sassy, smart and did I mention the wild hair colors? We are so lucky, as her readers, to be able to escape to different countries, states, realms and the beautiful scenery I can see in her creative words. Am I gushing? I feel like I'm gushing. Just try "Cursed Wolf" Once you try this one, you will be hooked. Find her magic.
97 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2025
interesting world

I got hooked onto one of her books and I’m currently working through her backlog. Normally I’m a romance reader (all genres). I picked her up because I originally thought that was what it was. They are not. The men in her series are generally gigantic jerks with not a lot of chemistry. But. Her female characters are interesting, with tragic pasts and a lot of lessons learned. Pepper has a really tragic background, but her powers and what she can do are different than most stories I’ve read. Of course Corbin is a complete a$&, but the story is so good I can ignore that for the most part. I’m going to read her entire backlist, keep writing!
63 reviews
March 3, 2024
A worthy addition to The Creatures of the Otherworld. A worthy addition to this new Otherworld. A yo

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Otherworld and ours. A fabulous new heroine in Tilly.
CORBIN is an unlikely hero. After all, he is employed by the council. In fact, he can follow Tilly, and of course, he is her fated mate. It wasn't a lame ending.
Becoming into her true and full powers as she meets Death himself. I could go on.
Corbin is to keep his remberence of her and will be immortal beside her until the end of days.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy
Profile Image for Danielle.
535 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2024
Another wonderful entry in the Creatures of the Otherworld series! I love the world Brogan Thomas has created.
Pepper is such a sweet, likeable character. She hasn't had the easiest life, but she is still so open and honest. It was easy to root for her. The plot of Cursed Fae was fast paced and interesting, I read the whole thing in one sitting! I also love the inclusion of some of the characters from the series, not enough that you can't read this as a standalone, more like a quick drop in. I do think you should read the other books, they are all fabulous!

52 reviews
March 3, 2024
Another great book

I have waited for this book for many months🥹 When I discovered this series I wasn't able to read anything else until I finished all the published books , I love this world and I love how everything is connected . Seeing some of the other books characters was a lovely bonus ❤️
I recommend this book to any fantasy lovers,all ages .

I chose this rating for great world buliding , great character development and honestly I think many of us can find themselves in Pepper's story...I know I do. Life can be hard sometimes but everything happens for a reason. ❤️
Profile Image for Suez.
839 reviews
March 4, 2024
Although Pepper's story is a standalone, Forest and other familiar characters play important, albeit minor, role in helping her. I had the good fortune to read this book in one sitting after it was downloaded, and now I am eagerly waiting the release of the audiobook. There aren't enough words to describe how much I enjoy this author's stories; she has the ability to transport readers into her worlds and give them a taste of the adventures alongside her characters. This is a voluntary review of an advance copy.
139 reviews
March 11, 2024
I am an avid Brogan Thomas fan, so I knew Pepper’s story would be good, but it exceeded expectation. Brogan knocked it out of the park, and should take a victory dance. Pepper and Corbin’s story is in a word…. delicious. Brogan’s way of writing and how she weaves her tales are absolute magic. I cannot recommend this and ALL of her books enough. It reads as a stand alone and while you don’t need to read her other books to enjoy, however if you’ve read all her books, we get to revisit some of our favorite previous characters.
Profile Image for Nicole Cunningham.
236 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
Oof, soooo good and twisty

I don’t even know what I can say without giving away any spoilers. Suffice it to say, if you’ve liked any of the Otherworld stories that came before this one, chances are good you’ll like this story as well.

But dang, Brogan, did you have to rough my girl up so much? From a broken wrist and sprained ankle right at the beginning, to heartbreak when her newfound friends seem to have either abandoned her or betrayed her, Pepper doesn’t have an easy time of things in this story. Thankfully, a few familiar faces show up to help her find her way.
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
959 reviews
June 29, 2025
Cursed Fae

Another brilliant book from Ms. Thomas, she has a gift of showing, how the worse of us can become better and how trauma can cause so much damage and how friends and support can make a difference.

As with her previous book, this one can be read as a stand alone but you will not get the full impact, of the book if you do not know the characters previously introduced.
It is great reading and visiting with those characters and seeing their own growth.

I am off to read the next book, hope you will too!
Profile Image for Rhona Connor.
328 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2025
A good book.

I found this book not as good as the others but still a 5 star book, because it is still a very well written book. Brogan writes characters that are very likeable and relatable if being relatable means you live with all kinds of different types of species. Vampires, shifters, fae, trolls, demons yes but the way she does is, you believe. Instead of in a fantasy world it's set in the north West of England and it feels more real anyway than many others of this type.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.