A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence

by Danielle D. Drummond

One forgotten sin. A thousand deadly consequences.

Paege Vailenbyrg has always been an outsider in the Wolf-ruled kingdom of Elyndria. As a half-Fae, half-Human hybrid, she’s considered an aberration. Despite her efforts to discover her place in a world made to reject her, Paege finds herself unexpectedly embroiled in a web of secrets, lies, and unreliable magic. All of it threatens to shatter the fragile sense of safety she has managed to build around herself.

Caught between two worlds, Paege must navigate shifting alliances and uncover long-buried secrets. The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance as she becomes a pawn in a much larger game. Can she trust the enigmatic Wolf shifter, Guy Braxtion, whose dark past is as tangled as her own? Or the notorious bad boy heir, Quentin Ishaan, whose sudden interest in her raises more questions than answers?

A Kingdom bound by curses.

As the danger escalates, Paege is forced to embrace her true nature and harness her volatile Fae powers. But with powerful forces conspiring against her, a single misstep could unravel the very fabric of their world. Can Paege uncover the truth about the “Original Sin” cursing the kingdom before it’s too late, or will she be consumed by the chaos threatening to tear her world apart?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

Reviews

[Lorna Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I just finished this book and I am lost for words!
Talk about tearing out my heart right before a cliffhanger!
Where do I start!
Paege aka books is our FMC a halfling who loves to read but who knows how to defend herself, yet always seems to get herself into trouble.
Guy, sweet, sweet Guy, is a werewolf and the best of the best.
Quentin the werewolf heir apparent, who is rough around the edges.
The 3 best friends - fae, fae and witch!
This was honestly such a great read, I couldn’t put it down.
If you love a great fantasy read with world development and great character building this one is for you. Not a great deal of spice though

[s.elle.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sooooo impressed with this ARC!! it was so much easier to read and get into than some I've read lately!!

This Fantasy Romance is plotted well, and there's definitely still more to come!

The foundation of the characters is well done. The tensions run high. There are so many questions unanswered.

I would definitely recommend!! 4.5⭐ rounded up!!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and I just wanna say thank you to the author and team before getting into my review!

I have been in a massive slump, and have DNF’d like 3-4 fantasy books in the last month because the world building was so hard to get through, THIS book however was NOT one of them. I actually enjoyed the whole journey of reading this and think it helped me get out of my reading slump.

I think the author did a great job of weaving world building, plot, and character/relationship development in a way that actually made it pretty easy to get through. I took my time with this book because of my slump and like normal day responsibilities but every time I picked it up I was sucked into the book!

I am excited to see what else is in store for us readers as the author continues this series!

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago.. but I needed some time to process it. First off, HOW DARE YOU BREAK MY HEART LIKE THAT?! 😭 This book put me through such a rollercoaster. I knew I was ready for to pick up a romantasy but this made me question everything.
I seriously thought I was going into a love-square. There were quite a bit of characters thrown at me. But slowly the pieces started to come together. There are so many secrets and there are people who make you question their loyalty.
But the chemistry between the characters was undeniable. I really enjoyed all these characters.

🌶️/5

[Brianne C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this as an advanced readers copy and for that; I am very thankful. In return, I was asked for an honest review. This book is another level and the fact its a series, means this authors writing and plotting with grow with it and for that I am thankful for the chance to read.

"Kingdom of Curses" from Danielle Drummond is the first book I've read from her and I really enjoyed it. The plot build within the character development really stood out. I enjoyed Danielle's type of writing, she's definitely a plotter.

This book definitely made its mark on fantasy for me and I cant wait for whats next. The second act of the book it really did come together and the third act took the book over the edge and me wanting more. Paege is a character of emotion, empathy and independent. She knew the risks she had to take and in a world of Fae, Wolves and Sirens came into a crazy world of twists and turns and thats why I couldnt put the book down.

[Jenifer Recinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️1/2/5

Tropes:
Fated Mates
High Stakes
Reluctant Damsel
Cursed Kingdom
Found Family
Rescue Romance

So many thanks to Luna Literary Management for the gifted ARC of A Kingdom of Curses.

This was a A fun and exciting story set in a twisted modern day world with a heavy dose of magic, shifters, witches, Fae, curses, lies and hidden history. What more is there to ask for?

This is the first in a planned series, and I'm really excited to find out what happens next to Paege and her friends. If you enjoy hidden legacies, a sexy wolf shifter Prince in desperate need of a hair cut, solid world building with an epic high stake story and a final plot twist that left me with my mouth hanging open then you will absolutely want to Read this book!

The character development and plot twists were very well done and surprising. I was not expecting it to go the way it did but it was so well done and A perfectly laid out twist. I was instantly pulled into the story and the writing style and couldn't put it down to find out what was going to happen next! The emotional rollercoaster with all the characters seriously broke my heart. Friendships are tested, bonds are broken and secrets are uncovered that will change everything.

The romance aspect in this is heartbreaking, perfect banter build up (with a little hint of a possible long triangle or love square with the three sexy MMC.) and develops naturally until the ultimate "Fuck it." Moment. But at the same time it just can't happen and might never be able to... Like I said heartbreaking, soul shaking and infuriating.

Quotes:

“Books, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to taste you.”


“We shouldn’t be doing this,”
“No, we shouldn’t,” I reply. “Please don’t stop.”

"my heart is a traitorous bitch sometimes and a rebellious whore—always wanting what she can’t have."

[JoLN · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Kingdom of Curses - The Emergence ” by Danielle D. Drummond (@Dani.drummond_author)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

I just finished this amazing book and I truly have no words for it!

Amazingly well written! World building and magic system were well built and easy to understand!

Paege and Quentin were *chefs kiss*, I loved their dynamic, the push and pull between them had me completely locked in!

Guy was such a comfort character, he’s the friend you want all your life.

I don’t even know how to express what I’m feeling after this book! I need book two ASAP, because what do you mean that ending just happened and left you hanging?????


Order “A Kingdom of curses ” now because you need this book! Thank you @dani.drummond_author and @lunaliterary.management for the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader Copy of A Kingdom of Curses.

[Danni Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence
Original Sin Book 1
By Danielle D. Drummond

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶


🖤Fated Mates
🐺Found Family
🖤Hidden Lineage
🐺Reluctant Damsel
🖤Cursed Kingdom
🐺Trust No One
🖤Forbidden Romance
🐺Forced Protection
🖤High Stakes
🐺Rescue Romance
🖤Personal Betrayal
🐺Power at a Cost


Wowee what a wild ride this was!

Fae, wolf Shifters, Witches, centaurs you name it! Not to mention the scheming that went on by a jealous good for nothing ex 🙄 this book literally has it all!

Following the story of Paege a half fae who finds said ex cheating on her decides a night out with her besties is a must, so with lots of drinks and party favours 😉 off they go, yet she keeps getting the overwhelming feeling that someone is watching and she can't seem to shake it for a lot of the book except it gets increasingly worse, but she ends up with two infuriatingly good looking wolf babysitters and one may drive her up the wall until he doesn't 😆 so hey what's not to love right?
This book is filled with shocking twists and turns that make this read a must!

A Kingdom of Curses releases March 28th 😘🖤

[Brenda Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have gotten to read this as an ARC. This story revolves around Paege, our FMC, who is waiting to be meld with her magic even if currently her’s is unreliable (which I have some theories on why). She’s surrounded herself with loving friends and one crazy narcissistic ex-boyfriend. The character, magic systems and world descriptions were great well thought out. I also found the Glossary/Pronunciation guide helpful. I’m looking forward to more character development and there’s a lot more to this story so I can’t wait for book 2.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried so hard to love this.
A debut novel from a local author with an awesome premise.

Some good points.
I was addicted to reading this. The overall story was great. There was always something happening and I found myself wanting to pick this up and read it.
The tarot reading at the start was great and it had me excited with where this was going. I wish we flicked back to this as the story progressed.

But it felt unfinished. I feel like if it had more time to shape itself with some editing I'd be giving this 5 stars easy.

What it lacked;
Scenes felt stunted between each other. They seemed to jump instead of flow, so I was constantly feeling I'd missed something.

The FMC was ALWAYS crying. I feel like she had tears in her eyes every 50 pages.

Objects/Places/Names weren't introduced to the reader until pages or chapters later.
Admittedly, there was a glossary. But the author was still explaining them after the fact.
E.G. The FMC picks up a 'scribe' to message someone. (What is a scribe? I'm assuming it's a phone?) Then chapters later we are told that a 'scribe' is a magical & electronic device created for communication since werewolves can't communicate telepathically after they've ascended but the Fae & Witches can. If this was going to be explained, give me a brief overview when I'm first introduced to a 'scribe' as the reader. I don't know this world. I am reading because I want to learn. Treat me like I know nothing, because I most certainly do know nothing.

At one point, a character isn't even really introduced. Sydney assisted our MC's with a book and all we got is, this is Sydney. How about telling the reader that Sydney is a Witch that specialises in this sort of thing. Well, I hope they do, because I have no idea why we'd just let this person look at an important book that shouldn't have even left the museum otherwise.

All these things aside, I still didn't hate this book.
I can see the bones of it and I am loving that. It just missed it in the delivery.
If I went back and started again and I have a better understanding and I'd enjoy it. But I shouldn't need to do that to get an enjoyable read.

[Aussieindiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything.

The plot, twists, and turns. I was hooked from the first page.

Danielle has captivated this new fantasy world to a tee and those characters and their personalities! I thought I was sitting amongst them on a Saturday night listening to the banter and watching the relationships blossom.

I had so many emotions happening and that ending! I am looking forward to book 2 in the series.

[Anastey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Luna Literary, and Danielle Drummond for sending me this advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you love ACOTAR, this is going to be the book for you. The writing was easy to read, the cast of characters is fairly small. It is a quick brain candy kind of book.

I like that this took place in a modern world similar to our own. They had video Boxes (TV), Scribes (cellphones), stoves, cheesy dough rounds (pizza) and other basic modern conveniences. I didn't see any cars, or modern transportation. It was an interesting blend of urban and fantasy elements.

The first half of the book was a little frustrating to read though. It's slow and kinda clunky while all the pieces are being set into place.

The FMC Paegence (Paege) is incredibly irritating. She lets people run over her like she is a highway, and doesn't fight back against anything. She gives up and accepts whatever is going on.

If I see her stomach growl one more time, I'm going to scream. Every time her empathy picks up something that makes her uneasy or she gets scared, her stomach growls. Some times it's even twice per page. If you stomach is that bad, you either need a Snickers because you are hungry, or need to make a doc appointment to get it checked out. There is a ton of alcohol and drinking going on. It's constant. I know that bothers some people, so I though I would mention it.

Thankfully about halfway through the growling stops, and the book hits a decent groove. The action really picks up, and the plot starts really moving. I'm not going in depth on that, because it's hard to do without spoilers.

Paege continues to irritating the entire time, but I really love the other characters. They all have a lot more depth to them, and are way more interesting. They really saved the book for me.

There is very little spice other than some foreplay, and some finger action. It is always nice to have a few light spice books on the shelf. There is some romance too, but it is a slow burn.

This does end on a cliffhanger, but it is satisfying enough that I can patiently wait for the next book to come out.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Dead. You Need This Book: A New Dark Fantasy Obsession!
​I was completely immersed! This book put me through an emotional wringer!
​This book is everything. Author Danielle’s writing is so decadent, rich, and immersive, making this one of the best dark fantasy books I’ve EVER read. The world is beautifully crafted, seamlessly introducing fae, witches, wolves, and sirens.
​The foundation of the characters is incredibly well done. The dynamic between our resourceful halfling heroine, Paege, the sweet werewolf Guy, and the grumpy alpha-hole heir Quentin is the absolute core of this addictive read. The tension is palpable, the banter is phenomenal, and the chemistry is undeniable.
​The plot is completely unpredictable. I was hooked from the first page, and the twists, turns, and constant questioning of loyalty kept me guessing until the last, devastating page. Be prepared for a huge emotional investment; there is love and profound loss (OMG, the loss!)—I cried like a baby!
​That ending! 😭 I'm still processing the heart-wrenching cliffhanger. If you want a book with superb character development and a plot that will emotionally destroy you (in the best way), stop what you're doing and go get this indie gem now!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got hooked in right from the prologue in this urban fantasy kingdom.

Character-wise, I loved a huge majority of all the main and side characters, but I got a little frustrated with Paege's attitude/personality. She had minor character development by the end of the book (understandable and I'm hoping for more in the next one), but personally, she was irritating and felt immature. The personalities and depths of the other characters made up for whatever I disliked about Paege.

Writing-wise, it was easy to read and the terms used were easy enough to guess what their modern-day equivalence was. However, it did take me a bit to get used to the author's writing style as it was sometimes difficult to figure out which character was talking. Note that this is a first-person single POV book.

Plot-wise, it was good and I can see the potential for the rest of the series. There were a couple of twists near the end, and I can't wait to see how it all pans out. I definitely enjoyed reading the second half of the book way more than the first (which felt slow and slightly disjointed) even though this ends on a cliffhanger.

3.75

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best dark fantasy books I’ve read EVER! I loved A Ruin of Roses, I adored From Blood and Ash but for the first time since I read them in 2022, a book…THIS BOOK surpassed them both! Hands down this was the perfect read.

You’ve got fae and witches, wolves and sirens. There’s easy to understand world building and banter. You’ve got cinnamon rolls and grumpy alpha holes. It’s full of intrigue and foreshadowing and mystery. There’s love and loss (omg the loss you guys! 😭) and spice!

Completely unpredictable plot, I didn’t see anything coming. I cried like a baby, I fell in love with every character. Danielle’s writing is so decadent, rich and immersive, I genuinely don’t know how this is her first book! Y’all are gonna want to get your indie copy now, I genuinely believe this is going to go from indie to trad in about 0.2 seconds.

I struggled for almost 2 months with a slump, most everything I read was meh 😑 I DNFd like 10 books, and this is what I was waiting for. I ignored my dehydration for this book. I added hours to my sleep debt for this book. I have my reading spark back. I HAVE NO REGRETS!

That fucking ending though 🫣 I cannot wait for book 2!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence
By Danielle Drummond

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️(maybe half a pepper tbh)

Tropes:
✨Fated Mates
✨Found Family
✨Hidden Lineage
✨Reluctant Damsel
✨Cursed Kingdom
✨Trust No One
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Forced Protection
✨High Stakes
✨Rescue Romance
✨Personal Betrayal
✨Power at a Cost

I had the pleasure of reading this ARC from Luna Literary Management and while I'm so thankful for that...I am bummed that I have to wait for the next book! The world building in this was so fun and I loved the incorporation of multiple fantasy "species" into an urban fantasy landscape. The found family aspect really drew me in as well - these characters really love each other and it shows. The main character Paege was a little frustrating at times, but as you go through the book you can really see that there is a lot hidden about her and from her. The last quarter of the book really ramps up in action (and emotions). I felt like it was setting the stage for what comes next and leaves you with a good cliffhanger/desire to find out more.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for voluntarily giving my review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
🌶🌶 slow burn
🐺 and 🧚‍♀️

we meet Paege, a half-fae, half-human living in a city run by the royal wolves. She has never really fit in wherever she is but has friends who are loyal to a fault and a boyfriend who is just plain mean. an encounter with a seer leaves Paege reeling and the unexpected happens. she runs into some wolves she went to college with Guy and the heir to the wolf throne Quentin and their sudden interest in keeping her safe is unnerving. When attacks start around the city, the 2 wolves always seem to rescue Paege must to her dismay. things aren't adding up in Paege's mind and there is this gnawing feeling that smtg is going to happen. a book her boss lends her only has Paege asking more questions than answers and when her witch friend helps out they uncover a truth that had been hidden away. Can a half-fae, half-human have an impact before its too late?

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Danielle D Drummond for the eARC! I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

I feel mixed about this book. The premise was intriguing and it was easy to read however I got lost with the world building. The first half of the book felt a bit disjointed in terms of the plot. Halfway through, the plot and action both picked up so I read it more quickly.

I enjoyed that we had a found family aspect however I felt like we were told that they had these bonds rather than see them develop organically. I didn’t feel like I could believe that they went from strangers to being so close.

Overall, I think you would enjoy this if you prefer romantasy or worlds without significant world building or a lot of plot. As someone who prefers fantasy with a romance subplot, I would have preferred it more if the whole book was more like the second half.

[Jess Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

I don’t know who gave Danielle permission to squeeze my heart like this, but that ending was pure torture! Sign me up for the ARC of book two immediately because I cannot wait for release day. SO. MANY. UNANSWERED. QUESTIONS.

Even though I had a hunch about a few things, the way it all unfolded still caught me off guard—it never happened quite when or how I expected, and I loved that. The plot twists were well-timed and didn’t overwhelm each other, which is a rare win.

Solid main characters and a strong friend group dynamic made it easy to stay invested, and the world-building was consistent and immersive throughout. Some questions were answered (thankfully), but plenty were left hanging—just enough to keep me desperate for more.

An awesome indie debut—far better than I anticipated—and a strong foundation for what I hope will be an epic series!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨
🎧: A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence (Original Sin Book 1)
🎙️: Kate Clover

Paege is a demi fae nearing her unification but has never felt like she’s belonged. As tensions rise among the wolf shifter clans, her fate becomes entangled with two Wolf shifters— Guy and the heir Quentin.

Tropes:
🎙️Single narrator
💫Fantasy romance
🐾Shifters, fae, witches & sirens
🚫Forbidden romance
🙅🏻‍♀️Reluctant damsel
🫂Forced proximity
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Found family
🫥Hidden lineage

The narrator embodies each character, capturing the fierce loyalty between friends, sparks of attraction, and animosity and mistrust between the magical factions.

Paege is a heroine who loves fiercely but was manipulated and underestimated for so long. Luckily, she has friends and family to fall back on. The found family is a standout and the potential romantic relationships kept me guessing. I cannot wait to dive right into book 2 to further explore this world and its characters!

Shrouded in mysteries, secrets, and heartache, A Kingdom of Curses will keep you on your toes with its high-stakes, tension, and unexpected twists. If you loved the vibes of Crescent City, add this book to your TBR!

Huge thanks to the author for the ALC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the author Danielle Drummond and her team for allowing me to read this ARC. Wow. It was a great story. The twist cliffhanger at the end has me wishing book 2 was available already. There is just something special about a fae shifter novel. The setting and characters are great. The last chapter is intense and sad, but leaves you wanting more.

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kingdom of Curses" from Danielle Drummond is the first book I've read from her, and it won't be my last. I was instantly pulled into the story and couldn't put it down once i picked it up. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.This is the first in a series, and I'm really excited to find out what happens next. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Kaitlyn Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This paranormal romantasy is a debut for the author and its wonderful ! The world building is great and easy to follow.
I absolutely loved the banter .
The twist at the end .. can NOT wait until the next book.

[cad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence by Danielle Drummond
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ | 🌶️½ Spice Level | 🐺 Wolf-meets-Fae fantasy

I'm CONFLICTED, y'all! Half-Fae MC in a Wolf kingdom with modern fantasy vibes? Sign me up! But the execution had me in a love/hate relationship.

First half: ROUGH. Paege lets everyone walk all over her, and her stomach growls so much I wanted to mail her a Snickers! 📦

Second half: Everything clicks! The plot finds its groove, secrets unravel, and suddenly I'm INVESTED. The secondary characters absolutely carried this book—depth for days!

The vibes we're tracking:
🐺 Wolf shifters with secrets
🧚‍♀️ Half-Fae identity struggles
🥂 Excessive drinking (like, A LOT)
👪 Found family feels that weren't quite earned

Minimal spice (some foreplay, that's it), slow-burn romance with enemies-to-lovers energy, and a cliffhanger that has me curious enough for book two.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to Danielle Drummond and Luna literary for letting me read this as an Advanced Reader's Copy!
where to begin..such an amazing novel and amazing debut! I loved the characters and the storyline. although some parts were slow at first,it was really fun when it picked up pace. I really liked it and am looking forward to more!

[Charla Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Curses is a magical paranormal fantasy that will leave your heart in pieces in the best way. Paege is emotional, empathetic, and relatable as she traverses the harsh terrain of finding her place in her world. Her friendships give her strength, and she will do anything to protect the ones she loves. Wolves, Fae, Sirens, and mysteries woven in wicked twists and turns. I could not put it down, and I can't wait for the next in the series!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story! If only I didn’t have to adult I’d have devoured this a lot quicker.
Paege, ask more questions, I need to know! A wild ride from Fae to witches to wolves to fae to seers to sirens. The magic system and significance of certain birthdays was a fantastic twist to the story, each species having a different way to access their full powers. Didn’t see that kidnapping coming but the build up had me continuously guessing what was gunna happen! My favourite tropes: hidden/secret identity and fated mates with a touch of touch her and die, enemies to lovers.

I can imagine fight scenes are tricky to write, but Dani nailed it, I was immersed into the action and I loved every second of it. I had a gut feeling about Paege, Guy and Quentin, always first your gut.
That ending 🤯 whyyyyyy Dani! Haha

I love it Dani and I cannot wait for book 2! The title alone has given me fomo.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Drummond’s Kingdom of Curses plunges readers into a richly woven tapestry of fantasy, intrigue, and identity. This novel expertly blends the lore of Fae and Wolf shifters with the personal journey of Paege Vailenbyrg, a compelling half-Fae, half-Human protagonist striving to find her place in the prejudiced kingdom of Elyndria.

Paege's life as an outsider is depicted with both sensitivity and depth, capturing her constant battle against societal rejection. Drummond excels in character development, portraying Paege’s resilience and the gradual uncovering of her inherent powers. The narrative is engaging, tracing Paege’s evolution from a marginalized figure into a key player in the kingdom's fate. Her journey is not just a quest for personal acceptance but a critical mission to resolve the deep-seated curses that threaten her world.

The story’s tension is amplified by the political machinations and the mystical elements that define Elyndria. The dual potential love interests, Guy Braxtion and Quentin Ishaan, add layers of complexity and allure to the plot. Guy, with his mysterious past and shifter abilities, and Quentin, the notorious bad boy heir with ambiguous motives, both present fascinating contrasts to Paege’s more straightforward nature. Drummond manages their dynamics skillfully, weaving a romantic subplot that enhances the stakes without overshadowing the main narrative.

Elyndria itself is a character, depicted with vivid detail that brings to life the unique cultural and magical elements of a kingdom ruled by Wolf shifters and shadowed by Fae magic. The lore of the “Original Sin” and its repercussions across the kingdom serve as a compelling backdrop, driving the plot forward with a sense of urgency and doom.

Drummond’s prose is fluid and evocative, capable of transporting readers directly into the heart of her fantastical world. Her ability to balance action with introspection helps maintain a steady pace, keeping readers engaged through a series of twists and revelations that are both surprising and satisfying.

However, the novel occasionally struggles with balancing its complex world-building with narrative clarity, which might leave readers new to the genre wishing for clearer explanations of the kingdom's history and magic system. Additionally, the climax, while thrilling, rushes towards resolution, leaving some plot threads less fleshed out than others.

Overall, Kingdom of Curses earns a solid four stars for its imaginative plot, strong character arcs, and the masterful intertwining of personal stakes with broader political intrigue. Danielle Drummond has crafted a captivating read that fans of fantasy romance will find deeply satisfying, offering a fresh take on the trials of a heroine who is as powerful as she is relatable. This book is recommended for readers looking for a story that combines elements of magic, mystery, and romance in a beautifully cursed world.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, where to start... Where to start... Ok, let's start off with this gets a good solid 4.5 stars from me. The ending..... UMMMMMM why oh why.... I was balling then screaming and then saying what the what.... The last 2 chapters were an emotional roller coaster and not one that was expected. AND it leaves on a cliff hanger. Like really???? Thankfully book 2 comes out soon but still..........

Ok, now let's talk about the book. The beginning was a little confusing. I did the audio book for this (started with ebook but then was approved for audio and waited). So in the audiobook, just keep in mind that some of her dreams area confusing and it doesn't say "dream" so you have to wait sometimes to determine if it's a dream or not. And when the person is coughing, the cough cough is weird... BUT I didn't hold that against my rating (just and FYI).

So this story, lets talk about the story. There is this female (Paege, who latter on is nicknamed books) is the MFC. She has her besties! Oh her besties. I can see myself being besties with them. Then she has her boyfriend (soon to be ex) Silas..... You'll see why I don't like him. Then we have her guy bestie Asheron..... And there is one line that I cracked up so hard. It says "It's Asheron. He is your friend. You are vulnerable. Do not do it, Paege!"... Her internal monologue cracks me up. She is wanting to do a few spicy things with people and has to keep reminding herself why she can't. There isn't spice in this book. There is some kissing and some other things but it's minimal spice. I say maybe 2 peppers on the pepper scale. Ok, so she meets these wolves (Guy and Quentin). Now these 2, they can be some fun. As the story progresses, you learn more about the difference between the fae and wolf species (and witches). There are things hidden by magic. And of course our girl is an empath so she feels all the things. Her birth father is unknown BTW which keep that in mind for the ending...... Spoilers. UGH! Can't say much but sooooo much I want to say will be a spoiler. This is hard not saying much but here we are, writing this review and not being able to say much because I don't want to give it away.

So needless to say, I started the over 12 hour audiobook on 11/20/2025 and due to having to work and sleep, I ended up leaving about 2.5 hours left for 11/21/2025 to finish. It was sooo good. I put earbuds in and walked around the house listening. Thankfully I do a lot of driving for my employment so I was able to listen. If I didn't have to sleep, I would have finished it last night. The first half is more setting up the stage. the last 1/4 of the book... That's when I was sooo far gone I wasn't coming back from this book.

For a first book, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and ready for book 2! I want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to listen to the audio before it's released.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so easy to read, I blew through it in 2 days. Once I hit about 60% of the book it was over for me, I needed to know what was going to happen. The author certainly knows how to pull you in.

This is a first person POV told through out FMC who is a half-fae half-human recent grad trying to find where she fits in. The prologue takes place in the past but the main story takes place in an urban seemingly modern day setting. There is a biiiig mix of fantasy character types in this book. We've got fae, shifters, witches, sirens, centaurs, and who knows who else is going to show up as we keep going. I love that she included many different fantasy beings and I am curious how she is going to continue to connect so many different worlds.

I really enjoyed the premise and overarching plot of this book but I wanted more from the plot and more understanding of the world and the characters she created. There is a missing depth to the characters and plot that made it difficult to truly connect to the story and its players. The majority of the book feels rooted in the FMC and her feelings along this love-triangle that seems to be changing throughout the book and these perspectives drown out the plot that I was so intrigued by. The character's motives are unclear to me throughout the book and it makes it difficult to accept some of their actions and breaks my connection to them. It feels a bit wishy washy and some of the actions of the characters just felt a little odd, nonsensical, and at times even off-putting.

This story has a lot of potential and I am still looking forward to the next book. She ended on a cliffhanger and I am dying to know more about what the truths are and where this plot is headed. I am hoping that in the next few books the author continues to go more in depth about this world shes built and maybe some alternative perspectives from our other characters. I actually really loved the different side characters she created and I want to know more about them!

I really wanted to be able to rate this book higher but despite an interesting world setup and some cool characters created, the writing just fell a little short for me.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.