Curse of Stolen Flame

by Catarine Hancock

From best-selling poet Catarine Hancock comes the exciting first installment in her debut new adult fantasy romance series,

A hundred years ago, the kingdom of Alverin was cursed, the magic banished from the royal family’s bloodline. After centuries of war and atrocities committed against their neighbors, the once-feared kingdom is now without their greatest strength. As their enemies slowly circle closer, the royal family grows more and more desperate to break the curse, arranging marriages with any Wielder of notable strength in the kingdom in an attempt to breed magic back into the bloodline.

Kindra Bedelyn is in love with her freedom. But when Prince Jasper Annalindis hears of her extraordinary Firefury abilities, he comes for her hand in marriage, and suddenly, that freedom is gone.

Now engaged to a man she hardly knows, Kindra is thrust unwillingly into a world far unlike the one she grew up one with angry royals, horrifying secrets, and an infuriatingly likable prince. And as the wedding approaches, she also discovers just how much danger Alverin is in, and how everyone’s lives–including her own–are now on the line.

With magic that rivals the God-blessed power of the Annalindis ancestors, she could be what changes the tide in the looming war. But even as her heart begins to soften and she starts to step into her new role, she can’t help but

What if the curse can’t be broken?

What if it shouldn’t be?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Ebooks, Adult

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Catarine Hancock is a 25-year-old poet, author and opera singer from Lexington, Kentucky, currently living in Chicago. She holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from the University of Kentucky and a master of music in voice from Indiana University.

Aside from music, writing is her other great love. Having been a bookworm and writer all her life, her passion for poetry began at the age of 13, and shortly afterward, she began sharing her writing online. Over the past 11 years, her platform has grown to an audience of over 300,000. She is the author of five poetry collections: "shades of lovers" (2020), "sometimes i fall asleep thinking about you" (2021), and "i gave myself the world" (2023), all published with Central Avenue Publishing. Her self-published collections are "sprout: selected poems" (2022) and "holy ground" (2023). Her next poetry collection is slated to release with Central Avenue in 2025, and her debut fantasy romance novel, "Curse of Stolen Flame," will release in fall 2024.

When she is not singing or writing, Catarine can be found curled up with a good fantasy novel, wandering the aisles of the local bookstore, or adding a weird décor item she found at the Goodwill to her already too-cluttered apartment. You can find her on Instagram or TikTok at: @catarinehancock

Reviews

[Ria Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am a bit lost for words over this book and ‘gods’ i could write so much in this review.

from seeing Catarine’s writing develop and mature from her first poetry book (which i have read probably about 50 times over), it has been a privilege to follow her writing journey through her poetry books and now a novel!

this book made me feels all sorts of emotions, and although fantasy is not always my favourite genre, this book absolutely blew me away and has quickly become my favourite fantasy book to date.

all i have to say now is when is the next book being released?!?!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular give me 14 of them right now 💳💥💳💥

Seriously this book was SO good I literally could not put it down. I need a second book IMMEDIATELY. The story and world building was so interesting and I loved so many of the characters instantly. Jasper 100% is going to the top of the book boyfriend list. BEGGING for book 2 because I need to know what happens next!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very start to the thrilling end! I was throughly entertained and constantly trying to figure out what would happen next! I was surprised by the twists and turns of the story and couldn’t put it down! I loved the writing style and the character development, and I am already begging for book two. It’s one of my favorites already!

[Nicole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very similar vibes to The Fourth Wing. The first book even ended in a similar way 👀 I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Kindra is a powerful fire wielder who lives in a small village of earth wielders and humans. She’s felt like an outcast for most of her life because of her strength, abilities and overall attitude. Separately, the royal family of a faraway kingdom has been cursed with the inability to produce heirs who can wield magic. So when they hear about Kindra and her strength, they force her into an arranged marriage with their prince son, hoping to bring magic back into their family. As an independent woman who needs no man, Kindra struggles with this order and the ensuing transition but as she gets the opportunity to train and learn more about her abilities, she becomes more accepting of her new home.

I love an enemies to lovers arc, I love that she’s an outcast “underdog” from a small village and the aspect of her getting to train and strengthen her abilities (similar to Violet Sorrengail). I do want to point out though that there were a handful of typos / spelling mistakes but hopefully the next book has less!

Also idk if it’s just me but I predicted from the first time we saw Vylie and Tess interact that there was more to their story and that they were working together. Emeline surprised me but it was very obvious to me that Tess was working against the kingdom and letting the shadowmasters in.

[Kaity Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this during a stuff your kindle event and I’m so glad I did!! This was a really fun read I enjoyed the main character and her development! Sometimes I’m just looking for an easy read with good characters and magic and isn’t too hard to keep up with. This book really delivered that!!

[Joyce Gao · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending of this book made me physically gasp while reading on the train. im such a sucker for elemental powers and the way she describes the wielders’ eyes were just entrancing

[Juliana Varroni]

DNF @ 71%. I really tried, but the MMC had the attitude of a 7y/o and FMC was too obnoxious. The writing also didn’t help - I let go once I found myself skimming through a lot and not really missing anything.

[LeesiCakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Curse of Stolen Flame blind and came out mildly obsessed. 😍🔥 Kindra and Jasper are the highlight—great chemistry, lots of tension and quick resolutions to arguments (thank Scaldor)! There are also lots of interesting side characters. One in particular I’d like to see their teeth knocked out in the next book! 😤

Pacing-wise, especially in the middle, it felt like a “day in the life of a reluctant princess”, but it was entertaining enough that I didn’t mind. Then the ending hits you like a train with no brakes. I sped through the last fifty or so pages and was left on a cliffhanger 😩

I am hopeful that the next book has a lot more action. Either way, I’m looking forward to see what Kindra’s next move will be♟️👸🏻

[Kate Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was astounded at how good this was for a debut fantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was the right mix of magic, world building, forced marriage, enemies to friends to lovers, the chosen one, political intrigue, mystery, a rebellion.

Kindra our FMC grew up in a small isolated village, magic is common is Alverin, but Kindra is a fire fury, a wielder of flame and she fiercely protects her village from threats, unfortu ately the villagers arent grateful and many fear her power. 100 years ago the ruling family, the Annalindis family, were cruel, corrupt and power hungry.

They subjected the weaker, less defended countries around them using their fire fury gifts which were part of their bloodline. A dying rebel girl cursed them that their magic would end and it did. Since then no member of the King's family has magic and with a growing threat of war and rebellion on his borders they have decreed that each member of the royal family must marry a magic wielder in order to breed magical children back into thebloodline and break the curse.

When the royals hear of Kindra's ability they send Prince Jasper, the youngest child to retrieve her forcibly. Understandably Kindra resists and its hate at first sight. She doesnt want to marry anyone, least of all a stranger, nor lose her freedom. But gradually over the course of the story she and Jasper start a tentative alliance that slowly blossoms into something else.

And when the rebels start planting bombs and war threatens Alverin's borders Kindra has to hone her powerful albeit untrained abilities to help defend those she loves. All whilst uncovering myseries about her own powers that are greater than she ever imagined.

This was such a great read, the FMC is well written, she's strong, feisty, determined. I really liked Jasper, he wasnt an alphahole, he's grown up being the butt of his family's disdain, he's sensitive and romantic, which makes him a little different to many romantasy heros. Definitely got golden retriver energy from him. The romance was very slow burn and I liked the fact they became allies, then friends, before becoming lovers.

The magic system was intricate and well constructed, there's a useful index at the back which explains all the different types. The king was suitably villainous and it ends on a big cliffie. It was thoroughly engrossing and entertaining and kudos to the author for an excellent debut. Look forward to book 2.

[Amaryllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED that book.
I can't even begin to tell you how much.

The tension was tensioning. Between the main couple but also in the plot?
You can feel the wave raising and I was so here for it. I love when books manage to get me to actually feel the weight of everything.
Also, elemental benders? YES. I'm ALWAYS here for that, I'm loving it!

Our main characters tho? Please.
Jasper? The green flag that this man is? I think it's the first book where I fell completely head over heels for a blonde mmc and I'm confused. But not about him. He was perfect. Perflecty flawed, of course, but perfect. The way he loves her? The way he admires her? That's a man who pushes her, encourages her, doesn't want to bind her or tame her. Oh no. He supports her, allows her to shine, to grow, to be wild and unapologetic.

And Kindra? I so rarely like the fmc but Kindra is next level honestly. Was she perfect? Also no. She has her flaws and people call her on it. She grows. She learns. She is fierce and strong and powerful and I loved her. I'm the first to be shocked honestly.

The side characters, the friends she makes, the life she wasn't expecting.
I'm here for it. I can't wait to see what comes next and I'm SUPER EXCITED about everything moving forward. Yes, please. Give me more.

Quick tropes:
- forced marriage
- elemental benders
- a curse to break
- gods and mystery
- green flag mmc
- fierce fmc
- she protects him

[Alexia Bristow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great overall, I'm only giving it three stars tho bc it was a bit slow in the beginning getting into the actual plot of the book. It only ramped up at the end to only be left on a cliffhanger.

The cliffhanger was wild if I do say so myself, I remember earlier in the book the first time kindra met vylie and she had called her the firebird, kindra has said that a specific person had called her that name, and i highlighted it and put "her dad???" Only to find out I was right at end of the book to be LEFT WITH THIS CONCLUSION.

Kindra and Jasper. Don't even get me started. I love them, they are everything and more. The way he loves her and it isn't just lust. I loved watching kindra realize she loved him, and I was ab to die when they weren't giving each other what they both needed (if you know what I mean).

Helena and emeline are beautiful. Their relationship made my heart warm. Don't have much to say here but I love me a couple Les couple.

I would love to find out more about the queen and what has happened to her, hoping we get to see a little more of that in the next book. Would also love to see more about the king in general and hopefully he succumbs to his disgusting rule.

Anyways, loved this book but there was a few things that held me back from a five star review but overall I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the second one to come out!

[Andrea Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut novel that I think can only improve from here on out in terms of the writing and structure :)

It took a while for things to start happening (about 2/3 into the book did I feel like the plot really started progressing) but it’s understandable that it’s hard to balance with the world building. I think the book was written in a very straightforward way (very linear) and I think the series can become more sophisticated in its writing with play around the linearity and structure.

I would’ve been more convinced by the plot points at the end if there were more breadcrumbs throughout the duration of the book, especially with the very very end.

the slow burn was definitely torturous, the moments between the female MC and male lead were satisfying given the burn; I wasn’t terribly convinced by the (minor spoiler) “I acted that way because my brothers told me to” kind of explanation by the male lead but this was a minor thing to look over as the book progressed.

I also wasn’t really convinced by the main character’s value of freedom because I felt that I didn’t feel it enough throughout the beginning chapters that established the character, but that value became more apparent when the plot progressed with the king, being a part of the royal family, etc.

just spitballing some thoughts after recently finishing but I look forward to the next book!! :))

[Harley Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Catarine Hancock for years, absolutely amazed by her poetry, and so when I saw that she was releasing a book, I was excited to say the least.

I will admit that I approached this book with caution - fantasy is not typically my genre of choice. However, from the very first page I was sucked in by the worldbuilding and detailed descriptions of magic and training that Catarine wrote. I could envision everything as it was happening.

The characters as well are extremely well thought out. Every character is so distinct that I rarely found myself confusing even the background characters.

The mystery and suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat constantly, wishing that I did not need to put the book down, and the foreshadowing was very well done. There were times where I felt tense for seemingly no reason and I feel like that is a testament to Catarine's writing because it was as if I was in Kindra's shoes.

And the romance? Suffice to say, I found myself obsessed, particularly during a certain festival scene that for a moment felt straight out of Tangled. 

Thank you to Catarine Hancock for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review (not paid).

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Catarine Hancock’s poems, I think she’s just amazing, so to have the honour to be given an opportunity to read this early was so so wonderful.

I liked this book. I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting going into it, but it was good. As I was reading, I was starting to like all the characters and getting to know them, but I didn’t feel that I had too much of a deep connection with any of them other than Kindra.
However, when it got to the point where the wedding was crashed, and people fighting, people were dying, I felt so much more. It suddenly made me realise that I did love all of these characters and I was connected to them, even though I was only part way through the first book in what is going to be a series. I felt very shocked and emotional for them, which was so beautiful and unexpected in the best way.

I kind of guessed that this was going to end on a cliffhanger, but was still annoyed when it did. But in a good way, because I just needed to know what happened next. Although, I was expecting the cliffhanger, I was not expecting that.

I would recommend Catarine Hancock to anyone, she is just everything.

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful to have received an e-ARC of this book 🫶🏼
I have been following Catarine Hancock for many years now, and was very excited to see that she was writing a fantasy novel.

Overall, this was an excellent debut fantasy romance novel. It begun with a torturous slow burn and had great banter between loveable characters.
Some of the tropes:
• dislike to lovers
• arranged marriage
• reluctant chosen one
• cursed royal family
• he falls first/she won’t admit her love
• hidden truth
• elemental magic (featuring training scenes!)

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the pacing was good, on the slightly slower side in the beginning but picked up quickly. As with many fantasy books, I was on the edge of my seat for the last 50-100 pages.
Also in the beginning, the story was very dialogue based/driven, but this eased up as the book went along.
My one critique was that occasionally the language used seemed inconsistent with my understanding of when the story was set, but it did not affect my reading experience too much.

This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I need the next one ASAP 😩

[Jt Emnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to receive an ARC copy of this book for review. I am most familiar with the authors poetry and was excited to see how she tackled her first novel. I’m very happy to say she exceeded my expectations and gave us a great romantasy novel. The story provides a lot of staples of the genre and sticks to a pretty standard script, with a few interesting tweaks! The magic system seems complex and well thought out. The characters for the most part are all interesting and fleshed out enough for the reader to care about them. I was worried a bit at the beginning due to what I felt were some pacing problems but Catarine saves it by filling the last 7/8ths (the more interesting part anyways) of the book with a great story, great characters, great magic, and a hot romance. I look forward to seeing where Catarine takes the story and would definitely recommend this book to other fans of the genre!

Edited to 5 stars: phone glitched and changed it to 4 stars

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. So much happened. Loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers theme. Especially when they became friends first then lovers before their wedding. The magic element was very neat. Loved that Kindra was able to become the person she was always meant to be. Especially with Jasper’s sister and her wife. Loved that in a fantasy novel. The training sequences were neat and refreshing. You don’t see that in too many stories. Her being god gifted was interesting reveal. Loved the full, circle back to the prologue as she read the journal. I did not see the ending. When Tess and Emeline brought Kindra to the catacombs I knew that something was going to happen. Seeing their enemies there and that they planned to dethrone the royal family. Did not like but saw that they were apart of a rebellion. When she said she wouldn’t tell anyone and was about to leave only to turn and see her father, my jaw dropped. Was not the ending I expected. Can’t wait for book two.

[Griffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading the first 100 pages of Curse of the Stolen Flame about a year ago and was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader just last week. It has been a pleasure to see how the story has grown and evolved over time. Although this story involves the familiar concepts that we all know and love about our fantasy genre, magic, dislike-to-lovers, and the fate of kingdoms, it also includes fresh takes and new magic systems that are refreshing for the genre and exciting for the reader. Jasper, our lover boy, is so charming and is quick to become a beloved book boyfriend! The ending was thrilling and definitely left me on the edge of my seat not so patiently waiting for book two! Congratulations on a wonderful fantasy novel debut, Catarine!

[Sydney Goad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! It was everything I love in a romantasy. At first, I noticed some similarities to Throne of Glass. Some of the quotes and city names seem like spin offs. BUT, nothing is really original anymore, and I truly felt this book was a new idea. There were some typos, which I’m sure will be fixed with upcoming books and more resources for the author after writing an incredible fantasy book. The characters are relatable and interesting and the romance gives enemies to lovers and slow burn, which I love. The ending cliffhanger and the love interest has me ready to read the second book immediately!

[LillaSusanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I got this book in a stuff your kindle event of some kind, but honestly I don’t know. I found it on my kindle-app, and sat down to read it in the sun.
And it’s amazing!
Why haven’t I heard of this book?
This book has all the things. Worldbuilding, a strong magic system, subtle foreshadowing, a map(everyone knows all the best books has a map), a fight between good and evil and all the gray that happens inbetween. Yanno. Fantasy.
But it also has an amazing love story.
Two traumatized people who are forced together by circumstance and all the personal growth, all the imperfections, all the healing and failings and all the love.
Imma go tell everyone to read it now.

[Adriana M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I wanted to thank the author for receiving an ARC-copy.

I absolutely loved this book. Hooked from the start. Immaculate world building from the very beginning, and unlike other fantasy books I've read, it wasn't hard to follow. Catharine writes beautifully. This is such a strong debut, and I cannot wait to know what's next in the series!

Also shout-out to having a strong female character from the very start of the book. And not only that, but showing her doubts as well despite being so strong makes her all the more human and real. LOVE!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this because I’ve followed this author for years, and fantasy and romantasy are some of my fav book genres. That being said, this book was so fun to read and even though it took me a while to finish, I really was hooked from the start,,
The world building is always super important to me in a fantasy and this book delivered,, I genuinely can’t wait to see how the world and all the characters continue developing through the rest of the series,,, which I can’t believe I have to wait for!! :’)

[Fee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het boek begon echt super langzaam, de tijd in het verhaal ging heel traag en alles werd in detail benoemd. Ik wilde het boek bijna opgeven, maar ik vond de potentie van het verhaal en de karakters te groot om zo maar aan de kant te schuiven. Rond de 160e pagina begon er toch eindelijk wat actie en spanning in te komen. Het verhaal heeft een hele interessante wending gekregen en ik zou graag deel 2 willen lezen wanneer die uitkomt. Hopelijk gaat de schrijfster dan op de zelfde manier verder als het einde van haar eerste boek.

[CovetedBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a fan of the FMC or MMC. The FMC was extremely self destructive and unnecessarily argumentative with everyone around her, which I wasn’t a fan of. I interpreted her as very childish. The MMC was too soft and sensitive for my liking, a bit of a pushover and doormat for his family and the FMC. I stopped at 40%.

The character personalities weren’t my type which ultimately made me DNF, but I think the premises of the storyline was really good (hence the reason for the 2 stars), and I wish I liked the characters enough to continue it.

[Christie Fils-Aime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very first line of this story!!! I honestly wasn’t sure if this book would be good in the beginning but boy was I wrong. The pace of the story was done perfectly, including angst where necessary and suspense which literally had me stressed out. I really enjoyed this authors writing and portrayal of this slow budding romance in this novel amidst the drama unfolding. I cannot wait to read the next novel in this series as the twist at the end was insane!!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️.I was pleasantly surprised by this book,like reallyyy surprised.I got this book during stuff your Kindle for free so my expectations were low,but it was much better than I thought.The writing style could be improved,but I really liked the characters,even though some could use more depth if that makes sense.The magic system felt unique and made everything interesting.Overall,I enjoyed the story and will definitely read the next book as soon as it’s published.

[Carrie Moscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid, entertaining, enjoyable read! I loved the main heroine Kindra- very fierce without being a bull in a china shop and incredibly smart. The other characters were pretty enjoyable too. I loved how creative the world is without being too overly complicated to where you get lost. I had a lot of fun reading this and was curious as to where it would go- and some plot things happen that made my jaw drop!

[Bree Cherubini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Catarine for years as she wrote stunning poetry and have bought her poetry books. I was so excited to see she tried her hand at writing a fantasy book, and boy was I not disappointed. Her expert world building and romance will leave you desperately turning each page hoping for more. I am excited for book 2 and can’t recommend this for your next fantasy read enough!

[Reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book is written, is like how your best friend would talk to you. The pacing is really nice and sets the reader up waiting to hear the next plot point of the story. The protagonist is extremely relatable, and it's painful in a way. As someone who has been Othered, I hate when it happens to other people, without an explicit reason.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely fell in love with this story. kindra’s fiery personality and banter with jasper was captivating. i grew to love all of the characters and their stories. not to mention the jaw dropping cliff hanger! this was an absolute page turner. if you love sarah j maas and/or rebecca yarros this book is for you! i can’t wait for the next book in this series!