Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cursed

Rate this book
Sophie has to help Drake, the phoenix griffin, with his dark fire and do it without losing who she is and become dark herself. Will she be able to succeed where others have failed miserably?

Spirit fae, Sophie Emerson, has a lot of magical problems on her plate. Problems that can lead to a lot of troubles and probably a beheading if the Seelie Court finds out what she is hiding.

To make matters worse, she has to find the cure for dark fire, otherwise, she will lose the love of her life, Drake Evans, the phoenix griffin.

She also needs to find her fated-bond-creature before her magic destroys her body.

Seems like nothing much has changed for this fae. The only difference is she wouldn’t change her life for anything in this world. Thank you very much.


344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2024

4 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Adrienne Woods

59 books1,640 followers
Adrienne Woods is a USA Today Bestselling author, living in South Africa.

She’s been in love with books all her life and knew at the age of 13 that she is going to be a writer one day.

That dream happened in 2009 and she started to pen her stories down on paper. Firebolt, her debut novel, were released 4 years after that, and she hasn’t stop since.

She has written more than 20 novels and she is still busy writing more.

To get your hands on exclusive content and stay in the loop of what's to come, subscribe to her newsletter at https://adriennewoodsbooks.com/sign-up/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (60%)
4 stars
12 (36%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
225 reviews26 followers
October 5, 2024
If you like Harry Potter you should love this book. You've got magical creatures fae. I do highly recommend you read book one before reading. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for Kiley Gallentine.
79 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
I normally give lower star ratings if a second book has the same flaws as the first (which this does), but the overall story line continues to be awesome so three stars it is.

There is a mystery surrounding the FMC and her full story is still unknown at the end of this book. We know the king is a little sketch. We know there are people who resist his rule. The FMC is in the middle of it all. She's a strong FMC and so is the MMC for this story.

I will say that these books need more eyes on them before they are even given as ARCs. The dialogue is all over the place. Some just drop off entirely and others have people in them and then the people aren't there. You can tell there were edits made in parts of the story but then the surrounding parts of the story weren't adjusted too.

I'm also not sure where some of the story is going because it's unclear how many books are going to be in the series. It felt like many things that should be known at the end of book two are still a mystery to the reader. This is fine if this is going to be more than a trilogy.

I also have a lot of questions about parts of the story that aren't really answered for me as the reader. For example, why is it so important to retrieve the Lost Ones? There are teams who go and do this all the time but why? There's a significant amount of time and effort by the characters to do this but I don't know why.

Also, the FMC is attending school to learn about her magic which is great but any time something happens to her they add a class to her schedule. At the end of book two she's taking, what seems like, 10 classes a day. These oddities are distractions from the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Fayette Dávila.
28 reviews
November 28, 2024
Sophie, Drake and Chase are getting on my nerves (to think that it used to be Lindy and Cali who had me annoyed from time to time) and I cannot help but feel that all the decisions they’re making are gonna hit them with a curve and someone’s going to get hurt.

Just like the previous book, the story is compelling; the world, while chaotic, somehow everything still clicks. Character development is there even if it’s crawling instead of walking.

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

Why am I taking one star away? Well, the names of some previously mentioned characters were changing here and there throughout the book like the author didn’t remember them or a typo took care of somehow changing them; Dreya and Freya seem to be the same person as well as Blake (not to be confused with Blaze) and Drake (as far as I could understand). Some dialogue is still confusing cause you don’t know who’s saying what when more than 2 characters get together, you would think you could differentiate it by the way they “talk” but no, specially during banters, you can only make out who Maverick is and that’s about it.
There were several typos, grammatical errors, swapped words (pores by pours, etc) and incomplete sentences. The swapping of the question marks with the exclamation ones is not as perceptible in this book as it was in the previous one. All these little things do dampen the enjoyment you feel while reading the book cause you have to go back to re-read to be sure you read right, and it doesn’t make for a smooth read. It didn’t happen so often so it’s not as bad.

I can’t wait to continue reading this story and see what twists and turns the authors throw at us.
Profile Image for Angela Brannon.
152 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2024
Cursed, Book 2 in the Legacy Born series by Adrienne Woods and Carlyle Labuschagne, is an action packed adventure in an original and intriguing setting. While the paranormal academy trope has been done so many times before, this setting felt fresh due to all the landscape and building details. The well-drawn cast of Fae and creatures populating the school drew me in and made me feel like a part of their world. The plot is outstanding and original and was a joy to read.

The FMC, Sophie, was rescued and brought to the school in the first book, and I enjoyed following her journey as her powers slowly develop over the course of the story. Her attraction and bond to the MMC Drake felt strong and true, and I was pulling for their HEA during the whole book. Their love is tested when Drake is cursed with a malicious and deadly curse. Sophie has to team up with his brother to find a cure, and to try to get a handle on her overpowering magic.

I loved the lively banter among the group of friends that have bonded during the various trials over the two books. Their rivalries and antics reminded me of my running buddies from my younger days. The villains are strong and interesting, and I can’t wait to see how the ongoing conflicts play out in the third book.

I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers of all ages, not just young adults. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Eel Williams.
332 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2025
After the explosive ending of book one, I have to admit, this second installment was a bit of a tough follow. It still has a lot of the same writing issues as the first book—things that could definitely benefit from another round of editing—but that doesn’t make it a bad read. There’s still a lot to enjoy. Thank you to the author and booksirens for the ARC to this. I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.
The story is full of drama, magic, and love, with Sophie navigating not only her own dangerous magical problems but also the risk of losing Drake, the phoenix griffin. I love how the stakes are high, and Sophie’s determination to help him while keeping her own identity intact really drives the plot forward. It’s a compelling journey with emotional depth that makes you root for them.
One of the things I loved most was the lively banter between the group. Their dynamics and rivalries really shine through, and it reminded me of the kind of camaraderie and mischief with my own friends. There’s a fun energy to their interactions, even as they face life-or-death challenges.
The villains in this story are well-crafted, strong, and keep the tension high. I’m really excited to see how these conflicts develop in the third book and how the ongoing battles between Sophie and the forces trying to tear her world apart will play out. While this book wasn’t perfect, it still offered a fun and engaging read, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next chapter of the journey.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,536 reviews
October 25, 2024
After Drake is cursed with dark fire, things are not good. First, things start going awry and Drake begins to spiral into doubt - to the point it became a bit whiney and got on my nerves, hence the taking of a star. Sophie truly loves Drake and fights for him. However, her powers are growing and she needs a Griffin now, or she could die. That really freaked me out. Xander & Brooke are still adorable together. Watching everyone attend classes was fascinating, especially Sophie. Drake’s brother, Chase…. I find him extremely annoying and want to hit him at least once a chapter that he is in. If not more. We find out more about the Phoenixes and boy there are a bunch of reveals and revelations. Of the older people, my fave is still Maverick. He is hilarious! I love him. There is so much mischief and mayhem in this book. I laughed a lot, cried, needed the AC on, so so much for the heat between Drake and Sophie, as well as the fact that I was fear sweating for almost half the book. I loved the book, but I didn’t think that Drake would have been whiney like he is. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received this advance reading copy for free from Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,493 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. We saw in thr previous book Sophie and the other kids being saved and Drake waking up with dark fire. Drake is having a hard time with the dark fire that he isn't keeping his teammates safe in missions and he knows he is going to turn dark. Sophie won't have him thinking like that, she loves him but its not enough. Sophies headaxhes are getting worse and Mavis is going to do a fire bond ceremony to get Sophie a griffin. Her newly appointed griffin isn't shielding her from her projections and its making her headaches worse. The worse part is Drake breaks up with Sophie leaving her miserable. She is having dreams again and may have found a way to help Drake except he had left and the spell is way more complicated than she ever thought. To make this work, Sophie along with Chase and Mavis work together to get everyone ready when the time is right. What the worst that can happen? A book full of drama, magic, love and doing what it takes makes this a good book.
Profile Image for Piros OlaSz.
601 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2024
3,5 rounded to 4.

At the begginig I had trouble to link back how B1 ended. I mean I remembered the base story (which is rare without having to re-read the plot and my review, but this book made the cut and I could recall it without doing so) but a slight reminder would have been great as a summary/intro where we left off…

Anway I liked this book too in general. The story line is quiet interesting and I enjoy Sophie’s power growth. I especially loved the part with Siren Song!!

Overall like the griffin-spirit fae bond and the development of the relationship as well as gain insight of their world’s history on Phoenixes and such…

There was a slowdown time to time in the story but still plan to read B3 and learn more about that handasome firebird and co.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4,503 reviews21 followers
October 21, 2024
The first book began great ended in a bang. Now this one builds on what happened and has more drama with the bit of mystery. Drake & Sophie have personal trouble trying to get over what happened in the last book that leads to trouble and more drama. But the story was fun and entertaining and enjoyed how everyone was there and keep the story amusing. Sometimes I had to stop to laugh hard at times. And really need to see what happens next. Some questions are answered but there us still a lot more mystery going on and secrets that need to be figured out and how Drake & Sophie fit into what is going on. Loved Sophie in this one as she starts to learn more and figure out this new world she is in..
Profile Image for Francesco  Tehrani.
271 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2025
I have never particularly been too much of a fan of the academy setting in YA stories. But for these stories, and this series, it just works. And honestly, this might make me change my mind about it. The way the authors wrote the studies made it work well. Even though this is technically YA, certain aspects make it mature enough to be considered as full adult, and I really appreciate that. The plot and characters are still great and become addictive at a certain point. There were less grammatical errors in this one but the pacing and time jumps were not well organized. Still, nothing that took away and ruined the story, fortunately. I am definitely looking forward to the third book to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Debbie.
85 reviews
October 23, 2024
Get ready for an electrifying ride in the thrilling sequel to **Shifted**, the first book of the *Legacy Born* series! Sophie is back at the academy, fueled by a fierce determination to save Drake, who bravely risked everything to bring her to safety when danger loomed as she faced the sinister Dark Phoenix Griffin, whose devious plans threaten her and other young shifters. Packed with heart-stopping action and unforgettable characters, this installment will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the exhilarating finale! You won’t want to miss a single moment!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
398 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2024
A brief recap at the beginning would have been helpful for readers who missed book one, as it would have allowed for a smoother connection to book two. However, I jumped straight into book two, and it started off perfectly. Sophie is desperately trying to save her love, Drake, and the action and emotion truly propel the storyline forward. Wow! However, I have some thoughts about Sophie that I'd rather not spoil by sharing my assumptions.

I'm impatiently waiting for the next installment!

Thank you Booksirens and Adrienne Woods for this e-ARC and for allowing me to leave my honest review.
Profile Image for Sara Jamieson.
191 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2024
Gosh!

I still feel the adrenaline pumping! A great follow up to Shifted! The characters all developed, continued to have banter and fluctuating dynamics, and yet stayed true to the their base developed in the first book. There was action and sadness and heat and angst and mystery and romance and deepening friendships. There's so much more we know and still so much eluded to to still find out! I can't believe I need to wait for book 3!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
605 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2024
If you adore epic tales with lots of action and sacrifice with just enough romance to lighten things back up again, then look no farther this is it.

Sophie kept telling everyone that it wasn’t Chase maybe now they will listen. Hopefully he gets back with Cali so that Drake will stop being so willing to give up Sophie. Personally I think she is a Phoenix but I guess we will see and someone please see that there is something wrong with the king. Book 3 soon please.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kayla Chitwood Harned.
92 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2024
Cursed, book 2 in the Legacy Born series did not disappoint. It was still packed with action, mystery, love, and magic. The banter between the characters is on point. They continue to build the world and characters throughout. I love that Sophie is coming more into her powers. She's is still sassy and knows what she wants, which is Drake, and she will fight for him.
This is an arc read, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. I 10/10 recommend reading this series. I can't wait for book 3 to come out and will be impatiently waiting for its release.
Profile Image for Michelle Stewart.
537 reviews17 followers
September 25, 2024
I really like the direction this 2nd book took. We learn a little bit more about phoenix's and about Sophie. I hope the next book shows more about her connection to Drake. My theories are rubbing wild in my brain and I just know they are at least partly right.

All the young love is so sweet and I really like to see how the side characters are becoming more involved.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Paulo De Sa.
90 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
The second part of the Legacy Born series is a great continuation of the first one with the characters being developed in a very steady way, especially the main character. The interaction between Sophie and Drake is great and very appropriate for this type of book. The use of the first person in the chapters is great as it tells the story by different points of view

In a not so good point, sometimes it was difficult to understand who was talking, and about what they were talking.

Overall a good book and I really want to know what will happen next.
Profile Image for Laura Winfield.
20 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
Dark paranormal romantasy vibes. Enjoyed the development of the characters and found it to be very easy reading. Sophie (FMC) has to help Drake (MMC), with his dark fire and do it without losing who she is and become dark herself.

The development of Sophie’s powers is fun to read but the lack of control/ headache thread is wearing a wee bit thin now.

There were so many Easter eggs in this one that I feel the rest of the series will be as fun/ easy to read too.
Profile Image for Lauren.
28 reviews
November 2, 2024
Wow wow wow! It was shorter than the first but damn was it packed full of action, romance, and everything else! I couldn't put it down, love, heartbreak, love, heartbreak. OMG so much emotion!

I cannot wait to read the 3rd book when it comes out! Please hurry! Very excited to see how the story develops between Sophie and Drake and their amazing "dark" powers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for s.elle.books.
578 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2024
ARC Reader Review received from BookSirens, 4.5⭐ rounded up!!

Okay, I am not ready for this duology to be over!! Pleeeeeease write more!!

The Character development feels like there's so much further to go... Especially in the relationship aspect.

The bonus chapter was low-key spicy and I think there should be an adult style novella, at minimum... IYKYK 🌶️ 🔥

I would absolutely read this series again, highly recommend!!
Profile Image for MrsBookaholic.
43 reviews
November 19, 2024
Book 2 guys! Love, love, love!!!!!! I do agree, best to read these books in order just so you know who is who in the zoo.
Reading the evolution of Drake & Sophie is what had me for this one, great character development and world building from book 1 carries into book 2 which is nice. All my favs are still here and Damon and his daisies 😍
Can’t wait for the next book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thankyou to BookSirens
4 reviews
December 12, 2024
The second book in this series was fun to read.

The world is intriguing and has a lot of further potential. The characters and storyline is good, but the dialogs are sometimes suddenly cut off and it’s not always clear who is speaking.

I can’t wait to read the 3. book and hopefully get answers to some lingering questions.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sierra.
474 reviews
October 9, 2024
This series is just so binge worthy! I absolutely love it. There is so many unanswered questions that I need answers to. I need book 3 like now! 😅 I need to know how Drake & Sophie are going to end up together & it all being okay! I need to know how Chase is connected.


Ps: clean read with steamy kisses. Also, mini spoiler-ish: I have a feeling that Sophie is a Phoenix & that her & Drakes flames are red! 🤫 Can’t wait to see if I’m right!
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,248 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2024
I am a fan of Adrienne Woods writing. Her books do not seem to disappoint. This book follows Shifted and picks right up where everything left off.

Again - great action, characters that make you feel part of the story. I can't get over this one.
Profile Image for Catherine Corry.
Author 30 books58 followers
October 12, 2024
I liked the book. At points I found it hard to follow with so many characters. But it was a good story and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I was given a free copy of this book in each he for an honest review from BookSirens.
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,926 reviews41 followers
October 20, 2024
It felt good to get back in this series alongside Sophie and Drake. There were still so many questions surrounding their magic and circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and all the twists and turns. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Penner.
118 reviews
November 5, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the love the characters had! This book is packed with action! If you enjoy magical everything this book is for you!
12 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2025
Chefs kiss… personally this book was better than the first one!!! Like just amazing… the plot, the characters, the storyline… everything was phenomenal!!!!
6 reviews
August 31, 2025
great read

Love all Adrienne Woods books. This is a great collaboration and doesn’t disappoint. Loved this book can’t wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.