Cursed Shadows 1 (The Dark Fae): Dark Romance Enemies to Lovers Fantasy (Cursed Shadows

Dark Fae Cursed Shadows #1

by Quinn Blackbird

"I will destroy you. I’ll see you on your knees, and you will weep at my feet. You will beg. And when all that is done, you will meet my dagger. This is a fae's promise."

Welcome to the brutal world of the light and the dark fae—and their ruthless love.

Nari is a foolish little halfling.
She went and gave her heart to a dark fae.
And then she broke his...

Breaking a dark fae's heart is a death wish, but Nari did just that all those years ago.
Now, in the Midlands where the light and dark fae come together to train, Nari and Daxeel meet again—and he is not the young male she fell in love with.

Daxeel has made it clear he has no intention of forgiving her betrayals.
He is out for revenge.
He means to break her.

Lust still burns between them, and Nari hopes her art of seduction is enough to save her. She has one goal—to win him back.
Nari needs Daxeel to save herself from a violent marriage to a cruel light male, and to heal her own yearning heart.
But Daxeel shows no mercy.

In the fight between a dark male and light halfling, will they survive the battle between them?

To slight a dark male is to sign one’s own death warrant.



—————————————————————————————————————————————
Cursed Shadows is a trilogy set in the Dark Fae Universe.
There is no reading order for the series in this world.

DARK FAE SERIES:
listed in chronological order of timeline, but there is no specific reading order
Cursed Shadows
Dark Fae Apocalypse
Dark Fae Extinction
Black World (Black World recently received a rewrite 2024, added scenes, update your content on KU to read!)


The Prince's Prisoner is a light fae standalone novel that is connected to the dark fae universe, but not a part of it.

Genres: Fae, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Paranormal, Romance

251 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

About the author

QUINN BLACKBIRD is a wanderer, a caffeine addict, a concern to her teachers & a bit of a dork.
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.

QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!

Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'


popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*

CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds

Reviews

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Highly rec this to those who enjoyed the author's Dark Fae series.

Something about this couple's dynamic didn't quite engage me the same way the couples in her other books have, but that's completely subjective on my part. I think part of it may have been the couple's past history (takes place off screen) and both already know they love each other. Because of politics there is conflict between the couple that creates tension. Idk the couple in Dark Fae was such a favorite of mine I'm always comparing other couples to Vale & Caspan. It's not fair, I know.


Like other readers I wasn't much a fan of the heroine shaming the MMC, but I'm hopeful he'll give her due punishment in book 2. I have to mention the author's writing style is a plus, very atmospheric. The descriptions and world-building are unique in the sea of other fae romances available.

[Texa]

Note: not safe, on page scene with ow

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get so stressed reading some of QBs stories!

I have been chewing away at this one for months because some of the scenes make me gnash my teeth in *social distress*.

The FMC going off on the MMC despite the obvious power imbalance stresses me out like I'm their child locked in the middle of the fight, but not in a way where I want them to work it out. More like I want them to stay apart forever and never talk again.

I am unsure where these feelings come from because I really enjoy fictional couples fighting most of the time.

With that being said, Quinn Blackbird writes really well, which makes her stand out a lot in a sea of garbage dark fantasy romance novels.

[The Aqua Pisces · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

So delighted when the author posted a while back that she was coming out with a new Fae series, I was counting the days until this release date and Quinn did not disappoint. I love all of her Fae books (especially Dark Fae World), her males are very possessive, dominant, and unforgiving or well don't know how to say sorry, but try with their actions except for this particular male although still possessive, he was very interested in his female and took great care not to scare her only for her to scorn him in the long run and now she has a lot of groveling to do! Yes for once it's the FMC that needs to be forgiven and whatever Dax sends her way (because he wants to kill her🗡️), she deserves every bit of it. 😵😏 I will admit the FMC in this book is not my favorite, but you'd understand it's not her fault I mean she does have half-litalve blood in her. Can't wait and counting the days down until the second book releases. 🖤

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

On page sex with another female character while the heroine desperately throws herself at him is heinous work.

[Nancy Warr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read which kept me on edge wondering what our female lead could have possibly done to make our dark elf male so angry with her. The changing of the spelling of dark /light elves to dokkalves for dark elves and litalves for light was a interesting twist and again we have dark elves with black blood as thick as tar, I would think that would be hard to flow thru the body but at least the light elves blood is normal red. We also once again have them with claws and fangs but apparently only the dark elves have these inhuman features as it seems the light did not. The racism in this book is plenty and the female lead I really disliked not only did she have the audacity to be rude and insulting to the dark elf male who saves her from rape from a light elf but she also thought she was better, her disdain for humans despite being half human herself was appalling, she hates her belly button because only humans have them. I couldn't understand her haughtiness since she was from a poor house and a halfling. Dark elf males not being able to be in daylight was a little too much like ra salvatore dark elf series, except here it only affects the males which made no sense. The homosexual character was not to my taste as I prefer not to read about that but I was curious as to how he could*smell*homosexuality in others it didnt make much sense to me how you would want to open your legs to a male right after he talks so very disrespectful to you BUT my main disappointment was in finding out why our male was so pissed with her, IT WAS SO LAME!!!!! I got how the *kissing*thing was supposed to go with the dark elves but still when I got to what happened between them to say it was a letdown is a understatement and to have it end on a cliffhanger made me even more disappointed. The racism is rampant in this book and once again the dark elves are the evil no good ones while the light are kind and good. It was refreshing to read that our dark elf didnt have gray or purple skin but instead was brown skinned although he did have blue eyes I'm guessing we cannot have him being too much of a black character. The borrowing from Greek mythology with the female leads and her sisters name was not lost on me. I'm not sure if I will be continuing with this series my dislike for the female lead, the lame anger cause and the racism makes me put a ??? about continuing

[Bronwyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars from me

A short fantasy read but I can't stand Nari, she's a bit pathetic and the "slight" towards Dax was not nearly enough for his hatred. I did find myself skimming pages and I didn't like the way the timeline was written by jumping back and forth to past & present but that's just a personal preference I'd rather read the events in chronological order, I feel like that would have made the impact of her slight more emotionally damaging.

[Wanda Ingoglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very well written. I can’t wait for the next one! it might be helpful if you have read her other dark face series but I don’t think it’s necessary. Absolutely fantastic book. I read it in one day.

[Cindy MacDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

dark fae stories are the best

I love this these are your very best stories please don’t stop writing them. These two characters are fantastic. I didn’t think you could match what you’ve already written, but you’ve out done yourself. So good can’t wait for the next.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the dark fae universe

I am addicted to this world. So, you know whenever a new book comes out, I am definitely going to read. Once again, I am not disappointed by one of my favorite authors. The hero is no hero but a villain who gets the girl anyway. Yum!

[micolreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐

I'm so ready for the next books!

[Bryony-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god this was so good literally did not want to stop reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. I am the type of reader that HATES when mates meet in books and one mate is even trying to make the other mate jealous, so you can imagine how I felt about Dax. I can look past it most times because often authors will gloss over whatever intimacy the romantic interest has with others. Instead here, because Quinn Blackbird likes to write misery porn, we get detailed in-depth descriptions of him with another woman and that other woman having some odd reactions when she interacts with the MC.

2. Ngl I was expecting her to have like fucked him and left him butt booty naked in the middle of a crowd where she ridiculed his privates openly and shamed him in all ways til Tuesday. Instead out of all the misery porn books Quinn Blackbird writes, with all these messed up plot points, and any number of things she could've had happen; The thing that sets our ML to want the MC DEAD, TORTURED, AND HEARTBROKEN was that she kissed a dude.....
I get jealous and being rejected and all that jazz but it doesn't make a lick of sense to me. He has the ability to smell her emotions so why did he not even pick up on sadness, deception, anger, etc.? He is well aware of her father's blatant racism why didn't he put two and two together? I get maybe because he doesn't know she can lie, so her saying vaguely she tricked him and planned to use him would make him believe it, but other things should've at least put doubt onto the statements she made. If he truly thought she couldn't lie her words of affection could not have been a lie. So he needs to put his thinking cap on and consider either she can't lie and he needs to parse out her exact phrasing of words to see if she loved him or hated him, or she can lie and he still needs to question it all. Either way HE DOESN'T KNOW SO WHY IS HE SO MAD?

3. I do not know why exactly but I feel like the sister dropping out was avoidable in so many different ways but I'm mad the sister put the MC in this position. If she knew she was headed to a deadly competition why wouldn't she be using protection to stay safe? Do they not do physical exams prior to the sacrament application? In what world would she need to drop out if the pregnancy is early? There is little to no reason she cannot still compete, why force someone so woefully unprepared to fight? Unless the sacrament is ganna last like 3-4 months there is no realistic world where her battle-ready soldier of a sister who had only one chance in her LONG eternal elf life to sign up and participate in the sacrament would drop out like this unless it was intentional. The book set them up as opposites so while our MC lazes about her sister is literally always training and hoping to participate so the sudden plot point of dropping out is questionable at best.

4. Why is Dax like that? He gives me the ick on a molecular level. Legit he grosses me out

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the dark fae universe since I stumbled upon them.
This new series does not disappoint.
Poor Nari just hasn't had a good run of luck. She's imagined she's loved and has choices in this world, which she was raised to believe.
But it's just not the case.
Nari tried to save herself, she is a selfish litelf, as most are.
I didn't realize the depth of her father's half love until the last chapter of book 2. Even after her pleading to end the engagement... if I had known, I would have screamed to the pages it wasn't worth it to even broach the subject of if he would or not.
It's her human side. She wanted so badly to believe his love was true of a parent. And maybe if she was full elvish, he might have...
Dax.... I'm truly frightened now. I, like Nari, arrogantly thought he was thawing.
I forgot just how much a slight against a dark one could brew this intense hatred he is left with.
I am so glad Quinn is adding to this world. All the Dark Fae series are proudly lined up on my shelves.
These will be added to them.
I knew I should have waited until the whole series was out.
Now I'm left with this huge weight settled on my heart until I get the last 2 books.
I hope this story doesn't end as April's nasty brother in laws poor evates story did.
I'll die a little. Not gonna lie.
But I get the feeling this is the story that explains how the dark fae were able to extend their darkness...
Hhhh, the wait. I can't stand it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story. Somewhat dark and morally gray characters. Well paced. Didn't have to skip through a bunch of redundant internal dialogue. Plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Made me feel all kinds of emotions. The angst and spice were good and not overdone. The characters were interesting, but the fmc can be a bit annoying at times.

My only real complaints have to do with editing. There are a LOT of misspellings that were distracting and a lot of disjointed sentences that didn’t make sense. Normally I would stop reading a book with poor editing, but the story pulled me in emotionally, so I just ignored the typos.

For those reviewers who didn’t understand why the mmc was so angry, I would question whether they’ve ever experienced relationship betrayal? Plus, it’s a fantasy world with fae who have different cultures and emotions. So anyway…

All in all, I really enjoyed this dark fantasy, not everything is perfect, pull on the heartstrings type story. But definitely need to read through to the end to fully understand everything that’s going on. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books!

[Barely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series review.

This series is what I want whenever I pick up one of these pretty-covered romance series. I almost always dnf them but I binged through this one.

It’s character-centric with characters who are quite complicated and often unlikable but they’re understandable, very interesting and dynamic. I especially loved that while there’s a fantasy world, there’s no chosen-one stuff, no being Queen in the end, no Mary-Sue self-insertdom. It’s just relatively regular people who have a good story and the end of their journey has personal meaning, without the usual being rich and powerful blah, blah, blah plots and endings.

The pacing is also quite good with each book being a different setting with different challenges for the characters. And they are challenged. I was rung through the ringer here. I read (and dnf) a lot of forgettable books just to unwind but this isn’t going to become one of those. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this author’s books.

[Kim Pow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

Quinn Blackbird is a truly talented storyteller. Although Nari is an immature brat and it was near impossible to empathise or even connect with her, I was able to understand.I look forward to book 2.

[M Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

One of my favourite writers! This book does not disappoint. I love the fact that QB writes dark faery tales which reflect the original aspect of faery tales the dark feral side. This book offers all that.

[marian hayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an awesome slow burn book. can’t wait to read the next book!

Anyone who likes dark fae stories with depth and angst will love this series. Female lead is surprisingly dark too. Gives the Rhapsodic a run for its money.
Loved it!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow missed that this will be a trilogy series of 4+ books. *Throws book across room*

[Zwon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this author and her books

[lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!!! i love me some faeee i’m sorry

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

WELL THIS WAS DEPRESSING. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

After spending the entire Sunday marathon reading Cursed Shadows, I feel regretful and left with a bitter taste in my mouth. After all that shit that went down, all we got was a (deserved) HFN and honestly, I felt like I've wasted my time.

This review is based on the entire story, spanning 5 books.

ANGSTY. VICIOUS. DRAMATIC. TOXIC. SELFISH. AND OH-SO-POINTLESS.

This wasn't romance. It's a study - a dissection - of vile morality and selfish cruelty of living creatures who only think about themselves. Most characters in this story wasn't likeable as is a familiarity with Blackbird's stories. You either like em, or don't.

NARI was a sheltered Litalf who fell in love with a Dark Elf. Yes, she started off like the brightest star of innocence, fun and love, but quickly descended into morbid betrayal, lust and a lot of traumatic pain. The poor girl didn't deserve all that happened to her, a helpless pawn in the games of power hungry males. All those who were meant to love and care or protect her has failed her terribly in every manner - except EAMON, her best friend who also meets a terrible end in the last book.

CURSED SHADOWS is a tragedy in the making.

The heroine was indeed a helpless female who turned into a vicious survivalist because her family sacrificed her, and the male she loved wanted revenge over her actions more than loving her. I didn't blame NARI for spurning DAXEEL, even if she did it under duress. Being a young woman who lives under her strict Father's thumb, and being punished for it...that will inspire fear in any woman who has been cherished her entire life. What happened to her was OUT OF HER CONTROL, and it quickly turned her into a broken, vicious person.

DAXEEL didn't deserve NARI in the least. So he got his heart broken, and now he wants revenge. Okay, he was entitled that act of revenge but I wonder if he took if too far? He never really thawed and if he had, revealing his true plans to NARI, perhaps their relationship wouldn't have been burned to smithereens. HE LITERALLY ORCHESTRATED THEIR RUIN!! So no, he didn't deserve her, even if his motives were revealed later on.

DO I FEEL SORRY FOR HIM? Yes. Both Nari and Daxeel were...inexperienced in matters of relationship and when outside forces are determined to see them apart? They never stood a chance.

NARI AND DAXEEL gambled with their decisions and lost when "MOTHER" the spiritual entity similar to a GOD in their world, make fools out of them.

OVERALL the angst wasn't pleasant. EVERYTHING WAS JUST UGLY. The people, the emotions, and what they've done....ALL SO FUCKING UGLY...to the point where you feel no one truly deserves the happiness that they involuntarily yet singlehandedly destroy without knowing.

I FEEL DEPRESSED. I've read the author's Dark Elves series, and yum yum, with General CASPAN whom you will see glimpses of here, well, that series will always be my favorite. CURSED SHADOWS was just a LITERAL HEARTBREAKER. The writing of course is great, but the plot and aftermath made me feel anything but HAPPY.

[Shiela Kuizon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was such a dragging read. Between the typos ("Cinnamen" eyes?), info dump, and over explaining, the FMC was just not one to root for. And the MMC, jeez, "my summer fling said it wasn't working out so let me hold on to the grudge for a decade then 'punish' her after said 10 years by fingering her in the hall and eating her out in the tower".

And the back-and-forth time jump, I cannot even begin to express how frustrating it was. Just when you thought the plot was moving, the next chapter will hit you with a "10 years earlier," and mind you, this was not a one-time thing. I almost DNF but hey, less than 250 pages, I pushed through it, maybe it would pick up. It did not.

Then maybe second book would be better, but let me tell you, two pages in, and it's another "10 YEARS EARLIER". No, thank you.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Blackbird Throws us back into the fae world!!!! - Nari is a Halfling with one true friend - a cordial sister and a father who only wanted her to gain a prestigious match on the Marriage Market - Nari's Betrothed Taroh likes to Assault her against her will at any opportunity.

It Just so Happens after being entranced by Nari and her Black Phoenix dance Dax comes to Save her and the two Fall Hopelessly in love.... Capulet and Montague......

But that was 10 years ago...... Nari reluctantly broke his heart and hes not willing to offer any forgiveness.

I was on the edge of my Seat throughout all of this both characters are stubborn and seem to play games being Fae and all - as a reader i never knew what to expect, Some great sides characters just brilliant.

[Ali. S.]

I'm not going to rate this because I might try to come back to it.
I've read all this authors work that I could get a hold of and have absolutely devoured books in one sitting but this book had a completely different feel to it. I just couldn't get into it at all.
I kept going back and managed 40%
I can't put my finger on what made this so different, maybe it felt a bit more generic then her usual work but it just didn't hold my interest. Obviously im in thd minority because it's rated higher than her previous books but it just didn't feel at the same level as her usual work.

[Vellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

QB writes the best Fae fantasy romance, with the best obsessed cruel villain MMCs, but why most of her FMCs have to be such bitches! (I don't count the heroines from "Black World", "Gaslight Her", and "The Prince's Prisoner" in this mix). Anyway, she's back to her predilection subject, the Dark Fae, and I won't be complaining, bc she saved me from my book slump!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so surprisingly good

It had all of the drama ever I could've wished for, a dark and broody MMC, and a refreshingly unique FMC. The pace moved fast and with only 200 pages, I finished the entire novel in one sitting.

If you're looking for an angsty, dark fantasy, with a drama filled romance, look no further. This book has got you covered.

[Ann Isaacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author writes excellent descriptive prose. My only wish would be for more dialogue. I love dialogue to get a good sense of the characters' personalities. Also, I would have liked more internal dialogue to better understand Nari's thoughts and feelings. I was left with intrigue and will finish the series.

[Lu Alo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love LOVE

Seeing how I've only recently found joy in reading I'm not one to say this is the greatest but I'm going to say it's definitely one that had me hooked!! The series is consistent and the story line is perfect, lots of ups and downs and the ups.. ohh the throbbing ups create steamy moisture haha! Love the series 10/10