Curse of Night: Curse of Thorns Series

by Michelle Areaux

**Newly Edited With Additional Content**
My whole world changed when I stepped inside Shadow Legacy Academy.
I came here searching for the truth-- to find the answers that would finally help me understand who and what I am. As a descendant from a powerful line of witches and supernaturals, my powers still haven't emerged-- making my family wonder if my strange quirks are all I'll ever have. However, no one at my new school seems happy about my presence and I can't seem to tell who is my friend and who is my enemy.

Then there’s Anson-- the quiet and reclusive werewolf that doesn't seem to want anything to do with other supernaturals at the academy. There’s something about him that draws me to him, that makes me want to uncover all the mysteries he hides beneath.When students at the academy go missing, I quickly discover those around me are keeping their own secrets, whispering their deceitful lies into my ears. I know that I have to find out the truth about what is happening around me-- even if it spells death for us all. Danger lurks around every corner and death lingers in the air. Secrets are uncovered, and questions answered, but I'm not entirely sure I'm prepared to face the truths that they bring.

Curse of Thorns is a fantastic read for fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, and Crave will fall in love with this paranormal romance full of supernatural mysteries, twisted suspense, and angsty drama.

Originally published as Curse of Thorns.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2025

About the author

Michelle Areaux is a wife, mother, and seventh grade Language Arts teacher.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky and a Master’s degree in Literacy from Asbury University.

Reviews

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m completely hooked on Curse of Night—it’s exactly the kind of dark, mysterious, and oh-so-addictive read I love. If you’re into books that blend supernatural intrigue, a slow-burn romance, and a heroine who feels both relatable and compelling, then this book is everything you’re looking for.

From the first page, I was right there with our heroine, stepping into Shadow Legacy Academy. She’s a descendant of a powerful line of witches, yet her powers haven’t emerged—leading her to wonder if she’s just destined to be a freak with strange quirks. I could feel that inner struggle of not being sure who you are or where you belong. It was easy to empathize with her desire for answers and understanding. I think we’ve all been there—searching for our purpose, trying to make sense of the world around us.

Then there’s Anson—the brooding, elusive werewolf who clearly wants nothing to do with anyone at the academy. But I swear, there’s just something about him. He has that quiet intensity that made me instantly want to know his secrets, and of course, that only drew me in more. The dynamic between him and the heroine is electric—there’s this slow-burn tension that has me hooked, page after page. I absolutely live for that kind of chemistry, and Anson’s mysterious, protective vibe is exactly what I crave in a love interest.

But it’s not just about the romance. The mystery surrounding the missing students and the darker, sinister forces at play within the academy is intense. There’s a constant feeling of danger, and I love how the secrets slowly unravel, leading to even more questions. Every turn, I was left wondering who to trust—and that suspense kept me glued to the book. No one is who they seem to be, and the twists? Just when I thought I had a grip on things, the plot would throw me off again.

Curse of Night has everything I adore: a heroine discovering her powers, a brooding werewolf with a tortured past, and a world filled with danger and mystery. It’s the perfect blend of supernatural drama, slow-burn romance, and dark secrets, and it absolutely pulled me in from the very first page. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what happens next. If you’re a fan of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, or Crave, this series will quickly become your next obsession!.

[Sandra Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here’s the thing I love the idea of this book and there were parts of it that I did enjoy. And yes, maybe some parts of it is more middle grade reading. But who doesn’t love a good supernatural book. I feel like somewhere between 3/4 of the book it just feels rushed. Honestly, I felt like there was so many more details and parts they could go with this and the buildup you get on fighting the dark witch and then all of a sudden it’s like boom it’s over. I don’t know if other books in the series show shows more things but I think that was the most disappointing for me. I do like the relationship between Anson and Farah. And that she finally discovers who she is or at least her gifts but I feel like we could’ve delved even deeper into that.
That was part of the reason I gave it three stars. It felt rushed, and some of the writing could be better. I didn’t get this book from the author at a book convention, so I’m not sure how her other books are, but I really again like the plot and feel a little disappointed. I am going to read the next book just to see if it gets better. Sometimes the first book is a starting point trying to get into the groove. Overall, I did finish the book and like I said the plot and the storyline was what hooked me.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse of the Night is part of the Shadow Legacy Academy Series. It is interesting with the normal high school drama but with a twist of the paranormals. Except the Vampires are no longer at that school. At the beginning of the book it starts right off with a mysterious forest and missing people. It has you hooked right from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.