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Infinite Arcana
Curse of Silver & Blood
Alec has been held prisoner for months, coerced into using his magic to manufacture illegal drugs for the mountain mafia. His gifts are profitable and dangerous, and his captors have no intention of letting him go. Alec engineers his escape--which lands him in the territory of a local legend--an ancient werewolf, a lone alpha cursed by silver and blood.
Leif has been alone for a thousand years. Forced to keep his distance from his own people, Leif settles into the depths of the Appalachian Mountains and spends his endless days patrolling his territory. One night the forest is rattled by an explosion, and the sudden appearance of a bedraggled fae running for his life.
Neither expected to come face to face with their fated mate in the cold, dark woods.
Fate has a hand in uniting Alec and Leif--but it'll be up to them to forge the nascent mate bond between them, and Alec and Leif have a fight on their hands--the mafia wants Alec back, and the curse laid on Leif is out for blood.
The expanded version of the FATED MATES Charity Anthology short story, set in the Infinite Arcana Universe by bestselling author Sheena Jolie (formerly SJ Himes.) Contains new content.
Leif has been alone for a thousand years. Forced to keep his distance from his own people, Leif settles into the depths of the Appalachian Mountains and spends his endless days patrolling his territory. One night the forest is rattled by an explosion, and the sudden appearance of a bedraggled fae running for his life.
Neither expected to come face to face with their fated mate in the cold, dark woods.
Fate has a hand in uniting Alec and Leif--but it'll be up to them to forge the nascent mate bond between them, and Alec and Leif have a fight on their hands--the mafia wants Alec back, and the curse laid on Leif is out for blood.
The expanded version of the FATED MATES Charity Anthology short story, set in the Infinite Arcana Universe by bestselling author Sheena Jolie (formerly SJ Himes.) Contains new content.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2024
96 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Sheena Jolie
15 books293 followersSheena Jolie is the new name for bestselling author SJ Himes. New name, same great books.
Sheena lives in MidCoast Maine with their two cats, Wolf and Silfur, close enough to the ocean to see seagulls harassing tourists. When not writing, Sheena is junk journaling, painting, reading, or cooking.
Sheena writes urban and epic fantasy romance, and all their MCs are queer, and that's on purpose. Most of their works are under SJ Himes, but over the course of 2022, they'll be moved to Sheena Jolie.
Twitter: @WriterSJHimes
Tiktok: @sjhimes
Instagram: @authorsjhimes
Sheena lives in MidCoast Maine with their two cats, Wolf and Silfur, close enough to the ocean to see seagulls harassing tourists. When not writing, Sheena is junk journaling, painting, reading, or cooking.
Sheena writes urban and epic fantasy romance, and all their MCs are queer, and that's on purpose. Most of their works are under SJ Himes, but over the course of 2022, they'll be moved to Sheena Jolie.
Twitter: @WriterSJHimes
Tiktok: @sjhimes
Instagram: @authorsjhimes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 15, 2025
Sweet mate story even if it was gory lol.
December 31, 2024
3.5 rounded up
A little insta-love, but that's to be expected with these tropes. Sort of two short stories making up a novella; I enjoyed it, but it wasn't anything particularly special.
A little insta-love, but that's to be expected with these tropes. Sort of two short stories making up a novella; I enjoyed it, but it wasn't anything particularly special.
December 31, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Curse of Silver & Blood is a fun fated mates story that is part of Sheena Jolie’s larger Infinite Arcana universe, but totally stands alone. The story was originally published as part of the multi-author Fated Mates anthology, and has now been re-released as a standalone and seems to be roughly doubled in length. The story is divided into two parts and it appears that Part 1 is the original short and Part 2 is the new portion.
I am glad Jolie decided to bring this story back for an expanded version and more time with Leif and Alec.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Curse of Silver & Blood is a fun fated mates story that is part of Sheena Jolie’s larger Infinite Arcana universe, but totally stands alone. The story was originally published as part of the multi-author Fated Mates anthology, and has now been re-released as a standalone and seems to be roughly doubled in length. The story is divided into two parts and it appears that Part 1 is the original short and Part 2 is the new portion.
I am glad Jolie decided to bring this story back for an expanded version and more time with Leif and Alec.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 27, 2025
I loved the short novella and this - even though it is also short - gives us a bit more time with Alec and Leif.
I would love to see more of them ... especially now with the development at the end
I would love to see more of them ... especially now with the development at the end
January 20, 2025
loved it and recommend it
Rating: 4.5🌈
I thoroughly enjoyed Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie ( formerly writing under the pen name SJ Himes). It’s been a long while since I read their Infinite Arcana novels, so getting to dive back into this universe was exciting.
It’s not essential to have read the other books to understand the world of the characters and the foundation behind the storytelling. Jolie’s narrative does a splendid job of explaining the history of the world and otherworldly beings living there.
Curse of Silver & Blood literally has an explosive start, one that has our main characters on a collision course with fate.
Alec, an elf is escaping horrific captivity, and Leif, a cursed ancient werewolf, who hears the explosion on the edge of his territory, are two fantastic, well defined characters. Beautifully rendered, from their personalities to their own backgrounds, it’s easy to slip into connecting with each of them and their fated mates relationship.
Their fated mate relationship is built in the story in a way that’s makes the reader accept their bond and their growing chemistry. These characters work together. Jolie also creates magical elements that feel realistic in that situation but fascinating enough that I would want this couple to have additional stories.
The ending is solid and holds so much promise for the characters and their future together. I loved it.
I highly recommend Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie and the others in this universe.
Cover designed by Kelley York of Sleepy Fox Studio
An Infinite Arcana Novel series:
The Beacon Hill Sorcerer*
The Necromancer’s Dance
The Necromancer’s Dilemma
The Necromancer’s Reckoning
A History of Trouble Collection Mastering the Flames
Love Springs Eternal
Blood Omen
The Necromancer’s War
The Edge of Fate
Infinite Arcana Novels*
Curse of Silver & Blood
Wolfsbane (Werewolves of Boston)
The Wolfkin Saga
Wolves of Black Pine
Wolf of the Northern Star
Rating: 4.5🌈
I thoroughly enjoyed Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie ( formerly writing under the pen name SJ Himes). It’s been a long while since I read their Infinite Arcana novels, so getting to dive back into this universe was exciting.
It’s not essential to have read the other books to understand the world of the characters and the foundation behind the storytelling. Jolie’s narrative does a splendid job of explaining the history of the world and otherworldly beings living there.
Curse of Silver & Blood literally has an explosive start, one that has our main characters on a collision course with fate.
Alec, an elf is escaping horrific captivity, and Leif, a cursed ancient werewolf, who hears the explosion on the edge of his territory, are two fantastic, well defined characters. Beautifully rendered, from their personalities to their own backgrounds, it’s easy to slip into connecting with each of them and their fated mates relationship.
Their fated mate relationship is built in the story in a way that’s makes the reader accept their bond and their growing chemistry. These characters work together. Jolie also creates magical elements that feel realistic in that situation but fascinating enough that I would want this couple to have additional stories.
The ending is solid and holds so much promise for the characters and their future together. I loved it.
I highly recommend Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie and the others in this universe.
Cover designed by Kelley York of Sleepy Fox Studio
An Infinite Arcana Novel series:
The Beacon Hill Sorcerer*
The Necromancer’s Dance
The Necromancer’s Dilemma
The Necromancer’s Reckoning
A History of Trouble Collection Mastering the Flames
Love Springs Eternal
Blood Omen
The Necromancer’s War
The Edge of Fate
Infinite Arcana Novels*
Curse of Silver & Blood
Wolfsbane (Werewolves of Boston)
The Wolfkin Saga
Wolves of Black Pine
Wolf of the Northern Star
January 28, 2025
Ok. This was a short story that got extended.
Maybe that’s where the problem lies.
Because for me, this did not work.
I love ‘The Beacon Hill Sorcerer’ series, which is wonderful, but this felt half-baked on both the characters and the plot. So here are a few points that bothered me:
Nope. Not for me.
I liked the beginning but was soon struggling to get through, a little on the bored side, I hate to say, with not a lot of feelings for either man.
Maybe that’s where the problem lies.
Because for me, this did not work.
I love ‘The Beacon Hill Sorcerer’ series, which is wonderful, but this felt half-baked on both the characters and the plot. So here are a few points that bothered me:
Nope. Not for me.
I liked the beginning but was soon struggling to get through, a little on the bored side, I hate to say, with not a lot of feelings for either man.
December 27, 2024
Too Short But Good Story!
I’m a big fan of Sheena Jolie and have been reading their books for a while now. One of my favorite things about their books is the world building and character details. Every character is well thought out and intriguing and the world building is always so well done, it makes me want nearly every character to have their own book so I can keep reading about this little fictional world.
Though this book is half the length I wanted it to be, it was really well done. I loved how the characters came together and it was sweet reading about this big lonely Alpha stumbling upon his mate in the woods. I loved how he was so big and scary but his mate constantly brought him down a peg by pointing out how soft and furry he was or sweet for taking care of him.
I really wish this was a full length book so we could have at least gotten more spice but it was still a fun and easy read.
Looking forward to literally anything Jolie puts out next!
Tropes: Fated Mates, Fae/Werewolf Pairing, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
I’m a big fan of Sheena Jolie and have been reading their books for a while now. One of my favorite things about their books is the world building and character details. Every character is well thought out and intriguing and the world building is always so well done, it makes me want nearly every character to have their own book so I can keep reading about this little fictional world.
Though this book is half the length I wanted it to be, it was really well done. I loved how the characters came together and it was sweet reading about this big lonely Alpha stumbling upon his mate in the woods. I loved how he was so big and scary but his mate constantly brought him down a peg by pointing out how soft and furry he was or sweet for taking care of him.
I really wish this was a full length book so we could have at least gotten more spice but it was still a fun and easy read.
Looking forward to literally anything Jolie puts out next!
Tropes: Fated Mates, Fae/Werewolf Pairing, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
January 21, 2025
Alec has been held prisoner for months, coerced into using his magic to manufacture illegal drugs for the mountain mafia. His gifts are profitable and dangerous, and his captors have no intention of letting him go. Alec engineers his escape--which lands him in the territory of a local legend--an ancient werewolf, a lone alpha cursed by silver and blood.
Leif has been alone for a thousand years. Forced to keep his distance from his own people, Leif settles into the depths of the Appalachian Mountains and spends his endless days patrolling his territory. One night the forest is rattled by an explosion, and the sudden appearance of a bedraggled fae running for his life.
Neither expected to come face to face with their fated mate in the cold, dark woods.
Fate has a hand in uniting Alec and Leif--but it'll be up to them to forge the nascent mate bond between them, and Alec and Leif have a fight on their hands--the mafia wants Alec back, and the curse laid on Leif is out for blood.
Heather's Notes
I did enjoy this story. I think I like everything set in this world. I wonder if they will eventually show up to help fight the "order".
Leif has been alone for a thousand years. Forced to keep his distance from his own people, Leif settles into the depths of the Appalachian Mountains and spends his endless days patrolling his territory. One night the forest is rattled by an explosion, and the sudden appearance of a bedraggled fae running for his life.
Neither expected to come face to face with their fated mate in the cold, dark woods.
Fate has a hand in uniting Alec and Leif--but it'll be up to them to forge the nascent mate bond between them, and Alec and Leif have a fight on their hands--the mafia wants Alec back, and the curse laid on Leif is out for blood.
Heather's Notes
I did enjoy this story. I think I like everything set in this world. I wonder if they will eventually show up to help fight the "order".
December 28, 2024
I looove Sheena Jolie’s books.
This is a sweet and easy read.
I like the world building is an expansion of the Fated mates anthology and that you still get the feel of it belonging to the same universe as BHS (Infinite Arcana) and therefore Wolfsbane.
I only wish it was longer so there might have been time for some more in depth exploration of Leif’s life before Alec. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE that both Alec and Leif gets their HEA. I just personally feel it’s a bit too easy. The teaser of the book plays it up a bit more with Leif’s curse being out for blood.
But again it’s a sweet and not so nail bitingly exciting, which makes it great when you need a fun, sweet amd easy read.
The spice level matches the book being easy and perhaps that’s also where I’m missing some depth of the story. But still absolutely 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
I feel like I've been waiting for this forever. I read the short story in the Fated Mates anthology well over a year ago and loved it. For those of you who can remember all the details of the short, the book is helpfully split into part one (original story) and part two (continuation with new material), but it's only 150 pages, so I recommend starting again at the beginning. This story is set within, but apart from Sheena's Infinite Arcana world, so can be read as a complete standalone. I loved the two MCs and really felt like I connected with them, both a little broken, but hopeful for a better future once they meet. The chemistry between them was heartwarming and steamy and I enjoyed the comeuppance for the baddies. There's a small opening at the end for more - here's hoping
June 25, 2025
I think the author must have been traumatized by her hard work writing the ensemble cast in The Necromancer's War, because this book is the opposite to an ensemble cast. We follow only Alec and Leif, and their interactions with other people in this book are either violent or superficial or both. It felt like there were no other real characters in this world other than the two of them.
This is a good standalone for you to try if you enjoy a closed-up romance in an isolated cabin peppered with interrogating and killing off people who dare enter your territory.
This is a good standalone for you to try if you enjoy a closed-up romance in an isolated cabin peppered with interrogating and killing off people who dare enter your territory.
January 11, 2025
I read it originally in the Fated Mates Anthology and really liked it when a short format was very appropriate but this extended version fell a bit short of my expectations.
It's probably my own fault for expecting too much but the conclusion felt rushed and unsatisfactory to me.
It's probably my own fault for expecting too much but the conclusion felt rushed and unsatisfactory to me.
December 26, 2024
I love love love reading this author’s books. This is the expanded version from the Fated Mates anthology. Alec was held prisoner when he escaped after blowing up the lab. Leif is a thousands year old wolf who was cursed by a witch while he was trying to save his pack. When he sees Alec, he realizes that they are mates. This is the start of the book where Leif helps Alec get revenge on his captors and falling in love with his mate. I love this world and here is hoping there is more in this world.
December 26, 2024
Leif and Alec are really sweet even though life hasn't been very kind to them. Alec finds someone willing to protect him from anyone and anything, and Leif after centuries of solitude a person to love and belong to.
I love Sheena Jolie's writing, her characters are always strong and fiercely love their loved ones and family.
I hope to be able to read more about them and maybe see them fight alongside Angel Salvatore and company against the High Council.
This is my personal and honest review.
I thank the author for the ARC copy and the opportunity given to me.
I love Sheena Jolie's writing, her characters are always strong and fiercely love their loved ones and family.
I hope to be able to read more about them and maybe see them fight alongside Angel Salvatore and company against the High Council.
This is my personal and honest review.
I thank the author for the ARC copy and the opportunity given to me.
January 8, 2025
Cute, romantic, and bloodthirsty.
Every book I have ever read by Sheena Jolie, I finish wanting more. Eagerly gobling up well-made worlds of fantastical creatures and characters that become close to my heart so quickly. Leif and Alec are adorable in the devotion, and though quick, the building of their romance is epic and swoon worthy. I love them as I has loved all this author's characters. While I always wish to see more, the ending was heart warming and sweet. Thank you for a fabulous read.
Every book I have ever read by Sheena Jolie, I finish wanting more. Eagerly gobling up well-made worlds of fantastical creatures and characters that become close to my heart so quickly. Leif and Alec are adorable in the devotion, and though quick, the building of their romance is epic and swoon worthy. I love them as I has loved all this author's characters. While I always wish to see more, the ending was heart warming and sweet. Thank you for a fabulous read.
December 28, 2024
I love this new version of Curse of Silver & Blood, Alec is fea and was held prisoner but he plan his escape blowing up the place he was held, Leif is a werewolf, he was cursed a long time ago by a witch. He never thought he was going to find his fated mate but helping Alec was fate. This was interesting and entertaining, I love watching Alec and Leif found each other, and of course Alec get his hands on the people who hurt him. Great HEA for these two!
January 2, 2025
Alec & Leif
Alec is a young fae, he was sold to the drug mafia by his stepfather. Leif is an Alpha werewolf that was cursed by an evil witch thousands of years ago. They meet when Alec explodes the compound he was held captive in. Leif realises Alec is his mate and is scared the curse will take his mates life eventually. What they soon realise it that Alec can break/cure the curse and give both of them the happily ever after.
Loved the book.
Alec is a young fae, he was sold to the drug mafia by his stepfather. Leif is an Alpha werewolf that was cursed by an evil witch thousands of years ago. They meet when Alec explodes the compound he was held captive in. Leif realises Alec is his mate and is scared the curse will take his mates life eventually. What they soon realise it that Alec can break/cure the curse and give both of them the happily ever after.
Loved the book.
December 20, 2024
4.5*
I originally read this as part of the Fated Mates anthology. I really enjoyed it then and now it’s even better.
It’s longer and longer is always good with this author.
I just can’t get enough of her characters and her writing.
I’m hoping we see more of Alec and Leif.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author. This review as always is my own.
I originally read this as part of the Fated Mates anthology. I really enjoyed it then and now it’s even better.
It’s longer and longer is always good with this author.
I just can’t get enough of her characters and her writing.
I’m hoping we see more of Alec and Leif.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author. This review as always is my own.
December 22, 2024
I was happy to get this expanded version.
This paranormal action adventure is full of thrills, chills and revenge. Fate knew exactly what they were doing when they had this alpha wait so long for his mate. What a perfectly suited pair! I enjoyed every cringe, all of the affection and especially the open ending ha, ha, ha!
This paranormal action adventure is full of thrills, chills and revenge. Fate knew exactly what they were doing when they had this alpha wait so long for his mate. What a perfectly suited pair! I enjoyed every cringe, all of the affection and especially the open ending ha, ha, ha!
December 29, 2024
I didn't get a chance to read this in the anthology. I loved both Alec and Lief. Alec is a half fae who was sold by his stepfather. Lief is a werewolf who has been cursed. It was heartbreaking. When Alec escapes his captivity and ends up running into Alec. Lief realizes almost immediately that Alec is his mate. I loved seeing Alec get his revenge and Lief find his piece. Really good story & I am lucky to have had an opportunity for getting an advanced copy.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
December 27, 2024
Alec escapes from the drug mafia that held him captive for his magic and ran into his mate. Leif has been away from his family for a long time so finding his mate was a shock…or explosion into his life. Their journey to their HEA is a little twisty and might leave you a little surprised at times.
January 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this and was almost angry that the next book isn’t out yet! There is a next book coming, right?!? 😂
If there IS a next book, I hope to see the MCs loving life and building their pack.
Also, this shifter/werewolf type is kinda different from normal and the world-building is really cool. Supernaturals being “out” in the human world is fun.
If there IS a next book, I hope to see the MCs loving life and building their pack.
Also, this shifter/werewolf type is kinda different from normal and the world-building is really cool. Supernaturals being “out” in the human world is fun.
January 7, 2025
I wish this book had been longer.
Alec and Leif were both trapped, just in different ways. It was heart-warming to see them free each other. Alec could put an end to Leif's curse, and Leif could help to get rid of Alec's captors.
If there had been more chapters about their life after everything was resolved, it would have been a perfect story.
Alec and Leif were both trapped, just in different ways. It was heart-warming to see them free each other. Alec could put an end to Leif's curse, and Leif could help to get rid of Alec's captors.
If there had been more chapters about their life after everything was resolved, it would have been a perfect story.
January 15, 2025
cozy, overpowered
A powerful werewolf and a powerful young fae meet and find their soulmates, bonding over loss and betrayal and kicking butt.
Two nonhumans means nonhuman morality, which is not good if you’re into organized crime and bring human weapons to a magical creature fight.
A powerful werewolf and a powerful young fae meet and find their soulmates, bonding over loss and betrayal and kicking butt.
Two nonhumans means nonhuman morality, which is not good if you’re into organized crime and bring human weapons to a magical creature fight.
January 19, 2025
Great story, great couple
I love all of Sheena Jolie’s work and this is no exception. Despite its relatively short length, Alec and Leif’s bond seems solid and totally believable. The pacing was good, and the vengeance on the bad guys was epic. Looking forward to the next book in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer. Highly recommend all Sheena’s work.
I love all of Sheena Jolie’s work and this is no exception. Despite its relatively short length, Alec and Leif’s bond seems solid and totally believable. The pacing was good, and the vengeance on the bad guys was epic. Looking forward to the next book in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer. Highly recommend all Sheena’s work.
January 25, 2025
very good author
While SJ Himes is one of my favorite authors and the infinite arcana world my favorite books I was less than enthusiastic about this story in particular. I will admit that I’m not big on short stories to begin with but some writers can really nail them. This one I found lacking although I couldn’t say how.
While SJ Himes is one of my favorite authors and the infinite arcana world my favorite books I was less than enthusiastic about this story in particular. I will admit that I’m not big on short stories to begin with but some writers can really nail them. This one I found lacking although I couldn’t say how.
dnf
January 29, 2025DNF @49% ... I gave the original version of this story a 3.5-star rating, and enjoyed it enough that I thought an expanded version might be fun. But eh, I can't pick out enough of what might be different, and it turns out it's not new and different enough to hold me attention for a full re-read, so I'm going to bow out here 🤷♀️
February 26, 2025
Totally Enjoyed
I happened across this author and I am so glad I did. Very gifted writer and I was really entertained of how Alec and Leif just naturally came together as if they knew each other immediately. It was heartwarming to read how Leif finally had a mate that could withstand his curse, and how the fates finally gifted him with a mate.
I happened across this author and I am so glad I did. Very gifted writer and I was really entertained of how Alec and Leif just naturally came together as if they knew each other immediately. It was heartwarming to read how Leif finally had a mate that could withstand his curse, and how the fates finally gifted him with a mate.
May 11, 2025
Alec and Leif
I adored this story! Leif is a lone alpha werewolf living under a curse. Alec is a fae, full of sass and backbone, who manages to escape from some very bad men. Together they make a very perfect pair! I would honestly love to see more of these two. I have enjoyed many stories set in the Infinite Arcana universe and enjoyed them all!
I adored this story! Leif is a lone alpha werewolf living under a curse. Alec is a fae, full of sass and backbone, who manages to escape from some very bad men. Together they make a very perfect pair! I would honestly love to see more of these two. I have enjoyed many stories set in the Infinite Arcana universe and enjoyed them all!
December 27, 2024
Another great one! I love that Beacon Hills Series turned into a wider Universe with more craziness to be obsessed with. Alec and Leif meet unexpectedly and things get intense fast, love their chemistry and brilliant scenes. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews