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A Cursed Age
A Gothic Treasure Planet and Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Witcher in this Nautical Gothic tale set in 1806 about a cursed pirate, a wrathful sea witch, and the rise of the airship.
After scorning the wrong type of woman, Captain Ryland Coldwell—pirate, lover, and overall adventurer—finds himself trapped in the West Indies with an unfortunate case of immortality. With only his anger to keep him company, Ryland waits for the day he can seek his revenge on his past lover Gwenifer, the sea witch who cursed him. But in his attempts to escape, Ryland has left a trail of sinking ships in his wake. Luckily for him, the world has finally begun to evolve, and with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte has come the rise of the airship, the only type of vessel that Ryland has a chance of fleeing on. However, none of these ships had yet to reach the West Indies… until one night one does.
Emmeline Whittock is the only woman on board the airship the Nyx, and the only one wearing a jacket stained with her brother’s blood. After fleeing from her murderous fiancé and the threats of Napoleon’s army, the Nyx is blown off course and lands in the West Indies, a place they very much shouldn’t be. When attacked by pirates, one man comes to save the day—Ryland, who Emmeline feels a pull towards, even against her better judgment. Agreeing to take him on board, Emmeline and the crew assume their trip will be easy, not realizing that in every rippling wave and growing storm is the wrath of a sea witch, hunting for the man who wasn’t supposed to leave the islands.
Against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and crossing the seas from the Caribbean to New Orleans to Venice, Ryland and Emmeline will both come to learn that betrayals can run deep but love can run deeper, lasting beyond a lifetime. In A Cursed Age, fates will realign, hearts will be broken, and the future of the world will rest in the hands of a very vexed pirate and a misfit crew with everything to lose.
All's fair in love and war… and revenge.
After scorning the wrong type of woman, Captain Ryland Coldwell—pirate, lover, and overall adventurer—finds himself trapped in the West Indies with an unfortunate case of immortality. With only his anger to keep him company, Ryland waits for the day he can seek his revenge on his past lover Gwenifer, the sea witch who cursed him. But in his attempts to escape, Ryland has left a trail of sinking ships in his wake. Luckily for him, the world has finally begun to evolve, and with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte has come the rise of the airship, the only type of vessel that Ryland has a chance of fleeing on. However, none of these ships had yet to reach the West Indies… until one night one does.
Emmeline Whittock is the only woman on board the airship the Nyx, and the only one wearing a jacket stained with her brother’s blood. After fleeing from her murderous fiancé and the threats of Napoleon’s army, the Nyx is blown off course and lands in the West Indies, a place they very much shouldn’t be. When attacked by pirates, one man comes to save the day—Ryland, who Emmeline feels a pull towards, even against her better judgment. Agreeing to take him on board, Emmeline and the crew assume their trip will be easy, not realizing that in every rippling wave and growing storm is the wrath of a sea witch, hunting for the man who wasn’t supposed to leave the islands.
Against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and crossing the seas from the Caribbean to New Orleans to Venice, Ryland and Emmeline will both come to learn that betrayals can run deep but love can run deeper, lasting beyond a lifetime. In A Cursed Age, fates will realign, hearts will be broken, and the future of the world will rest in the hands of a very vexed pirate and a misfit crew with everything to lose.
All's fair in love and war… and revenge.
600 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
20 people are currently reading
7526 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Dunnewin
10 books339 followersA. M. Dunnewin grew up with a taste for mysteries and thrillers, inherited ever so lovingly from her family. An affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association, A. M.’s own stories cover a wide range of genres that tend to take a dark turn when least expected. With a B.A. in Psychology, she’s a gambler of words, obsessed with chai tea, and addicted to books – everything from classical literature to graphic novels. Other hobbies include art, history, music, equestrianism, and a good classic film. She currently dwells in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 8, 2025
Currently on vacation but this book is so good with pirates, sea witches, and a love story that makes you hope.
Review to come!
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher allowing this book up for a free-read.
WOW. Sign me up for finding a new favorite author! What got me to read this was how the author was saying this was a gothic romance, infused with Treasure Planet and pirates. She wasn't wrong!
We are introduced to our sea witch and her 'hide-away' with her court of harpies and boy oh boy, I was like - okay, this is what I am talking about in a book. She is sexual, beautiful, wicked, and out for revenge and conquering her foe / past lover. Our past lover is a captain who has been 28 for over a hundred years. In that time he has experienced a lot, can shoot like crazy, use a sword like a beast, but he cannot die. Oh, he also can't leave the island due to her curse of making him immortal.
Our female lead escaped a marriage, recently lost her brother, and stole her flying ship from her fiance's clutches. With her trusted group of men, she is heading for America to live with her uncle. She and the male lead when he assists her men in outmaneuvering her fiance's hired goons. Seeing that she has a flying ship, and he can't go near the water, this will assist him greatly in getting off the island, questing to find the sea witch and killing her.
This book is a one-shot / stand alone and it's sad because there is a plot element that I feel, based on the fantasy aspect and 'fate' that could use a second book (with a happier ending) if the author so truly wished. However, if that were to occur that will cheapen the ending. The ending was right, and reminded me of The Canterville Ghost strangely enough.
Oh, and the romance? The romance was AMAZING. Lingering glances, "I would do anything for you" moments, he falls first and hard, she slowly falls in love with him, and finally being one another's anchor.
I really encourage any one who loves really well done fated / doomed love stories to check into this one. You won't regret it.
Review to come!
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher allowing this book up for a free-read.
WOW. Sign me up for finding a new favorite author! What got me to read this was how the author was saying this was a gothic romance, infused with Treasure Planet and pirates. She wasn't wrong!
We are introduced to our sea witch and her 'hide-away' with her court of harpies and boy oh boy, I was like - okay, this is what I am talking about in a book. She is sexual, beautiful, wicked, and out for revenge and conquering her foe / past lover. Our past lover is a captain who has been 28 for over a hundred years. In that time he has experienced a lot, can shoot like crazy, use a sword like a beast, but he cannot die. Oh, he also can't leave the island due to her curse of making him immortal.
Our female lead escaped a marriage, recently lost her brother, and stole her flying ship from her fiance's clutches. With her trusted group of men, she is heading for America to live with her uncle. She and the male lead when he assists her men in outmaneuvering her fiance's hired goons. Seeing that she has a flying ship, and he can't go near the water, this will assist him greatly in getting off the island, questing to find the sea witch and killing her.
This book is a one-shot / stand alone and it's sad because there is a plot element that I feel, based on the fantasy aspect and 'fate' that could use a second book (with a happier ending) if the author so truly wished. However, if that were to occur that will cheapen the ending. The ending was right, and reminded me of The Canterville Ghost strangely enough.
Oh, and the romance? The romance was AMAZING. Lingering glances, "I would do anything for you" moments, he falls first and hard, she slowly falls in love with him, and finally being one another's anchor.
I really encourage any one who loves really well done fated / doomed love stories to check into this one. You won't regret it.
April 30, 2025
This was an epic dark fantasy romance, in an alt history, steampunk-ish setting. Really enjoyed the world building, the characters and their back stories. Each person grew in depth and developed further as the story progressed.
Although really well done, I did find it a bit long, with a lot of action, but almost too much going on (places, people, magic/mystical/lore stuff, mythical species, etc). Also felt it was a bit insta-lovey/ fated love which I’m not a huge fan of.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dark Hour Press/IBPA for a copy!
Although really well done, I did find it a bit long, with a lot of action, but almost too much going on (places, people, magic/mystical/lore stuff, mythical species, etc). Also felt it was a bit insta-lovey/ fated love which I’m not a huge fan of.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dark Hour Press/IBPA for a copy!
May 16, 2025
5⭐️
If you”re a 90’s kid like me and enjoyed the vibe from Treasure Planet, this one is for you. This is a steam punk style, gothic, semi-dark romance, magical adventure filled with cleverly written banter and spice.
We have a sea witch with Harpies under her command, pirates and adventure, a sexy romance and sizzling encounters, magic, curses, and so much more! There is also a hint of history as the story takes place in Venice, Italy during the time of Napoleon no less, who also happens to be the goal of capture for someone *wink*. Captain Ryland Coldwell is our adventurous pirate trapped in the West Indies, and Emmeline Whittock the only female aboard the vessel, Nyx. Eventually we end up in New Orleans and by the end of the adventure on the last page you might even have some big feelings and tears. Not typically something I would ever mention, but this hits some tropes out of the park: morally grey, slow burn, vengeance, and a lot more.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for permitting me to read and review this book prior to release to the public.*
Www.goodreads.com/evelynreadseverything
Www.facebook.com/evelynreadseverything1
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If you”re a 90’s kid like me and enjoyed the vibe from Treasure Planet, this one is for you. This is a steam punk style, gothic, semi-dark romance, magical adventure filled with cleverly written banter and spice.
We have a sea witch with Harpies under her command, pirates and adventure, a sexy romance and sizzling encounters, magic, curses, and so much more! There is also a hint of history as the story takes place in Venice, Italy during the time of Napoleon no less, who also happens to be the goal of capture for someone *wink*. Captain Ryland Coldwell is our adventurous pirate trapped in the West Indies, and Emmeline Whittock the only female aboard the vessel, Nyx. Eventually we end up in New Orleans and by the end of the adventure on the last page you might even have some big feelings and tears. Not typically something I would ever mention, but this hits some tropes out of the park: morally grey, slow burn, vengeance, and a lot more.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for permitting me to read and review this book prior to release to the public.*
Www.goodreads.com/evelynreadseverything
Www.facebook.com/evelynreadseverything1
……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. …………………….
#bookish #booktok #bookstagram #books#adventure #history #inspiring #fantasy#romantasy #romcom #historymatters #hero #impactful #stories #love #disney #princecharming #bookrecommendation #bookshelf #library #lovetoread #magic #gooddefeatsevil #mystery #arc #warrior #barnesandnoble #newbook #music #target #kindle #ku #sounserious #netgalley #vengeance #pirates #90skid #mythical #magic #slowburn
April 24, 2025
3.5! Whew this one was a ride! Pirates, curses, mermaids, history, fated love, steampunk... what more could a girl want? The writing was descriptive and a vibe, however, I must caution this baby is LONG strap in for a long and wild ride from Venice to the West Indies and back again.
The characters were interesting! I love me a powerful woman and Emmeline grows into that so well throughout the story that I grew to appreciate her more and more. I enjoyed Arthur so much,,, sweet lil doctor boy who just loves his wife. And then there's Ryland... I mean, he's an immortal pirate, doing well so far. I think his revenge mission limited his growth a little bit, but his love for Emmeline was genuine and pure so I can overlook it. Gwen was a little different for me - don't get it twisted, I love a woman villain, female rage speaks to my very essence, but not this way. Her jealousy, and obsession for Ryland, limited her full scope of icon-ness. She did other horrible things, that becomes very clear, but that's not what motivates the other characters. They seem opposed to Gwen because of her obsession with Ryland and her ability to seduce Napoleon, which,,,, is not enough for me.
This leads me to the historical context of the book which was PHENOMENALLY DONE. From the beginning I was like OH THIS HAS RESEARCH BABEY! That speaks to my heart sooooooooooo deeply!!!! From the golden age of piracy to the napoleonic conquests, I was in love with the atmosphere the context created throughout the book. Absolute VIBES.
Overall fun and mystical, my rating would have been much higher if it was a little bit shorter (sub 500 pages, perhaps)... Regardless!!!!!! I would still recommend this to anyone who had a steampunk and/or Pirate of the Caribbean obsession at any point in their life.
Thanks to Dark Hour Press, NetGalley and A M Dunnewin for the arc!
The characters were interesting! I love me a powerful woman and Emmeline grows into that so well throughout the story that I grew to appreciate her more and more. I enjoyed Arthur so much,,, sweet lil doctor boy who just loves his wife. And then there's Ryland... I mean, he's an immortal pirate, doing well so far. I think his revenge mission limited his growth a little bit, but his love for Emmeline was genuine and pure so I can overlook it. Gwen was a little different for me - don't get it twisted, I love a woman villain, female rage speaks to my very essence, but not this way. Her jealousy, and obsession for Ryland, limited her full scope of icon-ness. She did other horrible things, that becomes very clear, but that's not what motivates the other characters. They seem opposed to Gwen because of her obsession with Ryland and her ability to seduce Napoleon, which,,,, is not enough for me.
This leads me to the historical context of the book which was PHENOMENALLY DONE. From the beginning I was like OH THIS HAS RESEARCH BABEY! That speaks to my heart sooooooooooo deeply!!!! From the golden age of piracy to the napoleonic conquests, I was in love with the atmosphere the context created throughout the book. Absolute VIBES.
Overall fun and mystical, my rating would have been much higher if it was a little bit shorter (sub 500 pages, perhaps)... Regardless!!!!!! I would still recommend this to anyone who had a steampunk and/or Pirate of the Caribbean obsession at any point in their life.
Thanks to Dark Hour Press, NetGalley and A M Dunnewin for the arc!
July 3, 2025
A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin swept me up from the first chapter and didn’t let go. This book truly has it all — pirates, sea witches, immortality curses, airships, political intrigue, and a romance that’s as complicated as it is compelling.
Ryland is such a captivating character: a pirate captain cursed with immortality and fueled by anger and revenge, yet with an undeniable vulnerability beneath his rough edges. Emmeline was equally compelling — fleeing her murderous fiancé and carrying guilt and secrets, she’s thrust into danger and adventure she never expected. Their chemistry was instant but layered with tension, betrayal, and a slow-burning trust that made their connection so satisfying to watch unfold.
I loved how Dunnewin painted each setting so vividly, from the stormy waters of the West Indies to the vibrant streets of New Orleans and the atmospheric canals of Venice. The story moves at a brisk pace, full of danger and unexpected twists, but also moments of real heart. The themes of vengeance, redemption, and love lasting beyond a lifetime were beautifully woven into the plot.
If you’re craving a fantasy that combines historical adventure with magic, curses, romance, and a misfit crew you’ll root for, A Cursed Age is one to add to your list. I can’t wait to see what Dunnewin writes next.
Ryland is such a captivating character: a pirate captain cursed with immortality and fueled by anger and revenge, yet with an undeniable vulnerability beneath his rough edges. Emmeline was equally compelling — fleeing her murderous fiancé and carrying guilt and secrets, she’s thrust into danger and adventure she never expected. Their chemistry was instant but layered with tension, betrayal, and a slow-burning trust that made their connection so satisfying to watch unfold.
I loved how Dunnewin painted each setting so vividly, from the stormy waters of the West Indies to the vibrant streets of New Orleans and the atmospheric canals of Venice. The story moves at a brisk pace, full of danger and unexpected twists, but also moments of real heart. The themes of vengeance, redemption, and love lasting beyond a lifetime were beautifully woven into the plot.
If you’re craving a fantasy that combines historical adventure with magic, curses, romance, and a misfit crew you’ll root for, A Cursed Age is one to add to your list. I can’t wait to see what Dunnewin writes next.
May 15, 2025
⭐️ 4.5
Ugh that ENDING so so tragic and bitter sweet and perfect. I would love a prequel story of Ryland’s time and adventures before meeting Emmeline!!! I don’t want to leave these characters :(
Ugh that ENDING so so tragic and bitter sweet and perfect. I would love a prequel story of Ryland’s time and adventures before meeting Emmeline!!! I don’t want to leave these characters :(
March 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was like Gothic Treasure Planet with a romantic twist, and I was HERE for it! 🏴☠️✨ The mix of pirates, curses, and steampunk vibes made for such a unique setting. Ryland and Emmeline’s dynamic kept me hooked, and the sea witch’s wrath added just the right amount of tension. 🌊🔮
The ending was beautiful but also wrecked me. 💔 I wanted more of Ryland and Emmeline—I wasn’t ready to say goodbye! Some of the twists had me so confused 🤯, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading. Even with the parts that didn’t fully click, I need the next book ASAP! If you love nautical gothic tales with a dash of romance and revenge, this one’s worth checking out! ⚓❤️
This book was like Gothic Treasure Planet with a romantic twist, and I was HERE for it! 🏴☠️✨ The mix of pirates, curses, and steampunk vibes made for such a unique setting. Ryland and Emmeline’s dynamic kept me hooked, and the sea witch’s wrath added just the right amount of tension. 🌊🔮
The ending was beautiful but also wrecked me. 💔 I wanted more of Ryland and Emmeline—I wasn’t ready to say goodbye! Some of the twists had me so confused 🤯, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading. Even with the parts that didn’t fully click, I need the next book ASAP! If you love nautical gothic tales with a dash of romance and revenge, this one’s worth checking out! ⚓❤️
April 29, 2025
This book was given by NetGalley as an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ryland is a pirate who has been cursed to immortality and to never leave an island by his ex, who happens to be a sea witch. Emmeline is a brilliant inventor of a flying ship. Emmeline’s ship is just the thing Ryland needs to get off the island he’s been bound to since it will enable him to escape through the air rather than the sea.
Honestly, I was a little bored and didn’t love the writing style. I should have loved Emmeline’s crew more than I did and I should have been more invested in what happened to the characters.
Ryland is a pirate who has been cursed to immortality and to never leave an island by his ex, who happens to be a sea witch. Emmeline is a brilliant inventor of a flying ship. Emmeline’s ship is just the thing Ryland needs to get off the island he’s been bound to since it will enable him to escape through the air rather than the sea.
Honestly, I was a little bored and didn’t love the writing style. I should have loved Emmeline’s crew more than I did and I should have been more invested in what happened to the characters.
December 13, 2025
*A Cursed Age* is an imaginative blend of pirate fantasy, early steampunk, and romantic adventure, and its premise is easily its strongest asset. An immortal pirate cursed by a sea witch, airships rising during the Napoleonic Wars, and a reluctant heroine fleeing both personal and political danger make for a richly layered setup that promises high drama and sweeping stakes.
The worldbuilding is vivid and often engaging. The mix of Caribbean piracy, experimental airships, and European politics gives the story a distinct flavor, and the sense of movement—from the West Indies to New Orleans to Venice—keeps the narrative feeling expansive. Ryland Coldwell is an appealingly prickly protagonist, and his immortality adds a welcome edge of bitterness and consequence to his character. Emmeline, meanwhile, is introduced with strong emotional weight, and her backstory hints at a compelling inner life.
That said, the novel doesn’t always live up to its potential. The pacing can be uneven, with certain sections lingering too long while pivotal emotional or plot moments feel rushed. The romance, though central to the story, sometimes leans on familiar tropes, and the chemistry between Ryland and Emmeline doesn’t consistently feel as deep or inevitable as the narrative insists. The sea witch antagonist is intriguing, but her presence and motivations could have been explored with more nuance.
Overall, *A Cursed Age* is an enjoyable read with a creative concept and an atmospheric setting, even if it occasionally stumbles in execution. Fans of pirate fantasy, cursed immortals, and historical-adjacent adventure will likely find plenty to appreciate, even if the story doesn’t fully rise to the heights it aims for.
The worldbuilding is vivid and often engaging. The mix of Caribbean piracy, experimental airships, and European politics gives the story a distinct flavor, and the sense of movement—from the West Indies to New Orleans to Venice—keeps the narrative feeling expansive. Ryland Coldwell is an appealingly prickly protagonist, and his immortality adds a welcome edge of bitterness and consequence to his character. Emmeline, meanwhile, is introduced with strong emotional weight, and her backstory hints at a compelling inner life.
That said, the novel doesn’t always live up to its potential. The pacing can be uneven, with certain sections lingering too long while pivotal emotional or plot moments feel rushed. The romance, though central to the story, sometimes leans on familiar tropes, and the chemistry between Ryland and Emmeline doesn’t consistently feel as deep or inevitable as the narrative insists. The sea witch antagonist is intriguing, but her presence and motivations could have been explored with more nuance.
Overall, *A Cursed Age* is an enjoyable read with a creative concept and an atmospheric setting, even if it occasionally stumbles in execution. Fans of pirate fantasy, cursed immortals, and historical-adjacent adventure will likely find plenty to appreciate, even if the story doesn’t fully rise to the heights it aims for.
April 22, 2025
This alternate reality historical fiction fantasy adventure was truly a nautical tale like no other filled with fated souls, flying steampunk style airships, curses, sky pirates, adventure and romance. Told thur dual POV we follow long cursed immortal pirate captain Ryland Coldwell and airship designer and engineer Emmeline Whittock as they race to break a long held curse all while combating with tyranical power hungry leaders, otherworldly creatures such as mermaids and harpies, and an evil sea witch that can control the tides and weather. Reading this twisty seaside story set in an alternate 1806 was such fun. I loved getting to see the author take bits of history and meld them into a wholly new world and story. The plot alone with its set of centuries held star crossed loves reuniting and battling an evil curse had me already intrigued and yet add in the pirate element (sky pirates no less) and I was completely sold and engaged the entirety of the story. MMC Ryland is exactly what I would picture for an equally reckless and charming pirate. While Emmeline was the epitome of a smart, resourceful, and selfless FMC. Together their chemistry and team work had me easily rooting for them. The setting as well was something I thoroughly enjoyed as the adventuring pair traveled from the likes of the West Indies, New Orleans, and Italy. I won’t lie tho that the books ending did break me however in the best way possible, ensuring that this magical historical romance read will be sticking with me for quite some time. If you’re looking for a historical fiction filled with pirates and magic then defiantly check out this high seas tale.
A Cursed Age comes out May 20th, 2025.
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Hour Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A Cursed Age comes out May 20th, 2025.
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Hour Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2025
This book angered me so freaking much!!!! Ugggg!!!!!
It could have been 5⭐️s… IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN 5⭐️s!!!!
It had all the potential in the freaking world! The author had all the elements for an amazing story on point but where she chose to direct her focus on the different parts of the story made it sink faster than Captain Coldwell’s pirate ship.
It has been a while since I have wanted to throw a book across a room after reading it but here we are. 🤦🏼♀️
First off, let’s just be honest, this cover alone is promising a timeless masterpiece. If you’re going to put out a cover this gorgeous then you have a tall order to fill. From the moment I first added this to my TBR it had been in the back of my mind just waiting to be read.
Then I read the description. Steampunk? What in the hell is steampunk? I dunno but it sounds really freaking cool! Looked it up, confirmed that it is in fact really freaking cool. I was beyond excited to dive into the magical world of steampunk, pirates, sea witches and sirens that A.M. Dunnewin created.
Opening scene. Gorgeous sea witch/octopus who lures men into her clawfoot bathtub/ocean portal where she seduces them right before eating them alive… umm yes please! Epic! The writing was so beautiful yet dark with gothic Victorian vibes. I was here for it! But then the book became really slow paced after that. I get it, world building, character introductions and all that but it felt like it took fooooooooooloreverrrrrrr for the story to get somewhere.
The slow pace definitely kept me from devouring this in one sitting. Well, that and the fact that it was 600 pages of slow pace. But what really just pissed me off, like made me feel rage the entire time I read this was where the author chose to put her focus on the story.
The story has three main characters:
Gwenifer - the sea witch and Ryland’s ex-lover.
Ryland - the cursed pirate captain.
Emmeline - Sweet, innocence never did anything to deserve the shit platter of a life she was served, Emmeline. Oh, Emmeline. 💔
🛑 Possible spoilers 👇🏼
Basically to wrap up 600 pages in a nutshell… We first get the backstory of Ryland and Gwenifer. Gwenifer is this gorgeous redhead who stole the heart of Ryland when he finds her hiding as a stowaway on his ship. They enter into this whirlwind of a toxic romance where they are screwing like rabbits and completely obsessed with one another. Then we are taken to present day where he and Gwenifer are enemies. Ryland is cursed with immortality from Gwenifer who is now a powerful sea witch. He meets Emmeline on her airship and we are then told by the author that it’s insta-love. The love story is supposed to be between Emmeline and Ryland but ya wouldn’t know it because literally Gwenifer gets the spotlight the entire book! “Gwenifer is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen” “our sex life was incredible” blah blah fucking blahhhhhhhhhh. We get it, Ryland! Gwenifer is fucking wonderful. Literally there was ZERO chemistry between Ryland and Emmeline. None. We, the reader, keep being TOLD he’s so in love with Emmeline but never actually shown it. Literally, the only interaction between the two is that he would get caught staring at her or vice versa.
Then we are told that they are actually fated soulmates because, wait for it, he saw her walking down a pier in her previous life. That’s it, he saw her walking down a pier and in that one second of seeing her in the distance it was enough for him to throw his lover of 4 years off to the side like yesterday’s trash. Yeah, sea witch Gwenifer, I’d be pissed too! Curse that MFer! Anyways, that was it. He saw her in her previous life, and thought she looked pretty, then back to the present day where he sees her and it’s insta-love. 🙄
Oh! BUT THEN he refuses to tell her he loves her so the entire 600 pages is just them staring at each other for too long. Finally, FINALLY at around the 80% mark he gives her a quick kiss and this is a direct quote from the story, “That kiss felt like… finally.” I’m sorry, WHAT?!?! We had to hear all about his very wild sex life with the villain in the story and the FMC gets a half assed kiss that, and I quote “Felt. Like. Finally”… 🤦🏼♀️
Ok, so moving on… I really really thought this author was going to redeem this story somehow. I had no idea how but I held out hope. I saw the potential in how truly amazing this story could have been and I clung to the hope that some way somehow the author would deliver. Deliver she did not. That ending….. THAT FREAKING ENDING!!! I might need blood pressure medication after reading this book.
I gave it 3⭐️ because it wasn’t all bad. Dunnewin knows how to write up a suspenseful horror scene. The scene with Adelice had me holding my breath which I almost never do while reading even the scariest of thrillers. Her gothic vibes were on point. The interesting world of flying airships and steampunk characters was really cool. It was something new I haven’t experienced in a book yet. I LOVED the relationship between Emmeline and Captain Dormer. I even teared up from it at the end. I wish that there was more chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I wish their story had gotten more attention than it did. Instead it felt like the author should have just made the story a dark romance between the MMC and the sea witch because their relationship was what received the most attention. I wish we had gotten a different ending. To put a reader through 600 pages of what could have been the most timeless romance that actually never went anywhere at all just to leave us with that felt wrong. At some point in 600 pages the reader should have had something to grab onto. It was disappointment followed by disappointment and ended with… disappointment.
It could have been 5⭐️s… IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN 5⭐️s!!!!
It had all the potential in the freaking world! The author had all the elements for an amazing story on point but where she chose to direct her focus on the different parts of the story made it sink faster than Captain Coldwell’s pirate ship.
It has been a while since I have wanted to throw a book across a room after reading it but here we are. 🤦🏼♀️
First off, let’s just be honest, this cover alone is promising a timeless masterpiece. If you’re going to put out a cover this gorgeous then you have a tall order to fill. From the moment I first added this to my TBR it had been in the back of my mind just waiting to be read.
Then I read the description. Steampunk? What in the hell is steampunk? I dunno but it sounds really freaking cool! Looked it up, confirmed that it is in fact really freaking cool. I was beyond excited to dive into the magical world of steampunk, pirates, sea witches and sirens that A.M. Dunnewin created.
Opening scene. Gorgeous sea witch/octopus who lures men into her clawfoot bathtub/ocean portal where she seduces them right before eating them alive… umm yes please! Epic! The writing was so beautiful yet dark with gothic Victorian vibes. I was here for it! But then the book became really slow paced after that. I get it, world building, character introductions and all that but it felt like it took fooooooooooloreverrrrrrr for the story to get somewhere.
The slow pace definitely kept me from devouring this in one sitting. Well, that and the fact that it was 600 pages of slow pace. But what really just pissed me off, like made me feel rage the entire time I read this was where the author chose to put her focus on the story.
The story has three main characters:
Gwenifer - the sea witch and Ryland’s ex-lover.
Ryland - the cursed pirate captain.
Emmeline - Sweet, innocence never did anything to deserve the shit platter of a life she was served, Emmeline. Oh, Emmeline. 💔
🛑 Possible spoilers 👇🏼
Basically to wrap up 600 pages in a nutshell… We first get the backstory of Ryland and Gwenifer. Gwenifer is this gorgeous redhead who stole the heart of Ryland when he finds her hiding as a stowaway on his ship. They enter into this whirlwind of a toxic romance where they are screwing like rabbits and completely obsessed with one another. Then we are taken to present day where he and Gwenifer are enemies. Ryland is cursed with immortality from Gwenifer who is now a powerful sea witch. He meets Emmeline on her airship and we are then told by the author that it’s insta-love. The love story is supposed to be between Emmeline and Ryland but ya wouldn’t know it because literally Gwenifer gets the spotlight the entire book! “Gwenifer is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen” “our sex life was incredible” blah blah fucking blahhhhhhhhhh. We get it, Ryland! Gwenifer is fucking wonderful. Literally there was ZERO chemistry between Ryland and Emmeline. None. We, the reader, keep being TOLD he’s so in love with Emmeline but never actually shown it. Literally, the only interaction between the two is that he would get caught staring at her or vice versa.
Then we are told that they are actually fated soulmates because, wait for it, he saw her walking down a pier in her previous life. That’s it, he saw her walking down a pier and in that one second of seeing her in the distance it was enough for him to throw his lover of 4 years off to the side like yesterday’s trash. Yeah, sea witch Gwenifer, I’d be pissed too! Curse that MFer! Anyways, that was it. He saw her in her previous life, and thought she looked pretty, then back to the present day where he sees her and it’s insta-love. 🙄
Oh! BUT THEN he refuses to tell her he loves her so the entire 600 pages is just them staring at each other for too long. Finally, FINALLY at around the 80% mark he gives her a quick kiss and this is a direct quote from the story, “That kiss felt like… finally.” I’m sorry, WHAT?!?! We had to hear all about his very wild sex life with the villain in the story and the FMC gets a half assed kiss that, and I quote “Felt. Like. Finally”… 🤦🏼♀️
Ok, so moving on… I really really thought this author was going to redeem this story somehow. I had no idea how but I held out hope. I saw the potential in how truly amazing this story could have been and I clung to the hope that some way somehow the author would deliver. Deliver she did not. That ending….. THAT FREAKING ENDING!!! I might need blood pressure medication after reading this book.
I gave it 3⭐️ because it wasn’t all bad. Dunnewin knows how to write up a suspenseful horror scene. The scene with Adelice had me holding my breath which I almost never do while reading even the scariest of thrillers. Her gothic vibes were on point. The interesting world of flying airships and steampunk characters was really cool. It was something new I haven’t experienced in a book yet. I LOVED the relationship between Emmeline and Captain Dormer. I even teared up from it at the end. I wish that there was more chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I wish their story had gotten more attention than it did. Instead it felt like the author should have just made the story a dark romance between the MMC and the sea witch because their relationship was what received the most attention. I wish we had gotten a different ending. To put a reader through 600 pages of what could have been the most timeless romance that actually never went anywhere at all just to leave us with that felt wrong. At some point in 600 pages the reader should have had something to grab onto. It was disappointment followed by disappointment and ended with… disappointment.
July 11, 2025
3.75★
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸; 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.
I thought slow-burn was my strong suit, until I read one filled with aching yearning, only for it to have a heart-breaking ending.
I have to admit, I only got truly eager to continue reading once Ryland and Emmeline finally met. And can you believe he blushed during their first encounter?? The brooding captain?? 😩💗 I thought it would be insta-love, considering their immediate attraction from the start but NO! they barely even held hands, despite all those close-proximity moments. The tension was real ❤️🔥
And I swear, Emmeline is so much more than she lets on, an intelligent, loyal and deeply empathetic woman. I adore her character sm!! 🫂💗 It’s no wonder Ryland fell deeply for her the moment he got to know the real her. I devoured every moment of him being proud of Emmeline, whenever she stood up for herself, when he admired her intelligence, and when he intently listened to her ramble about the airship 🥰
However, as much as I enjoyed the romance, the war-related parts were a bit hard to follow and slowed down my reading, and the ending’s angst didn’t quite hit for me either, but ig that’s on me because I read it during a hectic time 😔
And tbvvh I was holding out hope for a miracle, for them to somehow get their happy ending but… the author went with a realistic ending in the end ❤️🩹
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸; 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.
I thought slow-burn was my strong suit, until I read one filled with aching yearning, only for it to have a heart-breaking ending.
I have to admit, I only got truly eager to continue reading once Ryland and Emmeline finally met. And can you believe he blushed during their first encounter?? The brooding captain?? 😩💗 I thought it would be insta-love, considering their immediate attraction from the start but NO! they barely even held hands, despite all those close-proximity moments. The tension was real ❤️🔥
And I swear, Emmeline is so much more than she lets on, an intelligent, loyal and deeply empathetic woman. I adore her character sm!! 🫂💗 It’s no wonder Ryland fell deeply for her the moment he got to know the real her. I devoured every moment of him being proud of Emmeline, whenever she stood up for herself, when he admired her intelligence, and when he intently listened to her ramble about the airship 🥰
However, as much as I enjoyed the romance, the war-related parts were a bit hard to follow and slowed down my reading, and the ending’s angst didn’t quite hit for me either, but ig that’s on me because I read it during a hectic time 😔
And tbvvh I was holding out hope for a miracle, for them to somehow get their happy ending but… the author went with a realistic ending in the end ❤️🩹
March 21, 2025
My one rule with book ratings is that a book that makes me cry automatically gets 5 stars and A Cursed Age had me crying for a while. It had a great and natural blend of genres - creepy gothic horror from the seawitch, part pirate adventure, and a sweet romance with lots of angst. And oh, that ending, how bittersweet. I have no idea if this is part of a series or if it's a standalone and this is the end of the story, but I'd love to rejoin the world. I don't want to say what else I'd like to see because of spoilers, but I hope this isn't the end.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 3, 2025
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Man, I wish this had been better! The description sounded so promising. Steampunk alt-historical fiction with pirates? Something about a sea witch? Hell yeah.
But this really fell short and I was so disappointed.
First off, it's loooooong. And weirdly for as long as it is, I feel like the worldbuilding could have been stronger. But my main gripe is that this book has worse instalove than Twilight. It is SOO bad!! Literally the two MCs have absolutely noo chemistry whatsoever and their relationship was not developed in a way that made sense to me. This is kinda explained by the fact that *spoiler* .
But this is a critical plot theme and it just didn't work for me. I was rolling my eyes so hard because at least in YA, it makes sense, because, teenagers. These are adults. Blegh. 2 ish stars
Man, I wish this had been better! The description sounded so promising. Steampunk alt-historical fiction with pirates? Something about a sea witch? Hell yeah.
But this really fell short and I was so disappointed.
First off, it's loooooong. And weirdly for as long as it is, I feel like the worldbuilding could have been stronger. But my main gripe is that this book has worse instalove than Twilight. It is SOO bad!! Literally the two MCs have absolutely noo chemistry whatsoever and their relationship was not developed in a way that made sense to me. This is kinda explained by the fact that *spoiler* .
But this is a critical plot theme and it just didn't work for me. I was rolling my eyes so hard because at least in YA, it makes sense, because, teenagers. These are adults. Blegh. 2 ish stars
October 15, 2025
So, I went into this book after the amazing high of reading A.M.'s All the Dark Souls Trilogy and the superb characters and story in that, so I feel a little like this book might get an unfairly harsh comparison. I am trying to balance my review to be fair, but I know that A.M. can write far, far more compelling characters and relationships.
Let's take a look at things in this swashbuckling pirate and sea witch historical jaunt shall we?!
First and foremost! The cover is glorious and I'm not going to lie; it is what initially drew me to the book even before I realised it was written by A.M. It gives off gothic historical vibes out the whazoo, with hints at the octopus theme all in one fell swoop! Fantastic work on the cover art!
Our two main characters, Emmeline and Ryland, while fleshed out and interesting in their own rights, their to-ing and fro-ing and pfaffing around got boring. The internal struggles, while initially giving complexity and depth to them, ended up just getting annoying and dragged the pacing down. Don't get me wrong, both characters are quite fully formed and have detailed histories and interests etc, they just felt stuck.
Our antagonist, with her plethora of otherworldly minions, was also initially quite interesting. She had nuances and seemed suitably devious, but alas she too fell to the 'a-little-too-repetitive' feel and by around page 450 I was ready to cook up some calamari.
Fact, this is a reasonable commitment in the reading stakes at 600 pages. Also a fact, A.M.'s writing is, most of the time, a thrill and pleasure to read. Alas, the repetition and agitation of the characters that failed to DO ANYTHING aside from think about things got tedious. This is what dragged the book down from being an epic story to a good one.
I ended up enjoying the supporting characters more because of the inaction with Emmeline and Ryland. I think my favourite was Arthur. Closely followed by Captain Dormer and even Gutter. There were a couple of characters I think could have done with a little more page time to flesh out their stories a little more, chief among them, Adelice. Also Arthur, Miguel and Brent.
Things that were done well included how A.M. can craft a fantastic scene with her words. Characters come to life on the page, and the story does suck you in and chew you up. I enjoyed this book; I just didn't love it as much as I loved some of A.M's other work and rightly or wrongly that means this book gets a lower rating.
The climax scenes didn't hold the same level of emotional gut-punching because I was less invested in the characters. This is a shame because they really should have been a kick to the feels like nothing else. I should have been crying and sobbing, but I wasn't.
On another note, when A.M. says this is a slow burn, they really mean SLOW BURN! It's practically glacial pace and temperature. Way to lead a reader on. We got hints of some fun and frivolity via memories that offered some sneaky hints of kinky fun, but in terms of steam level this one is a negative 100 on my rating meter. There is ZERO shenanigans on page and only a single kiss! Emmeline didn't even flash her ankles at Ryland. *Eyeroll*
Now, this review feels quite negative, but I promise you it's only because I know the subtle art of character flirting and heat level A.M. can create in her other stories. I simply expected more.
Do yourselves a favour and give this story a chance. It is an epic journey in a steampunk historical fantasy world that is rich and complex. Then, once you've tried this one, go and get her All The Dark Souls Trilogy and see what I mean about the comparison.
A couple of minor edits I picked up:
11-12% - In Chapter 8 - using lamppost then lamp post (check consistency).
99% - Emmeline stared at that white bundle sink (sinking?) until it was out of sight (or perhaps 'stared as that white bundle sank until it was out of sight')
**NOTE: I was provided an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley.**
Let's take a look at things in this swashbuckling pirate and sea witch historical jaunt shall we?!
First and foremost! The cover is glorious and I'm not going to lie; it is what initially drew me to the book even before I realised it was written by A.M. It gives off gothic historical vibes out the whazoo, with hints at the octopus theme all in one fell swoop! Fantastic work on the cover art!
Our two main characters, Emmeline and Ryland, while fleshed out and interesting in their own rights, their to-ing and fro-ing and pfaffing around got boring. The internal struggles, while initially giving complexity and depth to them, ended up just getting annoying and dragged the pacing down. Don't get me wrong, both characters are quite fully formed and have detailed histories and interests etc, they just felt stuck.
Our antagonist, with her plethora of otherworldly minions, was also initially quite interesting. She had nuances and seemed suitably devious, but alas she too fell to the 'a-little-too-repetitive' feel and by around page 450 I was ready to cook up some calamari.
Fact, this is a reasonable commitment in the reading stakes at 600 pages. Also a fact, A.M.'s writing is, most of the time, a thrill and pleasure to read. Alas, the repetition and agitation of the characters that failed to DO ANYTHING aside from think about things got tedious. This is what dragged the book down from being an epic story to a good one.
I ended up enjoying the supporting characters more because of the inaction with Emmeline and Ryland. I think my favourite was Arthur. Closely followed by Captain Dormer and even Gutter. There were a couple of characters I think could have done with a little more page time to flesh out their stories a little more, chief among them, Adelice. Also Arthur, Miguel and Brent.
Things that were done well included how A.M. can craft a fantastic scene with her words. Characters come to life on the page, and the story does suck you in and chew you up. I enjoyed this book; I just didn't love it as much as I loved some of A.M's other work and rightly or wrongly that means this book gets a lower rating.
The climax scenes didn't hold the same level of emotional gut-punching because I was less invested in the characters. This is a shame because they really should have been a kick to the feels like nothing else. I should have been crying and sobbing, but I wasn't.
On another note, when A.M. says this is a slow burn, they really mean SLOW BURN! It's practically glacial pace and temperature. Way to lead a reader on. We got hints of some fun and frivolity via memories that offered some sneaky hints of kinky fun, but in terms of steam level this one is a negative 100 on my rating meter. There is ZERO shenanigans on page and only a single kiss! Emmeline didn't even flash her ankles at Ryland. *Eyeroll*
Now, this review feels quite negative, but I promise you it's only because I know the subtle art of character flirting and heat level A.M. can create in her other stories. I simply expected more.
Do yourselves a favour and give this story a chance. It is an epic journey in a steampunk historical fantasy world that is rich and complex. Then, once you've tried this one, go and get her All The Dark Souls Trilogy and see what I mean about the comparison.
A couple of minor edits I picked up:
11-12% - In Chapter 8 - using lamppost then lamp post (check consistency).
99% - Emmeline stared at that white bundle sink (sinking?) until it was out of sight (or perhaps 'stared as that white bundle sank until it was out of sight')
**NOTE: I was provided an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley.**
May 9, 2025
A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin grabbed my attention the minute I read the summary. I love a good book about magic and pirates. Throw in some steampunk aspects and I'm sold. I honestly couldn't put this one down and while it seemed a bit drawn out at times, I still wanted to know everything that was going to happen next so I kept turning the pages.
Our mmc is Captain Ryland Coldwell. He's a pirate and adventurer who just happens to be trapped in the West Indies. He's also immortal due to angering the wrong woman but he's determined to get off the island he's been trapped on to get revenge on his ex, Gwenifer, the witch who cursed him. The problem is that he can't use a normal ship to escape because along with the immortality, she's made it so that anytime he tries to leave, Ryland is pulled back to the island by whatever means necessary. And typically that requires the sinking of the ship he is on. Luckily for him, the world has begun to evolve and with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte there has also come the rise of the airship, the only type of vessel that Ryland thinks he has a chance of getting away on. So when one happens to reach the shores of the West Indies, he knows he has to take a chance.
Our fmc is Emmeline Whittock. She is the only woman on board the airship Nyx and to say it's been a challenging trip would be an understatement. Not only are they off course in the West Indies but she just happens to be fleeing from her murderous fiance and the threats of Napoleon's army. When she and her crew are attacked by pirates, Ryland is the one who comes to save the day and for some reason Emmeline feels a pull toward him despite knowing nothing about him. But because of the assistance he has provided, she agrees to take him on board not realizing that the growing storm is the wrath of the sea witch Gwenifer, hunting for the man who wasn't supposed to leave.
This was such a great book in terms of characters. Not only do we have Emmeline and Ryland but there is an entire crew on this ship that we get to know and it was lovely to see and understand how they came to be where they were and why they were there to support Emmeline. Of course you have the bad guys (her fiance and father - I won't say anything here but you'll learn all about them) but from Arthur, the Captain, Brent, Porter, Miguel, Gutter...all of them had an impact on the story and a purpose.
Emmeline herself has been through some stuff. Her childhood, despite her place in society, hasn't always been easy but she always had her brother to lean on and now that she's on her own, she has to find a way to stand on her own. She's still finding her way but she's slowly coming to see her strength and Ryland is pushing her to do that as well as pushing her to see what's good around her.
Ryland recognizes he hasn't always made the best choices but he is determined to get his revenge and at the same time, keep his commitment that he won't harm Emmeline and her crew. He also knows now what Emmeline is to him and he decides he will be the monster (so she doesn't have to) and destroy those around her that would harm her if that's the last thing he does. And boy, does he come through.
The relationship build between Emmeline and Ryland was done really well too. There was an immediate connection which is explained as the story unfolds and I loved how it came together. I'm not ashamed to say that the ending actually made me tear up...and you'll know why when you read it.
All that to say I truly enjoyed this book. There is action, magic, curses, romance, and danger throughout. Dunnewin takes the reader from the West Indies to New Orleans to Venice and I was along for the ride. If you're looking for a new Fantasy with great characters and a page turning story to pick up consider this one. Don't let the length scare you away, it is a bit long but I think you will enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review
Our mmc is Captain Ryland Coldwell. He's a pirate and adventurer who just happens to be trapped in the West Indies. He's also immortal due to angering the wrong woman but he's determined to get off the island he's been trapped on to get revenge on his ex, Gwenifer, the witch who cursed him. The problem is that he can't use a normal ship to escape because along with the immortality, she's made it so that anytime he tries to leave, Ryland is pulled back to the island by whatever means necessary. And typically that requires the sinking of the ship he is on. Luckily for him, the world has begun to evolve and with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte there has also come the rise of the airship, the only type of vessel that Ryland thinks he has a chance of getting away on. So when one happens to reach the shores of the West Indies, he knows he has to take a chance.
Our fmc is Emmeline Whittock. She is the only woman on board the airship Nyx and to say it's been a challenging trip would be an understatement. Not only are they off course in the West Indies but she just happens to be fleeing from her murderous fiance and the threats of Napoleon's army. When she and her crew are attacked by pirates, Ryland is the one who comes to save the day and for some reason Emmeline feels a pull toward him despite knowing nothing about him. But because of the assistance he has provided, she agrees to take him on board not realizing that the growing storm is the wrath of the sea witch Gwenifer, hunting for the man who wasn't supposed to leave.
This was such a great book in terms of characters. Not only do we have Emmeline and Ryland but there is an entire crew on this ship that we get to know and it was lovely to see and understand how they came to be where they were and why they were there to support Emmeline. Of course you have the bad guys (her fiance and father - I won't say anything here but you'll learn all about them) but from Arthur, the Captain, Brent, Porter, Miguel, Gutter...all of them had an impact on the story and a purpose.
Emmeline herself has been through some stuff. Her childhood, despite her place in society, hasn't always been easy but she always had her brother to lean on and now that she's on her own, she has to find a way to stand on her own. She's still finding her way but she's slowly coming to see her strength and Ryland is pushing her to do that as well as pushing her to see what's good around her.
Ryland recognizes he hasn't always made the best choices but he is determined to get his revenge and at the same time, keep his commitment that he won't harm Emmeline and her crew. He also knows now what Emmeline is to him and he decides he will be the monster (so she doesn't have to) and destroy those around her that would harm her if that's the last thing he does. And boy, does he come through.
The relationship build between Emmeline and Ryland was done really well too. There was an immediate connection which is explained as the story unfolds and I loved how it came together. I'm not ashamed to say that the ending actually made me tear up...and you'll know why when you read it.
All that to say I truly enjoyed this book. There is action, magic, curses, romance, and danger throughout. Dunnewin takes the reader from the West Indies to New Orleans to Venice and I was along for the ride. If you're looking for a new Fantasy with great characters and a page turning story to pick up consider this one. Don't let the length scare you away, it is a bit long but I think you will enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review
May 21, 2025
CW: DV/abuse/child abuse, some violence, some gore
Thank you to the author and IndieVisible for the ARC! “A Cursed Age” is available now!
Don’t mind me, I’m just violently sobbing my heart out.
A pirate from a long forgotten era, cursed to never die and never leave the islands. A brilliant, damaged woman fleeing to the only safety she can imagine in the wake of unexpected tragedy. Endings and beginnings intertwine as the two cross paths, sending them hurtling towards changes neither one ever foresaw.
When I tell you I was sobbing over this book, I hope you understand that I’m not exaggerating. Full on, can’t-see-the-page bawling. It’s been a minute since a book managed to reduce me to that state, but oh what a fantastic book this was.
This story manages to blend the romanticized version of the pirate era with an alternate history set during Napoleon’s (reign? Adventure? Series of questionable decisions? Take your pick). “Alternate” history might be a little misleading; this is more like ‘history with a minor tweak.’ In this case, it’s airships. Our FMC, Emmeline, and her crew have built and are sailing an airship, the likes of which their world has yet to widely achieve, with their main goal being to keep the ship and its plans out of Napoleon’s grasp. A history buff I am not, so the nitty gritty details and specificities as they play into our actual history mostly elude me, but the whole vibe lends itself to a delightful steampunk-adjacent feeling. When crossed with the pirate flair of our MMC, Ryland, the story becomes a delightful mashup of some of my favorite historical fiction-ish settings.
Speaking of our MCs, I love them. Emmeline is a changeup for me as far as my normal FMCs go- she’s decidedly more reserved, significantly less outspoken, and far less inclined to stab her problems than I usually read about. Even so, she’s far from weak. She doesn’t cower and whine and wait for someone else to fix her problem. She’s clever, and kind, and we get to see her grow into herself a little more as she relearns how to navigate life. Ryland is a gem of a MMC, even with all the damage that one could expect from being horribly cursed and unable to die. Don’t get me started on the rest of the crew. I adore them all, and I have no further notes.
The plot is solidly entertaining and easy to follow. It was almost impossible to put this book down, and if life hadn’t insisted on getting in the way I could easily have spent an unreasonable number of hours not moving while I finished reading. It strikes a good balance between where you as the reader might expect it to go and surprising developments. I don’t think I’ll be able to discuss all the best bits without giving away too many spoilers, though, so you’re just going to have to read it yourself.
This book was an absolute gem of a read, and I can easily see it becoming a favorite for a lot of readers. It falls nicely between historical fiction and fantasy with just enough flavor from each to prevent it from falling too heavily in either category. It’s a standalone, so if you need something that wraps itself up by the end it has you covered. There’s no spice, but lots of feels. It deals with some heavy topics without losing itself in a grimdark or depressing atmosphere, and that component is balanced wonderfully with a secondary cast that feels like a big, warm hug. A++ story all around, and as soon as I can find some tissues I’m going to go yell at some more people about it.
Thank you to the author and IndieVisible for the ARC! “A Cursed Age” is available now!
Don’t mind me, I’m just violently sobbing my heart out.
A pirate from a long forgotten era, cursed to never die and never leave the islands. A brilliant, damaged woman fleeing to the only safety she can imagine in the wake of unexpected tragedy. Endings and beginnings intertwine as the two cross paths, sending them hurtling towards changes neither one ever foresaw.
When I tell you I was sobbing over this book, I hope you understand that I’m not exaggerating. Full on, can’t-see-the-page bawling. It’s been a minute since a book managed to reduce me to that state, but oh what a fantastic book this was.
This story manages to blend the romanticized version of the pirate era with an alternate history set during Napoleon’s (reign? Adventure? Series of questionable decisions? Take your pick). “Alternate” history might be a little misleading; this is more like ‘history with a minor tweak.’ In this case, it’s airships. Our FMC, Emmeline, and her crew have built and are sailing an airship, the likes of which their world has yet to widely achieve, with their main goal being to keep the ship and its plans out of Napoleon’s grasp. A history buff I am not, so the nitty gritty details and specificities as they play into our actual history mostly elude me, but the whole vibe lends itself to a delightful steampunk-adjacent feeling. When crossed with the pirate flair of our MMC, Ryland, the story becomes a delightful mashup of some of my favorite historical fiction-ish settings.
Speaking of our MCs, I love them. Emmeline is a changeup for me as far as my normal FMCs go- she’s decidedly more reserved, significantly less outspoken, and far less inclined to stab her problems than I usually read about. Even so, she’s far from weak. She doesn’t cower and whine and wait for someone else to fix her problem. She’s clever, and kind, and we get to see her grow into herself a little more as she relearns how to navigate life. Ryland is a gem of a MMC, even with all the damage that one could expect from being horribly cursed and unable to die. Don’t get me started on the rest of the crew. I adore them all, and I have no further notes.
The plot is solidly entertaining and easy to follow. It was almost impossible to put this book down, and if life hadn’t insisted on getting in the way I could easily have spent an unreasonable number of hours not moving while I finished reading. It strikes a good balance between where you as the reader might expect it to go and surprising developments. I don’t think I’ll be able to discuss all the best bits without giving away too many spoilers, though, so you’re just going to have to read it yourself.
This book was an absolute gem of a read, and I can easily see it becoming a favorite for a lot of readers. It falls nicely between historical fiction and fantasy with just enough flavor from each to prevent it from falling too heavily in either category. It’s a standalone, so if you need something that wraps itself up by the end it has you covered. There’s no spice, but lots of feels. It deals with some heavy topics without losing itself in a grimdark or depressing atmosphere, and that component is balanced wonderfully with a secondary cast that feels like a big, warm hug. A++ story all around, and as soon as I can find some tissues I’m going to go yell at some more people about it.
Read
November 19, 20253 (?? ish idk) ☆
honestly, if this entire book had been about gwenifer it probably would have been a 5 star. i'm not even sure why it wasn't because i truly think the author found the most inspiration from writing gwenifer's character as chapters with her as a central point were by far the strongest.
i will say that this was still a pretty fun read (although repetitive) and the atmosphere was incredibly fun. i enjoyed being in this world. there were moments of tension that actually had me on edge and i found the writing really pretty at times. i'm interested to see what this author comes out with in the future because while this didn't land for me i can so appreciate the creativity and research presented in this book.
i feel a bit blue balled (for lack of a better term i'm sorry i'm sorry) with how phenomenal the prologue was. we had a sexy, vixen murderess who kills a man and we're in this lush, delicious speakeasy. then we just never get that level of writing or vibes again. i don't think any other scene in the book was as a strong as the prologue and that was such a disappointment.
i found the romance incredibly unbelievable. we're told, relentlessly, how unattracted, unimpressed and uninterested ryland is in women at this time in his life -- to the point he literally will just give a woman his wallet so she'll leave him alone, but a brief glimpse of emmeline changes that? her brother just died for god's sake and she has a mission at hand we're meant to believe as high stakes so why is she even into him. it just felt unrealistic on both sides. and you know what? if this had a ton of yearning and longing i would've just simply not cared and bought the whole love story, but stolen glances is not yearning (no matter how many times you write it over and over and over). imagine if emmeline was neutral about ryland until at least 50% and this was an unrequited love/lust? ugh just yummy. would've been insanely believable.
i found the side characters unnecessary and weighed the story down as they felt hollow and were, for the most part, uninteresting. for a doorstopper as long as this we could've done with less convos and less telling for more showing and character/relationship development.
the plot was interesting with the cool takes on actual historical events, but with how dense this book felt i got to a point of not caring all that much.
unfortunately, this was a bit disappointing for me, but i can see this author is super talented and i'm interested to see what else she comes out with 💖 (the heart of regret because i feel bad about this review)
☆ thank you dark hour press & netgalley for my gifted advanced book copy. all my reviews are my own opinion.
cw/tw: physical abuse, emotional abuse, child abuse, toxic relationship, drowning, racism
honestly, if this entire book had been about gwenifer it probably would have been a 5 star. i'm not even sure why it wasn't because i truly think the author found the most inspiration from writing gwenifer's character as chapters with her as a central point were by far the strongest.
i will say that this was still a pretty fun read (although repetitive) and the atmosphere was incredibly fun. i enjoyed being in this world. there were moments of tension that actually had me on edge and i found the writing really pretty at times. i'm interested to see what this author comes out with in the future because while this didn't land for me i can so appreciate the creativity and research presented in this book.
i feel a bit blue balled (for lack of a better term i'm sorry i'm sorry) with how phenomenal the prologue was. we had a sexy, vixen murderess who kills a man and we're in this lush, delicious speakeasy. then we just never get that level of writing or vibes again. i don't think any other scene in the book was as a strong as the prologue and that was such a disappointment.
i found the romance incredibly unbelievable. we're told, relentlessly, how unattracted, unimpressed and uninterested ryland is in women at this time in his life -- to the point he literally will just give a woman his wallet so she'll leave him alone, but a brief glimpse of emmeline changes that? her brother just died for god's sake and she has a mission at hand we're meant to believe as high stakes so why is she even into him. it just felt unrealistic on both sides. and you know what? if this had a ton of yearning and longing i would've just simply not cared and bought the whole love story, but stolen glances is not yearning (no matter how many times you write it over and over and over). imagine if emmeline was neutral about ryland until at least 50% and this was an unrequited love/lust? ugh just yummy. would've been insanely believable.
i found the side characters unnecessary and weighed the story down as they felt hollow and were, for the most part, uninteresting. for a doorstopper as long as this we could've done with less convos and less telling for more showing and character/relationship development.
the plot was interesting with the cool takes on actual historical events, but with how dense this book felt i got to a point of not caring all that much.
unfortunately, this was a bit disappointing for me, but i can see this author is super talented and i'm interested to see what else she comes out with 💖 (the heart of regret because i feel bad about this review)
☆ thank you dark hour press & netgalley for my gifted advanced book copy. all my reviews are my own opinion.
cw/tw: physical abuse, emotional abuse, child abuse, toxic relationship, drowning, racism
March 28, 2025
Okay. This is the kind of book that lingers like sea salt in the air and heartbreak in your chest.
I went into A Cursed Age expecting a salty little pirate adventure with curses and maybe a bit of morally grey banter. What I got was a full-blown Gothic, ocean-soaked existential spiral wrapped in steampunk lace and betrayal. There’s vengeance and longing, grief and wonder. It’s eerie, romantic, mythic. It has the dramatic chaos of a Brontë novel but with airships. I don’t even know what to call the genre—nautical gothic revenge romance with a hint of soft steampunk tragedy? And somehow, it works.
We meet Ryland, a cursed pirate captain who is basically immortal but emotionally exhausted, stuck in a loop of shipwrecks and fury after being hexed by a sea witch with a grudge. Enter Emmeline—grieving, bloodstained, and on the run—who crash-lands into his cursed world on an airship that feels more ghost ship than vessel. Their meeting is sharp, strange, and full of don’t-look-too-closely-at-your-feelings tension. It’s not insta-love. It’s recognition.
What made this book stand out—beyond the stunningly rich setting (West Indies to New Orleans to Venice, and somehow it all feels drenched in sea mist and shadow)—was the way it blends genres without losing emotional clarity. It’s part historical, part gothic romance, part fantasy—but the emotional arc stays focused. Ryland is furious at the world but quietly unraveling, and Emmeline? She’s soft but splintered. I wanted to wrap her in blankets and give her therapy and also yell at her to trust herself more.
The romance is slow-burning and high-stakes in the eternal damnation meets soulmates in denial way. There's chemistry, but it's more about connection—the kind of thing that builds through glances, shared grief, and stormy silences. And yes, the sea witch? Absolutely feral. Loved her.
The ending? No spoilers, but let’s just say: I cried. Not ugly sobbing, but the kind of quiet ache that comes from knowing some love stories cost something. It’s haunting. Beautiful. I wanted more, and yet... it ended exactly where it needed to.
I can see this being a hit for readers who love:
✨ High-stakes slow burn with sharp edges
✨ Steampunk-adjacent fantasy settings
✨ Vengeful sea witches + poetic angst
✨ Romance that feels fated but fractured
✨ Stories that break you gently
It’s Gothic Treasure Planet meets The Witcher meets forbidden tenderness. And yeah, it wrecked me a little.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I went into A Cursed Age expecting a salty little pirate adventure with curses and maybe a bit of morally grey banter. What I got was a full-blown Gothic, ocean-soaked existential spiral wrapped in steampunk lace and betrayal. There’s vengeance and longing, grief and wonder. It’s eerie, romantic, mythic. It has the dramatic chaos of a Brontë novel but with airships. I don’t even know what to call the genre—nautical gothic revenge romance with a hint of soft steampunk tragedy? And somehow, it works.
We meet Ryland, a cursed pirate captain who is basically immortal but emotionally exhausted, stuck in a loop of shipwrecks and fury after being hexed by a sea witch with a grudge. Enter Emmeline—grieving, bloodstained, and on the run—who crash-lands into his cursed world on an airship that feels more ghost ship than vessel. Their meeting is sharp, strange, and full of don’t-look-too-closely-at-your-feelings tension. It’s not insta-love. It’s recognition.
What made this book stand out—beyond the stunningly rich setting (West Indies to New Orleans to Venice, and somehow it all feels drenched in sea mist and shadow)—was the way it blends genres without losing emotional clarity. It’s part historical, part gothic romance, part fantasy—but the emotional arc stays focused. Ryland is furious at the world but quietly unraveling, and Emmeline? She’s soft but splintered. I wanted to wrap her in blankets and give her therapy and also yell at her to trust herself more.
The romance is slow-burning and high-stakes in the eternal damnation meets soulmates in denial way. There's chemistry, but it's more about connection—the kind of thing that builds through glances, shared grief, and stormy silences. And yes, the sea witch? Absolutely feral. Loved her.
The ending? No spoilers, but let’s just say: I cried. Not ugly sobbing, but the kind of quiet ache that comes from knowing some love stories cost something. It’s haunting. Beautiful. I wanted more, and yet... it ended exactly where it needed to.
I can see this being a hit for readers who love:
✨ High-stakes slow burn with sharp edges
✨ Steampunk-adjacent fantasy settings
✨ Vengeful sea witches + poetic angst
✨ Romance that feels fated but fractured
✨ Stories that break you gently
It’s Gothic Treasure Planet meets The Witcher meets forbidden tenderness. And yeah, it wrecked me a little.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 14, 2025
Captain Ryland Coldwell a pirate, lover, and overall adventurer has made the mistake of scorning a woman who has vowed vengeance against him. Unfortunately for him she has the powers to do so. He now finds himself immortal, trapped in the West Indies. While there are certainly advantages to being immortal his imprisonment on the islands is a drawback. He eagerly waits for an opportunity to break free and get his own revenge on his ex-lover Gwenifer - a sea witch. The onset of the Napoleonic wars has resulted in the earth evolving. This has given rise to the airship. One such airship, the Nyx reaches the islands. This might just be the ticket for his exit from the West Indies.
Aboard the Nyx is Emmeline Whittock fleeing from her murderous fiancé and the threats of Napoleon’s army. They have been blown off course in a storm and have been forced to land on the islands a place that is dangerous for them. When attacked by pirates Ryland is at hand to save them. Both protagonists are attracted to each other. Ryland gets a passage on board the Nyx. Cursed age is their adventures and those of its motley crew.
This historical romance has a sci fi twist. The dual protagonists have numerous adventures on this unusual journey. Needless to say, the pair who are inexorably drawn to each other fall in love. As I read their adventures, I was hoping that it could be a happy ending for not just them but the entire crew. There were bound to be casualties along the way. Dunnewin’s stellar plot building kept me glued to the book. I genuinely did not anticipate the various plots and twists that kept me on tenterhooks throughout. Her captivating penmanship exuded the chivalry and charm of the era. Had it not been so the entire tale would have been a terribly gruesome read.
Despite it being a sci fi Dunnewin was clued into the problems of the times and wove them into her tale with verve and compassion. I won’t discuss them here as it would be a spoiler. What made this such an awesome tale was Dunnewin’s total understanding of everyone of her characters. This became evident as each page turned. She certainly knows how to spin a gripping yarn. Each of the plot twists were well executed as was her world building skills. Dunnewin has excelled herself yet again with her latest novel. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Aboard the Nyx is Emmeline Whittock fleeing from her murderous fiancé and the threats of Napoleon’s army. They have been blown off course in a storm and have been forced to land on the islands a place that is dangerous for them. When attacked by pirates Ryland is at hand to save them. Both protagonists are attracted to each other. Ryland gets a passage on board the Nyx. Cursed age is their adventures and those of its motley crew.
This historical romance has a sci fi twist. The dual protagonists have numerous adventures on this unusual journey. Needless to say, the pair who are inexorably drawn to each other fall in love. As I read their adventures, I was hoping that it could be a happy ending for not just them but the entire crew. There were bound to be casualties along the way. Dunnewin’s stellar plot building kept me glued to the book. I genuinely did not anticipate the various plots and twists that kept me on tenterhooks throughout. Her captivating penmanship exuded the chivalry and charm of the era. Had it not been so the entire tale would have been a terribly gruesome read.
Despite it being a sci fi Dunnewin was clued into the problems of the times and wove them into her tale with verve and compassion. I won’t discuss them here as it would be a spoiler. What made this such an awesome tale was Dunnewin’s total understanding of everyone of her characters. This became evident as each page turned. She certainly knows how to spin a gripping yarn. Each of the plot twists were well executed as was her world building skills. Dunnewin has excelled herself yet again with her latest novel. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
May 20, 2025
"A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin is a swoony pirate romance full of high-stakes drama and unbeatable chemistry."
...This is, essentially, what most of the reviews I read were saying while I struggled to make my way through the first quarter of Ryland and Emmeline's story.
It was this and the fact that I hate DNF'ing ARC reads that kept me from just completely dropping the book. (I feel so guilty saying that, but it's true--I just always feel a responsibility to finish ARC reads.)
Plus, ever the optimist, I always put off DNF'ing a book for an excruciatingly long period of time in the hopes that a story will "get better."
Well, in this case, I'm happy to report that the optimism payed off!
While I never did find myself emotionally attached to Captain Ryland Coldwell--he seemed a little too flat for someone who is supposedly several centuries old, and quite frankly, I was frustrated with him and his shallow fascinations for the majority of the book--his backstory was enough to keep me intrigued with him.
His history with Gwenifer, the sea witch, is bloody, spicy, and entirely toxic...the type of relationship that feels like watching a train derail without being able to look away.
Granted, that is also the way to describe Gwenifer herself. Despite how horrible she is for the entire story, I couldn't bring myself to hate her. She was just so...electric. Terrifying, but in an awe-inspiring way. Seductive, yet poised. Controlled, but so desperate. The enigma was enrapturing, and I could never look away while she was "on-screen."
But the true saviour of the story was Miss Emmeline Whittock. Seriously, she's the reason I kept reading. The constellation that kept me from losing my way in the other less-than-loved aspects of the story.
Maybe I simply found her to be a kindred spirit, relating to her on a level that wholly surprised me.
She felt...real. Fleshed out and breathing. She's the type of person I would love to get coffee with, to just talk about anything and everything with for the better half of a day.
Her backstory was heartbreaking. I'm pretty sure the only moment I cried in this book was because of her. And yet, her attitude towards others remained kind. Humble. She remained a good person, a very refreshing contrast to Ryland and how he sees himself.
Yes, the entire reason this book has chemistry is because of her. In my opinion, she single-handedly carried the romance between her and Ryland. (Controversial? Perhaps...but this is my review.)
The scenes that caused me to tense up, heart pounding, leaning into the book like if I could just get close enough, I could prevent something that was about to happen...they were all because of her. The reason I was rooting for Ryland at all was because of her.
And the ending, beautifully poignant and bittersweet, was only so because of her heartfelt reaction to it.
Though I was invested in the plot from the halfway point onward, the rating here is not indicative of the story itself, but of her. She was what led me to finish the book, and it's because of her that certain scenes have not left my mind since putting it down.
This story is not about Ryland.
It's about Emmeline.
And there was no better character in the story to make it about.
...This is, essentially, what most of the reviews I read were saying while I struggled to make my way through the first quarter of Ryland and Emmeline's story.
It was this and the fact that I hate DNF'ing ARC reads that kept me from just completely dropping the book. (I feel so guilty saying that, but it's true--I just always feel a responsibility to finish ARC reads.)
Plus, ever the optimist, I always put off DNF'ing a book for an excruciatingly long period of time in the hopes that a story will "get better."
Well, in this case, I'm happy to report that the optimism payed off!
While I never did find myself emotionally attached to Captain Ryland Coldwell--he seemed a little too flat for someone who is supposedly several centuries old, and quite frankly, I was frustrated with him and his shallow fascinations for the majority of the book--his backstory was enough to keep me intrigued with him.
His history with Gwenifer, the sea witch, is bloody, spicy, and entirely toxic...the type of relationship that feels like watching a train derail without being able to look away.
Granted, that is also the way to describe Gwenifer herself. Despite how horrible she is for the entire story, I couldn't bring myself to hate her. She was just so...electric. Terrifying, but in an awe-inspiring way. Seductive, yet poised. Controlled, but so desperate. The enigma was enrapturing, and I could never look away while she was "on-screen."
But the true saviour of the story was Miss Emmeline Whittock. Seriously, she's the reason I kept reading. The constellation that kept me from losing my way in the other less-than-loved aspects of the story.
Maybe I simply found her to be a kindred spirit, relating to her on a level that wholly surprised me.
She felt...real. Fleshed out and breathing. She's the type of person I would love to get coffee with, to just talk about anything and everything with for the better half of a day.
Her backstory was heartbreaking. I'm pretty sure the only moment I cried in this book was because of her. And yet, her attitude towards others remained kind. Humble. She remained a good person, a very refreshing contrast to Ryland and how he sees himself.
Yes, the entire reason this book has chemistry is because of her. In my opinion, she single-handedly carried the romance between her and Ryland. (Controversial? Perhaps...but this is my review.)
The scenes that caused me to tense up, heart pounding, leaning into the book like if I could just get close enough, I could prevent something that was about to happen...they were all because of her. The reason I was rooting for Ryland at all was because of her.
And the ending, beautifully poignant and bittersweet, was only so because of her heartfelt reaction to it.
Though I was invested in the plot from the halfway point onward, the rating here is not indicative of the story itself, but of her. She was what led me to finish the book, and it's because of her that certain scenes have not left my mind since putting it down.
This story is not about Ryland.
It's about Emmeline.
And there was no better character in the story to make it about.
May 17, 2025
Book Review: A Cursed Age by A. M. Dunnewin
A Gothic Nautical Odyssey of Immortality and Fate
A. M. Dunnewin’s A Cursed Age is a haunting fusion of Treasure Planet and The Witcher, weaving a darkly atmospheric tale of immortality, destiny, and the weight of centuries. Captain Ryland Coldwell, a cursed immortal, finds his solitary existence upended when fate intertwines him with a mysterious counterpart—a collision of past and present that unravels secrets as deep as the ocean. Dunnewin’s prose drips with gothic allure, blending nautical adventure with psychological depth, while the creeping dread of Ryland’s curse lingers like fog over midnight waters.
Key Strengths
-Atmospheric Worldbuilding: The nautical gothic setting is immersive, with vivid descriptions that evoke both grandeur and decay.
-Complex Protagonist: Ryland’s immortal torment is rendered with emotional precision, making his journey gripping and poignant.
-Pacing & Tension: The plot unfolds like a storm at sea—measured swells erupting into thunderous revelations.
Potential Considerations
-Niche Appeal: The fusion of genres (gothic, nautical, fantasy) may polarize readers seeking pure adventure or horror.
-Secondary Characters: Some supporting roles feel underexplored amid Ryland’s dominating narrative.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Worldbuilding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A brine-soaked, shadow-cloaked masterpiece.
-Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Ryland’s curse is a wound you’ll feel.
-Plot Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A fresh twist on immortality tropes.
-Prose Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Lyrical but occasionally dense.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – A ghost ship of a story—haunting long after it docks.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of The Witcher’s melancholic heroes or Pirate Latitudes’ swashbuckling grit.
-Readers who crave a gothic atmosphere with a seafaring soul.
-Those intrigued by morally gray immortals and cosmic curses.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and A. M. Dunnewin for the advance copy. A Cursed Age is a testament to Dunnewin’s talent for merging mythic scale with intimate torment—a voyage worth taking.
Note: Review based on an ARC; minor edits may appear in the final edition.
A Gothic Nautical Odyssey of Immortality and Fate
A. M. Dunnewin’s A Cursed Age is a haunting fusion of Treasure Planet and The Witcher, weaving a darkly atmospheric tale of immortality, destiny, and the weight of centuries. Captain Ryland Coldwell, a cursed immortal, finds his solitary existence upended when fate intertwines him with a mysterious counterpart—a collision of past and present that unravels secrets as deep as the ocean. Dunnewin’s prose drips with gothic allure, blending nautical adventure with psychological depth, while the creeping dread of Ryland’s curse lingers like fog over midnight waters.
Key Strengths
-Atmospheric Worldbuilding: The nautical gothic setting is immersive, with vivid descriptions that evoke both grandeur and decay.
-Complex Protagonist: Ryland’s immortal torment is rendered with emotional precision, making his journey gripping and poignant.
-Pacing & Tension: The plot unfolds like a storm at sea—measured swells erupting into thunderous revelations.
Potential Considerations
-Niche Appeal: The fusion of genres (gothic, nautical, fantasy) may polarize readers seeking pure adventure or horror.
-Secondary Characters: Some supporting roles feel underexplored amid Ryland’s dominating narrative.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Worldbuilding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A brine-soaked, shadow-cloaked masterpiece.
-Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Ryland’s curse is a wound you’ll feel.
-Plot Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A fresh twist on immortality tropes.
-Prose Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Lyrical but occasionally dense.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – A ghost ship of a story—haunting long after it docks.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of The Witcher’s melancholic heroes or Pirate Latitudes’ swashbuckling grit.
-Readers who crave a gothic atmosphere with a seafaring soul.
-Those intrigued by morally gray immortals and cosmic curses.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and A. M. Dunnewin for the advance copy. A Cursed Age is a testament to Dunnewin’s talent for merging mythic scale with intimate torment—a voyage worth taking.
Note: Review based on an ARC; minor edits may appear in the final edition.
May 3, 2025
(4.5 Stars)
A Cursed Age is a dark historical fantasy novel set against the backdrop of the early 1800’s, a time filled with innovation and marred by the Napoleonic Wars. Action and romance are the drivers of this story, but found family, self-discovery, and healing give it heart. The writing is poetic and vivid, eliciting visceral images that drew me into the feelings and emotions of the story from the very beginning. The book gives some Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, especially towards the start. Ryland comes off as a pirate with the confidence and swagger of Jack Sparrow, but the slow-burning anger of William Turner, which is a potent combination. Emmeline is a character that’s easy to like and relate to. A smart woman who is working on her confidence, but her superpower (and weakness) is her capacity to care about those around her. Their romance feels like a slow-burn as they try to resist the magnetic pull between them, but is at the same time intense, and I enjoyed the tension between the two, although it was a bit too close to insta-love for my taste. The airship’s crew are an eclectic but loyal group that adds depth to the narrative, especially the father figures of Captain Dormer & Arthur. The settings are vibrant, and each have been thoughtfully placed to contribute to the scenes themselves, such as the voodoo culture of New Orleans as the backdrop for the introduction of more intricate mystical ideas. I thought the presence of fantastical creatures like mermaids upped the ante in the action scenes and made the other magic, like Ryland’s curse, believable in this alternate fantastical world. The ending of this book is super emotional, with different layers of feelings and realizations happening at the same time, I could not put it down! I really enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books with complex characters, found family, and a rich backdrop to get lost in.
Thanks to NetGalley, Dark Hour Press, and A.M. Dunnewin for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
A Cursed Age is a dark historical fantasy novel set against the backdrop of the early 1800’s, a time filled with innovation and marred by the Napoleonic Wars. Action and romance are the drivers of this story, but found family, self-discovery, and healing give it heart. The writing is poetic and vivid, eliciting visceral images that drew me into the feelings and emotions of the story from the very beginning. The book gives some Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, especially towards the start. Ryland comes off as a pirate with the confidence and swagger of Jack Sparrow, but the slow-burning anger of William Turner, which is a potent combination. Emmeline is a character that’s easy to like and relate to. A smart woman who is working on her confidence, but her superpower (and weakness) is her capacity to care about those around her. Their romance feels like a slow-burn as they try to resist the magnetic pull between them, but is at the same time intense, and I enjoyed the tension between the two, although it was a bit too close to insta-love for my taste. The airship’s crew are an eclectic but loyal group that adds depth to the narrative, especially the father figures of Captain Dormer & Arthur. The settings are vibrant, and each have been thoughtfully placed to contribute to the scenes themselves, such as the voodoo culture of New Orleans as the backdrop for the introduction of more intricate mystical ideas. I thought the presence of fantastical creatures like mermaids upped the ante in the action scenes and made the other magic, like Ryland’s curse, believable in this alternate fantastical world. The ending of this book is super emotional, with different layers of feelings and realizations happening at the same time, I could not put it down! I really enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books with complex characters, found family, and a rich backdrop to get lost in.
Thanks to NetGalley, Dark Hour Press, and A.M. Dunnewin for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2025
This is a slow burn, historical fantasy with no spice but great tension between the MMC/FMC – ideal for fans of M.L. Wang, and potentially Leigh Bardugo, Laura Thalassa and Cassandra Clare.
While the writing was great, I think this book tried to be too many things instead of focusing on one thing and delving into that or doing it well. The pacing of the overall book felt slow, and for a decent chunk of the beginning of the book it was unclear what the quest would be, with only vague plans for either main character. I found it a little hard to get through as at the end of each chapter, I didn’t know what I was looking forward to in the next part, and the overall quest hadn’t been laid out. I also find it hard when you invest a lot of time in reading but the time in-world is barely moving – I was about 60% of the way through when I realised that less than 10 days had passed since starting the journey.
While I loved the scope of locations (Caribbean, New Orleans, Venice), the settings themselves were not immersive, which made each place fall a little flat. I like that we got a taste of each place, but would have preferred more depth for each of the locations instead of the reader filling in the blanks and relying on their knowledge or imagination.
The issue with the locations was also repeated with different elements of the book – so many were crammed in, but each only featured briefly. Pirates, mermaids, sirens, prophecy, a sea witch, voodoo, Napoleon Bonaparte, Greek mythology, steampunk vibes etc. If you love delving into one world and getting to explore that, this probably won’t be for you – but if you just want a sprinkling of fantasy/magic elements, with a focus on the characters (told through a split POV), you’ll enjoy this.
A big thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC.
While the writing was great, I think this book tried to be too many things instead of focusing on one thing and delving into that or doing it well. The pacing of the overall book felt slow, and for a decent chunk of the beginning of the book it was unclear what the quest would be, with only vague plans for either main character. I found it a little hard to get through as at the end of each chapter, I didn’t know what I was looking forward to in the next part, and the overall quest hadn’t been laid out. I also find it hard when you invest a lot of time in reading but the time in-world is barely moving – I was about 60% of the way through when I realised that less than 10 days had passed since starting the journey.
While I loved the scope of locations (Caribbean, New Orleans, Venice), the settings themselves were not immersive, which made each place fall a little flat. I like that we got a taste of each place, but would have preferred more depth for each of the locations instead of the reader filling in the blanks and relying on their knowledge or imagination.
The issue with the locations was also repeated with different elements of the book – so many were crammed in, but each only featured briefly. Pirates, mermaids, sirens, prophecy, a sea witch, voodoo, Napoleon Bonaparte, Greek mythology, steampunk vibes etc. If you love delving into one world and getting to explore that, this probably won’t be for you – but if you just want a sprinkling of fantasy/magic elements, with a focus on the characters (told through a split POV), you’ll enjoy this.
A big thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC.
August 22, 2025
I read this as an ARC from NetGalley-- thank you!
I was excited to read this because of the cross between genres-- as someone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers (with a touch of horror) and romance, I loved the idea of the genres mingling. There's something extra exciting about your heart pounding from a thriller while also falling in love. The premise of an ancient, sexy sea witch who is part-octopus and is out to get a man she cursed to immortality who repeatedly dies horrible deaths and falls for someone else? Yes, please! A note on the humor in this book: the intentional humor fell flat to me, however, what I did find funny was the variety in Ryland's deaths.
Here are my main criticisms of the book:
1. Overall, I thought this book was too long. There were too many filler conversations and scenes. I try to be intentional about piecing together dialogue and actions that can explain a character's personality, actions, or the direction of the story, but too many of the characters were uninteresting and lacked direction.
2. The romance lacked chemistry and came on too soon, and in general, pretty cringey. I don't think there's much to elaborate on here.
3. I wanted more mystery from the mystery, I wanted more thriller from the thrills, and I for sure wanted to be more horrified from the horrors.
4. Characters uninteresting and underdeveloped
5. This was as much a historical fiction as the genres listed above, which I typically do enjoy, but this one read more like I was reading one of my dad's westerns when I was a kid. Which is to say, I didn't understand the context, and I felt like I was reading something I shouldn't have been reading, but not in the guilty-pleasure kind of way.
The book didn't leave a lasting impression on me. I think there are good bones and potential!
I was excited to read this because of the cross between genres-- as someone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers (with a touch of horror) and romance, I loved the idea of the genres mingling. There's something extra exciting about your heart pounding from a thriller while also falling in love. The premise of an ancient, sexy sea witch who is part-octopus and is out to get a man she cursed to immortality who repeatedly dies horrible deaths and falls for someone else? Yes, please! A note on the humor in this book: the intentional humor fell flat to me, however, what I did find funny was the variety in Ryland's deaths.
Here are my main criticisms of the book:
1. Overall, I thought this book was too long. There were too many filler conversations and scenes. I try to be intentional about piecing together dialogue and actions that can explain a character's personality, actions, or the direction of the story, but too many of the characters were uninteresting and lacked direction.
2. The romance lacked chemistry and came on too soon, and in general, pretty cringey. I don't think there's much to elaborate on here.
3. I wanted more mystery from the mystery, I wanted more thriller from the thrills, and I for sure wanted to be more horrified from the horrors.
4. Characters uninteresting and underdeveloped
5. This was as much a historical fiction as the genres listed above, which I typically do enjoy, but this one read more like I was reading one of my dad's westerns when I was a kid. Which is to say, I didn't understand the context, and I felt like I was reading something I shouldn't have been reading, but not in the guilty-pleasure kind of way.
The book didn't leave a lasting impression on me. I think there are good bones and potential!
May 6, 2025
I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I admit that I fell in love with the cover but promise me a nautical adventure in 1806, too? Sign me up.
Captain Ryland Coldwell is immortal. He gained his curse from scorning the wrong woman and is now a pirate without his ship and his crew, roaming the earth in search of a way to break the curse. Unfortunately, he leaves sunken ships behind him, and as a result is perpetually stuck in the West Indies.
A new phenomenon, the airship, has been invented due to the conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte. When one arrives in port, Ryland knows it is finally his chance to escape. The airship, the Nyx, was blown off course while fleeing from death and capture. Emmeline Whittock, builder of the ship and the only woman aboard, is stunned to meet Ryland after he saves their ship and their crew from a group of pirates. She feels a mysterious pull towards him, but is unable to figure out why.
As thanks, Ryland has one request—to come aboard the ship and to be able to escape the West Indies once and for all. His other mission is to get rid of the sea witch that has haunted him for years, once and for all.
This was a really great book and I loved reading it. The setting is fantastic and the author did a great job of research and developing new ideas. This is a story about friendship, love, adventure, and revenge. I will definitely be getting a copy of this for my shelf when it comes out!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
Captain Ryland Coldwell is immortal. He gained his curse from scorning the wrong woman and is now a pirate without his ship and his crew, roaming the earth in search of a way to break the curse. Unfortunately, he leaves sunken ships behind him, and as a result is perpetually stuck in the West Indies.
A new phenomenon, the airship, has been invented due to the conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte. When one arrives in port, Ryland knows it is finally his chance to escape. The airship, the Nyx, was blown off course while fleeing from death and capture. Emmeline Whittock, builder of the ship and the only woman aboard, is stunned to meet Ryland after he saves their ship and their crew from a group of pirates. She feels a mysterious pull towards him, but is unable to figure out why.
As thanks, Ryland has one request—to come aboard the ship and to be able to escape the West Indies once and for all. His other mission is to get rid of the sea witch that has haunted him for years, once and for all.
This was a really great book and I loved reading it. The setting is fantastic and the author did a great job of research and developing new ideas. This is a story about friendship, love, adventure, and revenge. I will definitely be getting a copy of this for my shelf when it comes out!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
May 21, 2025
I have no idea what I really expected from this book aside from pirates, but it far exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it was the emotional damage I wasn't expecting because yes, there is emotional damage, which sent me into a spiral of unexpected feelings. That only tells me it's a good book!
The synopsis is spot on, and you can tell that Dunnewin thoroughly researched the history to bring this book to life. Beyond that, our main characters, Ryland and Emmeline, are brought to life and their emotions bleed off the page into the reader. Emotional damage, remember? I vacillate between calling this book tragic or bittersweet. At the very least, it is bittersweet. While I am a huge fan of happy endings, I enjoy and appreciate bittersweet and/or tragic endings when done well and when they fit plot. This one was done so well so kudos to Dunnewin (even though I found myself tearing up and crossing my fingers for something else).
My only critique is that this book is hefty-close to 600 pages-and may have benefited from just a bit more editing. While the writing is descriptive and wonderful, there are moments where it does seem to go on a little laboriously. I acknowledge that you want your readers to be in the world and in the story, but I believe that at times succinctness benefits the storytelling better than too much description.
Overall, very enjoyable and I just wish there was more or another book in this wonderful world Dunnewin created.
The synopsis is spot on, and you can tell that Dunnewin thoroughly researched the history to bring this book to life. Beyond that, our main characters, Ryland and Emmeline, are brought to life and their emotions bleed off the page into the reader. Emotional damage, remember? I vacillate between calling this book tragic or bittersweet. At the very least, it is bittersweet. While I am a huge fan of happy endings, I enjoy and appreciate bittersweet and/or tragic endings when done well and when they fit plot. This one was done so well so kudos to Dunnewin (even though I found myself tearing up and crossing my fingers for something else).
My only critique is that this book is hefty-close to 600 pages-and may have benefited from just a bit more editing. While the writing is descriptive and wonderful, there are moments where it does seem to go on a little laboriously. I acknowledge that you want your readers to be in the world and in the story, but I believe that at times succinctness benefits the storytelling better than too much description.
Overall, very enjoyable and I just wish there was more or another book in this wonderful world Dunnewin created.
June 5, 2025
Seriously, WHAT DID I JUST READ?? I did NOT expect to be as blown away as I was. When I tell you this book had me in a chokehold right up until the end, I'm not exaggerating.
A Cursed Age is basically a pirate romantasy: we have slow burn, fated mates, witches, mermaids and pirates. The world building is incredible! And honestly a little out of my comfort zone since I'm not usually one to require elaborate descriptions, but in this case it really helps to immerse you in the story.
It starts off SLOW!! Give it a few chapters to really start building momentum, the author is just setting the scene! Don't rush it, don't put it down, trust the author!!
I absolutely loved Emmeline, she's a quietly strong heroine with real growth throughout the book. It's refreshing to see a FMC who isn't completely helpless, but she's not some secret ninja assassin either haha. She's RELATABLE!! And Ryland is absolutely swoon-worthy with his own journey of personal growth. Gwenifer is suitably horrendous with her own villain origin story, and the side characters are so likable and funny and not just there to push the story along. I'd totally read a spin-off just of Captain Dormer, yum!!
I really didn't want this story to end, but the author did a beautiful job of bringing everything together and tying up loose ends that I hadn't even noticed. This is one that I'll be adding to my shelf collection for sure!!
A Cursed Age is basically a pirate romantasy: we have slow burn, fated mates, witches, mermaids and pirates. The world building is incredible! And honestly a little out of my comfort zone since I'm not usually one to require elaborate descriptions, but in this case it really helps to immerse you in the story.
It starts off SLOW!! Give it a few chapters to really start building momentum, the author is just setting the scene! Don't rush it, don't put it down, trust the author!!
I absolutely loved Emmeline, she's a quietly strong heroine with real growth throughout the book. It's refreshing to see a FMC who isn't completely helpless, but she's not some secret ninja assassin either haha. She's RELATABLE!! And Ryland is absolutely swoon-worthy with his own journey of personal growth. Gwenifer is suitably horrendous with her own villain origin story, and the side characters are so likable and funny and not just there to push the story along. I'd totally read a spin-off just of Captain Dormer, yum!!
I really didn't want this story to end, but the author did a beautiful job of bringing everything together and tying up loose ends that I hadn't even noticed. This is one that I'll be adding to my shelf collection for sure!!
April 10, 2025
First! AMazing read! How Dunnewin captures so much emotion and truth on the page boggles my mind! this story cut me to the core! In an amazing way, I think I survived the Curse (time will tell).
Read this amazing book if you love beautifully described locations like New Orleans, Venice, and Tropical Islands. Onboard the steam airship, you are able to travel the world along with the characters. I loved how the storms were described, and I felt like I could have been on the ship along with them. The way the steampunk themes were added in also gave the ship and the story a fun adventure feel.
I truly could connect with each of the main characters since the story moves seamlessly uses a dual point of view, and it really worked. The story transitions between Ryland's and Emmeline's storytelling. You really get into their heads, how each one is experiencing the events, and you can feel their pain and joy and everything in between.
I also really enjoyed all the side characters, the ones who help the main characters battle their respective demons. Each has a personality that you can relate to.
Let me take a second to say, dude, the villain is amazing. She has a depth that you sometimes don't see in stories. I spent the read going back and forth wondering if I should feel bad for her or not? (Won't say, no spoilers!)
Wonderful read! Bravo!
Read this amazing book if you love beautifully described locations like New Orleans, Venice, and Tropical Islands. Onboard the steam airship, you are able to travel the world along with the characters. I loved how the storms were described, and I felt like I could have been on the ship along with them. The way the steampunk themes were added in also gave the ship and the story a fun adventure feel.
I truly could connect with each of the main characters since the story moves seamlessly uses a dual point of view, and it really worked. The story transitions between Ryland's and Emmeline's storytelling. You really get into their heads, how each one is experiencing the events, and you can feel their pain and joy and everything in between.
I also really enjoyed all the side characters, the ones who help the main characters battle their respective demons. Each has a personality that you can relate to.
Let me take a second to say, dude, the villain is amazing. She has a depth that you sometimes don't see in stories. I spent the read going back and forth wondering if I should feel bad for her or not? (Won't say, no spoilers!)
Wonderful read! Bravo!
May 17, 2025
🌊✨ A Cursed Age by A.M. Dunnewin ✨🌊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’ve ever wished Pirates of the Caribbean had more steampunk, higher stakes, and a cursed love that spans centuries—you need this book in your life.
Set in a Nautical Gothic world during the Napoleonic Wars, this standalone sweeps you away with cursed pirate Captain Ryland Coldwell (yes, I’m a little obsessed) and fierce airship captain Emmeline Whittock. The vibes? Dark magic, airships, sea witches, betrayal, and a love story that refuses to stay buried.
Emmeline is everything I want in a heroine—smart, resilient, and totally done with being pushed around. And Ryland? Let’s just say he’s morally gray immortal with tragic backstories 💀❤️ Gwenifer, the vengeful sea witch and Ryland’s ex (yes, it’s complicated), adds that perfect layer of haunting menace.
The pacing is intense, the atmosphere is amazing, and the blend of steampunk and historical fantasy feels totally fresh.
Spiciness is low BUT there is way more focus on the relationships between characters, slow burn tension, and all the things that make up all the emotional longing.
⚓️ For fans of: Gothic vibes, enemies-to-reluctant allies, immortal curses, and historical fantasy with teeth.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’ve ever wished Pirates of the Caribbean had more steampunk, higher stakes, and a cursed love that spans centuries—you need this book in your life.
Set in a Nautical Gothic world during the Napoleonic Wars, this standalone sweeps you away with cursed pirate Captain Ryland Coldwell (yes, I’m a little obsessed) and fierce airship captain Emmeline Whittock. The vibes? Dark magic, airships, sea witches, betrayal, and a love story that refuses to stay buried.
Emmeline is everything I want in a heroine—smart, resilient, and totally done with being pushed around. And Ryland? Let’s just say he’s morally gray immortal with tragic backstories 💀❤️ Gwenifer, the vengeful sea witch and Ryland’s ex (yes, it’s complicated), adds that perfect layer of haunting menace.
The pacing is intense, the atmosphere is amazing, and the blend of steampunk and historical fantasy feels totally fresh.
Spiciness is low BUT there is way more focus on the relationships between characters, slow burn tension, and all the things that make up all the emotional longing.
⚓️ For fans of: Gothic vibes, enemies-to-reluctant allies, immortal curses, and historical fantasy with teeth.
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